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THANKSGIVING BREAKFAST & SERVICE AT 8AM!

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Pastor's Weekly Message                                                           November 23, 2016

"Donald Trump's Election & Our Response "


On Tuesday, November 8, 2016, the citizens of our nation elected Donald J. Trump to become the 45th President of the United States of America. Mr. Trump's election was shocking because it was widely predicted that he was going to lose and lose soundly.  Nonetheless, Mr. Trump triumphed in the election defying the polls. 

However, in the election's wake there have been wide-spread protest across the nation. People are protesting because of Trump's character flaws -- exit polls indicate that even 58 percent of those who voted for him said that he lacks the character to be president. People are also protesting because of Mr. Trump's controversial statements about immigrants, and other xenophobic and misogynistic declarations that he has made.  

Furthermore, people are protesting because they are troubled by Mr. Trump's policy proposals and these include dismantling the Affordable Care Act, "draining the so-called swamp in Washington," eliminating efforts to stem climate change, cutting the federal workforce and getting rid of the Environmental Protection Agency and other federal offices.   Needless to say many are upset, angry, shocked, saddened and bewildered about Mr. Trump's election and the possibility of his proposals being made law.

So how should we as people of faith respond? First of all, we must remain prayerful.  The Bible tells us to be in prayer for whoever is in authority over us in order that we may lead lives of peace 
(1 Timothy 2:1-3). We must also respect the peaceful transition of government.  This is a hallmark and staple of our democracy. At the same time, we must understand that God has called us to be his Light and Love -- voices crying out and advocating for Justice, Mercy and Peace in a time such as this, and this includes monitoring the work of the Administration and getting actively involved in the political process. 

Indeed, one of the most compelling pictures of Mr. Trump's initial transition meeting with President Barack Obama in the Oval Office is a photo of a bust of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. overlooking Mr. Trump. The picture is poised in a way that it looks like Dr. King is staring Mr. Trump down and saying to him, "Don't you dare do anything to harm the poor and disenfranchised" and "my voice echoes through the corridors of history demanding that you let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream" (Amos 5:24). 
 
Peace & Happy Thanksgiving Blessings to You!
Pastor Kip Banks, Sr.

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.


"When It's Hard to Forgive"
 
Are you struggling to get over something?  Are you having a hard time forgiving?  If so, here's the prayer for you today:
 
"Lord, there's nothing harder than trying to forgive when you've been terribly wounded.  And it's worse than the offenders show no remorse, and even seem to gloat over the pain they've brought into your life.  That's where I am today, and I don't want to forgive.
 
I know enough to understand that I must forgive no matter what.  You have given me no options; but I'm struggling with it.  Help me to realize that un-forgiveness can kill; it can destroy my friendship, my joy, my peace, my potential and even my life.
 
Today, I choose to forgive those who have broken my heart and wounded me.  For Your sake, I forgive.  Thank You, Lord, for the strength to walk in love and forgiveness, especially when the memories return and the 'committee' in my head begins to speak.  Thank You for the grace to forgive moment by moment, as You have forgiven me.  In Jesus' name.  Amen."

EVENTS AT EWHBC 
Sunday, November 27  
9:30 a.m. - Sunday School
10:45 a.m. - Devotional Service
11:00 a.m. - Worship Service & Baby Blessing
12:30 pm - Reception
12:45 p.m. - Buildings and Grounds Meeting

EVENTS NEXT WEEK  
GOSPEL CHOIR REHEARSAL - Tuesday, Nov. 29 - 7:30 p.m.
PRAYER MTG. & BIBLE STUDY - Wednesday, Nov. 30 - 6:30 p.m.
SANCTUARY CHOIR REHEARSAL - Thursday, Dec. 1 - 7:30 p.m.
STEWARDSHIP & FINANCE MTG. - Saturday, Dec. 3 - 10:00 a.m.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION MTG. - Saturday, Dec. 3 - 10:00 a.m.
VOICES OF PRAISE CHOIR REHEARSAL - Saturday, Dec. 3 - 2:30 p.m. 
East Washington Heights Baptist Church | 202-582-4811 | www.ewhbc.org
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