REOPENING THE CHURCH

So now is the time to pray and plan about reopening. I have copied some of the info from the Baptist State Convention of NC. (NCBAPTIST.ORG) on reopening. This is designed to help you consider what is best for the church you attend. Please call me at 336-846-5631 if you have questions or concerns.

Statement on Face Masks in church Executive Order 147 issued June 24, 2020 does not impose a requirement that individuals attending a worship service must wear a face covering. Section 3.5.B. of Executive Order 147 states:

“People are required to wear Face Coverings in the following settings, whether they are inside or outside, unless an exception applies….” (emphasis added). The Executive Order 147 then has 10 paragraphs with specific categories of businesses and government where wearing face coverings are required. None of these paragraphs mention churches or worship services.

Executive Order 147 amends Executive Order 141 in certain respects. Nothing in Executive Order 147 amended Section 4 of Executive Order 141 which exempts worship services from certain requirements

As North Carolina officials consider a phased-in approach to reopening, N.C. Baptist churches are anxious to gather in person for worship. Below is a helpful guide of ideas to assist you in making the most of this reengagement.

Please note, the items below are suggestions and in no way should replace guidelines from government officials and health care professionals. Every local church is autonomous and must therefore make their own decisions about how to move forward in order to be the church, honor earthly authorities, and love their neighbors.

Pastors, consider making a video to share with your church telling them what to expect their first Sunday back in the building. The video should outline traffic flow, seating guidelines, children and preschool expectations, etc. Emphasize safety! Think in terms of over-communicating the precautions you are taking as a church.

Keep in mind that while gathering together is a gift to believers and a witness to unbelievers, our desire to return to the building should never replace our Great Commission responsibility to “go and tell.” We pray that soon, you will be able to say to your church, “See you on Sunday!”

Preparing the Facility

Sanitize

Deep clean your entire church. Consider shampooing carpets, sanitizing seating, bathrooms, doorknobs, light switches and microphones.

Preschool / Children Areas

Pay attention to the preschool and children’s areas. Consider removing everything nonessential from the room to limit surfaces for potential contamination, and do a thorough cleaning in between uses.

Fellowship / Greetings

Post signs about not shaking hands and doing noncontact greetings. Coach ushers and greeters to use appropriate social distancing.

Offer Sanitizer

Place hand sanitizer stations throughout the facility.

Traffic Flow

Designate one-way pedestrian traffic flow to facilitate social distancing

Service Options (including ideas for limited gatherings)

Stay Outside

Continue or consider drive-in worship gatherings (where permitted by local authorities).

Stay Virtual

Stay virtual on Sunday with smaller in-person prayer gatherings during the week using an online sign up to limit the number.

Multiple Services

Organize multiple worship services by Sunday School classes/small groups or age. (Use online registration and cap the number).

Simultaneous Services

Simultaneous services in two areas of your buildings may work if attendance is restricted per gathering rather than per facility.

Small Group Meetings

Have small groups meet in homes to tune into worship together. (Offer training for group leaders to handle follow up, invitations, discussion, etc.)

Those Not Joining

Keep a virtual service option going for those who cannot or are not ready to rejoin.

Instructional Video

Film a walk-through video to prepare guests for flow of traffic when they return.

Service Options (including ideas for limited gatherings)

Worship Service Considerations

Social Distancing

Arrange seating to maintain social distancing. Either remove chairs from the usual setup or block off pews. While families can sit closer together, there should be appropriate spacing on either side of each family unit.

Offering

Have offering boxes in various entrances to receive offerings instead of passing the offering plates. Encourage online giving, as well.

Lord’s Supper

Consider using prepackaged communion sets. The individual sets can be picked up from tables as people enter the service and used at the appropriate time in the service.

Baptism

It may be best at this time to limit baptisms to one person per filling of the baptismal pool in the sanctuary. Consider the use of a chlorinated swimming pool for larger services.

Older Members

Older members and those with vulnerable health conditions may be fearful of returning at once, and it may be advised for them not to. Continue offering online worship and discipleship for this population of your church.

Cleaning Between Multiple Services

For those who have multiple services, have a plan in place to sterilize as much as possible between services. Actions such as wiping down pews and placing hand sanitizer generously around the church and encouraging its use.

Choirs

With social distancing in effect, traditional plans are probably not feasible. Consider holding a rehearsal in a large room that allows people to sit with appropriate distances to begin getting the groups back together.

Bulletins

Do not distribute bulletins unless they are distributed electronically.

Masks

If wearing masks is suggested by health officials, consider providing masks for those who don’t have them.

Volunteers

Many volunteers may step down for a period of time. Roles may need to change. There will be a need for a sanitation team to keep things clean. The greeting ministry will look different while maintaining social distancing.

Health Monitoring

Consider temperature checks for all staff and volunteers.

Coffee Stations

Eliminate coffee stations until we receive an “all-clear.”

Meet-and-Greet Time

These times may need to be eliminated altogether or have people just wave from a distance.

Hymnals and Pew Bibles

It may be best to eliminate the use of these items until after the threat is over.

Preschool and Children

Toys

Eliminate toy boxes and an overabundance of toys. Bring out only the amount of toys that volunteers are willing to clean at the end of the session.

Train Leaders

Train leaders on sanitation guidelines for handwashing, diaper changing and cleaning toys. Clearly state expectations for sanitizing during the session.

Take Temperatures

Purchase no touch thermometers, and perform temperature checks on children and leaders before being allowed in preschool or children’s classrooms.

Restrict Numbers

Restrict numbers and ages of those who can be part of the preschool or children’s ministry, or open without preschool or children’s classes.

Check-in Station

Have volunteers staff the check-in station to limit physical contact with the check-in station.

Drop-off and Pick-up

Consider options for dropping off and picking up children: Allow only one parent to drop off and pick up children, or have designated drop-off and pick-up locations at the entry to children’s areas with only the teacher escorting the child to class.

Restrict Personal Items

Restrict diaper bags and other personal items from being brought into classrooms. Consider allowing only those items needed for the day to be placed in individual containers or baskets in the room. (Make sure bags, diapers, wipes, bottles, etc., are clearly marked.)

Sunday School / Small Group

Seating Guidelines

Provide seating guidelines to maintain social distancing in classrooms.

Provide Training

Provide training for leaders to understand guidelines, as well as pastoral care responsibilities for the group.

Care

Keep the emphasis on caring in between meetings.

Stay Virtual

Consider virtual small groups for a season to limit traffic throughout the facility.

Those Not Joining

Consider virtual groups for those not yet comfortable or not able to return.

Sanitize Between Meetings

If rooms are shared by multiple hours, sanitize between hours

List of New Pastors

Pleasant Valley Baptist Church announces Rev. Allen Huffman is their new pastor. We welcome Brother Allen and his wife Ann to the Ashe Baptist Association and look forward to working with them.

Riverview Baptist Church announces; Rev. Curtis Presnell was elected last Sunday as the new Pastor and has begun his work. We welcome Brother Curtis and look forward to working with him in the Ashe Baptist Association.

Christian Unity Baptist Church announces Rev. Darien South was elected as pastor by a unanimous decision on Sunday. We welcome Brother Darien and his wife Holly to the Ashe Baptist Association and look forward to working with them.

Grassy Creek Baptist Church voted unanimously on Sunday July 5, on their new Pastor, Rev. David Moore. Welcome Brother David and his wife to the Ashe Baptist Association of Churches and look forward to working with them

God’s Will Baptist Church announce Rev. Homer Murdock is their new pastor and will begin this Sunday. (Dec 1) They invite you to come hear their new pastor and worship with them Sunday School at 10 and Worship Service at 11:00. WE welcome Brother Homer and his wife Barbara and look forward to working with them in the Ashe Baptist Association.

Mission Home Baptist Church announces Rev. Evan Moore has been elected pastor and will start on November 10. We welcome Brother Evan and his wife Kayla and family to the Ashe Baptist Association in this new role. Congregation invites you to attend.

Orion Baptist Church announces Rev. Lawrence Goodman has been elected as pastor by a 100% vote. The Ashe Baptist Association looks forward to working with Brother Lawrence and his wife, Lesia. Orion invites you to come hear their new pastor. They have Sunday School at 10 and Worship at 11:00.

Phoenix Baptist Church announces that Brother Chris Taylor of Jefferson NC has been voted in as pastor by 100% Vote. We welcome Brother Chris and his wife Chelsea to the Ashe Baptist Association and look forward to working with him

Laurel Knob Baptist Church announces , Rev. Russell Hart has been elected pastor by a 95% vote of the church. We welcome Brother Russell and his wife Jennifer to the Ashe Baptist Association and look forward to working with them. They have Sunday School at 10:00 and Worship at 11:00 and the congregation invite you to come worship with them and meet their new pastor. He begins his work April 7.

Bristol Baptist Church announces Rev. Keith Wagoner was elected pastor by 96.7%. WE welcome Brother Keith and his wife Trish to the Ashe Baptist Association and look forward to working with them. They have Sunday School at 10:00 Worship at 11:00 and welcome everyone one to come meet their new pastor!

We welcome Rev. Ken Jones as the new Intentional Interim Pastor at Friendship Baptist Church. We welcome Brother Ken and his wife, Margie to the Ashe Baptist Association and look forward to working with them.

We also welcome Brother Brandy Phipps as the new pastor of Little Helton Baptist Church. The Ashe Baptist Association looks forward to working with him and his wife. He began his work , February 3.

Buffalo Baptist Church is pleased to announces the Rev. Tom Graybeal is the new pastor and was elected by 100%. We welcome Brother Tom and his wife Mary to the Ashe Baptist Association in the new role. They are already on the field at work. Be praying for them as they work in that area.

Ashe Baptist would like to thank our sponsors for the Ashe Baptist News heard on WKSK each Saturday and on SoundCloud on the Web. Ashe County Ford, Rev. Jeff and Amy Dollar, Tri County Paving, Lucian and Patricia Jordan, and State Wide Insurance Solutions, Chris and Andrea Finney and Tri County Monuments, Mike and Lesia Peters. They are all Christians and attend church and welcome you to come see them when you find yourself in need of their services.

Church Announcements

Week or Prayer and Offering for Annie Armstrong North American Missions March 7-13. The North American Mission Board (NAMB) exists to help every church take its next step in missions and encourage every believer to live on mission.

NAMB’s mission field is the United States, Canada and the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Guam and American Samoa. This region contains diverse ethnic groups, languages and religions. Approximately 269 million people in North America do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ. Through your gifts to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering® and the Cooperative Program, NAMB supports more than 5,000 missionaries and more than 3,800 chaplains who serve in difficult places where the gospel is often not welcome.

I hope you will pray for, learn about and give to Annie Armstrong Easter Offering.

Destination Dig - New VBS for 2021- Come see all the material at the Ashe Baptist Associational Office, on display now!

VBS 2021 is headed to present-day Israel where discovery awaits at Destination Dig. Kids will unearth more than dirt as they dig up exciting evidence that proves biblical events were not just stories. As junior archaeologists, kids will explore real-life archaeological finds that have helped to uncover the truth about Jesus! Along the way, they’ll discover the truth of Jeremiah 29:13, that God reveals Himself to us when we seek and search for Him with all our hearts. Plan for VBS now!

Ministers Tax information from Guidestone is available at the associational office. Come check it out!

Souper Bowl Sunday and Ashe Really Cares urges you to give to the ARC through the month of February as we feed the hungry. Souper Bowl of Caring is transforming the Big Game into a nation-wide movement inspiring people to give locally and make a collective impact on hunger. Mobilizing grassroots resources including churches, schools, civic groups and caring individuals. Ashe Really Cares Director, Mrs. Pat Miller thanks you! Current totals so far is : Thank you! Current totals so far is : 2189 items of food and $4.405. Thank you! Final Total – Clothes sorters needed.

WE welcome Mrs. Ellen Reedy as the new connector for FaithHealth Ashe County. Mrs. Diane Dixon held that position for many years and has retired. We look forward to working with Ellen and many of you already know her. Contact her for your FaithHealth needs at 336-620-7234 .

thank you! Merry Christmas to everyone!

Ladies with Open Hearts and Open Minds Seeking God thru Bible Study, Prayer, and Fellowship. The LOOMS meet weekly, 11:30 am each Thursday at the Ashe Baptist Associational office.204 Beaver Creek School Road West Jefferson

Coming in March-- A 7-Session Study on the Prophet Elijah from Best-Selling Author Priscilla Shirer Old Testament heroes are best known for their most celebrated moments: Moses dividing the Red Sea; David slaying Goliath; Gideon routing an insurmountable army; Joshua marching around the defiant walls of Jericho.

And Elijah—calling down fire on Mount Carmel. To reserve your seat or further information you may contact the ABA office at: (336)846-5631. Linda Blackburn and Ellen Reedy welcome you! .

ECUMENICAL HOLY WEEK SERVICES: The Ashe Ministerial Association (AMA) is sponsoring ONLINE Holy Week Services on Monday, March 29 through Friday, April 2nd, 2021. Each service will be streamed at 12noon. The link to each daily service will be posted at https://www.fbcwj.org/. This site will also post information on how to see a replay of the services. Each service will include a Holy Week message and special music. Presenters include pastors, lay leaders, and musicians from churches across Ashe County. There will also be links to donate to an Ashe County Food Ministry if you would like support one of these ministries with a gift. In this time of social distancing, we are separated in body but invite to come together in Spirit as we celebrate the gift of Jesus Christ and worship together online. Join us!

Ashe Really Cares Quarterly Meeting is schedule to be meet at Ashe Baptist Associational Officer on Tuesday, April 6th at 7:00. All Committee Members and interested folks are urged to attend.

The Executive Committee of the Ashe Baptist Association is schedule to meet on Thursday, April 8th at 7:00 with the Old Fields Baptist Church for it’s Quarterly Meeting.. All Pastors, Committee Members and interested folks are urge to attend.

Grassy Creek Baptist Church has Inside Worship Services at 11:00. Rev, David Moore , pastor invites you to attend.

Pilot Mt. Baptist Church has Inside Services for Worship at 11:00 on Sunday. Rev. Keith Woodie ,pastor invites you to attend.

Pleasant Valley Baptist Church announces Rev. Allen Huffman is their new pastor. We welcome Brother Allen and his wife Ann to the Ashe Baptist Association and look forward to working with them.

Pleasant Valley Baptist Church has Sunday School at 10:15 and Worship at 11:00 In side the church. Please wear a mask.

Wagoner Baptist Church has In side Service and Drive in on Radio at 11:00 for Worship. Rev. Darrel Poole invites you to attend.

Christian Unity Baptist Church on Sunday, Inside Services, broadcasting now on 90.1 FM if folks want to listen from the parking lot and are on Facebook at 11:00. Pastor Darien South and the Congregation welcome everyone.

Big Flatts Baptist Church in-house church, drive-in church on 87.9 FM, and on Facebook at 11:00. Masks are preferred. Everyone is welcome. Rev. Billy Norris and congregation invite you to attend.

Welcome Home Baptist Church has In side and Virtual Services For Sunday and Wednesday Night Services on Facebook . Pastor, Rev. Lonnie Jones welcomes you to attend.

Buffalo Baptist Church is having indoor and parking lot service via FM radio at 10:30 each Sunday. Everyone welcome. Pastor, Rev. Tom Graybeal.

Midway Baptist Church (across from Walmart) will have services inside the church Sunday at 10:00 and will be livestreaming all their Sunday Services and doing Drive in Services @ 10:00 am & Wednesday Services @ 6:30 pm on their FB Page & via their website @ www.midwaybaptistnc.org, we have started Sunday School at 8:45am each week with two classes; 7th grade-adult in Fellowship Hall and K-6th in the Youth area. Past services may be watched anytime on their website. Rev. Steve LeaShomb pastor invites you to attend.

Blood Drive: at Midway

Red Cross is just using our fellowship hall. March 19th11-4:00PM To register for the Red Cross blood drive they have to go on line www.redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code; Midway Baptist.

Men of Valor, men and boys event:

We are getting a group to go to the Men of Valor event if anyone would like to go (ride with us or drive as a group) with us they need to register online at www.uplandsreach.org and call the office 336-246-2012 and let us know to put them on the list. Rev. Steve LeaShomb pastor invites you to attend. Also at Midway,

Free event: Location: Midway Baptist Sanctuary-Date: March 5th-Time: 6:30PM Rev. Joshua Hernandez , Family Pastor encourages you to attend.

Imprisoned for Christ Virtual Event.

Remember, Covid – 19 recommendations are in place for all churches. –See them- Located on website www, ashebaptist.org across from the announcements. Click on more and then announcements and you will see them on the left. NOTE: churches are doing Inside Services, Drive in Service and are on Facebook. Any church service is subject to change during Covid-19 so check with your contact persons if you are unsure.

Bristol Baptist Church Inside services at 10 with Sunday School and Worship at 11:00 on Sunday.. Rev. Keith Wagoner pastor welcomes you to attend.

Calvary Baptist Church in West Jefferson announces Indoor and Drive in Services on Sunday. Sunday School at 10:00 and Worship at 11:00. Rev. Kirby McNeil is the pastor.

Thank you, Nurses, EMTs, Doctors, First Responders, Respiratory Therapists, all our medical folks. Thank you, Police Departments, Fire Departments, Pastors, Churches, Teachers and all our volunteers. We are all working together in this crisis. Better days head. We are praying for you as you serve.

The Associational Office is open to serve you and Ashe Really Cares is open as well but has adjusted some of their methods to stay as healthy as possible. If you find yourself in need let us know. It is a time to help our neighbors but also to worship God. Thank you for your financial support and your prayers. Thank you volunteers at ARC. Thank you, Pat Miller and Shelia Miller, Van Food Pickup Drivers and others for your extra hard work during these times. Thank you to Rev. Teddy Shatley for all the electrical work at the ARC. We can see much better now!

Oak Hill Missionary Baptist Church invites you to join us for our regular 10:00am Sunday School and 11:00 am Worship services. Rev. JC Darnell, pastor.

Healing Springs Baptist Church announces Inside and on Facebook at 10:00 each Sunday. Rev. Kevin Jones, pastor invites everyone to attend.

Remember, Covid – 19 recommendations are in place for all churches. – Located on website www,ashebaptist.org across from the announcements. Click on other and then announcements and you will see them on the left.

Blue Ridge Baptist Church is having Inside Services at 10:00 for Sunday School and 11:00 Worship. Pastor, Rev. Teddy Shatley invites you to attend. On the Parkway!

Old Fields Baptist Church will have Drive in Worship Service Sunday, 11 am at the Church. Everyone is invited to attend by the pastor, Rev. Larry Powers.

Round Knob Baptist Church will be having Sunday School at 10:00 and Worship service at 11:00.. Rev. Keith Elledge invites you to attend.

North Beaver Baptist Church will have Inside Church Services and on Facebook. Sunday School at 10:00 and 11:00 Worship. Rev. Rick Miller, pastor invites you to attend.

Bald Mountain Baptist Church will have a Worship Service In side ,On line and on Facebook , They do have Bible Fellowship Classes Monday thru Friday on The Church’s Facebook Page at 7:00. Rev. John Elledge invites you to attend.

Happy Trails Cowboy Church of Ashe will be meeting at the Blue Ridge Dinner Theater and Events Center in Glendale Springs on Sunday at 10:00 for Services inside the building. They will have Bible Study on Wednesday Night beginning at 6:30. Social distance will be observed. Pastor, Rev. Roger Blevins invite everyone to attend.

Friendly Grove Baptist Church is to announces 11:00 am In side service.-- The pastor, Rev. Kevin York invites you to attend.

Phoenix Baptist Church will be having Drive in Church on Sunday at 11:00. Pastor, Chris Taylor and the congregation invites you to attend.

Beaver Creek Baptist Church on the Mullatto Mt Road in West Jefferson will have Inside Church Service Sunday, Sunday School at 10:00 and Worship at 11:00 They also will have Drive in Church on Sunday at 11:00, 105.1 FM for those who do not want to come in and you are invited to attend. They will also be on Facebook and You Tube for those who cannot make it to the church. Rev, Johnny Goodman is the pastor at Beaver Creek Baptist Church.

Appalachian Church on Ray Taylor Rd in West Jefferson will have Worship Service 10:00 Sunday In side, OnLive streaming as well via Facebook and at www.appchurch.org. Everyone is invited to attend by the pastor, Rev. Steve Ashley,

Mission Home Baptist Church will have Indoor Service on Sunday with Sunday School at 10:00 and Worship at 11:00.They will be Live Streaming and on Facebook. Covet -19 recommendations will be in place. Rev. Evan Moore invites you to attend.

Oak Hill Baptist Church will have services in side Sunday. Sunday School at 10 and Worship at 11:00. Pastor , Rev. JC Darnell invites you to attend.

Pine Swamp Baptist Church will have Worship Services Inside the church Sunday at 11:00. They will have Drive in and Broadcast Sunday School at 10:00. Rev. Steve Viers pastor invites you to attend.

Warrensville Baptist Church announces In side Church Services, Drive In Worship Services at 10:00 and on line on Facebook online 10 AM service on Sunday and have a Bible study each Wednesday at 7;00 p.m. on line.. DOM David Blackburn is scheduled to preach on February 7. To access our services just go to www.warrensvilleBaptistchurch.com.

Fletcher Memorial Baptist Church invites you to Inside Worship Service at 10:30 am. No Sunday School. Sunday Morning Service on Facebook at 10:30 and on Wednesday Night at 6:15 live. They also have Youth and College Level Services. You can go to their website to get services or info anytime. Call the office and talk to Jean Ann for more info. Pastors Cory and Doug Halsey invite you to attend. Congratulations to Rev. Cory and Amanda Halsey on a bouncing new baby Boy!

God’s Will Baptist Church will be having Inside Church Services and on Facebook Sunday School at 10:00. Worship begins at 11:00. God's Will also has a Sunday evening musical on FB at 7:00. ON Wednesday nights at 7:00 they have Inside and on line services. Everyone is invited by Rev. Homer Murdock, pastor.

Friendship Baptist Church is having Sunday Drive in Service with Bible Study at 9:00 and Worship at 10:00 as well as Facebook Live along with several adult Bible Studies and Youth Ministry via Facebook and Zoom. Sit in car or bring a lawn chair and be 6 feet away from your neighbor. Rev. Ken Jones pastor invites you to attend.

Liberty Grove Baptist Church to have Sunday Inside Worship Service @ 11am. and on Facebook and YouTube Live continues on Sunday mornings as well. Mid-Week Bible Study: Wednesday nights @ 7pm on Facebook LIVE. Pastor, Rev. Toby Oliver invites you unto attend.

Orion Baptist Church invites you to Indoor Services 9:45 and 11:00. 60 and up Worship in the sanctuary at 9:45. Then at 11:00 under 60 will meet in the Fellowship Hall. Rev. Lawrence Goodman invites you to attend.

Riverview Baptist Church will have Indoor Services at 10:00 for Sunday School and 11:00 for Worship on Sunday. Pastor Rev. Curtis Presnell and the congregation invites you to attend.

Pleasant Home Baptist Church- Sunday Inside and Drive-In Worship Service at 11 am. Pastor, Rev. Lonnie Carpenter welcomes you to Pleasant Home Baptist Church in Grassy Creek, NC.

Hope for the Mountains Prayer Team meets every Tuesday at 8:00 AM with Midway Baptist Church in the sanctuary around the altar. We have a short devotion and then we pray. It is open to the public and you are invited to attend.

Happy Birthday: March 3 Jennifer Hart- (Russell- Laurel Knob), 4th. Mrs. Paula Miller (Rick – North Beaver), 6th. Mr. David Miller (Shelia - ARC and Oak Hill)

Happy Birthday: 6th Mr. David Miller (Shelia - ARC and Oak Hill), 9th Rev. Russell Hart (Jennifer – Laurel Knob),

Happy Anniversary: none