Over the past several weeks our congregation has been in the process of affirming two of our elders for new terms. The votes from the membership were due February 15 and have now been counted and recorded.
A total of 75 votes were returned of 105 eligible members.
For Tom Hight, there were 75 "Yes" votes and 0 "No" votes.
For Noel McRae, there were 75 "Yes" votes and 0 "No" votes.
It is encouraging to see such a large response in the voting and to know that 100% of those who voted approve of our elders and affirm the job they are doing in this God-ordained position of authority.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
What's God Really Like?
Pastor Nick began a new sermon series from the book of John in January. It is called “What’s God Really Like?” This series is taking a look at who God really is, beyond what we want Him to be, or expect Him to be. In the first, introductory message in the series, Pastor Nick pointed out that our perceptions shape our view of God. “Our perceptions about God become our truth. Whether or not it is actually Biblical truth. That is so significant because we behave and live by our truth. We want to make sure that the way we view God is an accurate picture of who He is.”
“Jesus came at a time when people’s perception of God was formed entirely by the Old Testament. Much of what Jesus did was to reveal a new picture of God. What is ironic for us is that most people still view God as an Old Testament God. The Old Testament is still accurate, but it doesn’t give the full picture of who God is. We tend to separate God and Jesus so much that we think God is one way and Jesus another. What I hope this series will help us see is that what we see in Jesus is what God is like. God is JESUS.”
Last year, Pastor Nick began our journey through the book of John in a series called “Traveling Light.” That series focused on the first 11 chapters of the book which covered most of Jesus’ life and ministry. This new series begins in chapter 12, and covers the rest of the book of John through chapter 21, which details the last 9 days of Jesus’ life. This last week is often referred to as Passion Week and includes the last supper, Jesus’ arrest, death, and resurrection. You won’t want to miss a week of this powerful series that reveals What God is Really Like through the life of Jesus.
If you do happen to miss a week, you can listen to the messages online, or contact the office to have a CD of the service made.
www.easthillsalliance.org/message.html
“Jesus came at a time when people’s perception of God was formed entirely by the Old Testament. Much of what Jesus did was to reveal a new picture of God. What is ironic for us is that most people still view God as an Old Testament God. The Old Testament is still accurate, but it doesn’t give the full picture of who God is. We tend to separate God and Jesus so much that we think God is one way and Jesus another. What I hope this series will help us see is that what we see in Jesus is what God is like. God is JESUS.”
Last year, Pastor Nick began our journey through the book of John in a series called “Traveling Light.” That series focused on the first 11 chapters of the book which covered most of Jesus’ life and ministry. This new series begins in chapter 12, and covers the rest of the book of John through chapter 21, which details the last 9 days of Jesus’ life. This last week is often referred to as Passion Week and includes the last supper, Jesus’ arrest, death, and resurrection. You won’t want to miss a week of this powerful series that reveals What God is Really Like through the life of Jesus.
If you do happen to miss a week, you can listen to the messages online, or contact the office to have a CD of the service made.
www.easthillsalliance.org/message.html
Heart to Heart: Spring Sprint Being Planned for Women
Due to Financial Peace University being held on Monday evenings, I chose to forego having Heart to Heart in session at the same time. We believe here at East Hills that having too many busy evenings each week is not healthy for families, so I have chosen to hold off on the next season of Heart to Heart until the week after FPU is concluded.
I am very excited about a new format that will begin April 23rd and run for 6 weeks, with a presentation and celebration day June 4th. This new session is called Spring Sprint and will be a way for women of East Hills and their friends to prepare for the coming summer. Registrations will begin on the first weekend of April. Signing up for this session will get you a “Spring Training” preparation packet and a reserved spot at one of the tables. Start thinking now about a friend, neighbor, sister, or co-worker who you would like to invite to sprint along with you.
I am very excited about a new format that will begin April 23rd and run for 6 weeks, with a presentation and celebration day June 4th. This new session is called Spring Sprint and will be a way for women of East Hills and their friends to prepare for the coming summer. Registrations will begin on the first weekend of April. Signing up for this session will get you a “Spring Training” preparation packet and a reserved spot at one of the tables. Start thinking now about a friend, neighbor, sister, or co-worker who you would like to invite to sprint along with you.
Kidville On The Move: More than Expected
Moving each class each week through a rotation system has been an interesting change for Kidville staff and kids. We have tried to provide opportunities in each site that address various learning styles and allow us to include staff members who love kids, but do not necessarily consider themselves to be teachers. We have had a wonderful mix of teaching, activities, events, and just plain fun this year. At the beginning of the school year it was all organized, planned, and prepared for. Little did we know that “on the move” would mean more than we anticipated!
During this school year, our Kidville census has been growing. To respond to the large number of babies and toddlers, we moved our nursery area across the hall to a larger, brighter, and safer site. It is now called “Movers & Shakers” and has been a much better place for these young ones. We are anticipating some upgrades to that area this winter.
Moving that site required juggling other sites and we landed one group in the youth room. This was OK for a temporary adjustment, but with growing numbers of kids it became awkward to hold a class that required telling kids not to touch musical instruments and game equipment, not to climb onto (or jump off of!) youth risers, and to try to focus in distracting surroundings. In response to that need we moved this group again; this time they are using the library. We have gently transformed it to a kid-friendly site, and will continue to consider our options for ministering to kids in the best way possible.
I have sincerely appreciated the tolerance of our Kidville staff for these ongoing changes, even embracing the new ideas that have bubbled up to solve problems and space crunches. You can be very appreciative of the way these remarkable people engage each week with our kids to demonstrate to them in powerful and creative ways the love of Jesus Christ. It is a privilege to be teammates this session with Mandy, Jenny, Katrina, Jenn, Amanda, Kim, Laura, Lori, Rene, Erin, Olivia, and Doug and Laurie. We are also developing a team of junior helpers who are willing to step in and help in a wide variety of ways.
With our growing population in Kidville we have growing needs. Can you spend some of your time, talent, energy, creativity, money, skill, and love on the next generation? They are worth it! Contact me. I would love to talk with you about a million ways to bless our kids.
During this school year, our Kidville census has been growing. To respond to the large number of babies and toddlers, we moved our nursery area across the hall to a larger, brighter, and safer site. It is now called “Movers & Shakers” and has been a much better place for these young ones. We are anticipating some upgrades to that area this winter.
Moving that site required juggling other sites and we landed one group in the youth room. This was OK for a temporary adjustment, but with growing numbers of kids it became awkward to hold a class that required telling kids not to touch musical instruments and game equipment, not to climb onto (or jump off of!) youth risers, and to try to focus in distracting surroundings. In response to that need we moved this group again; this time they are using the library. We have gently transformed it to a kid-friendly site, and will continue to consider our options for ministering to kids in the best way possible.
I have sincerely appreciated the tolerance of our Kidville staff for these ongoing changes, even embracing the new ideas that have bubbled up to solve problems and space crunches. You can be very appreciative of the way these remarkable people engage each week with our kids to demonstrate to them in powerful and creative ways the love of Jesus Christ. It is a privilege to be teammates this session with Mandy, Jenny, Katrina, Jenn, Amanda, Kim, Laura, Lori, Rene, Erin, Olivia, and Doug and Laurie. We are also developing a team of junior helpers who are willing to step in and help in a wide variety of ways.
With our growing population in Kidville we have growing needs. Can you spend some of your time, talent, energy, creativity, money, skill, and love on the next generation? They are worth it! Contact me. I would love to talk with you about a million ways to bless our kids.
Youth Ministry is Growing!
“If I could sum up youth ministry this year in one word, it would be ‘Growth!’” said Pastor Caleb Cox. “Jesus nailed it on the head when he said ‘the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.’ This past year we’ve been praying for the harvest, and it has exploded (in a good way)! This coming year we’re praying for workers, for they are few indeed compared to the astonishing 58 students we had at an all night lock-in the first week in January.”
“We’ve had amazing help with Stephen and Katie Sande, Mike Musser, Evan Waller, and my wife Becky,” said Caleb. “But two of those will soon be bouncing babies on their knees, and it’s hard for two or three guys to herd 40 kids. Pray for more workers this next year, and pray about your involvement in what God is doing in the East Hills youth ministry!”
What does it take to be a volunteer?
Great question!
1- I’m looking for people with a heart for God and a heart for the youth in this com - munity.
2- Some time to give.
The most pressing need is for helpers at Jr. High. “The Forge” as it is called, is on Sunday nights from 6-8pm. That’s only two hours a week. The connection you can make with students in just those two hours is amazing. I don’t doubt that those two hours are the highlights of every week for some of the students who come.
Another great thing about working with youth, is that we periodically go on retreats or outings, and it’s just plain fun to go out and do those things we used to do when we were young.
If you’ve felt the Lord tugging on your heart while you read this article, or if you have been thinking about volunteering for some time, we’ve been praying for you. Contact Pastor Caleb to see where you can fit in this exciting, life-changing ministry!
“We’ve had amazing help with Stephen and Katie Sande, Mike Musser, Evan Waller, and my wife Becky,” said Caleb. “But two of those will soon be bouncing babies on their knees, and it’s hard for two or three guys to herd 40 kids. Pray for more workers this next year, and pray about your involvement in what God is doing in the East Hills youth ministry!”
What does it take to be a volunteer?
Great question!
1- I’m looking for people with a heart for God and a heart for the youth in this com - munity.
2- Some time to give.
The most pressing need is for helpers at Jr. High. “The Forge” as it is called, is on Sunday nights from 6-8pm. That’s only two hours a week. The connection you can make with students in just those two hours is amazing. I don’t doubt that those two hours are the highlights of every week for some of the students who come.
Another great thing about working with youth, is that we periodically go on retreats or outings, and it’s just plain fun to go out and do those things we used to do when we were young.
If you’ve felt the Lord tugging on your heart while you read this article, or if you have been thinking about volunteering for some time, we’ve been praying for you. Contact Pastor Caleb to see where you can fit in this exciting, life-changing ministry!
Quorum Vote
For several months, the elders have been discussing the possibility of changing the percentage of members required for a quorum. For years our bylaws have stated that “more than 50% of the voting members” who are able to attend need to be present for a quorum to occur. While we do value high levels of involvement from our membership, we have found it increasingly difficult to reach the 50% quorum requirement specifically at our annual meeting. This is due in part to a growing membership roster, and also in part to the change in attitude toward membership in recent generations.
After much discussion the elders recommended changing the bylaw’s requirement for quorum from “more than 50%” to “at least 30%”. Pastor Nick announced this recommendation to the congregation, and then a letter and ballot were mailed out to all members in November.
We had a large response. We received 64 ballots back of those mailed out to the 105 members. A 50% return was still required to pass this bylaw change, and that was easily met. The results were 44 Yes votes in favor of changing the quorum requirement to 30% and 20 No votes. At the annual meeting Pastor Nick expressed his appreciation for those who voted “No.” It reveals a deep care and concern about what goes on here at East Hills.
It is an interesting footnote that this year’s members at our Annual Meeting easily satisfied the new “at least 30%” quorum, and in fact also satisfied the old “more than 50%” quorum by one person.
After much discussion the elders recommended changing the bylaw’s requirement for quorum from “more than 50%” to “at least 30%”. Pastor Nick announced this recommendation to the congregation, and then a letter and ballot were mailed out to all members in November.
We had a large response. We received 64 ballots back of those mailed out to the 105 members. A 50% return was still required to pass this bylaw change, and that was easily met. The results were 44 Yes votes in favor of changing the quorum requirement to 30% and 20 No votes. At the annual meeting Pastor Nick expressed his appreciation for those who voted “No.” It reveals a deep care and concern about what goes on here at East Hills.
It is an interesting footnote that this year’s members at our Annual Meeting easily satisfied the new “at least 30%” quorum, and in fact also satisfied the old “more than 50%” quorum by one person.
Annual Business Meeting: More Than Piles of Paper
For more than six weeks the office has been humming --between snow storms, ice storms, and flooding-- to gather and publish what is needed to get everything ready for the annual celebration. Administrative Assistants Lori Shero and Becky Cox have gathered, collated, copied, organized, and stapled mountains of paper, all so that the church family can have what is needed for an orderly and informative meeting.
Finally the day arrived and after we checked and double checked to make sure we had what we needed, the meeting finally began.
This year we joined together after the Sunday Service for a potluck lunch, followed by a time of several people sharing highlights of the year. Then Pastor Nick presented his “State of the Church” message highlighting four areas in which we have been risk takers during the past year: remodeling the Main Hall, selling the parsonage, moving VBS off site and into the community, and becoming proactive in inviting people to East Hills. He then shared four ways he sees us sharpening our focus in the coming year: Kidville, missions, evangelism, and a recommitment to prayer.
Communion was then served at tables with a time for prayer.
When the business meeting began, all of that carefully prepared paperwork came into play. As reports were reviewed, financial documents inspected, and budgets pored over, papers shuffled and a few questions were asked. Then at the end of each discussion a vote was taken. For the entire meeting every vote taken was unanimous. The unity that is represented by those votes was so encouraging. It makes me wonder what grand things God is planning for us for 2009 as we seek His will and follow him as a unified body of Christ-followers.
At 2:15 the meeting was over and the carefully prepared documents were set aside, a few to be filed, most to be recycled. Was it worth it? Absolutely! Because a few dedicated people behind the scenes did a thorough job, the information was easily accessible and understandable. As all that paper is recycled, it is great to know that our annual meeting is about so much more than just the paperwork: It is about redefining our direction and with one purpose stepping boldly out to bring Light to a dark world.
Finally the day arrived and after we checked and double checked to make sure we had what we needed, the meeting finally began.
This year we joined together after the Sunday Service for a potluck lunch, followed by a time of several people sharing highlights of the year. Then Pastor Nick presented his “State of the Church” message highlighting four areas in which we have been risk takers during the past year: remodeling the Main Hall, selling the parsonage, moving VBS off site and into the community, and becoming proactive in inviting people to East Hills. He then shared four ways he sees us sharpening our focus in the coming year: Kidville, missions, evangelism, and a recommitment to prayer.
Communion was then served at tables with a time for prayer.
When the business meeting began, all of that carefully prepared paperwork came into play. As reports were reviewed, financial documents inspected, and budgets pored over, papers shuffled and a few questions were asked. Then at the end of each discussion a vote was taken. For the entire meeting every vote taken was unanimous. The unity that is represented by those votes was so encouraging. It makes me wonder what grand things God is planning for us for 2009 as we seek His will and follow him as a unified body of Christ-followers.
At 2:15 the meeting was over and the carefully prepared documents were set aside, a few to be filed, most to be recycled. Was it worth it? Absolutely! Because a few dedicated people behind the scenes did a thorough job, the information was easily accessible and understandable. As all that paper is recycled, it is great to know that our annual meeting is about so much more than just the paperwork: It is about redefining our direction and with one purpose stepping boldly out to bring Light to a dark world.
Annual Business Meeting:
For more than six weeks the office has been humming --between snow storms, ice storms, and flooding-- to gather and publish what is needed to get everything ready for the annual celebration. Administrative Assistants Lori Shero and Becky Cox have gathered, collated, copied, organized, and stapled mountains of paper, all so that the church family can have what is needed for an orderly and informative meeting.
Finally the day arrived and after we checked and double checked to make sure we had what we needed, the meeting finally began.
This year we joined together after the Sunday Service for a potluck lunch, followed by a time of several people sharing highlights of the year. Then Pastor Nick presented his “State of the Church” message highlighting four areas in which we have been risk takers during the past year: remodeling the Main Hall, selling the parsonage, moving VBS off site and into the community, and becoming proactive in inviting people to East Hills. He then shared four ways he sees us sharpening our focus in the coming year: Kidville, missions, evangelism, and a recommitment to prayer.
Communion was then served at tables with a time for prayer.
When the business meeting began, all of that carefully prepared paperwork came into play. As reports were reviewed, financial documents inspected, and budgets pored over, papers shuffled and a few questions were asked. Then at the end of each discussion a vote was taken. For the entire meeting every vote taken was unanimous. The unity that is represented by those votes was so encouraging. It makes me wonder what grand things God is planning for us for 2009 as we seek His will and follow him as a unified body of Christ-followers.
At 2:15 the meeting was over and the carefully prepared documents were set aside, a few to be filed, most to be recycled. Was it worth it? Absolutely! Because a few dedicated people behind the scenes did a thorough job, the information was easily accessible and understandable. As all that paper is recycled, it is great to know that our annual meeting is about so much more than just the paperwork: It is about redefining our direction and with one purpose stepping boldly out to bring Light to a dark world.
Finally the day arrived and after we checked and double checked to make sure we had what we needed, the meeting finally began.
This year we joined together after the Sunday Service for a potluck lunch, followed by a time of several people sharing highlights of the year. Then Pastor Nick presented his “State of the Church” message highlighting four areas in which we have been risk takers during the past year: remodeling the Main Hall, selling the parsonage, moving VBS off site and into the community, and becoming proactive in inviting people to East Hills. He then shared four ways he sees us sharpening our focus in the coming year: Kidville, missions, evangelism, and a recommitment to prayer.
Communion was then served at tables with a time for prayer.
When the business meeting began, all of that carefully prepared paperwork came into play. As reports were reviewed, financial documents inspected, and budgets pored over, papers shuffled and a few questions were asked. Then at the end of each discussion a vote was taken. For the entire meeting every vote taken was unanimous. The unity that is represented by those votes was so encouraging. It makes me wonder what grand things God is planning for us for 2009 as we seek His will and follow him as a unified body of Christ-followers.
At 2:15 the meeting was over and the carefully prepared documents were set aside, a few to be filed, most to be recycled. Was it worth it? Absolutely! Because a few dedicated people behind the scenes did a thorough job, the information was easily accessible and understandable. As all that paper is recycled, it is great to know that our annual meeting is about so much more than just the paperwork: It is about redefining our direction and with one purpose stepping boldly out to bring Light to a dark world.
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