The Weekly Epistle 12/16/20

You know the saying, “If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.”  If you know me at all, you know that I am a planner.  For example, I like to plan out my sermon series in advance.  I was looking forward to this year’s Christmas series, “What’s the Big Deal with Christmas: God is with us, God is for us, and God is in us.”  The first sermon in the series was set for this past Sunday.  Then I got sick!  
 
Mark, who is also a planner, jumped in willingly to preach on very short notice.  It was a wonderful message.  As far as my preaching the first sermon in the series, the plan was to deliver that this coming Sunday.  Then my test came back positive and I am out of commission until Monday.  So much for my plans.  Stay tune on what the implications are for this Sunday’s services.  My staying away this past Sunday protected the church from exposure to my symptoms.  
 
We are still planning on a Christmas Eve service by remote for Thursday, December 24 at 6:00 pm.  A link will be provided in next week’s epistle and on Facebook.  
 
Also, as of 12/27, we will be going to one service.  Our one service will be at 10:45 and livestream will be offered at 10:45. We are doing this on a temporary basis, due to the ever-changing Covid landscape and its impact on our in-person numbers right now.  Mark down the change for 12/27.  
 
While Covid has messed with our plans on so many levels, there is One who is not rattled one bit by all that has taken place.  God’s plans stand firm.  “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord.  Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).  Those plans that God has for us are not interrupted by any pandemic, or human choices, or even if someone’s intention was for evil.  God has a future for us.  
 
It may be challenging to see light at the end of the tunnel.  But our hope is not in what is seen, but in the unseen.  God is working out His plans to conform us to the image of His Son and to build His church.  God has a plan!  And the beautiful thing is, we are part of it. 
 
When God promised that his people would be prosperous in Jeremiah’s day, it wasn’t a promise that they wouldn’t experience suffering or that it would end even in a short period of time.  He is promising that in the middle of their suffering God would enable them to endure it.  The promise is that suffering is not the last word.  It never is.  God’s people will prevail in the end.  That was true in Jeremiah’s day and that is true for us today.  
 
Light is coming!  In this fallen world, God guarantees that suffering will eventually come to an end. And he promises to get you to that end.  Can you trust Him with it?  
 
Keep looking up, church!
 
Pastor Brian 

Looking Forward

Sermon Direction

 

Link to This Sunday Worship Service

 

Christmas Eve Service

This year we will have a virtual Christmas Eve Service. This Sunday you can pick up your candles for our candlelight service, so we can participate in our homes as a church family.
Christmas Eve service will be held virtually at 6pm on 12/24.

Change in Service

Beginning Sunday 12/27, we will be temporarily going to one service at 10:45am. 
Our livestream will also be at 10:45 am as well. More details to come. 

Giving Envelopes

Beginning this Sunday you can pick up your giving envelopes at the back of the sanctuary. If you are unable to make it to church to pick up your envelopes, please contact Corianne at the office to coordinate a time to pick up.

EBC Cancellations

In the event of bad weather that would potentially impact services at Evangelical Baptist Church, the following will be taken into consideration: the current weather in Laconia, the timing of the weather event, and whether roads/walkways/parking areas are/will be cleared
A decision would be made by 7:30 am to cancel one or more of our services.  Events in the afternoon or evening would be dealt with separately.  EBC will notify of cancellation using the following: WMUR TV, Church website news feed: www.laconiachurch.com, Email (weekly epistle email list) and EBC’s public and private Facebook page

EBC Directory

t’s time to update our directory! We have lots of new people here at EBC and we want to stay connected!
Please complete this google form HERE with your information so we can include you in the updated directory. If you do not want your information shared in the directory, please complete the form and note that this information is for the office only. Bette Moreau sends out birthday cards to all who call EBC home and she would like to update her birthday list as well.

Masks Required

Just a reminder we are asking that you please wear a mask when entering or leaving the building. You may remove the mask once seated.

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