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

Unfortunately, weatherbug has predicted 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.