Tasty

I was in the shower the other day...I know that seems like an unnecessary detail and perhaps a bit creepy to consider but... after working in the yard all day with my family, mowing lawns, ripping out old fences, digging holes and hauling a bunch of crap off to the dump...it seems refreshing to mention 'I was in the shower'. Anyway, as I was 'refreshing' (ya now that sounds better don't it?) I began to consider what the bible calls the "fruit" of the Spirit. It's aspects and characteristics are listed in Galatians 5:22 and 23; "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." As I ponder these characteristics, I thought, "wow, those are attractive qualities to find in someone". Then I began to honestly look at most who call themselves Christian and asked, "Are we known for those qualities?" Ouch. Then I looked at myself...ugggghhh, double ouch!! Like a freind of mine said recently, "I'm trying to be a Christian". I think I like that, it sounds more like a process...a journey...a desire...even though I haven't got it all figured out yet. Ya, I got some growing to do...how 'bout you? You see, the fruit of the Spirit is what grows in us and through us, as we grow more and more like God and His love is evident in us. Unlike the gifts of the Spirit, the fruit is nurtured and can be developed in us. Spiritual gifts are given by God, our only choice is to accept them or not, like any gift in the natural, like a birthday gift, for example. But the fruit of the Spirit can be nurtured, fertilized, watered, cared for and intentionally grown in our lives. Yes the source is God, His love birthed in us, but these characteristics are the out-flow of His love in us to others. You see the fruit, the characteristics listed in Galatians are best expressed relationally, one person to another. Oh you can be at peace all by yourself. But what has a greater impact is when others see and experience the peace you have. It's interesting as you look at each characteristic of the fruit of the Spirit, how they all are best experienced and expressed in relationship with others. I think that's by God's design. He is relational by nature, and desires us to be also. As we love Him with all we got, His love grows in us and flows out to others...often evidenced in these very characteristics...these fruit. Fruit that is attractive, draws people and is tasty to experience. It has an impact on others, which is what God has always designed His love to do! When we look at some of these, we often miss, or even don't know what they are. For example, God's peace, is not an absence of conflict as we often think peace should be...its the ability to have peace in the midst of turmoil & chaos. That peace that surpasses all understanding! Now that's attractive. That's noticeable to others. That's something we all desire, and know it when we see it. In a world that does not see Jesus followers walking in very many of these qualities, is it any wonder they are not attracted? But if...if we did allow God to grow these aspects of His love in us...if we could seek to develop these things...if we intentionally desired to live a life that oozes these characteristics...do you think people may be drawn towards the Jesus in us? You bet...that's when, as in the book of Acts, people say stuff like..."we can see how much you love..." God pours out some incredible things by His Spirit as we walk in the fruit of that same Spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. In fact, many believers seek after miracles and powerful demonstrations of the gifts of the Spirit, in hopes that it will spark some revival in them and the community they in...yet history tells us a different story. Throughout history, authentic spiritual revivals or awakenings, were not centered in miracles & powerful gifts manifested...it was centered in a deep pursuit of God's best and an exponential growth in the manifestations of the "fruit" of God's Spirit in those that follow Him. It was the fruit of God's Spirit that drew people...touched people...changed people...and fanned the flames of what God was doing. It's a lesson we often forget. I suppose it seems "more God like" for the "big show"...the big miracle...but for whatever reason God more often uses imperfect people like you & me...in relationship. Now that's harder...it takes more of me. More of me in cooperation with God. It takes more of me to invest in another. Yet somehow, someway, God uses it and when he does...wow, we get blessed...and so does the one we reach out to! At ECHO we want to be "tasty" people. We desire to be people that folks go, "what's up with you guys, you're different?" We want to be refreshingly different...on purpose! Join us as we grow in God's love personally and in expressing it authentically to others!

May God's love be yours & flow through you to others!
Brian O
Lead Pastor dude, ECHO

You Asked For It, You Got It

I've had several people request the lyric to the Steve Taylor song referenced in the last blog entry, so you asked for it, you got it...

Jesus Is For Losers

If I was driven

Driven ahead by some noble ideal

Who took the wheel?

If I was given

Given a glimpse of some glorious road

When was it sold?

So caught up in the chase

I keep forgetting my place

Just as I am

I am stiff-necked and proud

Jesus is for losers

Why do I still play to the crowd?

Just as I am

Pass the compass, please

Jesus is for losers

I'm off about a hundred degrees

If I was groping

Groping around for some ladder to fame

I am ashamed

If I was hoping

Hoping respect would make a sturdy footstool

I am a fool

Bone-weary every climb

Blindsided every time

Just as I am

I am needy and dry

Jesus is for losers

The self-made need not apply

Just as I am

In a desert crawl

Lord, I'm so thirsty

Take me to the waterfall

And if you're certain

Certain your life is some cosmic mistake

Why do you shake?

And if you're certain

Certain that faith is some know-nothing mask

Why do you still ask?

They don't grade here on the curve

We both know what we deserve

Just as you are

Just a wretch like me

Jesus is for losers

Grace from the blood of a tree

Just as we are

At a total loss

Jesus is for losers

Broken at the foot of the cross

Just as I am

Pass the compass, please

Jesus is for losers

I'm off about a hundred degrees

Just as I am

In a desert crawl

Lord, I'm so thirsty

Take me to the waterfall

lyrics by Steve Taylor

be God's!

Brian O

Lead Pastor dude, ECHO

Jesus Is For Losers

I had a couple interesting conversations lately. More than once in the past few weeks I've sat with pastors and church leaders and had them say something along the lines of, "...the key to a successful church is, you need to spend less time with the 1's and 2's and spend more time investing in the 8's and 9's..." (now in this context they are speaking of a 0 to 10 scale, where the best, most skilled, most valuable, most important, most wealthy, most influential are the 10's) My response has been simply, "Where do you see that in scripture?" It's a simple question, one no one had a ready answer for. The CEO mentality of pastoring and church leadership has projected this concept of not wasting time with the "losers" and invest in the "winners" instead, because they can get you somewhere the quickest and easiest. Now I can see the temptation in how that may "seem right", since businesses often run on that principle. Yet regardless of whether that method works in business or not, the point as believers should also be filtered through..."Where do you see that in the bible? Where do you see Jesus model that for us?" The answer is you don't see it. Jesus didn't teach it nor model it for us. In fact He modeled quite the opposite. The 12 men Jesus selected as Apostles were a rag tag bunch, made up of mostly fishermen and farmers, quite common for that time period. Matthew was a tax-collector for the Romans, a dubious job at best in his culture. A very cut throat occupation that was not well respected at all. Simon & Judas' occupations are not readily known, and appear to be inconsequential, though some suspect Judas may have had some money skills since he was the one given the responsibility for the Apostles purse (a responsibility that proved too tempting, to the point of self destruction & betrayal). This motley crue (not the band in the midst of their reunion tour by the way) was used by God (except for Judas) to change the world! In spite of their flaws, insecurities, doubts and fears Jesus delivered a message through them that still is alive and well to this day! Not because they were "8's or 9's", but because they had the right heart, and trusted Jesus enough to follow Him, learn from Him, be shaped by Him and carry out what He asked them to do. In many ways the apostles were losers by today's standards...1's & 2's...so to speak. Yet in that, I'm reminded of a Steve Taylor song written over 10 years ago entitled, "Jesus Is For Losers". It was a satirical song that reminded us that Jesus wasn't enthralled with the things we're impressed with. Jesus didn't chase after the wealthy...the influential...the talented. He invested in the "losers"...the whores...the lepers...the outcasts...the poor...even women & children (which in His day was a big deal). Jesus died for losers. He died for those on top of the hill also. He gave Himself for everyone. The question here is, not who Jesus pursues, but who do we? Who, do we as churches, pastors, & leaders pursue and what's the result? Who do we as believers "choose" to invest in and is it consistent with what Jesus taught? If we are honest, we all are losers underneath the veneer of ego, pride, selfishness and our thirst for power. Reinforcing this, I was reminded twice in the last 2 weeks of a similar concept, one I found in 1 Samuel, chapter 22. On May 28th at a cool Eugene-like coffee house in Austin, Texas called Progressive...God drew me to this portion of scripture. In it God describes the 400 men who would team up with David (eventually to be King David). These 400 men would go down in history as "David's Mighty Men"...known for incredible exploits for God. But this passage describes them as they began to gather as the 400...before anything had been done yet. They were described as "in debt, in distress & discontented". This hardly sounds like a bunch that would do mighty things. This hardly sounds like a group most churches would pursue, or seminary's would teach to attract, or "church growth people" would encourage you to embrace as world changers. Yet in God's hands, they did mighty things! I felt God encouraging me that day regarding ECHO, saying this is who ECHO will be built on..."the in debt, in distress & discontented"...don't seek after the elite. And you know, in many ways that is who God has brought and is bringing to ECHO. In fact just a few days ago I met with a local pastor and was describing the people who are being drawn into ECHO...and he said, "sounds like David's 400...the in debt, in distress &...I forgot the other "d" word..." At that moment I felt I was in the midst of a "God thing"...cause I knew I never told him of my scripture in 1 Samuel at the coffee shop in Austin a few weeks prior. I blurted out "...the disillusioned...". He said, "ya that's it...the disillusioned...that sounds like who God is bringing to you...and look what God did with those guys" Wow, God is cool...He reminded me even further that He doesn't require the talented, the beautiful, the wealthy, and the status people to accomplish His purposes. Even though our western church culture tends to project you need to be an exceptional orator, a talented musician, a seminary degreed, beautiful person with perfect smile, hairstyle, weight & snappy clothes...yet God shows us something very different. Is it any wonder why so many are spectators in our churches? How few fit the criteria we model? Yet God's criteria is very different, it begins with a heart that's willing to use what you got to impact people for God's purposes...everybody has a place...everyone is eligible...everyone has an opportunity! Jesus criteria says the "last shall be first"..."blessed are those who mourn"..."it is hard for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom"..."it takes the faith of a child to become part of the Kingdom"...and "the servant is the greatest in the Kingdom of God". Clearly His ways are not our ways...so aligning with His ways is our challenge. When in fact, it's a greater miracle when He uses people like you & me...regular folks...even losers, if you will...people who don't have their act together...then you know it's God doing something, cause it surely ain't us! There's nothing we can take credit for in that, and that's a good thing...it's just us depending on Him. Isn't that the way God has always meant it to be?

be God's!
Brian O
Lead Pastor dude, ECHO

The Walk of Love

People often email us at ECHO or ask me in person a similar question, "How does ECHO love others? Give me an example?" Well that's a valid question...and rather nebulous at times...but worth answering none-the-less. At ECHO we choose to intentionally live out a "relational" approach in all we do. God desires a genuine relationship with us, and He's asked us to walk with each other on our journey of life, in authentic loving relationships as well. Now by "relational" we're not talking about a surfacey "hi...bye" type of thing. We're not talking about a smile & a pat on the back and an "I'll pray for ya..." We're not talking about a "let's have coffee" relationship. The bible makes it clear, that what God intends His people to do, is to live a life that is shared with others, sacrificially. We are to serve others...both believers and those still searching. We are to "do life" with those inside & outside the church walls. It's a doing life with people even through the messiness of people's lives. It's a loving people even when they are covered in their own crap, so to speak. It's a loving the unlovely, type of relationship. At ECHO we do that most intentionally in trying to "be" who God asks us to "be". We take Jesus' teachings on taking care of orphans & widows for real. We take Jesus' teachings on mourning with those who mourn seriously. We take Jesus' teachings to heart, that we are to comfort one another...sacrifice for one another...serve the downtrodden...bring hope to the hopeless...love the alone ones...bring compassion to the hurting...point the guilt ridden towards mercy. These things are best done in the context of relationship...person to person...as God orchestrates. As someone recently reminded me, "in God's Kingdom relationships are not an accident". With this attitude & spirit we also serve people relationally each month with a portion of our monthly offerings. We call it our monthly "community love gifts". These "love gifts" are a constant reminder of why we are here as a church, to serve the people of our community, motivated by the love of God. These tangible expressions of God's love are where we get to come along side and encourage, meet a need, or simply love on people by serving them. It can be as simple as delivering a pizza to the home of a sick mom, so she doesn't have to make dinner for her family that night. It may be providing a week's worth of prepared meals for a family dealing with the death of a parent. It may be raising some funds for a family with a mom/wife in the midst of chemo for breast cancer, to help offset the expense of losing one income for several months. It may be helping a separated couple on the edge of divorce get to a "marriage intensive" therapy session, in another state, at one of the best places in the country, to help bring hope back into their marriage and equip them a bit to better to deal with life's challenges in their relationship and family. It may be helping a single mom with 4 kids, who is recovering from serious brain surgery, get a bunch of groceries to stock up her shelves. While also getting a chance to be loved on by a few other women who care, letting her know she's not alone in the midst of her struggle. It may be spending a Saturday at a families home sprucing up their yard...mowing the lawns...trimming the hedges and trees...pulling weeds...planting flowers...bringing in new bark o mulch...and taking over 1/2 a ton of stuff to the dump. This, in fact, was done for a young lady with 3 young children who suddenly lost her husband a few months ago to a medical complication. The yard probably was his responsibility each Spring...this year it was ours. Or perhaps, it may look like a man having a BBQ for 20+ homeless people at Alton Baker Park one Sunday...this Sunday in fact! All this cost money, as relationships that matter often do, they cost... money...time...energy... emotion...prayer. But God always seems to show up when we show up. Funny how He chooses to use people like you & me, isn't it? "Love others as you love yourself" in action...or at least at ECHO we're trying to let Him teach us what that really means. We don't share these things here to brag, but to show by example how easy it can be to "love others". It's pretty simple really, as God has intended all along...it's religion that makes things complicated and hard to live out. That's why Jesus hates religion and embraces relationship instead. All these may seem like "doing" things...but they really flow out of who we are...who God wants us to "be". They really are an "out flow" of our relationship with Him. He wants us to become people who journey with people, walk with them, in a spirit of authentic love, care & compassion...you know, Jesus like stuff. At ECHO we recognize the need for our community to see more of this "Jesus likeness" in the people who call Jesus Lord. Far too often the church can seem self serving...pre-occupied with other things...even turning a blind eye to the multiple needs around us every day. Yet we don't see that in Jesus do we? He met the needs of those He was near and those He came in contact with. At ECHO we also try to meet the needs we come in contact with, within our spheres of relationship...at work, in our neighborhood, friends, family, at school etc... We call it relational giving. We don't just write checks to various agency's (though that can be a valid thing). We choose to give relationally, so that after the need is met, the relationship can continue, the conversations can live on, the people involved have continued reinforcement that God loves them & so do we! You see all the examples shared in this post were through relationships at ECHO, but none of those we served were "technically part of ECHO". Some were from other churches in town, others don't go to church at all...the point is, we loved & encouraged them cause God asked us to through someone connected with ECHO, and that's enough for us. Every month we gather the needs we hear of, pray about what we may be able to do, and take a percentage of our monthly offerings to pay for any costs involved. We may not be able to meet every need...but our heart wants to. We believe God's heart wants to as well. God is giving us bigger hearts, as we see the needs around us. To be honest, this is one of the funnest things we do at ECHO...loving people...spending time, energy & money on others...as God directs. It's pretty cool...and quite an adventure! We're discovering it's easy to say "God loves you" or to say "you love people"...but it's quite another thing to show people God loves them... through you! In that discovery, we are confident, the ECHO of God's love lives on, through us...

be God's!
Brian O
Lead Pastor dude, ECHO

Hardwired to Connect

They say the human heart has a "void" that we all are trying to fill throughout our life's journey. I think we all realize it at some deep down level within each of us. CS Lewis often alludes to a "God-shaped hole". Augustine points to it in his writings. Blaise Pascal implied it when he stated, “There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every person, and it can never be filled by any created thing. It can only be filled by God, made known through Jesus Christ.” Philosopher's and theologians alike have often determined that this "void" is never filled with anything but what it was designed to accommodate. The Master Designer in His desire to draw us towards Himself has made each of us with a "hole" that only He can fill. A remarkably ingenius way to allow us humans to crave a knowing of their Creator. It's like a relational magnet within our spirit that draws us. I read an interesting report from the Commission on Children at Risk that seems to validate this very concept and more. Our culture is plagued with what's known as "at risk children". It's not a new thing...in fact many "at risk kids" are now grown into adults and are now having their own "at risk children". At risk children are the effects of divorce, broken homes, single parent households, latch key environments, drug abuse, workaholism and various other disintegration factors of the traditional stable family environment. The number one cause of this crisis? The conclusion in this study says that as human beings we have been designed to be "connected". They term it as humans are "hardwired to connect". To quote the study, "In large measure, what's causing this crisis of American childhood is a lack of connectedness. We mean two kinds of connectedness---close connections to other people, and deep connections to moral & spiritual meaning." Jesus stated something very similar when He was asked what the greatest commandment was, He replied, "Love God with your whole heart, whole mind and whole soul. And... love others as you love yourself." Jesus tells us that God's desire is for us to live in connected relationship with God and with other people. We've been "hardwired" that way by our Creator. In a sense we have 2 relational holes within our soul that God has put within us...a void that yearns to know God in authentic relationship and a void that yearns to know others in a loving, genuine relationship. God said it was "not good for us to be alone" in Genesis, He said it from the beginning. Now as humans perhaps we are beginning to understand the value of "connectedness"...and the destructive outcomes of "aloneness". This study goes on to say we have learned to be experts in medicating & pyscho-analyzing our lack of "connectedness" but we have failed miserably as a culture in learning how to "connect". Yet, God has the pursuit of the answer hard-wired within each of us. God in His mercy desires us to be in right relationship with Him and in right relationship with each other. He's made us to crave it, to discover it, and to thrive within it. At ECHO we strive to create a safe environment for each of us to explore this craving...to discover it's significance... and to thrive in it's embrace. Join us as we learn to connect with God and with each other in authentic, genuine relationships...as we were "hardwired" to experience...from the beginning!

be God's!
Brian O
Lead Pastor dude, ECHO

Creativity, Puzzle Pieces & Awe

My wife and I were in Austin, Texas last month. We were there for a gathering of pastors from around the country, about 25 in all, who have a heart to "do church" differently. It is very "relationally focused" in "how we do church", but more importantly, in "how we live life". As followers of Jesus, an ever growing relationship with God and with other people is what we are told "should be our priority". As Jesus said, "Love God & love others". Simple, yet profound and challenging to actually live out. We enjoy this group for that reason. We love the challenge and growth that comes as we consider this "simple truth", and actually try to live it out and model it for others. Before our last gathering, we had an extra day, so we decided to walk along the river that flows through downtown Austin. It was a sunny day with a cool breeze...awesome! Then we got lucky! The Austin Art Walk was happening. The Art Walk is a renowned art show in the streets of Austin, outdoors, with artists from all over. Great food, live music, and the creative overflow of these unique artists. Wow, what a cool break for us. I have a Bachelors degree in Art, so I love these opportunities, and my wife is very creative herself, so together this is fun for us. I love the many varied expressions of life depicted in these artists wares. What a unique bunch we stumbled upon. It was awe inspiring. It reminded me of the Creator Himself and His heart to create...to cause wonder...to create a sense of awe. The bible says we are created in His image, so apparently we have a creative flair from the Masters touch on our lives. It was truly evident in the works we saw that afternoon at the Art Walk. It is truly evident daily as we stop to take in the wonder of God's creation...to see an artist at work...to see the results of His hearts creation. That's very cool. What amazes me most about God is how it all works together. Creation...plants... animals...humans...weather...dirt...sun...rain...rivers...oceans...it all works together in this beautiful, complex way that's wonderful. Jesus describes "the church" that way also. He speaks of the "true followers" of Him as being His "body", and that each one is a "part" of that body. A puzzle piece "if you will" that is essential to complete the whole. He taught of the many valuable parts, many unseen (kidneys, spleen, liver etc...), many seemingly insignificant (toes, fingers, ears etc...) yet so important. In this analogy of His body and our place in it, I believe it would allow for "churches" of various personalities & functions sharing together in what would be known as the "body" of true believers. At ECHO we intentionally are living out a different expression of Jesus to bring greater health to the "church body" Jesus desires. In fact Jesus warned that the "body parts" should not try to imitate and strive to be "like" a part they admired or desired to be. ECHO is intentional in not imitating the typical church in Eugene/Springfield...we're not striving to be like...or take the place of...another "part". We choose to be a unique part, perhaps not a pretty part like an eye, but a very crucial part...perhaps like the butt! Cause every body needs one...and we're willing to be it. Because somehow, someway, as we all take our place, we compliment each other, and in the end we will be in awe of how the Master has put it all together! ECHO loves its place...because Eugene/Springfield needs a part that's been missing...and we hope to be it. For the sake of those not yet reached with an authentic expression of God's love...we gladly take our place...even if its at the rear, so to speak. Hey we all need a butt...so you can sit and rest...so you can deal with your crap...so you can hold your pants up as you live life.

You know, come to think of it, that pretty well sums up ECHO also!

be God's!

Brian O

Lead Pastor dude, ECHO

Hey Don't Mess With My Wife!

It's interesting the conversations you have with people once you decide to call yourself "a church for people who don't like church." I've spoken with friends and new acquaintances alike who often take that statement a variety of ways. At ECHO we have intentionally labeled ourself that way for a very specific purpose...one we believe is consistent with the heart of God. Many seem "to get it" and rapidly embrace the concept and the spirit behind it. Others, usually Christians, sometimes are confused by the statement. A friend recently said, "it's like you telling me you don't like my wife...well that would tick me off." In context he was referring to how God may view the statement "a church for people who don't like church." In the bible it defines the "church" as those that are true followers of Jesus. It also calls the "church", the "bride" of Jesus. Hence the logic of his statement. But let's unpack this a bit first. A simple Christian take may lead you to that conclusion, but an examination of it would show why it's confusing to some Christians...yet makes sense to the "not-yet-believers". Biblically the "church" is defined as the true followers of Jesus. The bible makes it clear that not all who claim to be followers of Jesus are "true". In fact in the last judgement it says many will come and say they did all sorts of "churchy things" (serving, preaching, give money, praying, healing, miracles etc...) and yet Jesus responds to them "go away for I never knew you". The key to a "true follower" is not what he/she does, but who their relationship is with...it's in "knowing Jesus" and "being known by Him". Balance that view of the biblical "church" versus what we in our culture call "church". Churches to us are organizations, denominational systems, institutions etc... Within "churches" there surely are "true followers of Jesus", but its safe to assume that there also is some "doing churchy things" that are not truly in relationship with Jesus. Their motivation for being "in church" maybe be for a host of things: friends, family, guilt relief, assistance, the cool music, the status, business connections etc... But let's not confuse our institutions called "churches" with what Jesus calls His church. It's a very key distinction. As the old saying goes, "standing in a garage does not make you a car", and so it goes with church. Attending one does not necessarily make you a true follower of Jesus. Now with that understanding let's be honest and say that many things we do "in church" are not biblical. They are man made creations, systems and preferences. Some are biblical and point towards Jesus...other things are hindrances and push people away from Jesus (or at least push them away from the people that represent Him). When a "not-yet-believer" says "I don't like church" they are usually referring to our man made institutions and systems that we call "church". They don't like our representation of Jesus and the clumsy way we often present the Good News of God's love, grace & mercy. So they stay away...untrusting...suspicious...hurt...and confused. When most people say they "don't like church" they are not dissing Jesus' bride (as my friend implied). In fact most "not-yet-believers" do not even grasp the theological concept of the "church being the bride of Christ". To them the concept is foreign. I will also venture to say that when they say they "don't like church" they are not even bashing those "true followers of Jesus" out there...in fact most wish they saw more of that "true Jesus follower stuff" evident in our lives. So let's be fair and say they have a point when they say "they don't like church"... because we often give them enough ammo to criticize what we call "church". Even some "true followers of Jesus" would join them in saying the same thing! At ECHO we hope to be a church that represents Jesus simply, accurately, and in love. It's a big responsibility, one we don't take lightly. We recognize the pain of those hurt, rejected or confused by the "church" and desire to reach out without the trappings of modern church culture and present Jesus in such a way that anyone can safely explore who He is...as we journey with you and "all your stuff"...praying and encouraging you, as God reveals Himself to you... so that you can experience Him for yourself!

be God's!
Brian O
Lead Pastor dude, ECHO

ECHOsounds

If you haven't noticed yet, we have our very own radio bot to the upper right, on this page. ECHOsounds is a mix of over 100 songs that make you think, rock, reflect, celebrate, worship and groove. Equal parts modern rock, classic rock, modern worship, christian rock... with a dash of hip hop and some funky stuff thrown in, just for fun. So whether you are hanging out at home or the office, join with many of us as you come to this ECHO blog site...hit play on ECHOsounds...and enjoy a random mix of some very cool tunes. Maybe some of your friends would enjoy them as well? Enjoy the joy of music as it connects with your soul and brightens your day!

If you have any song suggestions let us know.

Isn't it cool how God can speak through a 4 minute song?

be God's!
Brian O
Lead Pastor dude, ECHO

Environmental Concern

Perspective? How often does our perspective get in the way? For some, it is a set of bias that have been inbred over many, many years. For others it is a "new" revelation that has opened them up to some "enlightened" viewpoint. But rarely, or shall I say NEVER...is it totally ours! We cannot help but be shaped by our environment, whether that be family or friends or philosophical input from various "experts". The key is, what "environment" do you "live" in? What "environment" do you place yourself in? For many it is an issue of the "environment" they were placed in, and how to escape its trappings. Isn't it interesting to see how, so often, we place ourselves in poor environments that have proven to reap hurt and confusion in our lives...or how we allow ourselves to remain in painful environments that we were placed in by others or by circumstance? How ironic that we should allow ourselves to be so "influenced", even to our detriment. We see a world where people are screaming out for "freedom" from that which binds them up. For some it is the memory's of abuse...for other's the "living hell" of addiction (alcohol, drugs, sexual etc...)...for some it's the guilt of bad choices made in their past...or the lack of hope for a better future. Psychologists and Counselors are making millions of dollars, as people desperately scramble to be set free. Many are willing to do almost anything to be free from their "bondage", that "curse" that seems to weigh them down. The "good news" is that there is a way to break the "chains" that bind us. There is a "freedom" that can set us free. There is a "hope", that can guide and direct us into a future of unspeakable joy and fulfillment. There is a "relief" from our guilt. There is a "healing" for our pain...past, present and future! At ECHO we want to journey with you on that discovery. We desire to encourage you as you explore these very things for yourself. The "key", once again is your environment. The environment you "choose" to place yourself in. In the presence of loving people that care enough to point you towards a loving God. A God who chose to reach out to you in Jesus, to share your pain, to take your guilt away, to give you hope, to bring you joy, and to give you genuine freedom! By allowing ourselves to live in His environment...by allowing His perspective to guide our own...by trusting His guidance over our own...we discover what true freedom can be. A freedom to know you're on the "right track" and that you are focused on the right perspective!

Today consider these 5 biblical truths as you explore God's design of freedom for you:
"Jesus is a light unto your path." psalm 119:105
"Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life." john 14:5
"Jesus came to set the captives free." luke 4:18
"Jesus did not come into the world to condemn the world...
...but to save it." john 3:17
"When you are free in Jesus, you are free indeed." john 8:36

be God's!
Brian O
Lead Pastor dude, ECHO

Reality? What a Concept!

Interesting, isn't it? Reality that is.
Or at least our search for it. Humanity's search for meaning. There is only one reality...anything else is an illusion...hence the dilemma! Is it to the extreme "right?"
Or to the extreme "left?" Is it a place of legalistic constraint without purpose...without meaning? Or is it a free form illusion of unhindered self-expression? Somehow, someway, both have failed us miserably. The puritanical restrictions of the past often seem senseless. Oh sure, some do have value...indeed even wisdom...but most seem senseless. But the extremes to which their "do's" and especially their "don't's" take us are often too much to handle...let alone take seriously! Yet the idea that the ultimate freedom has no boundaries at all...well that too has proven itself disastrous. What has the era's of 60's and 70's freedom proven? Our current era has reaped the consequences. Our media is full of alcohol and drug rehab commercials. The sexual revolution has led to a sexual paranoia, as diseases, AIDS, unwanted pregnancies and abortions abound. Our culture is plagued with welfare babies, single parents galore, emotionally and physically scarred men and women, sexually confused people, plus millions burdened with disease. Broken homes, divorce, children without a parent (or parents) and our societies obvious breaking apart at it's seams, leave us still searching. Is this as good as it gets? Perhaps "freedom" is not what we thought? Can humanity exist without boundaries or guidelines or parameters? Have we neglected something in our hedonistic search for fulfillment? Surely, we cannot go back to the senseless superstitions of the past? Perhaps though, there is reality within some of these boundaries? Perhaps real freedom exists somewhere within them? Perhaps, reality says, "Life without parameters leads to self-destruction!" Perhaps, the illusion is finally fading as reality sets in... it's called the "truth!" If there is "truth" then it has a "source". That truth then is the Source of all wisdom. Anything else is just a lie...a facade...a deception. That deception leads to error, which inevitably leads towards destruction. Has the scientific, technological, and spiritual "advancements" of our day really done much to improve the human condition? Does the "cake" of our life, simply have more decorations...does it really taste any better...does it really satisfy any better? Are we the victims of this cruel hoax...or perhaps, we've learned the hard way? At ECHO we want to be a safe place for anyone to explore the reality of life...to come along side people as they search for the Truth...the Source of all Truth & Wisdom. This journey is not a quick one...but a patient one...and different for each of us. But the Truth...is a constant, and found in only one Source...that we can discover together!

Be God's!
Brian O
Lead Pastor, ECHO

Addicted to Love

I recently had coffee with someone who said, "I know you Christians aren't perfect...I just wish you didn't act like you were!". I could tell he meant it, from a wounded heart. He's one of the many who are trying to follow Jesus...trying to connect with a church...but as soon as his life got messy, he was unacceptable...at least that's how he was made to feel. After a short time he was trying to figure out all this Jesus... church... God... Christian... messy life stuff... out on his own. How lonely he felt. How sad that Jesus followers missed an opportunity to be a vessel of God's love to another human. Would Jesus have given this man more dignity than that? Would Jesus have found the time? Would Jesus be willing to walk through the messiness of life with him? With me? With you? If we take Jesus teachings and example seriously, the answer is obvious. "We are to love one another, as we love ourselves." Our identity should be "love". Even the Beatles got it..."All We Need Is Love". Robert Palmer sang we're "Addicted To Love". In the U2 classic song "One", it speaks of that craving of the human heart to experience "one love...one heart". It's one of the most basic human desires and needs. God made us this way, and it's good. God even says He is love. In a sense the very thing we crave, is perfect love, found only in God and through people surrendered to His love. In the bible, in the book of Acts, chapter 2 it says that everyone could see how much the followers of Jesus loved each other. Since God by definition "is love" according to the bible, then this "love" thing should be one of our highest priorities. At ECHO we truly believe those words...not as suggestions...not as mere words...but as "essential truths" we are to live out in real and tangible ways. Love by nature is "relational", you need someone else to express love to, or to receive love from. Our love relationship with God is relational by design, as is our relational design to live in "love" with our fellow human beings. A look at how God describes His love is seen in 1Corinthians chapter 13, verses 4 through 13...it describes love as being: patient, kind, it does not envy, does not boast, is not proud, is not rude, is not self seeking, is not easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs, does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth, always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres...love never fails! If God is love, then perhaps you may want to read that scripture as "God is", and then you'll get a great glimpse of who He is, and who He desires us to be. Galatians chapter 5 verse 22 and 23 speak of the "fruit" of God's Spirit in us...the result of His Spirit growing in us, and through us; "the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control". Notice how many of these qualities of love are best expressed in relationship with other people. Yes, part of God's design is that we become more like Him as we love others in cooperation with the guidance and direction of His Spirit. Not only is that the love our world needs...and craves...it's a love that we all easily can be addicted to...in a good way! At ECHO we want to be a people "addicted to God's love" and "addicted to expressing His love to others" because we know those in our sphere of relationship, well enough to know, "Love Is All They Need".

be God's!
Brian O
Lead Pastor dude, ECHO

Reasonable to Reason Together for a Reason

My favorite bumper sticker I ever saw was on the back of a Harley, I laughed so hard as I read it, "Jesus I love You, but your people scare the hell out of me!" Wow, I've felt that way, I laughed. Then I felt saddened..."heck maybe I've been one of those guys, I sure hope not"...it hit me that too often those that may be drawn to Jesus are pushed away...often by the very people who claim to be following Jesus! UGGGH, what's up with that? Now that speaks to two things: that followers of Jesus still screw up and say and do stupid stuff (something most not-yet-believers readily accept and attest to...and just wish we'd admit it more often) and the second thing is that "our agenda's" often get taught to people, as if they were God's agenda, thus dis-crediting God or at the very least causing confusion about Him. It seems, we don't always take what God says serious. It's as if our "opinion" about what God says takes precedent. Or we can even be guilty of having "our opinion" and tacking a scripture onto it, as if to imply it's from God. This is a scary use of God's word, yet all too frequent. Unfortunately, far too many that are checking out this Jesus thing, run into this inconsistency, and it turns them off...it scares them! It causes them to distrust those who deliver the message. The solution the bible says is for each of us "to check everything against the Word of God". The apostle Paul, who wrote much of the New Testament said it about his own teachings...and to "hold onto what is true...and throw away that which isn't." No matter what any book, pastor, teacher, article, or sermon may say...if it doesn't line up with what is consistently taught in the bible...then toss it, it's not from God. God gave us scripture to not only reveal Himself to us, but as a "safety net" to filter what people say "is from God". A "truth detector", so to speak. My wife and I were recently in Austin, Texas at a gathering of pastors we have been invited to be a part of...20 to 25 of us from all over the country, and from various denominations. Everyone is there with a heart to support each other as we try to live out the simplicity of the Great Commandment in our churches: "love God...love others". One session was about "biblically illiterate preaching" and someone spoke of a well known pastor in Texas, who did a sermon called "D.E.A.", a message about Diet...Exercise...Accountability. A physical fitness message. Now he knows this pastor well, and he knows this guy is personally really into fitness etc... Now a personal value of fitness may be helpful, but it's hard to make a scriptural principle out of it. Yet he tried... in the end of the message he tacked on a bible passage, "don't you know your body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit" from I Corinthians 6:19. He made it sound as if God commanded everyone to diet, exercise and have accountability for it. Unfortunately, this type of teaching often leads to confusion or a lack of credibility. This passage is not referring to your physical fitness...it's speaking of the spiritual fitness of your body. It speaks of how a life style of ungodly living is displeasing to the Holy Spirit who desires to live and empower each of us. But its not addressing what you eat, how you look, your work out routines etc... It's speaking of sinful lifestyles. Unfortunately a message like that may leave everyone who looks like "Ken & Barbie" feeling like God is pleased with them, and those that don't look that way like they have failed God somehow...apparently being negligent in taking care of God's Temple. When truthfully the bible states clearly the opposite, "man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks upon the heart". A truth reinforced throughout the bible. But people, in this case, left holding onto a value "thinking" it was God's...when in fact it was a human value of their pastor. That's the type of distortion that can cause a misleading of people and diluting the trust level of people as we teach them scripture. Unfortunately, other pastors and teachers have copied this pastors message, spreading it to their people, without checking to see "if it's scriptural". So poor biblical teaching spreads, and more and more people live biblically illiterate lives, not knowing if what they have been taught is scriptural or not. As Jesus followers we must "rightly use the Word of truth", as we speak, live, encourage and especially preach and teach. The bible says it is "reasonable" for us to discuss and even not always agree, as long as we "reason together" from the scripture, as we seek the truth on any matter. Not just a pet scripture or two. Not just a bible verse to tag onto "our opinion" in order to justify it. But if our "reason" is to search out the truth, on any subject, then let us learn to "reason together"...not based on our human opinions, emotions or preferences, but on God's word. This is "reasonable" isn't it? Even people I know who are not yet ready to trust the bible as "God's word", are at least reassured that my life journey's opinions are grounded in what the bible says. They may not agree, but they respect the focused search for truth. At least they know where I'm coming from, and to them that's "reasonable". At ECHO we desire to be a group of Jesus followers who learn to rightly use God's word as we reason together, and in love, point those exploring Jesus, towards the very scripture that reveals Him. In that we can model our firm confidence in the foundations of God's word...in our search for God's truth...and to most that's "reasonable". Join us as we love each other enough to "reason together" and discover all God has for us, bit by bit, day by day...with anyone who wants to explore with us!

be God's!
Brian O
Lead Pastor dude, ECHO

One Way or Another

My kid's love American Idol. Now whether you think its the "greatest thing since sliced bread", or the "hokey-est show you've ever seen"... is not the point of this discussion. To us, it's a great opportunity to watch a show with our kids, and have some fun along the way. Well my kids were so excited about "Idol Gives Back", a 2 hour special that raises money for under privileged kids here in America, and in other countries. $76 million was raised last year, to help AIDS orphanages in Africa, after school programs here in many cities, help families still displaced by Katrina, mosquito nets for families in Africa to help prevent malaria, clean water projects in third world countries, medical assistance both here and abroad etc... Now whether you see it as a major publicity stunt by the American Idol people, the celebs & companies that participate...or a genuine attempt to give back to those less fortunate...there is something heart warming in it all. As I watched, and saw how many needs there were, and how easily people stepped up to volunteer and serve, as well as give money to these many causes...the thought came to mind..."something about serving & giving" resonates in the human spirit. I believe it is how God has wired us. We have been made in His image, the bible says, so it's a part of who He is and who we are designed to be. We know deep down that its the right thing to do. "To those much has been given...much is required" is how the bible says it. I realize that not everyone contributing, volunteering, organizing, performing and staging this fund raising event are necessarily motivated by a desire to "express God's love to people"...but deep down they know this is how it should be, this is the right thing to do. The show closed with Mariah Carey singing a gospel song and then the big finish. All this season's contestants came out and sang "Shout to the Lord". A song of worship, right out of scripture. It's a song that speaks of a bible passage that says "the mountains will bow down and the seas will roar" in praise to God. It reminds me of when Jesus spoke of "the rocks of the earth will sing out", if people wouldn't choose to worship God. Wouldn't it be sadly embarrassing to stand before God outdone by a "rock". The thought came to mind..."as the western church becomes more & more self indulgent...often forgetting the ways we are to use the resources God has given us (as the blog entry "Stop the Madness" discusses)... becoming less and less about assisting people in our churches and within our communities...God will find someone else to do it...if we don't choose to!" Isn't it embarrassing that the western church is being outdone by American Idol? Isn't it sad that people are more than willing to agree that "serving & giving" are good...yet we as churches often don't live it out. The closing song was a reminder to us all...if we don't "choose" to do what Jesus taught us...God will get it done one way or another. At ECHO we recognize that some churches and Jesus followers take these needs seriously, and are doing their best (i.e. Rick Warren, Bono, World Vision, Compassion etc...)...but wouldn't it be a huge impact here in Eugene/Springfield if more churches and Jesus followers "chose" to serve & give to the many, many needs of our community. Do you realize that "if" every church in our area served our community with 2 to 3 thousand dollars of meeting needs...that about a quarter million dollars of expressing God's love would permeate Eugene/Springfield...per month! Do you think some may see that as a better representation of who Jesus asked us to be? We cannot speak for other churches but we at ECHO "choose" to invest in our communities needs over our own "wants". We see this as an essential part of living out the love of God, and in that we experience the love of God personally, as we share it with others! Jesus warned us not to see a need, and turn people away with a pat on the back & a prayer...when you could have helped. In fact Jesus said, "if you did it for the least of these...you did it for Me".

be God's!
Brian O
Lead Pastor dude, ECHO

The Madness Continues...

Well March Madness just finished...with lots of exciting games...a surprising run by a little known college known as Davidson...and lots of last minute shockers! In the end of the Tournament, Kansas comes back from 9 points down with a little over a minute to play, hitting a 3 pointer with 2 seconds left to tie the game, and send it to overtime. In overtime Kansas confidence swelled to victory, as Memphis left wondering what could have been...if only? I love basketball...especially college basketball...and the pros too! The college end of season tournament, known as March Madness, is always fun to watch, and often reveals who the next players will be that make it to the NBA. Under pressure, the best rise to the top. To be considered one of the best 450 or so players in the world is quite an accomplishment and makes them worth the millions of dollars they make. It seems like crazy money to you & me, but clearly teams are willing to pay it to get the best players they can as they chase after the prize of an NBA Championship...to be called the best in the world! The March Madness Tournament decides whose the best in the United States in the college ranks...but the NBA Championship declares whose the best team in the world! As the NBA season also winds down to its last few games, I saw an interesting article. It was referring to the economics of the NBA, and examined each teams player payroll, to discover who got the most bang for their buck. From the extravagant payrolls of the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat...to the frugal payrolls of the Utah Jazz and New Orleans Hornets...the results speak for themselves. "In this league you don't necessarily get what you pay for..." the article touted. The 5 most efficient payrolls were calculated based on total player payroll divided by the number of wins, which gave you the "Dollars per win". Based on this formula the teams were evaluated.

These are the 5 Most Efficient Teams:

5. Boston Celtics, $1.15 million per win

t4. Orlando Magic, $1.14 million per win

t4. Detroit Pistons, $1.14 million per win

2. Utah Jazz, $1.12 million per win

1. New Orleans Hornets, $1.11 million per win

These are the 4 Most Wasteful Teams:

4. Minnesota Timberwolves, $3.05 million per win

3. Seattle Supersonics, $3.18 million per win

2. New York Knicks, $4.33 million per win

1. Miami Heat, $5.39 million per win

As I read this article and one similar a few months back, it got me thinking. I wonder what we'd discover if we did the same type of examination for "churches"? How "efficient" are we in using the dollars God entrusts to us to build His Kingdom? How "wasteful" are we? Do we even stop to consider these questions? The bible is clear that God uses the faithful giving of His people to build His Kingdom. Throughout history, obviously money was a key resource, and necessary. The bible also says that all we have is God's and that we are entrusted with the responsibility to use it wisely. The bible also says that God does not dwell in buildings, but in the hearts of those that trust in Him. So why do so many churches have so many dollars tied up in their buildings? It's like we have a "Field of Dreams" mentality..."if we build it, they will come". The bigger and more plush the better. We're trying to gain attention and status through our church buildings. The better they look, the more people will come...or so we think? Studies show that "church people" are attracted to the cool, slick buildings...so they just hop on over to the newest one in town. But the "not-yet-believer"? Well they don't trust the church (yet), and they think we're only after their money anyway. How could you blame them when they see the "wastefulness" of how we spend money on ourselves. We stretch our church budgets to the max to keep fixing up our image, our status, our monuments unto ourselves...while through it all we are actually pushing those we are trying to reach further and further away! Then we need to dump more and more money into our programs to justify all the money we just spent on the building, and a vicious cycle begins. Unfortunately, way too many churches are trapped in it, and their budgets are stretched to the max, with constant financial strain on them as organizations and on their people who ultimately have to support the wasteful use of their faithful giving. Its a cycle that never ends. It's like those window cleaners on skyscrapers...they keep cleaning windows, every day, over and over...and when their done with one side of the building, then its another side to be done. The job never ends. In fact, many of the largest skyscrapers have full time window cleaners...because the job is never completed. It's a never ending cycle, they constantly are trying to keep up the appearances of these buildings. That's the same never ending cycle so many churches are trapped in...and because of it, the "job" doesn't get done. The job...the task at hand...according to Jesus...is to build His Kingdom...not buildings. The Kingdom is built by reaching people...and the buildings we build keep them at a distance, even less likely to be reached. Now God will honor the humble act of worshipful giving by individuals who give to their church regardless of how it is used. But the same God also holds each church responsible for how it uses the resources it is given. The bible is big on this topic, and Jesus taught on it frequently. Are they "efficient"? Are they "wasteful"? We have over 100 churches in our area...and many are trying to "keep up with the Joneses", so to speak. When one church builds a new, fancy building...then the others have to keep up...or lose their people. It doesn't matter if you are a big church, medium church, or small church, it's a matter of survival...the tendency is real and happening right now. But none of it grows the Kingdom of God...it just grows the competition among churches for the same people. This is madness...and it keeps going on and on. I have 3 pastor friends, in different states, on the edge of making building decisions for their churches. One church is looking at a 5 million dollar project, another a 10 million dollar project, and yet another an almost 20 million dollar project. Let's take a look at the $10 million church. His church is packing out 2 services at 500 people each service. His church Board wants him to do "as you are supposed to", and build a 1,000 seat auditorium. The cost estimate $10 million. Now whether its mortgaged or raised money, the question is the same...is spending $10 million to "grow your church" by 500 to 1,000 people a wise use of $10 million? Especially considering most of those "new" people are from other churches in town? Let's be very optimistic and say 10% of 1,000 new people are "new believers"...then the $10 million dollar investment yielded 100 new people to the Kingdom of God. Does that seem efficient? Is that a wise use of the resources God has given you for maximum impact? My friend is soul searching this right now...other churches do it...church growth books & consultants encourage it...yet he never stopped to think of the "efficiency" of doing it. I shared some of this with him, and he realizes that a better investment may be to find 20 top notch church starters, and perhaps give them $500,000 budgets each to start new churches throughout his area. Those 20 churches, funded that generously, will reach way more people than he could by expanding his own church. He's re-thinking his priorities. This is just an example of well meaning pastors and churches simply imitating what others have done...and the same mistake happens over and over...instead of weighing the impact of that investment, for God's sake & His desire to transform lives. In the meantime, these same churches have a hard time meeting the needs of their own people in need...and barely have a few bucks for real, genuine needs that come from hurting people within our community. If any thing is spent on the communities needs, it comes from extra offerings taken from the people...because the church budget is shot, trying to pay for the building, utilities, programs and keep people on staff paid. Any extra money that comes in goes to new signs, marketing, remodeling, decorative sprucing up? Did we miss something? The bible says throughout the New Testament that the church is to use its finances primarily for 3 things. Meeting the needs of believers (both in your church and away, i.e. missionaries etc...)...meeting the needs of those that are dedicated to teaching the bible full time (pastors)...and meeting the needs of the community you live within. Now Jesus said the "poor you'll always have with you", but He also repeated that we are to take care of "the fatherless and widows". The "fatherless and widows (or women who've lost their husbands)" were some of the neediest people of the New Testament era. But today's churches have (incorrectly) learned to budget for buildings, programs and staff...missing 2 of the 3 things the bible asks them to invest very deliberately into! Not a token offering here and there. Not a special Christmas or Thanksgiving extra offering. At ECHO we aim for a re-alignment of priorities to what Jesus asks of us, even at the expense of elaborate buildings and programs. Imagine if churches had the flexibility of using 10% of their budget to meet the needs of the people within their church and the community outside their walls? Even 20%? What if they generously gave even more than that? Thousands of dollars per church per month, would express the love of God to people who are in genuine need. It would transform Eugene/Springfield. Would people see more of Jesus in that? Would that be more attractive to the "not-yet-believer"? You bet it would. At ECHO we are committed to stopping the "madness". We choose to be intentionally different, for the sake of the "not-yet-believers" of the Eugene/Springfield region. If we remain "homeless" for the sake of reaching people with the love of God...then so be it. We'd rather fill a warehouse, and share the love of God in real, tangible ways...than try to impress people by building a monument unto ourselves. Being like Jesus is the call of the church and every Jesus follower. Finding ways to help people's needs, with the love of God as our motivation, is our dream. We choose to invest in people over programs...invest in our communities needs over buildings...by taking Jesus words seriously, instead of taking our "wants & agenda's" seriously. This is a dream ECHO chooses to pursue intentionally! Will you join us...?

be God's!

Brian O

Lead Pastor dude, ECHO

Go Outside...

Go outside...
And praise the God who
mapped the stars out in the sky.
Gather ‘round with those who love
and sing...He is our King.

No one should be left out...
No one should be left out...
No one should be left out...
No one should be left out...
If you have air to breathe,
Hear your call to sing...

I love this song by Robbie Seay. If you don't have it downloaded on your iPod yet...you should! Soak it in as you take in the wonder all around you. It evokes that sense of awe we feel when we take time to linger a bit and enjoy God's creation. A sense rises up...a wonderful sense of I'm so small...and He's so beyond my imagination. Yet a humbling sense that God created it all for you & me. Something that we here in the Northwest are uniquely blessed to experience all the time. Man it's everywhere...lush green landscapes, forests, lakes and rushing rivers. Eugene is a such a cool area where all these things are right around us every day...and drive 15 minutes and your rolling through awesome fields of farm land and pastures of grazing animals. Go 45 minutes east and you're seeing waterfalls and snowy peaks throughout the Cascade mountains. Go 45 minutes west through the Coastal Range and you'll see the incredible Oregon coast where the forest meets the beach and rolling sand dunes. It truly is so inspiring to take some time and "go outside"...and admire God's handy work...a Master Artists' work no doubt! The bible speaks of creation itself testifying to God's awesomeness, wonder and awe! We are so blessed to have it so close to us every day. So take some time to "go outside" and praise the God who mapped it all out...for you! I also love how the song speaks of "the call" that goes out to everyone...that no one should be left out. God's heart is that all of us are His...we're all included. It encourages me to "go outside" in other ways...perhaps out of my comfort zones...beyond my convenience... beyond my preferences...to include others. To reach out to everyone, so that they may be drawn towards the One who loves them so much...a God that's crazy about them! That means I need to get "outside" church..."outside" my home perhaps...maybe even "outside" my neighborhood...but what a privilege it is to "love others" as I am loved by God. It's a challenge, but something ECHO is deeply committed to...to go "outside"...so that no one is left out...so that all have an opportunity to explore and experience their journey of faith. Our privilege is to be a group of Jesus followers that is willing to "go outside", and "love others" in the hope we may point them towards a God that wants to draw them close. And together we can "go outside" and join the song of praise to the God that paints us a new canvas every day! At ECHO our commitment is...as long as we "have air to breathe"..."no one should be left out!"

be God's!
Brian O
Lead Pastor dude, ECHO