Category: EBC News

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Another Pastoral Epistle 9/26/18

An old wise man from the church where I served in Maine loved to say, “If you have trouble sleeping, don’t count sheep, count your blessings.”  I should practice that more often. And not just to help me fall asleep, but to fill my gratitude tank. Do I notice the blessings when I am awake?
 
Years ago, as part of a building campaign, as a family we started a blessing fund. Others have called it a “Count your Blessings” fund. This is how it worked. Any time we were blessed by something we purchased being less than we expected, we put that savings in a blessing fund.  If someone picked up the tab or surprised us with a discount or someone gave us a break on a cost (without our asking for one) the savings went into this blessing fund.  Our older two kids, who were quite young at the time, would get into it as well and if we missed the savings, one of them would say, “Blessing fund!” It was amazing the amount that was collected through this simple activity. Even more amazing was to see our blessings!  We, in a very literal sense, were counting our blessings!
 
Seeing God’s blessings reaches far beyond monetary gifts.  We are blessed with “every spiritual blessing in Christ” Ephesians 1:3 says.  We are blessed with God’s protection, His presence, answered prayer, His comfort, His spoken Word, His people, and in knowing that even the troubles of life are sovereignly designed to accomplish His purposes in our lives.  There is no question He is a blessing-giver. It is a question of, “Do we see them?” Perhaps your blessing fund will be filled with savings. Or perhaps it will be filled with written accounts of God’s daily blessings in your life.  Or perhaps it will be more of a mental awareness to what our great God has given you and is doing in your life- even in those trials. Just try counting them!
 
I have said it before, I am blessed to serve here at EBC.  You are a reminder of God’s goodness. I love worshipping with you each Sunday.  And while I am not able to interact with each of you personally each Sunday, my heart is refreshed by you.  I hope you are taking advantage of the time in between the two services. I am confident that the more you make it a priority, the more you will be glad you did.  And the more others will benefit. I can’t help but think of the hymn, “Make me a blessing to someone today.” Is there someone God wants you to bless today, this week, this coming Sunday?  
 
I remember recently driving through a toll booth prepared to pay my toll when the attendant said, “Drive on through, the person in the car in front of you payed for you.”  Was this one for the blessing fund? Well, in that case, I decided at the next toll to pay for the person behind me. Isn’t that how it is supposed to work? We are blessed, so bless others.  Paul says in 2 Corinthians 9, “You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God” (verse 11). 
 
Blessings to you,

Pastor Brian

Looking Forward

Sermon Direction

“Tears in Heaven”
Revelation 5

Last Sunday’s Sermon

Help Needed

Bill Wixson is looking for a few strong men with strong backs to help move the old appliances out of the gym kitchen. They will be moving the old appliances out THIS Sunday 9/30 after 2nd service.
If you are able to help, please contact Bill at 524-8580. Please bring old shoes and a pair of gloves.

Welcome 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, October 14. 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, approximately 11:45. We hope to see you there!

Click here to RSVP via Facebook or email the office.

Right People in the Right Places
Network Workshop

Part 1: Option 1 Saturday 10/27 9am-12pm
Option 2 Thursday 11/1 6pm-9pm
Part 2: Saturday 11/3 9am-12pm

Must attend both parts.
Sign up in advance to get your book at the Ministry Counter.

Learn more here.

TREC Art Contest

Trajectory REC’s Monday Night Basketball Program is having an art contest! They are looking for artists, designers, those with a creative flair to come up with the new TREC logo to be featured on all TREC Basketball materials including shirts! Connect with Justin Whitman for the details of the contest.

Simply Beautiful Conference

This is a one-day conference for girls, their mothers, and their spiritual mentors.
When: October 20th from 9am – 4pm.
Where: 14 Hunter Rd. Uxbridge, MA 01569

Purchase tickets here. See Susan Lyle for more details.

Clothing Donations Needed

Belknap county Dept. of Corrections is asking for clothing donations for both male and female inmates for when they are released from custody as well as for inmates who have job interviews through the Work Release Program. Donations will be collected now until the end of October.

Please see Lisa Bauman.

A box will be located by the coat closet where you can leave your donations each week.

Suggested items are:

  • Coats and jackets
  • winter hats
  • scarves and gloves
  • winter boots
  • blue jeans
  • sneakers and shoes (W sizes 5-10 and M sizes 9-13)
  • socks
  • white polo shirts
  • pants and dress pants
  • button down dress shirts
  • blouses
  • sweaters
  • blazers

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Another Pastoral Epistle 9/19/18

“And all at once, summer collapsed into fall” (Oscar Wilde). Many of you have recently commented on your loving the fall season. Although, I am not a big fan of the season right behind it, I too, have a liking to fall. Also, it is this season that my memories of my dad stand out. My dad loved the Red Sox and this is the time of year that baseball is at its best. No doubt I inherited my love for sports from my dad.

My mind also goes to my dad working on puzzles, especially in his later years. Still in our home today we often have a puzzle that we are working on set up in the living room. Believe it or not, there can be frustrating moments in putting together a puzzle. Like when the dog chewed one of the pieces. Or when we had to take down the unfinished puzzle because we needed the table it was set on. And those times when the piece almost fits, but obviously isn’t the right piece. You can try and force it to fit, but it just won’t fit. That piece wasn’t made to go in that slot. Oh! But how sweet it is to place the right piece in the right spot!

Have you wondered how you fit into God’s work? Have you thought about the right fit for you in serving here at EBC? You are an important piece to the puzzle- to the work of God through this church. You are not here by accident, God has brought you to EBC for a reason. The Bible says that God arranges the parts in the body, every one of them, just as He wanted them to be. Check out 1 Corinthians 12:12-31.

A tool that we use at EBC to help you find your ministry fit is Network. This workshop is designed to help you discover your spiritual gifts, personal style, and passion for serving in the church. Network’s goal is to have the right people in the right places. Will you consider attending this workshop? Part one is on Saturday, October 27 from 9:00-noon or you can choose to attend on Thursday night, November 1, from 6:00-9:00. Part two will take place on Saturday, November 3, from 9:00-noon. You must attend both part one and part two and must sign up in advance to get your workbook and begin the necessary preparations. Sign-ups will be this Sunday and the following Sunday.

Why serve? Returning to the analogy of the puzzle, it helps to see the picture on the box in sorting and placement of the pieces. What is the bigger picture of service? Serving is part of our process of making disciples. It is being equipped to serve in the right place of ministry that develops you as a follower of Christ and contributes to the growth and health of the church. The church needs you to serve, not to fill positions, but because of the significant contribution you make to the overall health of the church.

Ephesians 2:10 says that believers are God’s workmanship. That is in the present tense. It is not “we we’re God’s workmanship” or “we might be God’s workmanship,” but we are His workmanship. God is continuously at work in our lives leading us to those good works He has prepared for us in advance to do. What has He prepared for you to do? Don’t be puzzled about where you best fit and where you can make a greater impact for the eternal kingdom, participate in the network workshop. See the bigger picture of growing His church and being more fulfilled in your walk with Jesus Christ!

One piece of the puzzle,

Pastor Brian

Looking Forward

New Sermon Series

“In the Shadow of Hope”

Sermon Direction

“A Heavenly Perspective”
Revelation 4

Last Sunday’s Sermon

Communion

We will be sharing in Communion together this Sunday.

Communion

We will be sharing in Communion together this Sunday.

Community Groups

We were never meant to do life alone. That’s why the vision for our season kickoff of Community Groups is to have every person who calls EBC home join a group! We have several groups launching next week, in all different locations, times, and days of the week. If you still need to sign up please contact Tim Whitman: tawhitman@liberty.edu

Help Needed

We are looking for some volunteers to help transport Ella Eshelman to and from church on Sunday mornings. Bill Wixson has offered to organize a schedule and is looking for 5 volunteers. Please contact Bill at buildings@ebclaconia.com or 524-8580 if you are able to help.

OWLS (Older Wiser Loving Seniors)

Join your fellow OWLS on Wednesday September 26th as they ride aboard the Lincoln Hobo Train. Meet at EBC at 9:30am for an 11am train departure. Lunch will be aboard the train.
Cost is $15 per person
Please RSVP to Norma Phillips 848-7203
Jay and Bette Moreau 528-4458 or 759-3780

Right People in the Right Places

Network Workshop

  • Part 1: Option 1 Saturday 10/27 9am-12pm
    Option 2 Thursday 11/1 6pm-9pm
  • Part 2: Saturday 11/3 9am-12pm
    Must attend both parts. See Susan Lyle after church service at the back counter to sign up in advance and get your book.

 

Community Groups

We were never meant to do life alone. That’s why the vision for our season kickoff of Community Groups is to have every person who calls EBC home join a group! We have several groups launching next week, in all different locations, times, and days of the week. If you still need to sign up please contact Tim Whitman: tawhitman@liberty.edu

Help Needed

We are looking for some volunteers to help transport Ella Eshelman to and from church on Sunday mornings. Bill Wixson has offered to organize a schedule and is looking for 5 volunteers. Please contact Bill at buildings@ebclaconia.com or 524-8580 if you are able to help.

OWLS (Older Wiser Loving Seniors)

Join your fellow OWLS on Wednesday September 26th as they ride aboard the Lincoln Hobo Train. Meet at EBC at 9:30am for an 11am train departure. Lunch will be aboard the train.
Cost is $15 per person
Please RSVP to Norma Phillips 848-7203
Jay and Bette Moreau 528-4458 or 759-3780

Right People in the Right Places

Network Workshop

  • Part 1: Option 1 Saturday 10/27 9am-12pm
    Option 2 Thursday 11/1 6pm-9pm
  • Part 2: Saturday 11/3 9am-12pm
    Must attend both parts. See Susan Lyle after church service at the back counter to sign up in advance and get your book.

 

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Another Pastoral Epistle 9/12/18

Dan and Michelle Dore Update

We are sending this update out to our EBC church family before we write our next general email newsletter. We are so thankful that you have been behind us for 33 years! Including:

  • Five years during Bible School, Missionary Training Institute, and the Language and Linguistics Institute, from 1985 to 1990.
  • 23 years as full-time missionaries to Guinea, West Africa, from 1990 to 2013.
  • Five years as itinerant missionaries to Guinea, Ghana, and Liberia, 2013 to 2018.

Your prayers, encouragement, and financial support have carried us through many adventures of faith! And now we are on a new adventure. Due to pressing family issues involving our aging parents, we are reducing the number of trips to Africa to perhaps only one per year. This has brought us to instruct the EBC office to close our account. We do not feel right about continuing to receive financial support when our travel schedule will be reduced to less than the three trips per year we had originally proposed. The EBC GloTeam has graciously decided to continue our support until the end of the year, to help us out during this transition time. Our other supporting churches and individuals have been notified, and they will be phasing out their financial support as well. As of January 1, our account will be closed.

Ongoing prayer support, however, is still greatly appreciated. We will continue to send out regular newsletters, to keep before you the needs and projects for the churches/ministries in West Africa, as well as news of our children who are serving the Lord around the world. You often ask how things are going in Guinea, or about one or the other of our children, and we do appreciate your love and concern. 
Please pray for us as we will continue to serve God as He leads no matter where we find ourselves on this earth!  
If you have any questions, please email us, call us, or just chat with us at church on Sunday. (Dan will be speaking at other churches for the next two Sundays, September 9 and 16; then the 23rdwe will be in Michigan to receive Michael and Nancy Dore at the airport. So we will not be at EBC again until Sunday, September 30!)

These verses have been a blessing during these uncertain times, as we walk with Him, by faith:

John 13:7“Jesus replied, ‘You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.'”

Isaiah 42:16“I will lead blind Israel down a new path, guiding them along an unfamiliar way. I will brighten the darkness before them, and smooth out the road ahead of them. I will indeed do these things, I will not forsake them.”

Psalm 37:5 “Commit your way unto the Lord. Trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.”

Your Co-Laborers In New Hampshire and West Africa,
Dan and Michelle Dore

Looking Forward

Sermon Direction

Proverbs 3:1-6
Pastor Dan Lyle

Last Sunday’s Sermon

Discovery Class

This class is for those who desire to become members or anyone who would like to learn more about our church. The first class started last week, but you can still join. Meets at 8:30am in the Fellowship Hall.

Community Groups

We were never meant to do life alone. That’s why the vision for our season kickoff of Community Groups is to have every person who calls EBC home join a group! We have several groups launching this fall in all different locations, times, and days of the week. Sign up at the kiosks in the back of the church on Sunday. Members from each group will be in the back by the kiosk. If you are not part of a group already, please sign up!

Help Needed

We are looking for some volunteers to help transport Ella Eshelman to and from church on Sunday mornings. Bill Wixson has offered to organize a schedule and is looking for 5 volunteers. Please contact Bill at buildings@ebclaconia.com or 524-8580 if you are able to help. We also have a young lady who is new to Laconia and is looking to attend EBC. She needs transportation to and from church on Sunday mornings. She lives on South Main St. If you are able to offer assistance, please contact the office.

EBC Kids Step Up Sunday

This Sunday September 16thKids will graduate or “Step Up” to the appropriate classrooms for the new school year. Classrooms are: Nursery (Birth – 3 years)
  • Pre K – Kindergarten
  • 1st Grade and 2nd Grade
  • 3rd Grade – 5th Grade

Office Hours

The office will be closed next week on Monday and Tuesday. 
Hours will be Wednesday – Friday 9am-2pm

Momentum

MSM will be hosting a Fire Pit and S’mores on Friday 9/21 at The Lyle’s home from 7pm-9pm. Any questions contact Susan at susan.lyle@gmail.com

OWLS (Older Wiser Loving Seniors)

Join your fellow OWLS on Wednesday September 26thas they ride aboard the Lincoln Hobo Train. Meet at EBC at 9:30am for an 11am train departure. Lunch will be aboard the train. 
Cost is $15 per person
Please RSVP to Norma Phillips 848-7203 
Jay and Bette Moreau 528-4458 or 759-3780

Simply Beautiful Conference

This is a one day conference for girls, their mothers, and their spiritual mentors. 
October 20thfrom 9am – 4pm. 14 Hunter Rd. Uxbridge, MA 01569 
Purchase tickets at: http://Berea.org/simplybeautiful/
See Susan Lyle for more details.
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Another Pastoral Epistle 9/5/18

It was thirty-five years ago (August 27) that I stood in front of a room full of people and unreservedly said, “I do” to the woman who had swept me off my feet.  There were many guests in that room, but as corny as it may sound, it was as if it was only Donna and me. I learned later that there were unseen guests at that altar that day.  The unseen guests of “expectations.”  
 
In my premarital counseling, I ask couples to write out 15-20 expectations of their marriage.  Anything from, “I expect my spouse to be faithful,” to “I expect my spouse to go out on dates with me.”  At first pass, the couple figures it will be difficult to arrive at 20 expectations. But soon discover that they had expectations they hadn’t even thought of until then.  We all have expectations- for our marriage, our friendships, how we should be treated by others, people who wait on us at the restaurant, and yes, the church. 
 
A visitor to the church has expectations.  When we arrive on Sunday mornings for worship we hope for certain things to happen (or not happen).  Think about this, on a given Sunday there may be 200 expectations for what will take place before, during, and after worship.  
 “I expect the coffee to be hot.”
 “I expect to sit in my familiar seat.”
 “I expect the worship set to include some of my favorite songs.”
 “I expect the pastor’s sermon to be done in 30 minutes” (dream on).  
 
What are we to do with expectations?  There is some biblical counsel to help us.  In Philippians 2 we are told to consider others better than ourselves.  We can manage our expectations by remembering it isn’t all about us. Romans 8 speaks of how in this life we groan as we wait eagerly for our glorification.  We are to lower our expectations in this life and raise our expectations for the next. Over and over in Scripture we are called back to contentment and joy. The problem isn’t in having expectations, it is in what we do with them when they aren’t met.  And what helps to keep our expectations in check is to live confidently that our Sovereign God is in complete control. 
 
For our hope in Christ transcends all present circumstances; all unmet expectations.  As Leslie Newbigin put it, “I am neither an optimist nor a pessimist. Jesus Christ is risen from the dead!”
 
We will rejoice this Sunday for those who have been changed by the Risen Christ not only in our worship with our brothers and sisters in Christ, but also those 5 individuals who will be baptized! Join us at Opechee point following worship.  Bring your own lunch, lawn chairs and games. Baptism will begin at 2:00. 
 
There is a lot going on this month and next and we don’t want you to miss out.  Check out the announcements in the epistle, bulletin, and EBC Facebook page, as we continue to strive for better communication.  And we do “expect” you to do your part in following along. 
 
Serving Him who exceeds all our expectations,
Pastor Brian

Looking Forward

Sermon Direction

“The Church that Nauseates God”
Revelation 3:14-22

New sermon series coming

“In the Shadow of Hope”
Revelation 4-12

Last Sunday’s Sermon

audio

video

ELMM

The next meeting of the Military Ministry (ELMM) will be Saturday Sept. 8th@ 0800 in the Fellowship Hall. Veterans, retirees, active duty military, men, women and all denominations are welcome. So please join us in fellowship, prayer and discussion of our common bond of those who serve.

Discovery Class

Starts THIS Sunday, September 9th.  Meets at 8:30am in the Fellowship Hall and will meet for 4 weeks. This class is for those who desire to become members or anyone who would like to learn more about our church.

» Learn More

Church Picnic

THIS Sunday, September 9that Opechee Point after the 2ndservice. 
Bring some chairs, a picnic for your family and outdoor games to share! 
Baptism will take begin at 2:00 pm.


The following people will be baptized this Sunday during the picnic:
Eleck Lyle, Triaunna Dyer, Kaleena Dyer, Grace Hoehn, and Michelle Thorin.

Please pray for them and rejoice with them as they take this next step.

» Learn More

Community Groups

Community Groups will begin week of September 23rd. Signups start this Sunday.

» Learn More

Help Needed

We are looking for some volunteers to help transport Ella Eshelman to and from church on Sunday mornings. Bill Wixson has offered to organize a schedule and is looking for 5 volunteers. Please contact Bill at buildings@ebclaconia.com or 524-8580 if you are able to help.
 
We also have a young lady who is new to Laconia and is looking to attend EBC. She needs transportation to and from church on Sunday mornings. She lives on South Main St. If you are able to offer assistance, please contact the office.

EBC Kids Step Up Sunday

Sunday September 16th. Kids will graduate or “Step Up” into the appropriate classroom for the new school year.
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Another Pastoral Epistle 8/29/18

Why?  Why? Many of the questions of a preschooler begin with that one word, why.  “Toothpaste is for brushing your teeth, not for eating,” and the little one asks, “Why?”  A parent says, “It is time to go to sleep,” and the response is, “Why?” All through the day, it is the same thing; “Why does a cat have fur?”  “Why is the sky blue?” “Why do I have to share?” And on and on it goes to the point you start singing the Billy Joel song, “Don’t ask me why.”  
 
I know that it can be exasperating to hear the why question, and at times it can even be an act of defiance, but their curiosity about the world around them is refreshing.  To a child, mystery and wonder are all part of their make-up as they grow and develop. I can’t help but ask, “Have we lost our capacity for wonder?” Scripture says, ‘The heavens declare the glory of God and the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”  Are we still astonished by its beauty? We can sing, “Amazinggrace, how sweet the sound,” but are we still amazed by His grace?  Are we still stunned by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and that He has taken up His residence in us?  
 
A book that I pick up and read certain sections of repeatedly is one written by Mark Buchanan called, “Your God is too Safe.”  The sub-title of that book is, “Rediscovering the Wonder of a God You Can’t Control.” Might there be a connection between wonder and control?  Do we secretly wish for a God that is safe and predictable? Do we prefer to reduce the Christian journey to formulas, seven-steps, and some kind of how-to manual?  The life-changing movement of God cannot be controlled and even predicted. That is why it leaves us breathless and wonder-struck! Church, let’s not lose the wonder of God, but continue to be amazed at what he is doing and wants to do in His church!  
 
We have a chance at the picnic and baptism on September 9 to witness several people publicly profess the name of Christ.  Are you part of a community group?  If not, I urge you to sign-up for a group in the weeks to come as they officially start up again on September 23.  Why community groups? Because the leadership of this church believes that the best way to carry out the “one-another” admonitions of Scripture is through smaller groups than our gathering time on Sunday mornings.  We believe that it is through smaller groups that relationships are established, and community is truly experienced. 
 
Soon you will be hearing about the Network workshop.  Consider attending this workshop.  Why? It is our desire as elders to move the right people into the right places of service.  Our growth as disciples of Christ is dependent upon being equipped for service and serving in the right place of ministry.  Is it time for you to discover your spiritual gift, personal style, and passion for serving? 
 
In the months to come, you will be asked to participate in the raising of funds as we enter into phase two of our capital campaign.  Phase one was back several years when EBC relocated to this facility.  Many of you have commented how the hand of God was evident in providing what was needed to get into this building.  Now we ask, “What’s next?” What is next for greater impact on our community? What is next in growing disciples at EBC?  What is next in strengthening our families? What is next in upgrading and enhancing our facility to facilitate growing deeper and having greater impact?  Your prayers are needed as we take our next steps!
 
Speaking of prayer, don’t forget prayer builders meets this Sunday from 10:05-10:25 in the room behind stage.  
 
Members, hope to see you tonight at the business meeting at 7:00.  We will meet in the fellowship hall. 
 
Blessings to you,
Pastor Brian

Looking Forward

Sermon Direction

“Opportunity knocks… on an open door” Revelation 3:7-13

Last Sunday’s Sermon

Office Hours

The office will be closed on Monday, September 3rd, in honor of Labor Day

Business Meeting
Tonight @ 7pm

Vote on budget, prospective elder, and “What’s Next” for EBC’s vision and campus. 

We will be meeting downstairs in the Fellowship Hall

Prayer Builders

Sunday 9/2 10:05 am – 10:25 am 
Meets in the room behind the stage.

Momentum

Will not be meeting next Tuesday 9/4

Discovery Class

Meeting in the Fellowship Hall
This class is for those who desire to become members or anyone who would like to learn more about our church.

Church Picnic

Will be held on Sunday, September 9th at Opechee Point after the 2nd service.

Bring some chairs, a picnic for your family and outdoor games to share!

Baptism will take place between 2-2:30pm weather permitting.

EBC Kids Step Up Sunday

Sunday September 16th. Kids will graduate or “Step Up” into the appropriate classroom for the new school year.