Category Archives: Life

EBC Easter Flashback!

Hello EBC Family & Friends,

How was your Easter?  Can you believe that it is over and behind us?  That doesn’t mean we can’t take a moment to celebrate what God did on Easter and what He plans to do in our lives in the future as we follow Him!

So what happened on Easter Sunday at EBC?

Our church family served with both unity of spirit and anticipation to see God work!   All of the prayer, sacrifice, and your sweet and hopeful spirit made Easter Sunday special!

God blessed us with guest families!  We are grateful for the new families God brought to our church on Easter.  They said they received the post card invite and wanted to come and see what we were all about! They did! I am glad that our invite efforts were successful.  Let’s pray that they return this week!

The Holy Spirit of God worked in and through both the 9 & 11 a.m. services!  The music and the message were both encouraging and challenging as we gave witness of the resurrection of Jesus Christ! Both services went smooth as well.

The refreshments between the services for our ministry teams were delicious!  Our fellowship was uplifting as well! All those serving during the services received a needed boost.  Thank you to all who helped with the food and refreshments!

Our attendance was solid!  We had a total attendance of 290, with returning guests and new families as well!

Our Easter offering total: So far, we have received close to $1500 for our Easter offering!  Your offering will help to purchase a new projector and enhance our overall worship experience at EBC!  If you have not yet given your Easter offering you can give your offering this Sunday or online!  Click here to give.

A special thank you: Thank you for all those who decided to serve on a ministry team on Easter Sunday!  Our welcome team, with all our ushers, greeters, and parking lot workers, our music leaders and singers, nursery and children’s church workers all served Jesus and EBC well!  Thank you!

What’s happening next at EBC?

We are so grateful to God for how He worked in and through us on Easter Sunday!  We are looking ahead, however, to see where God is leading us and to what He desires to do in the future at EBC!

Wednesday Adult Bible Study at 7:00 p.m:  Tonight, Dr. Shoemaker finishes his study, Spiritual Warfare, with the practical lesson called, “A Strategy for Victory!”  Come and bring your kids as we have AWANA kids ministry at 6:45 p.m. and teen ministry at 7:00 p.m. and acquire the Biblical tools you need to win during spiritual warfare.

New Sunday Morning Sermon Series, “Purpose Driven Family”!  On Sunday, April 23rd, at 11:00 a.m. we begin a new sermon series at EBC!  We will see how the right purpose, built on a solid foundation of Jesus, His Word, and healthy relationships, will help our families live out God’s purposes and thrive!  This Sunday, Dr. Shoemaker launches this new series with the message called, “Managing conflict in marriage!”  Come and see how to deal with and resolve family conflict the Bible way!

There is so much to celebrate and be engaged in at EBC!  Click here to visit our website.  Hope to see you soon!

Pastor Mike

P.S. Have you been blessed by the ministries of EBC lately?  Click on “Leave a comment” to share your experience!

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Out of Sight, but in the Mind!

It’s been said “Out of sight, out of mind!”  How true that is with so many things and even relationships we have.  We had a great Missions Conference last year.  We had a missions emphasis, and had supporting missionaries visit with us, and even connected with some of them via Skype. Awesome—right?  Sure, but what about last week and today?  Are we not just being faithful to give our missions offerings, but also praying for our missionaries as well?

Praying for our missionaries is one of the ways we can grow together outward!  Our desire is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with new families, see them receive Jesus as Savior, follow Him, and join themselves to our church family!  Our missionaries have the same goals in mind so let’s keep them in prayer.

Take a few minutes and click on this link and give it  a read.  It gives some good pointers of how to really pray for our missionaries, keeping them in our minds and hearts even though they may be out of sight!

What has helped you to keep our supporting missionaries in your hearts and minds?

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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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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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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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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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