March 17, 2020
Dear FBCJ Family,
I pray all is well with you. Today Bro. Trey and I met with our DOM, Craig James, and several pastors from both Winn and Jackson Parish. We discussed both our concerns and hopes during this unprecedented time. I wanted to share what we learned as well as some of the new avenues of ministry that we are currently working on. Today we were informed that these restrictions may be in place for longer than we’d hoped. Information from the CDC seems to be pointing to a minimum of eight weeks of suggested social distancing. This is heartbreaking news.
Every church is struggling with the battle over conviction to worship and loving our neighbors by following the recommended government regulations. As pastors we are determined to minister as faithfully as we can under these circumstances. We discussed many things including how to care for the elderly while practicing social distancing, how churches and their members can worship online without proper internet access, and how we handle the financial effects this will have on the church.
Here are some things that we at FBCJ are working on right now to answer these questions:
– We are working to record or live stream this Sunday’s message. More information will be made available in the coming days.
– FBCJ will also offer our recording resources during the week for other pastors to come by to record their sermons for their congregations.
– Bro. Trey has successfully gotten our online giving up and running. You can simply go to our website, www.fbcjonesboro.net, and in the menu bar click on GIVING. The instructions are simple and easy to follow.
– Tomorrow I will contact deacons go over a long-term plan in case this virus stays around for more than 8 weeks.
– Finally, over the next couple of days I will be talking with personnel and stewardship teams regarding a plan to take care of our staff and finances.
I know that the far-reaching effects of this virus have taken many of us by surprise, but it is no surprise to God. We have never faced anything like this in our lifetime, but we are not without HOPE! Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” We are not alone, FBCJ! Our God is mighty and will see us through this inconvenience. I love you and am looking forward to the day we meet again for worship!
Here are some things that we at FBCJ are working on right now to answer these questions:
– We are working to record or live stream this Sunday’s message. More information will be made available in the coming days.
– FBCJ will also offer our recording resources during the week for other pastors to come by to record their sermons for their congregations.
– Bro. Trey has successfully gotten our online giving up and running. You can simply go to our website, www.fbcjonesboro.net, and in the menu bar click on GIVING. The instructions are simple and easy to follow.
– Tomorrow I will contact deacons go over a long-term plan in case this virus stays around for more than 8 weeks.
– Finally, over the next couple of days I will be talking with personnel and stewardship teams regarding a plan to take care of our staff and finances.
I know that the far-reaching effects of this virus have taken many of us by surprise, but it is no surprise to God. We have never faced anything like this in our lifetime, but we are not without HOPE! Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” We are not alone, FBCJ! Our God is mighty and will see us through this inconvenience. I love you and am looking forward to the day we meet again for worship!
By His Grace,
Pastor Brian