Dear FBC Family, 

This past Friday the Governor said “I anticipate and hope” to allow certain activities in Virginia to resume on the 15^th of May. If this stands, it will include churches, which would be allowed to reopen at 50% capacity, with strict protocols in place. 

Our pastors and deacons have been thinking for some time about how we might resume meeting, if given the opportunity by the state. Fortunately, the Southern Baptist Convention of Virginia (the SBCV) has been wonderful about providing guidelines for churches as we transition from phase to phase.  

Let me share with you what we are planning at this point. We intend to offer three Sunday morning worship services in our sanctuary, beginning on May 24. The services will be at 8:15, 9:30, and 10:45am. We believe we can do this because the rate of infection in western Tidewater is low, with 65% of those infections occurring in five long-term care facilities and one prison. 

Still, for the safety of our church and community, we will take extraordinary precautions – which will go well beyond what the state is mandating. We will go “the extra mile.” 

• Three services should allow people plenty of room to spread out. Seating will be marked. In fact, we will be able to exceed the state’s distancing regulations. 
• At this point, we will only do worship services in our building. Sunday School classes, all Bible studies, and meetings will continue to be on Zoom for the time being.
• By keeping the services to about 45 minutes in length, it will allow time between services for cleaning, and minimize the need for bathroom usage.
• There will be no passing the plate for the offering – boxes will be set up for you to give, if you don’t already do so online. There will be no bulletins or anything else passed out, for safety reasons.   
• Families will sit together. There is no way to offer childcare at this point, without posing a risk to the workers, the children, and their families. But remember, parents -the services will be shorter than usual.
• You should not have to touch any door handles as you enter or leave. Doors will be opened for you as you enter and exit.   
• We will communicate our warmth and love for one another through our smiles and eyes. Please, at this point, no handshaking, hugs, or even fist bumps. We can enjoy talking and visiting with one another – we just need to maintain at least six feet.
• Masks are recommended but not required by the state. If you want to wear yours, we encourage you to do so.  We will also have some on-hand if you would like one. We also have plenty of hand sanitizer, and will have hand sanitizing stations set up. 

If you are in a vulnerable category and you just don’t feel like it is best for you to come at this point, there is no pressure to do so.  You can watch on your computer, and if you do not have a computer, all this will be on your DVD.  In other words, you can simply keep doing as you have been doing. 

Let’s pray for an end to this pandemic. Pray for a vaccine, which is really what is needed for things to get back to normal. But also pray that when we “get back to normal,” that we will do so closer to Jesus, closer to one another, and more aware of what really matters in life – and what doesn’t. 

For this Sunday, everything will still be online.  I’ll be preaching from Matthew 7:15-29, as we finish the Sermon on the Mount series by talking about “Being Doers of the Word.” 

I love you and I’ll see you online Sunday, and maybe in person on May 24.  

Love in Christ, 

Pastor Thurman

 

 

 

 

 

       

 

 

 

Yours in Christ,

 

Pastor Thurman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear FBC Family,

 

This past Friday the Governor said “I anticipate and hope” to allow certain activities in Virginia to resume on the 15^th of May. If this stands, it will

include churches, which would be allowed to reopen at 50% capacity, with strict protocols in place.

 

Our pastors and deacons have been thinking for some time about how we might resume meeting, if given the opportunity by the state.  Fortunately, the Southern Baptist Convention of Virginia (the SBCV) has been wonderful about providing guidelines for churches as we transition from phase to phase. 

 

Let me share with you what we are planning at this point.  We intend to offer three Sunday morning worship services in our sanctuary, beginning on May 24. The services will be at 8:15, 9:30, and 10:45am.  We believe we can do this because the rate of infection in western Tidewater is low, with 65% of those infections occurring in five long-term care facilities and one prison.

 

Still, for the safety of our church and community, we will take extraordinary precautions – which will go well beyond what the state is mandating.  We will go “the extra mile.”

 

• Three services should allow people plenty of room to spread out. Seating will be marked.  In fact, we will be able to exceed the state’s distancing regulations. 
• At this point, we will only do worship services in our building. Sunday School classes, all Bible studies, and meetings will continue to be on Zoom for the time being.
• By keeping the services to about 45 minutes in length, it will allow time between services for cleaning, and minimize the need for bathroom usage.
• There will be no passing the plate for the offering – boxes will be set up for you to give, if you don’t already do so online. There will be no    bulletins or anything else passed out, for safety reasons.   
• Families will sit together. There is no way to offer childcare at this point, without posing a risk to the workers, the children, and their    families.  But remember, parents -the services will be shorter than usual.
• You should not have to touch any door handles as you enter or leave. Doors will be opened for you as you enter and exit.   
• We will communicate our warmth and love for one another through our smiles and eyes. Please, at this point, no handshaking, hugs, or even fist bumps.  We can enjoy talking and visiting with one another – we just need to maintain at least six feet.
• Masks are recommended but not required by the state. If you want to wear yours, we encourage you to do so.  We will also have some         on-hand if you would like one.  We also have plenty of hand sanitizer, and will have hand sanitizing stations set up.

 

If you are in a vulnerable category and you just don’t feel like it is best for you to come at this point, there is no pressure to do so.  You can watch on your computer, and if you do not have a computer, all this will be on your DVD.  In other words, you can simply keep doing as you have been doing.

 

Let’s pray for an end to this pandemic.  Pray for a vaccine, which is really what is needed for things to get back to normal.  But also pray that when we “get back to normal,” that we will do so closer to Jesus, closer to one another, and more aware of what really matters in life – and what doesn’t.

 

For this Sunday, everything will still be online.  I’ll be preaching from     Matthew 7:15-29, as we finish the Sermon on the Mount series by talking about “Being Doers of the Word.”

 

I love you and I’ll see you online Sunday, and maybe in person on May 24. 

 

Love in Christ,

 

 

Pastor Thurman

 

 

 

 

 

       

 

 

 

Yours in Christ,

 

Pastor Thurman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear FBC Family,

 

This past Friday the Governor said “I anticipate and hope” to allow certain activities in Virginia to resume on the 15^th of May. If this stands, it will

include churches, which would be allowed to reopen at 50% capacity, with strict protocols in place.

 

Our pastors and deacons have been thinking for some time about how we might resume meeting, if given the opportunity by the state.  Fortunately, the Southern Baptist Convention of Virginia (the SBCV) has been wonderful about providing guidelines for churches as we transition from phase to phase. 

 

Let me share with you what we are planning at this point.  We intend to offer three Sunday morning worship services in our sanctuary, beginning on May 24. The services will be at 8:15, 9:30, and 10:45am.  We believe we can do this because the rate of infection in western Tidewater is low, with 65% of those infections occurring in five long-term care facilities and one prison.

 

Still, for the safety of our church and community, we will take extraordinary precautions – which will go well beyond what the state is mandating.  We will go “the extra mile.”

 

• Three services should allow people plenty of room to spread out. Seating will be marked.  In fact, we will be able to exceed the state’s distancing regulations. 
• At this point, we will only do worship services in our building. Sunday School classes, all Bible studies, and meetings will continue to be on Zoom for the time being.
• By keeping the services to about 45 minutes in length, it will allow time between services for cleaning, and minimize the need for bathroom usage.
• There will be no passing the plate for the offering – boxes will be set up for you to give, if you don’t already do so online. There will be no    bulletins or anything else passed out, for safety reasons.   
• Families will sit together. There is no way to offer childcare at this point, without posing a risk to the workers, the children, and their    families.  But remember, parents -the services will be shorter than usual.
• You should not have to touch any door handles as you enter or leave. Doors will be opened for you as you enter and exit.   
• We will communicate our warmth and love for one another through our smiles and eyes. Please, at this point, no handshaking, hugs, or even fist bumps.  We can enjoy talking and visiting with one another – we just need to maintain at least six feet.
• Masks are recommended but not required by the state. If you want to wear yours, we encourage you to do so.  We will also have some         on-hand if you would like one.  We also have plenty of hand sanitizer, and will have hand sanitizing stations set up.

 

If you are in a vulnerable category and you just don’t feel like it is best for you to come at this point, there is no pressure to do so.  You can watch on your computer, and if you do not have a computer, all this will be on your DVD.  In other words, you can simply keep doing as you have been doing.

 

Let’s pray for an end to this pandemic.  Pray for a vaccine, which is really what is needed for things to get back to normal.  But also pray that when we “get back to normal,” that we will do so closer to Jesus, closer to one another, and more aware of what really matters in life – and what doesn’t.

 

For this Sunday, everything will still be online.  I’ll be preaching from     Matthew 7:15-29, as we finish the Sermon on the Mount series by talking about “Being Doers of the Word.”

 

I love you and I’ll see you online Sunday, and maybe in person on May 24. 

 

Love in Christ,

 

 

Pastor Thurman

 

 

 

 

 

       

 

 

 

Yours in Christ,

 

Pastor Thurman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear FBC Family,

 

This past Friday the Governor said “I anticipate and hope” to allow certain activities in Virginia to resume on the 15^th of May. If this stands, it will

include churches, which would be allowed to reopen at 50% capacity, with strict protocols in place.

 

Our pastors and deacons have been thinking for some time about how we might resume meeting, if given the opportunity by the state.  Fortunately, the Southern Baptist Convention of Virginia (the SBCV) has been wonderful about providing guidelines for churches as we transition from phase to phase. 

 

Let me share with you what we are planning at this point.  We intend to offer three Sunday morning worship services in our sanctuary, beginning on May 24. The services will be at 8:15, 9:30, and 10:45am.  We believe we can do this because the rate of infection in western Tidewater is low, with 65% of those infections occurring in five long-term care facilities and one prison.

 

Still, for the safety of our church and community, we will take extraordinary precautions – which will go well beyond what the state is mandating.  We will go “the extra mile.”

 

• Three services should allow people plenty of room to spread out. Seating will be marked.  In fact, we will be able to exceed the state’s distancing regulations. 
• At this point, we will only do worship services in our building. Sunday School classes, all Bible studies, and meetings will continue to be on Zoom for the time being.
• By keeping the services to about 45 minutes in length, it will allow time between services for cleaning, and minimize the need for bathroom usage.
• There will be no passing the plate for the offering – boxes will be set up for you to give, if you don’t already do so online. There will be no    bulletins or anything else passed out, for safety reasons.   
• Families will sit together. There is no way to offer childcare at this point, without posing a risk to the workers, the children, and their    families.  But remember, parents -the services will be shorter than usual.
• You should not have to touch any door handles as you enter or leave. Doors will be opened for you as you enter and exit.   
• We will communicate our warmth and love for one another through our smiles and eyes. Please, at this point, no handshaking, hugs, or even fist bumps.  We can enjoy talking and visiting with one another – we just need to maintain at least six feet.
• Masks are recommended but not required by the state. If you want to wear yours, we encourage you to do so.  We will also have some         on-hand if you would like one.  We also have plenty of hand sanitizer, and will have hand sanitizing stations set up.

 

If you are in a vulnerable category and you just don’t feel like it is best for you to come at this point, there is no pressure to do so.  You can watch on your computer, and if you do not have a computer, all this will be on your DVD.  In other words, you can simply keep doing as you have been doing.

 

Let’s pray for an end to this pandemic.  Pray for a vaccine, which is really what is needed for things to get back to normal.  But also pray that when we “get back to normal,” that we will do so closer to Jesus, closer to one another, and more aware of what really matters in life – and what doesn’t.

 

For this Sunday, everything will still be online.  I’ll be preaching from     Matthew 7:15-29, as we finish the Sermon on the Mount series by talking about “Being Doers of the Word.”

 

I love you and I’ll see you online Sunday, and maybe in person on May 24. 

 

Love in Christ,

 

 

Pastor Thurman

 

 

 

 

 

       

 

 

 

Yours in Christ,

 

Pastor Thurman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear FBC Family,

 

This past Friday the Governor said “I anticipate and hope” to allow certain activities in Virginia to resume on the 15^th of May. If this stands, it will

include churches, which would be allowed to reopen at 50% capacity, with strict protocols in place.

 

Our pastors and deacons have been thinking for some time about how we might resume meeting, if given the opportunity by the state.  Fortunately, the Southern Baptist Convention of Virginia (the SBCV) has been wonderful about providing guidelines for churches as we transition from phase to phase. 

 

Let me share with you what we are planning at this point.  We intend to offer three Sunday morning worship services in our sanctuary, beginning on May 24. The services will be at 8:15, 9:30, and 10:45am.  We believe we can do this because the rate of infection in western Tidewater is low, with 65% of those infections occurring in five long-term care facilities and one prison.

 

Still, for the safety of our church and community, we will take extraordinary precautions – which will go well beyond what the state is mandating.  We will go “the extra mile.”

 

• Three services should allow people plenty of room to spread out. Seating will be marked.  In fact, we will be able to exceed the state’s distancing regulations. 
• At this point, we will only do worship services in our building. Sunday School classes, all Bible studies, and meetings will continue to be on Zoom for the time being.
• By keeping the services to about 45 minutes in length, it will allow time between services for cleaning, and minimize the need for bathroom usage.
• There will be no passing the plate for the offering – boxes will be set up for you to give, if you don’t already do so online. There will be no    bulletins or anything else passed out, for safety reasons.   
• Families will sit together. There is no way to offer childcare at this point, without posing a risk to the workers, the children, and their    families.  But remember, parents -the services will be shorter than usual.
• You should not have to touch any door handles as you enter or leave. Doors will be opened for you as you enter and exit.   
• We will communicate our warmth and love for one another through our smiles and eyes. Please, at this point, no handshaking, hugs, or even fist bumps.  We can enjoy talking and visiting with one another – we just need to maintain at least six feet.
• Masks are recommended but not required by the state. If you want to wear yours, we encourage you to do so.  We will also have some         on-hand if you would like one.  We also have plenty of hand sanitizer, and will have hand sanitizing stations set up.

 

If you are in a vulnerable category and you just don’t feel like it is best for you to come at this point, there is no pressure to do so.  You can watch on your computer, and if you do not have a computer, all this will be on your DVD.  In other words, you can simply keep doing as you have been doing.

 

Let’s pray for an end to this pandemic.  Pray for a vaccine, which is really what is needed for things to get back to normal.  But also pray that when we “get back to normal,” that we will do so closer to Jesus, closer to one another, and more aware of what really matters in life – and what doesn’t.

 

For this Sunday, everything will still be online.  I’ll be preaching from     Matthew 7:15-29, as we finish the Sermon on the Mount series by talking about “Being Doers of the Word.”

 

I love you and I’ll see you online Sunday, and maybe in person on May 24. 

 

Love in Christ,

 

 

Pastor Thurman

 

 

 

 

 

       

 

 

 

Yours in Christ,

 

Pastor Thurman

 

 

 

 

 

Dear FBC Family,

 

This past Friday the Governor said “I anticipate and hope” to allow certain activities in Virginia to resume on the 15^th of May. If this stands, it will

include churches, which would be allowed to reopen at 50% capacity, with strict protocols in place.

 

Our pastors and deacons have been thinking for some time about how we might resume meeting, if given the opportunity by the state.  Fortunately, the Southern Baptist Convention of Virginia (the SBCV) has been wonderful about providing guidelines for churches as we transition from phase to phase. 

 

Let me share with you what we are planning at this point.  We intend to offer three Sunday morning worship services in our sanctuary, beginning on May 24. The services will be at 8:15, 9:30, and 10:45am.  We believe we can do this because the rate of infection in western Tidewater is low, with 65% of those infections occurring in five long-term care facilities and one prison.

 

Still, for the safety of our church and community, we will take extraordinary precautions – which will go well beyond what the state is mandating.  We will go “the extra mile.”

 

• Three services should allow people plenty of room to spread out. Seating will be marked.  In fact, we will be able to exceed the state’s distancing regulations. 
• At this point, we will only do worship services in our building. Sunday School classes, all Bible studies, and meetings will continue to be on Zoom for the time being.
• By keeping the services to about 45 minutes in length, it will allow time between services for cleaning, and minimize the need for bathroom usage.
• There will be no passing the plate for the offering – boxes will be set up for you to give, if you don’t already do so online. There will be no    bulletins or anything else passed out, for safety reasons.   
• Families will sit together. There is no way to offer childcare at this point, without posing a risk to the workers, the children, and their    families.  But remember, parents -the services will be shorter than usual.
• You should not have to touch any door handles as you enter or leave. Doors will be opened for you as you enter and exit.   
• We will communicate our warmth and love for one another through our smiles and eyes. Please, at this point, no handshaking, hugs, or even fist bumps.  We can enjoy talking and visiting with one another – we just need to maintain at least six feet.
• Masks are recommended but not required by the state. If you want to wear yours, we encourage you to do so.  We will also have some         on-hand if you would like one.  We also have plenty of hand sanitizer, and will have hand sanitizing stations set up.

 

If you are in a vulnerable category and you just don’t feel like it is best for you to come at this point, there is no pressure to do so.  You can watch on your computer, and if you do not have a computer, all this will be on your DVD.  In other words, you can simply keep doing as you have been doing.

 

Let’s pray for an end to this pandemic.  Pray for a vaccine, which is really what is needed for things to get back to normal.  But also pray that when we “get back to normal,” that we will do so closer to Jesus, closer to one another, and more aware of what really matters in life – and what doesn’t.

 

For this Sunday, everything will still be online.  I’ll be preaching from     Matthew 7:15-29, as we finish the Sermon on the Mount series by talking about “Being Doers of the Word.”

 

I love you and I’ll see you online Sunday, and maybe in person on May 24. 

 

Love in Christ,

 

 

Pastor Thurman

 

 

 

 

 

       

 

 

 

Yours in Christ,

 

Pastor Thurman

 

 

 

 

 

Dear FBC Family,

 

This past Friday the Governor said “I anticipate and hope” to allow certain activities in Virginia to resume on the 15^th of May. If this stands, it will

include churches, which would be allowed to reopen at 50% capacity, with strict protocols in place.

 

Our pastors and deacons have been thinking for some time about how we might resume meeting, if given the opportunity by the state.  Fortunately, the Southern Baptist Convention of Virginia (the SBCV) has been wonderful about providing guidelines for churches as we transition from phase to phase. 

 

Let me share with you what we are planning at this point.  We intend to offer three Sunday morning worship services in our sanctuary, beginning on May 24. The services will be at 8:15, 9:30, and 10:45am.  We believe we can do this because the rate of infection in western Tidewater is low, with 65% of those infections occurring in five long-term care facilities and one prison.

 

Still, for the safety of our church and community, we will take extraordinary precautions – which will go well beyond what the state is mandating.  We will go “the extra mile.”

 

• Three services should allow people plenty of room to spread out. Seating will be marked.  In fact, we will be able to exceed the state’s distancing regulations. 
• At this point, we will only do worship services in our building. Sunday School classes, all Bible studies, and meetings will continue to be on Zoom for the time being.
• By keeping the services to about 45 minutes in length, it will allow time between services for cleaning, and minimize the need for bathroom usage.
• There will be no passing the plate for the offering – boxes will be set up for you to give, if you don’t already do so online. There will be no    bulletins or anything else passed out, for safety reasons.   
• Families will sit together. There is no way to offer childcare at this point, without posing a risk to the workers, the children, and their    families.  But remember, parents -the services will be shorter than usual.
• You should not have to touch any door handles as you enter or leave. Doors will be opened for you as you enter and exit.   
• We will communicate our warmth and love for one another through our smiles and eyes. Please, at this point, no handshaking, hugs, or even fist bumps.  We can enjoy talking and visiting with one another – we just need to maintain at least six feet.
• Masks are recommended but not required by the state. If you want to wear yours, we encourage you to do so.  We will also have some         on-hand if you would like one.  We also have plenty of hand sanitizer, and will have hand sanitizing stations set up.

 

If you are in a vulnerable category and you just don’t feel like it is best for you to come at this point, there is no pressure to do so.  You can watch on your computer, and if you do not have a computer, all this will be on your DVD.  In other words, you can simply keep doing as you have been doing.

 

Let’s pray for an end to this pandemic.  Pray for a vaccine, which is really what is needed for things to get back to normal.  But also pray that when we “get back to normal,” that we will do so closer to Jesus, closer to one another, and more aware of what really matters in life – and what doesn’t.

 

For this Sunday, everything will still be online.  I’ll be preaching from     Matthew 7:15-29, as we finish the Sermon on the Mount series by talking about “Being Doers of the Word.”

 

I love you and I’ll see you online Sunday, and maybe in person on May 24. 

 

Love in Christ,

 

 

Pastor Thurman

 

 

 

 

 

       

 

 

 

Yours in Christ,

 

Pastor Thurman