The Weekly Epistle 10/20/21

It has been said that the only one who likes change is a baby.  How well do you do with change?  
 
I have a liking for the predictable.  I value my routines.  When a store changes the location of a product or plans have to be modified or some business messes with common protocols, it can throw me for a temporary loop.  “Why can’t they just leave things alone?” I mumble.  
 
We are now in the midst of a change of seasons.  Cooler days, change of scenery, outdoor furniture brought inside and preparations for what is to come on the other side of Autumn.  Some of the changes that come with the seasons I like and some I just endure, but it is life in New England.  
 
Change is a part of life and it is part of church life.  As your pastor, I do not want you to stay the same.  I do not want to remain as I am but to grow to be more like Christ.  Coasting to the finish line is not an option.  There are souls to reach for Christ.  There are broken lives that need God’s healing touch.  The church needs to be built up and encouraged.  Families need support.  We need each other, especially in such trying times.  
 
Paul says to Timothy, “Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress” (1 Timothy 4:15).  I hope you see progress in my life in leading, in my character, in pastoring you.  Are others seeing your progress in the Lord?  Are you growing?  Growth and progress always include change of some kind.  
 
When it comes to change within a church, how do you typically respond?  “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” is the mindset of some.  Others want change just for change sake.  There are early adopters, slow adopters, innovators who love change, and those who want everything to stay the same.  Which best describes you?  Would you take a minute to answer that question?   There is a link below.  It will take less than a minute to answer.  You can include your name if you would like.  
 
I want to highlight a couple of events coming up.  Whatever your beliefs may be around Halloween, I believe it is an opportunity to engage our community.  Trunk or treat is our way of being in the world, but not out of it, by having a positive presence in Lakeport.  Will you decorate your trunk this year?  Can you provide a firepit?  Or a crockpot of soup or chili for the volunteers?  Can you buy some candy?  Please sign up this coming Sunday.  We need you!
 
There is a cornhole tournament (ages 18-up) on Saturday, November 6.  Food will be provided.  Will you participate?  Spectators are also welcomed.  Please sign up!  This is a chance for us as a church to have fun together.  
 
I continue to praise God for how He is growing us at EBC and bringing newcomers to church each week.  Growth means we need more workers.  We still need nursery workers so that we can offer first service nursery again.  Helpers and teachers are needed for EBC kids.  We need to expand our base of tech support for our Sunday worship.  Contact the church office or one of the pastors if you want to serve at EBC.  
 
Although there are challenges, this is an exciting time for ministry.  And as we navigate through changing times, we serve a God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever!  
 
Blessings, Pastor Brian