Creating Community
Many people in our community struggle with their relationships with family and others who might have hurt them in their life. Many live in isolation without healthy friendships or basic companionship. They are lonely, depressed and in need of a sense of personal value to others. They may have lost a loved one and now live alone. They may view the world as hostile and uncaring to their personal needs. These and many of our own neighbors are the people who Jesus called us to love and connect with. Jesus people are here in this world to bring life and love to all with whom we come into contact. We are to create community for the lonely, the out cast, the homeless, the rejected and the unloved. People move into our community daily because of various reasons. They are here because of jobs, family, life difficulties or even military deployment. Everyone is in need of community and this should be our focus. When Jesus fills our heart he also calls us out into the community to love and serve others. The is how the Kingdom of God is shared and expanded. So, when a call for help is given or a request for volunteers is shared, let us see every need as an opportunity to connect and create community in the name of Jesus!
Ekklesia has intentionally created several opportunities for people to connect in a community of believers. These community gatherings are called "House Churches." Several times per month Ekklesia people get together in each other's homes to share food, share the word, share with others by serving and even share in some fun by recreating together. These four focuses (Food, Word, Service and Recreation) are meant to create community within our particular body of Christ. Each group or House Church is a mini church functioning independently to connect with each other and with people outside our group. The Gospel (or good news about Jesus) drives us to love others and create this community.
Super Bowl Connection Time!
On Sunday afternoon, February 5th, Ekklesia is planning a special time of fun and connection as everyone is invited over to the Bell home to watch the Super Bowl. At this point we really don't care who is in the game. Our focus will be on having a time of good fun and community. Everyone is invited over to the Bell home on Sunday afternoon at 3:00pm. Kick off time is scheduled for 3:30pm. Everyone is encouraged to bring snacks and side dishes to share while we enjoy the afternoon together.
Where: Bell home- 7800 Square Lake Rd.
When: 3:00 pm
Bring: snacks or side dishes
Severe Weather Shelter is Open
The Severe Weather Shelter is now open for business and people are coming in from the cold. The shelter is open whenever the DEM (Department of Emergency Management) determines that the temperature in Kitsap County will dip below 32 degrees or whenever more than an inch of rain is forecast for our area. This week our shelter was open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings due to our cold temperatures. Thank you to everyone who has volunteered to assist with this ministry and for all the donations given to this cause.
New Trailer Purchased for Ekklesia
Every year Ekklesia participates in many events in our community that require canopies, folding tables, chairs and many tubs of supplies. These events occur in parking lots, parks and in various locations across our county. We also participate in many service projects that require the transportation of equipment such as lawn mowers, yard tools and various other supporting equipment. We also haul things for people such as furniture, fire wood, donated bikes, food bank supplies or other donated items that support projects in Port Orchard. A ministry trailer has been on our needs list for some time. So, last Sunday, Gene Cartwright found just what we needed on Craigs List for a good deal. Ekklesia now has an eight foot enclosed trailer that will be used for many of our needed projects. What a blessing it will be to serving others in our community! Thank you Gene for finding and securing the purchase of this needed tool!
The New Ekklesia Ministry Trailer
