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This year our family did something new when it came to decorating for Christmas....
By: ECO Team
During and after our national gathering in Greenville, I received about a dozen comments along the lines of, “It seems like we have turned a corner in ECO!” Indeed, there were stories and moments during the event that felt incredibly encouraging. One highlight for me was hearing from Steven Perry, a church planter from Detroit, who shared his journey and reasons for wanting to join ECO. I was grateful for the welcoming environment both nationally and locally that attracted him to us. You can watch Steven’s inspiring story here.
There were numerous other instances where we witnessed the tangible impact of Flourish Institute of Theology, our ordination process, church planting efforts, and our transformation initiatives. These stories added depth to the information I shared during my address at the Synod Business Meeting. As this newsletter reaches a broader audience than those present at the meeting, I want to highlight some key statistics:
During our national gathering in 2020, I shared a passage from 2 Kings 4, where a widow in financial distress sought help from Elisha. Despite having only a flask of oil, Elisha instructed her to gather pots from her neighbors, and miraculously, the oil multiplied to fill all the pots, stopping only when there were no more vessels to fill. The message resonates as a reminder that we must prepare ourselves for the work that God intends to do in and through us. This feels particularly relevant now as we reflect on the Lord’s past and ongoing work within our community. As leaders, churches, and a denomination, we must position ourselves to receive what the Lord has in store for us. I look forward to continuing to experience God’s faithfulness in the future along with each of you and your congregations!
In Christ,
Dana
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