This Is Fine—Naomi's Honesty

 

Echo friends,

Again we gather to worship from a distance. The weeks themselves seem to melt away like winter and I sense a settling in to this new normal — for better or worse. Join us as we continue to navigate this new world. Let’s embrace the truth of who and where we are. Whether you have had a great week or one full of challenges, we can all come together in support of each other and praise of our God. He is intimately familiar with the struggles each and every one of us are facing.

Listen. Sing. Pray. Read. Let’s do these things this morning. Let’s live, as always, in the tension between our personal interaction with God and joining in worship collectively as The Church. Alone, with friends.

I opted again to place musical worship after Kelly’s sermon this morning, as an opportunity to respond interactively. Take the time to sing out or just to listen and process. Feel free to return to the sermon or the song any time to dwell on anything you need to. Let’s take advantage of this different format while we have it!

Again, thank you so much for worshiping with us this morning. It’s so good to have you. Whether you’re brand new or an old Echo faithful, and especially if you haven’t yet, try to join us at 11 on Zoom. It’s always good to see your faces!

-Dillon Hamilton, Worship Minister

For additional thoughts about grief and lament partnered with hope, please read Kendra's blog post: “Now, But Not Yet.”

 

MISSIONARY UPDATE FROM VENEZUELA

This morning, we would like to update you all on how Johnny & Zandra Dye, as well as their two daughters, are doing in Caracas, Venezuela. 

The Dyes reported at the beginning of this month that they had only been leaving the house for essentials. Their daughters have continued homeschooling as usual. One of their daughters had an injury from soccer and they are hopeful this extended rest at home will allow her to make a full recovery.

They also wrote a bit about what Venezuela looks like in the midst of COVID-19 restrictions. Most nonessential businesses are shut down. People there have also been discouraged from walking in parks, as the parks in Caracas are very small compared to the number of people living in each neighborhood.

The Bosque Christian Church has been holding church services online for a few weeks now; Johnny & Zandra feel pleased with their social media connection. 

Every gift you give to Echo helps support missionaries like Johnny & Zandra. If you know anyone interested in financially supporting them directly or you'd like to learn more about their work with Team Expansion, check out their missions page here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CONNECT - In this time of physical distancing and isolation, it’s so important to stay connected to our friends and family. That includes our Echo family, and we are doing that in a few ways:

GIVE—Visit echochurch.org/give any time to worship through giving and support our ministry together. Or snail mail to: Echo Church, PO Box 6067, Cincinnati, OH 45206

ECHO KIDS

For the next few weeks, the Echo Kids section will feature a retelling of some of the stories Jesus told during His ministry. These readings of Jesus’ parables will feature narration and illustrations by some familiar teachers and students of the Echo Kids community. This week's story is based on the parable of the wedding feast, found in Matthew 22:1-14.

“The Big Party” —Narrated by Kaelyn C. & Illustrated by Liam M.

 
Echo Church