E3 ECHO 6.20.25

EVENTS IN BRIEF: WEEKLY CALENDAR

LENGTHIER ANNOUNCEMENTS

For many, the 12 Step Program is shrouded in mystery, stereotypes, & confusion. Too often, it’s misunderstood by those outside of it as being only about substance abuse, legalism or as providing some form of “sin management” that can help alcoholics & addicts white knuckle their way into sobriety. 

However, these ideas are all grounded in a fundamental misunderstanding of the program. For one, alcohol is only mentioned once in the 12 Steps. The rest of the steps lead participants to understand that alcohol abuse is but a symptom of a deeper, broken spiritual condition (that is, our egos or what the Bible calls “the flesh”). In reality, at their core, the 12 Steps are a spiritual program that seeks to produce more than simple abstinence from substances. Instead, its stated purpose is to guide people into a vital spiritual experience through transformation. 

As such, Christians have increasingly come to acknowledge that the pathway to spiritual transformation that’s proposed by the 12 Steps often directly mirrors what Jesus had to say about discipleship & life change. From acknowledging one's powerlessness to surrendering to a high power, the 12 Steps draw upon the same core spiritual truths that Jesus upheld as being critical for finding healing & renewal through a restored relationship with God. 

With this in mind, in this series, we’ll be exploring how, when paired with Scripture & a biblical understanding of the human condition, the 12 Steps can offer a unique perspective of our deepest brokenness & how to find freedom through Jesus.

Considered making the best decision ever by becoming baptized?  Wondered what baptism is all about?  Just a little curious about what it "takes" to be baptized?  

Our next Baptism Sunday is coming up.  Now is the time to take that leap of faith and proclaim your faith!  Connect with Scott@element3.org to get the conversation started!

YOUTH AND KIDS

At Element3 we know the importance of praying for new babies and children as part of their coming in to our church, even before they may know they are apart of the church!  With this we invite any new baby or child to take part in our dedications on June 29.  This time of prayer, laying of hands, and even using water to symbolize their future immersion baptism is a key step in the child's...and parent's...growth towards Jesus. 

Join our E3 kids team and let's Set Sail in June with an evening VBS!  This time of worship, learning, and fun is so important for E3 kids and their spiritual development!  There is a small registration fee that can be covered by scholarship.  Sign up here:  https://mye3.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2820937

Can't volunteer at this year's VBS?  Sign up for one of these items using the following link and bring by June 22! 

https://mye3.churchcenter.com/people/forms/983490

Just a few items left!

Campers & Parents of campers!  You need to submit your final payment before Moose and Rocco are sent out to your homes!  Click "Sign-ups" above, and you can submit your final payment online.  More information will be sent out in the coming weeks.  Contact jadah@element3.org with questions.

SERVE OPPORTUNITIES

Our June 2025 wheelchair ramp project has been scheduled for 8:00 am on Saturday, June 7, 2025.

Join us as we construct a wheel chair ramp each month in partnership with Ability 1st, a local not-for-profit organization with a mobility and accessibility focus. As usual, Ability 1st will provide the design and materials.

The project location is the home of Theresa Williams, 43 Dogwood Drive, Gretna, FL 32332

Please note the 8:00 am start time! We start a little bit earlier during the warmer months. If you can't get there by 8:00 am, just come on when you can, and stay as long as you can. We appreciate all of the help that we can get!

Volunteers may bring their own hand tools, especially battery drills with T-25 bits. If you don't have such a tool, never fear, as Ability 1st has a set of battery-powered impact drills and other tools needed on site.  It is useful to bring safety glasses, tape measure, speed square, and pencil. Please plan to bring snacks, water, insect repellent, sun screen, and anything else you need to have a wonderful experience! Please make certain that any personal items you bring are well-marked, so they get back to you at the end of the day!

Please save this date! We need YOU to help our neighbors!

For questions or comments, contact John Stott at reddienole74@comcast.net or 850-339-7634.

CONNECT OPPORTUNITES

The 2025 She3 Retreat will be held on November 7-9 at the Cerveny Conference Center in Live Oak, Florida. Attendees will arrive Friday evening and depart Sunday morning. The total cost is $230 per person, which includes housing for two nights with one roommate, all meals, and the cost of retreat materials. A nonrefundable deposit of $46 is requested upon registration to assist with planning.

To alleviate the financial burden of registration, we offer an optional payment plan and scholarships. To request a scholarship please email Jaye Vanture at jvanture@gmail.com. Scholarships will be reviewed on a case by case basis. To make payments for the retreat, please click "register" and you will be taken to the payment page. Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation email with a link you will need to make additional payments. Please do NOT pay for the retreat through the E3 giving page. If you plan to pay by check, please designate that the funds are for She3 Retreat Registration in the memo line and put the check in the offering pyramid in the church lobby.

Payment Plan Details: $46 deposit due at registration (or by 6/15); $46 due 7/15; $46 due 8/15; $46 due 9/15; $46 due by 10/15.

https://mye3.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2913603

If you're looking for an opportunity to visit with your E3 friends after church or hope to make some new friends, stick around the E3 lobby after the 11am gathering and join the weekly Sunday picnic from 12-1pm. This group is an informal time to connect with no weekly curriculum, just a chance to relax, chat, and eat. Kids can play in the Commons. You can either bring lunch just for you or your family members or come with something to share and graze at the group picnic table, whatever you prefer. If you meet a visitor during the service, feel free to invite them to join you. There's always plenty to go around. 

You do not have to sign up in advance or commit to attend this group regularly, feel free to drop in any Sunday. Due to limited space in the lobby refrigerator, please bring anything requiring refrigeration in a cooler bag.