Hi Church,
Whatever we focus our hearts on first thing in the morning will shape our entire day. As I read
those words from Tony Reinke, I stopped to consider how that was true in my life. While it is
true that I am a morning person, I still can be easily distracted by many things as I start my day.
I am trying to change that.
A survey recently of 8,000 people found that 54% checked their smartphones within minutes of
waking up. More than 70% admitted that they checked email and social media before their
spiritual disciplines.
We all have different routines. There is no right way to practice the disciplines of the faith. I am
not making a case for morning devotions. What seems to work best for me is that time set
aside in the morning for reflection, Scripture meditation, prayer and quietness before the Lord.
That doesn’t work for everyone.
But I have found that if I start my day on social media, watching the news, answering my emails,
or a number of other activities, it affects my day and not always positively. So, for me, I was
challenged recently to change my routine. Even if it means praying on my way to the office
(with my eyes open) or reading a verse and meditating on it, or simply rehearsing a verse I have
hidden in my heart, it produced far greater results in my thinking for that day than when I don’t
start my day that way.
Did my day always go better? Did that mean there was no conflict? Was it a problem-free kind
of day? No! But my chance of responding to the challenges of that day in a healthy way was
greater than if I started my day focusing on other things. My attitude was in a better place to
face the day, though “attitude adjustments” still were necessary throughout the day.
I don’t know what this all means for you. Each of you have to work this out. I don’t want to give
you the impression that my first thought as I wake up each day is, “I can’t wait to meet with the
Lord this morning.” I wish! That is why it is critical that there are certain things in place to guard
my time for spiritual disciplines and work at bringing a mind that is as clear and focused as
possible to the Lord.
As we will soon enter a new year, perhaps this is the time to evaluate your routines. Don’t
forget about the workshop on December 2 from 7:00-8:30. This time with Ryan Barton will help
us develop a renewed vision for the new year. The workshop, “Seeing what matters: gaining
clarity for the year ahead,” will provide some practical guidance that will help us discern a vision
for the future and give us some practical tools for the journey. Check out the insert in this
week’s bulletin about Ryan Barton and please sign up at the ministry counter if you plan on
attending this workshop.
The Adult Discipleship team wants to build on this workshop for the coming year. As a follow-up
to the workshop, you will hear more from this ministry as to how you can best carry out your
intentions.
Hope to see you Sunday, if not sooner! Blessings, Pastor Brian
Looking Forward
Sermon Direction
The Rest of Your Life
1 Peter 3:18-4:6
Link to This Sunday Worship Service
This week is communion Sunday
Communion will be shared at both the 9:00 & 10:45 services
Operation Christmas Child
Collection week is underway! Monday 14th through Friday 18th from 4 -6PM Saturday 11/19 from 1-4PM and Sunday 11/20 from 12-4 and Monday from 11 AM- 5PMIf you have questions, Dave & Betsy will be available to answer them.
OWLS – Older, Wiser, Loving Seniors
It is that time of year again when we will be packing the boxes for Operation Christmas Child as well as put together the wrapping paper packages for the Love INC Christmas Blessings Project which we have done the past few years.
Plan to join us on Friday, November 18th at 1PM in the Fellowship Hall to complete these two projects for our community and children of the world.
The fellowship will be wonderful and, of course, we will have a snack to enjoy as well.
Patsy Tacker, Jay and Bette Moreau, and Norma Phillips
Ushers and Greeters Needed
We are looking for some friendly faces to join the hospitality team as ushers and greeters. This is a great opportunity to serve the body and guests of our church. Please email Susan Lyle at susan.lyle@gmail.com for more information.
Living Hope ~~~~ Church Directory
We are updating our church directory. Please consider taking a few minutes to add or update your information for the directory. If you prefer not to be included in the directory, please email or call the office. Click the link and enter information or find paper forms on ministry counter.
Workday
Workday on Saturday, November 19 from 8-noon. Please come out to help even if you cannot be here the entire time. An hour or more would be greatly appreciated! If you have any questions, please see/contact Bill Wixson.
Buildings@ebclaconia.com 603-524-8580

Ryan Barton
Ryan Barton is an entrepreneur, leader, and wisdom-seeker. He is founder and CEO of Mainstay Technologies, an IT company that has won many awards including Best Companies to Work For, Business of the Year, and Torch award for Marketplace Ethics. Ryan was recently awarded “Entrepreneur of the Year” for his work in NH.
He is involved in developing charities. He is also the Chairman of the Board of Directors at Laconia Christian Academy. Ryan seeks to work at the intersection of transcendence and practicality: He is drawn to the understanding and the strategies that help us each to awaken, transform, and experience goodness. Ryan is husband to Trish, father of Chloe, Noah, and Olivia, and is an insatiable reader!
Ryan Barton will lead us through his story of brokenness and ongoing transformation. He will share his perspective and tools he has learned as he has pursued fullness in emotional experience, in business, in ministry, and in family.
Please join us Friday night, December 2 @ 7:00.
Aspire Women’s Center
Aspire women’s Center offers a free confidential Bible Study for women looking for post abortive healing. Women who want hope and healing in their relationship with God can bring their experience out of the dark past into His Holy light. Women who want to find peace of God’s forgiveness and freedom to forgive others.
God seeks to lovingly heal those who have been suffering when faced with the pain of their past, whether it was one month ago, 5 years ago or 50 years ago. It takes great courage to step forward, but we can make it a little easier.
For more information see https://www.slideshare.net/
Christmas Eve and Christmas day services
Christmas Eve service will be held Saturday December 24th at 6:00 P.M.
Sunday Christmas day we will have one service being held at 10:00 A.M.
New Years Day January 1st we will have one service at 10:00 A.M.
Welcome Luncheon
Thank you to Andy and Carol Whitman for preparing, cooking and serving an amazing meal for our Welcome Luncheon. We hope all who came, enjoyed their time getting to know each other.