1 P E T E R 1:3

Living Hope

MAY/JUNE 2017

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SPRING CAMPOUT: Friday, May 26 through May 29 PATRIOTS/FAMILY/NEIGHBOR DAY: Sunday, May 28, 8:15 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

SUNDAY SCHOOL TRAINING: Tuesday, May 30, 7:00 p.m. SENIOR ADULT FELLOWSHIP: Thursday, June 1, 6 pm MEN’S BREAKFAST: Saturday, June 3, 7:30 a.m. DEACON’S MEETING: Tuesday, June 6, 7:00 p.m. TRUSTEE MEETING: Tuesday, June 13, 7:00 p.m.

BAPTIST BUILDERS FOR CHRIST MISSION TRIP: Satur-day, June 17 through Saturday, June 24

DEACON’S MEETING: Tuesday, May 2, 7:00 p.m. NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER: Thursday, May 4, Noon & 7:00 p.m.

MEN’S BREAKFAST: Saturday, May 6, 7:30 a..m. MOTHERS DAY LUNCHEON: Saturday, May 6, Noon TRUSTEE MEETING: Tuesday, May 9, 7:00 p.m. CHILDREN’S VOLUNTEER BANQUET: Saturday, May 20, 9:30 a.m. BACCALAUREATE SERVICE: Sunday, May 21, 2:00 p.m.

SUNDAY NIGHTS AT EBENEZER ICE CREAM SOCIAL: Sunday, May 21 5:30 p.m.

Tongues, quite possibly one of the most controversial subjects in modern day Christianity. Is it still a gift for today? How is it misused? Is it even necessary? Persecution has once again taken front page with the rise of radical Islam, however the persecution of

Christians began long ago. The book of Acts provides us with the account of Saul who became Paul that wrote much of the New Testament, who was a fierce persecutor of Christians. Dissension in the church has been around longer than you think. It didn’t take the burgeoning church in the Book of Acts long to start murmuring, complain-ing and fighting. The reality is humans are involved so there are problems. There are numerous lessons for us to learn from the Book of Acts. I think without question, the greatest

lesson is for us to rely on the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to accomplish the tasks we have been called to fulfill. “Satan has scored a point in making us so afraid of extremism about the Holy Spirit; which abounds in-deed; that we may miss the true in our fear of the false. We can be so wary of getting out on a limb that we never go up the tree!” Vance Havner Join us Sunday mornings at 8:15 and 11am or livestream at www.ebc1837.com and be sure to

download the app and follow with weekly notes.

On Sundays we recently began a walk through the Book of Acts. What an exciting book of the Bible. The disciples are commissioned, Christ ascends, the Holy Spirit comes, the church begins and worldwide mis-sions explodes.

Amidst all the excitement there is turmoil, persecu-tion and tough subjects that demand attention. We will address the subject of suicide on Sunday May 7th from the first chapter of the book of Acts. A subject often skirted and misunderstood. Questions like: How could a follower of Jesus Christ ever commit suicide? Don’t people who commit suicide go to hell? The sub-ject is heart wrenching especially for those who have family members or friends that have walked through those dark valleys. We will talk about healing. Does God still heal today?

Why doesn’t God heal everyone? Can we pray over someone and they are healed instantly?

Join us for a time of celebration and worship with the class of 2017! The 2017 Baccalaureate service will be Sunday, May 21 at 2:00 p.m. at Logan High School. The Baccalaureate will have several guest speakers includ-ing Logan High School Principal Ken Dille, and Logan Hock-

ing Superintendent Monte Bainter. The featured speaker will be J.D. Bergman, former Ohio State and Team USA wrestler. Ebenezer’s Praise Team will provide special music for the Bac-calaureate. Each 2017 graduate residing within the Logan Hocking School District who attends the Baccalaureate will receive a gift. Also, two $500 scholarships will be awarded to two stu-dents. We want to encourage members of our congregation to come and support our graduating seniors .

MONTHLY MANUP MEETING The monthly ManUP meeting, is sponsored by Out of the Boat Ministries. These meetings are held on the last Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Stagecoach Conference Center, 225 East Main Street, Logan. Men enjoy a time of fellowship, hear from guest speakers, and have a time of worship together.

The next meetings are Thursday, May 25, and June 29.

MEN’S BREAKFAST

All men are invited to the monthly Men’s breakfast which takes place at the church’s Main Campus the first Sat-urday of the month starting at 7:30 a.m. Upcoming breakfasts are May 6 and June 3. We will have a delicious breakfast, a time of devotion, and Christian fellowship. This is an excellent way to con-nect with other Christian men.

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MOTHER’S DAY LUNCHEON

BACCALAUREATE SERVICE

UPCOMING MEN’S MINISTRY EVENTS

Our church’s Baptist Men’s group will be hosting the moms of our church with a special Mother’s Day lunch-eon. This luncheon will take place Saturday, May 6 at noon at the church’s Main Campus. Grandmothers, mothers, aunts, daughters, grand-

daughters, and nieces are cordially invited to attend. You only need to register before hand. A sign up sheet for the Mother’s Day luncheon is located in the church vestibule. The Baptist Men will be serving the ladies lunch. The men will also be treating the ladies to give-aways. There will be other fun activities and pampering for the ladies. The men of our church are encouraged to come help serve lunch and show their appreciation for everything that mothers do. Deadline to register for the Mother’s Day Luncheon is Wednesday, May 3. Any men who are wanting to help

serve can contact Pastor Steve Hubbard.

CHURCH WIDE CAMP

OUT MEMORIAL

DAY WEEKEND

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SECRET SISTER UPDATE

Come join us for our family campout at Ebenezer Friday, May 26 through Monday, May 29. Bring your camper, tents , lawn chairs, games, food and just enjoy hanging out around the campfire, laugh-ter, roasting hotdogs , making s’mores and much

more. You can come and go as needed, it is a very casual weekend of just relaxing and enjoying the outdoors. We often share food at meal times, have movie night and other family activities. Come join the fun!

Each Memorial Day weekend we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in pro-tecting our country’s freedoms. This year’s Memo-rial Day service will be Sunday, May 28 during both worship services. We will recognize current and

veteran military service members. Military members are encouraged to wear their uniforms. In place of Sunday school, the congregation will gather outside for a 21 gun salute by the Junction City American Legion. There will also be a flag dis-posal ceremony. Anyone having flags that need disposed can bring them that Sunday.

MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE HONORS THOSE WHO PAID

THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE

IFUEL CONCLUDES FIFTH YEAR AT HOCKING COLLEGE

Our ministry on the campus of Hocking College is wrap-ping up its 5th year of ministry. We are so thankful for the continued open door to minister to the students weekly. Every Sunday night at 6pm you will find 50 to

100 students lined up to get a plate of food and many stay for worship and teaching. We are so thankful for Terry and Tamara Huntsberger, Tammy Lipker, Mike Cremean, Les Smathers, Pastor Steve and many others who help weekly or as often as they are able. This year we have added another dimension as Chris Johnson and Tim Coleman feed students every Thursday at noon and have hours of spiritually chal-lenging discussions in the Student Center. Continue to pray for our influence on the hearts and minds of stu-dents at Hocking.

We had our Secret Sister kick off dinner Saturday, April 1. It was a night of laughing, eating scrumptious food, and great fellowship. Some sisters got new names, but is not too late to sign up. All ladies ages 18 and up are invited to join Secret Sisters. Please fill out a Secret Sister

form. If you want to be a prayer partner for another sis-ter, then the form that you want is titled: Secret Sister Prayer Partner. Both forms are located in the church ves-tibule. If you want to get a message to your secret sister, con-tact Sabrina Modzelewski and she can pass it along and you can remain secret.

Ebenezer purchased two school buses and Jimmy Stimmel is overseeing the necessary maintenance in preparation for Oscar, Daniel de la Rosa and Eliud to drive them to Guatemala this week. Medical supplies, tools, a four wheeler, commercial kitchen equipment, furniture, lawn equipment, and much more have been collected from Wisconsin, Cleveland and

North Carolina and from Ebenezer. Please pray for safety and protection as the men make their journey.

HELPING OUR MISSIONIARIES IN GUATEMALA

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We are richly blessed with an amazing group of Chil-dren’s Ministry volunteers. They devote countless hours teaching the children of our church about Biblical truths

and God’s great love and plan for our lives.

As a way of showing our appreciation, we are having a Children’s Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast Saturday, May 20 at 9:30 a.m. at the Main Campus. All children’s volunteers including Sunday school teachers, Sunday night leaders, nursery, Preschool, and Children’s Church leaders, and Vacation Bible School volunteers are invited

to the Appreciation Breakfast.

Attendees are welcome to bring a guest. If you are planning to attend the breakfast, contact Carrie

Shymanski by Saturday, May 6.

CHILDREN’S VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BANQUET

KID’S CAMP LUNCHEON MAY 7

Representatives from Scioto Hills, Wheelersburg, Ohio will be at our church Sunday, May 7. Scioto Hills offers week long camps for children and youth ages seven through twelve. They will speak about the camp’s ministry during both wor-ship services.

We will hosting a lunch for the camp representatives after the second service. After lunch there will be a question and answer time about the camp and it’s ministries. Scioto Hills is one of the camps available for children to at-tend this summer. More details about this camp are in the article below. All children and youth workers are invited to attend. Con-tact Carrie Shymanski if you are planning to attend the lunch and question and answer time.

CHILDREN’S SUMMER CAMP PLANS

IT’S CAMP TIME! With summer just around the corner, it is time to make plans for the children’s and youth camps. We have two options available for those interested in attending a summer camp this year. The first option is Scioto Hills. This camp is located in

Wheelersburg Ohio, located in Scioto County. Scioto Hills offers four camp options. NEW FRONTIER & MINI CAMP: Ages 7 through enter-ing grade 6. Cost for the New Frontier: $345. Cost for the Mini Camp: $180. Dates for the New Frontier: June 12—17; June 19—24; and July 10—15. Mini Camp dates are

June 26—28. ALPHA CAMP: Youth entering grade six through grade nine. Cost is $345. Dates are June 12—17; June 19—24; and July 10—15. REVOLUTION BIBLE CONFERENCE: Youth entering grade

nine through grade 12. Cost is $345. Dates are June 26—July 1. More information can be found at www.sciotohills.com. The other camp option is Scioto Youth Camp. This camp is located on State Route 37 in Junction City. There is no cost to attend this camp. Scioto Youth Camp offers four weekly camps. SENIOR HIGH CAMP: Youth who have completed grades nine through 12. Dates are June 18—24. JUNIOR HIGH CAMP : Youth who have completed grades six through eight. Dates are June 25—July 1.

JUNIOR CAMP: Youth who have completed grades four and five. Dates are July 9—July 15. PRIMARY CAMP: Youth who have completed grades one through three. Dates are July 16—July 22.

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The Children’s Ministry is in need of snacks for Chil-dren’s Church. Pre-made and homemade snacks can be dropped off at the nursery.

SUGGETIONS fruit snacks Cheese-its

Gold Fish crackers animal crackers

pretzels party mix

Any healthy snacks are appreciated. Remember, We do not give children cookies or candy.

NURSERY

Children’s church is available for children in Kindergarten through grade 4. Children’s Church is located in room

104

MAY FIRST SERVICE: Charlotte Highbargin SECOND SERVICE: Jessy Dexter

JUNE

.FIRST SERVICE: Heather Dickerson SECOND SERVICE: Heather Dickerson

Preschool class is available for children ages two through Kindergarten and is located in room 108

MAY FIRST SERVICE: Chastity Cordle & Caitlyn Myers SECOND SERVICE: Amanda Williams & Carrie Shymanski

JUNE

FIRST SERVICE: to be announced

SECOND SERVICE: to be announced

Nursery is available for newborn babies - age one. The Nursery is located in room 109

MAY 7 FIRST SERVICE: Lisa Heavener & Jenny Swope SUNDAY SCHOOL: Tina Smathers SECOND SERVICE: Tanna Sigler & Catrina Hubbard

MAY 14 FIRST SERVICE: Erin Spackey & Heidi Swope

SUNDAY SCHOOL: Karen Westenbarger SECOND SERVICE: Sabrina Modzelewski & Sarah Williams

MAY 21 FIRST SERVICE: Lisa Mills & Katie Myers SUNDAY SCHOOL: Katie Alvarez SECOND SERVICE: Jake & Ashley Hood

MAY 28 FIRST SERVICE: Shyller Stimmel & Summer Taylor SUNDAY SCHOOL: Jane Howdyshell SECOND SERVICE: Cindy Hawkins & Kristen Powell

JUNE 4 FIRST SERVICE: Lisa Heavener & Jenny Swope SUNDAY SCHOOL: Tina Smathers SECOND SERVICE: Tanna Sigler & Catrina Hubbard

JUNE 11 FIRST SERVICE: Greg & Jennifer Godby SUNDAY SCHOOL: Karen Westenbarger SECOND SERVICE: Sabrina Modzelewski & Kristen Powell

JUNE 18 FIRST SERVICE: Katie Alvarez & Heidi Swope

SUNDAY SCHOOL: Lisa Mills SECOND SERVICE: Jake & Ashley Hood

JUNE 25 FIRST SERVICE: Shyller Stimmel & Summer Taylor SUNDAY SCHOOL: Jane Howdyshell SECOND SERVICE: Cindy Hawkins & Amanda ‘Williams

CHILDREN’S CHURCH

PRESCHOOL

THE A-B-C’S OF BECOMING A CHRISTIAN

A admit that you are a sinner

(Romans 3:23)

B believe that Jesus died for your

sins (John 3:16) C confess that Jesus is your Lord

(Romans 10:9)

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I graduated from Ohio University in 2012 with a Bachelor’s Degree in early childhood education. I knew from an early age that I wanted to be a teacher. I have always loved helping children learn, not just academically, but in all facets of life. I get

such satisfaction out of helping a child master a new concept. I am thankful for the opportunities provided by the co-op. It is fulfilling to teach Biblical lessons and values alongside academics. Watching children grow academically, in their friendships with one an-other, and in their faith brings joy to my heart. “The ‘Curriculum of Family’ is at the heart of any good life. We’ve gotten away from that curriculum — it’s time to return to it.” – John Taylor Gatto, Author and Former New York Teacher of the Year

HOME SCHOOL CO-OP TEACHER SPOTLIGHT

Over the next few newsletters, we will profile a home school co-op teacher.

This issue’s spotlight is Mrs. Andrea Harden.

OLYMPIANS & GOPHER BUDDIES YEAR-END CONCLUSION

Hey Kids! Come join us for an exciting month of Olympi-ans and Gopher Buddies. We invite all children ages 4 through grade four for great time of learning life chang-ing truths from the Bible. We also have fun playing games and engaging in Christian service.

During the month of May, our themes will be about stealing and sounds. Lessons will be “Stop! Thief!” on May 7 and “Does God answer Prayer?” on May 14. Dinner is served for children each Sunday at 5:00 p.m. Gopher Buddies and Olympians begins at 5:30 p.m. As we conclude this year’s Olympians and Gopher Bud-dies, we have a special night planned for Sunday, May 21. The evening begins with a church-wide ice cream social beginning at 5:30 p.m. We will have our awards night with recognition of those who achieved goals in Bible memorization and Christian service. This night will

also be “Water Night” with water games planned for the children. Children should wear appropriate swimwear for the water games. For additional details, contact Carrie Shymanski.

CHILDREN’S CHURCH OFFERING

Each week during Children’s Church, children partici-pate in giving offerings. Money given through the offer-ings go towards the church’s Building Fund. The latest Children’s Church offering is $53.50. Children are also participating in the Capital Steward-

ship Campaign by filling homemade collection containers and the church offering containers.

BUILDERS FOR CHRIST MISSION TRIP

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Plans for the Baptist Builders for Christ mission trip are being finalized. This year’s trip will be to Gatlinburg, Ten-nessee. We will be helping rebuild Roaring Fork Baptist church which was destroyed by wildfires last fall. The group will leave Saturday, June 17 and return Sat-

urday, June 24. Members from First Baptist Church, Logan will be joining us on the mission trip. We will be doing general construction work including carpentry, interior framing, duct work, and roofing, as well as other needed work. Individuals on the work site must be at least 16 years old. Younger youth can work at the kitchen site. Cost for the mission trip is $375. This covers hotel and three meals each day at the work site. Cost for youth ages 18 and younger is $75 which covers the cost of meals

There is still space available if individuals want to go on the mission trip. For more details, contact Erwin Wolfe as soon as possible.

Tuesday, May 30 7:00 p.m.

ATTENTION ALL

SUNDAY SCHOOL

TEACHERS &

ASSISTANTS!

At our quarterly business meeting April 26, our church voted overwhelmingly in favor of begin-ning the interior renovation of the Heritage Cen-ter. The facility was built in 1867 with an educa-tional wing built 1973. The last time major renova-

tions took place was in 1987. The Heritage Center has served Ebenezer Baptist very well and we are excited about the “facelift” that will enable us to use the building for future generations. Our desire is to be a good steward of all that God has entrusted us with including our physical facilities. The renovation is part of our long range master site plan and was included in the cost of the entire building project. The $55,000 improvement project includes insu-lation, drywall, new wiring, framing, new flooring,

painting, shelter house remodel, sidewalks, new ceilings, lighting, security cameras, sound and AV equipment, kitchen remodel, sound panels, win-dow coverings, remodeling of bathrooms and much more. The current Sunday School classes and all other functions will continue weekly in the building during the renovations. There are opportunities for the church family to help with the renovation. Announcements will be made in the coming weeks concerning areas

where people can participate.

RENOVATION OF HERITAGE CENTER TO BEGIN

THIS SUMMER

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YOUTH 180 RETREAT RECAP

The Youth 90 Retreat was centered around an Escape Room. Stephanie Blackford stated the point was "finding the miss-

ing piece." She went on to say, "the kids multiplied puzzles and riddles and when they solved them, they got the next clue.

At the end the answer (or missing piece) was Jesus." Stephanie goes to explain how this brought the kids together to work

as a group and "those who were backward stepped up and became leaders." She continues "It was awesome to watch

them." Thanks to the Youth 90 leaders for making a great retreat for the 5th and 6th graders!

YOUTH LEAD SON RISE SERVICE

The Youth 180 Retreat this year challenged the teens as they begin (if not already) being drawn to the opposite sex. How

should they approach this from a Biblical perspective? One point they were instructed to keep in mind is having bare mini-

mums. “If he isn’t like this, I won’t get near him.” “If she doesn’t have this trait, I will run for the hills.” For the Christian it is a

requirement from God that the other person has to be a Christian if a relationship is being considered (2 Corinthians 6:14-

18). This was one of the best retreats we have had to date!

YOUTH 90 RETREAT RECAP

Both Youth 180 and 90 did a great job taking care of the Son rise service this year. There were skits done by both groups,

a song, and the service was closed out with a brief message from one of our youth.

Thanks to all youth and leadership for making this happen!

Our next senior adult get together will be Thurs-day, June 1 at 6:00 p.m.. Senior adults age 60 and up are invited to attend. This fellowship will be held at the home of Ray and Lanie Hatem. For those who want to ride the church vans, we

will be meeting at the church at 5:30 p.m. and will ride together to the Hatems’. We will enjoy a summer cookout. The Hatems also have some fun activities planned for the sen-ior adults. There is a sign up sheet at the church for every-one who will be attending.

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GUATEMALA MISSION TRIP UPDATE

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

SENIOR ADULT FELLOWSHIP

We had the privilege of sending six members of Ebenezer Baptist Church to Palabra De Vida (Word of Life) Camp in Guatemala April 16 through April 22. Ebenezer has forged a partnership with Word of

Life Guatemala that has 35 missionaries serving churches all over Guatemala and a beautiful 40 acre camp 2 hours south of Guatemala City in Pasaco, Guatemala. Our teams usually go twice a year in the spring and the first week of December.Pastor Steve speaks at the annual camp and teaches at the CCM (Bible Institute) that is training future church and missional leaders. Our spring team included Jason Lipp, Ernie Ruff, Mark, Becky, and Grace Russell. The welding

team designed, fabricated and installed steel roof rafters. The Russells painted the interior of a guest house on the property and Pastor Steve taught a class on Biblical Discipleship to students.

Many Christians are unaware that they live in a nation that has a law in place requiring our Presi-dent proclaim a National Day of Prayer each year

on the first Thursday in May.

The President shall issue each year a proclama-tion designating the first Thursday in May as a National Day of Prayer on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as indi-viduals. (Public Law 105-225)

As citizens and residents of the United States and as believers in Christ Jesus, we not only have a spiritual responsibility according to 1 Timothy 2:1-2 to pray, but a civic duty as well to heed our President’s call to stand in the gap for our nation. Our theme this year is For Your Great Name’s

Sake! Hear Us... Forgive Us...Heal Us! Taken from Daniel 9:19, which says, “O Lord, Listen! O Lord, Forgive! O Lord, Hear and Act! For Your Sake, O My God...”. As the 2017 National Day of Prayer on May 4th approaches, thousands of individu-als, churches, and communities will be working to rally millions of Christian’s to once again heed this call! Join us Thursday May 4th in Logan at Wor-thington Park for our local observations at 12:00

p.m. or 7pm.

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For the months of May and June, the Operation Christ-mas Child ministry is collecting the following items:

SMALL STUFFED ANIMALS

BEANIE BABIES SMALL NEW OR LIKE NEW TOYS

MATCHBOX CARS WASH CLOTHS

NEW OR LIKE NEW STAINLESS STEEL SPOONS SUNGLASSES SMALL BALLS

SMALL BABY DOLLS OR BARBIE DOLLS We are also looking for volunteers to help make hand-

made items like drawstring bags, yarn octopus, sewing kits, fishing kits, crocheted hats, rubber band bracelets and other craft items. You can also donate materials to make these items such as yarn, plastic bags, and small and large rubber bands. We are collecting items all year. A complete list of needed items is located at the Collection Center by the front door. For more details about helping with Opera-tion Christmas Child, see Lisa Heavener or Carol McCann.

The next church newsletter will be mailed out at the end of June. Deadline for information about events hap-pening in July and August is Sunday, June 18. You can also use the newsletter to let our congregation know about past events of your ministry. Information can be

given to Jim Martin or emailed to jimm@ebc1837.com. If you have any questions about the “Living Hope” newsletter, contact Jim Martin.

This year’s Vacation Bible School will be Monday, July 10 through Friday, July 15, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This year’s theme is “Rome: Paul and the Underground Church”. Children will step back in time and experience what life was like in first century Rome. They will explore a crowded

Roman marketplace, tiptoe past watchful Roman guards, en-courage first century Christians who meet an underground church, sample food as they learn about the early church, race chariots, and visit Paul for daily discoveries about God’s love. Vacation Bible School is a huge endeavor and it takes many individuals to make it happen. Youth and adult volunteers are needed to go back in time with the VBS participants and help bring the Bible to life. We need team members to act out daily skits, shop keepers to work in the market place, craft leaders, leaders to travel with the children to each station,

three bus drivers, three bus assistants, and security team members to keep watch over the safety of the children. All volunteers will be in costumes to help add to the experience. Volunteers are also needed to help with decorating. A sign up sheet for volunteers will be available Sunday, May 7. There are also two new features for this year. One is a class for parents that features lessons parallel to what the children are learning. The other is an online registration for Vacation Bible School children. More information will be announced soon.

Contact Tina Smathers for more information about how you can be involved with this year’s VBS.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

CHURCH NEWSLETTER INFORMATION

OPERATION CHRISTRMAS CHILD ITEMS NEEDED

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage PAID

Permit 1837

Logan, Ohio

visit us at www.ebc1837.com

Ebenezer Baptist Church 6935 Township Road 234 Logan, Ohio 43138

Living Hope 1 P E T E R 1:3

Ebenezer Baptist Church NEWSLETTER