December 2019 Newsletter People of God, Reaching Everyone with the Love of Christ

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PEOPLE OF GOD Almost two decades ago, a group of hard-working Ebenezerites sought to develop tools to help us reach our world for Christ. One of those tools was the present logo (the altar and flame that you see on almost everything Ebenezer). The other one was our mission: To be "People of God, Reaching Every One with the Love of Christ." How are YOU doing on that one? Jesus Himself called us to REACH EVERY ONE with His love. Matthew 28:16-20 is pretty clear on that one. Both Jesus and Paul agreed that, in order to accomplish the mission of the church, we would need to be People of God. People who are consistent with our actions, words, business practices, personal habits. People who live genuine lives that engage those around us and earn opportunities for the Gospel to be heard. In other words, to be People of God we will need to live lives that tell His story. You cannot live like the devil and expect people to believe you when you tell them about salvation in Christ. Not ONE of us is perfect, but if we are not striving to live His way this message WILL NOT BE RECEIVED from us. (If the cook and/or kitchen are filthy, NO ONE wants to eat the food. Get it??) This is exactly what Paul was talking about in Romans 12:1-2 when he challenged us to live lives that are Spiritual Acts of Worship. And, if we will do that, we will clearly hear what God's will is for our lives. And another great result of that will be that those who do not know Christ will listen when we speak. Without a doubt, we cannot improve upon the Gospel of Jesus and we cannot save anyone. But IF we live lives that demonstrate the truth of His love, people will want to know more. They will want to listen. Because they want to know WHY we are different. It's going to take a lot of work for us all. But my prayer for you in 2020 is that you will stretch and strive for this very goal. And I beg you to pray the same prayer for me!!

David

Ebenezer Baptist Church

People of God, Reaching Everyone with the Love of Christ January 2020

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EBC Kids!! Join us Sunday, January 12th in Children’s Church for a new 8 week series.

“Unknown Heroes”

The Bible is filled with stories of men and women who (although you may not know

their names) served God in BIG ways. Kids will learn you do not have to be famous

to do BIG things for God.

Theme Verse:

“So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” Matthew 20:16

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Food Pantry Needs for January!! Items needed:

Rice, Grits, PB&J, Spaghetti Noodles & Sauce

January in Youth Ministry

Weekly Schedule for Students Sundays:

- 9:15am – Worship - 10:30am – Sunday School

Wednesdays: - 5:00pm – Church Supper - 6:00pm – Outdoor Games (YAB) - 6:30pm –Youth Worship Service

Fridays: - 7:00am – Prayer Breakfast

Parent/Youth Meeting Sunday, January 12

5:00pm-6:30pm Join us for our Winter Parent Meeting. We

will collect paperwork for Winter Retreat, go over upcoming events and have a special

guest who will be sharing helpful tips that will help parents and teens stay safe online.

Winter Retreat 2020 January 18-20

If your teenagers is going with us on Winter Retreat – make sure they at the church at

8:00am on Saturday, January 18 so we can

leave on time. The packing list and trip details can be found on our website under

the Winter Retreat tab.

Summer Camp Sign Up Deadline Monday, January 20

Please sign up online and pay the $100 camp deposit to register your teenagers for

Centrifuge Summer Camp. The camp

dates are June 28-July 3. Camp this summer is in Panama City Beach, FL.

Sunday, January 5th Family Worship Day No Children’s Church

Lord’s Supper during Morning Worship at 9:15 am

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Ebenezer Baptist Church 524 S Ebenezer Road Florence, SC 29501

846-669-1802 ebcsc.com

Sunday Schedule:

Worship……………………………………….……..9:15 am

Children’s Church………………………….……….9:15 am

Sunday School…………………………….………..10:30 am

Disciples……………………………….……………..5:00 pm

Children’s Evening Activities………………………5:00 pm

Youth Dgroups………………………...……………5:00 pm

Adult Bible Study…………………….……………..5:00 pm

Wednesday Evening Schedule:

Supper………………………………………………..5:00 pm

Menu: Jan. 15th: Potato soup & Grilled cheese, Salad Bar

Jan 22nd: BBQ chicken, Rice and Red gravy, Butter Beans,

Salad Bar

Jan 25th: Spaghetti, Green Beans, Salad Bar

Children’s Mission & Music……………………….6:00 pm

Youth Middle………………………………………..6:30 pm

Choir Rehearsal……………………………………..6:30 pm

Prayer Meeting……………………………………...6:30 pm

Financial Report – Through December 29, 2019 Year-to-date Needs………………………...$1,436,088.77 Year-to-date Receipt……………………….$1,311,099.66

Dr. David R. Wike, Pastor

Ed Self, Music & Worship Minister

Andi Hill, Minister of Children

Nathan Neighbors, Youth Pastor

Dusty Kertis, Church Administrator

Michele Driggers, Weekday Director

Marcia Watkins, Ministry Resource Coordinator

Melinda Miller, Receptionist/Ministry Assistant

January Events

1.Church Office Closed. Happy New Year! 5. Family Worship Day; No Children’s Church; Lord’s Supper observed during Morning Worship at 9:15 am. 7. Men’s Bible Study at 6:30 am in Pettigrew 8. Men’s Bible Study at 6:30 am in Pettigrew; Prayer Meeting at 6:30 pm. 9. Betty Mears Circle 10:30 am in Mears House. 10. Prayer Breakfast in YAB at 7:00 am. 14. Men’s Bible Study at 6:30 am in Pettigrew 15. Men’s Bible Study at 6:30 am in Pettigrew; Wednesday Night Activities begin at 5:00 pm. 16. Ladies Ministry Fellowship at 6:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. 17. Prayer Breakfast in YAB at 7:00 am 18. Youth Leave for Winter Retreat. 20. Youth return. 21. Men’s Bible Study at 6:30 am in Pettigrew 22. Men’s Bible Study at 6:30 am in Pettigrew; Wednesday Night Activities begin at 5:00 pm. 24. Youth Prayer Breakfast in YAB at 7:00 am. 25. Wild Game Supper at 6:00 pm. 26. Quarterly Business Meeting; Deacon Soup Lunch and Missions Team Missions Fair. 28. Men’s Bible Study at 6:30 am in Pettigrew 29. Men’s Bible Study at 6:30 am in Pettigrew; Wednesday Night Activities begin at 5:00 pm. 31. Youth Prayer Breakfast in YAB at 7:00 am.