“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas,” as the song goes. Thanksgiving has passed and leftovers are finally finished. Black Friday and Cyber Monday have come and gone. Vendors have set up their Christmas tree stands and stores have begun their decorating. Snow on the trees and the newest snowfall sets the scene for a white Christmas. Yes! It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Or is it?
Maybe it is just me and it is one of those I am getting older moments, but I don’t seem to see as many nativity displays as “back in the day.” Some of the Christmas songs don’t mention the Savior’s birth at all. And there was already a Santa sighting. Ok! I don’t want to be that person who bemoans what is missing this Christmas season. I want to be that person who celebrates the gift of Immanuel: God with us! Christ came so that we might know what it is like to have God with us.
The heart of the Christmas story can be summed up in three words: God with us! After this Sunday, we will take a break from our sermon series in Revelation to rejoice in the truth of a God who is with us. Advent begins this Sunday. It is Christ’s arrival (advent) that is the starting place for the right look of Christmas. Be festive this Christmas season. Be intentional in your celebrations, family time, and getting together with others this season. And be filled with the hope, peace, joy, and love of His presence with you each and every day!
Since we want this season to be a time of celebration, we will keep the capital campaign low key over this season. However, we do want to emphasize the need for prayer for our “What’s next” team. We will keep that before you in preparation for the rolling out of God’s building plans for us and our study in the book of Haggai in January that answer what’s next for us at EBC. I am super excited about this time in the life of EBC as we align ourselves with what God is building here. If you missed the sermon the Sunday before Thanksgiving, it would be helpful for you to listen to it online. In that sermon, the foundation for the upcoming building campaign is laid as we looked at 2 Samuel 7.
Prayer builders will meet this Sunday at 10:20 in the room behind stage. Also, this Sunday is the Welcome Luncheon for all those who have started attending EBC within the last year or two. That might not be you, but perhaps there is someone you can invite or bring to this luncheon.
Church, you are doing an amazing job helping newcomers feel welcomed here. I hear time and time again from visitors that we are a friendly church. That is the kind of climate we want to keep developing. And as you have heard me say before, let’s not only be known for being friendly, but making friends.
Spreading the look of Christmas in all we do,
Pastor Brian
Looking Forward
Sermon Direction
“A Woman and A Dragon Pt 2” Revelation 12:7-17Last Sunday’s Sermon
Gym Building
The Gym Building is currently closed to everyone until Monday. 12/3. We had mold removal and the chemicals are not safe to breath in. Please contact Bill Wixson with any questions.New Service Times
1st service 9am and 2nd service 10:45am.
Fellowship time in between 10:15-10:45.
Prayer Builders
Will meet this Sunday 12/2 from 10:20am-10:40am in the room behind the stage.
Cancellation Procedure for Sunday Mornings
In the event of bad weather that would potentially impact services, the following will be taken into consideration: the current weather in Laconia, timing of the weather event, and whether roads, walkways, parking areas will be cleared. A decision will be made by 7:30 am to cancel one or both of our services. Events in the afternoon or evening will be dealt with separately. EBC will notify of cancellation using the following: WMUR TV, Church website news feed, Email (weekly epistle list), and EBC public and private Facebook pages.ATTN Network Coaches
Please return your packets to the office as soon as possible. Thanks!EBC Kids Volunteer Training Brunch
All EBC Kids volunteers are encouraged to come for this time of refreshment and training. Saturday 12/1/18 from 9:30am-11:30amNewcomers Luncheon
If you are new to EBC in the past two years, you are cordially invited to our upcoming welcome luncheon for new attenders on, Sunday, December 2nd. This will be a great opportunity to meet and connect with other newcomers and members of the EBC family. The luncheon will be held after the second service, 12pm. We hope to see you there. Please email the office (office@ebclaconia.com) to RSVP
Women’s Bible Study
“Unwrapping the Names of Jesus” will lead us through the 4 weeks of Advent (Hope, Preparation, Joy and Love). The study offers five daily reflections that focus on that week’s name of Jesus. We will gain a greater sense of awe and wonder at who Jesus is. Tuesday 12/4 from 7pm – 9pm we will begin with week 1. You can still pick up your books at the Ministry Counter this Sunday. Books are $10.ELMM
The next meeting of the Military Ministry (ELMM) will be Saturday Dec. 8 @ 0800 in the Prayer Room behind the stage. Veterans, retirees, active duty military, men, women and all denominations are welcome. So please come join us in fellowship, prayer and discussion of our common bond of those who serve. (Please note that this a personal ministry and not an EBC church ministry)OWLS
OWLS will enjoy the One Voice Concert entitled “Heavenly Peace” on Sunday, December 16th at the Inter-Lakes Community Auditorium in Meredith. We will meet at EBC at 1:45 to travel to Meredith for the 3PM concert. Contact us with any questions.
Bette and Jay Moreau lfd21jay@metrocast.net 528-4458 or 759-3780
Norma Phillips normaandwilbur@comcast.net 783-0211 or 848-7203