First Baptist Church Family,

 Thank the Lord that we are coming out of the COVID-19 shutdown. Many people have been vaccinated and are returning to church. So welcome back! 

The experts tell us to maintain social distancing and wearing masks until the nation reaches herd immunization, and not all of us have been vaccinated yet. Since we are meeting outside through May (while our sanctuary air condintioner is being replaced), people feel safer. Even so, we are spacing our chairs. Some people are ringing their own chairs. 

One thing is certain as we return, things are different. We moved from two services before Caronavirus to one blended service. Here's how we can press on as we return meeting together:

First, love your neighbor. Even with careful social distancing on the decline, we can reach out to those around us. Do you know someone who may be alone, new to the area, or does not have a home church? Get to know them and offer help. Call if you feel uneasy about a face-to-face meeting.

Second, love your church family. Stay connected. Get in touch with your deacon and let him or her know how you’re doing. If you are new to our church, you may not be part of a deacon family yet. If that is the case or you are not sure who your deacon is, please call the church office. As we meet back together and things are a little different than a year ago, be patient. Be loving. Be willing to adapt as we move forward better together.

Third, love the Lord. Experience church with us this Sunday morning, 10:30 on campus or online.

This is also the time to pray. Here are some suggestions on what to pray:

 Pray for our nation and world. 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 (NIV) When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, ¹⁴if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.   “Lord, I pray that Your people will humbly come to you and turn from any wicked way. Forgive us and heal our land. I pray that people who do not yet know You will become strong believers as a result of this global wake-up call.”

 Pray for people’s health and for them to stay strong in spirit. 3 John 1:2 (NLT2) Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit. “Father, I pray that those who are healthy will stay healthy. I also pray that those who are fighting sickness or injury will return to health sooner than later. Above all, I pray that we will continually get stronger in spirit, in spite of how our bodies get along.”

   Pray for First Baptist Church. James 1:5-8 (NIV) If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. ⁶But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; ⁸he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. “Lord,

Look for God through all this and thank Him. James 1:2-4 (NIV) Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. ⁴Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT2) Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. “Lord, I sure don’t understand all that is happening around the world right now. But by faith I thank You and I’m looking for the joy in this trial of suffering. Help me to see You through all the pain, confusion, fear, and uncertainties in our world.”

A frequently asked question is “How do I continue to give my tithes and offerings?” Here are four ways you can give from your home or smart phone:

1. Drop it in the offering boxes when you come to church (we are still refraining from passing the plate). 

2. Text BeCheerful to 73256 anytime, anywhere.

3. Give online through our website: firstbaptisthartsville.org

4. Automatic bank check (bill pay). Contact your bank to set this up.

5. Mail your gift to the FBC office, drop by and hand it to Ruth, or drop it in the locked mail box just outside the office door.

Please call your deacon or the church if you or someone you know needs help.

I look forward to connecting with you on Sunday,

Pastor Greg Boyd