B.L.E.S.S Sunday!

May God be merciful and bless us. 

May his face smile with favor on us.

May your ways be known throughout the earth, 

Your saving power among people

Everywhere… 

                                           Psalm 67:1-2

From the very beginning, way back in the first book of the Bible, Genesis, God’s way to change the world has been through a blessing strategy. In Genesis, chapter 12, God says to Abraham: “I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.  I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." (Genesis 12:2,3). 

God blessed Abraham (relationally, financially and spiritually), but the point of that blessing was not for him to simply receive that blessing. The point of the blessing for Abraham and all who followed after him, including Jesus and us – we are being blessed to BE a blessing. 

We need to stop for a second. This is a subtle but important point – if you do not get this you will never discover your mission in life AND nothing else we say about BLESS will make any sense! Every good thing in your life; every blessing – you are blessed to BE a blessing to others! And being a blessing to people is both how you accomplish the Jesus mission and how you discover your mission.

I discovered recently the Covenant Church back in 2017, specifically the leaders of Make and Deepen Disciples, were praying about how to put this overarching purpose of God in a concise and teachable way to encourage the church to keep focused on what Jesus had handed over to us.  Dave Ferguson had written his book and the B.L.E.S.S acronym came into being. 

Of course, this is not new to Eden Church. B.L.E.S.S. has been a value that has been guiding the ministries we invest our time and resources in and I’m sure will continue into the future. The neat thing about how God works is I’m not sure when I first read Ferguson’s book but this initiative is coming full circle as we join with our larger faith family in the Covenant to unite our prayers with thousands of Covenanters around the world this Sunday for BLESS Sunday. 

We will all have a chance to pray, write down someone we are committed to pray for, taking home one with us and leaving the name on a card that will be collected and will then be carried to Gather, the Evangelical Covenant denominational annual meeting in Orlando in June. Praying for those we want to see experience the love of Jesus in our families, communities and world is the first work of B.L.E.S.S. 

God has been faithful to his people of Eden Church as we prayerfully seek His will in all things so we can learn to love Jesus, live like Jesus and do what Jesus did. Come prepared tomorrow, as you prayerfully come to worship and let’s listen together to what the Spirit is saying to the Church! Easter is not over, Resurrection has just begun.

Praying with you,

Pastor T

Important Updates:

What’s next in our journey with the Covenant Church? 

Next weekend, from May 1-3, during the Central Conference Annual Meeting, a vote will take place regarding the recommendation of Eden Church to the denominational annual meeting, Gather, in June for adoption into the Covenant. Pastor Matt, Pete Hotmire and Bry Friend will be joining Pastor Tammy and experience this time of fellowship with Covenant colleagues, delegates from churches with the opportunity to attend breakout sessions for leadership development. Currently, the Leadership Board is thoughtfully considering if a name change aligns with what the Lord is guiding us toward. Regardless of our decision, this marks a season of renewal for our wonderful community as we look to the future and aim to BLESS more individuals, inviting those who are unchurched to experience God's love in all areas of their lives. Let us continue to celebrate as we join in God’s mission to see more disciples among more populations in a more caring and just world. If you have any questions you can contact Moderator of our Leadership Board, Michael Shaffer or Pastor Tammy. 

Indiana Landmark Grant

Eden Church has been awarded a $22,000 grant from Indiana Landmark and the Lilly Foundation to complete a Building Conditions Assessment. Arc Design, an architectural firm from Indianapolis, was chosen by our team for the BCA process.  In partnership with our trustees, Arc has completed a thorough examination of our buildings on our campus and will complete their full report with recommendations in a few weeks. With this information, the trustees will consider project priorities which will lead to additional grant applications with the possibility of matching grants to complete essential projects that will enhance and preserve Eden Church and ensure Christ’s Church will be a place of BLESSing for years to come. If you have questions regarding this process, you can contact Trustees, Paul Russell or Phil Schink or Pastor Tammy.