Family Matters

What a busy week it’s been (so far!) here at EBC.

Last Sunday morning we finished our series “How To Get What You Really Want” and judging from the response we had it has been a really powerful message for us. The same afternoon we hosted an Induction service for our new Regional Ministry Team, with various churches across the Southern Counties Baptist Association gathering with us for what was an incredible afternoon. Our building was packed and there was an amazing feeling of warmth and togetherness – when the congregation (well over 200 people) started singing, it felt like the roof was coming off! God really showed up that day!

On Monday and Wednesday our revamped Messy Church took place, with over 100 young family members here to have fun, get active and learn about God together. Thank God all went as planned despite some poorly team members and a bit of first-time nerves for the rest of us!

In-between those days our Tuesday Club met at Crown Wood, for lots of fun over bingo and chat, then on Thursday we hosted a packed Lunch Club service for about 80 seniors – a lovely afternoon blending a bit of exercise, a fun quiz, a glimpse of God and even a bit of Status Quo thrown in… kind of….

Today (Friday) I’ve just got back from our Refresh Café as we’re a bit stretched for volunteers (help  needed please!) but it was great to be there to see some of the many people who come in for a cuppa, a bite to eat and a chance to relax amongst friends.

In and around all of this, Fay and her Social Action Team have hosted Night Shelter from Wednesday evening through Thursday morning, plus sending the Storehouse van whizzing around collecting and delivering much-needed furniture and other items to local people in need.

Although it is fair to say it’s been an exceptionally busy week, I think this has been just one of the best weeks too.

As a church family we long to reach out to people and make disciples – not just on Sunday mornings but throughout the week. Why? Because we’re here to love God, love people and grow together to become more like Jesus – and this week it feels especially like that’s been evident, with God right in amongst it all.

This Sunday morning at 10.15 we begin our new series “Family Matters” in which we look at what church in general is all about and what being in and around our EBC family in particular means. It’s an All Age service with a great interview lined up between our very own “Church Kat” (aka Kat Morling) and Mission Direct, Colin and the band ready to lead our worship and I’ll be talking about our identity as individuals and as church.

Afterwards at midday we meet for another hour to hold a Church Meeting and this is a chance to catch up on and thank God for all that happened last year and set out our thoughts and plans for the year ahead. Moreover, it’s a chance to praise and worship God and seek his direction for us. Please come along – amazing things are happening, and we want everyone to be part of it!

See you on Sunday!

Every blessing,
Simon