Untitled - Evangelical Baptist Church

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Evangelical Baptist Church
12 Veterans Square
Laconia, NH 03246
E-mail: [email protected]
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Phone: 603-524-2277
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Business Offices: 653 Main Street, Suite 211
Pastor’s Report 2012
It is my privilege and joy to be the pastor of Evangelical Baptist Church. This report is a reflection of my
leadership activity as your pastor over the past year, together with a few insights of what I see coming in the new
year before us.
This has been a year of change for me. I went from being the solo pastor of a church to being the pastor of a
church with a staff: an associate worship pastor, a retired pastor working for us as a consultant on the Capital
Campaign, and a ministry intern working with us for the year. Needless to say I have had to adjust my leadership
style and the priorities of my time to not only lead the church ministry but to also enable these men working with
me to accomplish the most they can as they serve our church. Let me comment on the biggest change to our
church in 2011 – the addition of Pastor Dan to our pastoral staff. I was on the search team that called Dan and as
soon as I saw his resume and website, I felt he was a person I could work well with and that he would be an asset
to the work we are doing here at EBC. Dan has been all I thought he would be and more! I am thankful for all he
adds to our ministry and for the unity the two of us have as we work together. Dan has challenged me in new
ways this year and I believe I am a better, more effective senior pastor because he is working with me. I hope that
in some ways I make him a better pastor as well.
This year I began to develop my Sunday messages more intentionally into sermon series that usually lasted a
couple of months. The sermon series of the last year have been: There’s and App for That; Solutions for Life, The
Summer Scenic Tour; A View of God’s Character, A Faith That Works; James 1, Rediscover the GIFT of Christmas,
Fresh Start; Disciplines for the Christian Life, and our current series, Doctrine; Essential Biblical Truth. With
Pastor Dan’s help we have been able to promote these sermon series better than before. The feedback I’ve
received from people in the church would indicate the concentrated focus has been helpful to them as they
journey through these issues with me. After the current series we will do a series called Build the Vision, As We
Grow Our Faith that will complement and support our Small Group ministry and Capital Campaign this spring.
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In addition to leading the Elder’s Team and Purpose Team, I have also been very involved with our Building Team
and in recent months getting our Capital Campaign Team organized with Pastor Frank. Together with other
meetings sprinkled in from other ministry teams, that is a lot of meetings. You hear me use the word “balance” a
lot. It’s something I try to keep in my own life and in the operations of our church, but it’s not always easy.
Please pray for me as I try to do this in my own life and for the benefit of those that serve at EBC and for the
other leaders at EBC.
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I have had a busier than normal year in my counseling ministry and I think I know the reason why. Most of my
counseling opportunities have sprung out of either the messages I have been preaching or from the ministries
our church has been offering this year. That tells me we must be addressing the points of need in people’s lives.
When people are being challenged in the ministry and then are seeking spiritual guidance as they strive to be
obedient to Christ, ministry doesn’t get better than that. Counseling can be very draining but it is so rewarding
when you see people grappling with the issues of life in the context of God’s grace and righteousness. It’s a
beautiful thing!
Over the last year we have seen 16 people come to faith in Christ. At EBC we have had the privilege to witness
baptisms every few months, and we have received many new members over the last 12 months. The church is
growing in various ways and we continue to have visitors almost every Sunday. In recent months many of the
visitors have been unsaved people seeking something different for their lives. Thank you for inviting those
people to our church, and thank you for extending such a warm welcome to visitors each week on Sunday
mornings. I try to personally follow up with every visitor we have at church and without exception they tell me
how positive their experience was at our church because the people were genuinely friendly with them. I pray
that no matter how large we grow we will always be a friendly church.
All this growth and potential growth at our church simply accentuates the need we have for different facilities.
Here’s an interesting thought – we are growing because people who are just getting to know Christ are stepping
out in faith to trust Him as their Savior. If we as a church are to grow into the future, those of us that have had
the pleasure of knowing Christ for a few years are going to need to step out in faith for new facilities. Faith is the
key element for a church to grow; it’s how we start our Christian journey and it is how the church must journey
into the future. That’s why for the Capital Campaign we will be launching at the end of this month we have
chosen the slogan Build the Vision, As We Grow Our Faith. We are seeking to build the vision of our church but
at the same time I want for each of us to grow in our relationship with God. Faith can be passive – doing what
God tells us to do through obedience. But faith can also be active, when we ask God what He will do and how He
wants us to participate in the growth of His Kingdom. Brother / Sister in Christ, will you ask God to grow your
faith in this new year ahead of us? That is what I am praying for all of us right now – that God will grow our faith
by stretching us in new ways. As God grows the ministry, it will be interesting to see how he grows us as
individuals in the process.
Apart from the Building and Relocation efforts of the church my main focus this year will be to improve how we
help people find meaningful ministry positions in the church. This current small group semester I am leading a
class called Network that helps people identify their spiritual gifts, personal style and passions from ministry. I
am also training coaches that will help them find specific ministries they could try as places to serve in the church.
The people in the class are excited to be finding a place to serve and the coaches are excited to be helping people
get connected in ministry – that makes me excited! I believe this one thing will make a significant difference in
how our church grows over the next few years and will make reaching our vision goals more realistic.
Thanks for being such a great church – I honestly feel I have the best church in the country. You are a blessing to
me every day.
Grace & Peace,
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Pastor Andrew Matthews
Administration Team Report-2011
The purpose of the Administration Team is to "provide supportive services that enable the front line ministry
teams to carry out their God-given functions".
Part of Pastor Dan’s responsibilities are helping out the Administration Team – I think he spent more time than
we (and he) anticipated this year – but many thanks to Dan. He has done a great job in getting our website
updated –and keeping it up to date is no small task. He has organized a couple of IT teams to help us with current
IT needs, as well as a team to help us plan for the future. He has also helped with some new equipment
purchases in the office – and the challenge that brings.
I would also like to thank Brad Wallace for his continued role as Financial Secretary. Brad – along with a team of
counters – spends a lot of time making sure we have accurate, detailed records of the giving for each individual.
Dan Shaffer, as our Church Treasurer has been extra busy this year. Not only keeping our current books up to
date – with the assistance of Norma Phillips – but also working hand in hand with the Building Team and doing
cash flow analysis and working with banks. Thanks for all the extra effort, Dan.
We continue to have needs in our existing building, and thanks to Dale Yasharian as our Facilities Director and
others like Wilbur Phillips, the furnaces get repaired and drains unplugged and doors and lights replaced. Also
thanks to Ray and Lisa Bauman who clean the church and set up each week to make sure the church is ready for
ministry.
Our office assistants – Gail Brunt and Norma Phillips – continue to do a great job in the office assisting Pastor
Andrew and Pastor Dan with all the detail activities that take place to keep EBC going.
Thanks also to Barbara Emery for being the Church Clerk. This is not an easy job to do and we appreciate Barb’s
work. Barb would like to move to another ministry – so if you would be willing to work in this position- please let
me know!
The next year could hold a lot of changes for us as we look to move to a new (for us) facility – and will require us
to re-evaluate our team. Please pray for the Admin Team as we move forward that we can do the best job
possible to fulfill our purpose.
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Randy Bassett
Administration Team Leader
Maturity Team Report
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you
may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of
righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:9-11)
“Why bother?” some might ask. Why take a night out of an already busy week to attend a Small Group? The
Apostle Paul puts forth some strong arguments in the cited passage that should be motivational answers to those
questions. As we grow in our knowledge of God and His ways, we are more and more able to exercise
discernment, live lives that are pleasing to God (pure and blameless), and be a blessing to others (love may
abound, filled with the fruit of righteousness). If you are not currently involved with a Small Group, I strongly
encourage you to do so. You will no doubt find it a blessing for yourself, but more importantly, you will be
equipping and positioning yourself to be a blessing to someone else.
Though the study portion of a small group is important, I see other aspects of the group dynamic as equally, if not
more, important. My hope is that we are “really connecting”, getting to places in our relationships where we’re
being honest and transparent with one another…at least with one other person in our group. I pray that more
and more we will be in each other’s lives. May you challenge and “encourage one another daily, as long as it is
called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.” (Heb 3:13)
We had a good year for the Small Group ministry with many different topics being studied. We have averaged 810 groups per semester with usually over 100 people involved. We have been using the semester based model
since 2010. This particular model gives us at least two times a year that we can invite someone to attend a group
with us. We have new faces almost weekly at church. How about it, will you be the one to extend a hand of
friendship to someone new and invite them to go to a group with you?
With the potential of moving into a larger facility with a much larger area for ministry, I can only see more and
more opportunities for us in the future. One area of opportunity would be a chance to have an accessible,
inviting library/media center.
I believe God will continue to bring people into our midst that are looking to connect with others. I hope that we
won’t miss the opportunity to be that “connecting” church.
As always, I wish to thank the Small Group leaders who sacrifice their time in service to the Lord and to you. If
you attend a small group make sure you thank those folks.
Bob Bryant
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Maturity Team Leader
Membership Team Report
You will find in our congregation many folks who are willing and able to be part of a ministry team, but hold back
for one reason or another.
In 1 Peter 5:2 it boldly says ; “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by
constraint but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly”. So don’t let small, insignificant reasons hold you
back from your priceless contributions. We need you to be part of our ministries… Thanks to all our Team
Leaders in the Membership Ministry for all their fine work and motivated leadership. You will find their annual
reports below.
Jay Moreau
Membership Team Leader
OWLS SENIORS MINISTRY
(Older, Wiser, Loving Seniors)
“Therefore, we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed
day by day.”
2011 included a variety of activities for our Seniors. We learned about making maple syrup and saw over 100
Nativity scenes from all over the world. At the Remick Museum, we made candles and delicious apple cider.
June found us on a sunny warm day riding on the Mount Washington which was Rena Willis’ last time to join us.
A short time later, she went home to be with her Lord and is missed by all her fellow OWLS. We toured a toy
museum which brought back many memories, took a foliage ride in the Fall and traveled through the ‘Gift of
Lights’ at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway in December. “Operation Christmas Child” boxes continue to be
our November project filling about 35 boxes. We also would like to bridge the generation gap as much as
possible, so we filled mugs with ‘snowman soup’ (hot chocolate, marshmallows & candy cane) for all of our
preschool and grammar school young people at Christmas. We thank our EBC family for their willing support of
this ministry.
Wilbur & Norma Phillips, Jay & Bette Moreau
Seniors’ Ministry Team Leaders
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Many thanks to Betty Graf who helped out with the hospitality program this year. I am replacing Betty as
Hospitality Hostess and will fill you in the best I can on what transpired during this past year. In March, two
babies were born and meals were provided for the Moms and their families every other night. Mandy Bassett
organized meals for a new mom in the summer. Betty Graf organized food for Rena Willis’ family in their time of
sorrow in July. Meals were delivered to the Nowack family in February as Lilybeth was helping Hoon, her
husband, in New York following surgery. Many of the small groups reach out and help their members. There is a
lot more hospitality getting done than we, as a church body, know about. I know many meals have been
organized as an ongoing ‘love gift’ to the Todd family also. All is so much appreciated when someone steps up
to be the head person for people they may have a closer contact with. It is all such a boost and keeps the church
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HOSPITALITY MINISTRY
body going strong. Many thanks to all the people who are willing to say yes for making a meal for someone they
might not even know… It is such an encouragement to see all the willing, loving workers in our church.
Jo-Ellen Bassett
Hospitality Ministry Leader
COFFEE TIME MINISTRY
The ‘Coffee Time Fellowship Ministry’ for the year 2011 was well received by all at EBC. Although this is not a
new ministry, there were many new faces that helped this year. The new faces and veteran helpers for 2011 were
Kerri, Kim and Hazel Smith, Vinny and Irene Caruso, Gail Brunt and Bethany Nickel, Mary Beth and Michael
LeTourneau, Matt and Donna Anderson, Norma and Wilbur Phillips. Having new faces in the mix this year made
it possible to have a 6 - 7 week rotation of help which has been a big blessing. Anyone willing to help out for
2012 is welcome to call Alan and Angie Conway for more information.
Faithfully in His service…
Alan and Angie Conway
Coffee Time Team Leaders
VISITORS’ WELCOME MINISTRY
Our ‘Visitors’ Welcome Table’ continues to mug the new people as they hesitantly hand in their ‘Connect Cards’.
It is such a blessing to see new faces coming to our church every week. I guarantee that you would feel so good
to be a part of greeting these visitors and potential new members. All you have to do is sign up for a 15 minute
slot in either the first or second service and your life will be richer for it. A bright smile and positive attitude are
all that are required for this Ministry. The OWLS provide and package the mugs and are too happy to do this
service. A visitor’s informational packet about our church is also given with the mugs which are filled with tea,
coffee, hot chocolate and appetizer coupon to T-Bones restaurant.
Jay and Bette Moreau
Visitors’ Welcome Team Leaders
SHOWERS COORDINATOR
(Baby & Bridal Showers)
We are still looking for someone to fill this ministry position.
MEN’S MINISTRY
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A large group of men attended the “Iron Sharpens Iron Conference” again this year and the men hosted a
‘Laconia Muskrats Event’ that was very well attended by families from our church. I want to thank Paul Graf for
continuing to feed the men at our monthly breakfasts and all the men who have spoken at these monthly events.
I also want to thank Heath Caruso for continuing to host the regular ‘Guys Night Out’ fellowship events.
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It has been another great year for the Men’s Ministry, with several events, continued strong fellowship, and the
launch of the J127 Ministry.
Under the leadership of Fred Brierly, Bill Wixson and John Emery, the J127 Ministry (named for the mandates in
James 1:27) is now up and running. The purpose of this ministry is to help widows, single moms and the elderly
within our church with small home projects. A number of four-person teams are assisting those in need in our
church body for several hours following each monthly Men’s Breakfast. I look forward to another year of growing
and serving with the men of EBC.
Matt Anderson
Men’s Ministry Team Leader
EBC Care Ministry Report
History
The Care Ministry (CM) of the Evangelical Baptist Church was started around 2000, by Ben and Rena Willis. They
had a vision for reaching out and ministering to our own church family in illness and bereavement. Following
Ben’s death, Rena Willis and Lisa Bauman led the CM team (known as the “Tribe of Benjamin” ministry; later the
“Dare to Care” ministry). Following Rena’s passing, Lisa, Bette and Jay Moreau, Suzanne Caruso, and Shirley
Blouin and others have faithfully carried on this behind-the-scenes ministry for several years. Mary Collins joined
the team as the CM coordinator in October, 2011.
Purpose
The Care Ministry exists as an extension of the pastoral care of the pastor and elders. The team acknowledges
times of need, comfort, or celebration—whether it’s a death in the family, an extended illness or surgery, birth of
a new baby, someone’s birthday, a visit to someone in a nursing care facility, or just general encouragement.
Representing the “EBC church family,” the CM team responds to these events in church members’ lives, showing
love, praying, and supporting through home visits, phone calls, delivering flowers, and cards.
The Care Ministry does not provide meals, baby or wedding showers, etc. Those things are covered by
other volunteer groups in our church. We focus mainly on responding to and acknowledging birth/death life
events, and those who are ill or laid up. We learn about needs from the weekly church bulletin prayer list, from
church e-mail prayer requests, and from conversations with people. If someone does not tell the church
secretaries or pastoral staff, we may not know of a situation.
The Care Ministry falls under the Membership Team of the Purpose Team Committee, under the
leadership of Jay Moreau. It has an annual budget of $1,000.00 (as of 2011).
2011-2012 Care Ministry (estimates)
60 + personal visits to homes and hospital
30-40 weekly visits to nursing home
4 roses - New babies
Decorated Pumpkins for nursing home
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3 flower arrangements - Funerals
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11 flower arrangements - Get Well
306 Birthday cards (no cost to us)
50-60 Encouragement/sympathy cards
2-3 (?) Rolls of stamps
Procedures
1. Floral Arrangements and Plants
We use Suzanne Caruso (who is reimbursed for materials), Heaven Scent Florist in Laconia, and Renaissance
Florist in Bristol for flower arrangements, sent for sympathy/funerals and/or illness/hospital. We have church
accounts at the florists. Suzanne turns in her receipts, and the florists bill the church directly. We try to keep the
Florist floral arrangements at $35 each, but some are more depending on the situation. The CM budget covers
the costs for floral arrangements and deliveries. This is the bulk of the budget expenses.
2. Cards
Each person on the team buys many of their own cards (sympathy, get well, thinking of you), and often buys the
postage. Bette makes hundreds of cards as her personal ministry. (The CM budget has covered some cards and
some postage. This year, we would like to consider covering all postage costs from the budget, if possible.)
People
As of February 2012, here are the people of CM and what they do:
Bette and Jay Moreau: Bette makes handmade birthday cards for everyone in the church each month. Bette and
Jay both make home and hospital visits, send cards, and deliver flowers.
Lisa Bauman: Puts roses in the church sanctuary for new babies born; regular visits to Belknap Nursing Home;
sends encouragement, get well, sympathy, and thinking of you cards; orders floral arrangements as needed.
Shirley Blouin: regular visits to Belknap Nursing Home.
Suzanne Caruso: creates flower arrangements for all occasions as needed; creates painted pumpkins to take to
nursing facility.
Mary Collins: coordinates CM response to people’s needs, does home/hospital visits, sends cards, and delivers
flowers. Responsible for keeping track of statistics of how many people we serve. Gets figures each month from
team. Also creates a monthly/annual written report for Membership Team leader Jay Moreau.
This year our book club read and discussed four books: “Havah” in March, “The Friends We Keep” in May, “A
Reluctant Queen” in October, and “Made To Crave” in February, 2012. Tracey Petrozzi led all discussions.
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Other people “on call”:
Ella and Walt Eshelman: recently recruited to send out periodic “Thinking of You” cards to folks who have ongoing medical issues over many months.
Cheryl Hayes: send cards and do visits as needed.
Angie Conway: available to make homemade cards, as needed.
Marian and Lloyd Elkholm, Gerry and Marilyn Crowell , Jack and Annie McAuliffe, and Marilyn Jorgensen have all
stated their interest in helping with the Care Ministry, visiting people, etc., so we have many people available.
We had two ‘Craft & Hobby Fellowships: in March, we had a ‘Quilting Bee’ and made twelve pillow cases which
we donated to the Carey House; in November, we had a special presentation of the ‘Lady Gideon’s Gift Card’
program by Kit Otto and we brought our own craft projects to work on.
We had two ’Ladies Night Out’ with movies and snacks. Paulette Caruso hosted us on December 9th. We watched:
“The Christmas Card” and had a great time of fellowship. Jodi Sardinha was our hostess on February 4th, 2012.
We watched: “Did I Say That Out Loud ?“ and again we enjoyed our time together.
The theme for our ‘Spring Event’ was ‘Friendship‘. We led up to the event with the book club reading: “The
Friends We Keep”, followed by a six- week Bible study, Women of Faith’s “Friendship - Cultivating the
Relationship That Enrich Our Lives”. The finale was our ‘Spring Event’: “Pearls In Our Pod”. We had a wonderful
day beginning with our program and refreshments in Rice Chapel and then traveling to Pickity Place where we
enjoyed the gardens and a delicious luncheon.
Our ‘Winter Event’: ’The Time Is Now’ was held on January 6, 2012. It was a great New Year’s party designed to
encourage us to make and keep New Year’s resolutions that will count for eternity. We started our evening with
worship music by Cindy Treamer and Pastor Dan Lyle, a skit by Paulette Caruso and Corianne Littizzio and a solo
dialogue by Paulette. Anna Yasharian was our special speaker. Following the program, we had stations in Rice
Chapel which offered information and helpful ways to invest our time. We enjoyed delicious appetizers and
desserts as we visited the various stations.
We had women attending the ‘Sweet Monday’ event in Meredith, the ‘Iron Sharpens Iron’ retreat in Hartford,
and the ‘Women Of Faith’ retreat in Hartford.
We have started two ladies prayer groups. Gail Brunt leads one on Tuesday mornings and Anna Yasharian leads
the other on Wednesday nights. We also have a new ‘Secret Sisters’ program led by Barbara Emery.
We encourage you to watch for bulletin announcements and check our webpage for information on current And
future women’s events.
Our special thanks to Jodi Sardinha, Lilybeth Nowack and Paulette Caruso for hosting events, and all who have
helped us in so many ways.
Our Women’s Ministry Team Members are: Paulette Caruso, Tracey Petrozzi and Anna Yasharian.
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Hallene Shaffer
Women’s Ministry Team Leader
Outflow Missions Team Report
(originally Same Culture Missions)
At the end of 2010 the Pastor and the Missions Committee made the decision to separate the Missions Ministry
into two focused areas. The standing mission team was tasked with focusing on ministries in other parts of the
world with cultures different from our own and those foreign cultures that have come to us as a result of
relocation. A new team was created to focus on missions ministry within our own culture; essentially in North
America, beginning in the greater Laconia area.
This new team consists of Frederick and Joan Brierly, Penny Jordan, Laura Hollenbeck and Jim and Cheryl Hayes,
with Jim being the team leader. Matt and Holly Jamison also joined the ministry during the summer. Initially this
team has been charged with overseeing ministry events such as the Gas Buy-down, Easter Egg Hunt, Red Cross
Blood Drive and Christmas Parade as well as to interface with and support the Missionaries and Ministries that
EBC supports here in New Hampshire and in other parts of the United States.
How do we go about sharing the gospel with the people in the greater Laconia area was the million dollar
question. There are many techniques for evangelizing, some more effective than others. After having several
meetings with Pastor Matthews, we decided that Servant Evangelism was one path to explore. We found a small
group study titled OUTFLOW written by Steve Sjogren and Dave Pang and decided that we would do this study
during the summer with two goals in mind. First was to learn about Servant Evangelism and second was to get to
know each other better. This study was supposed to be a 5 week study but it took us 12 weeks to complete.
Mike and Sue Huff and Matt and Holly Jamison joined us for the study. It was an amazing small group experience
where we did indeed get to know each other better, but we got to know ourselves better also.
The concept of OUTFLOW is that Jesus Christ pours his love into us and we are then to let that love flow out from
us into the lives of others. Servant Evangelism is simply letting the love of Christ flow to another person by
extending a kind gesture or meeting a need or perhaps just listening to someone’s story. Obviously there is much
more detail than can be shared in this short passage, however, one of the short term goals of the Outflow
Missions Team is to provide opportunities for you to learn about Servant Evangelism and other ministry goals
throughout this upcoming year. We believe that if the rest of the people at EBC can catch the vision for Servant
Evangelism, as we did through the OUTFLOW study that many new people will enter the Kingdom of Heaven and
you will experience the excitement of being part of that.
If you would like to know more about the role and purpose of the Outflow Missions Team please feel free to talk
to any of the team members and we welcome people to join us in this ministry.
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For the Outflow Missions Team
Jim Hayes
Cross-Culture Missions Team Report
Looking Back
The Cross-Cultural missions outreach of Evangelical Baptist Church has been separate from the Same Culture
missions outreach for one full year now. The change has been no problem. We represent all of you in all we do in
outreach to other cultures.
In the year just passed, we provided a missions education opportunity for all interested by having Larry Filbert,
one of our missionaries, do a Saturday seminar on outreach to Muslims and other-culture people in general. This
was a great learning experience for the approximately 30 who were able to attend.
As a church, we fund outreaches in the Philippines, China, West Africa, Argentina, and to the refugees who live
with us here in Laconia. Soon we will be represented by the Jackson family in Spain, and in this next year will have
outreach in Ecuador via the Dave Murray family. We also helped Wendy Hoehn to participate in a medical
mission trip to Peru.
Having Dan and Michelle Dore (long time EBC members and missionaries with New Tribes Mission) here during
the early part of the year, and Dan sharing on occasion in the morning service about aspects of their work in West
Africa was very enjoyable and educational.
Looking Ahead
In 2012, the Cross-Culture team will continue to create a new Missions Policy Manual. We also need to develop a
multi-year strategic plan.
This year, Mark and Charis Jackson will enter into what the Lord has given to them as a ministry in Spain. Our
newest missionaries, the Murrays, have already returned to Ecuador.
This year we are using part of our budget to support a mission agency that is totally non- American. It is
interesting to note that the vast and growing majority of Christian missionaries in the world today are nonwestern and non-American. They need our prayers and financial backing, not our presence. They often live and
operate in areas western missionaries are prevented from entering. We are very pleased to begin helping from a
distance.
We are hoping to encourage individuals, couples, or families to explore doing short-term missionary service.
The greatest area where we need to improve is in educating and informing you about what God is doing in the
world through our giving and praying.
We are yours in Christ,
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JoEllen Bassett, Mark Jackson, Rick Lewis, Jay Moreau, Norma Phillips, Wilbur Phillips, and Jeff Price
Youth Development Team Report
Over the past year we have seen many great things happen with the youth ministries at EBC. I would like to say
thank you to all the ministry leaders who volunteer their time and talents to oversee the different ministries of
youth development. You are making a huge impact, not only on the lives of our children at EBC, but also to all
those who will come to know Christ through our children over the years as well.
Below is a list of the ministry leaders:
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Nursery Coordinator - Robin Wixson
Children’s Church Coordinator - Cori Littizzio
Jr. High (Middle School) Youth Ministry –Bethany Miller, Katie McGuire, and Scott & Susan Joyce
High School Youth Ministry – Scott & Cindy Treamer, Heath & Paulette Caruso, and Nathaniel Jakubens
Child Protection – Laura Hollenbeck
Vacation Bible School Director – Anna Yasharian
This past summer our church participated in Group Publishing’s VBS program Pandamania. There were
approximately 100 children who attended throughout the week. We had a great number of leaders volunteer to
make the week a huge success. Anna did a great job of leading this ministry and compiling a great support team
to help it succeed. Without all the great volunteers, none of this would be possible. Not only did the children
enjoy the week of Bible learning and loads of fun, but the volunteers also enjoyed themselves. The prayer
support was also greatly appreciated and felt throughout the week.
Again through the support of the church and the special camp scholarship offering, we were able to help 11
church students attend summer camp throughout New Hampshire and 1 at a Christian camp in Pennsylvania.
The feedback from the students was very positive and life changing.
Nursery is available to families attending the church at both the 1st and 2nd service times. The age range for
nursery children is newborns up to age three. Robin will be ending her tenure as coordinator and Susan Lyle will
be taking over. Thank you, Robin for your years of service to this ministry. The nursery ministry is a vital part of
youth development and we are always in need of additional volunteers. If you are interested please contact
Susan Lyle or Scott & Cindy Treamer.
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In September, Sunday School began with the annual “Kick Off” celebration. This year we decided to mainstream
Sunday School and Jr. Church. Instead of two separate ministry leaders and curriculums, the two were combined
and is now called Children’s Church. The format for the 1st and 2nd service is the same, which allows for less
teaching material needed and an easier time for those volunteering in this ministry. This also eliminated the
need for a 2nd service coordinator. Thanks to Sue Matthews for serving in this ministry as the 2nd service
coordinator through June 2011. Cori once again assembled a great team of teachers and helpers for Children’s
Church. EBC offers classes during each service for children, pre-school aged through 5th grade. We also offer
separate classes for Middle School and High School students during the 1st service only.
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Due to Hurricane Irene in August, we had to postpone the church picnic to Labor Day weekend. The weather
cooperated that weekend, other than the heat and humidity we experienced. That didn’t dampen anyone’s spirit
though and we enjoyed great food, fellowship, baptisms and volleyball. The softball game was cancelled due to
the heat and neither pastor had their car washed.
We are now in our second year of offering a Jr. High (Middle School) mid-week youth ministry. On average there
are now 15 students that attend weekly. Chip Stone had to step down from this ministry in February. I would
like to thank Chip for serving the Lord in this ministry. You will be greatly missed. On top of meeting weekly
throughout the school year on Wednesday nights, there were monthly activities that included Weirs Beach Logs
of Fun, a beach party, a get together at the Joyce’s, a scavenger hunt, a sleepover at the church for the guys and
Bethany Miller’s house for the girls and also a Christmas party to end 2011. The students and leaders also
enjoyed a weekend at Monadnock Bible Conference from January 6th-8th for their first ever winter retreat. The
feedback from the leaders and students was great and they look forward to doing this again next year
The High School Youth Ministry continues to meet on Wednesday nights throughout the school year. In August
Shadd LaGrangeur stepped down as the ministry leader, leaving yet another ministry hole to fill. The other
leaders who were working under Shadd also stepped down at the same time. Cindy and I have worked with high
school and middle school students for many years and felt that the Lord was leading us to lead this ministry for a
time. This would allow for developing and training other leaders to be able to take over the ministries needs.
Heath and Paulette Caruso expressed interest in volunteering and are currently volunteering in this ministry. In
November, Nathaniel Jakubens, a former student who was part of the youth group led by Mark Jackson, began
volunteering his time as a leader as well and is fitting in very well. On average we have 8 students regularly
attend on a weekly basis. Due to schoolwork and after school sports activities we have seen our attendance
numbers fluctuate from as little as 4 students to as many as 15 students. Every Wednesday night we meet at the
church to worship with Pastor Dan and the Jr. High ministry prior to going over to the Youth Room for games,
snacks and our Bible study time. We began the year using a curriculum called YouthBytes, which is video based.
We since have moved onto another video curriculum by BlueFish TV. Each week the teens are challenged to live
out their faith and are learning applicable biblical truths they can use on a daily basis. We also do monthly
activities aside from youth group night. We’ve gone to do Laser Tag, played Human Foosball at the church, had a
Christmas party, went to the Caruso’s for the Super Bowl and also had a great weekend at Rumney Bible
Conference for Snow (Ice) Camp. Eight students and all 5 leaders attended the weekend retreat. The teens were
challenged in their faith and it was great to see the group form a tight bond with each other.
God has entrusted each volunteer a great privilege and responsibility working with the children and teenagers of
our church. I want to personally thank you for all your hard work each and every week. Thank you for graciously
volunteering your time and talents to these ministries. You are making a difference in each child and teenager’s
life that walks through the EBC doors. We are always looking for help in all youth ministries. If you are interested
please contact my wife, Cindy or myself. I pray that through your continued prayer support and willingness to
volunteer in the youth ministries, that as a church body, we can reach many new families in our local community.
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In His service,
Scott Treamer
Youth Development Team Leader
Worship Ministry Annual Report
This has been a fantastic year for the worship ministry! We have seen the power of God work mightily in our
midst. He has secured many triumphs for us over this past year. I am excited to share some of those triumphs
with you!
The Worship Initiative
Perhaps one of the greatest triumphs we have achieved through God’s power is the establishing of a project we
have been referring to as the Worship Initiative.The Worship Initiative is a multifaceted multistage campaign for
the development and transference of the distinctives that unite the body in worship at Evangelical Baptist
Church. There are three elements that make up the Worship Initiative. Some of these elements are well
underway and some are still under development. The Worship Initiative will be fully realized this coming June.
Focus Groups
The Focus Groups are a grassroots approach to the development and transference of the distinctives that unite
us in worship at Evangelical Baptist Church. The focus group assist in the development of ministry distinctives by
providing a sounding board for the church leadership to gain congregational feedback on prospective ministry
distinctives concerning worship. The focus group assist in the transference of the adopted ministry distinctives to
the congregation through natural preexisting relationships.
Two Part Message Series
A two-part message series (June) will transfer the adopted ministry distinctives to the congregation through a
focused effort supported and undergirded by the Focus Group and the church leadership (Pastors and Elders).
Online Resources
The Worship Ministry webpage (ebclaconia.com) will be Worship Initiative Central containing a wealth of
multimedia content related to the campaign. This content includes but is not limited to: All written
documentation associated with the campaign including but not limited to:
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Values Statements
Healthy Tensions Notes
Bibliography
Study Notes
Audio from the two part message series.
Three part video web series outlining the Worship Initiative
Audio and video content from third party contributors.
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Bill Wixson, who has served faithfully as the head usher, stepped down from his position this past September to
pursue other ministry opportunities. Being that Bill has done such an excellent job over the years, he has left
behind some pretty big shoes to fill. But fortunately, Vinnie Caruso has recently stepped up to the challenge and
he is doing a great Job. Vinnie is ensuring that the usher/greeting ministry is providing seamless and effective
ministry to our congregation each week.
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Usher/Greeter Ministry
Worship Ministries Handbook
A special committee has been assembled to review and expand our current personnel polices into the Worship
Ministries Handbook. The Worship Ministries Handbook will provide a standard of conduct for all members of
the worship team. Mark Horton, Laura Hollenbeck, and Brian Littizzio have all graciously agreed to participate on
the committee.
Recording
The worship team is in the midst of practice sessions for a recording project that we plan on doing later this
spring. Our goal is to create a recording that captures the essence of worship at EBC. We believe this project will
minister to our church family and visitors as well as the greater church.
Strategic Plan
The purpose teams have been working hard to develop strategic plans for each ministry of the church. As part of
that effort I have been developing the strategic plan for the worship ministry. The Worship Initiative has played a
significant role in this endeavor. Defining what we believe about worship is an important aspect to planning what
we do in our ministry and how we go about doing it. Additionally, we have also developed a yearly plan, which
includes:
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Quarterly Training
Scheduling
The implementation timeline for the Worship Ministry Handbook
The implementation timeline for the Worship Initiative
In the next few months we will be working to flesh out our current one-year strategic plan into a five-year
strategic plan that will be undergirded by the efforts we have made through the Worship Initiative.
Thank You!
On a personal note, I would just like to thank you for allowing me to be one of your pastors. It is a position which
I am blessed to hold. Joining the EBC family has been a wonderful experience for me (and my family)! I don’t feel
like the “new guy” anymore. Rather, I feel as though I have been here for years. Thank you so much for warmly
welcoming me into the fold. I am looking forward to being here for many years to come.
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Dan Lyle, Worship Pastor
Elections 2012
Elders:
Term ends:
Pastor Matthews
Randy Bassett
2014
Dave Provan
2013
Dan Shaffer
2013
Bill Miller
(Nominated)
Treasurer
Dan Shaffer
Clerk
Barbara Emery
Moderator
Randy Bassett
Randy Bassett
Missions
Jeff Price and Wilbur Phillips
Outflow Missions
Jim Hayes
Membership
Jay Moreau
Maturity/Ministry
Bob Bryant
Youth
Scott Treamer
Worship
Dan Lyle
Ministry Intern
Joshua Stone (not elected)
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Administration
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Team Leaders
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Appendix
A. Child Protection Policy
Evangelical Baptist Church
Child Protection Policy
Why has Evangelical Baptist Church adopted this policy?

To help ensure the safety of our children
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To help protect our children’s workers from false accusations
This policy will address three main areas of concern
1.
Child abuse;
2.
Child abduction, and;
3.
General church safety.
Child Abuse

In the event a Children’s Ministry volunteer suspects a child has been, or is being abused, the following
procedures shall be followed:
 Child volunteers should notify their ministry leader, who will then notify an elder(s);
 Church members should notify an elder(s);
 If a ministry leader is suspected, the notifying person shall go to the elders;
 The suspected volunteer will be immediately and discreetly removed from children’s ministry
until such time as the matter has been fully investigated and resolved;
In order to help protect our children from potential exposure to abusive situations within the church, the
following steps shall be taken by all child ministry volunteers:
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 The elders will immediately investigate and take the necessary steps to report to the appropriate
authorities (when warranted) and resolve the situation.
 Screening and training of every worker:
 Every volunteer, no matter their age or position within the church shall complete the Child
Protection paperwork: Personal Screening Form, NH background check request form, and
statement of faith.
 EBC Leadership will conduct a personal, face-to-face interview with each volunteer, will
conduct the NH background check and will check the personal references from the Personal
Screening Form.
 Visibility:
 Children’s’ classes shall be conducted in rooms with windowed doors, or in the alternative,
with the doors remaining open or ajar, so that activities are visible at all times.
 Use of “appropriate touch” to show love:
 While we encourage showing Christ’s love to children, volunteers must be aware of how
their actions may appear, and to use “appropriate touch” when expressing love.
Appropriate touch includes such things as tousling hair, a pat on the shoulder, caressing the
face, etc.
 Actions when taking children to the restroom:
 If a child is at an age where they need assistance in the restrooms, volunteers should seek
to leave the door ajar, and to keep a running conversation going with the child.
 Only women volunteers may assist children in the bathroom and may change diapers.
 Actions when restraining a child who exhibits disruptive and/or out of control behavior:
 If a child exhibits disruptive and/or out of control behavior and must be removed from class,
volunteers should place the back of the child against their chest with the arms of the child
crossed in front of them. This restraint position avoids pressing the body of the child,
against the body of the adult while still allowing the adult to safely remove the child from
the class.
 Children who are removed from a class should be taken to a visible/public location, until the
parents can be summoned to deal with their child.
 Volunteers should attempt to keep their voice and actions calm.
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The Risk – Evangelical Baptist Church is a public building, located in a downtown area, and as such, there may be
some risk of outsiders approaching or entering the church, and abducting a child.
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Child Abduction

Actions to help protect against abduction
 Nursery tag system to check children in/out:
 Upon arrival in the nursery, each child will receive a tag (which will be clipped to their back)
with their name and age on it;
 A similar tag will be clipped to their belongings;
 The parent(s) will also be given a corresponding tag. Anyone wishing to retrieve a child must
first present the parent tag, showing they are the parent, or approved by the parent to pick
up the child.
 Children will not be released from the nursery unless a parent tag is presented.
 In the event that a parent tag is lost, the pastor, or an elder will be called to assist with the
situation.
 Children under 4th grade will not be allowed outside the church building without a parent.
 Due to the layout of the church building, ushers will monitor the stairways during the morning
service.
 Children will not be dismissed from the Preschool-Kindergarten Sunday School or from Preschool
Junior Church unless picked up by a parent.
General Church Safety
In order to help protect our children from injury, and to protect others from being injured by children, the
following procedures are established:
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No running inside the church building unless during a game time;
All church families will be asked to help keep children under control in church to prevent running and
climbing;
Children will be instructed and reminded about rules during Sunday School and Junior Church;
Children should not be running around in classrooms unattended;
Children are NOT allowed in the resource room;
Children are not allowed to eat any food left in the church (food is purchased for Sunday School and
Junior Church);
Questions and/or concerns regarding this Child Protection Policy should be brought to the attention of the Youth
Development Team Leader.
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Adopted May 31, 2010
B. EBC Sex Offender Policy
1. Any member of Evangelical Baptist Church (“EBC”), or any individual who attends EBC functions
or services, who has knowledge of a convicted or registered sex offender (the “offender”)
attending functions or services of EBC, whether at the church facility or an off-site location, is
obligated to disclose this information and the identity of the offender to the Pastor or Church
Elders.
2. An offender attending any function or service of EBC, whether at the curch facility or an off-site
location, is required to be supervised at all times.
3. The Church Elders will identify three qualified supervisors for the offender. Male offenders will
be supervised by men. Female offenders will be supervised by women. It will be the
responsibility of the offender to contact his or her assigned supervisors and arrange for
supervision prior to attending a church service or function. If the offender arrives at a church
function of service without a pre-arranged supervisor, they will be asked to leave immediately.
Further, the individual will be required to meet with the Church Elders, prior to their next
attendance at an EBC function or service, to discuss policy violation and review the EBC Sex
Offender Policy.
4. Upon notification that an offender will be attending EBC, the Pastor will notify the Elders, the
Purpose Team, and the head usher. This notification will include identifying the offender and
the supervisor(s) appointed to monitor the offender.
5. An offender is prohibited from serving in a ministry involving children or family-oriented
activities.
6. EBC will seek to provide a mentor for the offender for at least the first two years of their
attendance at EBC.
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Adopted August 2009- Elders
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