LGBTQ+ Pride Sunday, June 16th
11:00 a.m. Worship & 12:00 p.m. Fellowship
Join us June 16th for Pride Sunday. We will participate in a Pride Candle lighting ceremony, share in 30 Days of Pride is Love Affirmations and share special prayers for our LGTBQ+ community. We will create a gift for our friends from the youth group "Over the Rainbow as a part of worship. Our service will include the rainbow theme and we invite you to wear bright rainbow colors and your rainbow pins to worship and then join us for a rainbow fellowship after worship. Please invite your friends, family and neighbors who would like to join us for this special service. This will be an interactive service.
New Fundraising Goal: Sunlight Diffusing Window Film for Sanctuary
As we've mentioned in previous newsletters, anything we raised above what was needed for the sound system equipment and labor will go towards the installation of a window film for the clear windows above the chancel in the sanctuary. This film will both allow us to continue to see out of the windows and allow for diffused light to enter the sanctuary. The film will remove the harsh and blinding afternoon light from hitting our eyes while sitting in the pews. This will allow ECC to host worship services, weddings, events, and the Jazz Fest in the sanctuary for all to enjoy at any time of day. Perviously George has had to install black fabric on the outside of the building to cover these windows during afternoon events when the harsh sunlight is painful for those sitting in the pews The total cost for the window film and installation is $3,226.
You may respond to this ask by bringing your gift for the Sunday offering or mailing a check to the ECC office at: P.O. Box 427, Evergreen, CO 80437. Please include "Sanctuary Window Film" on the memo line of your check, or mark an envelope similarly for cash gifts.
You may respond to this ask by bringing your gift for the Sunday offering or mailing a check to the ECC office at: P.O. Box 427, Evergreen, CO 80437. Please include "Sanctuary Window Film" on the memo line of your check, or mark an envelope similarly for cash gifts.
Work day at ECC on Saturday, July 13th, 9:00am
Join us to finish painting the lower level office and classrooms
Evergreen Jazz Festival & Gospel Service:
Sunday, July 28th, 9:15 a.m.
Sunday, July 28th, 9:15 a.m.
ECC continues the tradition of co-hosting the Evergreen Jazz Festival, Thursday-Sunday, July 26-28, 2019, and its Music Clinic, on Thursday, July 25. For more information: www.evergreenjazz.org
Gospel Service, Sunday, July 28th, 9:15 a.m.
ECC will host the Queen City Jazz Band and guest preacher Rev. Dr. Richard Ward who joins us for a second year in a row. Ward is the Professor of Homiletics [preaching] and Worship at Phillips Theological Seminary, which is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He is ordained in the United Church of Christ (UCC) and the author of three books: Bringing the Word to Life: Engaging the New Testament through Performing It; Speaking of the Holy: The Art of Communication in Preaching; and Speaking from the Heart: Preaching with Passion.
We will be sharing details soon about an ECC fundraiser during the Jazz Festival and encourage you to volunteer to support this community arts event and ECC fundraising opportunity.
Gospel Service, Sunday, July 28th, 9:15 a.m.
ECC will host the Queen City Jazz Band and guest preacher Rev. Dr. Richard Ward who joins us for a second year in a row. Ward is the Professor of Homiletics [preaching] and Worship at Phillips Theological Seminary, which is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He is ordained in the United Church of Christ (UCC) and the author of three books: Bringing the Word to Life: Engaging the New Testament through Performing It; Speaking of the Holy: The Art of Communication in Preaching; and Speaking from the Heart: Preaching with Passion.
We will be sharing details soon about an ECC fundraiser during the Jazz Festival and encourage you to volunteer to support this community arts event and ECC fundraising opportunity.
ECC Building Projects: Volunteer When You Have Time
We have made some great improvements to the church building and also, there is still more to do. If you are available during the week to work on a project like painting, sorting, organizing, or general cleaning, we'd appreciate your help! You may select a project to work on from the ECC Congregational Building Project List. If you are planning to work in The Commons (fellowship hall), kitchen, nursery, or youth room, please check the church calendar to make sure there are no events or group meetings scheduled there before you head over to the church
Fundraise for ECC while you shop at King Soopers
Every time you shop at King Soopers and swipe your King Soopers loyalty card or use the phone number connected to your King Soopers account at checkout you could be fundraising for ECC. The King Soopers Community Rewards Program donates to local organizations based on the shopping you do, and you can direct these funds to ECC. Here are instructions for linking your King Soopers Plus Card to the ECC Community Rewards account:
If you participated in this program in the past, please note that the new program is integrated into your regular King Soopers loyalty card. All you have to do is connect your card to ECC through the above steps.
Our thanks to Dave Killen and ECC CPA Amy Ellis for getting ECC set up in the Community Rewards Program.
- Go to: https://www.kingsoopers.com/signin?redirectUrl=/account/communityrewards/
- Sign in to your account
- Type "Evergreen Christian Church" into the search box labeled "Find an Organization"
- Click on the blue "Enroll" button in the ECC box.
If you participated in this program in the past, please note that the new program is integrated into your regular King Soopers loyalty card. All you have to do is connect your card to ECC through the above steps.
Our thanks to Dave Killen and ECC CPA Amy Ellis for getting ECC set up in the Community Rewards Program.
ECC Google Reviews
We are working to further develop ECC's online presence because most people begin getting to know a church online before they ever visit the church building. This includes both visitors and potential applicants for the settled pastor position at ECC. Helps us share about ECC's ministry by completing a Google Review of ECC.
So far ECC has two Google Reviews, both 5 stars! Please take five minutes to write a thoughtful review for ECC to give others a sense of what you value about your church and spread the good news!
Here are Instructions for writing a Google Review for ECC:
So far ECC has two Google Reviews, both 5 stars! Please take five minutes to write a thoughtful review for ECC to give others a sense of what you value about your church and spread the good news!
Here are Instructions for writing a Google Review for ECC:
- Do a Google search for “Evergreen Christian Church”
- On the right hand column on the search results page you will see a listing for ECC with a photo and map. Underneath buttons labeled website, directions, and save, you’ll see in blue lettering “2 Google reviews” (the number here will change as you add reviews). Click on “Google reviews” and a popup window will appear.
- Click on the blue button “Write a review” in the popup window.
Save the Date: Women's SeaSide Escape Retreat
August 24, 2019, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., First Christian Church, 1326 N. 1st St., Grand Junction, CO
Longing for time to slow down, wiggle your toes in the sand, and bask in the warmth of God's presence? Join us at Seaside Escape. It's a beach-themed retreat where you'll experience meaningful Bible study and worship, connect with other women, and have time for quiet reflection and plenty of laughter. The cost to attend is $10, and all women are invited. For more information, contact Lily Fitch at 970-250-6966
Open & Affirming Process
We've completed our six-week Open & Affirming process and will hold a ritual of affirmation and confirmation this Sunday at the end of our Easter worship service to become designated as an Open and Affirming ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Open and Affirming Ministries commit to openly welcome and affirm persons of all gender expressions and sexual orientations to the table of Christ's communion and to the full life and leadership of the Christian Church.
Last Sunday we worked together on an Open and Affirming Statement, and here is the final result, fine tuned by the Working Group this week, and reviewed by some of our LGBTQ+ friends to make sure that our intentions came across accurately to them:
Evergreen Christian Church affirms and celebrates LGTBTQ+ individuals and families to be authentically who they are. We invite all to join in life’s faith journey, to serve together, and to create a safe haven for the marginalized. Together, we will continue to seek to understand the challenges of the Church to live out the mission of Christ in the world.
You are encouraged to participate in the full six-week process. We will post weekly updates of our progress and resources on our Open & Affirming blog page.
Last Sunday we worked together on an Open and Affirming Statement, and here is the final result, fine tuned by the Working Group this week, and reviewed by some of our LGBTQ+ friends to make sure that our intentions came across accurately to them:
Evergreen Christian Church affirms and celebrates LGTBTQ+ individuals and families to be authentically who they are. We invite all to join in life’s faith journey, to serve together, and to create a safe haven for the marginalized. Together, we will continue to seek to understand the challenges of the Church to live out the mission of Christ in the world.
You are encouraged to participate in the full six-week process. We will post weekly updates of our progress and resources on our Open & Affirming blog page.
Disciples LGBTQ+ Alliance Membership Challenge
Evergreen Christian Church is now listed on the Disciples LGBTQ+ Alliance list of Open & Affirming Congregations of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Updates to the listing are coming soon to include Reverends Sondra Tilsley and Cheryl Breiner as pastors, along with a photo of the church with your Open & Affirming statement.
The Disciples LGBTQ+ Alliance has invited ECC to participate in their Membership Challenge. The Alliance challenges all O&A congregations to have at least 10% of their membership be members of the Alliance, and we know ECC can easily surpass the 10% goal! You can join the Alliance by going to: http://disciplesallianceq.org/main/contribute/. Memberships start at $45. Students and low income individuals can join for $15. If you are already a member of the Alliance, please email Rev. Mark Johnston at mark@disciplesallianceq.org, to let him know that you should be added to ECC's membership listing in the Alliance database.
The Disciples LGBTQ+ Alliance has invited ECC to participate in their Membership Challenge. The Alliance challenges all O&A congregations to have at least 10% of their membership be members of the Alliance, and we know ECC can easily surpass the 10% goal! You can join the Alliance by going to: http://disciplesallianceq.org/main/contribute/. Memberships start at $45. Students and low income individuals can join for $15. If you are already a member of the Alliance, please email Rev. Mark Johnston at mark@disciplesallianceq.org, to let him know that you should be added to ECC's membership listing in the Alliance database.
Blood Drive in Remembrance of Luke Grider
Sunday, October 20th, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 20th, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
You are invited to donate blood in remembrance of Luke Grider, who donated blood often in his lifetime. The staff of Vitalant (formerly Bonfils) will be set up to draw your blood in The Commons (fellowship hall).
2019 ECC Contact List of Members, Friends,
Visitors, and Ministry Support
Visitors, and Ministry Support
The 2019 Contact List is available online. If you would like a copy of the list (electronic or printed), need to update your information, or want to be added to the list, please email your request and updates to eccdoc01@gmail.com.