Happy New Year!

Last year Pastor Andy prayed that we'd all fall more deeply in love with Jesus Christ in 2011. Our prayer is the same for 2012! May Jesus be our first thought each morning, our last thought at night, and our constant guide in between. May 2012 be a year of courage, strength, peace, and may all of 2012 be HIS and for his glory! May he become greater and we become less! Happy New Year!! ♥ ♥ ♥

Lynd House

Today has been a very full day for our church family!  We had the Norseman Singers from Eaton Elementary come over and sing for us, Keenagers had their holiday luncheon, and in the afternoon a few went to sing to the residents of Lynd House.  And festivities continue as the women gather tonight to celebrate Florentina and her recent citizenship! 

 (We had one snoozer.)

Praise God, for all that He has done, is doing, and will do!   

Treehouse Renovation

As many of you already know, our loft which we use for our children's classes, has been under construction for a few weeks.  Changes were needed in order to assure safety for the children and workers with a second exit at the other end in case of a fire.  Here's an interior look at the loft extension.  We're excited about all of the possibilities for this space!  But not as excited as the children are!  :)   

Thank you to Junior Neal and Mike Gayheart who added our color!!  They did a perfect job!!

 Here are some before snapshots....

 And here are a few after shots....

Many, many thanks to Tina Farmer, Kathleen Neal, Hannah Drown, Kody and Kerissa Withers, Barbara Richards, and Dave Poe for their help!!

We have a few outlets to get back together, carpet to go in, a little trimwork, the screen and projector mounted, and we're officially in business!  If you'd like to help with any of this, please let us know!  :)

Christmas Morning

There will be no children's classes on Christmas morning, but the younger ones can snuggle in and join us in the nursery for a special showing of the new Veggie Tales Christmas movie!  Send a snuggly blankie with them!  :)

Church Building

Look what's happening in our backyard!  :)  A new, fenced in playground for the kids is in the works!  Thank you to Gatlin Hines for leading this for his Eagle Scout Project!  The kids are SO excited!

Construction is also nearly done on the extension of the upstairs loft.  Due to fire safety, a second exit was needed.  Soon, our kids will be able to have their space back and it will be safer and more colorful than ever!

Above is the external view, and below is the inside view.

Paint and supplies are up there and waiting, and all walls have been labeled by color.  Anyone can jump up there and put in an hour or two of painting whenever you'd like!  Feel free to get it started!  We will be working together this coming Saturday, Nov. 19th, starting at 8am, for whoever would like to come out then!

Larry and LeAnne Sellers

It was an absolute joy and an honor to have Larry and LeAnne Sellers here tonight as our guests, all the way from the Ivory Coast in West Africa!  What an amazing work they are doing and have done for 27 years; please continue to lift them in your prayers!

Work Day

With our workday coming up, we've listed different tasks we hope to get done and made a workday "tree" in our entryway. There are several small jobs that can even be done on a different day if you are unable to come on 11/19! Please take a peek and grab anything you can help with, and then you'll be free to just jump in once you get here on the 19th! A couple of tags have already been picked up! :) Thank you for helping us take care of all that God has blessed us with!!

State Youth Convention

This is one fine looking group, isn't it!? If you run into any of them, ask them about their trip to the Indiana State Youth Convention!! God is doing great things in our youth! Huge thank you's to Doug, Robin, Amanda, Jessie, Jacob, Eli, and Steve for chaperoning and planning everything!!!

Fall Party and Kids

What a beautiful evening we had out at Claudia and George Moorman's last night! We're so glad so many of you were able to come out; truly it's one of the highlights of the year for some of us. We had picture perfect weather to go with a glowing fire, delicious food, a scavenger hunt through the woods, a hayride, and even rides on George's custom "people mover." All of that mixed with good company, made for one perfect fall evening. Thank you George and Claudia!


Here's a snapshot of our kids' Sunday school class! Aren't they so adorable?! We've been learning about Esther, and they're doing a great job keeping up with the line of the story!


And here's Levi and Delaney working hard on their Ark's during the Sprouts class :) I think Delaney's actually making a birthday cake for Grandpa. :)


We sang music while we colored and learned. Children are so precious!

Town Hall Meeting

Sweet family, a follow-up letter to the Town Hall meeting will be sent to each of you early this next week. There is much to process and we hope more in-depth answers to some key questions will help. In the meantime, please feel welcome to bring any questions to our leaders at any time!

Little Blessings Sunday 2011!

What a colorful, bright, joyful morning of worship we had this past Sunday!  It's never a surprise why Jesus requested that the little ones come to him; they provide a form of worship just in being them!  Our walls were filled with little ones, their laughter, song, and art on Sunday.  And we thank all of you who were able to be with us on this special Sunday!  Little Blessings is truly a beautiful ministry to our community, and it's wonderful to have the team and children with us on Sunday mornings. 

Family Virtues

Have you noticed the new Family Virtues set sitting in our entry?? This is a WONDERFUL, free resource for all of you!! What is it?? Here's a description from the website!
___________
Most parents want to raise children with good character and values. Many struggle to find the time and the means to get the job done. Where do you start? What do you say? How much time will it take?

FamilyTimes™ is designed to help equip parents with easy to use tools to make the most of everyday moments together. This tool is based on the biblical model that teaches that the home should be the primary place where a child learns about God.

Here’s what the bible says to parents about teaching virtues to their children…

“Impress them upon your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up,” (Deuteronomy 6:7).

FamilyTimes™ Virtue Packs provide activities to be used once a week during each of these four family times--MealTime, DriveTime, BedTime, and MorningTime. All of this is designed to give parents simple ways to help their kids grow in faith and character.

The resources you will find in the Virtue Pack are designed to be strategically placed within your home as reminders of a specific virtue and its related principles each month. They should be placed in the location that corresponds with the time they are to be used. These pieces will be constant reminders to you and your children and help you to prioritize each of the four FamilyTimes™. As you go through the virtue pack you will notice that it introduces you to all the pieces and explains the concepts in more detail.

The plan is based on the Hebrew method of teaching children found in Deuteronomy 6:7. It helps parents reprioritize four significant times that are routinely within every home: BedTime, MealTime, DriveTime, and Morning Time.

The FamilyTimes™ tools do not involve preparation nor do they have to be pulled off a book shelf. They are used during the four significant family times. Each tool reinforces one of the four times of day, and helps the parent maximize their time and fulfill their intended role (counselor, teacher, friend or coach).

_______

There you go! So go ahead, sign one out and get started! Our children thank you!!

Children

Did you know that at a gift of one hour each month, it takes an average 35-45 volunteers to run our children's ministry?? And would you believe there are only a few slots left to fill? Our team is almost complete! Would you consider giving one hour each month? There is a sign-up in the entryway with specific time slots listed. Don't be intimdated or nervous; our children are SO DELIGHTFUL! And you'll have the backing of an entire team! Thank you for considering being a part!

New Sunday Morning Study!

We're starting up a new study, 9am Sunday morning, October 2nd!  We'll be taking six weeks to read through Jim Cymbala's book, "When God's Spirit Moves."  Join us!  9am in the Fireside room, all are welcome!

Vision Sunday

Just a reminder that this Sunday is Vision Sunday!  Join us as we celebrate our savior, all that He has done in the life and worship of Eaton First Church of God, what He is doing, and most specifically, what is to come!  Bring a dish to share, join us for a warm meal after service and hear as Pastor Andy takes just a few minutes to share with you.  Childcare will be available upstairs for little ones!





Art of Marriage

September 22nd-23rd....Call the church to reserve your spot TODAY!  765-396-3044
$50....your marriage is worth it.

Water Stains Be Gone!

Anyone else bugged by the giant water stains on the ceiling in the entry way?  

Have you fanned yourself with your bulletin a time or two in Sunday school, wondering when the AC will show up?

Maybe you've passed a fan in the hallway, drying out a wet portion of carpet and wondered what happened?

Why in the world isn't any of this being fixed you ask??

We've got answers for you!  Be here, Sunday, September 11th for lunch after service.  Our beautiful building is aging and in dire need of some TLC and a team has been hard at work evaluating each need.  We're excited to share with you a vision and plan for our future!  Please join us!  

And please be praying for all of our leaders as we seek God's direction and will in every minute detail and decision.  May He become greater and may everything we do bring glory to His name!

Tim and Nikki

We celebrated Pastors Tim and Nikki this morning as they prepare to start the next chapter of their lives. What a blessing they have been to us and most certainly will be to their future church family! We will miss them greatly and thank them for all of their heart felt service to the community and our family!

The Art of Marriage

Last year, those of us who attended the Art of Marriage at Northside Church of God, left ready to encourage every single couple in our lives to GO next year! It truly was THAT wonderful! It's not simply for struggling marriages, young marriages, mature marriages.....it's for every single marriage. A lifelong committment takes time, tuning, and attention. This conference is the perfect way to do that, in a very safe, secure environment and for a very minimal price. You can't lose!

The sessions are all video-based, and all discussion is strictly between you and your spouse. You'll not be asked to share with any others.

Look for posters and times to come out, but we will start Friday evening September 23rd, we'll meet for a light breakfast in the morning on Saturday, lunch is provided Saturday, and everything will wrap up Saturday afternoon.

Call the church right away to reserve your spot, couples are signing up already! And yes, it is absolutely open to anyone, so invite anyone on your heart!

There is no battle more crucial than the fight for our homes, our families, and our marriages! A weekend like this is choosing to face that battle head on.......let's go!

For Everything, There is a Season...

Pastors Tim and Nikki announced Sunday morning that after much prayer and thought, they feel their time in Eaton is wrapping up and God has directed their paths elsewhere. They expressed their gratitude for their time here and love for our family. As they prepare to move on, please lift them in prayer and shower them with love! They will be missed greatly!! We will be comissioning them and sending them out with our love on their final Sunday with us, August 28th. Please be sure to join us on this special morning!

Please also be in prayer for our leadership, as they seek God's will moving forward. We want, in everything, to glorify Christ. We pray for wisdom in searching for our next staff member, that they would be the very one who God has planned for us!

Go Deeper This Fall!!

Whether we're ready to admit it or not, fall is coming!  And this fall, we have really great opportunities for you and your family.  Our goal is not to add clutter or more to busy schedules....but it is SO important to have time to grow deeper with each other and Christ.  So here are a couple of ways to do that!

Starting Wednesday, September 7th, our family nights are back!  Grab the kids, grab your neighbors, leave the cat....and come to the church at 5:30 for a hot meal (thank you to Glen and Chris Schwer for coordinating our meals!!)!  $3/person or $10/family!  6:30 we have classes for all ages, from nursery on up.  One of the adult classes will be based on a new movie coming out September 30th; this will be awesome!



7:30 is choir for those in love with music!  :)

Women!  Can you spare ONE evening every THREE weeks?!  Next to a fireplace, on a cozy couch, sharing, studying, and talking with our women??  We all need this!  Starting Tuesday, September 6th at 7pm, join us as we go deeper together!  We'll be doing Beth Moore's study, "Breaking Free," and we'd love to have you!  Books are being ordered soon; sign up at church or give the church a call at 765-396-3044!  $15/workbook

Young Adults!  Once each month we'll get together for some Mexican Food, childcare for little ones, and we'll be looking at how we can all have a Crazy Love for christ!  We'll be kicking our fall off with rooting on our softball team, however, so watch for times on that.  It'll be 8/25...we'll grab food and root our team on!

Go Team!

Our softball team is nearly unstoppable this year! They're doing great and knocked out another win tonight! Most importantly, all of the team and fans did such a good job of cheering for both sides, being courteous, and being good sportsmen/women. We can be so proud of them and if you get a chance, come on out and cheer them on!

The Fair is Here!

Some of our families are extra busy right now with the Delaware County Fair in full swing! Thank you for keeping them in your prayers, especially Christian Whitesel whose recovering from a broken wrist.

We hear that Ben Miller had a Champion Angus Heifer, Champion Senior Beef Showman, and a Champion Dorset Ewe! Congratulations Ben!! And Congratulations to Christian, who had a Champion Limi Heifer, Champion Limi Steer, and a Champion Feeder Calf! Congratulations Christian!! And thank you to Ben for stepping in to help as needed.

Keep the updates coming! It's a big week!

BACK TO SCHOOL BASH!!

Everyone mark your calendars!!  On Saturday, August 6th, from 10am to 2pm, we're having our community summer celebration!  The Back To School Bash is for everyone, is free, and it will be SO fun!!  There will be inflatables, food, face painting, live music, an IPOD giveaway and more!!  Spread the word, grab your neighbors, and come on out!!

Ladies' Dinner at Marcia's

Ladies, join us at 6:30 at Marcia Brown's home tomorrow night for some fellowship and supper together! Bring a salad to share!

To get to Marcia's from Eaton

Turn right onto Royerton Road from Hwy 3.
Turn right onto N. Oak Flat Road
Left onto W. Sacramento
Left onto W. Palisades Pkwy, her house is on your right, 3000 W. Palisades Pkwy.

It's very simple to get there; we hope you can join us!

Funeral and Calling Hours

Funeral for Jake Monroe will be 1pm Monday, at DHS. Calling hours 1-4pm Sunday, DHS. Funeral for Myles Swoboda is 10am Tues., Meeks Mortuary. Calling hours 4-8pm Monday and one hour before funeral. If you can't be there or did not know the families, let's still try and swamp them with cards of love and support!

Car Accident

Our community has suffered a deep tragedy in the loss of Jake Monroe and Myles Swoboda due to an automobile accident last evening. Dylon Strunk miraculously survived and is in recovery.

A tragedy of this magnitude will leave a wake of indescribable emotions and hurt for years to come for so many. It's so important that we be Christ's hands and feet in the community right now, being ever-present and available as needed. Above all, please lift these families in your prayers. For while we know there is truly no one or nothing that can bring real healing and recovery other than God himself, whose heart breaks with these families. He is present, and we must pray that He draw beauty from the ashes. May we reflect His love to our hurting Eaton.

Stay tuned for efforts being coordinated to help raise funds for each of the three families. We'd like to offer help towards the funeral arrangements and also Dylan's medical bills. If you feel led to donate, you may make your donation through the church or baseball assocation, and we will appropriately allocate the funds.

Thank you for your prayers and support. And for those hurting, we are here for you. Our building is a sanctuary for all; our home is yours.

Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Baby Hank is Here!

Congratulations to Kevin and Velma Johnson on the arrival of their baby boy, Hank David!! 8lbs and 14 oz. of perfection :)

Everyone please lift the Johnson's up in prayer and praise God for sweet Hank!

Summer!

Summer's here for most of us and we've had some fun events already! Here's a peak at what's been happening.....


We were out in full force at the Eaton Antique Car Show! Thank you to Phil and Jessie Hines for our amazing tribute to all of our military, past, present, and future!





The youth were AMAZING!! They worked so hard to provide so many fun games. I can't speak for anyone else, but Lydia and Levi THANK them for literally making their day.





And as the heat rose, so did their ingenuity. They began wheeling coolers of popsicles and water around to the hot crowds. Shelby even turned the apple dunktank into a place to dip hot heads for a dollar :) Way to be creative crew!

The rummage was a great success! Thank you to Jim and Sandy for helping so much, thank you to all who helped set up, and thank you to all who donated. Many were blessed, including a Muncie church who was so excited to get a few boxes of "new" choral music and a few children's tables. God is good!




Speaking of the youth, they had a night of worship last night that I hear was amazing! If anyone has pictures, let me know! For many of the youth, it was their first night of summer break, and they chose to spend their evening worshipping their God! Now THAT is awesome!

While our Wednesday nights are paused for the summer, that does NOT being church is stopped! Use that time to be with family, be with community, visit a nursing home, pick weeds in the park.....church never stops. Be creative! Let me know how you use that time! (jenessaden@yahoo.com) Youth, there is still going to be an open gym time on Wednesdays, 1-4pm.

This morning was the first official story time at the Eaton Public Library and it was a great success!! The doors opened at 10 and we still had readers nearly 2 hours later!


Look at all of the bookworms signed up for the reading program! And this is just day TWO!


Thanks to so many generous donations, we have a full prize cabinet!


How does this all tie into the workings of the church?? Because we ARE the church! And Jesus called us to be in the world. As his hands and feet, when we read to children, have community with them and their family, love them.....we are being His church. All that is done at the library is to show Christ's love without words, and God is doing wonderful things. Please uplift this ministry in your prayers. The grand ending of the reading program will be at our own Back 2 School Bash, which is something to have on your radar! It will be a really great day, and please pray for sunshine this year!! :)