Evers
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Christian
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January, 2022
Volume 29
Issue 1
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A Message From Pastor Wright
Happy New Year!
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2022 has arrived. What will this year have in store for you? We thank our Father in Heaven that He is in control, and you are in His hands.
A new year often serves as a reset, a fresh start. For this reason, I love the New Year holiday. The past doesn’t matter. Today is a new beginning.
“New” is an important word in the New Testament. Much emphasis is placed on “newness” in the New Testament. Just look at how the word “new” is used:
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“They pour new wine into new wineskins” (Mark 2:22)
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“This cup is the new covenant in my blood” (Luke 22:20
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“A new command I give you: Love one another.” (John 13:34)
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“…we too may live a new life.” (Romans 6:4)
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“He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant.” (2 Cor. 3:6)
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“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Cor. 5:17)
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“…what counts is the new creation.” (Gal. 6:15)
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“…and to put on the new self, created to be like God” (Eph. 4:24)
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“Christ is the mediator of a new covenant.” (Heb. 9:15)
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“He has given us new birth into a living hope.” (1 Pet. 1:3)
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“We are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth.” (2 Pet. 3:13)
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“I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it.” (Rev. 2:17)
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“And they sang a new song before the throne.” (Rev. 14:3)
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“I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem.” (Rev. 21:9)
As we begin 2022, let’s place our trust in God. Regardless of the past, trust in God to give you untold blessing in this new year. It could be the best year of your life.
“Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” (2 Cor. 4:16)
- Pastor Mark Wright
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Launching 2022 Ministry Focus on January 9th
For weeks we have prayed and sought God’s guidance. We have asked Him in prayer to lead us as we have worked together to develop a ministry plan for 2022. Our earnest desire is that the plan is God’s plan and not man’s. On Sunday, January 9th, we will launch our ministry plan. We ask for your support and ownership of the ERCC 2022 plan for ministry.
A church that has no plan is drifting. To quote Jim Davis, that church is drifting as it swirls around the drain. ERCC is marching forward into 2022 armed with a direction that we believe God has given us. For details about the plan, see section entitled “Ministry Plan for 2022” at the end of this newsletter.
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We thank Jerry Lishman for his ministry teaching adult Sunday School. His class concluded in December, and Jerry will take a break from teaching at this time.
We are starting a new Adult Sunday School class on January 2nd with Marshall Pierce as the teacher leading a study on the book of Acts.
On January 9th and 16th, the Millie Borelli's women's class is invite to attend Marshall's class while Millie is recovering from surgery. Millie’s class is scheduled to resume on Sunday, January 23rd.
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Taught by Millie Borelli
We're starting the new year with a study about Great Women of the Bible. This will be a 15-week series based on a study from Brittany Ann's website "Equipping Godly Women". Come to this Sunday morning class from 9:00 - 9:45 am.
You are sure to learn and be inspired by these Women!
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We are so excited for a new year of Sunday School! We are starting fresh with new curriculum for our youth. Our teachers are excited to begin the new year with each child.
The community that Sunday School brings to our Church family is so important to the growth here at ERCC. I know that church leadership has shared goals and vision for 2022, and there plenty of new projects and places to serve here at ERCC. I 'd like to take this opportunity to invite you to be apart of our Sunday School Team. Currently, there is a need for Sunday School teachers for Elementary students. We are wanting growth in our team so we can continue to serve our children of ERCC. If you are interested in serving in the Sunday School ministry please let me know! Thank you.
- Derrick Olivares
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Youth For Christ Will Give Us an Update on Sunday, January 16th
We are in a wonderful partnership with Youth For Christ (YFC). Together, we are reaching out to the students of Neff Middle School. The YFC Neff team leaders will be at ERCC and speak in the Sunday morning adult worship on January 16th. They have a twofold purpose. They desire to keep us informed. But they also want to recruit volunteers from ERCC. Would you consider serving as a volunteer for this ministry? It requires you to complete approximately 4 hours of online training and pass a criminal background check. Then you will need to be present at the ERCC Fellowship Hall each Monday from 3 pm to 6 pm, during the school year. Please prayerfully consider this need.
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Click the blue button to view an article published in the YFC newsletter about the partnership with ERCC. |
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Some of the Neff Middle School students attending the Youth For Christ bible study meeting in the ERCC Fellowship Hall every Monday afternoon |
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Sunday Evening Bible Study
The Truth Project
An In-Depth Christian Worldview Experience
Starting January 23rd, we will meet in the fellowship hall each Sunday at 6 pm. The theme is “The Truth Project,” a production of Focus on the Family. Each Sunday evening, we will watch one of these transformational videos, and then have our own discussion of the material.
The following is an excerpt from the webpage of Focus on the Family:
- “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. The Truth Project is a ground-breaking small group curriculum on the Biblical worldview. This video-based home Bible study is the starting point for looking at life from a biblical perspective. Join Dr. Del Tackett, as he takes you through 13 engaging video lessons on the relevance and importance of living the Biblical worldview in daily life, featuring insights from biblical experts like R.C. Sproul, Os Guinness and Gordon Pennington.”
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1-Minute Video Series
Begins January 3rd
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God’s Word is the Sword of the Spirit. Pastor Wright will be sending out a “I-minute” video Monday through Friday featuring one verse of Scripture in each video. The theme will be your spiritual growth and God’s word. This series will last approximately 3 weeks. If you are not already on the distribution list, please send an email to pastor.mark.a.wright@gmail.com and say, "Send me the videos".
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January Sermon Series
Make Your Life Count
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Life is short. So many things in this world seem meaningless. Many material things become worthless. Only what we have done for Christ matters.
“Make Your Life Count” will be the new sermon series starting on Sunday, January 16th.
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Lance Pierce Testimony
Sunday, January 23rd
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Do not miss a powerful and moving testimony by Lance Pierce in our Sunday morning adult worship on January 23rd. Lance is the son of Marshall Pierce, one of our Elders at ERCC. Lance is fighting a terrible disease. However, he refuses to allow his sickness to keep him from serving Christ. You will be moved when you hear Lance speak.
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Join Us for Tacos and Special Training |
Churches grow when they can retain 1st-time guests. At 6 pm on Sunday, January 16th, we will present some training for this purpose. Please join us. We need a dozen or so specially trained volunteers. We feel we need to do more than give 1st time guests a bulletin. We want to give them some friendly orientation when they walk through the door. We will be training volunteers to do this.
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Get in shape for the new year. Jane Montez will be leading Zumba in the fellowship hall at 7 pm on Mondays and Thursdays, starting January 3rd. This is a fun time of fellowship and exercise. Jane uses Christian music in her routine. The cost is just $3.00 per session.
Physical fitness is on the minds of many at the start of a new year and after all the holiday treats. Join Jane and get in shape!
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Your Picture to be taken to update ERCC Directory |
Come prepared to have your picture taken just before or after Sunday morning worship in January. Sylvia Rodriguez will be taking these photos on some specific Sundays to be announced soon. One of our goals for 2022 is to update our pictorial directory.
Thank you for your participation
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Memorial Service for ERCC Secretary Carrie Camacho |
Carrie Camacho was the secretary at ERCC for the last 7 years and a member at ERCC since 1981. Please join us as we celebrate Carrie’s life! Her memorial service will be at ERCC on Saturday January 15th at 10:00 am. Pastor Emeritus Phillip Walton will be officiating.
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We are revamping our Greeters Ministry in 2022. If you are interested in serving as a greeter, please let Pastor Wright know. You will need a friendly smile and you will need to arrive at the door by 9:40 am on Sunday. Your mission is to not allow anyone to enter without giving them a warm greeting and offering a bulletin. |
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2021 Reveals and 2022 Assignments |
When: Saturday, Jan 8th at 12:30 pm
Where: Loa Allen’s Home at 8622 Silver Quail.
We will enjoy a potluck meal (so bring a dish to share) and the 2021 Secret Sisters will be revealed. Assignments of the 2022 Secret Sisters will also be made at this time. If you want to participate in 2022, get a form from Millie Borelli. All ladies are welcome to join the fun!
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Revised Bylaws
Approved Dec 12th
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After several months of work, by unanimous vote the congregation approved a revised set of ERCC Bylaws. The Elders are greatly appreciative of all the effort that went into this effort, especially the work performed by the committee led by Bill Workman with members: Loa Allen, Lenora Burkholder, Jim Davis, and Wendy Gideon. |
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7th: Astryd Gordon
8th: Marshall Pierce
14th: Mariah Anderson
27th: David Walton
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The "holidays" are over so starting January 8th we're resuming our regular 8:00 am meetings on Saturday mornings. ERCC men, start the year off right and join us for fellowship, breakfast tacos, a short Bible devotional and prayer. |
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Send your prayer request to pastor.mark.a.wright@gmail.com Please indicate if the request is confidential. Requests that are not marked confidential will be shared with the ERCC prayer warriors.
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PASSION MINISTRIES
This is a mission in a state that has the most persecution in India. The mission is led by Indians. The wife is American born and has an medical degree. They won’t let her be licensed in India, because she is American-born, female, and Christian. She does medical work anyway, but she must be careful. They have two children.
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Here are some excerpts from the latest newsletter: “The second wave of COVID[-19] hit India harder than the first. The . . .new mutation . . , Delta virus killed hundreds of thousands of people. . , , After months, the situation has calmed down to some extent. . . . [We] continue to give out groceries and supplies to the families living in extreme poverty. . . . We are so grateful to you for your help which has provided [for] and sustained these families at a very crucial time. Weekly aid of food and water is provided to them. . . . Our very dear pastor. . . . went to be with the Lord. Please keep his family in your prayers. . . . We are so grateful that even in these times the church membership has grown, and many more have been added to their numbers. . . . Whenever possible, the children get together, and the CARE ministry distributes food and water to them. . . . As always, they enjoy their time together learning, praying, and playing.” Here are Prayers requests:
- For the team of Passion Ministries to be safe
- For the Gospel to penetrate the hearts of people so they may receive Christ as their personal Savior
- For the persecuted church
- For the late pastor’s family, friends, and congregations
You may contact the mission at lostandfound01234@gmail.com, but for their safety please don’t mention the name of the mission or any of the people who work with the mission.
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“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
~ Jeremiah 29:11 ~
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“We’re most happy when we’re enjoying God and fulfilling His purpose for our life."
~ Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth ~
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SATURDAY
8:00 am: Men's Prayer Breakfast in the Fellowship Hall (Resumes January 8th)
SUNDAY
9:00 am: Sunday School (Bible Study) in Classrooms
- Adult Class taught by Marshall Pierce in 1st floor Education Bldg Classroom
- Women's Class taught by Millie Borelli in Fellowship Hall Classroom
- HS/MS Students taught by Derrick Olivares in 2nd floor Education Bldg Classroom
- Elementary Students taught by Judy Lishman in 2nd floor Education Bldg Classroom
- Pre-School Children taught by Jane Montez in 1st floor Education Bldg Classroom
- Nursery available for infants and Toddlers in 1st floor Education Bldg Classroom
10:00 am: Worship Service in main Auditorium
- Wee Church is available for 3-5 yr olds in 1st floor Education Bldg Classroom
- Junior Church for Elementary & Middle School students in Fellowship Hall
6:00 pm: Adult Bible Study (Resumes January 23rd)
- Meets in the Fellowship Hall
- Adult Class "The Truth Project" taught by Mark Wright
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Mark Wright
Derrick Olivares
Chris Engstrom
Jerry Kline
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ERCC Text Messages are used to send out important short-notice news and reminders to your smart phone. |
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If you would like to give to ERCC as a direct bank transfer, use a credit card or debit card, you can use the safe and secure Tithely app. You can also setup your account to make your gift recurring on any schedule you want. Questions? Ask Jerry or send an email HERE
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