FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES AT ECR 

   Dine Out 

This is an informal gathering open to all members of ECR for fellowship and outreach to friends and new members.  It is held at different restaurants, usually on the third Saturday of every month.  It allows parishioners to become better acquainted, especially those attending different services, and has helped to attract new members.  A sign up sheet is placed in the Narthex monthly so reservations can be made.

Foyers Groups 

The purpose of Foyers is to enhance fellowship and encourage parish members to become better acquainted in an informal and relaxed atmosphere through a ministry sharing of a meal by groups of 8 to 12 persons.  It is open to singles as well as couples and groups are reformed twice a year.  These meals range from simple to more complex with the hosts for that month providing the main course and everyone else bringing side dishes.  Hosting duties may be shared and the location may be at homes or anywhere else the group agrees to come together.

Naomi Guild

Naomi Guild originally began as a support group for older women living alone. It was started over ten years ago.  As the years passed, the group has evolved into a mix of both men and women, living alone, or married couples. All are seniors but any age is welcome. Naomi Guild meets monthly in the Parish Hall. We have a pot luck lunch, lots of good conversation music, and laughter. We offer camaraderie and comfort to those who join us each month and the luncheon is open to one and all. We also provide lunch to the workers at the Thrift Shop on that day

Parish Weekend 

Once a year in October, ECR has a parish retreat weekend at Camp Wellspring near Blanco, TX.  This runs from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon and offers an opportunity for parishioners to get away to a peaceful and beautiful place for relaxation, getting to know each other better, and for a unique Sunday morning worship service at the beautiful chapel there.  Lodging is dormitory style and food preparation is shared.  This is a highlight event for bringing the parish family together in a very informal and relaxing setting

St. Lydia’s Guild 

St. Lydia's Guild has been active for at least 15 years. Our main purpose is to make items for the annual Christmas Bazaar. Money made from items sold at the Bazaar goes to the church. We have a mini-bazaar in the Narthex for the sale of left-over items on the first Sunday in December, and any money made from it is spent on purchases for the church and an annual contribution to North Central Caregivers. We are always in need of more ideas and more crafters to help with this worthwhile project and welcome any craft contributions.

Small Groups 

Small Discipleship Groups are a great way for new church members to get to know some other ECR members better, to learn about various ministries and how meaningful they are to members of the group, to pray with others, and to share their interpretations of the Gospel lesson of the week.  Small Discipleship Groups consist of 6-8 members. They meet generally in members' homes every other week. The meeting lasts for approximately two hours, with the first hour spent in fellowship, with each member checking in with the others about how things have gone in their life for the last two weeks. The second hour is spent discussing the Gospel lesson for the previous Sunday and then closing with a group prayer. Members often speak about how God is working in their lives. Refreshments are shared at the meeting.