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We want to provide our church family with regular updates as we monitor information related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) and its impact on Faith Baptist and our community.
(Latest update March 27, 2020 at 9:00 pm) |
Services This Weekend
Faith Baptist Church will NOT be holding any worship services or related activities on Wednesday, March 25 and on Sunday, March 29. Please know that our church office remains open during regular business hours.
This decision is based on the following two things:
If you are able to use Facebook Live please do. If one person or one-hundred people watch our live feed on Facebook Live, it only counts as "one viewer" to our servers and system. Let's leave our website for new visitors, first-time streamers or people that do not have Facebook.
For information about the potential cancellation of other ministry events this weekend, ministry leaders will be in contact with those affected.
Please know, Faith family, that this is a decision your leaders did not come to lightly. We did not cancel services out of fear of a virus, but out of Christlike love for the most vulnerable among us, and honoring the wishes of governmental leaders who have been tasked with leading our larger society in these times.
Also, please remember that Great Commission and Great Commandment ministry never stops. Look for opportunities, in a time of great social unrest and even panic, to demonstrate the love of Jesus. Check on your neighbors. Maybe even invite some lost friends to watch Pastor Mick's sermon with you on Sunday morning! Perhaps his message of hope and faith will resonate with them now more than ever.
We'd also like to share two more reminders of practical importance:
How Can We Pray?
We should remember the words of Paul to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:7: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." With that spirit, pray along the following lines:
This decision is based on the following two things:
- The MANDATE of North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper to not hold gatherings of more than 50 people.
*Gatherings that draw more than 50 people are prohibited under Executive Order 120 issued by Governor Roy Cooper on March 23. It mandates that organizers of events that draw more than 50 people cancel, postpone or modify these events or offer online streaming services. These events include large gatherings where people are in close contact (less than 6 feet), such as concerts, conferences, sporting events, faith-based events and other large gatherings.
...Violations of this section or orders issued pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 166A 19.30 may be subject to prosecution pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § l 66A 19.30(d) and is punishable as a Class 2 misdemeanor in accordance with N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-288.20A. - Concern for the well-being of those who are at high risk of infection from the coronavirus, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions.
If you are able to use Facebook Live please do. If one person or one-hundred people watch our live feed on Facebook Live, it only counts as "one viewer" to our servers and system. Let's leave our website for new visitors, first-time streamers or people that do not have Facebook.
For information about the potential cancellation of other ministry events this weekend, ministry leaders will be in contact with those affected.
Please know, Faith family, that this is a decision your leaders did not come to lightly. We did not cancel services out of fear of a virus, but out of Christlike love for the most vulnerable among us, and honoring the wishes of governmental leaders who have been tasked with leading our larger society in these times.
Also, please remember that Great Commission and Great Commandment ministry never stops. Look for opportunities, in a time of great social unrest and even panic, to demonstrate the love of Jesus. Check on your neighbors. Maybe even invite some lost friends to watch Pastor Mick's sermon with you on Sunday morning! Perhaps his message of hope and faith will resonate with them now more than ever.
We'd also like to share two more reminders of practical importance:
- As you consider your own personal health and safety, and that of your family, pay attention to reputable sources of information, and don't rely solely on social media for updates. Some good sources include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Coronavirus page and North Carolina's Department of Health and Human Services's recommendation on community events and group gatherings.
- For members of Faith, you can still support our church through regular giving by giving online through this page .
How Can We Pray?
We should remember the words of Paul to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:7: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." With that spirit, pray along the following lines:
- God is sovereign, and in control of everything. As believers, our highest joy is not found in our own personal safety or even health, but in the outworking of His will in all events. To that end, pray that through this outbreak the Gospel will go forward and that men, women and children will be saved.
- Pray for wisdom for leaders in government and medicine as they respond to this outbreak. Pray they would put the interests of other before their own, and that they would respond wisely and appropriately.
- Pray for medical personnel who will be treating the sick. Pray for their own safety and health as they work selflessly to serve others.
- Pray for those who would be considered at high-risk: Seniors, those with pre-existing medical conditions, etc. Pray they would be wise in their precautions and protected from illness.
- Pray for Christians all over the world to respond to this situation with faith and not fear, allowing the Holy Spirit to give them the peace that passes all understanding.
We will share updates about future services and gatherings at www.faith-baptist.com/coronavirus, so please visit the page for the latest information.