Over the past few weeks, we asked ECC’ers to share what they hope for during this season. Here’s a selection of their responses. As you read, we invite you to ask God for a word, a name, a phrase or a scripture - to give you hope even in this time.

• A renewed sense of thankfulness for the many who are sacrificially caring for us and protecting us from this deadly virus.
• I have reflected on these realities: Some care providers are within our close family and friendship circles. Many are far away in other countries making vital products or growing food. Others are a little closer in the United Nations WHO or in Ottawa or Victoria or City Hall Richmond. WORKING TOGETHER.
• I hope that those who are so well cared for will be mindful and active in looking at what we can do to help those in need that are both close and far away.
• I hope I never forget that GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD that He has a plan to redeem it - not by power or by might but by His Spirit. In this ALL are included and for us He gave himself. All thanks and praise to Him."
• To hear God speak.
• I hope I can learn to be a better prayer warrior for my friends,neighbours and family. There is so much anxiety and hardship and I want to be able to come along side others and know how to comfort them and encourage them.
• I want to continue to be more open to others; genuine, self-disclosing, more deeply honest. And more inviting and appreciative of others being the same. I want my “How are you?” to actually mean “How ARE you?”... that I do want to know.
• I hope for all of us to fall so deeply in love with God’s creation, that we will stop global warming.
• I hope that everyone at ECC who has provided a phone number and/or email address was contacted, especially if newer, so that staff or leaders can help make them feel connected.
• I hope that I would hunger for righteousness.
• I hope to spend more time with God, whether meditating on Scripture, journalling, prayer or worship. I believe this time with God is the ultimate satisfaction for the soul and spirit, yet something which our usual busy schedules limit time for. This can be done in our room or out walking or jogging, or whatever way works best for each person.
• I hope for Peace and Rest for the LT. You are all working so hard to care for us at ECC. Thank You all.
• That I/we may be used by God to love others.
• Reminders that WE are the church, and that we the church would remember the most important things - love God, love others, all else is extra and can fall away.
• Sabbath -- see Ex 16.29b.

If you are finding you are having a tough time with hope, with finding hope, reach out to someone in the community for that conversation. If you don’t have someone to hope with, reach out to ken@myecc.ca and we’d love to pray with you.”