14th Pastoral Anniversary

Pastor's Weekly Message June 5, 2016

"Running with Patience"

When I first became Pastor of the East Washington Heights Baptist Church in June of 2002, I said that we had begun a race. A race to: realize and implement God's vision for the East Washington Heights Baptist Church; a race to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ - His peace, hope, and love throughout Washington, DC, the nation and world; and a race to get ready for that day when Jesus Himself will return for a church without spot or wrinkle.

Today, 14 years later, I am glad to say that we're still running the race together to the glory of God! As always, I'm excited about the race and grateful to be on a team with so many fine and committed Christians. I thank God for you and your commitment to the Lord and the East Washington Heights Baptist Church. As I reflect on 14 years of pastoral ministry, I am especially grateful for the love and support of my wife Dollie and three children Carolyne, Margaret and Kip Jr. I could not make it without their support!

Our vision has been to become an "inter-generational family of disciples who love God, love neighbors and work to transform the community with the Gospel of Christ" and we have taken many strides over the past 14 years to make this vision a reality. These strides have included adding many new disciples to our church family, adopting a strategic plan, coordinating many spiritual growth campaigns, beginning prayer, youth, men's, street, evangelism, and clothes closet ministries, beginning a partnership with our local school, adding a contemporary choir, and conducting a major renovation of our church sanctuary and educational wing.

Of course there have been many ups and downs along the way and many loved ones who have transitioned to the church triumphant. However, the Lord has been with us each and every step of the way! As we look ahead to run a new leg of the journey together as pastor and people, may we be guided by the words of Hebrews 12:1-2, "Let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us and run with patience the race that is set before us." Above all else, let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus the "author and finisher of our faith."

Peace and Blessings,

Pastor Kip Banks, Sr.

SATURDAY, JUNE 4

Christian Education Board Mtg. - 10am

Children's Choir Rehearsal - 12 noon

Children's Handbell Choir Rehearsal - 1pm

SUNDAY, JUNE 5

Sunday School - 9:30am

Worship & Communion Service - 11:00am

Men's Ministry Mtg. - 1pm

EVENTS THIS WEEK:

GOSPEL CHOIR REHEARSAL -Tuesday, June 7 - 7:30 pm

BIBLE STUDY & PRAYER MEETING - Wednesday, June 8- 6:30 pm

BAPTIST WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP - Thursday, June 9 - 12:00 p.m.

BROWN BAG BIBLE STUDY - Thursday, June 9 - 12:00 p.m.

SANCTUARY CHOIR REHEARSAL - Thursday, June 9 - 7:30 p.m.

DIACONATE MEETING - Saturday, June 11 - 9:00 a.m.

MUSIC BOARD MEETING - Saturday June 11 - 11:30 a.m.

CHILDREN'S CHOIR REHEARSAL - Saturday, June 11- 12:00 p.m.

CHILDREN'S HANDBELL CHOIR - Saturday, June 11 - 1:00 p.m.

VOICES OF PRAISE CHOIR REHEARSAL -Saturday June 11 - 1:00 p.m.

Father's Prayer Breakfast - Please mark your calendar for our 3rd Annual "Willie Paul Dortch Father's Day Prayer Breakfast" which will take place on Saturday, June 18 at 8:30am.

"Mostly Piano Music Studio" presents a recital showing the talents of students of Avis Balkcom-Williams on Sunday, June 12 2016 at 3:30 pm. The EWHBC family, friends and community are invited. The recital will start sharply at 3:30 pm.

Volunteers Needed - We are need of volunteers to work with our church newsletter and social media ministry. Please contact Pastor Banks if you're interested.

Prayer Conference Call Number -

Please join us for our daily (M-F) prayer conference call. These 10-minute calls are a great way to start your day and include a daily scripture lesson. Please join us at (1-641) 715-3272 access code: 732413# at 7:00 a.m.

East Washington Heights Baptist Church | 202-582-4811 | www.ewhbc.org

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