The first time I remember strength training for football I was in the 3rd grade. I had just started my 14 year football career, playing for the Sagemont Cowboys. Our coach was teaching us proper form for push-ups. The only thing I remember him telling me was, "Cagle, don't forget to breathe!" I didn't realize it, but I was focusing so hard on doing something new, something hard, that I failed to breathe.

While breathing may seem obvious, you'd be surprised how often people forget to breathe properly when doing something difficult. And yet, the body needs oxygen for muscles to function well. Getting stronger isn't just about proper lifting. It's also about proper breathing.

I've been thinking about the advice my little league coach gave me as I've encountered all the new and difficult things Covid-19 is bringing our way. In addition to all the necessary adjustments we are making to ensure fewer people get the virus, we are also adjusting to new schedules, new work environments, and isolation. Don't forget to breathe.

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• April 3rd Update: Extended the suspension of public gatherings through May 3rd

Dear Church Family,

The elders of Ecclesia Clear Lake have decided to extend the suspension of public gatherings through April 10. We will continue to keep you updated through email and on our website. Meanwhile, please join us on Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. as we live stream our prayer time and sermon. You can access the live stream on our website. Furthermore, beginning next Wednesday, we are experimenting with a weekly online Prayer Chapel at 8:00 p.m. We'll have more information about that in our next eBlast.

If you need prayer, email us at prayer@ecclesiaclearlake.org. If you or anybody you know needs extra support, please contact one of the elders.

The Elders of Ecclesia Clear Lake

Marla Morris
Melissa Pride
Lacy Hilbrich
Lucas Hilbrich
Coby Cagle
John Hatfield

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• May 3th, 2021 Update: In person public gatherings will resume mid-June - More details
• January 10th Update: Our public gatherings are suspended until further notice. Check back here or subscribe to our newsletter for updates
• April 3rd Update: Extended the suspension of public gatherings through May 3rd
• March 19th Update: The elders of Ecclesia Clear Lake have decided to extend the suspension of public gatherings through April 10
• Watch our Sunday Morning live stream

Dear Church Family,

We are aware of the rapidly evolving situation regarding COVID-19 and are committed to prayer, decisive response, and thoughtful intentionality. There are many moving parts and details to this response, and we ask you to continue in prayer with us during this time.

The best science and research available indicates that gathering in large groups increases transmission of the virus, which impacts those who are immunocompromised, immunodeficient, or vulnerable due to age and underlying medical conditions.

It is important to note: there is no model for this. This situation is rapidly evolving, and people are doing the best they can to respond appropriately. We will not shame, disparage, or denigrate any other community for the way they choose to handle this situation, just as we would not want to be disparaged for the decisions we make.

After much prayer and discussion, the elders of Ecclesia Clear Lake have decided to temporarily suspend our public gatherings for the remainder of March, in order to protect the most vulnerable among us and love our community well. This is an ever-evolving situation, and the elders will constantly monitor and update our church on any further decisions.

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Dear Church Family,

We know that this is a time of concern, confusion, and questions. As leaders of this community, we are seeking wisdom through prayer, discussion, and research as we process the best proactive responses to the COVID-19 situation.

There are many decisions to be made, particularly as they pertain to caring for the immunocompromised and vulnerable in our community, city, and beyond. While there are still a great deal of unknown variables in this situation, we as leaders are seeking counsel from other churches, local officials, and medical professionals to determine the best way to embody love to those who would be most profoundly affected by COVID-19.

We are seeking not to react out of fear, but to respond from a desire to love our community well, and to protect our healthcare system and the most vulnerable. We desire to be a voice of peace, and a community of love in the midst of this pandemic

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We have some exciting news. After much prayer, thought, and many conversations, the elders would like to nominate two new candidates for eldership at Ecclesia Clear Lake: Lauren Kussro and Joe Bibby.

Both Lauren and Joe already lead and serve in various capacities at ECL. Lauren helps lead worship through music, she coordinates a prayer time before church every Sunday, and she is a key contributor to our art ministry. Joe serves as a teacher on the children's ministry team, he regularly serves communion, and he manages our website and our podcast.

On March 22, we will have a quick election after church. All people who consider ECL home are encouraged to stay and participate. If the candidates are voted into eldership, we will commission them in the worship service on March 29. If you have any questions, please contact one of the elders.

Please take time to read the following documents so you can make an educated vote:
1. Elder Profile - Lauren Kussro
2. Elder Profile - Joe Bibby
3. Eldership at ECL - A document outlining the roles and responsibilities of an elder at our church.

Sincerely,

The Elders at Ecclesia Clear Lake

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