Christian-Muslim Relations Conference (Sept. 17 & 18)

A Vineyard Approach to Blessing Muslims 

September 17 & 18

Morris Plains, New Jersey
$40 (scholarships available)

Christian-Muslim relations comprise one of the momentous challenges of the 21st century. The threat of violent extremism, negative stereotypes of Muslims, and ignorance have caused the church to shrink back from Jesus' commands to love and to make disciples. How can we be agents of peace and faithfully bear witness to Christ in such a polarized world?

Many in the ECV community (e.g. the folks at ECV partner Pathways for Mutual Respect) have long sensed God's call to engage these questions and to live out courageous answers to them. I see more and more that God is indeed calling all of us as a community to take steps forward in following Jesus in this conflict.

So I'd really encourage you to consider going to a conference put together by former ECVers Rick & Fran Love as well as dear friends Grace Schmelzer, David Johnston and others. It's being hosted at the Morris Plains Vineyard; they're calling it A Vineyard Approach to Blessing Muslims, which means it'll basically be a Jesus-following approach to blessing our Muslim neighbors near and far. It's coming up soon (September 17 & 18), so make your plans now to attend.

I know for sure that Steve & Tamara Fitzgerald are going as are John & Jen; you can talk to them if you have further questions or whatnot.

POSTPONED: BBQ at 532

Hey ECV!

So unfortunately, weatherbug has rain for today and this evening at 60%, which means that we're going to postpone the joy and frivolity that will be the BBQ at 532. BUT, fear not! You need only wait a mere couple of days--we're rescheduling for this THURSDAY (8/26)!

So, remember, THURSDAY (8/26), bring some meat to grill and a dish to share, as we celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of the new academic year. We hope to see you there!!

THURSDAY (8/26) | 6pm
532 Norton Pkwy (in the backyard)

REMINDER: BBQ at 532

Hey ECV!

As was mentioned yesterday, there is going to be a BBQ held at 532 Norton Pkwy (in the backyard), TOMORROW (Tuesday) at 6pm.

Plan to bring some meat to grill and a dish to share!

Hope to see you--and we'll be keeping an eye on the weather and send out a cancellation notice if it looks like the rain is going to spoil our fun. But keep your fingers crossed for sun!

532 Norton Pkwy | 6pm

Yay!

Summer Movie Night!

Greetings ECV movie lovers!

Ever had the pleasure of a lazy summer evening at the drive-in double feature? Sun just set, sittin on your windshield eating popcorn and good-n-plenty's (or in the back seat with a "special friend")? Ok, so perhaps you need to be about Tom's age or older, but the rest of you have at least SEEN the summer drive-in experience in...another movie, so you know what I'm talkin about. If you want to capture a little taste of the near-extinct outdoor theatre experience, then you are invited to the Sharp's back-yard THIS SATURDAY at Dusk (around 8:30). Cars may need to be left on the street, but bring some favorite movie snacks, a friend, and your best film-critic interpretive mind.

Announcing the 3rd annual Sharp Summer Spiritual Film Festival. Each summer they screen a few well-made films with thought-provoking, interesting, spiritual content, and take a few minutes afterwards for those who like to put on their best film-interpretation hats and share your thoughts. Here is the line up for this week:

Saturday, Aug 14th: Little Miss Sunshine, 3:10 to Yuma, Simon Birch (viewers Choice)

Hope to see you there!

A Bittersweet Farewell...

Hello Everyone,

As you all are probably aware by this point, we are going to be saying farewell to the Maskell Family in just a couple short weeks, as they move to New York so Kathy can pursue a degree at Union Theological Seminary.

Caleb and Kathy have been instrumental in the planting of the church we now call home, and we want to say goodbye to them with much love, honor, and style. To that end, we hope that you'll join us on Friday, August 13th, at 8pm at United Church (in the Bradley Room/Basement) for a farewell gathering for the Maskells. Refreshments will be served.

It'll be an evening filled with fond remembrances, lessons learned and shared, and just quality time in community honoring and wishing well a much-loved family in our midst.

In summary, please join us:

Friday, August 13th
8pm | United Church on the Green, Bradley Room

Hope to see you there.

Events THIS Week!

Hey Everyone!
Just wanted to remind you all about the fantastic things happening this week, including one TONIGHT! We've really seen the benefit of inviting people into these gathering spaces, so feel free (and encouraged) to bring along some friends!

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TONIGHT (7/26) @ 290 Fountain St, 8pm:

Prayer Ministry Training
If you've been to a Sunday Gathering or two, you've probably noticed how we have prayer at the end of the service each week. Tonight, we'll be offering a training session for people who want to love members of our community by praying for them! Led by the wonderful Todd & Michelle Kennedy, as well as Josh Williams, it's sure to be a helpful, informative, and spirit-filled time of learning some techniques in prayer to bless people.

_____________________________

THURSDAY (7/29) @ Branford Beach, 6pm

Beach Hang Out & Picnic

The weather's been just begging for a beach hang out session, and that's what we're planning for this very Thursday. Bring along a picnic dinner if you like, and all you musicians out there with portable instruments, bring those so we can have a time of joyful sing along!

There's a small parking lot that should have some spaces, and there are also side streets available for cars to park. Here are some directions:

I-95N to exit 53. At the end of the long exit ramp,
turn right at US-1 S (394 ft). Take the 1st left onto CT-142 W/Short
Beach Rd (0.5 mi). Turn left at Stannard Ave (0.7 mi). Turn right at
Harbor St. Parking is where the street deadends into the marina or on
any of the surrounding side streets. Unless you have a Branford
Resident Sticker, you won't be able to park in the large parking lot
by the park.

...Hope to see you all there!

Spiritual Gifts Discovery Workshop: THIS Thursday (7/22)

Spiritual Gifts Discovery Workshop
THIS Thursday (7/22)
7:30pm
47 Dyer Street

As you may already know, for the past few Sundays, we've been in the middle of a teaching series on Spiritual Gifts - looking at what they are (both generally and specifically), and what these gifts look like in the context of following Jesus in our ECV community.

On Thursday evening, we want to give you a chance to discover your own spiritual gifts and how they link to your own passions, interests, and talents in your own lives! Josh Williams and Matt Croasmun will be leading a very practical session on discovering your spiritual gifts and looking at how your particular gifts and personalities come together for greater benefit to you and to our community as a whole! It'll be practical and fun. You should come.

Hope to see you there!