Hi Folks,
I trust this finds you well and ready to get back to church again. I wanted to remind and update about a few things, and add a few comments.
First, we ARE planning to return to in-person services again this coming Sunday, August 2. We also plan on having Sunday School classes in the classrooms. Seats have been spread out. Again, if you desire, join us in the Fellowship Hall if you want to space out even further. We will also plan on starting back on Wednesday nights on August 5th (next week).
As we come back to church services, I want to encourage you to wear a mask, out of consideration for others. No, they are not required, but encouraged, especially as we are coming in and exiting, and making our way through the buildings. (I plan to wear a mask as well, except for when I am speaking.) If you forget yours, masks will be available at the entrances. And yes, we need to continue to practice social distancing.
If you are not yet comfortable coming in person, the services will continue to be available online. Please know that we really miss you, and look forward to seeing you again, but understand if you feel like you need to exercise caution. We all continue to pray that a day will come when this is completely behind us.
In three weeks from now, our annual Missions Conference will begin. The schedule will be available in the bulletin and online. In order to provide a safe, clean environment, none of the Missions Conference will be held on a Sunday evening. With that said, let me say this – PLEASE plan on being here for as much of the Missions Conference as possible. Prioritize this! Come hungry to hear, learn, and be challenged! Global missions is on God’s heart, and should be on ours! Under the circumstances, I know it will be a great encouragement to our missionaries to see a great crowd here service after service to hear about what God is doing in other places.
The Ingathering Offering will be taken on the morning of August 30th. If you are new, this is an annual offering that goes entirely to missions. The breakdown of where it goes will be in the Missions booklet, coming out in a few weeks. As you pray about what the Lord would have you contribute to that special offering, please be mindful of helping to catch us up financially due to the decreased offerings that occurred over the past few weeks when we did not meet.
Regarding our kids, please note the following…
- There is an AWANA workers meeting on August 5th, from 6:45-7:45 p.m.
- AWANA begins August 12th, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. each week.
- There is a BACK-TO-SCHOOL-KICKOFF again this year, and the details are as follows…
When: Saturday, August 8, 2020 from 6-8 p.m.
Where: Gym Counts, 1824 Clydesdale St., Maryville, TN 37801
Who: Anyone ages 4 yrs. old – 5th grade!
Pizza provided! Parents CAN drop off.
Regarding our Youth, please note the following…
STORM YOUTH Movie Night
WHEN: Friday, August 7th
TIME: 5:00 to 8:30 pm
WHERE: FBCF Children’s Center
Dinner will be served (Hamburgers & Hotdogs, and all the fixins’)
Plus, an 8-item movie Snack Bar
Again, I hope this finds you well, and continuing to face this world and its challenges fully equipped with the armor of God. This Sunday we will discuss the “helmet of salvation.” Join us and learn how to better protect your noggin. Stay safe. God bless.
Love you folks,
Pastor Bill
Bill Gowder
Lead Pastor
First Baptist Church Friendsville
(865)995-2130
