In The Dark "The Dark Side Approaches"

In The Dark "Assessing Your Anger"

Where's my Bailout "Facing Economic Fears"

Where's my Bailout "Taking the Green Challenge"

Where's My Bailout "Can You Have Enough?"

Someone very wise once told me that worrying is a lot like rocking in a big ol’ rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but doesn’t accomplish much. Rocking may burn a few more calories than sitting does, but it won’t tone your body or help you train for endurance. If you get in the habit of rocking, after a while you won’t even realize you’re doing it anymore. It’s the same way with worrying. God’s word has a lot to say about worry. This week’s study is taken from the Sermon on the Mount out of Matthew’s Gospel. I don’t know if I’ve ever really thought about Jesus’ unique understanding of people and their tendency to worry. I mean not only does He know exactly how God put us together (John 1:1-3), but He also wore our flesh and knows our frailties (John 1:14). That being said, Jesus takes a definite stand on our inclination to worry and His Father’s faithfulness to provide for His children.

Read Matthew 6:25-34

What is Jesus’ stand on the subject of worry?

How would you define worry?

Do you struggle with worry?

Check the statement that most closely describes you:
__ I can’t help it that I worry, it is simply my nature. (I come from a long line of worriers!)
__I do occasionally worry, but when I realize it, I give my concern to God in prayer.
__Worry is not something I struggle with.
__Other – I would say …

What specifically in this passage does Jesus tell us not to worry about? Do you think that there is a difference between general concern and worrying about our life, food and clothing? Explain.

How is planning for our future different from worrying about it?

The references to the “birds of the air” and “the lilies of the field” are especially meaningful to us. These would not be birds that are cared for by man, and the lilies are not grown in gardens. Both of these creations of God are dependent solely upon His provision and accomplish what they are created for … to be a bird and bloom in season.

What are the birds not able to do for themselves?

Whose job is it to provide for the birds?

Why should that realization bring us peace about God’s provision for us?

In verse 32, what assurance does Jesus give us concerning our needs?

How can we separate our needs from our wants?

How are we told in verse 33 to order our lives?

What does “His Kingdom” and “His righteous” mean to you?

Constant worry causes us to miss out on today, and it hinders our Christian witness. (Think about it - why would anyone want to hear about your Savior and Lord, if, all you do is worry about everything?!) You can’t have faith and worry at the same time. Worrying is a choice and so is trusting. Choose wisely.

Where's My Bailout "Gotta Serve Somebody"?

Encounters "Authentic Faith"

Encounters "Quench Your Thirst"

New Greifshare Group

A new Griefshare group is beginning on Monday nights at 6:30. For more information, contact Gary Funderburk at gfunderburk@eastbayou.org or 337-984-8291.

Encounters "I Don't Know"

Mark 10:17-22 "Being a Good Ole Boy"

There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to do right, except in letting yourself think that being a good ole boy or good ole girl will be the means of your salvation. In the Bible, Jesus encounters a good ole boy who claims to have followed every commandment of Moses since birth and wants to know what must be done to inherit eternal life. By his own claims if anyone deserved a gold star from God and had earned his way to salvation, it would have been this young man. Unfortunately, the young man goes away sad because Jesus tells him that salvation is not something we can earn but it is instead a gift from God when we choose to believe in Him. Beyond belief, salvation leads to the sacrifice of worldly treasure and pleasures for future riches in heaven. For those of us who wish to see the difference between just being good and being saved begins and ends with Jesus Christ.

1. What makes so many of us chase the idea of acting perfect instead of being perfected through Christ? How is the rich young ruler an example of this type of good ole boy thinking and living?

2. Jesus asked the rich young ruler to go and sell everything he had and give it to the poor which made the young man sad. What would you be sad to give up if it was requested of you? Why do you think that Jesus makes this request of him?

Men's Retreat

Hello everyone,
Here is an update on last weekends men's retreat. 184 men attended and 8 accepted Christ! WHat a great weekend!

Encounters "Being a Good Ole Boy"

Men's Retreat

Hey everyone,
We have 190 men signed up for this weekend! It is going to be a great weekend! It's not too late to come. Call the church office and speak to Andy or Jonathan if you would like to attend.
Please be in prayer for us this weekend also.

Encounter Eternity - 3/8/09

This week our topic is one that is not too popular…death. But, you know where death is concerned, the stats tell the story…one out of one dies. For each of us on this side of heaven it is the only way out unless Christ comes back. For most of us it’s not so much being dead that concerns us, but how death will happen and what happens after that. Thankfully God knew that we’d have questions about what comes after this life is done, and the bible is filled with answers to that all important question…

What’s next for me when I get to the end of this life?

Encounters "Encounter Eternity" - March 8, 2009

Bridge Ministries

Men's Retreat

Hey Guys,

It's the last weekend to get signed up for the Men's Retreat. If you want to get in, see one of the guys at the Welcome desk Sunday or call Andy or Jonathan at 3370984-8291.

Encounters - "Life 2.0"

Mess up!

Hey everyone,

Last week when I wrote the questions for the curriculum, I put the wrong gospel in. It is supposed to be Mark NOT Matthew! Sorry about that.

Please make the correction on your lessons!

AT

Does Faith Really Matter? - February 22, 2009

Avoiding Heartbreak - 2/15/09

Bayou Blood Drive

The Blood Drive sign ups start this coming Sunday the 15th in the foyer before and after both services. Then again on the following Wednesday, February 18, then on Sunday, the 22nd and Wednesday the 25th. The blood trucks will be in the parking lot on Sunday March 1. If anyone has any questions, please call Carla Nelson - 856-7655 (home) or 781-3885 (cell).

Ladies Bible Study

The new study will be Esther: It’s Tough Being a Woman by Beth Moore

Join Beth Moore in an in-depth and very personal examination of this great story of threat and deliverance. Just as it was tough being a woman in Esther’s day, it is tough today. Beth peels back the layers of history and shows how very contemporary and applicable the story of Esther is to us. This portion of God’s Word contains treasures to aid us in our hurried, harried and pressured lives.

This 10-week, interactive study features personal, daily assignments and weekly group sessions with video.

DATE: Begins Tuesday, February 3, 2009
TIME: 9 to 11 am
COST: $30.00
WHERE: Bayou Café venue in East Bayou Ministry Center
CONTACT: Sheila Plunkett 988-6229

You MUST register by Sunday, January 25, 2009 in order to assure you have a study book for the first session!
For childcare, contact: Juanita Hebert 264-1986


**The Bayou Beanery will be open for business each morning during this series!

Women’s Ministry hosting “Street Wise Safety for Women” Presented by LA State Police

DATE: Friday, May 1, 2009
TIME: 6:00 to 9:30 pm
WHERE: The Bayou Café’

The class will be followed by a dessert fellowship in The Bayou Beanery.


**The Bayou Beanery will be open for business for this event!

New Believers Class

DATE: FIRST and THIRD Sunday of each month
TIME: 10:45 am to 12:00 pm
WHERE: Room 613 (Bayou Beanery classroom)

New Members Class

DATE: LAST Sunday of each month
TIME: 10:45 am to 12:00 pm
WHERE: Room 613 (Bayou Beanery classroom)

EBBC 2009 Men’s Retreat

DATE: Friday, March 6 to Saturday, March 7
TIME: 5:00 pm to 5:00 pm
WHERE: Tall Timbers in Forest Hill, LA
COST: $100.00 ($25.00 deposit will hold a spot)

MUST fill out a registration card and attach payment.

For more information, contact Jonathan Moore at 984-8291 OR jmoore@eastbayou.org.

Learning to Love: Lessons for a Lasting Marriage Presented by Dudley Bienvenu, Christian Counselor

It’s fairly easy to love when you feel like it, but what about when you don’t. Then, what about the idea of loving your spouse “for better or worse, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, till death”? Ever really thought about it? What would it take? Do you think it’s even possible? While I don’t pretend to have all the answers, what I want to share with you in this series is what I’ve learned, and am in the process of learning, over 25 years of marriage, as well as from 25 years of working with couples in counseling. They are lessons that have radically affected my own life and marriage for the good. My hope and prayer is that they benefit and bless you and yours as well.

This free 4-part seminar series presented by Dudley Bienvenu will be held at the Bayou Café on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:30 PM beginning on February 4, 2009. Seating is limited. Participants must pre-register by contacting Melissa at 984-8291 OR mthibodeaux@eastbayou.org.

Focus on Marriage Simulcast:

East Bayou is hosting Focus on Marriage: Seeing Your Marriage Through the Eyes of God which is presented by Focus on the Family. This landmark simulcast event will show you what your relationship looks like through God’s eyes. Focus on Marriage will help you understand the higher purpose of your marriage, while providing practical insights to help with everyday issues. The event will feature Beth Moore, Dr. Gary Smalley, Dr. John Trent, Gary Thomas, and Dr. Del Tackett. Jeremy Camp will be featured as the special musical guest.

DATE: Saturday, February 28, 2009
TIME: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm (DOORS OPEN ONE HOUR PRIOR TO EVENT)
WHERE: East Bayou Café Venue
COST: $80.00 per couple, $40.00 individual (SNACKS & LUNCH PROVIDED)

**The Bayou Beanery will be open for business for this event!

Men!

Men. Just a reminder to get signed up for the Bayou Men's Retreat before it fills up! Date is March 6 - 7 at Tall Timbers Retreat Center in Woodworth, LA. Cost is $100.00. Small Group leaders, please tell the men in your group about this awesome event!

Simplify Your Life "Physically"

Emotions! Part 4 "Simplify Your Life"

Most of our decisions, reactions, thoughts, and memories are driven by our emotions. Since emotions are hard to define and change frequently, they can be a place of great confusion and complication in our lives. Negative emotions such as loneliness, fear, anger, and guilt can overwhelm what should be happy and productive days and make them seem unbearable. Thankfully, for each of these negative emotions God provides a way for us to rise above and live at peace with our feelings.

In times of loneliness, we can turn to God for companionship and perfect love. When we are fearful, God reminds us that he is stronger than anything that might threaten us. When anger threatens to consume us, God's wisdom has the power to put out any fire and bring us back under control. Finally, when guilt overwhelms our spirit, God reminds us to remember that he has already provided the cleansing sacrifice of his Son, Jesus Christ. If we have already accepted Him, there is no longer a need to wallow in our guilt because God has declared us "not guilty." Our emotions, complicated and changeable as they may be, are not out of our control and with God's help they can be a new place of victory and simplicity in our lives.

1) Out of the four emotions listed (anger, fear, loneliness, guilt), which do you struggle with the most? Which are not an issue for you?

2) Many people have decided that how they feel is not really something that they can control, even with God's help. If you were in conversation with this person, even if that person is you, how would you convince them of God's power over emotions?

3) All of the four negative emotions listed above can go beyond simple emotions to lived out actions very quickly. Describe a time when you let one of these emotions lead you to do something that you later regretted.

Blood Drive coming to the Bayou!

Blood Drive Coming Up
Sign ups for the Blood Drive will begin Sunday, February 15 in the foyer of the church and will continue on Wednesday, February 18, Sunday, February 22 and Wednesday, February 25. The Blood trucks will be in the parking lot on Sunday, March 1 from 8:30 until 12.30. Questions? Call Carla Nelson at 781-3885.

Announcements for your group!

Just some reminders for you:

Marriage Seminar - All Wednesday's in February in Cafe, no charge. 6:30 - 7:30pm.

Focus on Marriage - February 28 in Bayou Cafe. Cost is $80.00 per couple.

Men's Retreat - March 6-7. Cost is $100.00. Sign up anytime.

Simplify Your Life "Emotionally"

Men's Retreat!

Here we go men! The retreat is coming up quickly.

These are the details:
March 6-7, 2009
Tall Timbers (Woodworth, LA)
Cost $100.00
Sign up begins January 25 at the Welcome Center.

Call 337-984-8291 and speak to Jonathan or Andy for more details.

Invite a friend!

Thank You!

I just want to tell you all that there are 2 awesome ladies that assist me in writing all of this stuff. They are Cindy Ortego and Joanna Broomfield. If you know either of them and see them around, give them a big Bayou THANK YOU! I could not do it without them!

Thanks ladies!

More on Relationships...

If you look back over your life and consider people who have had the greatest impact on you, I bet it is safe to say they fall into two categories. Either they were involved in your life and invested in it or they were absent from it. Either type of relationship can profoundly influence us. My favorite chapter of the Purpose Driven Life is entitled, What Matters Most. On this day, the author is talking about relationships, and he keeps it pretty simple. He says, "Relationships take time and effort, and the best way to spell love is T-I-M-E."

Here are some questions to think about:

1. Our day-to-day lives have become packed with activities, deadlines and chores. What is one way we can schedule "face time" with those we love?

2. When we have been deeply hurt by someone, finding a way to heal sometimes seems almost impossible. If you have had a major hurt in your past, what could you do today to start the healing process for yourself? For the other person? For the relationship?

3. Small groups have become a big part of the lives of many East Bayou members. What do you get out of the experience of small group? Why do you think God says we should meet with fellow believers on a regular basis?

Simplify Your Life "Relationally"

Finances

Pastor Mike spoke about how we can simplify our lives financially this past Sunday. Some questions that he gave us to think about are:
1. How much do I own?
2. How much do I make?
3. How much do I owe?
4. How much do I spend?
Wow, these are some tough questions if you reall start to think about them!

As I thought back many years ago, there was one area that I really struggled with and that was the area of giving. Man, I remember the pastor talking about giving and I thought to myself "that's all he wants is my money!" Although, the pastor spoke about money only a couple of times a year but it seemed like everyday to me.

It took me several years to understand that the reason I did not like it when the pastor talked about giving is because I was not giving what the bible says we should give! As I continued to grow in my faith, I began to realize that it is all God's anyway!

Malachi 3:10 is specific on how much we should give. The scripture tells us to give a tithe, which is a tenth of your gross income. I remember the first time I heard this, I almost came unglued! I was thinking, "not only does this guy want me to give but he wants me to give 10% of my check?". This was nuts! But in that verse, God says to test Him, so I did.

Since that day, we give a tenth of all that we make and have never missed it. God has provided in so many ways, there are too many to talk about.

My dare to all who read this is this; I dare you to trust God with your finances and give a tenth to your local church. See if He will not pour open the floodgates on you and your family! As the Nike slogan says "Just do it!"

Focus on Marriage

Get registered today! February 28 in the Bayou Cafe.

Announcements for your group!

Here are some upcoming events you should know about. There are always lots of fantastic things going on at the Bayou!
1. January 30 - Women's Game Night. All women are invited to attend. 6:30 - 9:00pm. Invite the ladies in your group and bring a friend! Event is in the Bayou Beanery. Sponsored by Women's Ministry.
2. Marriage Seminar by Dudley Bienvenu - every Wednesday in February. 6:30 - 7:30 in the Bayou Cafe. Seating is limited. Call Melissa at 337-984-8291 and get signed up, There is no cost for the seminar.
3. Focus on Marriage simulcast - February 28, 8:30 - 3:00 in the Bayou Cafe. Cost is $80.00 per couple and $40.00 for single. Seating is limited! Call Melissa at 337-984-8291 and get signed up or sign up at the church Sunday.
4. Tuesday morning ladies bible study - all ladies invited. Times are 9:00 - 11:00 in the Ministry Center. Course fee is $30.00 and includes childcare. This semesters study is Beth Moore on Esther. The study begins February 3, 2009.
5. Men's Retreat - March 6-7 at Tall Timbers in Woodworth, LA. More information coming!

Simplify Your Life "Financially"

Pastor Mike said that in the bible, Jesus himself taught more about money than He did about heaven and hell combined! That fact tells me that we are loved by an amazing God who, knowing our frailties, realized that money had the potential to trip up His children. Proverbs is an amazing book filled with practical insight into everyday life. Let’s keep it simple. From my study, here is some advice on money and the passages where they are found:

Be generous in giving….Proverbs 11:24.
Place people’s needs ahead of profit….Proverbs 11:26.
Be cautious of countersigning for another….Proverbs 17:18.
Don’t accept bribes….Proverbs 17:23.
Help the poor….Proverbs 19:17; 21:13.
Store up for the future….Proverbs 21:20.
Be careful about borrowing….Proverbs 22:7.

There is a financial “guru” who is known for asking viewers that call into her show to “Show me the money!” Truth be told, if our checkbooks were open to others, they would reveal a lot about our hearts and where we are spiritually. Why is it that we find it easy to trust Jesus with our eternal salvation and yet not so much with our finances? The good news is that this difficulty obviously does not surprise our Savior. That’s why His Word is so full of wisdom and instruction concerning money.

January 18 - Simplify Your Life Financially

Tracking Attendance

All Small Group leaders will be getting a reminder several times per week to post attendance. As you know, you will no longer receive an email to turn your attendance in. So, please be patient with us as we send out reminders to everyone. Remember, the link is found on the EBBC website in the Small Groups section. Post attendance every time you meet.

Announcement for your small group...

Please announce the following to your Small Group. It is a great resource for Christian businesses!

THE SHEPHERD’s GUIDE, the only Christian Business Yellow Page Directory in Lafayette/Acadiana will be in the Commons Area on Sunday, January 25^th to give you your FREE copy! There are also FREE copies in the rack at the front entrance of the church in the Foyer. Deadline for advertising in the directory is March 31, 2009 for the 2009-2010 edition. You can reach Claudette Holder, the Area Publisher at 337-504-5990 or visit their website at www.lafayette.shepherdsguide.com

Upcoming Events

Here are some upcoming events you should know about. There are always lots of fantastic things going on at the Bayou!
1. January 30 - Woman's Game Night. All women are invited to attend. 6:30 - 9:00pm. Invite the ladies in your group and bring a friend!
2. Marriage Seminar by Dudley Bienvenu - every Wednesday in February. 6:30 - 7:30 in the Bayou Cafe. Seating is limited. Call Melissa at 337-984-8291 and get signed up, There is no cost for the seminar.
3. Focus on Marriage simulcast - February 28, 8:30 - 3:00 in the Bayou Cafe. Cost is $80.00 per couple and $40.00 for single. Seating is limited! Call Melissa at 3370984-8291 and get signed up or sign up at the church Sunday.
4. Tuesday morning ladies bible study - all ladies invited. Times are 9:00 - 11:00 in the Ministry Center. Course fee is $30.00 and includes childcare. This semesters study is Beth Moore on Esther.
5. Men's Retreat - March 6-7 at Tall Timbers in Woodworth, LA. More information coming!

January 11 - Simplify Your Life "Spiritually"

Most people don’t grasp the fact that spirituality is not supposed to be very complicated. Many get hung-up on doing it the exact right way when all God wants is for us to put Him first. To learn how to do this, there are several different areas of our lives where we can choose to put God first. At the beginning of each day, we can commit to putting God first by praying and studying His Word. We can choose to put Him first at the beginning of each week by attending church and worshiping God with other believers. Our finances can help us make God our top priority if we commit to tithe faithfully. We can also choose to put Him first in our relationships by committing each one to God and allowing Him to accomplish His will through them. Finally, we can commit our energy to Him by keeping our priorities focused on the things God values and spending our energy on those things first. Through keeping God the center of our lives, day by day and week by week, we can learn how to keep our spirituality focused and simple.

1. Which of the things mentioned above do you find hardest to commit to God? Why do you think this area is particularly hard to surrender?
2. From work to chores around the house to social obligations, it often seems like time is the most precious commodity of them all. Why do you think God makes spending time with Him and other believers an important part of simplifying our spiritual lives?
3. The start of a new year is always a good time to reflect on what you have learned in the past twelve months. Think back to this time last year: What do you know about God starting this year that you didn't in January 2008? How can that serve as motivation to put God first in 2009?

January 11, 2009

This is the first in the series titled "Simplify Your Life".

Survey

With a new year beginning, I would like you to take a minute to look at the following questions pertaining to your Small Group. Please take a moment to respond to them for us, either through an email or print it out and drop it by the church.

January 4, 2009

December 28