If you were to die tonight and stand before God and He were to ask you, “Why should I let you into my heaven?” What would you say? That was the question my wife asked my aunt, who is battling cancer.
My aunt is one of the kindest people I have met. She has faced adversity throughout her life with strength and courage. My aunt, with her alcoholic husband, raised her three kids to be polite, honest, and morally upright. She is what I would call a good person!
That day, a week ago, in her living room, we had that awkward conversation about my doing her funeral when she does pass and what she wanted included in her service. It is something I would rather not talk about, yet it is helpful to know her wishes and desires and to see her heart as she knows that day is likely very near. My mind has since thought about what I will say about her.
It was Stephen Covey who is attributed with the obituary exercise of imaging your funeral and what you would want others to say that they miss about you and your positive attributes associated with you. How would you want others to describe you?
“Pastor, this is all kind of morbid!’ Perhaps! Ok, it is! But if you have read this far, then you will see my point in this. How you want to be remembered and what you hope others can honestly say about you is the legacy you will leave behind. Beginning this Sunday, our sermon series in the book of Second Timothy will help us identify the legacy that we hope to leave. The truth is that right now we are working on the legacy we are going to leave. I am excited about the time we will spend each Sunday and in our community groups on “Living A Life That Lasts.”
I trust that you have signed up for a community group. If not, you can sign up this Sunday. Don’t forget that this Sunday is also the church picnic that is at Opechee point immediately following the second service. Bring your lunch to the park as we fellowship together, join in some outdoor games, and witness several people get baptized!
Later this month (9/22), the study in the book of James will begin on Sunday mornings at 9:00 in room 102. There is a Welcome Luncheon that day for all who started attending EBC within the last year. Our four-week discovery class will begin on 10/6 and is for all who want to learn more about who we are as a church or interested in becoming a member. As you can see, there is a lot happening in this month and the months to come, so stay informed as we work to keep you informed.
In all we do, our hope is to leave a mark on this community and beyond. What will EBC be remembered for?
Oh! How did my aunt answer that question? Let’s say this, I am more confident having left her that day than when I entered that her trust is in Jesus Christ as her Savior!
Looking to make a difference, Pastor Brian
Looking Forward
New Sermon Series
Legacy: Living A Life That Lasts
Sermon Direction
Needing A Little Motivation?
2 Timothy 1:1-5
Last Sunday’s Sermon
Momentum September Break
Momentum will return in October. Have a great September!
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 one of two info meetings to be held during the first service in the fellowship hall on September 8 and September 22.
Community Groups
Community Groups will begin on this September 8th. You can still sign up for the fall community groups. We will also have two new groups that will be starting up this fall. We are still looking for another day time group. If you are interested in hosting a day time group please contact Tim Whitman or the office.
Church Picnic
Our annual Church picnic and baptism will be held this SundaySeptember 8that Opechee Point. Please bring lunch for you and your family, chairs and games to play. Baptism will be at 2:30pm.
Welcome Luncheon
Our next Welcome Luncheon for those who are new to EBC will be Sunday September 22nd after 2nd service in the Fellowship Hall.
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.
Love INC Volunteer Kick Off
Join Love IINC of the Lakes Region Sunday September 15th from 3pm-6pm at EBC Fellowship Hall. Learn about ways you can serve and share your gifts. Dinner will be provided.
RSVP to Love INC at 366-1525