Unexpected blessings
After a six month sabbatical, I expected that life would be very different when we returned home. That turned out to be true, but not in the way I thought........
New Books in the Library!
It's no secret that I love books. That is why I am excited to tell you that the library is getting a lot of new books....
Stocking-stuffer ideas for families
Reviews of several gift ideas for children and parents....
Fighting for Joy in the Desert
practical thoughts for dealing with a season of spiritual dryness...
Pastor Briefing: Semper Reformanda
With Reformation Sunday coming at the end of the month, I thought it timely to discuss a valuable principle from church history......
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A Review from Sing! Conference 2019
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending the Sing! Conference in Nashville, hosted by Getty Music....
Pray for Hong Kong
We should be praying for our brothers and sisters in Hong Kong right now......
Guard Your Heart
On Sunday, Rick Schatz shared at the end of his sermon various ways that will help us finish the Christian life well. Here is a recap of that list:...
Pastor Briefing: Joshua Harris’ Announcement
How do we respond to Joshua Harris's announcement that he is getting divorced from both his wife and Christian faith? ...
Haunted
Middle Eastern women interviewed on a recent podcast have left me humbled and inspired by their devotion and confidence in God's Word....
Inviting Children to Encounter Jesus
Family ministry summer intern, Kate Cupp, reflects on VBS....
A Word to Anyone Helping in Children’s Ministry (or the boring and inappropriate title)
God uses ordinary people in his redemptive story...
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The Storm-Tossed Family
Last week I posted about some of the books I've been reading of late; now I want to dive into one in particular....
On My Reading Shelf
Here's a look at what I've recently read or am reading right now...
A Tragedy for Western Civilization
The burning of Notre Dame is a tragedy for all Western Civilization......
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God & Post-it Notes
I have a student - let’s call him Karl - who’s a bit fidgety in choir class......
God's Immutability in Resurrection Glory
the message of Easter flows from the attributes of God...
A Biblical Love Poem
The Bible celebrates love between a husband and a wife, sometimes in the most shocking ways....
What the Elders are Reading
Do you want to know what the elders are reading right now?...
Book Review: resource to help parents (and others) lead children to clarity about gender identity
New book helps parents, mentors, pastors, youth ministers, children’s ministry volunteers, or simply friends "bring clarity to young minds in a world that is spinning in confusion" ...
Catch Up on Summer Books
Did you miss out on seeing what books we were recommending and selling this summer? Catch up now with a complete list of what we had at the book table....
Resolved: Not to make resolutions
Resolutions are easily forgotten in the shuffle of the new year. Instead of a list of resolutions, perhaps one word to guide my thoughts and intentions will keep me focused on how God wants to grow me this year....
Book Recommendations for Christmas Gifts
Here's some help for finding books to give away as Christmas gifts this year. ...
Responding to Texas
How do we respond to the events in Texas that happened on Sunday? ...
Worship at Joyful Noise
Have you ever wondered why we have a kids’ music program at ECC? Of all the things we could have offered for kids to do while their siblings are at youth group, why music? ...
Submission to Jesus: Where Real Change Takes Place
Discipleship is about change. Everyone wants to change......
Discipleship at our Church
At ECC, we are committed to at least 10 core values that guide us in our discipleship practice. ...
Book Review: resource to help parents (and others) lead children to clarity about gender identity
New book helps parents, mentors, pastors, youth ministers, children’s ministry volunteers, or simply friends "bring clarity to young minds in a world that is spinning in confusion" ...
Keep ReadingA Summer Rest from Sunday School
As summer is quickly approaching, we again take time to give thanks to God for another great year of Sunday School teaching. We are blessed with godly and capable teachers at every level of Sunday School. I hope that this past year, God has grown you in some way as you or your children experienced Sunday School. As last summer, this year the Session, the Christian Discipl...
Keep ReadingA Model for Family Worship
Yesterday, I wrote about the importance of Family Worship. If you never have tried Family Worship or you are looking for a new model, let me suggest one example: Read, Sing, Pray. Keep in mind, this is not the only way to do Family Worship. So if you have a pattern that works for you, keep it! Our practice takes only 10-15 minutesmuch more and our family would probably spo...
Keep ReadingPrioritize Family Worship
Let's just admit something. There are two responses when someone sees the words, "Family Worship." The Traumatic Response Some of you hear the phrase and begin to shudder, having traumatic flashbacks of trying to do devotions with your children in the midst of tears, fighting, or squirrely kids. In fact, there is probably a counseling center somewhere devoted simply to t...
Keep ReadingGive a book this Christmas!
Looking for books to give at Christmas? Here are some suggestions for children as well as grown-ups. Merry shopping!...
Keep ReadingWhy are all those kids in the worship service?
We have chosen to include our children in our regular worship services at ECC rather than having a separate children's church. Why is that? And how can we, as grown-up members of the congregation, support our families as they seek to train their children in worship?...
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