The Weekly Epistle 8/28/19

Churches can run without prayer.  Marriages can run without prayer.  Organizations, parachurch ministries, and religious activities can run without prayer.  But we must ask, “Is what we are doing worth doing if we can do it without prayer?” A. J. Gordon put it this way, “You can do more than pray, after you have prayed, but you can never do more than pray, until you have prayed.”  Let that sink in.
 
At EBC there are people who faithfully and earnestly pray for the team of elders, the ministries of the church, and the needs among the EBC family.  There is a core group that faithfully meets between services the first Sunday of the month to pray for the church, the worship services, and the community. Prayer builders is open to all.  Join us this Sunday in the room behind the stage. Did you know that there are several pastors and leaders who meet each Tuesday from noon to 12:30 to pray for our city and the Lakes region?  I would encourage you to set aside a few minutes up to half hour on Tuesdays to pray wherever you are for our city.
 
This Sunday there will be a community-wide prayer gathering at Laconia High School front lawn at 1:00 to pray for the local schools, staff, students, our city, and public servants.  This is open to the churches in this area.  Will you consider attending this event?
 
One aspect of our community groups is prayer. Each week throughout homes from Gilford to Gilmanton over 125 people meet for fellowship, study of God’s Word, and prayer.  Have you joined a community group?  You can sign up by contacting Tim Whitman or the church office, or you can sign up at the kiosk in the back of the worship center this Sunday or next Sunday, September 8. 
 
I hope you are planning on attending our church picnic on Sunday, September 8.  After the second service, pick up a sandwich and head over to Opechee Point. There are 6 people planning on being baptized.    
 
There is a lot coming up in the next few months- Discovery class, Bible study in the book of James, Welcome Luncheon, network spiritual gifts seminar, ministry fair, and our new sermon series in the book of 2 Timothy will begin on September 8.  We will also look to have greater impact on our community through hosting a booth at Laconia’s Pumpkin Fest and our annual Trunk or Treat in the church parking lot.  You will want to pay attention as more information comes your way on these happenings as a church.  
 
But I end with where I began.  We can run without prayer, but if God isn’t in it, it isn’t worth it.   Without Christ we can do nothing.  God’s work in us is to drive us to deeper dependency on Him. It is astounding that God invites us in prayer to draw upon His inexhaustible grace.  It is His means of grace to grow us and a point of contact we have to fellowship with the personal God.  Prayer is a continuation of a conversation God has started through His Word. It is the best conversation we can have!
 
Blessings to you, Pastor Brian