What's Happening at ECV

Spiritual Formation Day For the first time ever, ECV is hosting a Spiritual Formation Day. This is a great opportunity for our entire community to grow in being formed by God and to support one another as we consider God's work in our lives. The day offers space to rest and reflect individually but also to connect and share with other ECVers around a meaningful topic. It's all happening this Saturday, 3/14, from 9:30-4:30pm at the Caritas Center (295 Beham St, Hamden). This day's activity centers around the question, “How are our souls?”  When we think about loving God and loving others, we often hit a wall where we simply do not have more to give. Spiritual formation unpacks why that happens and invites God into those places in our lives.  The day will be led by pastors Bill and Lanie Elander from the nearby New Haven Vineyard. They have led many retreats helping people discover what God is doing on the inside. Register here! A family friendly program for kids in the morning and afternoon childcare is provided. We'll have lunch together. If you have more questions or need a ride, e-mail Laura@elmcityvineyard.org.

A Costly Love Lent Series On Sunday, Jim Rolf continued our Lent series, "A Costly Love." He shared that if we want to love others, we need to be ready to pay the cost of vulnerability associated with truth and transparency. Listen to the talk here. Next Sunday, Matt Croasmun will share about the cost of commitment and why it's essential to loving God and loving others well.

Lenten Dinners Every Friday up to 3/27 On Fridays, we are encouraging our community to fast as an external commitment of our internal desire to grow in love for God and in unity amongst one another. You can fast from food or withhold from something else that is costly for you. In the evenings, we will break fast. Each Friday, the following three ECV homes will break fast together with a simple meal (rice and beans, soup, etc.). Feel free to bring a dish or simply bring yourself! Asha and Robb's @ 530 Norton Parkway. 5:30pm. Family-friendly. Josh and Tina's @ 66 Kensington St. 7:30pm. Dinner followed by prayer and worship. Ed Limmer & the Mansfield Crew @ 192 Mansfield St. 6:30pm. Reflections on the Cross.

St. Patricks Day Parade 3/15  It's that time of year again. The annual St. Patrick's Day Parade is happening this Sunday.This is a big parade that attracts many visitors to New Haven, so you should expect the city to be more crowded and parking more scarce than on a typical Sunday. If you have the ability to walk to church, you can avoid the congestion. If you drive to Sunday Gatherings, you should plan on it taking longer to get through town because the parade will just be winding down around 4:00. You can check the official parade website here for a complete list of road closings, parking availability, the parade route, and other details.