East Tampa Christian Church
Welcome to East Tampa Christian Church
Welcome to our website! We are a restoration plea fellowship of independent New Testament churches that have been serving our community for over 50 years. Our church is open to all who seek to deepen their faith and grow in the love of Jesus. We invite you to explore our page to discover the daily devotional, the latest on the calendar, our From The Word Weekly Bible Verse, and learn about the various ministries and missions we offer.
Our worship services are based on the Bible and we believe in the power of the Holy Spirit to guide us in our faith journey. We observe the Lord's Supper every Sunday as a way to honor and reflect on Jesus' sacrifice for us.
We believe in the importance of repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. We invite all who share these beliefs to join us in proclaiming salvation and unity to those in need of hearing the message of Jesus Christ.
The Persistent Widow: A Lesson in Faith and Prayer
In Luke 18:1-8, Jesus tells his disciples a parable about a persistent widow who kept coming to an unjust judge with her plea for justice against her adversary. Although the judge didn't fear God or care what people thought, he granted the widow's request simply because of her persistence.
This parable is a reminder of the power of prayer and persistence in our faith journey. We may face difficult situations or adversaries in life, but we should always remember to pray and not give up. God hears our prayers and is always with us, ready to grant justice to his chosen ones who cry out to him day and night.
As we go through our daily lives, let us remember to pray without ceasing and trust in God's timing and plan for our lives. We may not always receive immediate answers to our prayers, but we can have faith that God will see that we get justice and help us in our times of need. Let us persist in prayer and continue to trust in God's unfailing love and faithfulness.
From The Word
Luke 1
28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”
38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
Luke 2
10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
Calendar
Sunday: Sunday School: Adults / Children, 9 a.m. Worship / Nursery, 10 a.m.
Tuesday: Hunger-Free Mission food sharing, 10 a.m.
Wednesday: Bible study and prayer meeting, 6 p.m.
Dec. 12: Singspiration, 7 p.m.
Dec. 13: The Heart of Christmas, Lake Aurora, 2 and 6 p.m.
Travel back to the 1950s for a live WHFA broadcast of The Johnny Vega Show with you among the studio audience!
Plan to come looking for your next Christmas art piece or gift! Both shows will also include a silent auction with creations from Heart for the Arts Studio artists! All proceeds will go to support the Heart for the Arts organization.
Dec. 15: Paint & Praise, 7 p.m.
Dec. 24: Christmas Eve candlelight service, 6 p.m.
Dec. 25: Christmas
Ministries
We are excited to share with you all of the amazing ministries and opportunities for growth and service that are available here at our church. Although many of these programs are currently in the planning stages, our goal is to make them a reality through the support and involvement of members like you.
Fellowship
The Fellowship Ministry is responsible for creating opportunities for members of the congregation to come together for social and recreational activities. This includes tasks such as organizing potluck dinners, game nights, and other social events. The goal of this ministry is to create a sense of community within the congregation and to foster relationships among members.
Administration
The Administration Ministry is responsible for the overall management and coordination of the church's operations. This includes financial management, budgeting, and overall organizational structure. The goal of this ministry is to ensure that the church is running smoothly and efficiently, allowing the other ministries to focus on their specific areas of service.
Building and Grounds
The Building and Grounds Ministry is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the church's physical property. This includes tasks such as cleaning, landscaping, and repairs. The goal of this ministry is to ensure that the church's property is well-maintained and presents a positive image to the community.
Communication
The Communication Ministry is responsible for ensuring that the church's message is effectively communicated to the congregation and the community. This includes tasks such as creating and distributing the weekly bulletin, updating the church website, and maintaining the church sign. The goal of this ministry is to ensure that the church's message is effectively communicated and that the congregation is informed of all upcoming events and activities.
Encouragement
The Encouragement Ministry is responsible for reaching out to members of the congregation who may be going through difficult times. This includes tasks such as making phone calls, sending cards, and visiting people in their homes. The goal of this ministry is to provide emotional and spiritual support to those in need.
Missions
The Missions Ministry is responsible for coordinating the church's outreach efforts. This includes tasks such as organizing mission trips, collecting donations for humanitarian aid, and supporting global missions organizations. The goal of this ministry is to share the love of God with people in need and to make a positive impact on the world.
Praise Team
The Praise Team Ministry is responsible for leading the congregation in worship through music. This includes tasks such as selecting songs, rehearsing, and leading the congregation in singing. The goal of this ministry is to lead the congregation in worship and to create a joyful and uplifting atmosphere.
Teaching
The Teaching Ministry is responsible for providing Bible studies, sermons, and other educational opportunities for the congregation. This includes tasks such as selecting curriculum, preparing lesson plans, and delivering sermons. The goal of this ministry is to provide biblical instruction and guidance to the congregation.
Transportation
The Transportation Ministry is responsible for providing transportation for members of the congregation who are unable to drive themselves to church. This includes tasks such as scheduling rides, driving the church van, and providing transportation to events and activities. The goal of this ministry is to ensure that all members of the congregation are able to participate in church activities.
Welcome Team
The Welcome Team Ministry is responsible for creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for visitors and newcomers to the church. This includes tasks such as greeting people at the door, providing information about the church, and answering questions. The goal of this ministry is to make visitors and newcomers feel comfortable and welcome.
Greetings Ministries
The Greetings Ministry is responsible for reaching out to members of the congregation who may be going through difficult times. This includes tasks such as making phone calls, sending cards, and visiting people in their homes. The goal of this ministry is to provide emotional and spiritual support to those in need and to let them know that they are not alone.
Communion Meditations
Our Communion Meditations Ministry is focused on helping our members reflect on the significance of the sacrament of Communion, and to deepen their spiritual connection to God. Through guided meditations and group discussions, we aim to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of this sacred ritual.
Children's Ministry
Our Children's Ministry is dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment for children of all ages to learn about God's love and teachings. Our programs include Sunday school classes, vacation Bible school, and special events throughout the year. Our goal is to help children develop a personal relationship with Jesus and grow in their faith.
Youth Ministry
Our Youth Ministry is designed to provide a fun and engaging environment for teens to grow in their faith. Our programs include youth group meetings, Bible studies, retreats, and mission trips. We strive to create a community where teens can build relationships with one another and with God.
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We invite you to take an active role in bringing these ministries to life and helping us create a thriving community where everyone can grow and flourish in their faith. So don't be discouraged by what may seem like a work in progress - we are confident that with your help, we can make these programs and services a reality for everyone
Missions
Hunger-Free Mission
Our Hunger-Free Mission is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious food and resources, regardless of their circumstances. We believe that it is our responsibility as members of our community and as children of God to help those who are struggling to make ends meet. Whether it's through food donations, food drives, or community outreach programs, we strive to make a difference in the lives of those in need.
