The Weekly Epistle 10/21/20

You know you’re getting old when…
 
A couple of years ago, my wife and I were eating breakfast at IHOP and noticed a section in the menu for 55 and over.  They were cheaper.  I ordered my breakfast from the 55 plus section and the young waitress took down my order.  I asked her if she wanted to see proof that I was over 55 and she said, “No, you’re good,” meaning she had enough proof she needed.  Ouch! 
 
You know you’re getting old when “you wake up to snap, crackle, and pop, and it’s not your breakfast cereal.”  Or, “When you have to put your birth year in and you have to keep scrolling backward.”  Or when you hurt yourself while sleeping.  Or when you refer to your knees as good and bad instead of left and right.  Ok, I could go on.
 
For some odd reason, my turning 60 bothered me more than any other birthday.  As I work through that on a personal level, I have been encouraged on many levels.  As my son-in-law put it, “You are about to be showered with love.”  And that I was!  From the family to my church family, my heart was greatly blessed.  Thank you!  You encouraged my heart!  Your kindness touched me in a meaningful way!  
 
There have been a couple of other insights that have renewed my soul.  Isaiah said, “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he,” the Lord says.  “I am he who will sustain you.  I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you” (Isaiah 46:4).  Clearly, God will give grace for every need.  He will carry us throughout all ages and seasons of life.  
 
The longer we live, the more we can speak of the sustaining power of God’s grace.  Aging is the accumulation of sharing more stories of God’s faithfulness. 
 
I believe that sharing stories with each other will be an activity in heaven.  We might even reminisce of prayers answered, God’s work in our lives, and start to connect the dots of times when God intervened.  
 
Church, our citizenship is in heaven.  We do await a Savior who will transform our earthly bodies to glorious ones.  As D.A. Carson put it, “I’m not suffering from anything that a good resurrection can’t fix.”  Imagine a body with no aches and pains, no infections, no disease, no allergies, no fatigue every settling in, and a body not restricted by time or space.  Oh! That will be glory!
 
Keep your eyes on the bright future Christ has for you!  Be strengthened in hope!  Never lose heart!  To live is Christ!  Determine to finish well!
 
I thank God for you.  Blessings, Pastor Brian
 

Looking Forward

Sermon Direction

Stages and Strategy
1 John 2:12-17

Link to This Sunday Worship Service

 

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