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FEATURING WILL MCFARLANE

FORMER LEAD GUITAR PLAYER WITH BONNIE RAITT

Will McFarlane spent six years playing guitar with Bonnie Raitt, from 1974 to 1980.
McFarlane learned how to listen as well as play while in Raitt's band. His musical education was a versatile one, encompassing straight blues, country blues, folk, country, rock 'n' roll, as well as singer-songwriter material. Raitt was sharing stages with living blues legends, and McFarlane soaked up as much as he could from them before and after the gigs.

McFarlane left Raitt to move to Muscle Shoals, Alabama, playing on records for Bobby Blue Bland, Little Milton, Etta James and Johnnie Taylor as part of the famed Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section.
McFarlane has continued to work in secular and gospel music, both traditional and contemporary styles. He has added full-fledged minister to his list of occupations since coming to the Triangle area seven years ago, and has been one of the pastors at Grace Church in Chapel Hill. He has continued to work in Muscle Shoals, Nashville, and other places around the country and world, as well as doing many sessions and live performances in the Raleigh/Durham area. He was just recently inducted into the Musician's Hall of Fame in Nashville as a friend of the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section (The Swampers).

More on FAMILY FUN DAY / OCTOBER 2, 2010 / 3:00 PM UNTIL 7:00 PM

Welcome to our Blog. You will find dates for events and happenings within our congregation. Check out the posts or categories; especially what to expect when you attend one of our services. Be sure to check often for updates! You can now listen on line or download sermons from Pastor Ken as well as teachings and admonitions from special guest such as Ben Kinchlow, Will McFarlane, Tom Johnson, Ret. Brigadier General / US Army James M. Hutchens, Clem Ferris, Michael Cotten, and many other 5-Fold ministries plus the Elders of EWCE, just click on EWCE Podcast. Also check out the EWCE Happenings below and navigate our site to find out more about EWCE. 

CHECK OUT THIS WEEK'S EVENTS! click  Weekly Events 

Core Values/Beliefs / What To Expect at EWCE / EWCE Art & Drama Ministry
Women’s Ministry /   Worship / Life Groups /  Men’s Ministry    Location & Directions 
         

SUNDAY MORNING HAPPENINGS!

Foundational Principles of Discipleship 

This is an exciting life group for all new believers, first timers, or anyone desiring to learn the basic teachings of the Bible, our core values and beliefs, and our philosophy of worship and ministry. Taught by the elders of EWCE, they meet Sunday morning in the Fellowship Hall at 9:30 AM. At the end of the course, they receive a Certificate of Completion and a dinner in their honor. For more information contact Tim Gainey at ewce@comcast.net.

SUNDAY MORNING CELEBRATION! 

We meet every Sunday morning at 10:30 AM for worship and ministry of the Word. Our Sunday morning gatherings are viewed more as celebrations than formal services. In our celebration services, some things may be different than what you are use to; but you can be assured we followed the scriptural pattern of Eph. 5:17-21. Our expression of worship and ministry is that we expect and accept the spontaneous moving of the Holy Spirit. You may find our spontaneity different, but our prayer is that you will find it equally refreshing. Our special guest Officer Dan, puppeteer!

Sunday Morning Youth Ministry

Many of our church activities are centered around our children. We believe they are not only the church of tomorrow but very much a part of the church today.  Immediately following the worship service, our children are dismissed from the adult service to attend Grace-Land or Power-House where they are ministered to by dedicated teachers and helpers whose purpose is to assist you in helping to point them to Christ Jesus at an early age. “…that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” [1Tm.3:15] Contact David Rodgester at ewcemporia@comcast.net.

Grace-Land is our pre-school ministry for babies and toddlers and takes place immediately following the worship service. They enjoy exciting Bible-based lessons, puppets, refreshments, incentives, rewards, and godly care to support you in establishing a strong spiritual foundation early in their life. Contact Sharon O'Berry at ewcemporia@comcast.net.

Power-House is our ministry for school age children and follows our worship service. It is very entertaining and instructional. They enjoy strong Bible-based teaching, videos, puppet ministry, skits, games, competition, incentives, and rewards in a fun-filled atmosphere all centered upon the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Scriptures. Contact David Rodgester or Bob Warwick at ewcemporia@comcast.net.

Other Children Happenings

Kid’s Night Out! Each quarter we seek to provide a special night of ministry for the kids. This may be a special dinner or movie night at the church, a game and cook out, or a visit to the bowling alley or Chucky Cheese. The purpose is to provide godly family fun for everyone.

  

Kids Crusades! These take place prior to, and at the end of the school year. This is a powerful Christ-centered, all-out service geared towards the children. There is worship and teaching mixed in with fun, games, skits, competition, rewards, incentives, and food. Everything is geared to presenting the love of Jesus Christ to your children and their friends.

EWCE Sunday Evenings Happenings

EWCE Women’s Ministry

 The Women of EWCE meet the second Sunday night of each month for ministry and fellowship. They deal with issues relevant to the needs of today’s women. The goal is to build up women in the kingdom and to help provide them the tools needed to minister in their homes, workplace and neighborhoods, etc. They attend work shops and retreats for a time of refreshing and renewing of their spirituality to become the godly women God called them to be whether in their home, workplace, career, or ministry. Next conference - EWCE Women's Encounter - June 12-13 - registeration now open - cost is $30.00 and includes one night lodgeing, 3 meals amd all materials. 434-336-0077

FIFTH SUNDAY NIGHT WORSHIP

Every fifth Sunday night of the month, one of the teaching Elders or ministers of the church shares their gifting and calling with the local body. There is all out radical worship, the manifestations of the Gifts of the Spirit through body ministry, wonderful preaching and teaching and a wonderful time of fellowship and drawing closer to God. We are blessed with so many wonderful prescious giftings in the body. 

SATURDAY HAPPENINGS! 

Men’s Ministry

EWCE helps to host a Christian Men’s Life Group every 3rd Saturday morning from 8:00 to 9:30 AM. Men from churches across the Emporia region meet for breakfast, fellowship, and worship of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Our focus is on developing godly husbands, fathers, and men who can influence their world for Christ. We serve as a support team for men struggling with habits, sins, or strongholds that keep men from being the real man that God called them to be. Our monthly meetings are designed to give men the tools needed to be overcomers and to boldly share the ‘Good News’ of the Gospel in their homes, neighborhoods, jobs, and the community in which they live. Contact Mike Berry or Tim Gainey @ ewcemporia@concast.net.

 SOME VERY SPECIAL HAPPENINGS! 

L.E.A.P. 

                       [LEARNING AND EDUCATION ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM]
This is a very special and unique Life Group under the guidance of Hope Dean. It is tailored for children who need special tutoring or help in school. It is also for anyone, regardless of age desireing to improve, refresh, or advance their learning skills in  math, reading, writing, etc. L.E.A.P. meets Monday nights at 6PM in the educational room at EWCE. For more information contact Hope Dean @ ewcemporia@comcast.net.

PRAISE MOVES

Its WOMEN ONLY! A life group of fun fitness! Women of all ages meet Tuesday from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. They come together for 'health tips', 'exercise', 'recipes', fun and fellowship! Bring your Bibles, barbells, exercise mats, pen and paper,invite and bring a friend, co-worker,neighbor, etc. Improve your health and get help to shape up in spirit, body and mind. Contact Vera Rodgester at ewcemporia@comcast.net.

  Works Of The Heart

  DEVELOPING WORKS OF CREATIVITY
A very special Life Group under the direction of Hope Dean and Joan Gainey. It's for everyone interested in learning the skills of sewing, crocheting, plastic canvas, kids crafts, scrapbooking, painting and other types of crafts, etc.They meet the first and second Friday of each month at EWCE from 7Pm to 8:30 PM. For more information, contact Hope Dean or Joan Gainey at ewcemporia@comcast.net.

EWCE DRAMA AND ARTS MINISTRY

 ‘Ribbons of Light’ is the drama and arts ministry of EWCE under the direction of Kathy Berry. Their mission statement reads: We believe God is restoring in these last days the Messianic [Davidic] worship of praise and the arts. We strive to provide corporate instruction in the Messianic [Davidic] worship of praise techniques so that all who desire may participate in an orderly and uplifting fashion. We seek to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and strength through discipline, the study of the arts, and praise and worship according to the Scripture. Check out some of the pictures below. For more information contact Kathy Berry at ewcemporia@comcast.net.

EWCE Contemorary Praise Team 

We believe that God is restoring to the church the ‘Davidic Worship of Praise'. We seek to incorporate this type of worship into our services. Our expression of worship and ministry is that we expect and accept the spontaneous moving of the Holy Spirit. You may find our spontaneity different, but our prayer is that you will find it equally refreshing. It is His command and our delight to “enter His gates with thanksgiving in our hearts and enter His courts with praise!” The EWCE Praise Team provides for our worship during our celebration services, our Fifth Sunday Night Service as well as any special happenings with special guest. Our goal is to minister to the Lord and His people through scriptural praise and worship using music and artistic expression utilizing various instruments and at times ensembles, drama, dance and flag teams to inspire, motivate and encourage hearts to enter into worship. The EWCE Praise Life Group meet on Wednesday evening from 7:30 to 9:00 PM. In addition to rehearsing the music for the coming Sunday, there is prayer time to cover each other and the Sunday morning celebration service. At times there are teachings and studies from the Scripture to help strengthen and maintain a life style of worship. Contact Vera Rodgester at ewcemporia@comcast.net.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

SUNDAY APRIL 18 / TWO GREAT SERVICES 10:30 AM & 6:00 PM

MICHAEL & GLORIA COTTEN

CHECK OUT THIS WEEK'S EVENTS! click  Weekly Events 

Michael and Gloria Cotten have been encouraging and strengthening the Body of Christ for over 20 yrs.

Born and raised in Fuquay-Varina, NC, Michael Cotten was a lawyer happily running the law practice he had once shared with his father. Using his wife, Gloria, God began to convict Michael's heart and provoke him to salvation. A few years after being born-again and baptized in the Holy Spirit, God began to speak to Michael and train him in the spiritual gift of prophecy.

At the same time, people began to gather in the Cotten's home for prayer and fellowship. Before long, a small church was born in the Cottens' home. In 1982, Michael Cotten sold the family law practice to enter ministry full-time.

As the pastor of this church, which came to be known as Jubilee Fellowship, it became evident that Michael was gifted with a unique ability to hear what the Spirit of God was saying.

He pastored at Jubilee for 23 years during which time Michael's ministry gradually moved from the role of a local pastor to that of a prophet. Several churches in Grace Churches International (GCI) began looking to him for oversight and prophetic input. Michael is now the Apostolic Leader of GCI. Gloria's ministry expanded too as she saw the demand for her gift for teaching and discipling women increase.

 In 2001, Jubilee Fellowship was turned over to their eldest son, Sam Cotten. Michael and Gloria were then able to pursue their calling to strengthen the Body of Christ throughout the world.

A recognized prophet in GCI, God has since used Michael to speak His Word to thousands of individuals, hundreds of churches, and dozens of nations. Gloria ministers internationally to women in retreats and conferences, usually focusing on the theme of "releasing Godly femininity in the church." She has written a book entitled, In the Beginning. She and Michael minister together in an annual marriage conference in the US and in churches around the world. They also sponsor God's Voice to the Market Place, a prophetic conference for Christian Entrepreneurs.

Miracles are real! Below are pictures of John Taylor, one of EWCE's deacons. Last April, while working on a car, a cup of gasoline blew up and caught John on fire. He fell to the ground, and was able to roll and smother the fire; but received severe burns to his face, neck, shoulders and hands. The first three pictures are after doctors had scraped and cleaned all the burned skin from his face. GCI and EWCE intercessors began praying. (John's wife, Barbara, is an intercessor; and everytime she changed the bandages, she prayed and believed for a miracle.) John was anointed with oil, according to the 5th chapter of James, by the elders of the church. The last picture is less than thirty days later. The picture tells the story, except for one small scar on his hand, John healed without scars. God is awesome! 

Celebrating the Life 

of Natalie Gainey 

Owens Funeral Home / Jarratt, VA

Tuesday / Feb. 23, 2010

Family Visitation - 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

Memorial Service - 2 PM

Interment to follow at High Hills Memorial Cemetery.

 A Year of Faith & Growth!

There will be many whose faith will be shaken. Many who are superficial in their walk will fall back. This will be a year when leaders and churches that we thought to be strong, will waver and some will even close their doors. At the same time, it is a year to plow and to dig deep into God and His Word! You will need fresh ’manna’ and renewed ‘revelation’ this year. You will need more than Information. Information produces  the superficial; Revelation (Rhema - that which is spoken by a living voice/ Rom. 10:17) produces the Supernatural. Start now by digging into God’s Word with prayer and fasting.

Pastor Ken

The origin of Thanksgiving can be traced back to the 16th century when the first thanksgiving dinner is said to have taken place.                                                 

The Pilgrims Crossing                                                    
In the year 1620 the pilgrims looking for religous freedom crossed the Atlantic Ocean in the ship called the Mayflower. About 102 people traveled for nearly two months in extreme difficulty. They were kept in the cargo space of the sailing vessel because no one was allowed to go on the deck due to terrible storms. The pilgrims encouraged themselves by praying, reading the Bible and singing scriptural Psalms.                 

Pilgrims Arrival
The pilgrims reached Plymouth rock on December 11, 1620 after a journey of some 66 days across the Atlantic Ocean. Their original destination was to be somewhere in the northern part of Virginia. However they could not reach the place due to storms blowing them off course. Nearly 46 pilgrims died due to extreme cold during that first winter. They thought all would die, however, in the spring of 1621, Squanto, a native Indian taught the pilgrims to grow food and they were able to survive. God had provided!

Fasting & Prayer
In the summer of 1621, because  of a severe drought the  pilgrims called for a day of fasting and prayer to God and asked for a bountiful harvest in the coming season. God answered their prayers and it rained at the end of the day. Their crops were saved, God once again had provided!                                                      

First Thanksgiving
The Pilgrims learned to grow crops of corn, beans and pumpkins as taught by the Indians which helped them to survive. In the autumn of 1621, they held the first Thanksgiving celebration which lasted for three days. There were 90 people including Indians who gathered to thank God for His blessings and their survival.                                                                                                  

In 1883, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday of November as Thanksgiving Day!

As you gather with relatives and friends, let it be a time of reflection and thankfulness to God for our redemption and His grace. May we share this with all others!

 Happy Thanksgiving!

The members of EWCE Thanks YOU, the communities of the Emporia region, for your support and participation in our 6th Annual Day of Prayer and Solidarity for Israel Program.

We gratefully acknowledge Hampton Inn of Emporia, the YMCA, and Randy Archer of Archer's Financial Group, for the roles they played in bringing this program together.

Thank you EWCE Ribbons of Light Drama Team, Praise Team and EWCE members for your time, your prayers and participation, your physical and financial support and months of sacrifice in making this program one of the best.

Held once again at the Greensville High School due to their generous space and stage facilities, the program presented Davidic dance and flag routines along with a concert by the EWCE Praise Team in which many in attendance danced.

Our special speaker, Dr. Sanford Kulkin, Phd., offered a humorous oration on what it meant for him being Jewish to know the Messiah, Jesus. He finished by offering up a prayer and blessing of prosperity to those in attendance.

Those that attended the program raised over $3,000.00  for the Aliyah Fund. The word 'aliyah' is a Hebrew word which means to 'go up' as in going up to Jerusalem. This fund was established in accordance with the Isaiah 49:22 prophesy noting that the people of various nations would help to bring the Jewish people back to their homeland. This prophesy is being fulfilled today around the world and Emporia was a part of it!

Again, your support and attendance was so very important to this program. It is a blessing when we can gather together in unity and support each other's causes. It is that 'coming together' that makes us a community!