The Weekly Epistle 4/20/22

What’s Next?  That was the question and name of our capital campaign three years ago.  April 30^th marks the end of that campaign and the financial commitments.  Praise God for the HVAC system in the worship center, the enhancement of our lighting and video for Sunday morning services, the upgrades of the gym floor and replacement of the windows and roof in the gym building, painting of the administration building trim,
and other minor projects around our campus.   Also, we have begun plans to demolish the convent building and enhance landscaping on that house lot.  I thank you for your faithfulness!
 
What’s Next?  What is next for us to grow deeper and have greater impact as a church?  As we come “out of the fog” of the last two years, my hope is that we regain the momentum we were experiencing prior to that time and are energized to press forward for what lies ahead.  
 
What’s Next?  Revisiting our 4-E ministry model for greater effectiveness.  What’s next is to increase the number of community groups, impact our young people through momentum’s fresh start, enhance our worship center for improved hospitality and fellowship, and intentionally continue to equip others for ministry.  What’s next is to look for ways to reach our community for Christ through acts of service and being a visible, positive presence to our neighbors.  
 
The famous Charles Dickens’ line fits here- “It was the best of times and the worst of times.”  In the times we live, foolishness and evil seem to prevail.  But it is also a time of great opportunity.  It really doesn’t take much effort to list all that is wrong.  Anyone can state the obvious.  We can point out all the problems.  But what about solutions?  How can we better engage the world in these times?  How can we sustain a close walk with Jesus?  Is it possible to thrive in a world that seems to have lost its way?
 
What’s Next?  It is to join Jesus in His purpose to build His church.  And since nothing can stop Him, it is a partnership that cannot fail.  We need a church awakening.  Beginning May 8^th through a series of 8 messages, I will be leading us through selected passages in the book of 1 Corinthians that should awaken us to the dangers of drifting and excite us for what Jesus wants to build here at EBC.  
 
I am convinced that as we wake up to the reality of our times and remain strong in the long-standing truths of Scripture, we will have a voice.  The world is looking for a voice.  A.W. Tozer put it this way, “The world is waiting to hear an authentic voice, a voice from God- not an echo of what others are doing and saying, but an authentic voice.”
 
Jesus is building the church.  May our God renew our passion for what Jesus is building!
 
Blessings to you, Pastor Brian