While cleaning out some of the storage areas in the church building a while back, we came across a box of old newsletters produced from 1977 to 1986. It is interesting to look back at some of the activities, concerns, and teaching at the church in those days. I don’t plan to reproduce them entirely but will share an article or two from time to time that is of interest. The following is a message from the pastor, a testimony, and a ministry update dated May 1, 1977 in Echoes from Emmanuel, Volume 1, Number 4. I will reproduce the material as accurately as possible.
Parson to Person by Pastor Eckman:
What is Emmanuel Baptist Church? It is an assembly or congregation of those who have accepted Christ as personal Savior and have been baptized as an open and outward testimony of that acceptance. This church is people. You who are members are the church. When I think of our church, I don’t envision a building or organization, but rather people who know the Lord and want to serve Him. The Lord doesn’t see classrooms, pews, activities and services, but rather the people who fill the classes and pews and attend the services and activities. He sees our church downtown, on the job, in the car, on vacation, at home and school. Acts 2:41 states, “Then they that gladly received His word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” May God be pleased to continue to add to this assembly such as would be saved.
Testimony by Cindie Pratis:
I started coming to this church because Mrs. Pickens invited me to the Mother-Daughter Banquet. Then my whole family started going to church. I was saved October 23, 1974 during Jr. Church when Linda Clement led me to the Lord. There have been changes in our lives. My whole family is saved and I became a member of this church. But the most important thing is that my parents love and follow Jesus!
Primary 1 Class by Carol Vyskocil:
Hi from our class. Never a dull moment in our class of 9 boys and 2 girls. We’re studying the best book ever – the Bible. This quarter, we are learning about a great man, Moses. We learn Bible verses and after our lesson, we act it out. The professional actors are none other than these precious boys and girls: Frankie, Jason, Paul, Lonnie, Ed, Mano, David, Jimmy, Kurt, Dena and Angelita. If you’re in the 1st grade, we’d love to have you come and add your name to this list!