First E.C. Church
The First Evangelical Congregational Church is a community focused, family oriented church located in northern Canton, Ohio. Our focus is on living lives that show the unconditional love of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, by following the instruction of Jesus when he taught us that the Greatest Commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love your neighbor as your self. We seek to fulfill this command in our everyday lives.
We are a congregation that is seeking to worship the Lord in new and exciting ways while still maintaining some of the traditions that have become so much a part of Christian worship. Being centered on the teachings of the Bible, we seek to grow closer to God through the study of His Word, learning from what the Scriptures say, not twisting them to say what we want them to. After all, when the truth hurts, that means we are learning and growing.
We would love to see you at our church this Sunday. Come on over and check it out.
Pastor's Notes
Sunday was Mother's Day. Though we should be appreciative to our mothers all of the time and regularly letting them know this, Mother's Day is a special day set aside for us to show gratitude toward our mothers. This day affects everyone throughout history, except two, Adam and Eve, for they are the only people in history that did not have a mother. And just as Mother's day is a day when we take time to show appreciation to our mothers, it is also a day for mothers to reflect on the important role that God had blessed them with in the life of their children, for the influence of a mother will stay with their children for the entirety of their lives.
What makes a properly influential mother, though?
The Bible gives us insight into the way that a Christian mother should have influence in their children's lives:
1) A Mother Should Have Humility:
- Philippians 2:3 -
-The best thing a mother can do for her children and family is to let the humility of Christ flow in and through her.
2) A Mother Should be Kind:
-Proverbs 15:4 -
Our Children live in a tough world and a tough world needs kind spoken mothers.
3) A Mother Should be Straight Forward:
- Proverbs 27:6 -
A mother must be straight forward with herself:
She must ask herself the most important question, “Will this or that ensure a Christian upbringing of our children or will it keep us too busy for the things of God?”
A mother must be straight forward with her children:
It is important for her to call sin, sin. Covering up sin or avoiding the situation “breaks the spirit”of the child and is of no benefit to them.
4) A Mother Should Take Advantages of Teachable Moments:
- Galatians 6:10 -
A mother must use every opportunity that is given to her by the Lord to help raise her children to know the Lord in a personal and saving way. Here again, avoiding confrontation or “awkward” situations is not beneficial to children.
Now just as a mother is to have these attributes toward her children, it is important that we all have these attributes toward all of God's children. If we do not make these attributes a regular part of our lives, we will not be helping people to know the love of the Lord. We are to be imitators of God, and God gave us the perfect example of these attributes through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Are you living in such a way as to have maximum impact on your children and all the children of God today?
Meet Pastor Andy:
What is your full name?
Andrew David Miller
Where were you born?
Oil City, Pennsylvania
When did your accept Christ?
I grew up in a Christian home where I was well instructed on what a life of following Jesus is all about. However, growing up I was riding on the coat tails of my parents faith and did not have real faith of my own. I accepted Jesus into my heart in 2005. I praise Him and thank Him every day for pulling me out of the pit of death and destruction and bringing me into His eternal family.
When were you called to ministry?
On November 17th, 2006.
Are you married?
Yes... to the most wonderful wife in the world: Jackie. Thank you for your support and for putting up with me. You are amazing and I love you!
What is your favorite Bible verse?
"Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long."
(Psalm 25:4-5)
What are your hobbies?
Music (listening and playing), watching movies, and playing video games
Who are your favorite bands?
Third Day and Lifehouse
What are your favorite sports teams?
Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins, Cleveland Indians and Oklahoma City Thunder (though I really only watch baseball and and a little bit of football)
What is your favorite animal?
My dog Rainy. But if pets are not allowed, dolphins are definitely at the top.
