The Weekly Epistle 4/7/21

“In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity (or love).”  The thought behind this is that when it comes to the teachings of Scripture and the gospel we are to major on the majors and minor on the minors.  The challenge then is to not make every issue one of major importance.  Our attitude as followers of Jesus should be unity around the essentials, extend freedom to one another on areas of disagreement around the non-essentials, and always respond in love!
 
It is on this foundation that the Evangelical Free Church has formed its statement of faith.  I hope that you have picked up a copy of the comparison of our present statement of faith with Evangelical Free’s statement of faith.  If you haven’t heard by now, the elders are recommending we join with the Evangelical Free Church of America.  
 
My introduction to the Evangelical Free Church was while I was attending Bible college in Maine.  As my wife and I checked out churches in the area, we first visited some Baptist churches since that is what we were most familiar with.  But we also looked into the Evangelical Free Church in Portland and the only thing we knew about it was that Chuck Swindoll was a pastor of a Free Church in California.  And since he was solid, it was worth checking out.  It was from that moment in 1984 that we joined, then served as volunteer youth leaders, and then I took a position as youth pastor which eventually led to my co-pastoring that church for a total of 21 years.   
 
You may know as little as I did about the Free Church before becoming a part of it.  On occasion, someone would ask me, “What does Evangelical Free mean?  Does it mean that the church is “free” of evangelical, like caffein-free?”  I can assure you that isn’t what it means.
 
Come on out this Sunday evening @ 6:00 to hear more about the Evangelical Free Church.  The New England District Superintendent, Sam Huggard, will be available to answer your questions and educate you about the Evangelical Free Church and the benefits of affiliating with them.  Whether you are a member or not a member, plan on attending this informal meeting this Sunday night @ 6:00 in the sanctuary.  
 
Just a reminder that as of this Sunday both first and second service will follow the same mask requirements of wearing them to and from your seats.  Nursery and EBC kids will be offered in second service only.   
 
I was encouraged to see many new faces this past Sunday and the return of other regular attenders not only this past Sunday but over the past few weeks.  It also encouraged my and Dan’s heart to see several of you step up and help with hospitality and staffing of our kids’ programs.  If you would like to help with hospitality contact the office or Pastor Dan.  If you can help in the nursery or EBC kids, then contact Victoria Mansfield or the office.  
 
Hope to see you this Sunday as we continue in our study in Daniel and worship our Risen Lord together!  He is risen…he is risen indeed!
 
Blessings to you, Pastor Brian