Newsletter – 10/22/26

Mark Your Calendar

Pancakes, Pumpkins, and Cider – Saturday, Oct 24, 9am-1pm
Lamberth Baby Shower – Sunday, Oct 25, 1pm
Trunk or Treat – Saturday, Oct 31, 5-7pm
OCC Shoe Box Collection – Nov 15

📢 Announcements

🎃 Fall Gathering at Chip and Pam’s

This Saturday, October 24 | 9am–1pm | Drop in any time

The whole church family is invited to spend a fall morning together at Chip and Pam’s house. Come for an hour or stay the whole time. Bring your kids, your friends, and your appetite.

Here’s what’s happening:

Pancakes: Breakfast will be served, so come hungry.
Pumpkin Carving: Carving tools will be ready for kids and adults. Just bring your own pumpkin.
Apple Cider Pressing: The cider press will be set up with plenty of apples. Kids and adults can press their own fresh cider. Bring a gallon jug so you can take some home.

Times like these matter. The early church “broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts” (Acts 2:46). Sharing a meal and working side by side is a simple way to get to know one another and grow closer as a church family.

We hope to see you there!

👶 Lamberth Baby Shower – Oct 25th

Please join us for a baby shower on Sunday, October 25th at 1pm. All are welcome!

In lieu of a greeting card, please bring a well-loved or brand-new book to help us start baby’s first library. Please sign your name on the inside cover!

The registry is linked below:

https://www.myregistry.com/baby-registry/jessica-lamberth-and-matthew-lamberth-troutman-nc/5629059

🎃 Trunk or Treat

Mark Your Calendars!
Join us for a night of fun and community at Trunk or Treat happening Saturday, October 31st, from 5-7 PM at the church.

How You Can Get Involved:

Volunteer: Decorate your car trunk and hand out candy to the kids.
Get Creative: Add a small game or activity to make it extra fun!

This is a great opportunity to bring everyone together for a safe, festive evening. Whether you’re volunteering or just stopping by, your presence will help make the event a huge success.

There is a sign-up sheet in the foyer.

We can’t wait to see you there! 🎃

📖 Ladies Bible Study

Sundays | 5pm-6pm | Oct 4-Nov 22

Join us for Ladies Bible Study on Sundays at 5 PM! We will meet weekly for 8 weeks as we dive into studying the names of God.

If you would like to know more about this Bible Study, Sarah Wiggs would be happy to answer any questions.

We look forward to growing in faith and fellowship together!

🎁 Operation Christmas Child

Eastside Baptist Church is participating in OCC this year. If you would like a box(es) to fill, please see Lori Beal after service, or call/text her at 951-323-1813.

*There is a “gift suggestion” flyer on the back table. You can also click on this link: What Goes in A Shoebox? Or this link: OCC Amazon Storefront

*Each box needs to have a label identifying the sex and age group it’s packed for. Adhesive labels are on the back table

*Shoeboxes will be collected on Sunday, November 15th.

Discussion Questions for Stewardship Wisdom

📖 Biblical Insight Questions

Trusting God’s Wisdom (Proverbs 3:5–10)
- What does it mean to trust in the Lord rather than lean on our own understanding?
- How does trusting God change the way we view our gifts and circumstances?
- How does trusting God provide the foundation for faithful stewardship?
Walking Wisely (Ephesians 5:15)
- What do you think Paul means when he tells believers to be careful how they live?
- What is the difference between living intentionally and simply drifting through life?
Redeeming the Time (Ephesians 5:16)
- What does it mean to “make the most of every opportunity” or redeem the time?
- Why does Paul connect this command with the reality that the days are evil?
- How does the reality of sin and darkness create urgency in the Christian life?
- What is the difference between being busy with activities and faithfully investing our time?
Understanding God’s Will (Ephesians 5:17)
- How can we distinguish between our preferences and the priorities God has revealed in His Word?
- Why should eternity shape the decisions we make about temporary things?

🔨 Practical Application Questions

Stewarding Your Time
- If someone looked at your calendar, what would it reveal about your priorities?
- How can we make time for God and others without simply adding more to an already full schedule?
- What does it look like to schedule margin for unexpected opportunities to love and serve?
- How or where could you invite someone into what you already do?
Stewarding Your Talents
- What abilities, experiences, or opportunities has God entrusted to you that could benefit others?
- What needs in your family, church, workplace, or community could you help meet?
- How might you use your everyday activities as an opportunity to honor Jesus and serve others?
Stewarding Your Treasure
- How can our spending habits reveal whether we trust God or are consumed by a desire for more?
- What is the relationship between wise financial decisions and our ability to be generous?
- How could you use your finances more intentionally and advance the work of the Gospel?
Stewarding Your Testimony
- Why is sharing our faith an important part of using the opportunities God gives us?
- What keeps Christians from speaking about Jesus with others?
- How can we be both bold and loving when sharing the Gospel?
- Who might God be placing in your path right now with whom you could build a relationship, offer encouragement, and share the hope of Christ?

🪞 Personal Reflection Questions

Using What God Has Entrusted to You
- Does the way you spend your time reflect what you say is most important?
- Which area of stewardship most needs attention right now: time, talents, treasure, or testimony?
- Are you using what God has given you primarily for your own comfort and advancement, or are you seeking opportunities to serve others?
- What opportunities might you be overlooking because you feel too busy, too inexperienced, or unable to do as much as you once could?
- How could God use what you already have, rather than what you wish you had, to bless someone?
Taking the Next Faithful Step
- Does thinking about stewardship ever feel overwhelming because you believe you need to do more? How does the reminder that stewardship is about wisely and faithfully using what God has entrusted to you change your perspective?
- What is one specific step you can take within the next two days to become a more faithful steward?
- Who will you tell about that step so they can encourage you and help you follow through?