Coronavirus Response Update March 16, 2020

CBC’s Update on the Coronavirus

March 16, 2020

Amidst concerns surrounding the coronavirus (Covid-19), we want to let you know how CBC is responding. Our leadership team, the church’s Advisory Council consisting of the ministerial staff and other church leaders met yesterday and is making the following recommendation. Out of an abundance of caution and in respect to our neighbors, especially our most vulnerable community members, we will be suspending all activities and services this week, through at least Sunday, March 22^nd.

Our plan it to send out email and social media updates on Mondays and Fridays or more often as information evolves. We are committed to doing everything we can to provide a safe environment for our church family and the surrounding community.

What does this mean for now?

·         We will not have a physical gathering for worship this Sunday, March 22^nd. Worship will be online only at our website, carrollwoodbaptist.org.

·         We will not have a midweek (Wed. 18^th) meal or activities/Bible studies.

·         Aside from the Learning Center, all of CBC’s buildings will not be open on weekdays.

·         The Church Office is open for normal operating hours.

Going forward

·         Even if we are unable to gather at certain times, stay closely connected to the church family.

·         Smaller groups may meet provided they fall under certain guidelines. The CDC has stated that “Events of any size should only be continued if they can be carried out with adherence to guidelines for protecting vulnerable populations, hand hygiene, and social distancing.” See cdc.gov for more information.

·         Your staff, deacons and CARE teams will be reaching out to our elderly and most vulnerable members. If you have needs or if you know of someone who does need assistance, please do not hesitate to call or reach out to us.

·         Pray for mercy for the sick, strength and health for our healthcare and first responder workers, insight for medical researchers, wisdom for our officials, and for your church staff and         fellow believers.

·         Look for opportunities to love and care for others, whether they are sick, isolated,

or marginalized. 

·         Continue to faithfully give financially either through online giving at carrollwoodbaptist.org or by mail so that the ministry of the church thrives all the more during these difficult days.

·         Trust in the Lord as the good and sovereign God that He is. “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You” Psalm 56:3. “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears” Psalm 34:4.

Covid-19 Update

CBC Covid-19 Sunday Update

Saturday, March 14, 2020

As published yesterday, CBC will still be hosting Bible studies at 9:15 a.m. and worship at 10:30 a.m. tomorrow, Sunday, March 15^th. We will be encouraging non-physical ways of greeting and will not be passing the offering plates. However, offerings may be dropped off in designated areas in the Life Center or you may also give online at Carrollwoodbaptist.org. Online giving is simple, secure and convenient and if you give through your checking account, the church incurs no fees.

For those who may feel that they are in a vulnerable health population and/or who just may not be comfortable gathering this Sunday, we completely understand and we would encourage you to join our livestreamed worship service online at 10:30 a.m. If you follow our Facebook page, this should show up in your feed or you can simply find us on Facebook by searching Carrollwood Baptist Church.

Because the Coronavirus situation and response is continuing to evolve, please check back often for updates. This also would be a good time to make sure that we have current ways of contacting you (phone, email, etc.). And while our staff, deacons, and CARE teams will be reaching out to our elderly members, if you have needs or if you know of someone who needs assistance during this time, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Finally, here are some timely words from a fellow pastor friend.

“During this time of uncertainty, let me encourage you to remain positive, hopeful, and centered in the Lord. Many in our state, nation, and world are in a state of panic. It is important for us as the people of God to demonstrate a calm faith. . . With such fear permeating our culture, there will be exceptional opportunities to share the hope of the gospel and its resulting peace. . . ministry to others always involves risks. . . We must be ready to serve the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of others. Let those of us who trust in God live like it, love others, and refuse to succumb to the fear that grips many.”

Amen! Continuing to Pray,

Pastor Joe

“I thank my God every time I remember you.” Philippians 1:3

CBC Covid-19 Update

CBC Coronavirus Response

March 13, 2020

Like you, I have been concerned about the coronavirus and have been keeping abreast of the latest developments. While not succumbing to panic, we do want to be wise in our work and focused on our God who is in control. Philippians 4:6 encourages us to “not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” And the promise declared in Psalm 34:4 is timely, “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” With new daily disruptions and the spread of the virus, it is certainly a reminder to be diligent, to pray and to be an encouragement to one another.   

As your church staff, we are taking precautions to do our part in keeping everyone healthy and safe. From the CDC, here are a few simple things that you can do to protect yourself and if you are sick, to keep from spreading illness to others. 

            How Can I Protect Myself?

·      *Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

·      *Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

·      *Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

If You Are Sick, to Keep from Spreading Illness to Others

·      *Stay home when you are sick.

·      *Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

·      *Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

What We Are Doing at CBC

·      *When we gather for worship and other activities, we are encouraging non-physical ways of greeting one another.

·      *In place of passing an offering plate, worshipers are encouraged to bring their offering to a designated place in the worship center or use our online giving option through our carrollwoodbaptist.org website.

·      *Our staff members have been instructed to stay home if they are sick.

·      *Extra attention will be given to sanitizing frequently touched and used areas.

·      *For persons who are either sick or who feel that it would be best at this time to remain home, we are working on live streaming on Facebook our 10:30 a.m. worship service each Sunday.

Who's Your One?

Heaven rejoices each time even one person comes to know Jesus. Do you have your one person you are focused on reaching? At Carrollwood Baptist Church we have begun praying for our "One's." Who's Your One? If you haven't yet picked up a Bookmark or 30 Day Prayer Guide be sure to pick up a copy this Sunday at the Connection Center. And let us know who's your one.

"Who's Your One?"

Who’s Your One? is a simple way for each of us to effectively pray for and reach out to our friends and neighbors with the Gospel. Who’s Your One? is not about a new plan or method of evangelism but about praying for people and asking God to give us His heart and passion to see others come to know Jesus Christ. J.D. Greear, President of the Southern Baptist Convention writes, “It doesn’t matter how many buildings we construct, churches we plant or sermons we preach if we’re not intent on doing everything so that lost men, women and children will experience the transforming work of God. Without that one thing, we fail.” I am excited about the possibilities of what God could do as we pray for people and seek to invite persons to experience the life-changing power of Jesus Christ. 

This Sunday, March 8^th I’ll present the emphasis and we will distribute "Who’s Your One?" Prayer Guides. The Sundays leading up to Easter will feature special evangelistic messages so now is a great time to pray and to invite people to worship at CBC.