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.
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
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. 2 Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, 3 those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south. 4 Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no way to a city where they could settle. 5 They were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away. 6 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. 7 He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle. 8 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, 9 for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. 10 Some sat in darkness, in utter darkness, prisoners suffering in iron chains, 11 because they rebelled against God’s
commands and despised the plans of the Most High. 12 So he subjected them to bitter labor; they stumbled, and there was no one to help. 13 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. 14 He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains. 15 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, 16 for he breaks down gates of bronze and cuts through bars of iron. 17 Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities. 18
They loathed all food and drew near the gates of death. 19 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. 20 He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. 21 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. 22 Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy. 23 Some went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. 24 They saw the works of the Lord, his wonderful deeds in the deep. 25 For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. 26 They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away. 27
They reeled and staggered like drunkards; they were at their wits’ end. 28 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. 29 He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. 30 They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. 31 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. 32 Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the council of the elders. 33 He turned rivers into a desert, flowing springs into thirsty ground, 34 and fruitful land into a salt waste, because of the wickedness of those who lived there. 35 He turned the desert into pools of water and the parched ground into flowing springs; 36 there he brought the hungry to live, and they founded a city where they could settle. 37
They sowed fields and planted vineyards that yielded a fruitful harvest; 38 he blessed them, and their numbers greatly increased, and he did not let their herds diminish. 39 Then their numbers decreased, and they were humbled by oppression, calamity and sorrow; 40 he who pours contempt on nobles made them wander in a trackless waste. 41 But he lifted the needy out of their affliction and increased their families like flocks. 42 The upright see and rejoice, but all the wicked shut their mouths. 43 Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord.
PSALM 107
Calendar
Sunday: Sunday School: Adults, 9 a.m., Children, 9 and 10 a.m., Worship, 10 a.m.
Tuesday: Hunger-Free Mission food sharing, 10 a.m.
Wednesday: Bible study and prayer meeting, 6 p.m.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
