Author Archive

Countryside Sermon Videos Now Posted!

Tuesday, March 30th, 2010

At long last, it appears we may have the bugs worked out that have prevented us from posting sermon videos on a regular basis.  We don’t have the bandwidth to support posting videos from both services, or whole services, but if you’re interested in viewing the sermon from one of the services each week, you should be able to do this from here on out (unless our tech folks are misinformed!).  Simply find the “Sermons” badge 2/3s of the way down the Countryside’s home page and click where it says “video” (Note: currently accessing video  through the “About” tab at the top of the home page is not working).  For THIS week, you may also simply click here!

In response to our new capabilities, Dr. Elnes is heard to have said, “Wouldn’t you know it?  The week I look like Yasser Arafat is the week my sermons get posted on video!”  But he seemed truly happy anyway …

Group Leader/Worship Team Party at Elnes Home

Monday, March 29th, 2010

To all Joy Luke Club Small Group Leaders:

I trust you are all finding some way to celebrate the conclusion of the Luke series with your respective groups.  Now, it’s time to celebrate YOU!

To this end, Melanie and I would like to invite all small group leaders and worship team members to our home on THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 6:30 pm for a potluck dinner-party! We hope you can come.

Bring your “spouse or your spice,” and bring a dish to share with others.  We’ll trust that we’ll have enough main dish, salad/veggie, and dessert dishes without having to assign anything.  Just bring what you’re passionate about making – something from the “fun” end of your cookbook – and let me know what it is when you RSVP (RSVP by emailing me at erice@countrysideucc.org).  That way I’ll know what to provide myself if there’s an imbalance.  We’ll provide non-alcoholic beverages, and if you would like to bring something else, please feel free (Just know you’ll probably be expected to share THAT, too!).

One more thing:  Not that you have Luke memorized by now or anything, but it would be wonderful if everyone brought with them a favorite line or two from Luke to share with us, or a special insight or story about your encounter with Luke’s gospel.

Hope to see you on April 8th!  If you need directions to our home, just call the church office at 402-391-1720.
Grace and peace, and thanks for all your great work,

Eric


Roadside Conversations for Luke 23 & 24

Monday, March 29th, 2010

We’re swiftly coming to the conclusion of our Joy Luke Club sessions and Believer’s Road worship series!  What a wonderful half-year it has been, with lots of  feedback from people about how their encounter with Jesus through Luke (and each other!) as changed their understandings and deepened their personal path.

Here are the final video segments for Luke 23 and 24.

Luke 23

Luke 24

Roadside Conversations Video for Luke 21 and 22

Sunday, March 14th, 2010

Friends, here are the latest chapters from the Roadside Conversations series corresponding to the Gospel of Luke Chapter 21 and Chapter 22.

And for those interested in a little extra Sandhill Crane footage from our Ancient Wings retreat this weekend, shot by Ray Meints, click here.

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

Friends, sorry for the delay in posting the Roadside Conversations videos keyed to the Luke chapters we’re covering in worship and small groups.  I understand there have been some technical issues that have – until now – kept recent ones from posting properly.  We appreciate your patience.

But when it rains it pours, so here are four chapters worth!

Luke 17

Luke 18

Luke 19

Luke 20

Luke 16 video posted

Saturday, February 6th, 2010

For all of you following the Roadside Conversations videos on Luke, Chapter 16 is now posted.

Asphalt Gospel film on sale

Friday, January 29th, 2010

I was just renewing my membership with The Center for Progressive Christianity and discovered that they are selling the DVD about CrossWalk America’s 2006 walk across America, The Asphalt Gospel, for $15 ($13.50 for TCPC members)!  They’ve normally been $25.  According to the site, the sale ends in December, but I just ordered some copies and got the discount.

- Eric

Roadside Conversations for Luke 14 & 15 Posted

Thursday, January 21st, 2010

For those of you watching the video companion to our Luke Bible study, the chapters corresponding to Luke 14 and Luke 15 are now posted.

Dr. Elnes Invited to Become Editorial Writer for United Church News

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

Dr. Elnes was recently asked by United Church News – the UCC’s online news journal – to become one of a handful of editorial writers in 2010.  Today United Church News published the first of a handful of articles he will write this year, this one called “Toward a profound emergence.”  In it, Dr. Elnes gives the top 5 reasons why he believes Christianity is morphing into a new, more exciting form.  You can find the editorial at http://www.ucc.org/news/opinion-moving-toward-a.html.

If you find it helpful, why not send it on to your friend list via email, Facebook, etc.?  By so doing, you not only raise awareness of Countryside Church, but of a grassroots shift taking place within Christianity that many will find encouraging.

Toward a profound emergence

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

Today the UC News published an editorial I wrote called “Toward a profound emergence,” which gives the top 5 reasons why I believe Christianity is morphing into a new, more exciting form.  Countrysider’s won’t find any surprises in it, but in case you’d like to read it or send a link to friends, you can find it at http://www.ucc.org/news/opinion-moving-toward-a.html.

This article is part of a handful that I’ve been asked to write by the UCC in 2010.  If you find the article helpful, I encourage you to pass it on to others through email, Facebook, etc.  Thanks!

- Eric