Imagine that you are in a meeting at church when a poorly dressed man walks in who appears to be lost. Someone in your group asks, “Can I help you?” The man staring at the floor replies softly, “I am in need of some money to pay some past-due bills.”
One of the group members immediately walks over to the man and says, “I am sorry to hear that and I am sure we can help you.”
Someone else brings over a pastry and offers the man some coffee, while a third person pulls out some cash from his wallet to hand the man. Another group member speaks to the man about a ministry the church offers to help with budgeting and finances. Someone else jumps in to share how much God loves him and cares about his life. And there is another group member who is organizing a plan to meet this need. He directs one person to make a phone call to the one in charge of the benevolent fund, asks someone else to go and get a brochure of the church and takes down the man’s name and contact information to make sure someone will follow-up with him. One member around the table has been quiet through all this as she thinks about what has taken place in this man’s life that has led to this man’s situation.
These are spiritual gifts in action! People with different gifts respond to the same event in different ways. One response over another isn’t necessarily wrong; it is just different. God has arranged the parts of the body, the church, just as he determined them to be. And you are the body of Christ and members of it. And as a part of the body of Christ, you have been given a gift to be used in the church in order for it to function properly. Do you know your part? Are you using your gift to strengthen the church?
One of our values as a church is having the right people in the right place of ministry. The Network Seminar helps believers discover their spiritual gift, their passion, and the personality style that best fits with serving at EBC. Network is a 6-hour seminar that will take place at the church on Saturday November 2 and November 9 from 9:00 to noon. The greatest aspect to the seminar is the one hour coaching each participant receives at another time after the completion of the seminar. I would strongly encourage you to attend this seminar (sign-ups begin this Sunday).
Also, don’t forget about the Sunday School class on the book of James that begins this Sunday at 9:00 in room 102. Discovery class will run at the same time in the fellowship hall through the month of October. I am also excited that as a church we will have a booth at the Laconia Pumpkin Fest on October 19. We need people for set up and tear down and for face painting. Also, we will be passing out bags of candy, so if you can supply some candy for that event that would be awesome. Any candy left over will be used at the church’s trunk or treat. Stop by at the ministry counter this Sunday if you can help in some way.
Check out the rest of the announcements below. There is a lot going on!
Blessings to you, Pastor Brian
Looking Forward
Sermon Direction
Waking Up On Purpose
2 Timothy 1:8-12
Last Sunday’s Sermon
Gym Floor Update
The concrete floor that was poured over the summer at the gym has been taking a very long time to dry. The moisture levels need to be at a specific % before the new floor can be placed. The good news is the moisture levels are coming down! They are not quite where they need to be, but we have progress! Please continue to pray.
Momentum September Break
Momentum will return in October.
Have a great September!
Jam Night with the Worship Team
Save the date! Thursday 10/3 from 7pm-9pm. All musicians welcome!
We would like you to join the Hospitality Team!
Giving guests a warm and friendly greeting each Sunday is a vital part of the ministry here at EBC. We are currently looking for new members to join our growing hospitality team and we would love for you to join us. If you’re interested, please attend the info meeting during the first service in the fellowship hall on September 22.
Community Groups
We have a host home for a day time community group, but we still need a facilitator. If you are interested, please see Tim Whitman or contact the office.
Welcome Luncheon
Our next Welcome Luncheon for those who are new to EBC will be this Sunday September 22ndafter 2ndservice in the Fellowship Hall. Please RSVP to Corianne at corianne@ebclaconia.com or call the office 524-2277. Come and enjoy a delicious meal and mingle with members and other regular attenders.
Adult Bible Study
The next Adult Bible Study will begin September 22nd and will run for 12 weeks. This study will be on the book of James, “Faith that Works.
Discovery Class
Join us for 4 weeks beginning October 6th on Sunday mornings at 9am. This class is for those looking for more information about our church and those considering membership.
Pumpkin Fest
We are looking for some volunteers to help at this years Pumpkin Fest on Saturday 10/19 from 12-5. We will be having a booth with face painting and handing out bags of candy with some info about Trunk or Treat. We need people to help set up and take down the tent as well as face painters. We are looking for 3 people to paint at a time in blocks of 2 ½ hour time slots. Donations of candy are also needed. Any extra candy will be used at Trunk or Treat. Sign up this Sunday, contact Donna Green or Corianne at the office.