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AP R I L
F I R S T B A P T I S T C H U R C H / J E F F E R S O N C I T Y, M O
The coronavirus has greatly changed our lives. I wrote the first draft of this column in early March and have changed it four times. Suddenly, our human plans are written in pencil instead of ink. But really, hasn’t life always been filled with uncertainty? We tend to forget that truth, preferring instead to shore up our lives with routines and certainties. Shock number one is that we are not in charge. Shock number two is that we never have been. Romans 5:1-5 states that hardship serves to clarify our values and helps us focus on life’s essentials. I want to challenge our FBC family to be a steadying influence during this season. While others may panic and fear, we will remain calm with
our eyes on the Lord, knowing that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:35-39). And while we’re at it, let’s use our imaginations and discover creative ways to care for one another and bear witness to Christ. Instead of obsessing about what we cannot do, let’s joyfully seize what we can do. We can make phone calls, text, email and use social media. We can even send handwritten letters (google it if you don’t know how). Let’s be the sustaining presence of Christ in our world, as our church vision states, “compelled to be Christ’s love and hope.” Grace,
Doyle
UPCOMING We have suspended ALL Sunday & Wednesday gatherings/activities in accordance with the CDC recommendation that public gatherings not exceed 50 people in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. Go to fbcjc.org/virus for complete info.
grace & peace BE WITH YOU
LENTEN SERMON SERIES MARCH 1 – APRIL 5
race
Watch online Sunday @ 10am on
or
f a c e b o o k . c o m / f b c j c O R fo r yo u t u b e u s e : s h o r t u r l . a t /q C I T7 O R a t f b c j c . o rg
The important ministry of the church continues as we fulfill our vision to be Christ’s love and hope in our community during these unprecedented days. The methods may look different, but the mission is the same, and you are a vital part of this through your gifts and your prayers. Our faithful giving is a spiritual discipline we continue to practice as we trust God’s abundant provision.
2 - PRAISE & WORSHIP
During this time, we encourage you to continue to give online at fbcjc.org/give or by mailing your check to the church office. We are grateful to partner with you and with God in Kingdom work, especially in times like these. We are better, and stronger, together.
G IV I N G OP T I ON S 301 E. Capitol Avenue Jefferson City, MO 65101
churchlife app
fbcjc.org/give
FBC JC encourages everyone to be good citizens by taking part in the 2020 census. Our responses impact community funding and our representation in legislative bodies. You may answer the questions online, by phone or by mail. All information is confidential. For more details, visit 2020CENSUS.GOV
Ke n n y H u n t a n d f a m i l y i n t h e death of his uncle. Fa m i l y a n d f r i e n d s o f M e l v i n M e y e r.
S Y M PAT H Y
Ralph Higgins and family in t h e d e a t h o f h i s m o t h e r.
P R AY E R REQUESTS
Fa m i l y a n d f r i e n d s o f Alison Craighead. Fa m i l y a n d f r i e n d s o f R o g e r B a r n a rd . Ashley Schlender and family in t h e d e a t h o f h e r f a t h e r- i n - l a w. Ta y l o r B a ke r a n d f a m i l y i n t h e d e a t h o f h e r s i s t e r.
RESERVED PA R K I N G
If you have prayer re q u e s t s , c o n t a c t the office or email p r a y e r t e a m @ f b c j c . o rg Sundays in April, J o n a t h a n & M a rg a re t Craighead will park in t h e s p o t re s e r v e d fo r Pastor Doyle. P ro c e e d s t o y o u t h m i s s i o n t r i p . T H A N K YO U !
FBC JC
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Wednesday Wave Since we are not able to meet in person right now, join Pastor Hannah on Zoom video conference Wednesdays from 5:30-6:00pm beginning April 1. We will catch up with each other and play a short game. Children are welcome to eat their dinner while they talk. Link to join Zoom call will be emailed to all FBC families. Email hannah@fbcjc.org for more info.
Nightly Story Time Check our FBC Facebook page and our FBC Children’s Ministry Page for story time evenings, Monday through Friday. Pastor Hannah reads a story and shares a short prayer.
4 - K I D S & FA M I LY
Children’s Time and Worship Guide Join our FBC worship service on Facebook or Youtube each Sunday morning at 10am, and watch for Children’s Time! Each week, we provide a worship guide, posted with our worship service. The guide has conversation starters, prayer prompts, and Bible points your family can use throughout the week.
Summer Schedule We currently have three events on our summer schedule (Mystery Party, May 22; VBC/Sports Camp, June 22-26; Overnight Camp, August 7-9). Pastors and leaders are carefully monitoring recommendations and guidelines related to preventing the spread of COVID-19. If it becomes necessary to re-schedule or cancel events, we will communicate with families. The hope is that we can provide these memorable and important opportunities for children, even if it’s at a later time and in a different format.
REFUGE SCHEDULE
UNTIL WE CAN MEET IN PERSON AGAIN: MONDAYS: 10:00 am - Monday Fun Challenge posted on Facebook and Instagram.
Get text updates:
8:30 pm - Mel will be live on Instagram to reveal the winners of the Monday Challenge
RefugeJC to 313131
FIND US ONLINE @refugejc
refugejc.com
TUESDAYS: By 6 pm - MIDWEEK Message posted. Mel will post this week’s message on our Youtube, Instagram, and Facebook. WEDNESDAYS: 7-7:50 pm - MIDWEEK (Grades 6-8) on Zoom 8-9 pm - MIDWEEK (Grades 9-12) on Zoom
MIDWEEK ONLINE
for your grade. There is a limit on how many people can be in a room!
We will be meeting for some games and small groups each Wednesday via ZOOM. You can download it on your computer, phone or iPad. Links to the Zoom meeting will be sent out each week via social media and email.
LARGE GROUP. The only way for this to work is for us to mute everyone while in the large group. We can’t have 50 or 60 people all trying to talk at once. We will mute you. Please do not unmute yourself until small group time.
THURSDAYS: By 6 pm - ONE MINUTE MESSAGE from Mel posted on Youtube, Instagram, and Facebook SUNDAYS • 10:00 am - Worship Hosted on FBC Facebook Page, Youtube, and church website. // The FBC staff will prerecord a worship service on Thursday. On Sunday at 10 am, it will be posted online. Gather your family around and join us as we continue to run the race in new ways during unusual times.
Some Zoom guidelines/etiquette: USE YOUR REAL NAME. Please use your real name and include your grade so we can easily assign you to breakout rooms. Ex. Sarah 9 DRESS FOR SUCCESS. Make sure you have on appropriate clothing for a video hangout with friends and leaders. BRING YOUR BEST. Be sure to sit in a place with good lighting, don’t pick your nose, wear pants, and a smile. You’re on camera! HANG WITH YOUR PEOPLE. Both links are listed below, but please only join the Zoom
BREAKOUT ROOMS. We will assign you to a breakout room that is for your small group! In that room, you can unmute yourself, share your highs and lows and talk and share like you normally would each week. Most of our time on Wednesday nights will be dedicated to small groups because we know this matters.
CONNECT WITH US Go to refugejc.com/connect.html to connect with us via email, texting, and all our social media accounts. During these days, this is the very best way to connect with Refuge.
R E F U G E YO U T H -
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Dearest Church Family and Friends, Words cannot capture my gratitude for Sunday’s celebration in honor of my 20th anniversary at First Baptist. It was the absolute perfect morning in every way. I feel so known and so loved, two things that are so precious. Thank you for your generous words and gifts; for the time and thoughtfulness put into the day; and for your presence. When I was asked to consider this job twenty years ago, I remember doubting whether I could do it, whether FBC would be open to hiring me. God is so kind and so faithful and so good. Thank you for teaching me. Thank you for inspiring me. Thank you for loving me. Here’s to 20 more!
Melissa Hatfield
While April 26 is still a few weeks away, it has become clear to the planning team we must cancel this year’s event. The CDC, the President, and our Missouri Governor have recommended no gatherings of more than ten people for the next 7-8 weeks. We’ve had multiple projects already cancel. Most places will still not be open to volunteers by late April (and we believe much later).
gathered in spirit the rest of the days, loving our city in the name of Jesus Christ.
We will not reschedule for this year. Please mark your calendars for April 25, 2021 for Mission JC!
“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our father, who loved us and by his grace gave We are deeply grateful for the many beautiful us eternal encouragement and good hope, congregations in our community who are encourage your hearts and strengthen you in already responding to the unique needs and every good deed and word.” challenges of life with COVID-19. While we won’t 2 Thessalonians 2:16–17 gather together in person on April 26, we are
DAILY DEVOTIONS S P I R I T UA L FORMATION
If you do not receive our daily devotions and would like to begin receiving them, please email kris@fbcjc.org and request to be added. Thanks to our Devotion Writing Team, devotions will continue after Easter to bless and encourage us during this time of physical distancing.
We Can and Will Continue to Grow Faithfully Here are two ways we can stay connected and growing together: Virtual Adult Bible Study Sunday mornings 10:45am; The Way by Adam Hamilton, a study of the places and events of Jesus’ life. Email hannah@fbcjc.org for invitation to join the Zoom video call. RightNow Media During this time of physical distancing, there are many online resources for spiritual formation. Our congregation has a subscription to RightNow media, which gives you FREE access to stream thousands of Bible teaching and discipleship videos for adults, teens, and children. Follow this link to set up your RightNow media access: rightnowmedia.org/Account/Invite/fbcjc Email hannah@fbcjc.org with questions. S P I R I T U A L F O R M AT I O N -
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FRIENDSHIP
HOMEBOUND
FRIENDSHIP
All Friendship Singers
Pam Smith (4/6) 828 Jefferson Street Fulton, MO 65251
NO Friendship Club scheduled for April.
BIRTHDAY
SINGERS rehearsals and performances are cancelled this Spring as we adhere to the CDC recommendation that public gatherings not exceed 10 people in order to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to protect those who are most vulnerable among us, particularly the elderly.
CLUB
During this time when we must physically distance remember to make phone calls and send letters to stay connected in spirit.
Billy Rikard (4/17) 1214 Freedom Blvd. Rm 122 Jefferson City, MO 65109 Willard Reine (4/19) 1214 Freedom Blvd. Jefferson City, MO 65109 Joyce Rodden (4/19) 504 Mesa Avenue Jefferson City, MO 65101
seniors
Gloria Vestal (4/29) 3108 W. Truman Blvd. Rm 614 Jefferson City, MO 65109
THE N U MB E RS Bible Teaching Worship Attendance Attendance
Budget Offering
Mar 1
274
575 $
29,086.96
Mar 8
-
377 $
27,449.02
Mar 15
320
357 $
10,705.00
Mar 22
-
- $
4,235.29
Weekly Budget Needs . . . . . . $ 25,905.90 Budget needs to date . . . . . $ 310,870.80Â Budget given to date . . . . . . . $ 238,547.15 Budget expenses to date* . . $ 230,598.25 *not all invoices have been received
301 E. Capitol Ave. / Jefferson City, MO 65101 / fbcjc.org / 573.634.3603