At EHCC we offer several opportunities to stretch the mind and spirit with a smaller group of people.

• EHCC’s book group, the Hungry Readers, takes the summer off from meeting, but, we do know what we’ll be discussing on September 20, 2010 (at 7pm in the Singer room): Saving Jesus from the Church by Robin Meyers. Meyers is a UCC minister in Oklahoma as well as a philosophy professor and a syndicated columnist. The following is “product description” from Amazon.“Countless thoughtful people are now so disgusted with the marriage of bad theology and hypocritical behavior by the church that a new Reformation is required in which the purpose of religion itself is re-imagined. Meyers takes the best of biblical scholarship and recasts these core Christian concepts to exhort the church to pursue an alternative vision of the Christian life:

• Jesus as Teacher, not Savior
• Christianity as Compassion, not Condemnation
• Prosperity as Dangerous, not Divine
• Discipleship as Obedience, not Control
• Religion as Relationship, not Righteousness

“This is not a call to the church to move to the far left or to try something brand new. Rather, it is the recovery of something very old. Saving Jesus from the Church shows us what it means to be a Christian and how to follow Jesus' teachings today.”

Scintillating summer reading followed by a rousing discussion in the fall. Newcomers are always welcome: Join us!

• Bible Study: The Bible Study fellowship meets Tuesdays from 9:30-11am in Dee's office to discuss the texts that have been assigned by the lectionary for the following Sunday. Pastor Dee Eisenhauer or Pastor Emily Tanis-Likkel usually lead the study, using the Seasons of the Spirit curriculum as a resource. The curriculum leads us to connect the ancient texts with our day-to-day experiences. The wisdom of the class participants enhances our understanding of the faith as we share our ideas and stories. Newcomers are always welcome. No pre-requisite knowledge of the Bible is required. BYOB (Bring Your Own Bible), or we’ll loan you one if you need it.  Click on Worship with Us to see weekly  lectionary/scripture readings. 

• Choir: We’re a multi-age group with a variety of singing experience. We’re open to any and all who’d like to explore and expand their vocal interests and talents.  During the school year we practice Thursday evenings, from 7:00-8:15pm and Sunday mornings at 8:30am before worship. (We take the summer off from our practice/performance schedule.)  Some of us also participate in smaller group ensembles who perform periodically before the congregation. 
  If you're interested in singing with us, contact Alice Tawresey or Carol Estes.

• Mary Martha Lunch Bunch:  The Mary Martha Circle has decided to change its name to Lunch Bunch to become more inviting to all women of the congregation. We meet at 11:30am on the fourth Tuesday of every month during the school year .  Bring a salad, yogurt, or a sandwich, and we will furnish coffee and dessert.  We will occasionally have short programs and we always have friendly conversations.
  
  
• Men’s Breakfast: We meet from 7-8:20am every Thursday (except major holidays) in our fellowship hall. We partake of a simple meal of oatmeal and fruit, and enjoy conversation and, often, a program by one of our attendees or a guest we’ve invited. The group is secular in nature, comprised of many philosophies, faiths, and beliefs, and there is amazing expertise available, regardless of the subject. All men are welcome.
  
  
  

For more information on any of the above groups, please call the church office.

Come to the Oasis: UCC Northwest Regional Women’s Retreat, November 5-7, 2010 at Kah-Nee-Ta Resort, Warm Springs, OR.

You are invited to the 9th NRWR event. Continue the legacy where you’ll find inspiration, stimulation, education, fellowship, relaxation and fun. The keynote speaker this year is author Carolyn Scott Kortge. Carolyn, who has received many awards for journalism and for spirited walking, will share her amazing story of facing adversity and overcoming challenges. Go to the website www.nrwr-ucc.org for registration information and a full outline of the workshops being offered at this retreat. Topics/workshops include: Spirited Walking; Every Stitch Tells a Story, a World View; Liturgical Dance; Stone Carving; Midlife Transitions; Labyrinth Walk; Economic Diversity and Culture of Poverty; Stress Reduction; Fair Trade Craft; and Yoga. You can also contact Barbara Derkacht, NRWR Chair, at 503-631-3063 or nrwr.ucc@gmail.com, with any questions.

To contact us:

EHCC

105 Winslow Way West

Bainbridge Island, WA  98110

Phone: 206-842-4657