Annual Focus
God has been progressively establishing His Kingdom on earth through new creation from the beginning. His new creation came by His Word and Spirit in Eden in the beginning. God’s power to bring new creation did not stop when Adam and Eve failed. God recreated and progressively reestablished His Kingdom on earth over and over in the Old Testament. Finally, in the New Testament, God establishes His Kingdom on earth through Jesus Christ. This is the kingdom that will never end (Dan 7:13-14). In Christ, God is making everything new (Revelation 21:5). In Christ, we are new! (2 Cor 5:17). The New Testament is the Last Chapter in the Storyline of Scripture.
During the first two months of 2022, Eastside Church talked about living in the “Last Chapter”. Specifically, we discussed decision making in His eschatological (final) Kingdom. We are new creations in Christ, so we are able to make new decisions. We spent some time discussing how we might go about making new decisions. How should we live in this last chapter of the storyline of Scripture? We answered that question with three statements on making good decisions:
- We make good decisions by discerning and doing the will of God.
- We make good decisions by considering the community.
- We make good decisions by making decisions that make disciples.
This Sunday is the first Sunday of Lent. Lent is a season of preparation of our hearts and minds, so that we might not miss the significance of the Easter weekend. During Lent we will be talking about forgiveness.
Forgiveness always involves dying to our old responses, so that we might live in the power of Christ’s resurrection. This is an on going process for all of us. In Christ, we die so that we can live (Rom 6:1-5). What does it look like to die in this last chapter of the storyline of Scripture? What does forgiveness look like in this last chapter? How are peace and forgiveness connected? And what does it look like to be a peacemaker?
These are the questions that we will be looking to answer as we focus on Jesus’ life, death and resurrection during this Lenten season.
Turning Point
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
Eastside’s Turning Point Ministry is here to give you an extra level of emotional and spiritual support during challenging times. Turning Point is not professional counseling but does offer hope in Christ, encouragement, and practical recommendations (including ministry and community referrals, when appropriate) tailored to your current concerns.
Appointments are available with our Turning Point Director, Ashley Willis (M.A. Pastoral Counseling). To schedule your confidential appointment, please email or call/text 757-784-5165. We look forward to sharing God’s love for you through Turning Point.
“Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant” (Psalm 119:76).
Neighborhood Ministry
Our Neighborhood Ministry meets with the communities of Powhatan and Brentwood to share the good news of Jesus. Thank you for your generosity regarding the needs that we have identified in these communities.
Brentwood Ministry
At Brentwood, we spend time playing games with the kids, sharing meals, providing extra tutoring in English and Reading, and most importantly, reminding them of the love of Christ.
Brentwood Current Need:
- Baby products and diapers
Powhatan Ministry
We meet Wednesdays after school serving snacks, sharing God’s Word, and building relationships with the children and families.
Powhatan Current Need:
- Children’s literature for ages 4-12 years old (pre-k-6th)
- VBS volunteers during Spring Break (April 5, 6, & 7 from 1-3pm)
Drop-off bins are located in the church lobby. For more information regarding our Neighborhood Ministries, please contact Michelle Flanagan ( )
Youth Group
Here is an updated Youth Schedule for the next few weeks:
- March 4th: Co-ed Youth Group at Eastside
- March 9th: Girl’s Bible Study
- March 16th: Girl’s Bible Study
- March 18th: Co-ed Youth Group at Eastside
- March 23rd: Girl's Bible Study
- March 30th: Girl's Bible Study
- April 1st: Co-ed Youth Group (TBD)
Please be on the look out for a parent’s meeting after church in the following weeks!
For more info regarding all things youth please contact our Youth Director Kris Samuel at 908-227-2421 or
Friday Afternoons
Join us live on Fridays at 2 PM for songs of praise on Facebook and Instagram @eastsidechurchva.
Tuesday Nights
We are in the last 2 weeks of our Apologetics class, so it’s not too late!
Led by Reed Willis, we are learning about the historical, scientific, and philosophical evidence that proclaims the truth of Christianity, as well as how to share our faith lovingly and confidently with non-Christians. If you have ever pondered questions such as, “Why would God allow evil?” or “Do Christianity and science contradict each other?” or if you are seeking to bolster your faith by learning about the abundant evidence of Christianity, this is the place to be!
We encourage you to join us Tuesday evenings at the church, 6-7 PM.
For any questions regarding the topics, material, or if you want access to previous lectures, please contact Reed Willis at
Sunday Scenes
We worship in person at 10 AM and our service streams live on our YouTube channel (Eastside Administration).
Sunday Songs
Lyrics for this week’s songs can be found by visiting our homepage.
Sunday Mornings
Join us for our morning Bible Study on March 6th at 8:30 AM as we will be starting a new lesson! Our background material will be "A Life God Rewards" by Dr. Bruce Wilkinson and will continue for 8 weeks. Come and be encouraged! Learn about how every good thing you do makes a difference in eternity.
Questions? Contact:
Steve Cox |
Sunday Prayer
Please join us for prayer in the foyer at 9:30 on Sunday mornings.
Sunday Evenings
All young adults are invited to this group! We will be meeting this Sunday, March 6th at 6 PM at the Cox’s house, 5500 Scott’s Pond Dr. Bring your friends! Questions? Contact Gigi at
Volunteers Opportunities
Have you thought about serving children and families of the church? You are invited to join this vibrant ministry! Children’s ministry is offered during the 10 AM service and if you can serve, please click here. Sign up for shifts that suit your schedule! All volunteers will undergo a simple background check.
Also, you are invited to Eastside Children’s Ministry Lunch and Learn! Who? All current volunteers AND those curious about serving. When? Sunday, March 27th, 11:30-1pm
RSVP to Michelle Flanagan by March 20th ( )
Eastside’s Cleaning Team provides a crucial and caring service to the church. Please contact team leader Sara Osborne at to schedule a shift that works for you.
Groups and Classes
Interested in joining an Eastside group or class? If you see a day that works for you, please contact the leaders below to learn more about their groups. They look forward to talking with you!
“Coffee w/ Friends” every Wednesday mornings at 8:30 AM at Column-15 (everyone) Doug Bunn at 757-871-0663
Sunday evenings, 6 PM (young adults)
Gigi at
Update: Our first meeting of the month will gather at a church member's home. Our meetings are every other Tuesday, 1 PM (women's group)
For more information please contact Jinks at
Thursday evenings (via phone), 6:30 PM
Every other Wednesday, 6:30 PM
Patty at
or Ashley at
Sunday Morning Bible Study Class, 8:30 AM
Steve at
Tuesday Apologetics Class, 6 PM:
Reed at
Pray
““In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly” (Psalms 5:3). Eastside prays in community Monday-Saturday by teleconference.
Check our website for daily prayer sheets with responsive readings to enhance your prayer time.
Prayer Requests
Do you need prayer for something going on in your life? We have prayer team members who would love to pray for you and your situation. If you want us to pray privately and confidentially, we will do that. If you would like your prayer requests to be shared and prayed for by our open prayer groups, we can lift them up during our weekly prayer times.
Contact
Community Care
Are you willing to help members of your church family? If so, please email for more information.
If you or someone you know has a need that can be met by our Community Care Team, please email .
Important Dates
The month of March is here! We have switched to Google Calendar's in order to provide quick updates. However, we will still have a printable copy available. Questions regarding the calendar, please contact Kris Samuel at
Click here for the Eastside calendar.
Give
As always, click here for everything you need to know for giving online, by text, or by mail.
February 2022
Budgeted: $21,000
Received Month-to-Date: $20,815
Annual 2022
Budgeted: $310,000
Received to Date: $42,061