Coronavirus Week Three

I really miss being with everyone. And I can tell from social media and phone calls that y’all miss each other, too. Won’t it be wonderful when we are back together?!

In the meantime, here are some updates.

1. The President has extended the federal guidelines for social distancing through April 30 , so it’s going to be a while before we are able to gather physically. At some point, we may be making the call week to week as to when we will return to our “in person” worship. When we are going to be able to get back together we’ll make sure everyone gets the word. You’ll probably hear me shout!

2. I’m tweeting very brief devotions each morning at 7:30am based on the previous sermon. I’d love to have you join me. If you are on Twitter already, you can follow me at  @revnref . If you're not on Twitter, that's okay! Just check  twitter.com/refnrev  each morning to see that day's devotional thought. 

3. Thank you so much for engaging with your various groups on-line . That has been a wonderful (if less-than-ideal) way to stay connected.

4. I’m thrilled with your response to Scott Day’s call to minister to people in need and keep in touch with our most isolated, most vulnerable members.

5. Remember to invite your friends to join us via TV (WHNT) at 10:30am on Sunday mornings, or at 8:15am and 10:30am online. To gather with us for worship online , go to  www.fbchsv.org/live , to Facebook Live from our church account, or to livestream.com/fbchsv  .

6. John Lemons’ digital inspirational message was popular last Wednesday at 7pm . Various ministers will be doing that each Wednesday evening. If you are on Facebook, join us there Wednesday at 7pm. If you are not on Facebook, you will still be able to find the video message at  www.fbchsv.org/newsfeed  or the next day at  www.fbchsv.org/coronavirus .

7. If you need a minister , you still may call the church. We are checking our voicemails and will get back to you.

8. So many of you have asked about how to remain faithful in your financial stewardship during these times. Of course the mail is still running, but if you’re interested in electronic contributions, see the article below.

9. Holy Week is going to seem particularly unusual, but we are going to try and provide meaningful opportunities for us to worship as a family. Scott Day is going to be taping a Maundy Thursday observance that we will send out so that we all can follow in our homes. If all goes as planned, on Good Friday we are going to broadcast a 30-minute Tenebrae service live at 7:00pm (station yet unknown). It will be a “skeleton crew,” but we want to make that available to our community on such a holy night. We also encourage you to put your crosses (if you still have yours from last year) up in your yard as a sign of your faith and celebration.

Four years ago, on Palm Sunday, I preached my first sermon as your pastor. I’m more thrilled than ever that you invited me to serve you. This coming Palm Sunday, on TV and online, we will celebrate again together, including communion. 

It is an honor to be…

Your Pastor,
Travis
Sunday, April 5, 2020
Our Building will be closed but please worship with us by tuning in:

Online Service Streaming Options:

TV Broadcast 
The service on Sunday April 5th will be covered in its entirety by WHNT in the 10:30am time slot.

Sunday Morning Bible Study
Many of your class are meeting virtually! Check with your bible study leaders on how to connect for bible study with your class.

*SPECIAL NOTE*
If your bible study class meets virtually please submit your attendance online!
Submit either through Mosaic or email your class attendance to your ministry area.
Young Adults - youngadults@fbchsv.org
Median Adults - medianadults@fbchsv.org
Experienced Adults - lisa@fbchsv.org
Financial Stewardship

Some may not realize that almost 75% of our offerings are usually given by checks on Sundays. Of course, these are not usual times! Please consider signing up for some form of electronic giving OR simply mail a check to FBC, 600 Governors Drive, Huntsville, AL 35801.

There are several ways to give electronically:
 
Online Banking – If you already pay bills through your bank, you can set up First Baptist as a payee. You would simply need the name and address (600 Governors Drive, Huntsville, AL 35801) to set that up on your own. You would initiate all payment amounts and dates.

Mosaic – Electronic giving is easy through our website at  www.fbchsv.org/giving . You can also set up a recurring gift if you don’t want to initiate payments each week or month.

Direct Withdrawals – The finance office can automatically withdraw your tithes and offerings each week (Fridays) or month (last Friday of the month.) Fill out this authorization form , mail to Alison at First Baptist, and note when you would like the withdrawals to begin.

If you have any questions about your giving or timing of gifts, please contact Alison at 256-428-9417 or alison@fbchsv.org .
Family Matters

Christian Sympathy
Mary Jo Deaver in the loss of her aunt, Peggy McCorkle .

Barbara Frady in the loss of her sister and Greg (Sherrie) Frady and Mark (Gina) Frady in the loss of their aunt. Lodema Martin.
GENERATIONS Commitments
If you would like to have your GENERATIONS commitment withdrawn automatically - or change your current auto withdrawal to reflect your commitment, please contact alison@fbchsv.org.
Stewardship Report
Sunday, March 29, 2020 Week 26

Offerings:
Goal: $2,400,750
This week: $78,516.79
YTD: $2,500,505.57
 
GENERATIONS
Gifts to Date: $1,176,340.38
 
Debt Retirement:
This week: $500.00
YTD: $60,751.89
 
Mosaic:
This week: $1,234.00
YTD: $73,242.50
CARES Act 2020 and FBC
 
FBC has always been committed to our employees, and that doesn't change during uncertain times like these, but it's not easy. For example, our WEE (Weekday Early Education) is closed, as are all schools. That means no income to pay our teachers and workers. We have been paying them, however, and want to continue to do that as long as possible. Of course, we want to meet our obligations to  all  our staff. For that reason, your Finance Committee met online Sunday to consider whether the church should take advantage of the Payroll Protection Act under the new CARES Act. The committee made a unanimous recommendation to the Leadership Council that we apply. In a subsequent online meeting, the Leadership Council unanimously endorsed the recommendation. As soon as applications are available, FBC will take advantage of this opportunity to continue our ministry and mission in these uncertain times. 

As Baptists, we have a natural aversion to taking money from the government. In this case, however, there are no strings attached. We understand there are no restrictions that would hamper our Christ-centered mission. Thus, if our request is granted, we can receive the funds without conflict of conscience.  
Easter Flowers

Several years ago, FBC started using white geraniums for Easter memorials for honorariums. In order to have the plants in bloom by Easter, it was necessary to place an order for the plants by October 1, 2019. In view of the Coronavirus situation, no Easter service, and our obligation to purchase the plants we ordered, we would like to give FBC members the option to purchase the plants for personal use or to share with friends, family, or neighbors who might not be able to get out during this time.

The plants were ordered from Earth Touch, a business known for top quality plants. Cost of each plant is $10.00. Please have exact amount in cash or check made payable to FBC.

We will be set up outside entrance #1 by the main office on Thursday, April 9, between 1:00 and 4:00 and on Friday, April 10, between 9:00 and 12:00. In order for us to follow the guidelines for social distancing, we are asking that you form a line coming from Governors around the drive in front of the WEE entrance. Stay in your vehicle until you get to entrance #1. Once you reach the entrance, only one person at a time should leave their car to purchase the flowers.  If you wish to reserve flowers, please contact Brenda Bounds at 256.679.3397.
Mosaic Update
 
The installation of the center panel of the Cosmic Christ mosaic, originally scheduled for April, has been postponed. The creation of this final panel was completed in Italy in February, and the tiles were shipped prior to the implementation of travel restrictions. The tiles have been received at FBC, and the installation will be rescheduled for sometime this fall. The Mosaic Dedication/Celebration scheduled for May will also be rescheduled for later this year.
 
Our Italian mosaicist friends are all fine for now. One of them just added a new family member last week, and grandparents hope to be able to visit them soon. Another is sheltered in place with family in Italy, and one was working in the US on the west coast and got the last flight out. He got as far as Amsterdam and is staying with family there. We look forward to reuniting with them later this year, and celebrating their marvelous work as they complete the restoration of our iconic art.
Website Tutorials
During the times we are in, it might be helpful to have a refresher on where to find resources on our website that are important to you! See the videos below!
Where to find Mosaic
Where to find the Messenger and
Bible Study Access
Now is a great time to sign up for RightNow Media if you haven't already! Get access to the latest discipleship resources including over 20,000 Christian videos on  RightNow Media! Follow this  link  and sign up today!
Weekend Minister on Call: 256-428-9457
Church Office: 256-428-9400
 First Baptist Huntsville
600 Governors Drive Southwest, Huntsville, Alabama 35801