I am so grateful that Chris Jenkins stepped up to teach "12 Women of The Bible." I had the privilege of being one of the table leaders and really enjoyed getting to know the gals at our table. This was a stretch for me personally, but I know Chris and I know that she doesn't do anything without spending a lot of time in prayer before stepping out and doing it.
The first night all of us were informed that whatever was shared at this study would stay there. I loved how we would start by joining hands and praying ~ women from East Hills, The Grove, women from our community, some who attended other churches, some who didn't attend church. The presence and love of God filled that room.
At our table, women were open and honest and real starting the first night. For many of us, our prayer time was something that we each really looked forward to. I was excited to see the age range of the women and so grateful that there were not any "clicks". I learned a lot about God's heart and love concerning women ~ in Bible days and today. I'm so glad that I attended this study.
When we introduced the blessing bags, we asked that (once you handed yours out), you consider sharing that story with others.
Whether it was amazing or awful, scary or easy, it’s great to hear about the experiences of others.
So, with that in mind, here’s my story:
I am grateful to have the opportunity to serve as the interim youth pastor at East Hills and The Grove. I grew up in Castle Rock in a house that my parents still live in to this day. We were always involved in church and I really felt like ministry as something God had for me when I was around 15 or 16. I was a student leader when I was in youth ministry, played on the worship team, and helped with video for youth throughout high school.
SMaRt begins its fall study on Sundays from 6-8 p.m. in Pastor Jon’s office at the East Hills campus this October. Co-led by Becky Cooper and Jennifer Sharer, the ministry began “as a way for moms of teenagers to fellowship and share ideas, celebrations and struggles,” they said. “Last year we covered topics such as social media, dating, disrespectful attitudes, church attendance, brain development, eating disorders, pornography and so much more.”
The House did a short interview with a couple of Kidville’s special teachers. Shea Craver & Shann Gilman.
Shea has been teaching about 6-7 months in the preK/kindergartenclass at The Grove.
Shann has been teaching Kidville for about 7 years, starting out as a helper on Saturday nights at East Hills. She is now the campus leader for Kidville at The Grove, and still teaching.
A time of transition always leads to a lot of questions, and a church is no different. People ask all kinds of questions of who, what, when, where, why, and how. Most of the questions seem to fall into one of two categories: “Are we going to be led well?” and “Are we going to be okay?”
The Fall season is kicking off at The Grove campus with a bustle of activity.
The building continues to experience minor renovations as the months roll by. Included in these are the filling of the oil tank out back behind the building, the repairing of termite damage underneath The Grove’s community room, and various other
By now, you probably know that East Hills and The Grove are headed into a time of transition. After 14 and ½ wonderful years here, Michelle and I have accepted a role with Pure Desire Ministries in Gresham, Oregon. As their new executive director, I will be tasked with helping this ministry grow and reach more churches and people with a message of freedom and hope.
While this new opportunity is exciting
Where do you run when bombs are going off all around you day and night? What do you do when you flee with your children to a country where forks and canned foods are mysteries?
Or when you dream a big dream for God and He changes the whole scenario?
The House interviewed Steve Bilger, a member of East Hills Alliance, who is also involved in the student ministry called Young Life. Following is the interview.
Steve: Young Life is a missionary organization—its primary aim is for young people who do not yet know Jesus...