The Weekly Epistle 1/29/20

Former quarterback John Brodie for the San Francisco 49ers was asked, “Why does a million-dollar player like you have to hold the ball for the kicker of field goals and extra points?”  
“Well,” Brodie replied, “If I didn’t the ball would fall over.”
 
You don’t get any more basic than that.  We must never forget the fundamental basics of the spiritual life. My first Sunday at EBC almost 5 years ago, I spoke on the basic need for us to remain in Christ.  The challenge at that time was to never forget the importance of regular communion with the Lord and the necessity of dependence on Him.  As Jesus said in John 15, “Apart from me you can do nothing.”  That need hasn’t changed.  
 
Our values at EBC are basic but essential.  There are five of them and they all are rooted in God’s Word, particularly Acts 2:42-47.  We value Scripture, one another, prayer, worship, and outreach.  These are our constants!  They are what drive us as a church.  While all five are to be behind all we do, there are times that a certain value is emphasized.  The commitment to Scripture is one that has been emphasized lately.  We are to be people of the book.  God’s Word is our livelihood.  
 
Many of you have picked up a copy of the Bible reading plan that goes along with our current sermon series on The Greatest Story from Cover to Cover.  It is not too late to get a copy.  They are located at ministry counter.
 
The next women’s Bible study is also about getting into God’s Word.  The study will be on Saturdays from 9:00-11:00 for seven weeks, beginning February 15th.  You can pick up a copy of the book that will tie into that study at the ministry counter.  Books are still available to purchase, or donated books are available and can be picked up Sunday.
 
There is a four-week Sunday School Class beginning this Sunday at 9:00 in room 102.  This study will be an overview of the book of Proverbs on “Wisdom and the will of God.”  Why does wisdom matter in our daily decisions?  How does the book of Proverbs help us to attain the wisdom needed to discern the will of God?  Come to this class and find out.
 
We value prayer as a church.  Prayer happens in many different settings and spontaneously as a situation calls for it at that moment.  Take a minute to check out the prayer and praise section of this epistle. 
 
But there is something beautifully unifying as we gather to pray corporately.  On February 16, I would urge you to join with others for “prayer 30.”  It is 30 minutes of praying for the church family and our community.  It will take place following the second service from 12:15-12:45. I hope you will attend.  Also, on Sunday, March 15 from 6:00-7:00 there is a “Fellowship of Prayer” as we gather for singing and fellowship together around prayer.  “Prayer Builders” meets the first Sunday of each month from 10:20-10:35 in the room behind the stage.  We meet this Sunday!
 
Don’t forget to save the date for the marriage conference here at EBC on April 3-4.  Sign up for the conference and workshops will take place the end of February.  
 
Blessings to you, Pastor Brian

Looking Forward

Sermon Direction

The Law: The Path to Life

Exodus 16-20

Last Sunday’s Sermon

Prayer Builders 

Prayer Builders will be meeting this Sunday from 10:20-10:40 in the room behind the stage.

Giving Receipts

2019 Giving Receipts will be available on Sunday morning. Please see Norma Phillips or Brenda Cobis to get your receipt. Any remaining after Sunday will be mailed.

“Wisdom and the Will of God” From the Book of Proverbs

Beginning this Sunday, February 2nd at 9am as we take a look at how life works from the perspective of wisdom. This study will go for 4 weeks.

Women’s Bible Study “Open Your Bible”

The next women’s bible study will begin Saturday February 15th at 9am and will be run for 7 weeks. “Open Your Bible”, will quench a thirst you might not even know you have-one that can only be satisfied by God’s Word. 
 “She Reads Truth” is an additional book that will prepare you for the bible study. Books are still available to purchase or donated books are available and can be picked up Sunday at the Ministry Counter.

Prayer 30 Prayer Event

Join us on February 16th from 12:15-12:45 for 30 minutes of prayer.

Save The Date

“Created for Connection”
Marriage Seminar at EBC for the EBC family. 
April 3-4. More details to come.

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 www.laconiachurch.com , Email (weekly epistle list), and EBC public and private Facebook pages.