Dear FBC Family,
Yesterday, Governor Roy Cooper announced several proactive steps we should take to assist with social distancing to help curve the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The heartbeat of our church is “Love Does.” We are a people that cares deeply about our neighbors and we practice such every day. Our city knows it can count on us, especially in the most difficult times. To put the health care needs of our neighbors above our schedule to meet as a large congregation each Sunday; in consultation with the Chair of our Diaconate, the Chair of our Leadership Council, and our Pastoral Staff;
we have decided to suspend our Sunday worship services and large group gatherings for a minimum of two Sundays.
This decision is not made lightly.
Our corporate worship of God is a vital part of our lives. However, the consensus of medical experts like Dr. Jan Rhyne, an Infectious Disease Specialist that serves as the Chair of our Diaconate, is that the most effective strategy slowing down the spread of COVID-19 is mitigation and social distancing. We must do our part in order to be a part of the solution.
While we will not be gathering as a large group to worship, we will be offering each of you the opportunity to worship as a family or individually.
Here are our decisions:
- We will suspend all Sunday and Wednesday Activities through the next two weeks as suggested by the Governor’s office. Sunday March 15, 22 Wednesday March 18, 25. There will be a virtual worship service each week, which will be available via a link on the home page of our website and posted on our FBC Wilmington Facebook page.
- The Office will remain open during the week. However, if you have been out of the country the past 14 days or been exposed to the virus you should not enter the building. If you are currently experiencing any symptoms you should not enter the building.
- The Activities Center will be closed to large group gatherings beginning Saturday, March 14, 2020.
- Committee meetings will be communicated by your staff liaison. The use of technology is a recommended option if you choose to meet.
- The congregation is encouraged to present your financial offerings securing online (Click HERE), by mail or by calling the church office and setting up a bank draft to keep the church financially strong as we will continue to be involved with our mission partners that depend on us.
- While COVID-19 is an extremely fluid situation with new information coming out every day, the congregation will be kept updated through the website, email and social media.
We are not acting out of a posture of fear or panic but of faith and hope. Our God assures us that He is our Good Shepherd and we are the sheep of His pasture. God is fully aware of our situations and loves us deeply. As the Great Physician and Comforter, God gives us a spirit of peace that surpasses all understanding. We pray each of us will share with others the hope and peace we have by our faith in Jesus Christ.
Hopeful!
Dr. Jim Everette,
Chief of Staff
Bruce Lennon,
Chair of Leadership Council
Dr. Jan Rhyne, Chair of Deacons
