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"What's Your Story?"
It seems as though no matter how old we get, we never outgrow our love for stories.
As children we beg our parents "Tell me a story!" As we move into adulthood the stories come to us through novels, television shows and movies. Next time you are on a flight notice what people are doing. The majority of them are reading a story.
Throughout the Bible, God has used the stories of ordinary men and women to influence others.
Stories are powerful for many reasons. First, they are personal. The stories you have are not about some high and holy person. They are about an average person - you!
Second, stories can't be argued with. People can question your logic. They can be suspicious of your reasoning. But they can't dispute your experience. Your story is your story.
Third, God has wired us so that we love and remember stories. What method did Jesus use most often to teach? Stories.
Fourth, and most importantly, stories are a biblical method of spreading the good news. In fact, Scripture records:
- Jesus commanded the demoniac: "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed. (Mark 5:19-20)
- The example of the woman at the well: Then leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, "Come see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?" (John 4:28-29)
- The example of the blind man: "Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know, I was blind but now I see" (John 9:25).
This weekend we begin a new teaching series called "Ignite." Over the next three weekends we'll be looking at how God can use you and your story to ignite in others a hunger for a relationship with Him.
If you'd like to read ahead, I encourage you to spend some time in John chapter 9 and look at the way that one man's simple story silenced the sophisticated theological arguments of the religious leaders who challenged him.
Looking forward to seeing you this weekend!
Embracing the journey,
Pastor Rick
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 BRIDAL SHOWER
THIS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
A Bridal Shower is being held for Kimberly Mandl, this Saturday, September 11, at 11AM in Fellowship Hall. All ladies are invited to attend and celebrate with the bride-to-be. Kimberly and Mark are registered at Bed, Bath and Beyond. |
 POSITIVE PARENTING SERIES
BEGINS THIS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
Would you like to solve family struggles without tears or yelling? Increase the peace in your home. ERBC is hosting "Positive Parenting," a 10 week series, beginning Sunday, September 12. This group will meet 6:30-8PM in Chi Hall. Childcare is available; cost is $20 (for the book). Space is limited, so sign-up today. Contact Cheryl Pubols: cpubols@mccuneharber.com. |
 BACK TO SCHOOL BASH
NEXT FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
Hey kids, let's celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year! Spend a fun Friday night with us, September 17, 6-8:30PM, in the Grow Zone Room! We're going to have lots of fun hanging out, having dinner, making a craft, playing games... This event is for kids K-6th Grade, $4 per child. Pre-registration is appreciated.
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 CRAFT NIGHT
NEXT FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
Ladies, learn how to create and emboss your own personalized cards -perfect for the holidays! Join us for our monthly craft night, this Friday, September 17, 7PM. Bring $3 per person (for supplies) and a food item to share. If you plan to come, please RSVP to Cheryl Pubols: cpubols@mccuneharber.com. |
 WORSHIP AUDITIONS
NEXT FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
Are you interested in serving your church family by using your voice or other instrumentto help lead in worship? We invite you to audition to be a part of our Worship Arts Team. Auditions will be held in the Worship Center on Friday, September 17, from 6-9pm. If you would like more information, please contact James Bean: james@eaglerockbaptist.com.
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 YOUNG ADULTS BBQ
NEXT SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
ERBC Young Adults are having a barbecue on Saturday, September 18, 6:30PM, at Becky Bibelheimer's house. Email Becky for details: becky@eaglerockbaptist.com.
Then, on Sunday night, September 19, we're meeting back up to restart our young adults Bible Study, after a summer break. Join us at 6PM in Chi Hall. |
 BAPTISM
NEXT SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
Baptism is an important step Jesus asks every believer to take. If you are a follower of Christ and you have not been baptized yet, we encourage you to find out more. Our next baptism service will be held during the 11AM worship service on Sunday, September 19. Click here for more information on baptism.
Click here to watch a video of last weekend's baptism service.
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 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Our outreach to International Students (ISI) is kicking off the new school year with a barbecue on Saturday, September 25, 5PM at the Gewe home. We invite you to come and extend friendship to students from all over the world who have come to study in our community. For more information, please contact Vicki Gewe: vicki@gewe.us. |
 WELCOME ANDREW!
ERBC is excited to welcome a new member to our full-time staff team: Andrew White will be serving with us as Director of Youth Ministry.
Andrew has been part of our staff for five months and has done a good job as one of our Youth Interns. He comes to us with more than three years of experience working with youth, and will soon graduate from Fuller Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree. We are excited to see how God will work through Andrew as he serves with us here at ERBC.
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