This Is Fine—Jesus' Redemption

 

Echo Faithful,

What a blessing it is to be here again with you! Can we take a quick minute to appreciate how effectively we are able to communicate and share in this digital age? Sure, it’s not the same as being in the same physical space; but we’re able to talk face-to-face over our computers and phones. Every week we share video and audio files—started by one person, added to by others, finished by yet another, and then uploaded for everyone to see—available within minutes of being finished, when necessary.

The collaboration, creativity, and, in some ways, increased communication has been inspirational and life-bringing to me.

I hope you’re finding these streams of light throughout your days and weeks and I pray these Sunday services are a source of that for you all. While I very much look forward to seeing you all again, I’m thankful for what we have here and hope we can find ways to hold on to the best of what we’ve found in this chaos.

Thanks for being here and worshiping with us. As I write this, I’m praying for all of you who will find your way to this space. Let’s open our eyes and ears to what God has for us all today, whether individually or corporately. Let’s see him making all things new, making beautiful things from the broken, and overcoming death with life; around us, and in us.

As always, be sure to check out our announcements (including links to all online gatherings this week), missionary update, and Echo Kids section below the main video.

Your friendly neighborhood worship minister,

Dillon Hamilton

 

MISSIONARY UPDATE FROM POLAND

Today we will be updating you on the family of Justyna and Dawid Wawrzyniak in Poland. 

Beginning in March, the Polish people were not permitted to be out in the streets for non-essential activities due to COVID-19. Justyna shared that it proved quite challenging having three kids all in need of a computer for homeschooling purposes.

In addition to their children's schooling, Justyna and Dawid's ministry work was also moved online. Their business workshops have gone virtual as have their church services, which take place about three times a week. 

Though the Wawrzyniak family misses spending time in person with others, they feel thankful for the peace God brings. One of their specific prayers is "for more determination and power in sharing [the] Gospel with people around us."

When you give to Echo Church, you join in supporting missionaries like the Wawrzyniaks. If you know of anyone who would like to support them directly or you'd like to learn more about their work, please let one of the staff members know and we will get you connected. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WAYS TO 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:

BACK YARDS IN JUNE

Beginning June 7, we will be hosting several small Sunday morning backyard worship gatherings. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for more details and a link to RSVP.

WAYS TO 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

BACK2BACK CINCINNATI
Back2Back Cincinnati is collecting children's books to deliver to kids in their virtual tutoring program. If you're interested in teaming up with Back2Back for this purpose, you can buy books directly from their Amazon Wish List—at checkout select ship to the Gift Registry Address (Maggie Hare).
(Buy through AmazonSmile and your purchase also gives back to Echo Church or whatever nonprofit you choose.)

DOUGLASS ELEMENTARY 
Thanks to all who contributed to getting hygiene supplies to donate. These items will be dropped off at Douglass and distributed to families from the school. If you'd like to donate items directly, contact Kendra to set that up.

ECHO KIDS

Our final parable retelling this morning will be led by two of our Echo Early Learners teachers. The story is based on the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector in Luke 18:9-14.

“The Proud Man & the Humble Man” - Narrated by Elizabeth Shartsis (featuring Ephraim) and Illustrated by Jeremiah Meert

 
Echo Church