Dear Eastside,
In a time when our nation feels increasingly tense around immigration and public protests, I want to remind us of who we are as followers of Jesus. We are people of peace. That means we are not called to fear or fear-mongering. We are not called to violence or even hatred. The much harder work of love and reconciliation is ours to do.
While headlines and social media often stir up anxiety or suspicion, the gospel calls us to a deeper (and better!) reality: every person is made in the image of God, and our neighbor includes the stranger, the immigrant (regardless of documentation status). the refugee seeking asylum, the one who thinks differently, the one who protests in the street, and our real or perceived enemies. There are many areas to quibble and disagree when it comes to our faith - this is not one of them.
As your pastor, I invite you to be mindful of the media voices that shape your view of the world. This refers to both the quality of sources as well as the quantity of how much you consume. Let’s not be held captive by narratives that stoke fear and hatred, that dehumanize, or demonize particularly when those being dehumanized are people on the margins. Instead, let us listen well, pray deeply, and act justly. Let's practice carrying peace into places of tension, truth into the presence of lies, and goodness into injustice. Preferably in real life, and less online! The way of Jesus is not one of retreat or rage. It is the narrow path of compassion, courage, and costly love.
Looking forward to gathering together as a family this Sunday,
Pastor Kirsten
In a time when our nation feels increasingly tense around immigration and public protests, I want to remind us of who we are as followers of Jesus. We are people of peace. That means we are not called to fear or fear-mongering. We are not called to violence or even hatred. The much harder work of love and reconciliation is ours to do.
While headlines and social media often stir up anxiety or suspicion, the gospel calls us to a deeper (and better!) reality: every person is made in the image of God, and our neighbor includes the stranger, the immigrant (regardless of documentation status). the refugee seeking asylum, the one who thinks differently, the one who protests in the street, and our real or perceived enemies. There are many areas to quibble and disagree when it comes to our faith - this is not one of them.
As your pastor, I invite you to be mindful of the media voices that shape your view of the world. This refers to both the quality of sources as well as the quantity of how much you consume. Let’s not be held captive by narratives that stoke fear and hatred, that dehumanize, or demonize particularly when those being dehumanized are people on the margins. Instead, let us listen well, pray deeply, and act justly. Let's practice carrying peace into places of tension, truth into the presence of lies, and goodness into injustice. Preferably in real life, and less online! The way of Jesus is not one of retreat or rage. It is the narrow path of compassion, courage, and costly love.
Looking forward to gathering together as a family this Sunday,
Pastor Kirsten
Movie Night
Saturday 6pm
Join us in the ECC Sanctuary on Saturday for an all ages movie night. Kids are invited to bring stuffies and sleeping bags. We will have pizza - feel free to bring your own snacks! Movie will start at 6pm. Hook is rated PG-13 and is a retelling of the Peter Pan story.
Saturday 6pm
Join us in the ECC Sanctuary on Saturday for an all ages movie night. Kids are invited to bring stuffies and sleeping bags. We will have pizza - feel free to bring your own snacks! Movie will start at 6pm. Hook is rated PG-13 and is a retelling of the Peter Pan story.
School is out and the a/c is running! Stay connected and growing with your ECC family. Here is what we have going on in June:
- Church hang out at our new neighborhood Bear Canyon Pizza (new location at Broadway and Camino Seco!). Come and grab a bite to eat and visit with other ECCers. Friday June 6th 6-8pm.
- Movie Night at ECC! An all ages event to stay cool! Pizza and popcorn provided. Saturday June 14th 5:30-8pm. Kids welcome to bring blankets/pillows/stuffies as we will clear out the front of the sanctuary for them. Bring a friend!
- Summer Bible Study. Starting Wednesday June 4th at 6pm in the Fellowship Hall.
- 2025 Summer Bucket List - check out (and add to!) our summer bucket list in the Fellowship Hall.
- Operation Chill Out - During the month of June we will collect items for Salvation Army's 'operation chill out' that provides cooling centers and heat protection for vulnerable Tucsonans. Drop off lip balm, sunscreen, hats, umbrellas, bottled water, and light colored t -shirts at our collection box in the foyer.
A healthy church begins with healthy leadership. At Eastside Covenant Church, one vital area of leadership is our Church Leadership Team. The qualifications for serving on this team closely reflect the biblical standards for elders: men and women of Christian character who are committed to living out their faith within the community of believers. At ECC, it’s also essential that Leadership Team members be church members.
If you're interested in learning more about Eastside or exploring the possibility of joining our Leadership Team, our next membership class is this Sunday after the service. You can RSVP on our events page.
For the past three years, Eileen Short has faithfully served as our Church Chair. Our chair is a vital role in guiding our church. During her term, she’s worked with three pastors (Taylor, our interim pastor Duane, and now Kirsten), helping lead us through seasons of transition. Eileen has offered our community her wisdom, steady presence, and deep love for God. As her term concludes this month, we’ll take time to thank and honor her on June 22.
Looking ahead, Megan Goodman will step into the role of Church Chair, and Lance Peterson will transition into the role of Treasurer. We are grateful for their willingness to serve.
At Eastside, we often say our church is “small but mighty”—and our faithful leaders are a testament to that. Is God calling you to lead and serve here at ECC? If so, we’d love to walk with you as you discern your next steps. Please reach out to Pastor Kirsten to begin that conversation.
If you're interested in learning more about Eastside or exploring the possibility of joining our Leadership Team, our next membership class is this Sunday after the service. You can RSVP on our events page.
For the past three years, Eileen Short has faithfully served as our Church Chair. Our chair is a vital role in guiding our church. During her term, she’s worked with three pastors (Taylor, our interim pastor Duane, and now Kirsten), helping lead us through seasons of transition. Eileen has offered our community her wisdom, steady presence, and deep love for God. As her term concludes this month, we’ll take time to thank and honor her on June 22.
Looking ahead, Megan Goodman will step into the role of Church Chair, and Lance Peterson will transition into the role of Treasurer. We are grateful for their willingness to serve.
At Eastside, we often say our church is “small but mighty”—and our faithful leaders are a testament to that. Is God calling you to lead and serve here at ECC? If so, we’d love to walk with you as you discern your next steps. Please reach out to Pastor Kirsten to begin that conversation.
Here at Eastside, we observe both infant baptism and believer baptism. That means a parent may choose to baptize their infant or dedicate their infant, allowing them the option to choose baptism in the future as they grow in the faith.
We will celebrate both of those on Sunday June 15th as we dedicate a baby and also baptize a baby. What a joyous morning it will be!
If you are interested in hearing more about our theological position on baptism or if you are interested in being baptized yourself, please reach out to Pastor Kirsten.
We will celebrate both of those on Sunday June 15th as we dedicate a baby and also baptize a baby. What a joyous morning it will be!
If you are interested in hearing more about our theological position on baptism or if you are interested in being baptized yourself, please reach out to Pastor Kirsten.
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Don't forget to download our app and sign in to message with ECC and stay up to date. There are are groups for mens and women's ministries, youth group, prayer requests and more.
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Click here to find out out to get the app on your phone
Click here to learn how to log-in to begin using group messaging
