Dear Church Family,

Right now, much of the USA is practicing “social distancing” because of the coronavirus pandemic.  Schools, churches, event centers, businesses, and many other areas are closed.  Sports have come to a standstill.  Many of our citizens are “sheltering in place” at home.  And now one of our own, Tracey Mallory, is quarantined at home due to testing positive for the virus.  We are all trying to avoid this sickness, not only so we don’t get infected but so that we won’t infect others we love and care about.  So what more can we do?  Listen to what the Apostle Paul said in his letter to the church in Corinth:

“For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia.  For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we even despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death.  But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.  He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us.  On Him we have set our hope that He will deliver us again.  You also must help on our behalf, so that many will give thanks on our behalf, for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.”  (2 Corinthians 1:8-11)

As I said in Sunday’s sermon, we act only on what we believe.  So, let me put it to you this way – do you really believe praying changes things, alters the reality we find ourselves in, even changes the course of history?  Well according to this passage, Paul certainly did because he experienced it.  Has anything really changed from then to now.  No!  Prayer does change things!  Prayer, as we can see from this passage, was and is part of GOD’S RESCUE OPERATION!  Keep praying, there is much to pray for!

Speaking of prayer you are invited to a conference call prayer time on Wednesday @ 7pm and Sunday morning @ 11:30am.  The phone number is:  712-432-8399.  When prompted, you then enter the following code: 279785#.  Then just join in the discussion and prayer time.

Did you invite someone this past Sunday to view our on-line service?  Remember there is a “Mix House” gift card for someone who sends the most “shares” via their Facebook page.  So, invite someone to “church”.  This time they can’t say they have somewhere else to go.

Are you kids getting bored at home? (that’s quite the understatement, isn’t it)

Check out the church’s Facebook page.  Sabrina has posted some videos that could help keep the children entertained with bible stories.

I will also be posting some video devotionals from time to time on our church Facebook page that will speak to overcoming fear, anxiety and provide some hope and perspective during this difficult time.

The BIG announcement I made this past Sunday is that we WILL CONTINUE WITH OUR ON-LINE SERVICES THROUGH EASTER SUNDAY.   In fact, given the latest announcement from our government that all protocols will stay in place through April, we will most likely continue with our on-line service through the ENTIRE month of April.  This past Sunday you may have noticed that we were having some technical difficulties with broadcasting our service.  We got it corrected but I know it was frustrating for all of you watching.  Consequently, we will be recording the service at an earlier time and broadcasting it at 10am on Sunday morning.  It will still be available for later viewing after Sunday morning.

Additionally, we will:

• Keep the church office open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday this week from 9am-1pm.
• Update the prayer list each week and post it on the church website. Please update your existing prayer requests or submit new ones by sending an email to Judy at: bgbc@verizon.net

If you are not using REALM, our primary platform for church communication, now is the time to start using it!  Call the church office and talk with Judy and she’ll walk you through the process.  It’s easy, I promise, and you won’t regret it.  There won’t be a Sunday bulletin for a while, so all communication will come electronically (or by phone).  That means through the REALM platform (phone App), the church Facebook page or on the church website.

Doug Farris and the Deacons are taking the lead on ensuring those in our church family who are elderly and experiencing health issues are cared for.  Please contact any of our Deacons (check out their page on the website) if you have any concerns about someone, whether they are in our church family or not.

Finally, I leave you with this benediction;

Father God, stabilize our communities.

Unite us in our compassion.

Remove all fear from our hearts.

Fill us with confidence in your care.  AMEN.

I love you all,

Pastor Frank