Due to the spread of COVID-19 we will be revising our calendar. We will update you as soon as possible. If you would like more information & updates on Brenham’s First Baptist Church’s response to the Corona Virus go to http://fbc-brenham.org/covid-19-response-info/
For more information on any events please visit the church website:
www.fbc-brenham.org
www.facebook.com/BrenhamsFirstBaptistChurch
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS:
Mon - Thurs: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Fri: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm.
Brenham’s First Baptist Church Contact Info: Ph: (979) 836-2807 Fax: (979) 830-0122 info@fbc-brenham.org
Mailing address: PO Box 600 Brenham, TX 77834
It is no wonder that prayer is something we struggle to make real in our life. Nevertheless, I want us to take this time of crisis in our world and see this season as a school of prayer. First, pray about everything. One of the lessons I have learned from people who have taught me about prayer is to take everything – no matter how big or small – to God in prayer. J. Hudson Taylor, a missionary to China in the 19th century and one of the most powerful examples of God working through a life of prayer, said it this way: “I myself, for instance, am not especially gifted, and am shy by nature, but my gracious and merciful God and Father inclined Himself to me, and when I was weak in faith He strengthened me while I was still young. He taught me in my helplessness to rest on Him, and to pray even about little things in which another might have felt able to help himself.” Therefore, I want to encourage you as you go about each day to take every fear, anxiety, and need and turn these into prayers before God. Second, pray before anything else. Once again, it is common to pray as a last resort. When we have tried everything else, then we pray. I encourage you to begin a new rhythm of making prayer your first response to whatever is happening. It does not have to be a long prayer with flowery language. Instead, it can be as simple as a few sentences spoken to God. I believe if we will take this time – a time of real challenges, fears, and struggles – and plant the seed of a renewed prayer life, then God will water our faith so that this will be a season of blossoming faith. The result may be that this time, while difficult, becomes a season where we see God do some things in our life we might not experience during more “normal” seasons. Therefore, once again, I hope you will accept this invitation: pray about everything and before anything else.
From Pastor Ross
In the midst of all the fear, anxiety, and concern that so many are experiencing right now, I want to encourage you to do one practice: pray about everything and before anything else. While we are living in a difficult and painful season in the life of our world because of the COVID-19 virus, I also see a chance for us to grow in prayer. The reality I have found in my life and the lives of so many other Christians is this: -We talk about prayer more than we pray. -We tell people we will pray for them and never do. -We enjoy Bible studies on prayer more than praying. -We make prayer perfunctory but nothing more. -We make bold commitments to pray but struggle to honor the commitment. -We struggle with how to pray. -We do not make time to pray. -We wonder if prayer is really worth it or whether it actually does anything. -We pray when we have tried everything else.
A Letter From Reba
Dear Friends, As I sit down to share some thoughts with you it is a beautiful spring day just two days after Easter. Easter was different this year, with all of us in our homes due to the Covid 19 virus. As I was thinking of writing this article an old song came to mind, I’d like to share. I hope you don’t tire of me using song lyrics to speak to you. This is the second verse of the old song. Never Alone. The world’s fierce winds are blowing, Temptations are sharp and keen; I feel a peace in knowing My Savior stands between; He stands to shield me from danger, When earthly friends are gone, He promised never to leave me, Never to leave me alone. Did you hum that as you read it? I know we sang the chorus a lot, but I felt like these words of the second verse were so great for the time we are going through right now I hope you find peace in knowing that God is here for us no matter what life puts in our path. I’d like to take a minute to also wish our mothers a very happy Mother’s Day, and I hope you will be able to be with your family to celebrate. I was blessed to come from a Christian home, and I am forever thankful. Blessings, Reba Pair
Music Ministry News Greetings, Church Family! I hope you are all well and hopefully are finding yourselves recharged and renewed after most of us have been forced to take a step back and slow down a bit! We’ve certainly been missing you all around here and are excitedly awaiting the day that we can safely be back together! I thought I would just give you a quick update on the Covin household: Everyone is doing very well and making the most of their time at home. The kids have been doing a pretty good job of getting their school work knocked out in the mornings (thanks, Mom), and then are on to their various favorite activities du jour, mixed with a smattering of light chores throughout the day. A couple great things about having six kids: 1. You’ve always got company 2. We have a built in workforce! We have been trying to take advantage of some extra time in the evenings and on weekends to accomplish some projects around the house (TLC on the lawn, rearranging and decorating the girls’ room, cleaning and organizing the garage, etc.) We are celebrating with my brother, Brad and his wife, Krystal, on the birth of their first born daughter, Bree Ann Covin. We are hoping to get to meet her face to face (mask) in the near future, but have had to settle for video chat thus far. We also found out that Bonnie is expecting number seven - another boy - in October! So everyone is excited and looking forward to the fall and our new addition! Love you, Church! Charles Covin
Thank yous And Sympathies
Hope Rising Ministries would like to express our heartfelt appreciation for your generous contribution to our mission. We want you to know that we will be great stewards for these funds, bringing hope and healing to our girls. Thank you! The Hope Rising Team
-Sally Justus and family in the passing of her husband, David. -Judy and Dan Bishop in the loss of her mom, Burnell Waters.
From Troy's Heart Well, we are in our second month of Covid-19 Social Distancing. We are in some very unusual times aren’t we? As we have been inundated with the phrase “Social Distancing”, in my thinking, I like the phrase, “Physical Distancing”, better. Although, I understand why we have emphasized the “social” aspect of this crisis, the truth is we are all social people! No matter how much space there is between us, we will continue to socialize. However, it just looks different right now. For two months, we have found different ways to socialize at a physical distance. FaceTime, Zoom, SnapChat, Texting, Facebook and good ol’phone calls have been more prevalent around most households as a way to socialize and this is good. In fact, the Sikes family Zoomed on Easter Sunday! Who would have “thunk it?” The value of our socialization and the desperate need to relate to one another physically has been one of the revelations of this virus. I believe that for us in the church, we have taken for granted the value of gathering and community. Now, without it for the past two months, we long for physical closeness! Forget the handshakes, I can’t wait to hug my church friends. Remember Jesus’ story of the shepherd looking for the lost sheep? What did he do when he found it? He threw it over his shoulders and carried it home. The shepherd hugged the sheep tight. Remember Jesus’ story of the Prodigal Son? What did the father do when he saw his son? Ran and hugged him! I believe God is a Father who loves to be physically close. I believe we are like Him as well. Yes, continue to socialize safely, at a physical distance. BUT, when it comes time for us to be together, embrace the closeness. Shoot, we may even bring back the “holy kiss”…probably with a mask?? I love you, Troy
Focus of the Month: Pray!!! Please note what items are NOT allowed: toothpaste, liquids, candy. Suggestions for boys and girls of all ages: Comb, brush, toothbrush, washcloth, bar soap, reusable plastic containers, band aids, cup, water bottle, plate, bowl, blunt edge utensils, blanket, non-liquid lip balm, flashlight (solar powered, hand crank,or with extra batteries), nail clippers, file, stick deodorant.
Small Groups, Big News Yes we haven’t been able to meet together for two months, but that hasn’t stopped us from doing the ministry of small groups! Over the past eight weeks, our small group leaders and members are doing BIG work. Four of our classes weekly use online applications(Facebook & Zoom) to see each other and conduct Bible Studies and fellowships. Some of our Home Teams are also doing weekly Zoom meetings to continue to help each other “do life” together, but separate(LOL). For those classes and groups not using audio visual computer applications, they are doing a combination of emails and phone calling to present the lesson, prayer lists and stay connected with each other. In all of my communications with our small group leaders, I am finding that our groups have not allowed the Corona virus to deter them from taking care of one another. We as a staff are very proud of the way our church family members have continued to adapt to new ways of doing the work of Jesus. Until we are able to meet again in person, keep up His good work!
Preschool Ministry
Parent/Child Dedication on May 10th is postponed.
Due to all the changes going on right now, we have decided to postpone our Parent/Child Dedication service until Fall 2020. A new date will be chosen within the next couple of months. More information to come.
Memory Verse: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
Big Picture Question: What makes people special?
People are special because God made us in His own image.
Happy Birthday: Jonathon Soape Bryce Yelderman
Piece Makers Making masks for the community has been the number one priority for Piece Makers this month. Thanks to all who have donated fabric, elastic, other supplies, time and effort into making these masks and getting them where they are needed. Our meetings will resume when it is safe to be together on the first Tuesday of the month from 9 am until 4 pm in the FBC Student Center.
Student Ministry Well I wonder what you guys have been up to this last month? I am guessing the same thing that we have been doing as a family. Staying home and watching movies, cooking goodies, playing cards, and watching services on the TV/cellphone. It has been a joy to worship with all of you and all the other churches we have been a part of over the years. Nevertheless, Christ is still Lord of all and watching over everything. I have been thinking about our graduating seniors here in our student ministry and I know that their heart might be broken by not getting to finish out their senior year with all the things that go with that. We were planning to honor our graduating seniors in both of our services on May 3rd. But with us not knowing if we will be able to meet, we will do it online or possibly at a later date when we can meet. That being said, please parents of seniors send in the Graduate Form with the three pictures (baby, preteen, and senior picture). Hopefully by the time you read this we will know if our camp this summer is still happening or if we had to cancel it. But if it is canceled, we will be looking at other things to do this summer in its place such as day trips when we are clear to move around as a group. I will be posting on Facebook and Instagram as soon as I know about camp.
Mother’s Day Out BFBC Mother’s Day Out is enrolling children 15 months- 5 years for the 2020-2021 school year. The Enrollment Fee for the school year is $100 and is due at the time of enrollment. It is non-refundable. If your child will be attending the preschool program at Brenham’s First Baptist Church School, keep in mind MDO offers after school care from 11:30am-2:30pm. Contact Kristie at mdo@fbc-brenham.org with questions or go to our church’s website where you can find a registration form for Mother’s Day Out.
FBC School and EEC
FBCS is still going strong! At the first sign of school closures in March, our PreK-6th grade staff met to discuss what to anticipate. I felt the need for us to have a plan for distance learning and start that plan by March 23rd. The teachers were on board. All of this has been uncharted territory for the world, but as a small school, we don’t have extra people such as tech people trainers or deep resources the way larger schools do to help lead the way. Over the past few years, however, God has provided gracious donors to allow FBCS to have technology resources such as chrome books for students and laptops for teachers. Because of this gift, we set up Google classrooms when we received the chrome books. That allowed the children (3rd grade and up) to be comfortable using that for It’s not too late distance learning. See how God did that! Wow!
to enroll for the
The teachers quickly learned to really step up their teaching 2020-2021 school year! game through the use of technology. Our PreK teachers have recorded lessons to post on the class Facebook pages. Our KCall or come by the school office 2nd have used YouTube and Google to share recorded lessons for information and a tour. with their classes. Our K through 6th grade teachers have used Google and the capabilities of the classroom Smart Boards to Go to record lessons, too. The teachers have trouble shot issues and https://www.fbcsbrenham.org/ figured out many things on their own then shared with each for info and to enroll. other. I meet weekly with the teachers on Zoom to check in, see what they need, and support them in any way I can. We have tweaked things along the way. Collaboration has been a thing of beauty! Overall, the parents have been supportive and a blessing to us. We know that this has been inconvenient for the parents and kids, but we all have persevered together. We are hoping to open our Early Education Center (daycare) soon. We are trying to make well thought out decisions. Our goal is always the safety and well being of those we work with and those we serve. Another way God has set FBCS up is through our successful Texas Celebration fundraisers. This has allowed us to keep our people employed up to this point. This is huge because if we had to furlough people most of our hourly people would have to seek employment else-where. That would affect our ability to re-open. We cannot just hire someone and have them start. They must be fingerprinted and have state required training. That takes time. As you can see, we have had so many blessings through this pandemic! To God be the Glory! Please pray for wisdom as we make decisions and provision as we try to bounce back financially and for our 2020-2021 school year. I am praying for you, my Brothers and Sisters! Serving Him, Nancy Jahns
Children's Ministry “All the people came together as one in the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the teacher of the Law to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded for Israel.” (Psalm 121:1-2, NIV) Good Morning, Is it over? Are we free to roam about the country again? Has the COVID-19 fog lifted? At the time I am writing this, Easter has just passed and I am still working from home while playing part-time home school teacher. Overall we do not have a strong sense of what is to come. We are waiting until April 30th to see whether or not the coast is clear and we can rejoin society face-to-face. After the Israelite exile, Nehemiah received word about the sad state of affairs in his hometown of Jerusalem. With God’s direction, provision and protection, Nehemiah rebuilt the wall of Jerusalem in record time to provide protection for his city. After the wall was rebuilt, the people called for the word of the Lord to be read, “And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law” (Neh. 8:3b). Ezra read God’s word and praised the Lord. The people responded with “Amen”. Then there was a turn. God’s word convicted them and the people began to cry. Ezra quickly instructed them not to cry. It was a day of celebration and rejoicing. They were to prepare rich foods and sweet drinks. The next step was to gather supplies for a seven day festival designed to remember God’s goodness and provision (Nehemiah chapter 8). The Israelites had been defeated by a great foe. They had been routed and a good portion had been taken into exile. A portion of people had been left in the homeland as slaves to the new regime. Public celebrations had been canceled. I am certain it was much worse than what we are experiencing with the COVID-19 pandemic, but I think we can empathize in a small way with the Israelites. Our daily schedules have been stalled. Our way of doing life has been altered. Some of us feel trapped in our own homes. However, there will be a day of freedom. There will be a day when we can come together and call for the word of the Lord to be read. I hope in that day, the only tears shed will be ones of joy. This too shall pass. When it does, we should celebrate. Maybe we should party for seven days with a festival designed to remember God’s goodness and provision. What stories will we have to share about how we grew from the challenge? We should gather and testify of how God carried us through. On that day, we should come together and praise the Lord. Has the day arrived? Is it safe to come out? I’ll bring the party hats. His Servant & Yours, Bro. Alex
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