The Weekly Epistle 9/30/20

“The salvation of a single soul is more important than the production or preservation of all the epics and tragedies in the world,” C.S. Lewis said.  What I like about these words is that it places the emphasis on people over any political and economic issues.  
 
It is that time of year and it happens every four years, that I “feel the pressure” or the expectations of some to speak authoritatively on political issues.  Frankly, I am not oriented in that way.  But more than that, my main task as your pastor is to help the church be the church.  This is not suggesting that it is wrong for Christians to be politically active and to influence the laws of the land.  But I am not called to that.  Some pastors might feel differently.
 
Wherever you may land on this, and we may have to agree to disagree, I think we can be unified in our passion for the church to be spiritually minded and countercultural in whatever America becomes.  “What does it profit a person,” Jesus said, “If he gains the whole world and yet forfeits his own soul.”  The greatest impact we can have is an intentional penetrating voice into the souls of men and women who desperately need Jesus!  Agree?
 
We need to know the issues, stay informed, be in the world but not of the world, yet keep the main thing, the main thing- make disciples who make disciples.  That task never changes.  That call to us as a church focuses on eternal, not temporal things.  
 
The gathering this past Saturday and throughout the 10 days of prayer was a good reminder of unity of purpose as several churches from various denominations came together to plead with God to awaken the church and hear the cries of repentance for our city and land.  May that continue to be our prayer!  
 
One of my prayers around our time in our new sermons series in 1 John is that we are awakened to the enjoyment of fellowship with Jesus and with each other.  A life experienced is a life shared.  We will build on that thought from last week’s opening verses as we seek to live lives that are real, authentic, genuine.  If you have been following the reading plan for reading through the entire Bible you should now be reading through 1 John.  I would encourage all of you to read through 1 John in its entirety each week from now until we wrap up our study in January.  Will you take the challenge?
 
I would also challenge you to attend the network workshop that I will lead here at the church on November 7 & 14 from 9:00-noon.  Network is committed to helping you find the right fit for serving the Lord.  At EBC, we want the right people in the right places.  Do you know how your passions, personality style and spiritual gifts can have the greatest impact for the Kingdom?  Sign-ups begin this Sunday.  Stop by at the ministry counter to pick up your workbook and get started on what just might be a real difference maker in your life.  
 
You can impact lives for Christ for all of eternity!  Keep the main thing, the main thing, church!
 
Blessings to you, Pastor Brian

Looking Forward

Sermon Direction

Honest to God
1 John 1:5-2:2

Link to This Sunday Worship Service

 

2nd Service Masks Required

Just a reminder we are asking that if you attend 2nd service, please wear a mask when entering or leaving the building. You may remove the mask once seated.

Discovery Class

Our next Discovery class will begin this Sunday 10/4 and run for 4 weeks at 9am in the Fellowship Hall. This class is for those looking for more information about our church and those considering membership. This class is required to become a member of EBC. If you were a part of the last Discovery class that ended due to COVID, you can pick back up in classes 3 & 4

Right People in the Right Places

Our next Spiritual Gifts Network workshop will be Saturday 11/7 and 11/14 from 9am-12pm. Sign ups will begin next week. These classes will help you discover your spiritual gifts and get you plugged into the right ministry. Sign ups begin this Sunday at the Ministry Counter.

Trunk or Treat

Laconia has informed us that Trick or Treating will happen this year on Saturday October 31st. We will host our annual Trunk or Treat in the gym parking lot as well. More details will come next week, and you will be able to sign up!

Operation Christmas Child Boxes

It’s that time of year again! Operation Christmas Child boxes will be available beginning this Sunday. Stay tuned for more information on collection dates. Any questions contact Jay and Bette Moreau at lfd21jay@metrocast.net

Coffee Time

If you would like to volunteer to serve once a month in this ministry, please contact Donna Dube @ dtd@metrocast.net

EBC Kids

EBC Kids will resume during 1st service, 9am on Sunday 10/4. All kids will check in and then head downstairs where they will have their own time of worship and then go to their appropriate classes. (This does not include nursery) 

Giving

You can continue to give either online on our website www.laconiachurch.com and clicking on the green Give button or by mailing your checks to the office. 50 Washington St Laconia, NH 03246

Prayer and Praise

If you have any prayer requests or needs, please email Corianne at: corianne@ebclaconia.com