The Weekly Epistle 8/21/19

“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”  Years ago, I was asked to lead a dedication service for a farmer in the church who owned his own produce farm.  I read these verses from Habakkuk 3.  It seemed rather odd that I would begin the time of dedication with words about a lack of production when committing this family farm business to the Lord.  But it spoke volumes of my confidence in this family’s trust in God.
 
Isn’t our entire walk with God about trust? Certainly, trusting God when life is going well requires little of us.  But what if we personalized those words from Habakkuk?  
  Though I feel all alone and I can find no satisfaction in the things of this world;
  though I find no comfort for my pain and struggle to make ends meet;
  though I face troubles in my job and family and my sense of security is threatened,
  yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.  
 The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, 
 he enables me to go on the heights.
 
Those words are similar to what Job embraced when he said, “He gives and takes away but may the name of the Lord be praised.” In what area of your life is there a need for a shift from doubt to confidence, from worry to worship, and a fresh cry for intimacy with Christ?  As we are learning from our study in the life of Moses, God is taking us somewhere. Whatever season and stage we are in, through it all God is faithful and moving to accomplish His work in us and in the world.
 
At first pass, it might have been challenging to see what God was doing in the neighborhood block party as very few people showed up.  But what a beautiful thing to see the church family serve together and get excited about meeting our neighbors.  A contact was made with one couple with hopes that we can build on that initial meeting. I am thankful for the many hands that went into that event and for the heart I saw for our community.  
 
Soon the gym floor will be ready for the Monday night basketball.  Also, the TREC ministry is looking to start up volleyball in the gym, as well, since a part of this renovation included the capability for a volleyball net.  People are needed for effective outreach through the gym ministry.  See Justin Whitman or Dave Provan if interested.
 
Don’t forget about the church picnic and baptism on September 8.  If you would like to be baptized, then attend the baptism class this Sunday @ 9:00 in room 102 or contact the church office.  Signups for community groups begins this Sunday, so get connected with others by attending one of our community groups that meets throughout the week.  On September 22, “A Faith that Works” Bible study on the book of James will begin on Sunday mornings @ 9:00.  This study is a continuation of a Sunday School ministry we have begun at EBC. The hope is for other Bible study electives to be offered in the future as this ministry grows.  
 
Blessings to you, Pastor Brian