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Filipe Santos
Lead Pastor
My heart is filled with joy and expectation as I write you this letter. It’s full of joy because when I look back at what God has done in and through our church over the last couple of years, I’m reminded of His abundant grace and kindness toward us. So many miracles and stories of His faithfulness!
Looking back has also filled my heart with expectation of what He will do next. We have together laid a foundation for God to continue to move mightily in and through us.
As many of you know, two years ago we started an initiative called One Life, where we challenged one another to greater levels of faith and dependency on God - asking the question, “What Am I Living For?”
During this journey, we acknowledged that, like the church in Corinth, we had excelled “in so many ways — in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm…” but now was our time to also “excel also in the gracious act of giving” (2 Corinthians 8:7).
Since giving is a part of growing spiritually, we challenged everyone in our community of faith to stretch their faith and participate. Whether you made a commitment to One Life or not, by giving this year, you’ve been a part of the One Life Initiative. You can read more about our goals on the next page.
As you read this letter, you’ll see how God has used your generosity to accomplish much in our city and world. You’ll see how our collective giving has fueled initiatives that help the needy, find loving homes for foster kids, start churches, show love to our cities, and so much more.
All those things really matter, but it’s not the ultimate reason why we should give. God doesn’t need our money; He wants our hearts (Matthew 6:21). He wants us to place Him first in our lives. He wants us to worship Him with every part of our lives, including our resources.
So, as we finish this last quarter of 2023 together, I challenge you to ask, “What does it look like to honor God with my resources and boldly trust him with my generosity?” As you tithe, do it for His glory. As you give offerings above your tithe, do it as an act of surrender and passion for God’s Kingdom.
Let’s be faithful and give 2023 a strong finish so that we can be positioned to accomplish even more in 2024. Praying you respond faithfully and joyfully.
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
Matthew 6:33
In what ways could I be more strategic and intentional in how I influence others?
(2 Corinthians 8:1-7)
Do I live in such a way that places Jesus as first in all things?
(Colossians 1:15-23)
Does my giving reflect the heart of generosity of my God?
(2 Corinthians 9:10-15)
What do I currently invest in which will make an eternal impact in the lives of others?
(Acts 20:24-25, 35)
(December 2021 – December 2023)
Just as water droplets create a movement of outward ripples, our one life can drastically impact thousands of lives and communities all across the Bay Area — and around the world.
This is a two-year journey of stretching our faith and investing boldly into advancing the Kingdom of God. During these two years, together we’re fueling the things we are FOR:
Leading people to say YES to Jesus and passionately follow Him through the ongoing ministry and operations at Echo.Church (our annual two-year operating budget).
Serving communities in need and sharing God’s love locally, regionally, and globally through Echo Compassion.
Investing in and developing the next generation of kids and students.
Expanding and improving our campuses, spaces, and other opportunities to better reach those who are far from God.
Here’s just a glimpse of some ways God has moved through your investment and prayers since the launch of our One Life Initiative:
Throughout the challenges of the past few years, God has done amazing things for us and through us to our community and the world! He’s given us every reason to trust Him, and our response is to honor Him with our first and our best.
“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.”
Proverbs 3:9–10
From now through December 31, commit to finishing strong! Let’s continue to put God first in our finances so that we experience the amazing things He will do through our collective trust and obedience. Here’s how:
1. Catch up or stay on pace with your commitment.
2. Consider giving beyond your commitment.
3. Pray for our church family to practice radical generosity!
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