Another Pastoral Epistle 1/9/19

My printer at home was giving me trouble this past week, so I did what I have seen work in the past. I unplugged it and plugged it back in again. Back a few years ago, when I was having a problem with my cordless phone answering system, I called the technician for help and he asked, “Did you try unplugging it.” So I did. It worked! I have had to do that with my wireless internet, my TV and other electronic devices. All they needed was a reset!

A good friend of mine sent me a book last month and the name of it was “Reset.” It is a book about resetting our lives to a more sustainable pace. Is my friend trying to tell me something? I think he mentioned that it is for preventative purposes. I am only a few pages into the book, so I don’t know what I think of the book, but I love the title. Couldn’t we benefit from a reset? As we are trying to do many good things, some readjustment and recalibration might be what we need. Living counter-culturally requires hitting the reset time and time again. Where might you need a reset?

My desire for you is that you are living a grace-paced life with your joy intact to the finish. If life has become wearisome, joyless, anxious, and fast-paced, I would call you to do a reality check. A reset might be needed. Reset by talking less and listening more. Reset by relearning how to remain in Jesus. Don’t wait until you crash. Hit the reset button on your life and enjoy this journey with Christ and the people in your life!

I say all this knowing we are entering a new season as a church in asking what’s next? This campaign is not meant to be added to what we are doing but pushing us forward to what God is building here at EBC. My prayer is that the “What’s Next Campaign” is a cheerful, positive, grace-filled experience for us as a church and not some joyless chore we grumble through to its completion.

That is why joining our hearts together for prayer around this endeavor is critical. I urge you to attend the prayer event on Sunday night January 27 @ 6:00. It will be a night of true fellowship as we share together in worship and prayer!

I would invite you to attend “Portraits of Jesus” Bible Study beginning Sunday January 20 at 9:00 in the fellowship hall. There are many perceptions today of who Jesus is. The gospels give many fascinating portraits of Jesus as teacher, Savior, servant, Christ, healer. Jim Hayes, Matt Anderson, Adam Hayes, and I will be taking turns looking through these and other portraits of Jesus. It is an 8-week study, but each week stands-alone. So even if you can’t make it to all 8 weeks, you should consider dropping by as you can.

You can’t do it all, but I trust that you’re looking to form deeper relationships with others at EBC this year and growing closer to our Savior. Community groups are a great place to become and belong. Sign up this Sunday!

Speaking of Sunday, I look forward to worshiping with you!

Joyfully serving Him,
Pastor Brian