Update 3/13/2020 6:37 PM
EHBC, After conferring with some of our Leadership, here is the plan for Sunday. We will NOT have Sunday School. We WILL have Morning Worship with protocols mentioned earlier. We will NOT have the Spaghetti lunch planned due to noodle shortage and likely low crowd. We WILL have Awana and evening worship. The governor wants the schools to close for the next two weeks. We will do the same to minimize the opportunity for this virus to get a foothold in our county and city, and assist in keeping people out of large crowds who are vulnerable. No services Wednesdays or Sundays for the next two weeks.
I know this seems like drastic measures, but I suggest using this time for family gatherings on a smaller scale to worship, have Bible studies, perform ministry to one another and others, and above all to pray. Giving can be done online (please click button in post below or chose Give Online in Menu) to assist in the financial needs of the church, but also to give to the AAEO for missions. This will be an opportunity for our church to show love to the community by partnering with them to address the concerns of large gatherings and the spread of COVID 19. We will keep you posted should any of this change.
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EHBC, I’m making a brief post concerning the COVID-19 virus on this page, and will soon appear on church website, and other pages concerning changes to our way of doing things for the immediate future.
1. First—Let’s understand this is a real concern to many people and many of our older folks are particularly vulnerable to this virus. Let us model faith with prudence.
2. Next–As of this morning (3/13/2020), Alabama has a confirmed case of the virus—we need to take certain precautions. We will suspend our usual greeting time in the service and ask people to refrain from shaking hands or hugging, even before, during, and after small groups and worship.
3. We will not pass offering plates—but make them available at the doors for your offerings to be placed at the end of the service. I ask those handling money to take extra precautions with hand washing after handling envelopes and money (this is good advice outside church as well). Wash your hands a lot!
4. If we are informed by local authorities that it is prudent and even necessary to cancel large gatherings–we will comply to show our own concern about not spreading the virus and our concern to our community. You will be notified by ChurchCast and Facebook.
5. Should we have to cancel our meetings, I would remind our folks of the financial needs that are ongoing for the church Give online here!, and also to use the time to pray, have family worship, and do personal Bible Study. Podcast will allow you to listen to sermons you may have missed.
6. If you have compromised health issues—please do not take the risk of being around large crowds right now. Also, be aware that visiting those who have compromised health are vulnerable and you may be contagious before showing symptoms. Many of our hospitals and nursing homes are already restricting or denying visits.
7. I will keep you updated as to what we are doing—but I want to get this information out so you will know we are addressing this in a way that demonstrates faith over fear, but also prudence in the face of a threat.
8. Above all—pray for our nation, our leaders, our health providers, those who are presently sick, for those who are most threatened, and for the Lord to intervene and minimize the harm and loss of life this virus, and the fear of it, is doing to everyone. The SBC Executive Committee and the Executive Secretary of the Alabama Baptist Convention has asked that all churches take time on March 15th to pray for our nation and those being affected by the virus. We will pray.
9. Praying for all of you!!!! Read Psalm 91 and trust in the Lord!
Bro. Walter Blackman
Worship Services
Sunday Mornings 10:30 AM
Sunday Evening 6 PM
Sunday School
Sunday 9:15 AM
Prayer Meeting
Wednesday 6:30 PM
AWANA
Sunday Evening 5:00 PM
