Another Pastoral Epistle 7/11/18

What a privilege to serve as one of your pastors at EBC!  As this month marks my third year serving here, there are many reasons I feel that way. I am deeply thankful for your continued trust in my leadership and your earnest, faithful prayers for me.  Often, I am asked, “How can I pray for you?” While my desire is to be as transparent as possible there are times when I can only answer in general terms.  
 
I, and the leadership team, need you to intercede for us that God would continue to protect us.  I am not one to “find a demon under every rock” so to speak, but there is a spiritual battle confronting us with more intensity as of late. It is always going on, yet there are times when the heat seems to be up and the attacks seem to be more apparent and blatant.  We are in such a season.  Satan’s roar can be heard, so I would ask that you pray for us, for the church, and for God’s work to flourish as our God works all things out for our good and for His glory!
 
I don’t want you to read more into what I am saying, but that you are aware that one of the greatest things you can do for the leadership is to intently pray on our behalf.  Good things are happening at EBC.  New people are visiting each Sunday.  Many of those visitors are returning each week.  And some of those new people are inviting others to join them at church.  I am encouraged in knowing that God is adding to our number of strong believers, but also those who are seeking out the claims of Christ.  God is providing for us financially.  He is raising up more people to get involved.  People are growing here at EBC.  Praise God!
 
Even though we continue to be an imperfect church and must continually work through our family dysfunctions, I am confident we are moving in the right direction.  That being said, your leaders strive to discern God’s continued direction for this church.  We desire to do the right things the right way, so there is always room for improvement. Yet our resolve is to be about making disciples.  How we do that changes, but the process remains to be following the 4E model for discipleship: Engaging, establishing, equipping, and evangelizing.  
 
Your prayers are needed as we seek to follow this model well and have the wisdom to know what needs to change in order to be more effective in advancing the kingdom.  We are in constant need of His wisdom in leading, shepherding, feeding, and protecting God’s flock here at EBC.  Continue in prayer for conversions, strengthening of the church, and spiritual progression of your elders and pastors.  Continue to pray that this is a restful and refreshing time for Pastor Dan and his family.  
 
This call to prayer is not only for the leadership but for each other.  Paul, in his treatment of the armor of God, ended on the note of prayer.  In Ephesians 6:18, he said, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.  With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”  
 
Praying for you,
Pastor Brian

Looking Forward

Sermon Direction

“#1 Get back on track: Love God, love truth”
Revelation 2:1-7

Link to View Last Sunday’s Sermon

audio
video

OWLS

Join the OWLS as we cruise aboard the oldest floating post office, the “Doris E” on July 25th.The Sophie C is being refurbished. We will eat lunch as we cruise around the lake. We need to know if you prefer an egg or chicken salad sandwich. (We still have your previous sandwich choices, but if you want to change it please let us know). Bring your own drink or you can purchase one on the boat. We will depart EBC at 10am. 

We will also stop at the Kellerhaus after as they have $1.00 cones (1 scoop) on Wednesdays!

Please RSVP by July 23 to Jay and Bette Moreau 582-4458 or 759-3780 or Norma Phillips 783-0211 or 848-7203

Cost is $15.00 per person

ELMM

The next meeting of the Military Ministry (ELMM) will be Saturday July 14th @ 0800 in the Fellowship hall. 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.

Communion

We will be sharing communion together this Sunday. Please consider donating to EBC’s deacon’s fund. This fund helps those in need in our congregation as well as in our community.

Women’s Ministry Bible Study

Women’s Ministry asks you to BE ON THE LOOKOUT! We have a NEW type of Bible Study series coming SOON for the ladies of EBC on Tuesday evenings at the church from 6:30pm – 8:00pm. The NEW part is that every week will be a different topic and a different leader. So there will be no books or study guides to purchase and you are free to join in based on your schedule and/or the topic at hand. It is our prayer that this new series will provide the flexibility needed for our EBC ladies while making it possible for more people to get the support & encouragement needed in our daily life. Our first Tuesday will be July 24th and the topic is “The Best Yes” led by Anna Yasharian. We’ll see you then!

Aspire Baby Bottles

There are still quite a few baby bottles that have not been returned from the Baby Bottle Blessings Fundraiser. If you have not yet returned a baby bottle that you took back in May, please bring it back to church this Sunday and Lisa Bauman will gladly collect it from you.

EBC Kids

Please pray for EBC Kids! We are expanding this Fall and adding a new classroom for kids downstairs. We therefore need more helpers and teachers to serve once a month! Please pray for us as we grow and pray for more volunteers to join our team. Please email Mary Whitman or call her at 540-986-6626 if you are interested in serving in this growing ministry!

Worship Service Live Stream

The Library will now serve as a “Cry Room” for parents with children who need to step out. You can now go watch the entire Worship Service live. Located downstairs next to the Fellowship Hall.

Church Picnic

Save the Date! Sept. 9th
Details to come!

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