If you've never had to make the real, hard choice between paying your electric bill or buying food for your family, then you may have a hard time understanding those for whom this is a daily reality.

At Eastview, we want to continue to grow in our ability to love people right where they are.  If people don't feel like you understand them, it will be difficult for them to listen to you share about Jesus during Imagine, in the food pantry, at GEMS, in Benevolence, at Jesus House, and in our Community.

To help bridge the understanding gap, we are hosting a Poverty Simulation at Eastview run by the U of I Extension Office.  You will be given a real scenario of a family in poverty and then have to figure out how to survive.  

As Pastor of Local Compassion Outreach, I am strongly encouraging anyone who volunteers in the Food Pantry, Benevolence, Imagine, GEMS and other areas reaching out to under-resourced individuals to come to this free simulation. 

We can only seat 90 participants, so sign up today! Click here to register.

Date: Monday, March 17
Time: 5:30pm-8:30pm
Place:  ECC in Edge Auditorium
Cost:  Free/Dinner Included

Click here to read an article about a poverty simlulation in another community.  Questions? Contact Lisa Miller-Rich - Lrich@eastviewc.org or 451-5041

This is a new feature in the LCO (Local Compassion Outreach) newsletter.  Each month, we'll highlight a true story of some of the great work going on through our ministries.  Check it out at the end of this newsletter!

As our partnership continues to grow with our friends at Jesus House, here are some tangible ways you can take part:

• 3rd Monday Prayer Meeting. Mon/Feb 17, 6:30p-8:00p: Join us at Jesus House/724 W. Washington in Bloomington to lift up our community and ask God what He wants us to do to help. There won't be a lot of initiatives until there is a lot of prayer. Come and be a part of the team that is making a difference through prayer. Questions? Email Lisa Miller-Rich Lrich@eastviewcc.org or 451-5041
• Serve a meal after Sunday service: Get your group together and take a meal to Jesus House to bless those who worship there every Sunday. March 23 & 30 are open!  Click here for details. 
• Get some yum and support Jesus House.  Sugar Mama bakery (co-owned by Eastview's Susie Tod) is supporting JH this month.  Stop in and get their Birthday Cake cupcake and help our partners!

Can your small group help sponsor and serve a meal to our single moms' ministry, GEMS (God Embracing Moms who are Single)?  

GEMS meets every other Tuesday night.  Serving time is roughly 5:30-7:00.

For more details and to check available dates, please contact Maggie Nelson,  maggien312@yahoo.com or (309) 830-0630.

Click here for the GEMS flyer or visit www.eastviewchurch.net/gems

If you have a gift with handling finances and a heart for helping guide those who are struggling financially, please consider joining the Benevolence Team. We need men and women who will work with clients to look at their current financial picture, make budget suggestions and give guidance regarding Eastview helping to pay their bills. 

Click here to view the Benevolence page on the ECC website. 

For more information about serving in this ministry, call Kellie Milby at 309-451-5060 or kmilby@eastviewcc.org .

Because the Benevolence Counselors freqeuently recommend their clients use public transportation, several of the team took the time on February 11 to ride the bus so they can give clear guidance on how to navigate the system. This is a great group of caring men and women.

The Illinois Standard Achievement Test (ISAT) will be administered to all area junior high students March 3-7. The Kingsley Promise Council (of which Pastor Lisa is a Co-Chair) is holding an ISAT Kickoff Rally on Monday, March 3 from 1:00-3:00.  By grade level, the students will attend a 20 minute high-energy, motivational event complete with a DJ and guest speaker to encourage them to do their best.  

The Promise Council is looking for adults to come and simply "be" there to show the students that their community cares. When the jr. highers see adults encircling the room, it communicates how much they are valued and how much adults value education.

Please consider coming out on March 3rd.  Click here for more details and the link to sign up.  

Questions? Email Lisa Miller-Rich / Lrich@eastviewcc.org or call 451-5041

Never let it be said I'm not a good sport!  While I pretty much hate bowling, I love the work that BBBS does, so I'll take one for the team!

I became a big sister to a 6th grader at KJHS this year. It's been an amazing addition to my Tuesday mornings to get to hang out with her and help her look at the world in new ways. She's teaching me some boppin' dance moves...look out!

Would you please consider supporting this great organization that makes a difference in kids' lives?  Click here to donate.

One of our LCO ministries is the Card Ministry under the direction of Judy Boswell.  Every week, they send cards to:

• those in the hospital
• families with new babies
• those grieving the loss of a loved one (immediately after, at 3 mo, 6 mo and 1 year)
• long term shut ins
• those navigating cancer and other long illnesses
• women in the McLean county jail

It's quite a job, and Judy is an amazing leader for this dedicated team who pray as they write.  

This month, we spotlight a beautiful story from the card team.  If you missed this video during services on February 9th, click here to enjoy and be challenged to put Titus 3:14 into motion.