Congregational Church of Eastford Update
Hello, Eastford!
In American life, different months mean different holidays — and a quick walk through the store’s “seasonal” aisle gives the clear signal. February is all about love, red hearts and candy.
Back when I was a pre-teen, there was a popular song that went like this: “What the world needs now is love, sweet love…” The year 1965 was 60 years ago! Those lyrics were true then, and it is certainly true today. There is so much chaos and discord. There are wars between nations and even within our own. There are wars in families and even wars within our own hearts. We battle habits, fears, anger, sorrows and selfishness. It seems the battels will never end.
Just imagine if there were a great upwelling of love in the midst of all the troubles in today’s world. I am not writing about romantic, “Hallmark Movie” love — but crazy love that even loves the unlovable, the sort of love that can love even those who would seek our harm. If you have been hurt, wounded, cheated — if you have been the victim of someone unloving — imagine if you had the sort of love in your heart that could not only forgive, but actually seek to bless your enemies. Such love might seem unreachable, yet it is very near to us all. I speak of the love of our great God who “so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son (Jesus).” This love of God is so great that He is able to love us when we are at our worst. He is able to love us even when we are acting as His enemies. That is some kind of amazing love.
All that to say that the two churches in Eastford — Eastford Baptist and the Congregational Church of Eastford — are both here to represent Jesus to all those who do not yet know that love. Perhaps you are hurting, wounded, sorrowful, hopeless, afraid and lonely. Maybe you are fighting battles in life and cannot seem to find victory. Or maybe things are pretty good in your life, but yet there is something missing. Do you feel well loved?
I can tell you that those who know Jesus do feel well loved. And here’s the amazing part. No matter who you are, where you come from, or what you have done in life (even if it is really, really awful), the love of Jesus is so big that He will forgive you and welcome you into His family.
We as a local church do what we do because we know the love He has for us, and it is breathtaking. And we just want to share that love with whoever will receive it. Maybe that is you. Join us on a Sunday when we meet to celebrate and worship Him. Check out our website for ways you might be blessed. For instance, we will be offering programs for those who are grieving in February, and starting a divorce care ministry in March. Or, check out Eastford Baptist. That same love, the same message, and the same Jesus is in both congregations. We just want to introduce Him to you.
“What the world needs now is love, sweet love.” In Jesus that love is here, it is here now, and it is on offer for you. So, my invitation is offered on behalf of the God who loves you more than you can imagine.
From Associate Pastor Evan Burgess
Hello, Eastford!
My name is Evan Burgess, and I"m excited to introduce myself as the new associate pastor at the Congregational Church of Eastford! Though my family and I have only been out here since October, we’re already starting to feel at home in this wonderful community! My wife and I were born and raised in Manchester, Conn., so we’re grateful to get to raise our 4-year-old son back in New England, especially here in the beautiful quiet corner.
We moved back to Connecticut from Wisconsin, having lived in the Midwest for the last several years working with a mission"s organization called Ethnos360. My wife and I were trained to plant churches in very remote, tribal locations, and funnily enough the Lord brought us to a different kind of remote spot — Eastford. With our travels and experiences bringing us all over the country and world, we’re excited to put roots down here, and to start serving and showing love to this wonderful community.
Since arriving, I’ve been so impressed by the warmth and spirit of the people here. From hearing how the town cared for our church after our building burnt down, to the everyday interactions that make this town special, it’s clear that this is a place where neighbors look after each other.
As I get settled in, I’m excited to learn more about our town’s history, and how our church can better love and serve this community. I’m eager to contribute in any way I can, whether it’s to provide a listening ear, counsel, prayer, or just being a friendly face.
If you see me around town, please don’t hesitate to say hello — I’d love to meet you! I look forward to what’s ahead and getting to know more of you in the months and years to come. And as always, we’d love to have you join us on a Sunday morning at 10 a.m. in the Eastford Elementary School gym. Our church offers programs and support groups for all ages, so check us out at cceastford.org!