We invite anyone and everyone to please join us tomorrow, Easter Sunday, at any one of our 3 services. 8:30, 9:45, 11:00. Peace!

Are you still looking for a Super Bowl party to hit? Well, I can tell you where there will be one with free food, good people, live music and stand up comedy! But then again, if you’re on our blog reading this you may already know! See you Sunday! 9:30 & 11:00. Peace!

I saw a movie  a few weeks ago called,  The Book of Eli with Denzel Washington. Didn’t look like a movie I was going to like. In the preview it was sort of futuristic, end of the world, kind of a dark movie.  I knew there was not going to be the romantic “George Clooney”  ending I had hoped for. But, it was Denzel Washington and it was time to be with the family, so I went.

Well the movie was not at all like I thought. It has stayed with me.  I don’t want to give away to much, but Denzel is on a quest an important one. In one of the scenes  he describes a past world to a young girl who wanted to know what it was like.  He told her that at one time we had more than what we needed and that we did not know what was precious and what wasn’t. We even threw away things that now people would kill for.  Wow!

Since the night of that movie I have scene many posts on facebook about being a thankful person.  Do I really need someone on facebook to remind me of this? But after this movie I think the answer was yes. I realize I have so much to be thankful for that I don’t even recognize.

I have so much (things) that I take for granted. What about those  who love me and care for me? Do I tell them? Do I show them? As a christian, do I communicate to Jesus Christ how much I love Him?  After looking at what has happened in Haiti and how they are just trying to survive. They have lost everything including their families and friends.  We have to tell those around us what they mean to us.

As someone said to me this week, each day before you get out of bed, give thanks to God for your extraordinary blessings.

Months….that’s all. We don’t have to wait years now for our new building, it is just months away! If you haven’t been to Eastside in a bit, you better hurry back! Don’t miss all the excitement!

So what is your game plan for 2010? Have you thought about it? How can we challenge ourselves this year? How can we become stronger and deeper reflections of Christ? Are there areas in your personal or business life that could improve? Can you carve out more time for yourself and your family? Can you commit to coming to church every week? Will you get connected? Something to think about…..Peace!

Hey don’t forget to check us out on Christmas Eve. We are having 2 services this year at 4 & 6 pm. See you then!

Peace,

Ken

Some crazy things I have seen this week: The Yankees staging some late inning comebacks to take a 3-2 series lead over the Phillies. Michael Jackson’s “This is It”. It is was pretty amazing to see him in his element once again. It restored some of the luster to his career for that had been tarnished over the years. Miley Cyrus dancing and rocking out at a local club venue after her Freedom Hall performance on Halloween. Myself dressed as a pirate wearing eye-liner. How fast they are moving on the building! Everyday it gets closer and closer. Having to deal with kidney stones for the second time in two years. (Pray you never get one!) And finally, how crazy good service was on Sunday. An awesome performance by 7 Car Pileup! Make sure to tune in this week for another performance of “God In Your IPod”!

-ken

Currently I am doing a bible study called One in a Million. The bible study is about being the one person who steps out above their circumstances and their fears to allow God to work in their lives.

One major focus in the study points out that satan tries to discourage us by helping us forget how God has been faithful in our lives before.

Just like the Israelites in the wilderness, you know they were shown one miracle after another and not to mention a pillar of cloud by day to lead them and a pillar of fire by night, and they still were having trouble with amnesia.

I find myself so much like that. When the car breaks down or when I get sick or when things just are tough, where do I go first? If things are tough at work or someone has really hurt me what do I do? Do i panic, complain,  move from the normal concern to all out worry? Do I go to everyone else first? Or do I stop, settle and be still before God and then make my
requests to Him. The person who can bring perfect peace.

The same God that worked on our behalf yesterday is the same God who can work on our behalf today.

Now please don’t get me wrong. I am a work in progress for sure. What I do know  is that I truly believe that God wants are time on this earth  to be abundant , sweet.  I also know that He is good and loves me and YOU!

What is your wilderness right now. Take courage when you are in a wilderness situation, that is when God can truly do some wonderful things.

Vicki Hood

WOW! If you haven’t been by ECC in a while you will probably gasp when you see how far along the new building is! I have to hand it to the workers, now that the building is under roof they are able and willing to work in whatever the elements may be outside. This last week they began placing the metal studs to outline the halls and office areas. I can’t wait to have a GREEN ROOM! Which reminds me of a question i have, “Does it have to be a shade of green?” I have always wondered that! lol!. Anyway, we are in the middle of a new series called, “In God We Tru$t”. We have baptized at least one person every week for the last month and a half, which is what it is all about! The new building is going to put us on a whole new level though. A year from now you may not even recognize Eastside. God is moving and and always changing things to glorify His kingdom! I am humbled and blessed to be here!

Ken

My personal shout out to the folks who have switched to the first worship hour. It’s helped moving the service to 9:30. We’ve been in this new schedule now for three weeks and each Sunday our attendance numbers have been equal in both hours. It opens up room for growth until our new auditorium is done. So thanks for whatever sacrifice you’ve made. The energy in first service has been incredible! And hang in there gang, we’re working on a traffic solution too so you can get out of the parking lot more quickly. Blessings!

Dave Hastings