A Word from our FBC COVID Task Force
The FBC Covid-Task Force met most recently on July 29. This group continues to monitor how we share ministry safely during the ongoing Covid-19 health pandemic. Among items we are paying close attention to are the local metrics for community spread of the virus. This information is provided by the Bartholomew County Health Department and includes such things as the per capita positive rate of virus transmission, hospitalization numbers, covid testing rates and turnaround time, etc. Such metrics will help us determine if we can continue in-person gatherings, if we would need to consider going back to an online only version of worship, when and if we may be able to add additional ministry gatherings, such as Second Hour classes, Men of Faith Bible Study, full children’s ministry programming, etc.After our last meeting we were able to increase the Sanctuary in-person seating capacity and will be able to maintain those additional numbers provided there is strong compliance with covid-mitigating behaviors, including wearing face masks at all times (not removing them to sing, etc.). This change in our seating alignment still only provides for about 90 distanced seats, meaning that any attendance over that amount will be directed to overflow seating in the Chapel or Fellowship Hall. The alternative to such arrangements could be offering two identical Sunday sanctuary services in the future, however the task force did not see the need for this at present. We will consider another future outdoor worship opportunity toward the late summer/early fall timeline. Various ministry teams, along with this task force, continue to meet in order to provide oversight to our safe and meaningful engagement as a congregation.
Your feedback, comments and questions are welcome and can be addressed to: Pastor Dan Cash, Ben Slaton (task force chair) or Jeff Caldwell (Church Council chair).
This Sunday – Aug 9 “In Person” and “Live Stream” Worship
We are beginning a new six-week worship/preaching series called “Prayers of the People,” as we look a six scripture prayers from both the Old and New Testaments.
This week’s topic: “Prayers of the People – Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom”
Scripture: I Kings 3:5-12
Noon Prayer – Every Week on Tuesday and Thursday:
Our virtual Noon prayer gatherings are continuing via Zoom on Tuesdays & Thursdays. Come join us as we practice praying Scripture together in preparation for our coming sermon series!
The link for this Zoom gathering is found on our website: www.firstbaptistcolumbus.org
FBC Family Hymnsings – Today & August 19 at Noon
Join Pastor Daniel for a Hymnsing online that can be viewed anytime via Livestream! The past two are available here: https://firstbaptistcolumbus.org/video/
Send requests via Church Online Platform: https://firstbaptistcolumbus.online.church
Bell Ringers Wanted!
As we look ahead to the fall, we want to stay creative for how we gather. One way we can do this is through informal bell ringing sessions, or “Bell Jam Sessions.” These sessions are available to anyone, no matter your experience. This is simply a chance for us to gather, make, and learn about music together. Bell Sessions won’t be scheduled until after labor day, but if you are interested – email Pastor Daniel at dkane@fbccolumbus.org to let him know. This is a non-commitment, non-performance opportunity.
Men, Do You Enjoy Bowling?
FBC has a men’s bowling team that meets on Monday evenings and participates in the local church league. We are looking for more men to join our team! No experience required! If interested, see Joe Hamon.
Grace and Peace,
Pastors Dan Cash and Daniel Kane
First Baptist Church – Columbus, IN |
