“What is the most powerful word in the English language,” Stu Weber asks in his book, Tender Warrior. Some might answer, “Love” or “Hope,” or “Vision,” or “Sacrifice.” The possibilities are endless. Stu Weber says, “When it comes to power in a youngster’s world, I’ll put my money on “dad.” Just the mention of dad sends strong emotions either positive or negative.
For some, the father wound continues to affect them deeply. For some, their image of God the Father is tainted and perhaps even contaminated by their personal experience they have with their father. If that is the case for you, I would encourage you to invite Jesus into the wounds. Get help if necessary. There are resources available that can help you work through it as well, such as “Healing for the Father Wound” by H. Norman Wright.
While being sensitive to those with difficult and painful backgrounds, I don’t want to shy away from the truth that God is a loving Father. He adopted you into His family, not reluctantly, but lovingly. In Christ, we are no longer fatherless. I invite you to grow to know God as Father. Even if your father wasn’t present, He is omnipresent. He is a Father of comfort and protection, not of abuse. He loves to provide for you because He delights in you. Our Father in heaven is not disgusted with you or forever angry with you.
If you haven’t read the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15) in a while, I would encourage you to read it by looking at the father. I believe he is the main character in the story. What do we see of the father in that story? He waits patiently for us! He runs to accept and embrace us. He loves us first. He wants a relationship with us. He values us, longs to be with us, and is eager to forgive!
Dads, keep pouring into your children! Give your life away to the Ultimate Father and the ones He has placed around you. Boys become men by watching you. Daughters learn about men by watching you. You possess tremendous power to shape another life. And grandpas, you have an incredible power as well!
Don’t forget that this Sunday between services, we will be serving a slice of pie to all dads, downstairs in fellowship hall. And ladies, there will likely be some for you as well.
Praise God for the record-breaking number of kids registered for On-Goal Soccer Camp (95 kids as I write this). Thank you for generously giving to the scholarship fund. $800 is still needed as of today.
Also, the baby bottles for Aspire should be returned this Sunday.
Church, keeping looking at God first. Keep embracing the truth of who He is. He is the voice of truth!
His child,
Pastor Brian
Looking Forward
Sermon Direction
“God’s Turf, God’s Timing, God’s Terms”
Exodus 3
Last Sunday’s Sermon
New Sermon Series
Coming this summer
“Through It All”
Beginning June 2, our sermon series will travel with Moses to see how God is with us through all the seasons of life.
Mystery of the Holy Spirit Bible Study
Join us Sunday mornings at 9am in Room 102. This class will not only study the Holy Spirit but look at the difference He makes in our lives.
Father’s Day Pies
Dad’s join us downstairs this Sunday in between services, as we honor you with a slice of pie.
Aspire Baby Bottle Fundraiser
This Sunday we will be collecting the Aspire Baby Bottles. Please bring in your baby bottles and leave them on the Ministry Counter at the back of the sanctuary.
Aspire provides life-affirming pregnancy support services for women experiencing unplanned pregnancies.
On Goal Soccer Camp
June 25th-29th Register today at www.ongoal.org
K-1st 9am-Noon $145 / 2nd-9th 9am-3pm $165
Family discounts and Laconia resident discounts are also available. Visit www.laconiachurch.com/ongoal to volunteer or donate to the scholarship fund.
We are still in need of a few more host homes (See Donna Green) and more volunteers to help on Saturday during the family picnic. (See Paul Melnick)
Contact the office with any questions.
EBC Kids
EBC Kids is recruiting more volunteers to serve as nursery workers, teachers and helpers in all classes. Please contact Mary Whitman with any questions or if you want to serve in this ministry. 540-986-6626
AV Sound Techs Needed
If you have an ear for sound or enjoy AV we need you! The worship team is in need of more volunteers to help on Sunday mornings with AV and sound. Please contact Nathaniel Jakubens or Pastor Dan with any questions.
OWLS
Franklin Pierce from New Hampshire was the 14th president of the United States. On Wednesday, June 19th, the OWLS will tour his home in Concord. We will meet at the church at 9:45 to travel to the Pierce Manse for a tour. The cost for the tour is $6. If you think you will be able to go, please let one of us know. We need to give them an approximate number by the 18th.
Following our tour we will enjoy lunch at Makris Steak and Seafood Restaurant in Loudon.
- Jay and Bette Moreau 528-4458 or 759-3780
- Norma 848-7203 or 783-0211
Church Directory
The updated Church Directory will be printed and distributed in the next few weeks. If you have not filled out a yellow directory form with your information and you want to be included in the directory, please contact Corianne at the office (corianne@ebclaconia.com) or fill out the yellow form (at the Ministry Counter) this Sunday and place it in the offering plate.
Crazy Love Bible Study
The Women’s Ministry will be having a Women’s Bible Study beginning Tuesday July 9that 7pm at EBC in the Fellowship Hall. This Bible Study will run for 10 weeks.