“Pastor, what are your thoughts on Halloween?” I am glad you asked! I realize it has pagan roots, but then again so don’t other holidays, so I am not sure if that is enough of a reason to not participate in it. At the risk of sounding simplistic, I think there are three perspectives on Halloween. Some people see Halloween as evil and that as Christians we should renounce it. Then there are those who have their children dress up as princesses or “Woody” from Toy story and go door-to-door saying, “Trick or Treat.” There is a third perspective and that is to sort of redeem Halloween and use it to penetrate our culture, so they have their kids dress up as some Bible character.
If you believe Christians should have nothing to do with it and renounce it as evil, I respect that! If you believe you can enjoy that day and see it as innocent fun, then you should have the freedom to do that. I lean towards the third position, without the dressing up like a Bible character part. I see it as an occasion to identify with our community. If we can use that holiday for good, then let’s seize that opportunity.
That is what Trunk or Treat is all about. It is one small way to engage our culture and to be a presence in something that is important to the world. I have talked with people who remember our church as the ones who host Trunk or Treat or On Goal or Monday night basketball. Those type of events do connect with our community.
So, if you can join with us on Halloween by decorating your car, or providing candy, or a fire pit, or soup, then jump on in! Stop by the ministry counter this week to sign up or to pick up personal invitations to hand deliver to people you know. We passed out hundreds of invitations to our Trunk or Treat event at Pumpkinfest and are anticipating a high volume of people stopping by on Thursday, October 31, from 5:00-8:00.
On another note, don’t forget about Celebration Sunday on November 3. There will be a time for refreshments down in the gym building from 10:15-10:45 in recognition of the projects that have been completed to this point through the What’s Next campaign. The only change in the schedule on that Sunday, is the second service will begin 15 minutes later at 11:00. If you are second service attender, then come early that Sunday for fellowship and remembering God’s faithfulness. Actually, I would encourage you to come early each Sunday for fellowship in-between services. It is a good time to connect with others, enjoy some Wayfarer coffee, and other goodies!
A showing of the movie, “Unplanned” is this Friday night in the worship center from 7:00-9:00. It is a pg-13 rating, so parents will need to determine whether it is suitable for their children. You can check out the trailer and reviews online. Aspire ministry is sponsoring this event.
Look forward to seeing you this Sunday as we continue in our sermon series from 2 Timothy on “Legacy: Living a life that lasts.” Also, we will hear an update on the “What’s Next” campaign. I love worshipping with you each Sunday as together we lift up God’s excellence in song, words of praise, giving, remembering the gospel, and learning together from God’s Word!
All for His glory, Pastor Brian
Looking Forward
Sermon Direction
Flee and Pursue
2 Timothy 2:20-26
Last Sunday’s Sermon
Unplanned, The Movie
Aspire Women’s Center invites you to attend a screening of the movie, Unplanned, this Friday, October 25th at Evangelical Baptist Church. Unplanned is the true story of Abby Johnson, a Planned Parenthood clinic director complicit in thousands of abortions until, one day, she saw something that changed everything.
Admission is free – a freewill offering to benefit Aspire will be taken.
Celebration Sunday
Sunday November 3rd we will be having a Celebration in between services to praise the Lord for the updates we have made to our facility to date!
Our services will be at 9am and 11am.
Trunk or Treat
We will be hosting our 4th annual Trunk or Treat!
October 31st from 5pm-8pm, bring your kids by the gym parking lot for some extra fun! This is a great way to get to know our church neighbors and them us.
We would like to have our parking lot full of decorated trunks for a safe place for kids to enjoy the evening. If you would like to participate and decorate your car trunk you can sign up this Sunday. There are also other ways you can help make this night special by donating cider, candy, or making a soup or chili for our participating families to have for dinner that night. Other items needed are fire pits, lighting and portable generators.
Signup this Sunday at the Ministry Counter and see Laura Hollenbeck with any questions.
Meal Train
A Meal Train has been set up for Paul and Jeannie Melnick. Jeannie fell on Sunday and broke her leg in a few places. She will be going in for surgery Friday. Please click this link HERE to sign up and provide them with a meal.
OWLS
Wednesday, November 6th, is the day that the OWLS will be packing their Operation Christmas Child boxes. We will meet in the Fellowship Hall at 2:00. We have the materials to fill them, but as usual you are welcome to bring additional items if you so desire. We will enjoy refreshments as well. See you then. Jay, Bette. Norma
Save the Date
EBC’s Christmas Extravaganza
Sunday December 15th we will be hosting a family friendly Christmas Extravaganza. More details to come.
Dominican Republic Info Session
For those interested in going on the next missions trip to the Dominican Republic, January 31-February 10, 2020, please join Justin Whitman after 2nd service on Sunday 10/27 in the Fellowship Hall.
Community Groups
We have a host home for a day time community group, but we still need a facilitator. If you are interested, please see Tim Whitman or contact the office
Adult Bible Study
Sunday mornings at 9am we are offering an adult bible study meeting in room 102. This study is on the book of James, “Faith that Works”.