E-Note From Pastor Andy 11-14-15

November 14, 2015

Dear Eastridge Family,

Last week I read the following sobering numbers: “If you were born between 1925 and 1945 there's a 60% chance you’re in a church today.  If you were born between 1946 and 1964 there's a 40% chance you’re in a church today.  If you were born between 1965 and 1983 there's a 20% chance you’re in a church today.  If you're born after 1984 there is less than a 10% chance you're in a church today.”  From Alan Roxburgh's book 'Joining God, Remaking the Church, Changing the World'

In our October church board meeting we set out some projections for the year 2020 (only 5 years away).  The board agreed that we should aim for an increase of 30 new members; a worship average attendance of 150; an average attendance of 100 for SDMI (Sunday school and small groups) and plant two new churches.

I think we all realize that the only way that we can accomplish these projections is with the help of God.  These are indeed “faith” projections.  Now the question for us becomes, how can we achieve these faith projections?  What do we need to “do” to accomplish these faith projections? 

There's an old adage that says if we continue to do the same things that we have always done we will likely get the same results.  Winston Churchill reportedly said, “However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results.” My question is what do we need to do differently to achieve these faith projections?  What changes do we need to make?  What is our part of these faith projections?

·         How are we going to see new people come to Eastridge and follow Jesus?

·         How are we going to lead new people become followers of Jesus?

·         How are we going to disciple these new followers of Jesus?

·         Memorial for Wenceslao Campos

Tomorrow we will take a few minutes in our worship service to remember Lucy Vargas’ father who died last week in Peru.  Let’s continue to lift up Lucy and her family in prayer.

Also on Thursday, Jerry Ketner, former Pastor in Dodge City, passed away so let’s keep the Ketner family in your prayers as well.  The funeral will be held on Tuesday in Dodge City. 

·         Thanksgiving Offering

The Church of the Nazarene's Thanksgiving Offering for the World Evangelism Fund has been a denominational tradition for more than 80 years.

As it did in its beginning, the offering continues to raise support and awareness for missionary causes through the World Evangelism Fund.  Created in 1923, the WEF (formerly called the General Fund) provides essential resources for the denomination's churches and missional outposts in more than 159 world areas, and allows individuals and organizations to continue our shared mission “To make Christlike disciples in the nations.”

·         Holiday Dinner

Sunday December 13^th after the morning service we will have our all-church holiday potluck dinner.  Everyone is invited to come and bring food to share with your church family.

·         Favorite quotes of the week

A man prayed and at first he thought prayer lies in talking.  But he became more and more quiet until in the end he realized prayer is listening."  —Søren Kierkegaard

"If you want to get warm you must stand near the fire.  If you want joy, peace, eternal life, you must get close to what has them."  - C. S. Lewis

"If our faith costs nothing, it contributes nothing." - E. Stanley Jones

I look forward to worshiping with you on Sunday.

Pastor Andy

E-Note From Pastor Andy 10-21-15

October 21, 2015

Tonight our regular Bible Study will be meeting at Vera Goodson’s home at our normal time of 6PM.  Everyone is invited to attend.

Fall Festival

This Saturday we are having our annual fall festival. It will be going on from 3-5 p.m. There will be games, candy, food, a cakewalk, prizes and even a chili cook off.  This is a great opportunity to bring friends, coworkers, or family members.  If you are interested in helping with the games or have any questions, you can call or text Pastor Josh at 316-832-8316.

There also will be a time to help set up for the fall festival on Friday at 6 p.m., at the church.  Pastor Josh and Jill will bring some Hot Chocolate to help us all get in the mood for fall.

Crazy Love

We have had a good response to our churchwide study of God’s love using the book, Crazy Love  by Francis Chan.  If you have not been able to attend one of the small groups let me encourage it is not too late to get started.

Prayer Request

Today I find myself with a heavy heart considering some news I have received this morning.  This morning Nazarene Pastor Tomas Ticum of Wichita Todas las Naciones died this morning.  Let’s lift up his wife Orquidia and their children up before the Throne of Mercy.

Pastor Will shared last week that Diana Haworth went on hospice care to help her with the pain she is experiencing.

I spoke with Larry Arnett today and he said the doctor informed he and Judy that her cancer is in her liver, abdominal wall, spine and hip and she only has a few months left to live.

Lida Charters remains in the hospital since they found her unresponsive last Thursday.

Last week Carmen Angulo was informed that she has a return of her cancer this time in her colon.

We have many needs to bring to God in prayer.  Let me close by sharing a thought from E. M. Bounds on prayer, “Prayer is the greatest of all forces, because it honours God and brings Him into active aid.” - E. M. Bounds

Pastor Andy

E-Note From Pastor Andy 9-11-15

September 11, 2015

Dear Eastridge Family,

Today marks the 14th anniversary of the tragic events we simply call 9/11.  2,977 people died on that day as a result of the terrorist attack on America.  I’d invite you to pause now, if you haven’t already done so today, to pray for those whose lives were lost on 9/11, their families, for all those who lost their lives in the years since in the fight against Islamic terrorism and those who were injured in this fight.

Here are a few items I want to make sure you are aware.  I’m looking forward to worshiping with you on Sunday!

Pastor Andy

Cleaning Day

Tomorrow, September 12th from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. we will gather to clean the church and make preparations for our celebration dinner.  The more people who come out to help the quicker we can get the job finished.

Crazy Love

Sunday September 13th kick off our church wide study of God’s Love using Francis Chan’s bestselling book “Crazy Love.”  We will distribute books to those who have signed up for a copy.  The books cost about $8 each.  Some cannot afford to buy a book at this time but please don’t let this keep you from participating in this church wide study.  We can order books in Spanish or English. 

There will be a sign-up sheet for each of the small groups.  It looks like we will have groups meeting on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and maybe Friday.

Tonight I am hosting the small group leaders and host to discuss how we want to lead the groups.  I am thankful for each one who has agreed to lead or be a host for the small groups.

This will be a good study that you will not want to miss.

Here is a photo of Pastor James and Norman working on the church apartment.  

Kitchen/Fellowship Remodel Celebration

Sunday, September 13th after the morning worship service we will have an International Potluck Dinner to celebrate the completion of the renovation.  You will not want to miss out on the good food from people in the Eastridge Congregation.

Nursery Makeover

The education committee gave Jill Heer and Dalia Vargas the responsibility of doing a makeover in the nursery.  They have been working on this project and are getting close finishing it up.  They have talked about having a nursery shower to give the “new” nursery some fresh new toys and other items.  Watch for more details to come.

Alabaster Offering

What is Alabaster?  The Alabaster Offering provides funds for property and buildings around the world.  While we understand the church consists of the people of God and not a building, buildings erected for the purpose of ministry help provide a sense of permanence, functionally enhance ministry efforts, and convey an attitude that the Church of the Nazarene intends to “put down roots.” Alabaster funds help provide land for many Work & Witness projects, and the entire Alabaster Offering goes toward the purchase of land and construction of churches, schools, medical facilities, and homes for missionaries and national workers.

We will be receiving this offering on Sunday, September 27^th. You can get an alabaster box in the church lobby, or simply come prepared to give on that Sunday morning service. 

Favorite Quotes

“Teach me and I’ll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I’ll understand.”  -Chinese Proverb

"You are most like God when you are bringing people together in reconciliation." - E. Stanley Jones

"God never uses anyone greatly until He tests them deeply." – A.W. Tozer

E-Note From Pastor Andy 9-4-15

September 4, 2015

Dear Eastridge Family,

For the past several weeks we have had on the platform in the sanctuary a fishing boat.  Several have asked what it going on?  Why the boat?  The answer is pretty simple; the boat is a reminder for all of us that we are to be fishing for men, women, boys and girls.  We have been commanded to make disciples and be fishers of people.   

Jesus said, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.”  Matthew 4:19.  Which begs the question, if you’re not fishing are you truly following?

Most people catch fish by going to where the fish are located.  If we are going to make disciples, and fish for people, we need to put nets in the water and bait some hooks and put them in the water.  No one complains I did not catch any fish today while they just sat on the couch.  That would be silly.  Yet many Jesus followers make no effort to fish for people or make disciples of Jesus and wonder why it is not happening.

There is no substitute for each Christian praying for people in their OIKOS and looking for opportunities to share Jesus with them.  However here at Eastridge Church we do try to create opportunities for you to share Jesus with your OIKOS.  Last month we showed a file entitled “Do You Believe?”  We had a several new visitors, both OIKOS and neighborhood visitors,  come out and watch the movie.

Starting this month we want to create another opportunity for you to invite your OIKOS to come and join us during this study of God’s love.  This church wide study on the love of God will use Francis Chan’s book “Crazy Love” during this study.  Take advantage of this opportunity to invite your OIKOS.

Wichita State University Campus Ministry

Pastor Josh and Eastridge Church is partnering with Intervarsity Christian Fellowship to do some ministry on the WSU campus.  Intervarsity is a ministry designed for college students on universities across America.  Next week Josh will be on the campus inviting students to follow Jesus.  Let’s be in prayer that God will open doors for Josh to find some leaders to minister to the students at WSU.

Crazy Love

Starting September 13th we will begin a church wide study of God’s Love using Francis Chan’s bestselling book “Crazy Love.”  We have sign-up sheet in the entryway of the church for anyone needing a book.  You may want to order a book for someone that you plan to invite.  The books cost about $7 each.  Some cannot afford to buy a book at this time but please don’t let this keep you from participating in this church wide study.  We can order books in Spanish or English.  Also we are looking for host homes to have a small group meet in your home.  If you would like to host a small group during this study please let Stephanie Heer know.

Cleaning Day

Next Saturday, September 10^th from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. we will gather to clean the church and make preparations for our celebration dinner.

Kitchen/Fellowship Remodel Celebration

On September 13th after the morning worship service we are planning an International Potluck Dinner to celebrate the completion of the renovation.  There is a sign-up sheet in the entryway of the church.   

Nursery Makeover

The education committee gave Jill Heer and Dalia Vargas the responsibility of doing a makeover in the nursery.  They have been working on this project and are getting close finishing it up.  They have talked about having a nursery shower to give the “new” nursery some fresh new toys and other items.  Watch for more details to come.

Favorite Quotes

“The love of God invades me, the peace of God pervades me, the will of God persuades me, and I am wholly His.” - E Stanley Jones

“If you want to get warm you must stand near the fire.  If you want joy, peace, eternal life, you must get close to what has them.”  - C. S. Lewis

"If I die tomorrow, I’ll be with Jesus. If not, he’ll be with me." - Craig Ellis

I'm looking forward to worshiping with you Sunday

Pastor Andy

E-note From Pastor Andy 8-13-15

August 13, 2015

Dear Eastridge Family,

I have a number of items to share with you today so I’ll get to the point.  We distributed a small cross to everyone on Sunday to remind us following Jesus means we must deny our self and take up our cross daily.  The cross also symbolizes the price that Jesus paid for our salvation from sin.  The cross has been a central symbol for Christians for years.  May we experience the reality of the cross in our life.

Pastor Andy

Youth Group Report from Texas

This Sunday we will hear from our youth group about their trip to Ft. Worth and how God spoke to them.  You will not want to miss hearing how God worked in their lives.

MNU Church Matching Offering

On Sunday morning we will receive our MNU church matching offering for our three students attending MidAmerica Nazarene University.  Anna and Sarah Heer are returning for their junior year as they pursue a degree in nursing and Ashley Heer will start her studies in Elementary Education.  If we can raise $500 for each student MNU will match that amount putting the money towards their tuition bill.

Box Tops – Sun Valley Indian School

1,600,000 Box tops = a new van.  After waiting for 5 years for that many box tops we are able to order a new van to be delivered in time for the new school year.  THANK YOU AGAIN for all your help, we are so excited!  God bless you.  Keep those soup labels and box tips coming!

Sincerely,

Jeanette Ketterling

Do You Believe

Sunday evening we will be showing a movie entitled “Do You Believe?”  From the creators of God’s Not Dead comes the film with a challenge to answer the question we will all face in our lifetimes.  Do You Believe?  If you were ever accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?

Wichita State University Campus Ministry

Pastor Josh will be attending a training session in Kansas City Friday and Saturday with Intervarsity Christian Fellowship.  Intervarsity is a ministry designed for college students on universities across America.  Intervarsity is partnering with Eastridge Church through Pastor Josh.  Let’s be in prayer that God will open doors for Josh to find some leaders to minister to the students at WSU.

Crazy Love

Starting September 13^th we will begin a church wide study of God’s Love using Francis Chan’s bestselling book “Crazy Love.”  We have sign-up sheet in the entryway of the church for anyone needing a book.  We can order books in Spanish or English.  Also we are looking for host homes to have a small group meet in your home.  If you would like to host a small group during this study please let Stephanie Heer know.

We plan to use a fishing theme during this campaign (that is why we have a boat on the platform).  We want to encourage people to be fishing for their OIKOS (friends, family, co-workers and neighbors).  Our D. S. Jim Bond asks, “If you are not fishing for men are you really following Jesus?”

Kitchen/Fellowship Remodel

On September 13^th after the morning worship service we are planning an International Potluck Dinner to celebrate the completion of the renovation.  We are asking our church family to bring their favorite main dish and a side or dessert. 

Favorite Quotes

“Conquer men by your gentle kindness, and make zealous men wonder at your goodness." - St. Isaac the Syrian

“No man preaches that sermon well to others that doth not first preach it to his own heart.”  — John Owen

Do You Believe

Join us at Eastridge Church of the Nazarene as we show the movie on Sunday evening August 16th at 6PM 

We will have a time of fellowship with snacks in our fellowship hall.

820 S. Woodlawn, Wichita, KS

Enote From Pastor Andy 7-15-15

July 15, 2015

Dear Eastridge Family,

District Assembly concluded last night with the ordination service.  We had some good services and we will hear reports from our delegates Sunday evening.  I want to make sure to let you know about a few important events coming up soon.

  

Sunday cookout/Pie Auction

This Sunday the teens will be having a cookout and a pie auction following the service. This is an opportunity for the youth to serve the church body, along with thanking them for their support.  The donations received from the pie auction and cookout will go to the teens mission fund.  This is no ordinary trip, we know God is going to move and help prepare this generation to do kingdom work.  If you are interested in donating a pie or baked good please contact Pastor Josh at 316-832-8316 or joshheer@yahoo.com

Youth Garage Sale

On July 25^th the youth group is having a garage sale to raise money for their mission trip.  If you are interested in making a donation please contact Pastor Josh.

Movie night

          Do You Believe?—the latest film from the makers of God's Not Dead.  Watch for details to be announced with date and time.  This movie is about a local pastor who is shaken to the core by the visible faith of an old street-corner preacher; he is reminded that true belief always requires action. His response ignites a faith-fueled journey that powerfully impacts everyone it touches in tangible ways that only God could orchestrate.

Box tops

          We have a box in the entryway to collect box tops and Campbell soup labels.  If you have been collecting them please bring them to the church and we will send them off to Sun Valley Indian School to help purchase equipment, including a van.  (Please make sure you bring the whole Campbell’s label, the UPC code is needed).

Kitchen remodel

We should have a new countertop for the Fellowship Hall near the end of the month.  If you would like to help cover the cost please mark your offering envelop or check “Kitchen” and we will make sure the money is directed to cover those expenses.

Pastor Andy

E-note From Pastor Andy 7-4-15

July 4, 2015

Dear Eastridge Family,

I’m on my way to Florida but I wanted to leave you with a few thoughts and a couple reminders.  I recently read the following from Pastor Tony Evans on discipleship that I wanted to share:

Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is a lot different than just going to church once or twice a week. To get excited because the preacher moved you and the choir inspired you is nice, but that’s not spiritual growth. To enjoy fellowship with your friends is a wonderful part of the Christian life, but it in and of itself is not discipleship.

The goal and the cornerstone of your activity, that which brings God the most glory, is for you to become a disciple. God’s goal is not salvation; that is just the introduction to God’s goal. His desire is that those who are saved become disciples.

It is not enough simply to say: “I’m on my way to heaven.” The issue is, are you becoming like the One who is taking you to heaven? That’s discipleship, and that’s what Christ wants from you.

Discipleship is that developmental process that progressively brings Christians from spiritual infancy to spiritual maturity so that they are then able to reproduce the process with someone else. The singular, overarching goal of a disciple is to bring all of life under the lordship of Jesus Christ and then help someone else to do the same.

Notice that this brings discipleship around full circle. Disciples are to turn around and make other disciples. Ultimately, that’s how you fulfill the mandate of Matthew 28:18–20. Whether that be at home in your relationships, at work, in church, through mentoring or volunteering at the local public school, or in a variety of ways—your life ought to be about discipling others to become more like Jesus Christ. That is your highest calling and purpose.

Homosexual Marriage

          In light of the recent Supreme Court decision on marriage our General Superintendents released the following statement:

Societies across the globe are engaged in conversations to redefine marriage. Media debates, election-day balloting, and governmental court rulings have provided the platform for this redefinition. We believe a biblical view of marriage involves a monogamous, covenantal relationship between a man and a woman. Jesus said, “... At the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate” (Matthew 19:4-6 NIV).

Today the United States Supreme Court, in the 5-4 decision of Obergefell v. Hodges, legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. We remind our people that while the civil law of yet another country has changed, divine truth has not changed. We will learn how this civil definition functions within the context of our constitutional and religious freedoms. Our commitment to the orthodox biblical Christian faith remains the same. We continue to call Nazarenes around the world to a life of holiness, characterized by holy love and expressed through the most rigorous and consistent lifestyle of sexual purity. We further call our people to a generosity and graciousness of spirit that extends kindness to those who do not share our belief. We pray that God will help us be examples of His truth in a world that needs to see God’s love demonstrated in word and deed more than ever.

Jerry D. Porter, J. K. Warrick, Eugénio R. Duarte, David W. Graves, David A. Busic, Gustavo A. Crocker - Board of General Superintendents, Church of the Nazarene

District Assembly

          Kansas District Assembly will be held July 12-14, 2015 at Wichita First Church of the Nazarene.  We will not have our evening service so all can attend Sunday evening service and hear our new District Superintendent Jim Bond.  On Monday morning we will have the missionary convention and Monday afternoon the SDMI convention.  Tuesday will be our church assembly with pastor’s reports from across the Kansas district.

Missionary Speaker Dave and Kim Hane - Sunday morning July 12

          Dave and Kim Hane are missionaries with the Church of the Nazarene and serve in Singapore in the Asia-Pacific regional office.  Dave and Kim were first appointed as missionaries in 1991 and were assigned to the regional office, then located in Manila, Philippines.  In 2006, they moved with the regional office team to the current location in Singapore. 

          Dave serves as the Regional Personnel coordinator and JESUS Film coordinator. He is also coordinator of AsiaServe, a program designed to place more English speaking Nazarene school teachers and administrators in strategic countries on the region.

In addition to being a full-time mom, Kim assists in regional office duties as needed.   Dave and Kim are also involved in ministry to international students studying in Singapore and serve as pastor coordinators for a church plant.

          The Hanes have two children.  Jonathan will be starting his junior year at Southern Nazarene University in August 2015, and Joy will be entering 8th grade in Singapore.

Movie night

          Do You Believe?—the latest film from the makers of God's Not Dead.  Watch for details to be announced with date and time.  This movie is about a local pastor who is shaken to the core by the visible faith of an old street-corner preacher, he is reminded that true belief always requires action. His response ignites a faith-fueled journey that powerfully impacts everyone it touches in tangible ways that only God could orchestrate.

Box tops

          We have a box in the entryway to collect box tops and Campbell soup labels.  If you have been collecting them please bring them to the church and we will send them off to Sun Valley Indian School to help purchase equipment, including a van.  (Please make sure you bring the whole Campbell’s label, the UPC code is needed).

Kitchen remodel

          This week measurements were taken to make our counter top.  I’m not sure at this point how much money that will cost but if you would like to contribute just mark your check or envelope Kitchen remodel.  Hopefully we will have things completed soon and we will be ready for a church dinner celebration.

Pastor Josh and Pastor Gloria will be preaching tomorrow so I will miss worshipping with you tomorrow.  I pray God’s presence will be evident to all who seek Him in worship tomorrow.

Andy Heer

June 18, 2014

Dear Eastridge Family,

I recently read an account on prayer that I found very encouraging.  I wanted to share this account with you.  It comes from Dr. Helen Roseveare who was a missionary to the Congo.  She tells the following story that I wanted to share with you today:

“A mother at our mission station died after giving birth to a premature baby.  We tried to improvise an incubator to keep the infant alive, but the only hot water bottle we had was beyond repair.  So we asked the children to pray for the baby and for her sister.  One of the girls responded. ‘Dear God, please send a hot water bottle today.  Tomorrow will be too late because by then the baby will be dead. And dear Lord, send a doll for the sister so she won’t feel so lonely.’ That afternoon a large package arrived from England. The children watched eagerly as we opened it. Much to their surprise, under some clothing was a hot water bottle!  Immediately the girl who had prayed so earnestly started to dig deeper, exclaiming, ‘If God sent that, I’m sure He also sent a doll!’ And she was right!  The heavenly Father knew in advance of that child’s sincere requests, and 5 months earlier He had led a ladies’ group to include both of those specific articles.”

Here are some quotations about prayer I find enlightening:

C.S. Lewis - “The moment you wake up each morning, all your wishes and hopes for the day rush at you like wild animals. And the first job each morning consists in shoving it all back; in listening to that other voice, taking that other point of view, letting that other, larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in.”

John Bunyan - “He who runs from God in the morning will scarcely find Him the rest of the day.”

J. Sidlow Baxter - “…Men may spurn our appeals, reject our message, oppose our arguments, despise our persons—but they are helpless against our prayers.”

Martin Luther - “Pray as if everything depends on God, then work as if everything depends on you.”

Stuart Briscoe - “When our children were small and we were trying to teach them to pray, we had three kinds of prayer: ‘Please prayers,’ ‘Thank you prayers,’ and ‘Sorry prayers.’”

John Wesley - 'God does nothing but in answer to prayer; and even they who have been converted to God, without praying for it themselves (which is exceeding rare), were not without the prayers of others.  Every new victory which a soul gains is the effect of a new prayer.

E. M. Bounds - “Pray for ‘all men.’ We usually pray more for things than we do for men. Our prayers should be thrown across their pathway as they rush in their downward course to a lost eternity.” 

William Law - “There is nothing that makes us love a man so much as prayer for him.”

If you pray for someone long enough, your heart toward him will change.  You will gain vested interests in his welfare and will want God to work in his life, and bring blessing to him.  If it’s someone who hurt you, you pray for him.  If you find yourself resenting your father, mother, husband, wife, employer, or pastor, faithfully pray for them.  Over time, watch what happens.

Bake Sale and Car Wash

The youth group will try once again this Saturday from 11AM until 2PM to have a Bake Sale and Car Wash at the church.  The last several times they have planned a car wash it was rained out.  The purpose of these fund raisers is to help fund their mission trip to Ft. Worth, Texas.  The purpose of the mission trip is to help our youth experience serving others while growing their relationship with Christ.

Cabinets

The trustees are working on installing the new cabinets this weekend.  When that job is complete they will arrange to install new countertops.  Once we complete this project we will have a church dinner to celebrate.

Father’s Day

This Sunday is Father’s Day, a time to honor our fathers.  We will have a time to recognize our fathers and to pray God’s blessing on them.

World Mission Broadcast (WMB)

World Mission Broadcast (WMB) began as the Nazarene Radio League in 1944 with the creation of the first international English radio ministry, Showers of Blessings, in 1945. Today, WMB produces 140 radio, television, and Internet broadcast ministries that include podcasts, texting, and chats in 37 distinct languages.  These ministries currently reach beyond borders and barriers into 72 countries around the world.  Every year more than 7,000 unique broadcasts are the conduit that lead people to a local church and into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  It costs WMB just $4 to produce and transmit a one-minute message of hope.  We will receive our WMB offering on June 28^th.

No Sunday evening service

This Sunday we will not have our evening service.

Prayer for Muslims during Ramadan

I am asking you to join me and the Voice of the Martyrs to pray for Muslims around the world during Ramadan.  For the next 30 days, Muslims will be fasting and praying from dawn until sunset.  By God’s grace, some will begin a search that leads them away from the practice of Islamic rituals towards a relationship with the one true God.  As Muslims devote themselves to fast and pray, Christians will also be praying…for them.

There have been great reports of large numbers of Muslims converting to Christ in recent years.  Missionary David Garrison who has documented his findings about the Muslim phenomenon, says “There is a revival in the Muslim world.”  He believes between 2 and 7 million former Muslims have converted to Christianity in the past two decades.  His book, A Wind in the House of Islam, contains impressive research to back up his claim.

E-Note From Pastor Andy 6-11-15

June 11, 2014

Dear Eastridge Family,

Let me start off by saying THANKS!  I was blessed with a birthday card from the church on Sunday and yesterday I had a surprise at the Bible study.  We met and Ben and Elaine’s house where Ben cooked up BBQ ribs, homemade ice cream and other sides.  Clara Jo brought a birthday cake, Lucila brought in Pionono (Pastor Daniel called it Piosisi), Vera had brought some cookies and others brought food and fixings.  It was great fun to eat with my church family.  Thanks again!

Yesterday afternoon Ashley and I took a drive in her car and stopped to take some photos of a wheat field just south of town.  It is obvious that it won’t be long and we will see the harvest begin in these fields.  I was born in Kansas and have seen farmers and livestock and wheat fields all my life.  Yet, I never seem to get tired of them.  They are certainly Kansas.

One day Jesus was talking to his disciples and He told them the fields were ripe and ready for harvest.  The thing that is true about ripe harvest fields in Jesus’ day as well as in our day also; is that they will not harvest themselves…fields do not harvest themselves.  What the ripe fields needed in Jesus’ day is the same ingredient they need today…workers to bring in the harvest.

Jesus does not say the work will be easy.  Every farmer knows a good harvest requires lots of effort, sweat and short nights of sleep.  Jesus said if we are doing His work we can expect, trouble and persecution; but we can also expect Jesus to go with us.

John 4: 35-36 NLT) 35 You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. 36 The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike!

Bake Sale and Car Wash

This Saturday from 11AM until 2PM the youth group is having a Bake Sale and Car Wash at the church.  The last several car wash that they have planned have been rained out.  The purpose of these fund raisers is to help fund their mission trip to Ft. Worth, Texas.  The purpose of the mission trip is to help our youth experience serving others while growing their relationship with Christ.  If the Car Wash is rained out they will try next Saturday.

Cabinets

Dan and Ron Henry delivered new kitchen cabinets for the Fellowship Hall kitchen on Monday.  The trustees are working on a plan to get them installed and countertops made and installed.  Once we complete this project we will have a church dinner to celebrate.

World Mission Broadcast (WMB)

World Mission Broadcast (WMB) began as the Nazarene Radio League in 1944 with the creation of the first international English radio ministry, Showers of Blessings, in 1945. Today, WMB produces 140 radio, television, and Internet broadcast ministries that include podcasts, texting, and chats in 37 distinct languages.  These ministries currently reach beyond borders and barriers into 72 countries around the world.  Every year more than 7,000 unique broadcasts are the conduit that lead people to a local church and into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  It costs WMB just $4 to produce and transmit a one-minute message of hope.

Through the Paglaum sa Kinabuhi (Hope of Life) radio program, Pastor Talon meets many people.  The program has numerous avid listeners, especially those who have met Pastor Talon.  The show often leads to speaking invitations, and Pastor Talon travels from village to village sharing the gospel.  

During one such trip, Pastor Talon met someone especially eager to hear the gospel.  The man immediately proposed to donate a portion of his land for a church building.  Residents of the mountain area now have a place to gather during the radio broadcast and for Sunday worship and fellowship.

SDMI Board Meeting

Sunday after the morning worship service the Sunday School Board or the Sunday School and Discipleship Ministry International board will meet in the Fellowship Hall

Favorite Quotes of the Week

“When he wanted fully to explain what his forthcoming death was all about, he didn’t give them a theory. He didn’t even give them a set of scriptural texts. He gave them a meal” – N. T. Wright

I'm into Jesus. So I like his family too…the church (OK they're a little weird, but hey...) – Pete Greig

“We should be rigorous in judging ourselves and gracious in judging others.”
― John Wesley

Your wife’s relationship with God will affect her relationship with you more than anything else. – Stormie Omartian

E-Note From Pastor Andy 4-28-15

April 28, 2015

Dear Eastridge Family,

          It has been a while since I have sent out an enote.  I have lots of excuses like Pastor’s retreat, Easter, working on the Fellowship Hall, etc., but no one really cares to hear all the excuses so let me get to it. 

          Have you heard about the small boy who was attending a strict school and he was asked to write down in order the worst things that humans could do, and wrote: Number 1: murder; Number 2: running down the hall; Number 3: talking in class.  We all get things out of proportion, but we certainly don’t want to get God wrong.

          This is why we encourage every follower of Jesus to spend time each day reading/listening to the Bible, spend time each day in prayer (talking/listening) to God and start each week off gathering with other followers of Jesus in worship.  We want to know God and get Him right.

          Two Sunday’s ago I shared in my sermon that we need to be actively intentionally following Jesus.  This is the only way to answer Jesus’ call to “Come and follow me.”  If we are not following Jesus by being in a relationship with Jesus and with His other followers (the Bride of Jesus) the church; then maybe we are not really following Him after all.  If we are not about the work of Jesus, fishing for men (making disciples), maybe we are not really following Him.

          Last Sunday I shared in the sermon that the goal of following Jesus is growing a faith that overcomes fear of the future and any current circumstances.  Jesus wants us to have a faith that gives us peace in the middle of any problem or circumstance. 

          Do you remember the most frequent command in the Bible?  What instruction, what order, is given, again, and again, by God, by angels, by Jesus, by prophets and apostles?  It is not “Be good” or “Be holy for I am holy.”  It’s not, “Do not sin.”  The most frequent command in the Bible is “Do not be afraid.  Fear not.  Don’t be afraid.”

          Until we learn to live without fear you won’t find it easy to follow Jesus. Remember it's the resurrected Jesus who gives us the command don't be afraid.  Believing in this God means believing that it's going to be alright and disbelief is ultimately incompatible with fear.  As John says in his letter, perfect love casts out fear, 1 John 4:18.   And the resurrection is a revelation of perfect love God's perfect love for us his human creatures.

Election Results

Here are the results of our annual election:

Stewards: Janeth Flores, Faith Shimko, Lucila Vargas and Olga Vargas

Trustees: Nick Heer, Dan Henry, Norman Karns, and Enrique Vargas

Sunday School Superintendent: Stephanie Heer

NMI President: Todd Hunter

Delegates to District Assembly: Nick Heer, Ben Hunter and Elaine Hunter with alternates Peter Nolasco and Olga Vargas

Baby Shower for David and Ana Reyes

David and Ana Reyes are a couple that have recently started attending Eastridge Church of the Nazarene.  David has been playing guitar in the worship team, and both are a part of the young adult small group.  They are expecting a baby girl in mid-June.  This is their first child, and have quite a few things they need to welcome her home with.  Please join us, in celebrating this exciting time for David and Ana, while also getting to know them more.  We will have a Baby Shower, Sunday May 3, @ 4:30 in the fellowship hall.  They have expressed a need for; non-newborn clothes (3 months and up), diapers, and basic baby needs.

Fellowship Hall Kitchen

Two couples from the Pittsburg, Kansas Church of the Nazarene were here last week to lay the tile in the expanded kitchen.  Several volunteers have come out to help paint, install new lights, etc.  We still need to get new kitchen cabinets and counter tops installed.  If you would like to help us fund this work please mark your check or offering envelope “kitchen” and we will apply this to help cover the cost.

Car Wash

The youth group will have a car wash on Saturday May 9^th to help raise money for their mission trip this summer.

Mother’s Day

We will have a guest band with us leading us in worship.  Tomas Ticum is the leader of this band and he attends MNU and has been part of the traveling music teams from the University.  His father is a Nazarene pastor here in Wichita Todas Las Naciones.  

Graduation Sunday

On Saturday at 10am Jill Heer will receive her diploma at MidAmerica Nazarene University graduation ceremony.  Also in the next few weeks we will have three other high school graduations for Ashley Heer, David Mares, and Luis Ochoa.  These three have been active in the Eastridge Youth group the past several years and we want to celebrate with them on Sunday evening May 17^th in the fellowship hall with reception.

Help Needed

We need volunteer workers for the nursery and for children’s church also in our greeter ministry.  If you would like to help on occasion we have a sign-up sheet on the information table or you may speak with Faith Shimko or Stephanie Heer.

I look forward to seeing you in worship on Sunday,

Pastor Andy

“No man knows how bad he is till he has tried very hard to be good.” – C. S. Lewis