May 16 2012
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Christian life, Life

2 Shots in the Arm we all need!

Today we were pretty beat and tired.  So my lovely wife decided to get us a Starbucks frap with an extra shot–of espresso.  Oh yea, and a cake pop too!  They were great.  They gave us a needed boost.  But as I worshipped today God led me to a couple of passages of Scripture that really gave me what I actually needed–a spiritual boost.  Here they are. I hope they recharge your spiritual batteries too.

Romans 12:1-2, “ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

James 1:2-5, “2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

The more we live the more God wants us to realize that we will find true contentment and completeness in Jesus—who He is to us, what He has done and does for us, and who we are in Him!  Now those are some shots we really need for life and living!

Did you need those shots?  Start the conversation by leaving your comment!

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May 14 2012
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Christian life, Church, ministry, vision

Go Team!

Our vision for EBC is to see our church become a church of ministry teams:  one team per ministry!  We can always function better, healthier, and accomplish more for Jesus when we all have the same mind and work together.  EBC saw this happen in a great way this past Sunday!  A quality Christ honoring worship service does not happen by mistake or by the efforts of one person. Our worship leader, fell sick suddenly on Saturday night.  Our lead sound and media people, and their backups were unavailable.  So I did what a good pastor does–I prayed!  With the regular worship team out and their backups unavailable God helped me put together a team.  I asked my wife Emily to run the media, Tim McKinnon to run the sound, and miss Hannah Wilkerson to play the piano and I led our worship.  God really blessed.  As we sought to worship Jesus in spirit and in truth everything came together well, Christ was glorified, and the church was edified!  I thank the Lord for willing members of EBC who are willing to step out and up to serve with me.  Thank you guys!  Go Team!

Together we can do it!

How has God used you at EBC or your home church to serve on a ministry team?  How do you feel about being a part of something great?  Start the conversation by leaving your comment!

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May 09 2012
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Christian life, Life

Daily Refocus

As we live life things can get kinda crazy, busy, overwhelming, and even a bit fuzzy too.  Felt that way recently?  Let’s face it, being a spouse, parent, pastor (or whatever your vocation is) is certainly not always easy.  As a matter of fact it’s downright difficult.  Not to mention that the devil is trying to get us off focus and discouraged all the time.   So what do we do?  Well, as one author put it, “Preach the Gospel to yourself!”  Jesus Christ is not to be only our Savior, but our sustainer through all of life!  This verse reminded me of what my focus is to be (Jesus)  and where I find my stamina and really everything I need for living (Jesus!) It says…

Hebrews 12:2-3, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”

As we look to and “consider” Him, remembering all that He went through and all He has done for us He then empowers us, giving us strength to endure and not lose heart.  That’s truth I needed today.  I hope it empowers you too!

PS  Today no matter what you find yourself doing no matter where you are, you are going          to experience victory–in Jesus!

What’s your story?  Has God renewed your focus?  Does He need to?  Join the conversation by leaving your comment!

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Apr 16 2012
1 Comment
Church, ministry, Uncategorized, vision

Vision Flashback!

 

Vision…what do we see?

Earlier this year in February we had an important meeting.  It was a typical business meeting.  It was fine.  There were no issues or problems.  No one made a protest or charged the pulpit.  One thing that did happen is that our vision for the future was clearly shared.  I reminded us that our vision is to see EBC become a church of ministry teams—one team per ministry.

I define a ministry team as a group of believers in Jesus who are like-minded, unified in purpose, mission, and vision and are advancing!   As I reminded us of the vision I challenged each one of us to examine our own lives and walks with God and be willing to take the next step!

Last post I shared step one!

Step 1: Unify in Purpose

Who is EBC about?  We are to be about Jesus and His great Gospel!  We are to be about making Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior glorious in all we say and do!  This means as we gather and worship and serve we communicate our love and appreciation for who Jesus is and what he has done for us.   And when that happens He is pleased and His presence is known! He appears! He manifests Himself to us in His power and glory!  Souls are saved and saints grow in Him!

Step 2: Be active in Mission!

What is EBC supposed to be doing? Paul told the church in Philippians 1:27 that as we gather to worship Jesus we are to Strive together for the faith of the Gospel! To strive together means that we work hard at the same time with one another to accomplish His work!  What’s that work?  The work of the ministry is the faith of the Gospel!  It’s everything that’s involved in helping more people know Jesus and make Him known!  It means that we with a like mind and single focus believe the Gospel, live the Gospel, and then share the Gospel with others.

We need to take an honest look and ask, “What are we doing to help more people hear the Gospel and come to Christ  in our community?”  God wants us to come together as a team and put forth hard effort to help more people know Jesus as their Savior and grow and mature in Him! 

Step 3: Get in the game!

As I preached the word and reminded us of our vision of striving together for the faith of the Gospel I left us with one final step!  I asked us this question, “What will be your next step to help us fulfill our purpose, mission, and vision?”  To all those who call EBC their church home, their faith family, the place where they worship Jesus, what is your next step?  Maybe it’s to attend the worship services more regularly, receive Jesus as Savior, get baptized, or maybe even become a member of our church family.  Whatever your next step is be sure to take that step in faith.  And why not let me know or a church leader know about your next step.  If you have any questions I would love to talk with you and pray with you about your next step!  As we grow closer to Jesus and His Word He will show us the “next steps” to take.

Ready to take your next step at EBC?  Why not leave a comment and share how God has led you or is leading you to take your next step.

 

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Feb 14 2012
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Church, leadership, ministry, Uncategorized, vision

EBC’s Next Steps!

Vision…what do we see?

Well we gathered together–the saints of EBC that is this past Sunday night for our annual business meeting.  God blessed as we took a look at where we’ve been, where we are, and where we are going. I reminded us of the vision that was cast just a year ago: Improve the quality of ministry by building a church of ministry teams.  I also shared some key facts about our vision and answered a key question: has our vision become a reality?  The great news is that it’s happening!  Vision takes time and effort from everyone in order to become fully realized.  Although we still have a ways to go God and the faithful active and responsible members of EBC have helped put our vision into motion! So I say thank you! 

We took a look back at the 2011 highlights, noting the health and growth God has given to EBC this past year!  Specifically I shared with joy the ministry teams God has helped us put together:

-        Leadership team (Me & the deacons)

-        Youth Team (A.K.A. The Resistance)

-        Praise Team

-        Sound & Media team

-        Kids team

-        Maintenance team (A.K.A Men of Acts)

-        Hospitality Team (A.K.A Bread breakers)

-        Administration team

-        Outreach team

-        Usher & greeter team

I define a ministry team as a group of believers in Jesus who are unified in purpose, mission, and vision and are advancing! I shared with the church that each team is in the beginning stages. We have brought people together who have the desire and giftedness to help bless the church in a particular ministry as we seek to help more people know Jesus and make Him known! The good news is we are advancing! We are making progress! But now it’s time to take our teams to the next level and encourage them to take the next step!

Step 1: Unify in Purpose                                                                                                             

According to Romans 15:5-7 I reminded us of what the purpose is. What is the Purpose of the Church?  Why does this church exist? Our Purpose as a church is to Glorify God! That means we purpose to make Jesus glorious!  With a thankful and sincere heart, we express with our actions, attitudes, and words that we know Jesus and love Jesus and that He is #1!  We make Him look good, be the center of attention, be who we think about, talk about praise, worship, and serve!  A team or a church will not be healthy or effective if it is not unified in purpose.

When we unify in purpose as a called out body of Christ we will receive one another in the body the same way God the Father received us by Christ!  If God can receive us with the great gap between heaven and earth, sinner and perfection, with serious differences than we can and should accept one another in the church and be unified no matter our differences or backgrounds.

The best thing that happens when we unify in purpose is that we make Jesus glorious!  We show forth His praise and attributes. And when that happens He is pleased and His presence is known!  He appears!  He manifests Himself to us in His power and glory! We so need His presence and power as we seek to fulfill our vision.

More steps to come.  How is God leading you now to help EBC with this important “Next Step” (Unifying in purpose) so we can fulfill the vision He has revealed to us?

 

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Jan 30 2012
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Church, leadership, ministry, Uncategorized, vision

It takes one to know one!

Leadership expert John Maxwell said concerning leadership, “It takes one to know one show one and grow one!” I love this statement because it has the Great Commission all over it. Jesus said in Matt 28:19, “Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” Making more disciples of Jesus Christ–helping more people know Jesus and make Him known as our EBC mission states, is all about reproducing ourselves in the life of another person.

I shared these truths at our EBC leadership team meeting yesterday. As we met I challenged us to grow in our walk with Christ, rise in our commitment and service, and help someone else do the same! I am excited to continue on our journey of growth together as we seek to help others know Jesus and make Him known this year.

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Jan 17 2012
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Church, Life, ministry, Uncategorized, vision

EBC 2011 Rewind!

What?!  It’s already 2012?  Yes indeed!  Time sure has flown, but before we get swept away in the fast moving current of this new, exciting, and promising New Year let’s take a quick trip back to the highlights of 2011 at EBC.

We enhanced our Appearance!

  • We painted the interior of the Church!  (Nice!)
  • We painted and decorated the teen building!  (Sweet!)

We improved the quality of our ministries!

  • We added graphics and power point sermon/lesson outlines to our Sunday and Wednesday worship services!
  • With the EBC praise team singing God has breathed life into our worship services!
  • We launched a new Wednesday worship service format called “Recharge” and God has used it to spiritually recharge our church family!
  • We started the Kids Zone ministry and the kids and parents love it!
  • We started the Resistance Teen ministry and it’s helping teens “follow God and resist the world!”
  • We launched our first website ebclife.org and it’s helping our church family connect and stay informed all online!
  • Had a great Missions Conference called ”Building Bridges!”

We had great preaching from Dr. Charles Shoemaker, special music,  and live Skype calls with two of our missionaries: the Peppers from Durbin, South Africa, and the Huffs from Togo, West Africa.  Awesome! 

God grew our membership!

  • Families joined the church family!
  • Babies were born into the church family!

We had great worship services!

Although God’s presence is known each time we gather to worship Him, there are some special services worth noting:

  • Vision Night (A.K.A business meeting)

Casted our vision:  Improve the quality of ministry in our church by building a church of ministry teams! It’s happening praise God!

  • Easter Service

182 attended! Many guests came thanks to our members inviting folks. Way to go! We also baptized 4 people in the evening service to include my 2 daughters. Awesome privilege!

  • Holiday Services 

At our Thanksgiving Service we focused on expressing our gratitude for who God is and what He has done in and through our lives! We enjoyed a delicious pie fellowship afterwards. Yum!

It was Christmas at EBC each Sunday and Wednesday as we focused our lessons, sermons, singing, and worship on Christ and celebrating His birth!  We had an awesome Christmas Eve candle light service!  It was very meaningful.  Our Christmas day service was well attended as we lifted up our Savior Jesus Christ in song and heard pastor’s message, “Getting Gospel Struck.”

God really recharged our faith as we worshipped Him on the last Wednesday of December!  Brother Tim Crews and his youth choir, from North Carolina blessed our hearts as they sang and testified.  God really moved in that service as people came and prayed and worshipped at the alter.

Our New Year’s Eve service was good preparation for 2012 as we sang, received a resolution starter kit, and ate some pizza!  We started 2012 right as we gathered on New Year’s Day to worship our great Savior.

Wow!  What a 2011 we had at EBC!  Of course these are just some highlights. As we continue gathering together each Sunday and Wednesday to worship God it is clear He is opening the door for us to help more people know Jesus and make Him known.  That’s why we are here.  We thank God for who He is, what He has done, and what He is going to do in the days ahead at EBC!

What are your 2011 highlights at EBC?  How has God worked in your life this past year and what are your hopes for 2012?  Join the conversation by leaving your comment!

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Nov 23 2011
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Christian life, Church, Life, ministry, Uncategorized

EBC News!

God is sure blessing EBC as the disciples of Christ gather to worship Him and accomplish His work.  It has been a great fall so far!

Here’s what’s been happening lately:

EBClife.org Has Officially Launched

We are very excited that our very first website is officially up and running! It has been quite a project, but we are so glad that God has blessed our hard efforts and enabled us launch EBClife.org.  We thank Steven Jordan, our EBC web manager; Nick Blevins, web designer; Dennis Schaffer, graphic designer; and the other members of our Web Team who helped with this project!  Our new website is going to have a great impact on our church family and attract more guest families in the days ahead. As you begin using our website, you’ll not only be able to stay informed of church events and stay in tune with church life, you’ll be able to interact, engage, converse via Facebook, Twitter, and e-mail.  You can also give online too!  Check it out for yourself and let us know what you think.

God Has Added Another Family to EBC

Here at EBC we are glad when God brings new families to worship with us.  It’s even more exciting when the new families attend for a while and then decide to join, becoming part of our church family!  The Hanks Family, Marty, Heather, Blaire, Hunter, Bailey, and Hannah, along with close friend Brittany Pearce made the decision to join our church family recently.  We welcome them to our church family, and we look forward to serving the Lord together here at EBC!  It is an exciting thing to see new guest families become active members of EBC.  If you have questions about how to become a member, please talk with the pastor or another ministry leader.

It’s also very exciting when God blesses our church families with children.  Praise the Lord that the Bells had a healthy baby girl, Haidyn Victoria Bell.  Congratulations, Edward and Victoria!

 Ladies Had a great Fall Fellowship

The EBC ladies met on Saturday, November 5 for the fall fellowship!  Led by Miss Emily Ramondetta, the ladies had some great food and connection.  Their lesson focused on being thankful and praising our great Savior Jesus Christ!  It is great to see our ladies connect and grow in their faith.

 Pastor/Worker Seminar went well

On Saturday, November 12 our very own Dr. Charles Shoemaker was the main speaker at a seminar for pastors and Christian workers at the West Jacksonville Baptist Church in Jacksonville Florida. Dr. Shoemaker taught some great lessons.  His practical teaching on ministry was helpful and a blessing! 

The Kids Zone in the “Zone”

God sure has blessed EBC with some loving gifted workers in our Kids Zone ministry!  More and more kids are coming and then coming back. They love it!  They had a fun activity at a bowling alley in Jacksonville on Saturday, November 19.  All the kids had a blast bowling.  They finished their activity at Pizza Hut where they ate some yummy pizza and treats!  We sure appreciate all of the workers who serve in the Kids Zone.

EBC Music is adding life to the church

God continues to add life to our Sunday morning worship service!  One big reason is because of the uplifting, God honoring, encouraging music.  Thanks Bro Jeff Davis for leading our music at EBC!  We also thank Amy Davis, Bobbi Croft, Margie Croft, Kelly Alford, Bro Jimmy Combs, Pastor and Miss Emily Ramondetta for singing each Sunday on the praise team and providing other special music too.  What a blessing.  Keep it up!

EBC is Getting Recharged 

God has been recharging our church family on Wednesday nights from 7:00-8:15 p.m.! We were glad to have Rev. Bill Mosley, veteran missionary and active member of EBC, as our guest speaker during November Recharge.  His practical Bible teaching about the Christian life was a great encouragement to our church family.

Thanksgiving Worship Service Hit the Spot

We had a great Thanksgiving service this past Tuesday, November 22nd!  People shared meaningful testimonies about how God had been working in their lives and how He had given them victory this year.  The Bible lesson reminded us that we always have Someone to praise no matter what:  our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ!  The pie fellowship was great too.  The pies were delicious and the time shared with church family was fun.  This of course was just a warm up for Thanksgiving day. 

What’s happening next?

Exciting Sunday Morning Worship

God has been strengthening families on Sunday mornings at EBC! Pastor Mike has been preaching a series of messages called “Extreme Spiritual Makeovers: Home Edition.” This is a sermon series designed to speak to every family, helping us grow healthy families that know God and experience His presence, healing, and blessing. This week’s sermon title is: “Developing Curb Appeal!”  Be sure to come and bring a friend.

December Recharge

Dr. Charles Shoemaker will be our guest speaker for December Recharge!  He will be speaking on this timely subject: “An In-depth Study on the Christmas Story.” He will be answering some questions like, which Old Testament Prophecies speak of Christ’s birth?  Why was Zacharias rebuked for questioning the Angel, but Mary was not? Who was the first recorded person to call Jesus, Savior?  Don’t miss it!

EBC’s Wednesday Recharge has relevant ministries for all ages including adults, the Resistance for students in grades 7-12, the Kids Zone for kids in K4-6th grade, and a nursery for children 0-3 years of age.

Special Holiday Services 

Christmas Services

We are having a special Christmas Eve candle light service on Saturday, December 24 at 6:00 p.m.    There will be refreshments, singing, and a short Christmas devotional.  Be sure to bring your friends and family.

Christmas day falls on Sunday this year.  We will have one combined service on Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m.  There will be no Sunday school or Sunday evening service on Christmas.  Let’s use this special day of worship as a way to invite our family, friends, and neighbors to worship with us and celebrate the birth of our great Savior and King.

New Year’s Services

Get ready for the New Year with EBC on Saturday, December 31 at 6:00 p.m.!  This special New Year’s Eve service starts with a New Year’s challenge from the pastor and a special time of prayer to dedicate our church family and the New Year ahead.  There will be a New Year’s party to follow with food and games for those who wish to stay.

New Year’s Day also falls on Sunday this year.  We will have one combined service on Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m.  There will be no Sunday school this day or Sunday evening service.  Plan to join us as we worship God, focus on our exciting future, and pray for the New Year!

As we gather together each service to worship God it is clear that He is providing the help, healing, and direction we need in our lives!  He also is providing us with some opportunities to help more people know Jesus and make Him known.  That’s why we are here.  We thank God for who He is, what He has done, and what He will do in and through EBC in the days ahead!

How’s your church life?  Have you been blessed by the ministries at EBC or your local church? Start the conversation by leaving your comment!

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Oct 11 2011
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Christian life, Church, ministry, Uncategorized, vision

EBC News!

What’s been happening as the disciples of Christ gather at
Emmanuel Baptist Church in Macclenny Florida?

2011 Missions Conference Highlights!

EBC had a missions conference on October 2-4! This was a great time where we focused on our mission: the Great Commission.  According to Matthew 28:19-20 our mission is to help more people know Jesus and make Him known. This begins in our church, continues as we go and spread the Gospel of Christ in our community, country, and the regions beyond!  Having a missions conference helps us do exactly that! Our theme was building bridges…reaching more for Christ!  Here are some highlights:

  • God blessed us with great preaching from Dr. Shoemaker!
  • We had live Skype calls with 2 of our missionaries: one in Durbin
    Africa, and one in Togo Africa! Awesome!
  • We had great special music by our praise team!
  • The conference was well attended!

Prayerfully our missions conference goal will be reached as well: total participation!  Our desire is to have every member and regular attender commit to give an offering to faith promise missions each week.

Another Ministry Team Formed!

I’m excited that our church has formed another ministry team! The Kids team is now official. Our church’s motto is “Together we can do it.” Our vision is to see our church become a church of ministry teams, doing the work of the ministry together one team per ministry. Why? So we can fulfill our mission best:  All that is involved in helping more people know Jesus and make Him known. God has given our church a group of ladies that are gifted and who love God and kids!  We are excited to see how God will use our unified efforts to reach more kids for Christ in the days ahead!  We are planning an exciting kids activity and practicing for the Christmas musical! Thank you kids team for your efforts!

What’s happening next?

We have a new exciting sermon series beginning Sunday 10/16!  I am excited to start a new series called, “Extreme Spiritual Makeovers: Home edition.” This is a sermon series designed to speak to every family, helping us grow healthy families that know God and experience His presence, healing, and blessing!

God has been recharging our church family on Wednesday nights from 7-8:15 p.m!  Our October adult recharge begins on the 10/12.  Pastor Greg Peters, lead pastor of Parkview Baptist Church, in Palm Coast Florida will be our guest speaker.  Our recharge theme is “Leading with Love!”  He will be kicking off his teaching series with this lesson from God’s Word:  “Loving myself First—Really?”

EBC’s Wednesday Recharge has relevant ministries for all ages to include adults, the Resistance student ministry, the Kids Zone, and a nursery.  God has truly recharged our church family, helping us grow healthier in spirit and in number.

We are also very excited to launch our very first website!  Yes I know—pretty interesting having a blog, facebook page, and a twitter account but no website.  Well it’s a long story and has been quite a project, but we are almost there!  I really believe this new website is going to have a great impact on our church family and attract more guests in the days ahead. Our brand new website is going to help us interact, engage, converse, unite, and be informed all online!

As more disciples gather at EBC to worship God and serve Him it is clear that God is working in great ways and our future is getting brighter and brighter!

How’s your church life been lately?  How’s your life been touched by the ministries at EBC or your local church? Start the conversation by leaving your comment!

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Sep 11 2011
2 Comments
Church, ministry, Uncategorized, vision

EBC News!

A “church” is a local assembly of disciples of Jesus Christ who gather to worship Him and accomplish His work.  A local church is active, lively, growing, and life giving.  So what’s been happening as the disciples of Christ gather at Emmanuel Baptist Church?

Sunday Worship!

Last Sunday was Labor Day weekend.  Labor Day weekend is known throughout the church community as a “low” attendance day.  Well at EBC we had almost 100!  But the fact is we did have several regular families out—some sick and some travelling and we still had a very strong Sunday (we are averaging close to 100).  God is growing our church!  God continues to bring new families to worship with us.  There are several families that have been attending that I believe could be members soon.  Our worship experience has also grown too.  The music continues to add life to the church and our pointed sermon series have been helpful and life changing!  This Sunday I’m continuing the series, “The secret to seeking and finding.”  Sermon number 2 will be, “Finding hope in times of difficulty.”

Wednesday Recharge!

We started a new Wednesday night worship service at EBC in August.  God has blessed!  We now have active ministries for all ages to include adults, the Resistance youth ministry, the Kids Zone, and a nursery.  Since starting this exciting fresh new ministry we have seen the attendance double going from 30 to about 65!  The awesome thing is everyone who comes is learning how to know Jesus and make Him known and really getting spiritually recharged!  Our theme for September is “Healing from life’s hurts.”  This Wednesday I’ll be teaching on this subject: “Healing from Inferiority.”

What’s happening next?

We will be trusting God to do great things in the days ahead.  Coming up October 2-4 our church is having something real exciting:  a mission’s conference!  Our very own Dr. Charles Shoemaker will be our key note speaker, who will inspire and instruct us to have a greater impact for Christ in our community and beyond!  This is awesome because we have not had a mission’s conference in years. Plus fulfilling our Lord’s Great Commission to make disciples is our mission.

Well, as the disciples of Christ continue to gather at EBC one thing is certain:  God is at work and we are excited to follow Him into the future.

How’s your church life been lately?  Have you been blessed and encouraged by the happenings at EBC or your local church? Start the conversation by leaving your comment!

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