Weekly Update – November 19th, 2020
As many of you have heard, there have been updated orders released by Jackson County regarding the spread of Covid 19. By God’s grace, the county exempted churches from this updated order, so we will continue to meet and function as we have been for the past several weeks. This has been a sticky issue since the beginning. There is no real black and white of it, which is why decisions regarding how we will function as a church require much prayer and wisdom from the Lord. Briefly, here is the balance we are trying to strike as a church in our decision to meet:
First, on the one hand, as a church we believe that what we do is essential. Hebrews 10:25 is clear about “not neglecting to meet together.” The reason why Hebrews, as well as the rest of scripture, places so much emphasis upon meeting together is because of how necessary we are to each other’s faith. In addition to that, as a gathered body we display God to the world in a unique way. Without each other, our faith and our display of it begins to weaken.
Second, on the other hand, we believe that with a virus as contagious and its symptoms as wide-ranging as they are, that we need to be responsible in how we conduct ourselves. We require masks for everyone who are indoors, we require social-distancing and we even take temperature checks for all of the kids in our children’s ministry. We as a church want to continue to ask those who have been exposed to Covid 19 or who show any symptoms of this virus to remain at home. Along those same lines, we also completely understand those who are susceptible to the more severe side effects of this virus staying isolated.
Therefore, again, we can be thankful for the updated orders of Jackson County exempting churches. This prevents even more difficult decisions from being made. At the same time, we believe that our meetings are not just add-ons to our lives, but in fact are essential to our spiritual well-being. This means that we will continue to meet under the current guidelines, while at the same time, we will act responsibly in caring for those around us as we worship the Lord.
This week we will continue in the Sermon on the Mount. We will look at Matthew 5:43-48 as we consider “Living as Sons of God.” I hope that you will join us in person or via livestream.
Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson
Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson
Announcements:
Christmas Baskets: This year, in connection with Conn-West Elementary, we will be putting together 4 Christmas baskets. First Baptist will supply the turkeys, but we are asking you to help supply some of the other items. HERE is a list of what we need. Please drop these needed items in the basket in the foyer by December 13th.
Church Directory: In December we will begin the process of putting together a new church directory. This directory will come with a few more add-ons than our last one, one of which includes an online component. Dates for pictures will be on December 7th and 8th for those who feel comfortable getting out. For others who are not able to have their pictures taken on this date, another date will be added in the spring. Go HERE for more information about how to sign up online for a slot, or sign up on Sunday morning in the welcome center.
Special Called Members’ Meeting: On Wednesday, December 9th, there will be a special called members’ meeting to approve the 2021 budget. We will meet in the sanctuary at 7:00pm.
Health Guidelines: With no changes from the Health Department, we will continue in Phase 2.5 here in Jackson County. That means masks are still required. You can find the official guideline on mask wearing from the health department HERE. You can also find a video that outlines what Phase 2.5 looks like for our church HERE.
Awana
Every Sunday at 5:45pm, children ages 3 years to 6th grade are invited to join us for Awana. You can view our health guidelines for this ministry HERE.
Bible Study
We are currently in a study through the book of James. We will meet in the Fellowship Hall on Sundays at 9:15am. You can find a video explaining what to expect during our Bible Study hour HERE.
Giving
To Give Online, Go HERE.
You can also mail your offering to 1416 Main Street, Grandview, MO. 64030
Prayer
An updated Prayer Guide can be accessed HERE.
Prepare for Sunday
Guide for Worship can be found HERE.
Join us and invite a friend or family member to watch with you.
Worship Service
Worship Service begins at 10:30am on Sunday mornings. Nursery care for children ages 0-3 years is available during the worship hour. You can find the health guidelines for the nursery HERE.
Livestream
Continue to join us at 10:30am on Sunday mornings.
Facebook live: HERE.
YouTube: HERE.
Guide for Worship can be found HERE.
Join us and invite a friend or family member to watch with you.
Sunday School
Children and Youth Sunday School take place at 9:15am on Sunday mornings.
Grades 1st – 5th meet upstairs in U-5.
You can find the health guidelines for these classes HERE.
0 Comments