The Weekly Epistle 10/2/19

Years ago I was visiting an elderly woman in Portland. She shared with me her most recent trip with her husband through the Kancamagus Highway during foliage season.  She said, “Pastor, it was beautiful. The colors were outstanding.” That isn’t surprising except for one reason. She was blind. She couldn’t see a thing.  
 
Cora Edwards was blind for most of her life. I learned a lot from Cora. Her faith could see things that I couldn’t see because of my sight.  How often do I place limits on what God can do and what He wants to do through me because of poor vision?  It was Hellen Keller who said, “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.”  
 
Do you have a vision for your life?  Do you have a vision for your children?  For your marriage? For your ministry? I think of Jesus’ vision for the crowds.  Scripture tells us that “when Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36).  He was able to see beyond the obvious to what they needed- the true shepherd to lead them. When I see people what do I see? Their irritants? Their annoying habits? Are they obstacles to reaching my destination or opportunities for showing them the love of Jesus Christ?  
 
Our vision as a church is to make disciples.  More accurately, it is to make disciples who make disciples who make disciples and so on.  That continues to be part of the ministry plan for EBC going forward. This is one reason we are working through the book of Second Timothy on Sunday mornings around the theme of “Legacy: living a life that lasts.”  My heart is for you to be investing in people. If you want to learn more about mentoring, I would love to sit down with you to talk about what this can look like in your life and direct you to the right people for making this happen.  
 
Don’t forget to sign up for Network Spiritual Gift seminar that will be held at the church the first two Saturday mornings in November.  I will lead you through discovering your gift set, passion, and right fit for ministry at EBC. You need to get started on this ASAP, so stop by ministry counter and get your workbook this Sunday.
 
Most of what we need for the Pumpkin Fest booth is taken care of, though someone with a truck to transport items to the pumpkin fest on October 19 is still needed. Call the office or contact Donna Green if you can help.  If you signed up to bring candy please drop it off to the church by October 13, if possible. Any candy not used for the pumpkin fest will be used for Trunk or Treat. Speaking of Trunk or Treat, if you plan to decorate your trunk, provide candy, help with food, or assist in other ways, stop by the counter this Sunday or next.  
 
I continue to be excited for what God is doing here at EBC.  It is encouraging to see new people check us out each week and the many who are calling EBC their home.  Some of these folks are jumping right into a community group and looking to get involved in the church.  
 
I thank God for you!  My heart is refreshed by your support, desire to grow, and vision for reaching our community with the gospel. 

Blessings to you, Pastor Brian