Dear Church Family,

When I first came to the church I had a church member who attends the Sanctuary service tell me that she would never attend the early FMC service.  She told me that, “she is still in her PJs at that time.”  Well I bet we had a lot of church members in their PJs this past Sunday as we launched our first on-line service and by all accounts it was very successful.  Many responded with comments such as; “Thank you for the service and prayer time.  It was great to be together in spirit if not actually together.  I needed this!” 

This is also a great time to invite family and friends who may not otherwise attend our services.  Especially during this time when people are feeling anxious and disconnected and maybe even isolated.  Perhaps they are thinking about God and spiritual things, like never before.  What an opportunity that presents for us who are Christians and church members.  Now is a great time to reach out and invite others to tune in.  One of church members did just that.  Here’s is what she said in an email to me; “Thank you – a lot of my family members watched that are shut in near Lake Anna.  You received great reviews and my Dad loved it – so I wanted to try to get him up to speed this week by watching the previous recordings and get into this series!”  Thank you again – miss all the smiling faces but we are still holding strong here!” 

It doesn’t matter whether we are “gathered” or “scattered.”  We are the people of God and He is still among us providing hope, peace, comfort, patience and strength.

Sunday morning I mistakenly gave out the wrong phone number for the “conference call prayer time.”  Here is the correct number:  712-432-8399.  When prompted, you then enter the following code:  279785#.  Then you just join in the discussion and prayer time.  We have moved the Sunday prayer time from 11:15pm to 11:30pm.  And we have added another time this Wednesday, at 7pm.  

Additionally, you will be receiving an update from Sabrina Farris concerning our Children’s Ministry.  She will providing a link to “LifeWay Kids” which is a SBC platform that families can utilize to help their children with bible lessons.  Sabrina is also preparing some videos to be posted on our BGBC Pathways Facebook page where she will be reading stories from a children’s Bible.

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.

As a reminder we will:

  • Only have on-line services on March 29 and April 5th at 10am which will be live-streamed on our Facebook page. These are also recorded and can be viewed at a later time, at your convenience.
  • Keep the church office open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday this week from 9am-1pm. 
  • Suspend all church activities, meetings and ministry events.

I know many of you are wondering about Easter.  I can’t tell you at this time what the plan will be.  We need to get a little closer and see what our political leaders and health care professionals are telling us based on the conditions of the COVID-19 virus and the impact it is having in our community and country.  So, stay tuned.

Speaking of tuning in.  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, grant peace to all who are suffering during this time,

Have mercy upon them who have been hurt by this disease,

Give to those who lead us wisdom and discernment and a passion for unity,

Give us strength and grace to help each other and faith that we might believe

in your great power to overcome all that is before us.

 

I love you all,

Pastor Frank