Another Pastoral Epistle 2/6/19

Inspire.  Enlighten.  Encourage.  Enlist!
 
That is our theme for our Missions’ Conference this weekend.  We hope that everyone will join us as we are inspired and enlightened by the local and global missionaries that we support.   On Sunday morning, there will be a variety of workshops to choose from as several of our global and local missionaries will be speaking.  You will want to check out the mission’s fair set up in the fellowship hall. There will be something for the children as well. Don’t forget that Sunday morning will begin at 9:30 in the sanctuary with worship. 
 
This exciting weekend will kick-off with a prayer time on Friday night at 7:00 in the worship center.  A men’s breakfast will hear of the great things God is doing locally through the Love INC ministry. The breakfast begins at 8:00.  Women’s brunch will follow at 11:30 as the ladies will not only enjoy good food and fellowship but will hear from two of our missionaries.  Be in prayer that our hearts are stirred by this weekend and that even from this time God would raise up more workers for his harvest field in this region and beyond!
 
I want to keep in front of you the “what’s next campaign” in which we are being called as a church to ask God what’s next for EBC.  As we learned working through the book of Haggai it is time to commit to kingdom priorities and put to rest our “not yet” reasoning for not doing what God has called us to do.  Now, a part of that is related to our buildings and campus. It is time to address some facility needs to increase our efficiency and grow our effectiveness.  When God brought us to this campus, we knew there were projects left undone until a later time. That time has come. And as I have shared in the “what’s next” newsletter #1 it is all tied to our mission and objectives as a church.  I share more about that in newsletter #2. I hope you picked up a copy of newsletter #1. Newsletter #2 will be coming soon! 
 
I hope you have marked down Friday, April 5 on your calendar.  April 5 is our what’s next banquet. More will be shared on that night of what we are asking God to do financially through His people.  We will notbe asking for any money on that night.  We will be asking that you seek God on what He wants you to do as we move forward as a church.  
 
Portraits of Jesus study on Sunday mornings at 9:00 will not meet this Sunday but will pick it up again on Sunday, February 17. If you haven’t been able to make it yet, come to the study on February 17 as we will look at what it means that Jesus was called a “teacher” (over 30 times in the gospels).  
 
I am looking forward to returning to our sermon series on “Living in the Shadow of Hope.”  We will be resuming our study in Revelation on February 17 as we will look at the tale of two beasts in chapter 13.  
 
One last thought as I close.  Consider how you might practice Biblical fasting between now and Resurrection Sunday (April 21).  Fast from food in order to feast on God. Designate a period of time in which you will abstain from eating to focus on Jesus and His priorities.  Skip a meal or two and let your hunger drive to hungering for His Word, meditating on Scripture, and communing with Him in prayer! 
See you soon!  Remain in Him, church!  
Pastor Brian