SO FAR, SO GOOD!   

 

I am currently unaware of anyone who is sick with COVID-19, including the folks from the Cuba Mission. They have almost made it to the end of their self-quarantine, and I bet they can't wait to celebrate and hug their families!    

 

For a feel-good story, click here to read about this 104-year old WWII vet, who beat the Spanish Flu in 1918, and COVID-19 this week. 

 

We do have several members who have friends or family living and working in the NYC area and they are really worried for them. Others of us have family and friends in healthcare here, or who are fragile and particularly vulnerable.  Please keep them all lifted in prayer. 

 

Our hearts and prayers go out to the Fauchers, Giordanos, and Ryans, who have lost loved ones to other illnesses, and also need your prayer and support. You can read more, and get addresses to send cards in the April Newsletter posted below.   

MAKING SENSE OF THE GUIDELINES FOR CHURCHES

Even though Gov. DeSantis recognized Religious Services as an essential activity, we are located in, and subject to the restrictions of, Hillsborough County. They say to follow the CDC Guidelines, which have evolved into encouraging everyone who can, to stay home. 

   

This is an excerpt from a notice I received from Hillsborough County, today:

"Religious Services are considered an essential activity under the statewide Stay at Home Order issued by Florida's Governor that takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, April 3. While the Governor's

order does not place any limitations on the number of people who can attend religious services or mandate social distancing, those attending in-person religious services are urged to follow the lifesaving advice from Centers for Disease Control.    

 

Here are some guidelines:

• Houses of worship and religious services are essential to the fabric of every community in Hillsborough County. To promote the safety and well-being of all people, public health experts recommend that all large gatherings, including religious services, be conducted online
  or through other communication technology whenever possible until the threat of the COVID-19 coronavirus has passed.

• Those who choose to attend religious services in-person should follow the public health and safety guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control.
  This includes providing at least 6 feet of space between attendees and avoiding gathering in groups larger than 10 people. By remaining at home whenever possible, and following the CDC guidelines, you can help stop the spread of the virus among your congregation, your friends, and your neighbors.

•  Leave your home only when absolutely necessary, limit gatherings to 10 people, and provide 6 feet of space between individuals."

WORSHIP ONLINE:  www.fantasticfirst.org

An archive of the past few weeks' sermons are on our home page.  A new sermon is posted every Sunday. 

Earlier I heard some rustling overhead, and I think this week's message from Pastor Rick is going to 'come from above'!

 

PICK YOUR OWN BIBLE STUDY (and more):   

 

Go to:  www.rightnowmedia.org 

Login:  [email protected]
PW:     mediaviewer

 

You can access this from a PC or download the app on your favorite device.

 

WHAT IS ZOOM AND HOW DO I USE IT?

 

Zoom is an app on your phone, tablet or computer that  people can use to meet together in real time. The church has a paid account and up to 100 people can meet at the same time for as long as they want.  Currently we are using it to gather for prayer, meetings, lessons, and I heard that tomorrow the kids are doing a virtual Palm Sunday Parade!  They even have a donkey that's going to join in!
 

 

 

It works best if you have a mic and camera, which are built in on smartphones, tablets and laptops.

 

Most desktop monitors do not have them built in, but you can buy a USB webcam wit h a built-in microphone, like this one, for about $20. 

 

   

SO HOW DO YOU USE IT?

 

First of all, everything you need for staying connected to the church can be found on our website.  So if you can't remember how to log in, just remember www.FantasticFirst.org

 

 Once you're there, scroll down and click on the zoom icon, or the zoom schedule.  You really can't miss it.

The first time you click it, it will install the app on your device. Then, go back to the website and click it again, every time you want to use it.

Once it is installed, every time you click the icon on our website, it will take you directly to our "zoom room". 

The Zoom Room Schedule is also posted on the website. You are welcome to join in on any of the classes and prayer times. The meetings are generally considered private.

So, that's it!   Just do it. 

FYI:  If you want to have private meetings with your family and friends, you can create your own private zoom room, for free. It will hold up to 100 people, but each meeting automatically closes after 40 minutes.  I had a nice time with all of my sons "together" last night. It was great to see their faces and KNOW that they are all doing okay. Go to https://zoom.us to create a personal account.

HOW ARE YOU?   I appreciate those of you who have emailed or called to tell us that you're okay. Keep those emails coming! 

[email protected] 

If you need prayer, you can post that at www.fantasticfirst.org/prayer   You can choose whether to post it on the web OR NOT, and whether to do so anonymously.  If you include your email address, you will be notified every time someone clicks that they prayed for you.