The Weekly Epistle 9/14/22

An old farmer showed up at the prestigious Kentucky Derby with his mule.  Many looked on with amazement while others laughed and shouted ridiculing remarks at the old man.  Finally, someone approached the old farmer and said, “What are you thinking?  You can’t enter that mule in this race.  This race is only for the finest thoroughbreds in the country.  Besides he cannot possibly win.”  
 
The farmer quickly replied, “Oh I am not entering my mule in this race to win.  I just thought a little exposure might do him some good.”  
 
Does your exposure around other Christians do you some good?  Do you come away from time spent in the company of God’s people stirred up, passionate, and more excited to live for Him?  That is how it should be.  As we gather as a church family, we really ought to rub off on each other in a positive way.  
 
In Hebrews 10, verse 24 it says, “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”  The purpose is clear as to what is to happen as we gather.  We are to spur one another on toward love and good deeds.  That is the goal.  But we don’t reach this purpose by accident.  Just because we are all in the same room at the same time doesn’t mean we are reaching that goal.  It doesn’t even mean we are having fellowship.  We think people gathered together equals fellowship.  Does it?
 
The idea behind “let us consider” is, pay attention to; look closely at; think carefully about and/or take notice of someone.  It is to think about our brothers and sisters in Christ and considering what they need in order to grow in their walk.  
 
As you get ready for worship on Sundays, how much thought do you give to what others might need from you?  As you enter the doors of the church, how much of your thinking is about others?  How much do you consider how to spur someone on to love and good deeds?  How much do you consider being a blessing to others that will push them forward in their faith?  
 
I am not saying that every conversation has to be heavy.  Light conversation and sharing of common interests are connecting points.  We need those.  But we also need to be about the business of putting courage into each other to face the challenges of the week ahead.  
 
Let me encourage you again, if you are not a part of a community group, would you consider joining a group this year.  Sign-ups for new groups will begin soon.  There are also existing groups open for you to attend.  Speak to Rob Tacker or one of the pastors or contact the office if you want to know more about community groups.  
 
But whether to join a group or not, remember the wonderful opportunity we have to nudge people toward love and good deeds.  A little exposure around others in the family should do us all some good!  
 
Blessings, Pastor Brian

Looking Forward

Sermon Direction

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Holiness
I Peter 1:613-21

Link to This Sunday Worship Service

 

Momentum Announcement

Momentum Youth Ministry will not be meeting in the month of September.

Community Group Sign-Ups

Sign-ups for community groups will be available September 18th & September 25th at the ministry counter. 

Special Business Meeting

There is a special business meeting scheduled for Thursday September 29 @ 7:00 to vote on joining the Evangelical Free Church, the name change, and the constitution and bylaws that reflect our becoming an Evangelical Free Church.

Revised Church Constitution

Pick up a copy of the revised church constitution and bylaws with changes that reflect our becoming an Evangelical Free Church.  They are available at the ministry counter.

Discovery Class  

A four-week discovery class will begin on October 23 at 9:00 AM held in the fellowship hall. This class is for those who want to learn more about who we are as a church.  If you desire to become a member of the church, then this class is required for membership.  

Ushers and Greeters Needed

We are looking for some friendly faces to join the hospitality team as ushers and greeters. This is a great opportunity to serve the body and guests of our church. Please email Susan Lyle at susan.lyle@gmail.com for more information. 

LOST & FOUND

We have a number of “Lost & Found” items now located on the security counter. Please check and see if anything belongs to you. Thank you!!

Mark Your Calendars

Local outreach ministry is hosting a table at this year’s Multicultural Festival in Laconia this Saturday, September 10th from 10-3. 

OWLS
Please join the OWLS on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. for a Good Old-Fashioned Hymn Sing, accompanied by Mary Collins and Rob Tacker, in Fellowship Hall.  If you are among those who cherish the “Golden Oldies,” you’ll enjoy this rousing round of song, followed by a dessert social.  Please RSVP to Norma Phillips at 
normaandwilbur@comcast.net no later than Friday, September 16th, so that adequate food and materials can be provided.