Coronavirus Update
FBC Family,
This is a very unique time. We have been monitoring updates on the virus, our state and nation, cancellations and postponements, and proper responses over the past few days. We want to be very wise in how we respond during this time, and also practice Scriptures like Philippians 4: 6-7 which tells us to not be anxious, but rather pray and let our requests be known to God. We have been and continue to pray for all those affected, those caring for them, medical professionals, and our elected leaders who are making big decisions.
As of right now, we are planning to carry on with our Sunday morning worship service this Sunday (3/15 at 10:15 a.m.) We have decided to CANCEL Sunday school for this week. We also will have our Sunday night activities this Sunday. We are doing so with some precautions however. Please read them below:
1. If you are over the age of 70, or have a pre-existing condition that makes you more susceptible to the virus and its effects, we recommend you not joining us for worship. We will make the service available online via Facebook live, and also on our website.
Obviously, if you are sick or recovering from sickness, we ask that you do not attend worship. Caring for our neighbor right now involves many things, one of which is being responsible and isolating ourselves to present the spread of this virus.
2. We will have greeters at doors to open the door for you as you enter our building on Sunday.
3. We will not have our normal greeting time of shaking hands during our worship service.
4. The offering plate will not be passed. We will have ushers at the back of the sanctuary at the end of the worship service with offering plates for you to be able to give. Giving online is an option as well at http://fbcsumter.org/online-giving/
We will have all bathrooms open with soap and hand sanitizer. Washing our hands often is another way to prevent the spread of germs, and love our neighbors well during this time.
If anything changes, we will let everyone know as fast as possible. This is certainly a fluid situation. This is an opportunity to trust in and pray to our sovereign and good God. It is also a time to think about how you might be able to love our community well in the coming weeks. Many will have new and unexpected needs that we as a church can and should meet. The church throughout history has always been known for entering into hard places and loving well at hard times. Let's continue to be what Christ has called us to be - a wise people who love and serve faithfully.
Lastly, we have decided to CANCEL all Wednesday night activities this coming Wednesday night, 3/18. We will update more as the weeks progress.