April Updates

April 17, 2020

April Updates from Pastor Joe

We are 30 plus days into a new normal that doesn’t quite feel very normal. I hope you and your family are staying well – not only physically but spiritually and emotionally too. If you’re struggling and just need to talk to someone, or if you have a need, please reach out to us, we’re here for you. I do not have any update as it relates to our ongoing policies during this time. Everything in my last correspondence (Covid-19 Update March 27^th) is still in effect. When things begin to change, we will certainly keep you posted. I know we all want to know, when will things return to some normalcy and I wish I had an answer, but like you, I’ll just have to wait.

The Church Office continues to be open during this time, although like most of your workplaces, it’s anything but normal. To ensure social distancing and for practical reasons we are operating with less staff and doing some work remotely. Just to be sure, I would suggest calling before stopping by the church office. You may also know that Jeannie Hernandez has retired, and Robin and Tammy have been battling various health issues (not Covid-19 related). I know they along with all your staff would appreciate your prayers.

Several Words of Thanks are in order. Our musicians that have been recording our Sunday services each week have done an outstanding job. And our tech team and Matt has done a super job in videoing, editing and putting together the services for Sunday. This week we are giving our musicians a break, so our service Sunday, April 19^th will feature music recorded from previous services. However, the message this week will be new from 1 Peter 1:1-9. If you happen to see a choir or lots of folks not practicing social distancing, you’ll know why.

Also, a word of thanks to you – our church fellowship. Your generosity and faithfulness to support CBC during this time is a blessing and greatly appreciated. If you haven’t tried it yet, I would encourage you to check out our online giving feature on our website at Carrollwoodbaptist.org. The entire process is simple, secure and convenient. Of course, we still take checks and cash too.

Some in our fellowship are meeting needs by Providing Meals each week to people in our church fellowship. The focus has been on trying to reach those who may not able to go out and/or people who may have a need due to a loss of income, etc. The list of people with needs changes weekly. If you know of someone that has a need in this area, please let us know. And as always, if you’re able to meet someone’s need, we would encourage you to do that too.

Stories of Hope. Do you have a story where God used you in a special way during this time to minister to someone? Do you know of someone that has come to Christ during this time? Or, perhaps someone has reached out to you and met a need, and you have a testimony of praise. We would love to hear your stories of how God is working with the church “deployed.” You can send your stories to our church email at churchoffice@carrollwoodbaptist.org. You can also use that email to send any prayer updates.  

All your Ministerial Staff are conducting Weekly Online Bible Studies and/or Devotions at various times during the week. Most of these are available on both Facebook and the church’s website. Thank you for joining with us and sharing these with your friends. It has been a very encouraging way for us to feel connected with each other during this time and it has been a tremendous opportunity to get the message of Christ out to our friends and neighbors. Our Easter Service this past Sunday had over 1,300 views! To God Be the Glory!

Have a blessed week, take care and stay connected, and I’ll see you online soon!

Pastor Joe

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

Passion Week Preparation

Passion Week Preparation

Easter Sunday

Our Easter Sunday morning online worship service will have interactive features throughout the service. You and your family can get ready for Easter Sunday by preparing what we are calling “Easter in a Box” or “Basket.” Each of the items will be referred to and explained during the service. Take a picture of your box/basket and post on Carrollwood’s social media platforms with the hashtag #CBCEasterbasketchallenge

Have each member of your family gather up the following items for your box or basket:

·         A Nail

·         A Small Stone

·         Print Out or Write a Copy of the Apostle’s Creed (See Below)

·         A Piece of Paper to Write Down a Prayer

·         A Small Object or Picture that Reminds You of a Special Treasured Memory

·         Bread or Cracker and Juice for Communion

·         A Green Leaf, Flower, or a Picture of Spring, New Life

Good Friday Devotions

Join us on Facebook from homes throughout our area this Good Friday! Look for special presentations throughout the day on Facebook of Jesus’ Seven Words from the Cross, along with music, Scripture readings, and prayers. The presentations will also be shared again that evening.

A Night of Hope and Worship

A livestreamed “Sing” on Facebook at 7:00 p.m., later it will be available on our website. Let us know your favorite song or hymn on our Facebook page prior to our “Sing.”

The Apostle’s Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Christian Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

CBC Coronavirus Update March 27, 2020

CARROLLWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH

Coronavirus (Covid-19) Update

March 27, 2020

Dear Church Family,

We are continuing to adapt to the changing conditions and challenges that the coronavirus virus has presented us. In our ongoing commitment to do everything possible to provide a safe environment for our church family and the surrounding community, and in cooperation with Hillsborough County’s “Safer-at-Home” order (https://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/residents/public-safety/emergency-management/safer-at-home) all Carrollwood Baptist Church activities on campus (including Wednesdays and Sundays) will remain suspended until further notice. The scheduled Easter Egg Hunt is also cancelled.

We are remaining prayerful and seeking ways to stay connected with our church family. 

Here Are Some Ways You Can Stay Connected During This Time

Because “Religious Personnel” are considered an “Essential Profession” during the “Safer-at-Home” order the Church Office will remain open for normal operating hours with measures in place to ensure “physical distancing.” However, there may be times when ministerial and other office staff members may be working remotely. Please contact us if you have any needs either at (813) 962-3214 or churchoffice@carrollwoodbaptist.org.

Sunday Worship Services will continue to be ONLINE only. You can worship with us at 10:30 a.m. at Carrollwoodbaptist.org.

A brief overview of the Explore the Bible small group study material is available each Sunday at 9:00 a.m. on our website.

A Midweek Bible Study on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. will continue to be available on Facebook and afterward it will be made available on our website.

Bible studies for children, students and adults have been added to our website.

We will continue to send out updates and encouragements through email and social media.

Thank You for Your Faithfulness! While we anticipated a decrease in our offerings, we are rejoicing in the faithfulness of God that the drop has been minimal to this point. Thank you for continuing to faithfully give financially either through online giving at Carrollwoodbaptist.org or by mail (5395 Ehrlich Rd. Tampa, FL 33625) so that the ministry of the church thrives all the more during these difficult days.

Learning Center: The Learning Center is remaining open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. All of CBC’s buildings continue to remain closed on weekdays to Non-staff. Thank you for your patience and understanding.  

Continue to pray for the growing numbers of people and families impacted by the coronavirus, 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.

                                             

Pastor Joe

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

Wednesday Night Study, 7:00 p.m. March 25th

The Gospel of Luke 10:25-37                    

Pastor’s Study

 

The Parable of the Good Samaritan

²⁵ On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

²⁶ “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”

²⁷ He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

²⁸ “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

²⁹ But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

³⁰ In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. ³¹ A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. ³² So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. ³³ But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. ³⁴ He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. ³⁵ The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

³⁶ “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

³⁷ The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

Questions for Reflection

1. What was the nature of the question the “expert in the law” asked Jesus (10:25)? What does Luke tell us this question was designed to do?  

2. In response, why do you think Jesus pointed the man back to the Law (10:26)?

3. How did the man sum up the Law (10:27)? While answering correctly about the Law, what was it about his response that tells us he missed the real intent of the Law (10:28-29)?

4. How might the Word of God sometimes be used today to “justify” sinful thoughts and actions?  

5. What was the setting of the story (parable) that Jesus told to answer the question, “who is my neighbor” (10:30)?

6. Who were the main characters in the parable who saw the man along the way (10:31-33)? What actions did the Samaritan take when he came across the beaten traveler (10:33-35)? Why do you think Jesus made the Samaritan out to be hero of the story?

7. When asked “which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man,” what was the “expert in the Law” compelled to admit (10:36-37)? What did Jesus tell the man to go and do?

Life Applications

1. To the question, “Who is our neighbor?” Every human being is our neighbor.

2. The Great Commandment is to both love God and our neighbor (Matthew 22:34-40).   

3. We love God by showing “mercy” to others.

4. Jesus as “The” Good Samaritan. Jesus sees and rescues us who have been beaten down, broken, and bruised by sin and the world. Jesus steps in when everyone else steps aside.