It was just a few short years ago, that 12 people gathered in a living room off of Shackleford Drive to pray and dream about a new church family in the heart of downtown Nashville. It wasn’t long before that little living room could no longer hold our church and so we moved — first to a coffee shop, then to a park, and then finally to the Cannery.

As we approach our 3rd Birthday, it is hard to believe all of the things we have seen God do. The group of 12 has now become more than 1500 strong. One little house church has become more than 60 house churches scattered all across our city, and in April of 2011 we planted two churches and a school in India.

We’ve seen God heal people physically and spiritually, marriages reconciled, friends and neighbors baptized, parents and spouses return to Jesus, babies born, life celebrated, and so much more. It has been an incredible 3 years, and I can’t wait to see what the next 3 years will hold.

As we approach our 3rd Birthday there are two main ways that we are going to celebrate Jesus and the last 3 years as we gather:

ONE : BAPTISM SUNDAY
We can’t think of any better way to celebrate our 3rd birthday than by giving you the opportunity to take the next step in your relationship with Jesus publicly through baptism. On October 23rd, you will be able to be baptized at all of our Sunday Worship Gatherings. If you would like to be baptized or would like to find out more about baptism (…more)

TWO : CLEAN WATER
Last year we celebrated our birthday in a big way by giving our birthday away to provide clean water in 4 villages through Charity Water. Last October, on one Sunday, you gave more than $20,000 to celebrate Ethos Church turning 2. This year, we are praying we can give even more. On October 23rd, 100% of our offering will go to dig clean water wells through Charity Water, who just celebrated their 5th birthday by kicking off the campaign featured in the video below.

There are 3 ways we are asking every person in our church to participate in this celebration :

ONE : PRAY
Spend time praying about what God would have you give towards our clean water project. Our goal is that every man, woman, and child in our church will spend the next 3 weeks asking the Lord what he desires for us to GIVE.

TWO : SHARE
Share the story of  Clean Water. Tell people about what we are praying God will do through us on October 23rd. Tell everyone you know (i.e. Friends, Co-workers, Parents, etc) and invite them to help us. On October 4th, we will relaunch www.AwakenaMovement.com, a site designed to help you share this part of our mission with people outside of the Ethos family.

THREE : GIVE
Give Generously. Give Sacrificially. Give Joyfully. 100% of the funds given to our Awaken a Movement Fund, and 100% of every donation given on October 23rd will go to provide clean water. You can give online HERE.

What a great 3 years it has been. I can’t wait to celebrate on October 23rd. I love our church, and I truly believe the best is yet to come.

Love you guys,

Dave Clayton
Vision and Teaching | Ethos Church

One of Mercy Ministries biggest annual fundraisers is on October 22nd, 2011 in Maryland Farms – the Run for Mercy 5K. We have created a Team Ethos to participate in the race to help support this awesome ministry. The cost is $20 per person, and you will be guaranteed a t-shirt if you register before the end of September.

How to Sign Up

Go to www.runformercy.org/Nashville5K2011 to register, and be sure to join Team Ethos.

Follow the instructions on the website and feel free to contact Brooke Akin at bakin27@gmail.com or 476-3358 (cell) if you have any problems or questions. The race is family-friendly and so much fun. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to support an incredible cause!

About Mercy Ministries

Mercy Ministries is a Christian residential program for girls ages 13-28 who are struggling with life controlling issues such as eating disorders, depression, self-harm, alcohol addictions, and unplanned pregnancy. The girls apply on a voluntary basis and live in the home for an average of six months. While living there they receive Biblically-based counseling, life skills training, and transitional services free of charge. Mercy Ministries raises all of their own money and does not take any from the government in order to be able to teach the girls about the healing power and freedom found in Jesus Christ.

It’s been an awesome week in the life of our church family. If you haven’t heard yet, God completely answered our prayers regarding Jenny Stites’ surgery (read here).  We are so thankful for that awesome blessing. This week, we will continue our study of what it means to be MORE LIKE JESUS.

Take a moment to Read Mark 10 before we gather this Sunday, and as always, bring a Bible and invite your friends. Love you guys – Dave

OVERVIEW
This week will begin the seventh week of our series “More Like Jesus.” The feedback has been great as we’ve really been digging into the implications of what would happen if we actually became More Like Jesus. For an overview on this series go here.

WEEK 8 Preview 
During our time together, we will be jumping into Mark 10 as we ask the question, what would happen if we became MORE LIKE JESUS in our connection to others?

MISSED A WEEK? CATCH UP BELOW >>
WEEK 1 RECAP (Listen)
During our first week we started by laying a really important foundation as we discussed the reality that before we could become More Like Jesus we must realize that all of us are DIFFERENT THAN and IN NEED OF Jesus. Our text for Week 1 was Matthew 9:9-13.

WEEK 2 RECAP (Listen)
During our second week we explored one big question, what would change if we became more like Jesus in the way we TRUSTED God the Father?  Our text for Week 2 was Matthew 6:19-34.

WEEK 3 RECAP (Listen)
During week 3 we explored one big question from John 5, as we asked what would change if we became more like Jesus in the way we VIEW and PURSUE community with God and others?

WEEK 4 Recap (Listen)
During week 4 with wrestled with  Luke Chapter 10, as we ask what would change if we became more like Jesus in regards to His Mission, our joy, and our identity.

WEEK 5 Recap (Listen)
During week  5 we will be dove into Luke 15 as we asked what would happen if we became more like Jesus in our view and pursuit of the lost?

WEEK 6 Recap (Listen) 
During week 6, we explored  Matthew 5:43-48 as we asked the question, what would happen if we became more like Jesus in love?

WEEK 7 Recap (Listen) 
During our time together, we will be jumping into Matthew 14:1-21 as we ask the question, what would happen if we became MORE LIKE JESUS in our priorities? 

Baptism is a powerful moment in which we publicly identify ourselves with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as we surrender our ways to His way. It is a life changing moment.

BAPTISM AT ETHOS CHURCH
At Ethos Church, we celebrate baptism in a variety of ways.

In the past year, people have been baptized in front of large crowds during our Sunday Worship Gatherings, in small groups after a house church meeting on a Wednesday Night, in rivers and pools — even during lunch breaks in our church office with just a handful of friends to celebrate.

Regardless of the time, the place, or the number of people watching — we love to celebrate as people decide to follow Jesus through baptism.

BAPTISM SUNDAY | Oct 23rd (9:15AM, 10:45AM, 5PM, 7PM)
Over the last several months, many of you have made the decision to follow Jesus for the very first time. What an incredible decision! Some of you know you are ready to make that decision, but for a variety of reasons have yet to jump all the way in.

On Sunday, October 23rd, at all of our worship gatherings, you will have a special opportunity to take the next step in your journey with Jesus through baptism.

We believe baptism is a big step, and not something to just rush into — so that is why we are giving you a heads up about October 23rd. Take some time to think, pray, search the scriptures, and your heart about your relationship with Jesus and what it means to commit your life to Him.

ARE YOU READY TO BE BAPTIZED?
If you or someone you know is ready to be baptized :

1) Send an email to baptism@ethoslove.com and include your Name, Age, and tell us a little bit about your faith story.

2) Once you have sent an email, someone from our ministry team will contact you to set up a time to talk, pray, and fill you in on the details for October 23rd.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
If you still have questions, don’t hesitate send us an email (baptism@ethoslove.com) and someone will get back with you shortly.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE TEACH ON BAPTISM?
If you would like to explore further what the Bible teaches on Baptism, please download the PDF below for a list of scriptures regarding baptism. Baptism Verses (PDF)

It was such a joy to gather with our church family yesterday. It was an unusual but exciting day. If you weren’t with us yesterday, you can read about what happened HERE.

As we prepare our hearts for Sunday, take a minute to catch up on weeks you’ve missed and read ahead for this Sunday. I truly believe that our time together will be far more fruitful if our hearts are set in a unified direction.

OVERVIEW
This week will begin the seventh week of our series “More Like Jesus.” The feedback has been great as we’ve really been digging into the implications of what would happen if we actually became More Like Jesus. For an overview on this series go here.

WEEK 7 Preview 
During our time together, we will be jumping into Matthew 14:1-21 as we ask the question, what would happen if we became MORE LIKE JESUS in our priorities?

MISSED A WEEK? CATCH UP BELOW >>
WEEK 1 RECAP (Listen)
During our first week we started by laying a really important foundation as we discussed the reality that before we could become More Like Jesus we must realize that all of us are DIFFERENT THAN and IN NEED OF Jesus. Our text for Week 1 was Matthew 9:9-13.

WEEK 2 RECAP (Listen)
During our second week we explored one big question, what would change if we became more like Jesus in the way we TRUSTED God the Father?  Our text for Week 2 was Matthew 6:19-34.

WEEK 3 RECAP (Listen)
During week 3 we explored one big question from John 5, as we asked what would change if we became more like Jesus in the way we VIEW and PURSUE community with God and others?

WEEK 4 Recap (Listen)
During week 4 with wrestled with  Luke Chapter 10, as we ask what would change if we became more like Jesus in regards to His Mission, our joy, and our identity.

WEEK 5 Recap (Listen)
During week  5 we will be dove into Luke 15 as we asked what would happen if we became more like Jesus in our view and pursuit of the lost?

WEEK 6 Recap (Listen) 
During week 6, we explored  Matthew 5:43-48 as we asked the question, what would happen if we became more like Jesus in love?

THE PLAN
The plan for today was to continue in our series “More Like Jesus.” Our passage for today was from Matthew 5:43-48, and the goal was to explore how we go about loving people that are difficult to love … ironically, it never crossed my mind that God would allow for some really challenging moments to happen during our time together.

A FEW MINUTES BEFORE 9:15AM …
A few minutes before the 9:15AM began this morning, my wife Sydney and son Micah, ran into a guy in the parking lot that was yelling obscenities at the top of his lungs.  He was not interested in talking, just yelling, many of you encountered him as well. So I went outside looking for him, hoping to have a conversation, but unfortunately, I could not find him.  This was an interesting way to start the morning to say the least.

DURING THE 9:15AM …
Not long into our Worship Gathering, I found this guy as he came into the Cannery and began yelling (many of you heard him, even over the music). As I was attempting to teach from Matthew 5, he was making noises, talking and fussing at some of you in the crowd, making some interesting gestures towards me from the back and so on. It was distracting to me, to all of you, and I know some of you even felt scared.

To be completely honest, I was a bit concerned he might harm someone, and it made it next to impossible for me to teach, or spit out a somewhat coherent thought. You guys weren’t alone in your feelings.

BEAUTIFUL RESPONSE
Anyways, amidst the chaos and distractions of the 9:15AM, it was beautiful to watch the way you guys responded. I saw person after person, go over and sit with him, talk with him, encourage him, etc. I was so unbelievably proud to watch the way you guys did exactly what we were talking about. Nobody shunned him, or made him feel like an outsider.

The truth is, none of us deserve the grace of God, and yet it has been given to us so freely by our amazing God. You guys extended that so beautifully this morning to a man who desperately needs the grace of God and God’s church, just like each and every one of us.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.

HOW TO HANDLE THIS IN THE FUTURE
Many of you know this is not the first time something like this has happened. In fact, in our setting, it happens fairly often. It happened today, and chances are it will happen again soon. Our church exists to serve, love, and bless ALL people — no matter where they currently are in their spiritual journey. Several of you grabbed me afterwards, and asked me what is the best way to handle similar situations in the future … the answer is simple, handle it just like you did today.

1) No matter the distraction, love the person and treat them with honor.
2) If they are threatening people physically or intimidating folks, just get up and help walk them into the lobby or some other neutral place where you can talk thru the situation.
3) Don’t hesitate to grab a couple of other folks to help you out.
4) Trust your instincts.

A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT
After the 9:15AM Worship Gathering, I took a few minutes to just pray about what had just happened. As I was praying, my good friend Brian, a family member at Ethos who currently lives in Seattle, sent me an email.

The email was about a dream he had this morning. The dream was so vivid that when he woke up (6:30am his time which is 9:30am our time), he got out of bed and sent me an email describing the dream. I got the email just before we started the 10:45AM Worship Gathering. It felt like a word from the Lord for sure.

I will paraphrase the dream here, but you can go on to the podcast this week to listen to the dream in detail (I’ll read it out loud at the rest of our services today). Brian said he had a dream, that someone wandered into Ethos and created quite a stir during the service. In fact, in his dream, this person was making a lot of people feel scared and uncomfortable. But despite their feelings, people from the church kept standing up and encouraging this person who was causing the commotion. (I thought this was beautiful because this is exactly what happened).

Towards the end of Brian’s email, he ended it like this …

“In the dream you (Dave) were frustrated that weren’t able to finish the sermon you had worked so hard on because of this person’s disruption. You seemed to miss the beauty of what had actually happened. I don’t know if any of this dream rings true at all for what has happened at Ethos today, but I want to encourage you to leave room for the Holy Spirit’s work in all of your plans so that you can receive well the unexpected ways God is breaking into our world. Love you dude -Brian”

CONCLUSION
I was so blown away after reading Brian’s email. It was a powerful reminder that Jesus’ life and ministry was constantly bombarded with people and situations that were uncomfortable. As we follow Jesus, the same will be true of us. I pray our church is the type of church that is constantly bombarded with Holy Distractions. Distractions that shake us out of our comfort zones and remind us of the work of God and the messiness of life. May we never be too comfortable, or feel to safe in our own skin.

I am so grateful to God for the chaos that happened in the midst of the 9:15AM and the way our people responded.

This is our mission.

Our God is great. To him be all the glory.

Love you guys,

Dave Clayton

As a family at Ethos, it is our Christian calling to love, encourage, and support both Mallory and Andrew as they begin this journey of parenthood. I am asking you to pour out your hearts in prayers of thanksgiving for this beautiful baby girl and prayers of petition for wisdom and strength for the sometimes trying adventure of being parents. You can also help out by providing meals for the family as they spend time enjoying life with new arrival.

A care calendar has been set up to allow convenient online signups once again.  To access the Gradys’ personal CareCalendar site, visit http://www.carecalendar.org/logon/86787.  Enter the following information in the appropriate spaces: CALENDAR ID: 86787, SECURITY CODE:5291.  Click on a date to select it.  Enter your information into the appropriate blanks and you will secure the date.

Thank you so much for loving on so many beautiful families this summer!  It is truly God’s calling for His church and I am so proud to be apart of a church who lives out His love.

Contact Information:  If you need anything or have any questions or difficulties, please contact Courtney Steele: 615-417-3697 , courtneycsteele@gmail.com

I hope you’ve had an awesome week. As we prepare our hearts for our time together this Sunday, take a few minutes to review where we have been, and prepare for where we are going. I really believe God will do something great among us if we will come ready to encounter God and bless people.

OVERVIEW
This week will begin the sixth week of our series “More Like Jesus.” The feedback has been great as we’ve really been digging into the implications of what would happen if we actually became More Like Jesus. For an overview on this series go here.

WEEK 1 RECAP (Listen)
During our first week we started by laying a really important foundation as we discussed the reality that before we could become More Like Jesus we must realize that all of us are DIFFERENT THAN and IN NEED OF Jesus. Our text for Week 1 was Matthew 9:9-13.

WEEK 2 RECAP (Listen)
During our second week we explored one big question, what would change if we became more like Jesus in the way we TRUSTED God the Father?  Our text for Week 2 was Matthew 6:19-34.

WEEK 3 RECAP (Listen)
During week 3 we explored one big question from John 5, as we asked what would change if we became more like Jesus in the way we VIEW and PURSUE community with God and others?

WEEK 4 Recap (Listen)
During week 4 with wrestled with  Luke Chapter 10, as we ask what would change if we became more like Jesus in regards to His Mission, our joy, and our identity.

WEEK 5 Recap (Listen)
During week  5 we will be dove into Luke 15 as we asked what would happen if we became more like Jesus in our view and pursuit of the lost?

WEEK 6 Preview 
This Sunday, we will be exploring Matthew 5:43-48 as we ask the question, what would happen if we became more like Jesus in regards to perfect love?

BEFORE WE GATHER THIS SUNDAY
Here are a few practical things I’m asking everyone in our church to do before we gather this Sunday.
1) Pray about who you will invite and then invite them.
2) Read Matthew 5:43-48 at least one time before we gather, and ask God to open your heart to his word.
3) Come ready to bless someone’s life on Sunday. (i.e. look for someone new, take someone to lunch, be a listening ear, etc).

I absolutely love being a part of what God is doing here at Ethos Church. I love you you guys and can’t wait to worship our great God on Sunday.

Dave Clayton
Leader | Vision and Teaching

-Will

AARON KEYS – DWELL

O My Soul, I Am Not the Same, Sovereign Over Us, Song of Moses, Dwell, In the Name of God, Only Just Begun, Sinless Savior, Raised Me Up

BETHEL LIVE – BE LIFTED HIGH

You Are Good, One Thing Remains, Furious, God I Look to You, I Will Exalt, What Would I Have Done, Love Came Down, God of the Redeemed, One Thirst

BETHEL LIVE – HERE IS LOVE

My Soul Sings, I’ve Found a Love, King of Wonders, I Love Your Presence, I Need You More, Worthy is the Lamb, Here is Love

BRIAN JOHNSON – LOVE CAME DOWN

Love Came Down, Here is Love, Oh Lord You’re Beautiful, Worthy is the Lamb, What Would I Have Done

GUNGOR – BEAUTIFUL THINGS

Beautiful Things, Cannot Keep You, The Earth is Yours, We Will Run

HILLSONG LIVE – GOD IS ABLE

Rise, With Us, The Lost are Found, God is Able, My Heart is Overwhelmed

HILLSONG UNITED – AFTERMATH

Take Heart, Go, Rhythms of Grace, Aftermath, Bones, Father, Search My Heart, Awakening

MATT REDMAN – 10,000 REASONS

We are the Free, Here for You, Holy, 10,000 Reasons, Fires, Never Once, We Could Change the World, Magnificent, O This God, Endless Hallelujah

TIM HUGHES – LOVE SHINE THROUGH

Counting on Your Name, At Your Name (Forever), At Your Name

As a family at Ethos, it is our Christian calling to love, encourage, and support both Chelsea and Ryan as they continue this journey of parenthood. I am asking you to pour out your hearts in prayers of thanksgiving for this beautiful baby boy and prayers of petition for wisdom and strength for the sometimes trying adventure of being parents. You can also help out by providing meals for the family as they spend time enjoying life with their two sweet boys.

A care calendar has been set up to allow convenient online signups once again.  To access Chelsea and Ryan’s personal CareCalendar site, visit http://www.carecalendar.org/logon/82055.  Enter the following information in the appropriate spaces: CALENDAR ID: 82055, SECURITY CODE: 2464.  Click on a date to select it.  Enter your information into the appropriate blanks and you will secure the date.

Thank you so much for loving on these beautiful families!  It is truly God’s calling for His church and I am so proud to be apart of a church who lives out His love.

Contact Information:  If you need anything or have any questions or difficulties, just contact me.
Courtney Steele: 615-417-3697 , courtneycsteele@gmail.com

As a family at Ethos, it is our Christian calling to love, encourage, and support both Lacy and Justin and Amie and Lee as they begin the journey of parenthood. I am asking you to pour out your hearts in prayers of thanksgiving for these beautiful new baby boys and prayers of petition for wisdom and strength for the sometimes trying adventure of being new parents. You can also help out by providing meals for the both families as they spend time enjoying life with their little bundle of joy.

A care calendar has been set up to allow convenient online signups.  To access Lacy and Justin Wright’s personal CareCalendar site, visit http://www.carecalendar.org/logon/82049.  Enter the following information in the appropriate spaces: CALENDAR ID: 82049, SECURITY CODE: 4062.  Click on a date to select it.  Enter your information into the appropriate blanks and you will secure the date.

To access Lee and Amie Cooke’s personal CareCalendar site, visit http://www.carecalendar.org/logon/81827.  Enter the following information in the appropriate spaces: CALENDAR ID: 81827, SECURITY CODE: 5910.  Click on a date to select it.  Enter your information into the appropriate blanks and you will secure the date.

Thank you so much for loving on these beautiful families!  It is truly God’s calling for His church and I am so proud to be apart of a church who lives out His love.

Contact Information:  If you need anything or have any questions or difficulties, just contact me.
Courtney Steele: 615-417-3697 , courtneycsteele@gmail.com

Song – Author – Artist

One Thing Remains - Brian Johnson, Christa Black, Jeremy Riddle – Bethel Live

Oh You Bring – Matt Crocker – Hillsong United

Love Came Down – Ben Cantelon – Bethel Live

Song of Moses - Aaron Keyes, Ben Smith, Chris Moerman, Graham Kendrick, Pat Barrett – Aaron Keyes

Dwell – Aaron Keyes, Jess Cates – Aaron Keyes

Marriages & Carriages will honor 15 couples. We encourage you to support them by writing prayer blessings for them and/or bringing them gift cards. Here are the details:

When: June 1, 6:30-8pm

Where: 4800 Lealand Ln, Nashville, TN 37220

A list of the couples being honored…

Engaged couples:

Davide Fergnani and Amy Sauls
Drew Garland and Alison Amburgey
Josh Moseley and April Easley
Drew Lewis and Louisa Kinzer
Burton Saunders and Lauren Robarts
Ben Wood and Sarah Clayton
Stacy Elliott and Emma Boyd
Jonathan Woods and Dannie Russo
Seth Smith and Christine Perry
Casey Shelf and Sarah McInturff
Kris Laansma and Erica Osborn

Expecting Couples:

Lee and Amie Cooke
Ryan and Chelsea Boyd
Andrew and Mallory Grady
Justin and Lacy Wright

Here is our King – David Crowder Band
Run – Hillsong United
Death in His Grave – John Mark McMillan
Our God – Chris Tomlin
Beautiful Things – Gungor
You Are Here (The Same Power) – Hillsong United
Came to My Rescue – Hillsong United
From the Inside Out – Hillsong United

See you next week!

Awakening a Movement Opportunity
One of the women who has been committed to and invested in Ethos Church the past two years is checking herself into rehab on Friday afternoon. She has decided that for her to truly heal and to fully become the woman that GOD has created her to be, she needs help from trained, seasoned professionals. One of the many blessings of the program is that every Sunday, she will continue to get to worship with her church family here at Ethos, if someone from our church is willing to pick her up and drop her back off afterwards. As we all know, the church needs each other, especially in difficult times. We need people to encourage us to pursue GOD, to stand by us as we confront our sins and defeat them, and we need people to show us the unconditional love of GOD every single day. It’s incredibly important that she stay connected to the body of Christ as she goes through this painful, healing process the next few months. She needs our prayers and our tangible help.

Here is what she needs
1) Would you commit to praying for complete healing and restoration as she goes through this process?

2) Would YOU be willing to pick her up and drop her off one Sunday a month for the next couple of months as she goes through rehab?

*We have to turn in a notarized list of names of these people by Friday in order for her to be able to continue worshipping with us throughout rehab. If you are willing to help, send an email to brandon@ethoslove.com.

3) Would you be willing to give her a ride to enroll in the program on Friday afternoon at 5pm?

The people of GOD are making a difference in the world and its glorifying and honoring to Him. We’ll continue to meet needs, to heal the sick and to give food to the hungry, we’ll continue to serve each other and build each other up because that’s who the Body of Christ is created to be. We are the hands and feet of Jesus and we get to help bring healing and restoration to this broken world.

Can YOU help?

MEDICAL SUPPLIES (THERE)

In February, we had a goal helping out THERE in the world by partnering with Health Talents International to supply over the counter medicine, educational support, and physical aid to the people of Guatemala. Our goal was to supply finances, resources, and teams of people from our church family to assist in the efforts. So how’d it go?

* In the month of February, we collected and purchased more than 6,000 medical supplies to fully meet the annual needs of the clinic we are working with.

* In July of 2011, we will be sending a team to work with the clinic in Guatemala. (Currently the team is full.)

ORPHANS (THERE)

Ethos Church will sponsor 200 children through Compassion International and will assist families as they seek to adopt children living without parents.

* As of February 2011, we have sponsored 20 children. Our goal is to sponsor 20 children every month through the end of the year.

WHAT’S NEXT?

As with every month, in March we will provide another opportunity to sponsor children through Compassion International. Also, we will focus on church planting. Be on the look out for ways to help in these areas, as Ethos Church seeks to fulfill the mission of Loving God, Loving People, and Awakening a Movement one brick at a time.

These are some of the questions that came up a couple of weeks ago in our House Churches that were left unanswered.  I hope these thoughts help you think through these questions, but more than anything, I hope that you spend some time studying yourself.  Don’t just take my word for it.  Study, read, pray, think and listen.  Make sure what I have landed on is true and consistent with scripture.

1)What is the difference between tempting and testing?

The book of James has a lot to say about these two words.

James 1:17-When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone.  When we think about the word temptation, it probably stirs up a lot of different thoughts in us, but one thing is certain, it does not come from GOD.  Temptation is Satan’s scheme to separate us from GOD.  We see all throughout scripture that whenever the word temptation is used, Satan is directly connected.  Satan tempted Jesus in the desert (Matthew 4:1); Pauls warns the Christians in Corinth to be aware of when Satan is prone to tempt them (1 Corinthians 7:5); and Paul writes the church in Thessalonica affirming them for not being led astray by his tempting (1 Thessalonians 3:5).  The same message is consistent all throughout the New Testament, temptation comes from Satan alone.

The word testing is a bit more complicated.  Sometimes in scripture it explicitly declares that GOD has tested or is testing his people (John 6:6; 1 Thessalonians 2:4; Hebrews 11:17.)  When the word is used in this sense, we see the purpose of it in James 1: 3,4-you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

It seems simple enough, doesn’t it?  Temptation is from Satan and his purpose is to separate us from GOD and testing is from GOD and GOD’s purpose in it is to make us into mature and complete believers.  However, the word testing creates a little more confusion, because Satan’s name is also connected to testing throughout scripture (Matthew 4:1).   This is a safe, blanket answer when talking about the word testing: when GOD does the testing, its purpose is to draw us closer to him.  When Satan tests or tempts us, it’s to draw us away from GOD.

Does Satan ask God’s permission to tempt us like he did with Job?

The passage that I think of is Luke 22:31 where Jesus says to Peter, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat.” Plainly stated, Satan is wanting to separate you (since the “you” is plural, we can infer that he is not just talking to Simon, but to all of the apostles) from Jesus and he has asked Jesus to do so.  The only other time in scripture that a similar request is made is in the book of Job, where the accuser (which has most often been translated, Satan) approaches GOD and three times asks for permission to test Job.  We certainly see through these examples that Satan has asked for permission to tempt or test people in the past.  However, we should not assume, based solely on these examples, that every temptation is requested by Satan and agreed upon by Jesus.

Jesus doesn’t make any explicit statements about Satan requesting to tempt us, however, he does make it clear all throughout scripture that Satan does and will tempt us.  He uses Peter to warn Christians in 1 Peter 5:8 that Satan is like a lion, prowling around and seeking someone to devour.  He warns the Church in Smyrna in Revelation 2:10 of the devils plans to throw some of them in prison.  From these verses, we learn a couple of different things about GOD and Satan: 1)Satan is in rebellion against GOD and his people. He wants to destroy our relationship with GOD and separate us from Him. Ultimately, he wants nothing more than to destroy us.  2)GOD knows of Satan’s plans.  There isn’t anything on earth or in heaven that GOD doesn’t see (Hebrews 4:13) or know about beforehand (Psalm 139:4).  Absolutely nothing sneaks up on GOD, even Satan’s schemes against us.  Because GOD knows beforehand what Satan is planning on doing, he always has the wisdom, authority and position to stop him. Nevertheless, GOD does allow Satan to sometimes carry out his plans.

In times of testing, how do you know when the testing is from GOD or from Satan? How do you discern who its from?

We understand this question by looking at the purpose of each moment or instance of testing.  If the purpose is to make us sin by creating separation from GOD, it is unquestionably from Satan.  If the purpose is to develop perseverance and maturity, drawing closer to and more like GOD, then we know its from GOD.  Let me use a biblical example to explain.

In Luke 4:1-13, we see that Jesus experiences testing at the hand of Satan.  Satan uses three different attempts to pull him away from GOD.  1) He temps Jesus to rely on himself instead of GOD.  2) He tempts Jesus to bow down to him.  3) He tempts Jesus to tests GOD, to see if he would come to His rescue in a time of danger.  In all three instances, the purpose wasn’t to draw Jesus closer to GOD, it was to create separation.  By getting Jesus to sin, Satan would lure him away from the Father and thus satisfy himself.

In Genesis 22, GOD tests Abraham to reveal what was in Abraham’s heart.  GOD commands him to take his son, Isaac, and to sacrifice him on an altar.  Right before he slayed his son, GOD intervened and stopped him from doing so.  The testing wasn’t to create separation between Abraham and GOD, but to draw him closer.   GOD tested the sincerity of his faith and the depth of his trust and once GOD was satisfied, he stopped him.  The testing only deepened Abraham’s trust in GOD and made him more aware of his goodness.

In most moments of testing, we need only to look at the purpose and determine if the outcome is to draw us closer or farther from GOD.  That should give us some insight into who is initiating the testing.

We also need to understand that sometimes both Satan and GOD use the same testing.  For example, if you are being tempted to lust, it doesn’t mean that GOD put the testing in front of you, but it does mean that you have an opportunity to grow in your maturity and increase your perseverance.  Satan is using it to separate you from GOD by having you sin and GOD is giving you a chance to deepen your commitment to him.

This is a complex question and it’s helpful for us to end knowing that throughout all of our testing and temptations, GOD is love (1 John 4) and that he wants all people to be saved (1 Timothy 2).  He loves us and wants to be with us and its with these sentiments in mind that we approach, examine and understand our testings and temptations.

Brandon Steele

Leader | Community & House Churches

Times: 9:15 AM, 10:45 PM, 5 pM and 7 PM.

The only time change is the 10:30 AM service, which will now meet 15 minutes later at 10:45 AM. All four gatherings will be identical in format. All gatherings are at the Cannery Ballroom (MAP IT).

To learn more about why Ethos added a fourth gathering click here.

Be safe and enjoy the snow.

You can use some of this, or all of this. You can use it in a home or a coffee shop, with a small group or a large group. As believers in Christ, we make up the church, most weeks we get to gather as a large body, this week we will gather in smaller groups all over the world, as we celebrate Jesus together. Be creative, have fun, but most importantly … worship Jesus.

WATCH : The Digital Nativity

SING : Here are a few classic Christmas Hymns for you and your family.

READ : Luke 1:26-38 & Luke 2

SHARE : In a time of communion together. You can find our recipe for communion bread here.

REFLECT : Spend some time just reflecting on what the Birth of Jesus means for your life today. Take as long as you need.

PRAY : Spend some time thanking God for the gift of his Son, and for loving us enough to humbly come to earth for us.

Enjoy the snow!

Marvelous Light – Charlie Hall

Reign in Us – Starfield

Better is One Day – Matt Redman

Beautiful Things – Gungor

Be Thou My Vision – Hymn

King of All Days – Hillsong United

Center – Charlie Hall

We are so excited to be celebrating the arrival of Hudson Grant Akin, son of Johnathan and Brooke Akin. He is truly an answer to prayer!

As a family at Ethos, it is our Christian calling to love, encourage, and support Johnathan and Brooke as they begin the journey of parenthood. I am asking you to pour out your hearts in prayers of thanksgiving for this beautiful new baby and prayers of petition for wisdom and strength for the sometimes trying adventure of being new parents. You can also help out by providing meals for the Akins as they spend time enjoying life with their little bundle of joy.

A care calendar has been set up to allow convenient online signups. To access Brooke & Johnathan Akin’s personal CareCalendar site, visit http://www.carecalendar.org/logon/54438. Enter the following information in the appropriate spaces: CALENDAR ID: 54438 SECURITY CODE: 2237 Click on a date to select it. Enter your information into the appropriate blanks and you will secure the date. If you have any difficulties just contact me.

Thank you so much for loving on this beautiful family! It is truly God’s calling for His church and I am so proud to be apart of a church who lives out His love.

Contact Information: If you need anything or have any questions just contact me.
Courtney Steele: 615-417-3697 , courtneycsteele@gmail.com

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Although it does not take many people to make each service happen, we believe it is vital to involve as many people as possible so our Volunteers do not get burned out, and so more people can experience the joy of serving in Jesus’ church.

So this fall, we are asking that every person in our church commits to serving on 1 volunteer team at 1 of our Worship Gatherings only once a month. So in one calendar year, you will only serve on Sunday 12 times. In a calendar year, we have 156 Sunday Worship Gatherings … we are asking you to help in a small fraction of them.

Our next Volunteer Training Day is Sunday, August 22nd at 1 PM (more details coming soon). If you are interested in signing up for one of our Volunteer teams you can do so at church this Sunday in the lobby.

Will you be a Volunteer? We cannot do it without you!

Despite many of our University students being gone for the summer, and other Ethos regulars being gone due to busy summer schedules — we saw hundreds of new people find their place with us at Ethos Church.

As we look to the end of summer, we eagerly anticipate the return of our University students, those that have been displaced by hectic schedules, and all those that will be joining us for the first time.

As we have often said, we would never throw a dinner party at our house and not have enough seats for our dinner guests, and so we refuse to invite our friends to church if we don’t plan on making room for them around the table.

So beginning Sunday, August 29th, we will be adding a third service. Just like our current two service format, all three services will be the same.

Ethos Church Fall Schedule (Starting 8.29.10)
Worship Gathering Times : (10:30 AM, 5 PM, and 7 PM)

We pray adding a third service will provide another opportunity for your friends and family to come to know Jesus and grow in their faith with our family at Ethos. Spread the word and we will see you Sunday.

We are asking you bring 4 things: Pencils, Crayons, Spiral Notebooks and Folders.

That’s it. No scissors. No rulers. Just those 4 things. Thank you so much.

And don’t forget August 7, Ethos Kids Day in the Park at East Park.

We’ll kick off the party at 6:30 pm.

The Peebles address is 605 Oak Harbor Cove, Hermitage, TN. MAP

Bring a side, drink or dessert and we’ll supply the burgers. See you there!

To find out why we are not gathering at the Cannery this week click here.

To find out what we are doing instead and how you and your friends can be the church together click here.

If you would like the recipe for our communion bread to make and take in your homes click here.

Although this week will be different than normal, I pray it is a blessing to you and those that are gathering in your home. Pray for all of the believers that will be gathering all over the city, and then enjoy connecting with your friends and family as you eat good barbecue and watch fireworks later that night. Love you guys and we will see on July 11th at 5 PM and 7 PM.

ONE : PRAY

Spend some time just asking God to open up your heart and mind to his word. Ask him to reveal to you exactly what he wants to reveal.

TWO : Read Isaiah 45:5-8

Read Isaiah 45:5-8 aloud. Read it slowly. Imagine God sitting across the table from you, speaking these words directly to you:

(5) I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me, (6) so that from the rising of the sun, to the place of its setting men may know there is none besides me. I am the Lord, and there is no other. (7) I form the light and create the darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things. (8) You heavens above, rain down righteousness; let the clouds shower it down. Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up, let righteousness grow with it; I, the Lord, have created it.

THREE : Reflect

a.) What word or phrase jumps out at you?

b.) When you hear God speaking these words to you, what do you imagine?

c.) Read verse 8 again slowly. What do you imagine?

FOUR : Commune

With those that are present, take the bread and the wine. Now allow each person to share with the group how they have seen this passage from Isaiah fulfilled in the life of Jesus. How is Jesus making this text true today?

FIVE : Read Isaiah 45:5-8 again

Read it slowly. Read it once or read it several times.

SIX : Reflect in Silence

Chew on the words of this passage silently. Let them soak in deeply. Let them stir your heart.

SEVEN : Pray

The scriptures tell us that the Word of the Lord never returns void. In other words, when God’s Word goes it, it always accomplishes what he desires. Spend some time praying that God will use His Word from Isaiah 45 to accomplish in you today what he desires.

4 cups flour

1/2 cup water

2/3 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup honey

1 and 1/2 sticks butter (melted)

Mix altogether and and flatten on a cookie sheet and bake on 400 degrees for 14 minutes.

ONE : It’s Not All About Sundays
Although our Sunday Worship Gatherings play a vital role in the life of our church family, there is much more to being a church than simply gathering on Sundays. We gather each Sunday to celebrate, remember, and refuel for the mission God is calling us to. It is a time of encouragement, a time when we are challenged to live out our relationship with Jesus. It is really important, but it is not everything. In fact we believe what happens Monday thru Saturday is just as important. The early church understood this — we are seeking to understand this as well. So when we have to change our times and locations last minute from time to time we try to keep that in mind.

TWO : Being a Blessing
Sometimes we move our times and locations as a way of simply blessing the guys that own the Cannery and the Mercy Lounge. The truth is, they cut us a great deal to gather there for worship. Occasionally, it would serve them better to use the venue on a Sunday Night for another event. After all, this is the way they make a living. So occasionally, we move our times and locations simply as a way of blessing their lives and their business. I believe that partnering with Jesus followers should be the easiest and most rewarding way to do business. Hopefully the guys at the Cannery feel that way, and hopefully your flexibility plays a vital role in demonstrating that.

THREE : We Adapt for Things We  Care About
Although it is a bit inconvenient to change things up, the truth is we all adapt for the things we care about. If you are a football fan and they change the kickoff time, you adapt. If you go to a movie and the showing you were interested in is sold out, you go to the later show. You get the point. We adapt for the things we care about.

In 2009, we had to move our worship time or location 12 times. In 2010, we have only had to do this 4 times. Thanks for being so flexible when this does happen — especially when it happens 3 times in one month. Thank you for your commitment to Jesus and the church he is building in downtown Nashville. I’m so glad to call you guys my church family.

See you guys Sunday at 10:30 am!

Ethos is at 10:30 AM this Sunday at the Cannery Ballroom. There will be no evening services due to a scheduling conflict with the Cannery.

Wednesday, June 30 : Ethos Summer Nights.

Next Wednesday, June 30, at Sevier Park in the 12 South neighborhood. Ethos will provide the main course, all you have to do is bring a side or dessert. Invite friends and bring frisbees, football, cornhole and have some fun!

July 4th : No Services.

There will be no Ethos worship services on July 4th. Instead, we encourage you to be a blessing as you gather with friends, family and communities to celebrate and enjoy the holiday.

If you’re looking for great Nashville live music, then you’ll not want to miss the next episode of Tokens on June 4, 2010. Tokens presents its tenth installment, “Deluge, Hope, and Patience.” Lee C. Camp, The Most Outstanding Horeb Mountain Boys, and The Tokens Radio Players will be joined by Over the Rhine, Jill Phillips, Andy Gullahorn, and Buddy Greene.

For Nashville Flood Victims and Flood Relief Workers: complimentary tickets available to you for the June 4 show. Call the Allen Arena Box office at 615 966 7075 for more information.

when: Wed, June 2nd / 6:30 pm – stay as long as you’d like
where: Sevier Park (1000 Clayton Ave, Nashville 37204). This is the park on 12th South near Las Paletas. *what to bring?:* $5 for your food (the sign up sheet got lost on Sunday Night), your friends, and anything you might want to play with in the park (frisbee, softball, etc). Feel free to get there early or come late, but we will be eating around 6:30 pm.

ETHOS NEXT SUNDAY NIGHT
Thanks for being so flexible with the venue change last night. We will be back in the Cannery next week at our normal times 5PM and 7PM. We will be starting a new series so bring a Bible, and your friends. See you next week.

EPHESIANS THURS NIGHT SMALL GROUP
Another part of this summer’s Mid Week Schedule will be an intense study through the Book of Ephesians. This will be a great opportunity to go deeper in the Word in an intimate setting. Space is limited to 20 people and only 10 spots are left. If you are interested email Chad Harrington (robertchadharrington@gmail.com). This group begins Thurs June 10th and lasts 6 weeks.

We are extremely excited about the things Ethos is doing together this summer! The summer months truly are a great time to relax, vacation, travel and enjoy the long hours of sun.

We want to take advantage of this slower place to allow our House Church Leaders to rest, recharge and enjoy a break from leading. At the same time, we still want our church to stay connected to GOD, each other and our city.

Summer Nights.

Dinner.

On select Wednesday nights, we will meet in Sevier Park. Our entire church can eat supper, play games and enjoy being together.

Serve.

A time for us to bless different neighborhoods around Nashville. We will cook and provide entertainment for the people in specific neighborhoods all around our city.

Ephesians Small Group Study.

This small group Bible Study through the Book of Ephesians will led by Chad Harrington. This group is limited to 20 people, and will meet on Thursday Nights at 7 pm. If you are interested in going deeper into this great Book, email Chad at (robertchadharrington@gmail.com).

For more info, click here.

The Guards Mock Jesus
(63) The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him. (64) They blindfolded him and demanded, “Prophesy! Who hit you?” (65) And they said many other insulting things to him.

Jesus Before Pilate and Herod
(66) At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them. (67) “If you are the Christ,^[d^]” they said, “tell us.” Jesus answered, “If I tell you, you will not believe me, (68) and if I asked you, you would not answer. (69) But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.” (70) They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?”  He replied, “You are right in saying I am.” (71) Then they said, “Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips.”

Luke 23
(1) Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate. (2) And they began to accuse him, saying, “We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Christ,^[a^] a king.” (3) So Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?”  ”Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied. (4) Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.” (5) But they insisted, “He stirs up the people all over Judea^[b^]by his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here.” (6) On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean. (7) When he learned that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.

(8) When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform some miracle. (9) He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer. (10) The chief priests and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing him. (11) Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate. (12) That day Herod and Pilate became friends—before this they had been enemies.

(13) Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, (14) and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. (15) Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death. (16) Therefore, I will punish him and then release him.”^[c^{] (18) With one voice they cried out, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!” (19) (Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.) (20) Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. (21) But they kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” (22) For the third time he spoke to them: “Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him.” (23) But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. (24) So Pilate decided to grant their demand. (25) He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.}

The Crucifixion
(26) As they led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. (27) A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him. (28) Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children. (29) For the time will come when you will say, ‘Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ (30) Then ” ‘they will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!”  and to the hills, “Cover us!” ‘^[d^] (31) For if men do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?” (32) Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. (33) When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. (34) Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”^[e^] And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. (35) The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.” (36) The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar (37) and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” (38) There was a written notice above him, which read:|sc THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. (39) One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” (40) But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? (41) We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” (42) Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.^[f^]“ (43) Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Jesus’ Death
(44) It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, (45) for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. (46) Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. (47) The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” (48) When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. (49) But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

Other Passages
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. – 1 Cor 1:18

May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. – Gal 6:14

By abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. – Ephesians 2:15-17

And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! – Phil 2:8

For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. – Phil 3:18

And through Jesus to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. – Col 1:20

Having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. – Col 2:14 – 15

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:2

God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— Romans 3:25

“Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. – Romans 4:7

Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him.” – Romans 4:8

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5:8

For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. – Romans 5:19

For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. — For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him.– The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. –In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. – Romans 6:5-11

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. – 2 Cor 5:18-21

This man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. – Acts 2:23

ETHOS KIDS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
In case you have not noticed, we recently began Ethos Kids, a ministry dedicated to serving families with children ages (0-9 years old). Ethos Kids meets during the 5 PM Worship Gathering every Sunday Night. Currently, we are in need of more volunteers to serve in this wonderful ministry. All volunteers will be required to get a background check through Ethos Church before serving in this capacity. If you are interested in ministering to Kids and their families, simply shoot us an email at questions@ethoslove.com. Thanks.

If you have helpful information that can be posted on that page, we invite you to send it to floodrelief@ethoslove.com.

If you know of needs, or you have a need yourself, we ask you to send the request to floodrelief@ethoslove.com.

We have many people who are ready and willing to serve our communities and neighborhoods as soon as we can point them in the right direction.

We also are strongly encouraging people who want to help to sign up with Hands on Nashville as a registered volunteer. Most volunteer opportunities are being funneled through that organization. You can sign up here.

This video will give you a glimpse of the flooding that has occurred in Nashville.

Photo credit to Michael Deppisch.

If you have a need or know of a need send an email to ethoschurch@gmail.com.

To volunteer with Hands on Nashville, a group putting together mass efforts, go to http://www.hon.org/AboutUs/index.php/disaster/FloodMay2010.html

HON will contact you when they can use your help.

You can also follow Ethos on twitter for updates: Twitter.com/ethoschurch

This morning, several of us were able to make it over to visit our friends that live in Tent City. Due to their location next to the river, the water level was between 2 and 4 ft deep throughout most of the camp. The families that are living there have lost everything. With the help of Doug Sanders and the OC Family, and the folks at Church on Church St., we were able to evacuate approx. 50 people from Tent City this morning and relocate them to the Red Cross Shelter at Lipscomb University.

Over the next several days there are going to be lots of opportunities to help those directly affected by the flooding. Please check back frequently to see how you can help.

Love you guys. Thanks for being the church.

We encourage you, as the water subsides, to look for ways to serve our city. We will be posting ways to help as soon as we know them.

+ We added a 3rd Service for Easter Sunday at 11 AM. To be honest, I had no idea what to expect, but you guys stepped up in a huge way and invited a lot of your friends. We had over 200 people at our first ever morning service.
+ Ethos Kids was in full swing for its second week, and all of the Ethos Kids Volunteers did a great job providing a clean, safe place for Kids to learn about Jesus at the 11 AM and 5 PM.
+ For those of you at the 5 PM, Chris Ferguson’s words at the end reminded me just how thankful I am for our church family.
+ We saw people recommit their lives at every service to Jesus, and people begin a relationship with him for the first time at every Service as well.
+ We had more than 100 Volunteers serve on Easter Sunday. You guys are incredible.
+ We had more than 700 people attend our 3 Worship Gatherings. It was amazing to see so many new faces.
+ Will and the worship band led us in a big way in all three services.
+ We kicked off 40 Days in the City by having lots of people sign up to serve our city as a way of simply living out the resurrection
+ Brooke and Courtney, and the rest of the volunteers did a great job serving 3 meals to hundreds of people
+ And of course major props to our Set Up, Tear Down, Welcome, Connect, and AV Teams. You guys were awesome.
+ I could go on and on, but that is all for now.

It is such an honor to lead this church, and I love you guys very much. Easter is just a reminder that God has a lot left to do in our city … I’m glad we get to be a small part of that.