FBC CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
All services have resumed with optional distancing and mask.
Sunday School at FBC
· Phases 1 & 2 – No on-campus SS. Adult SS groups are encouraged to meet online and/or in homes (10 or less if meeting in homes)
· Phase 3 – Possible return of on-campus SS for Adults and Students w/social distancing and modifications. Guidelines announced soon.
· Phase 4 – On-campus SS for all age groups.
Other details of the FBC Reopening Plan will be announced in the near future.
April 3, 2020
Worship options for Sunday, April 5:
- Drive-in Worship at the FBC parking lot at 10:45am. Attendants will direct parking. Please remain in your vehicle and Worship will be broadcast through an FM radio channel. Instructions will be provided. Restrooms will not be available as the buildings will be locked. Offering will be received as you leave Worship. This option is subject to change should a stay-at-home order be given.
- FBC Facebook live at 10:45am for those who do not wish to leave their home.
- Sunday Evening Discipleship message will be posted at 6:00pm on FBC Facebook.
The Church Office will remain closed April 4-10. FBC non-ministerial staff will have assigned hours on April 6 and April 10; however, the Church Office will not be open for visits.
Members are encouraged to call the Church Office to report ministry needs and/or prayer concerns or request information. Requests will be addressed in a timely manner.
Giving options:
- Mail: 310 S. Main
- Drop-off at the Church Office, April 6 and April 10 from 8:00-11:00am. Instructions are posted outside the Church Office.
- Online: www.onRealm.org If you do not have an account, you will need to provide the office with an email address to receive an invitation to create one (email, password). Click <Community>. Click <Giving>.
- Text FBCWarren to 73256.
- At conclusion of Drive-in Worship on April 5.
FBC CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
March 28, 2020
- Sunday Morning Worship will be live streamed on the church Facebook page on March 29 at 10:45am. Sunday Evening Discipleship message will be posted at 6:00pm. Encourage FBC family and friends to join.
- The Church Office will remain closed March 30 – April 3. FBC non-ministerial staff will have assigned hours on March 30 and April 3; however, the Church Office will not be open for visits.
- Members may continue to call the Church Office to report ministry needs and/or prayer concerns or request information. Requests will be addressed in a timely manner.
During this interruption in our regular schedule, tithes/offerings will continue to be received in the following ways:
- Drive-thru Offering directly following Morning Worship.
- Deacons will be stationed at each of the awnings so you will not need to get out of your vehicle.
- Drop-off at the Church Office, March 30 and April 3 from 8:00-11:00am. Instructions are posted outside the Church Office.
- Online: www.onRealm.org If you do not have an account, you will need to provide an email address to office for an invitation to create one (email, password). Click <Community>. Click <Giving>.
- Text "FBCWarren" to 73256.
FBC CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
March 17, 2020
The following changes in Church Office hours have been made in consultation with both the Personnel Committee and Administrative Team:
- · The Church Office will be open during regular office hours on Wednesday, March 18. We ask that those who must visit the office for church-related business keep their visit brief to allow staff to complete their responsibilities.
- · Beginning Thursday, March 19 and continuing through Friday, March 27 the Church Office will be closed. Members may continue to call the Church Office to report ministry needs and/or prayer concerns or request information. Requests will be addressed in a timely manner.
- · FBC non-ministerial staff will have assigned hours on March 23 and March 27; however, the Church Office will not be open for visits.
- · Members who deliver their tithes/offerings during the week are encouraged to bring them on either March 23 or March 27 from 8-11am. Instructions will be posted on the Office door. Members may also send their contributions through traditional mail or Realm.
These changes are made out of our desire to cooperate with “social distancing” requests from local, state, and national medical/governmental leaders and in consideration of the safety/security of our staff and their families.
FBC CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
March 14, 2020
We have been paying careful attention to recent developments regarding the Coronavirus. Please understand that the health of FBC members and the health of our neighbors weigh heavily in our decision-making.
Today, the decision was made to cancel Sunday Evening and Mid-Week Services until further notice. This was not an easy decision, but considering the health of many of our members, we believe this was the best course of action.
We will meet tomorrow morning for Sunday School and Worship at the regularly scheduled times. The FBC Response Task Force will update the church on our response plan. Dr. Kelly Jones will preach and lead us in response to the SBC’s Call to Prayer for the Coronavirus Global Pandemic. We look forward to gathering together to worship our Lord. We understand that some may choose to stay home. If you are not feeling well or have concerns regarding your age and/or health condition, please stay home. Use that time to read God’s Word and pray for your church.
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
March 13, 2020
With the heightened awareness and public concerns regarding the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), as well as the ongoing seasonal flu virus and common cold, we want to assure you that First Baptist Church takes the health and security of our members and our community seriously. We are monitoring the situation closely through information from the CDC, Arkansas Department of Health, and county/city officials. We will provide updates of any decisions made regarding our church ministry and services on our website (www.firstbaptistchurchwarren.com) and our Facebook page.
The Word of God reminds us that we should not respond in fear or panic. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment” (2 Timothy 1:7). Therefore, we will choose to remain calm, take precautionary actions, and trust in the Lord who is “our strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
Here is what we are doing right now:
- · We are following our regular schedule, including Sunday Morning, Sunday Evening and Mid-Week Services.
- · The FBC Office and FBC School are operating on regular hours.
- · In addition to our regular cleaning of church facilities, additional measures are being taken to keep our facilities clean, including special attention to hard surfaces in high-traffic areas.
- · Hand sanitizer dispensers are located throughout our facilities. Please use them.
- · Sunday School classes will be dismissed 5 minutes early to allow members/guests to wash their hands prior to entering for worship.
- · Bulletins will be available at tables for all who wish to have one. Greeters/ushers will not hand out bulletins.
- · Offering plates will not be passed during worship. Ushers will be stationed at each exit with plates to receive your tithes/offerings. Online giving is available through your Realm Connect link or text "FBCWarren to 73256.
Here is what we are asking you to do:
- · Pray. Prayer is always our first response. Pray for healing for those who are sick. Pray for those who are provided care for the infected. Pray for wisdom for our church leaders. Pray that God would receive glory in our actions, Gospel conversations would increase, and ministry needs will continue to be met.
- · Look for opportunities to serve people and have Gospel conversations. When people live with fear and anxiety, they are more open to hearing of the hope we have in Jesus!
- · If you are not feeling well, or have flu-like symptoms, please consult your doctor and stay home. Contact the church office and a pastor or deacon will contact you by phone for prayer.
- · Wash your hands regularly with soap and water. Experts encourage washing at least 20 seconds. Teach children to sing “Jesus Loves Me” while washing their hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- · Make use of hand sanitizing stations located throughout the facilities.
- · Greet one another with “Hello” or a smile. Refrain from shaking hands and hugging. This will be a challenge for us, but we ask that you make an effort.
- · If you cough or sneeze, please cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or the bend of your elbow.
- · If you have non-medical care needs beyond what is provided by family, or if you are infected or know of a member who is infected, please contact the church office. A pastor or a deacon will contact you by phone.
This situation is changing daily. Should new information require additional changes, we want you to know that leadership is prepared to make those changes. Any additional layer of precaution or change to the above will be communicated through our website and Facebook page. When changes are made, please share those changes with members who do not have access to these means of communication.