We gather to go! You have heard me say that before. I love gathering with you each Sunday for worship. God is glorified each time His people collectively enjoy Him and joyfully respond in praise. Worship is an end in itself. God’s goal is that all the peoples of the world worship Him.
Our worship fuels evangelism. This is what compels us to reach others with the gospel. We long for others to know the One who has made Himself known and who has redeemed us. We gather to go!
Our philosophy of evangelism at EBC is that all followers of Christ are called to influence those in their web of relationships with the love and good news of Christ. Where God has placed you is your “mission” field. God has also placed his people in this facility on Washington Street in Laconia to reach our neighbors for Christ.
On Saturday, August 17, a team from EBC will be representing the EBC family at our first annual neighborhood block party. In my years spent in Portland, Maine, Donna and I were quite intentional in establishing positive relationships with our neighbors. For several years, we initiated a block party. It started out with just a few families, then over time, neighbors looked forward to the annual block party. Our hope is that this block party for the church neighbors might even inspire you to consider hosting one in your neighborhood.
The church’s block party will be funded through local outreach but will still need help from the EBC family. The meat and the drinks will come from the church budget. You can help by providing some kind of salad or dessert. People will be needed to set-up on that Saturday and others needed for clean-up when the event is over. Please sign up this Sunday. Also, we will be looking for a few people to be at the event to man the bouncy house, help with games for the kids, run popcorn machine, help on the grill, and mingle with our neighbors. See Donna or me if interested.
Since we do not want to “overwhelm” our neighbors with too many people from the church, this block party is not for the entire church. There will be other outreach opportunities where you can jump in, such as, church booth at the Laconia pumpkin fest and trunk or treat.
Our time for fellowship is not at this block party, but at the church picnic September 8th. There will also be a baptism at the picnic. Baptism classes will be held on August 18 (for children under 13) and August 25 (for those 13 and over). Both classes will take place during first service at 9:00.
Hope to see you Sunday in our newly air-conditioned worship center. As long as there are no setbacks, HVAC should be operational this weekend, at least upstairs. And I say, “Deo Volente” (Lord willing).
Blessings to you,
Pastor Brian
Looking Forward
Sermon Direction
“Manna and Mercy”
Exodus 15:22-16:36
Last Sunday’s Sermon
Office Closed
The office will be closed next week and there will not be a Weekly Epistle.
Crazy Love Bible Study
The Women’s Ministry will be having a Women’s Bible Study beginning Tuesday July 9that 7pm at EBC in the Fellowship Hall. This Bible Study will run for 10 weeks.
Save The Date
Our annual Church picnic and baptism will be held Sunday September 8that Opechee Point. Baptism classes will be held on August 18 (for children under 13) and August 25 (for those 13 and over). Both classes will take place during first service at 9:00.
Neighborhood Block Party
We will be hosting a Neighborhood Block Party on Saturday August 17thfrom 4pm-7pm in the gym parking lot! Sign up this Sunday to provide a salad or dessert or to help set up or tear down as we reach out to our neighbors.
OWLS
On Wednesday, July 31st, the OWLS will enjoy lunch at Walter’s Basin on Squam Lake in Holderness. We will meet at the church at 11:15. If you think you will be going, please let one of us know so we can give the restaurant an estimate of how many to plan on.
Jay and Bette Moreau: 528-4458 or 759-3780
Norma: 783-0211 or 848-7203
Greeters Needed
We are looking for more people to volunteer to be a greeter for both services. If you are interested in greeting Sunday mornings, please see Vinny Caruso or call him at 254-6877.
Community Groups
Praise the Lord for the growing interest in Community Groups. We are looking for someone to host and facilitate a day time community group, as well as more options for weeknight groups. If you are interested, please see Tim Whitman or email the office.
There will be an informational meeting during 1st service on 8/11 and 9/8 for those interested in hosting and facilitating Community Groups this fall.
EBC Kids
EBC Kids is recruiting more volunteers to serve as nursery workers, teachers and helpers in all classes. Please contact Mary Whitman with any questions or if you would want to serve in this ministry. 540-986-6626
ELMM
ELMM (Military Ministry) will not be meeting during July and August