The Weekly Epistle 10/14/20

Why is it that people ignore warnings?  When fires ravage the forests and homes, there are those who ignore warnings to evacuate.  When hurricanes threaten to wipe out coastal properties, some people choose to ride it out rather than listen to officials warning them of impending danger. 

Even more tragic is not taking seriously the clear and timeless warnings in Scripture.  Here are a few for us to ponder.

  “Be self-controlled and alert.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (I Peter 5:8).

  “But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come” (2 Timothy 3:1). 

  “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves” (Matthew 7:15). 

 

Frequently we find the words, “Be on guard,” and “do not be ignorant of,” and “watch out.”  These are warnings we dare not ignore.  What then should be our response?  Live in fear?  Find a demon under every rock?  Shrug our shoulders and look the other way?

Church, continue in the things you have learned.  Open God’s Word.  Don’t be surprised by deception.  Be discerning.  Pay attention.  Be good news to others.  Stay connected to your church family.  Cling to truth.  Live the truth. 

 

And above all things, remember our God is Sovereign.  At the end of the day His will is being done.  That doesn’t mean we aren’t to live responsibly in the world, but our trust is the good outcomes that come from a perfect God who does all things well.  In these challenging times, be awakened to the many opportunities we have to be part of the grand plan of Jesus’ commitment to building His church. 

Do you know where God wants you to serve?  Have you gone through the Network Spiritual Gifts workshop?  This is the tool EBC uses to place the right people in the right ministry.  Are you in the right ministry?  Do you want to discover and then serve in line with your gift set, personality, and passion?  Participate in the network workshop on Saturday November 7 & 14 from 9:00-noon.  Sign up by stopping at ministry counter or contacting the church office and pick up the materials you need to get started.

Our fifth annual “Trunk or Treat” will look a little different this year, but the potential for impact is still high.  Will you decorate your trunk this year?  Sign up or contact the office ASAP. 

I leave you with this reminder.  Jesus is building His church.  The gates of hell will not prevail against it.  We get to be part of that great purpose!  Carry on, EBC, carry on! 

Blessings, Pastor Brian

Looking Forward

Sermon Direction

Love or Hate
1 John 2:7-11

Link to This Sunday Worship Service

 

Communion

We will be celebrating communion this Sunday. If you are worshipping with us at home, please have your elements ready to participate with us.

Right People in the Right Places

Our next Spiritual Gifts Network workshop will be Saturday 11/7 and 11/14 from 9am-12pm. These classes will help you discover your spiritual gifts and get you plugged into the right ministry. Sign up this Sunday at the Ministry Counter.

Trunk or Treat

We will be hosting our 5th annual Trunk or Treat on October 31st from 5pm-7pm. Sign up at the Ministry Counter this Sunday to host a trunk, donate candy or other items needed. Contact Bethany Miller or Laura Hollenbeck or the office with any questions.

Operation Christmas Child Boxes

It’s that time of year again! Operation Christmas Child boxes will be available beginning this Sunday. Stay tuned for more information on collection dates. Any questions contact Jay and Bette Moreau at lfd21jay@metrocast.net

EBC Kids

EBC Kids is now up and running during 1st service (9am). All kids will check in and then head downstairs where they will have their own time of worship and then go to their appropriate classes. (This does not include nursery) Any questions contact the office or Victoria Mansfield.

2nd Service Masks Required

Just a reminder we are asking that if you attend 2nd service, please wear a mask when entering or leaving the building. You may remove the mask once seated.

Coffee Time

If you would like to volunteer to serve once a month in this ministry, please contact Donna Dube @ dtd@metrocast.net

Giving

You can continue to give either online on our website www.laconiachurch.com and clicking on the green Give button or by mailing your checks to the office. 50 Washington St Laconia, NH 03246

Prayer and Praise

If you have any prayer requests or needs, please email Corianne at: corianne@ebclaconia.com