Bethel Baptist Church recently issued the following announcement.
Coronavirus Communications
Dear Bethel Baptist Church Family,
The situation due to the COVID-19 virus in the world, in our state, and even in our community has been changing very rapidly, almost hourly.
All these reports have led the church leadership to prayer and contemplation in the decision that we had to make, and may continue to have to make, in regards to physically gathering for Bible Study and worship at the church. Once again be reminded of our last few sermons on worry, fear and anxiety. God’s timing is always perfect! Remember, that "God has not given us the spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7). We will trust God as sovereign even as we make appropriate preparations and sound judgments.
There are many factors which could have contributed to this decision but our decision as a leadership was primary made as a result of this order:
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds declared a state of emergency in her recent public address. In section three, letter “E,” of her address, she spoke to the matter of “Mass Gatherings.”
“SECTION THREE” – Pursuant to Iowa Code § 135.144 (3), and in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health, unless otherwise modified by subsequent proclamation or order of the Iowa Department of Public Health, I hereby order that effective Noon today, March 17, 2020, and continuing until 11:59 p.m. on March 31, 2020:
“E.” – Mass Gathering: Social, community, spiritual, religious, recreational, leisure, and sporting gatherings and events of more than 10 people are hereby prohibited at all locations and venues, including but not limited to parades, festivals, conventions, and fundraisers. Planned large gatherings and events must be canceled or postponed until after termination of this disaster.
https://idph.iowa.gov/News/ArtMID/646/ArticleID/158309/Gov-Reynolds-issues-a-State-of-Public-Health-Disaster-Emergency
That being the case, our church family will move Sunday Mornings to a live stream online service and cancel all other services and gatherings through the end of March. Just to clarify there will be no gatherings at the church building through the end of March.
Live Stream Service Details
The live stream will be found on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/betheloskaloosa/ As I understand, you do not need a Facebook account to watch though your interaction will be limited. The stream will start at 10am but we will open the stream around 9:50am so that you have time to find it and get settled in. The live stream will include preaching but will also mix in some discussion and engagement opportunities for you!
How to Give
- Perhaps the easiest way is to give is online via this link to our secure giving webpage: https://www.bbcosky.org/give All you have to do is click on the “give to general fund” button and fill out the requested information. Call or email the office if you need any assistance. Note: If you want your giving to be record for tax credit purposes you will need to create a login.
- Download the tithe.ly app, create a login, and search for Bethel Baptist Church of Oskaloosa. Once you find our church and click on it the procedure will be the same as on our website.
- Gifts, titles, offerings can also be mailed or dropped off at the church office. Our normal business hours are 8-noon Monday – Friday. Giving envelopes will be available in the church office.
1407 A Ave W
Oskaloosa IA 52577
How We can Continue to Minister to Each Other
As we want to continue to serve one another during this time of need, if you would be willing to do some shopping and deliver items for those who are home-bound, please contact the church office. If you are one who is home-bound and need assistance, please contact the church office and/or one of the leadership team, and let us know how we can help. We would like to give Pastor Steve time to heal and Lynn time to care for him but any of the other leadership team would love to help you out!
Reach out to those you know beyond our church people (certainly do that as well). See if people need help. Be willing to serve others and to turn the conversation to spiritual things. Share the hope we have in Jesus with them. People’s world has changed! Many are fearful and considering some of life’s hard questions and we have the answers!
Call one another! Many now have extra time on their hands! Share a scripture verse or some other form of encourage.
We can still visit one another! As long as groups stay under the 10 we are still free to visit and encourage one another. We must do so in a loving way so consider the following:
- Talk to the person before you visit! Make sure they are comfortable with this and are not practicing social distancing
- Refrain from visiting if they are elderly or high risk
- Make sure they are not experiencing any symptoms and do a self check on yourself before going
- Be Wise!
There is tons of information on the CDC website including this self-checker: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/index.html
Watch for symptoms: Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. Call your doctor: If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice. The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.*
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Wash your hands often with soap and water; use alcohol-based sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available
- Practice no contact greeting; elbow bumps are in, handshakes out
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Stay home when you are sick
- Cover your mouth with your upper arm or tissue when coughing or sneezing
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
We will continue in prayer and promise to do our best to keep you up-to-date with information by sending our church related information via email and posting information to the church Facebook page. Feel free to call the church office if you have any other questions.
Original source: https://www.bbcosky.org/coronavirus-communications
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