Physical Address: 204 Beaver Crk School Rd • West Jefferson, NC 28694 • 336-846-5631
Physical Address: 204 Beaver Crk School Rd • West Jefferson, NC 28694 • 336-846-5631
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.
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.
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.
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 on sanitation guidelines for handwashing, diaper changing and cleaning toys. Clearly state expectations for sanitizing during the session.
Purchase no touch thermometers, and perform temperature checks on children and leaders before being allowed in preschool or children’s classrooms.
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.
Have volunteers staff the check-in station to limit physical contact with the check-in station.
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 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.)
Provide seating guidelines to maintain social distancing in classrooms.
Provide training for leaders to understand guidelines, as well as pastoral care responsibilities for the group.
Keep the emphasis on caring in between meetings.
Consider virtual small groups for a season to limit traffic throughout the facility.
Consider virtual groups for those not yet comfortable or not able to return.
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.
God's Will Baptist Church will be hosting a "MAN-UP CONFERENCE" with former wrestler, world champion and US champion wrestler, Nikita Koloff, on June 12th. Cost is only $20.00 each and that includes lunch. Spaces are limited-only 50 are available. Deposit required to hold your space. Contact Homer Murdock, pastor at 828-413-0438 or ttwpres@yahoo.com, or through the church's web site, www.godswillmissionary.com. Pastor, Rev. Homer Murdock invites you to attend.
Mission Home Baptist Church announces Rev. Evan Moore
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
When you pray please remember Old Fields Baptist Church and Friendly Grove Baptist Church. They are currently without a pastor.
Also thank you to everyone who is helping with the Ashe Baptist Summer Camp we appreciate it. We had a work day last Saturday and thanks to Mr. Tim Hamby of Mission Home Baptist Church and his tractor we were able to move some trees, move dirt and get the Mattie Parson Memorial Building water tight with scrubs moved and new dirt placed next to the building. Thank you, Robert and Brenda Greer of the Pine Swamp Baptist Church, for seeding the area and adding hay to help the grass to grow. The shrubbery had trimming of small limbs removed. A new $950 dollar water improvement system was installed and the internet has been turned on. More work is needed and Christian Unity Baptist Church and Warrensville Baptist are on schedule to do some work in the near future. Bald Mountain Baptist Church is scheduled to mow this week and on May 1 Midway Baptist Church is scheduled to mow. Thanks again to everyone who helps with the campground.
The 2021 Mother’s Day Offering promotional materials are available, place your order for materials by visiting https://mothersdayoffering.org/order.These generous gifts to the Mother’s Day Offering communicate to patients and their families that God sees, hears and responds to their needs. Thank you for giving, Isaiah 41:20, “That they may see and know, and consider and understand together, that the hand of the Lord has done this, and the Holy One of Israel has created it. If you have questions about the Mother’s Day Offering, I hope that you will feel free to contact me.
We have a church in need of a piano player. This is a paid position. If you are interested and want to use your talent for the Lord, please contact me.
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!
The Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina is having their annual food roundup beginning in April. If you have food for them or money, we can receive it anytime at Ashe Really Cares. Just let them know its for the Children’s Home. The deadline to receive the food is April 30.
Ashe Really Cares gives special thank you to the Dr. Phil Yount and Ashe Medical Missions Team for giving up a Saturday at the ARK to do construction on the inside of the building. We appreciate it. The ARC is looking for two food pickup people. If interested please contact Pat Miller Director at 846-5631. We will get you certified by Second Harvest Food Bank virtually and you will be ready to go!
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. A 7-Session Study on the Prophet Elijah from Best-Selling Author Priscilla Shirer Study’s. You don't want to miss this. Still time to join. To reserve your seat or further information you may contact the ABA office at: (336)846-5631. Linda Blackburn your facilitator and Ellen Reedy welcome you!
The Annual National Day of Prayer is scheduled to be held at the New Ashe County Courthouse steps on Thursday, May 6th at 11:00. The theme this year is from, 2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. COVID recommendation will be in place. I hope you will plan to attend and pray with us!
Big Flatts Baptist Church will have Inside Church and drive in service at 11am. Pastor Rev. Billy Norris and the congregation invite you to attend.
Obids Baptist Church, Sunday Inside Worship Service 11 am Pastor, Rev. Mark Harless & congregation welcomes everyone!
Orion Baptist Church announces this Sunday Indoor Services with Sunday School at 10:00. Seniors 60 and up in the sanctuary and 60 and below in the Fellowship Hall. Then worship together at 11:00 in the sanctuary. Rev. Lawrence Goodman invites you to attend.
Bristol Baptist Church will have Spring Revival with Rev. Neal Hatfield on Sunday, May 16 thru Wednesday, May 19 at 7:00. Special Music each night/ Pastor, Rev. Keith Wagoner invites everyone to attend.
Tuckerdale Baptist Church has Inside and Drive in Services at 10:30 with Sunday School and at 11:00 Worship. Pastor, Rev. Larry Shepard welcomes you 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. Sunday School at 10:00 and Wednesday night service at 6:30. Pastor Darien South welcomes everyone.
Buffalo Baptist Church will resume Sunday School class on March 21st at 9:45 with Worship service to remain at 10:30, both services broadcast on FM 99.9. Everyone welcome. Pastor, Rev. Tom Graybeal.
Midway Baptist Church (across from Walmart) will have Inside Services Sunday Worship 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, Sunday School 8:45 classes including nursery, K-5thkids, 6th -12th youth and adults. Services may be watched anytime on their website. Rev. Steve LeaShomb pastor invites you to attend.
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 10:00 with Sunday School and Worship at 11:00 on Sunday.
Bristol Baptist Church will have Spring Revival with Rev. Neal Hatfield on Sunday, May 16 thru Wednesday, May 19 at 7:00. Special Music each night/ Pastor, Rev. Keith Wagoner invites everyone to attend. Rev. Keith Wagoner pastor welcomes you to attend.
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.
God's Will Baptist Church will be hosting a "MAN-UP CONFERENCE" with former wrestler, world champion and US champion wrestler, Nikita Koloff, on June 12th. Cost is only $20.00 each and that includes lunch. Spaces are limited-only 50 are available. Deposit required to hold your space. Contact Homer Murdock, pastor at 828-413-0438 or ttwpres@yahoo.com, or through the church's web site, www.godswillmissionary.com. Pastor, Rev. Homer Murdock invites you to attend.
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 Inside or Drive in Service Sunday, 11 am at the Church. Everyone is invited to attend .,
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 now has Inside Worship Service on Sundays at 10 am and Sunday School at 9 am as well as online and on Facebook. Inside Wednesday night services are at 7 pm and Thursday morning Bible Study is at 10 am. Rev. John Elledge invites you to attend. Bald Mountain Baptist Church is looking for a part time Worship Director. This will include leading the congregation and directing the choir. Please send resume to Bald Mountain Church, 1460 Bald Mountain Road, West Jefferson, NC 28694 or contact Rev. Alan Ambrose at 336-877-1550. Also, Grief Share 13-week session began Tuesday, April 6 – 6:00 – 8:00 pm and runs through June 29th at the Bald Mountain Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. There is still time to join. Open to all who are grieving from the loss of a loved one. Mrs. Peggy Ashley will be your facilitator.
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 has 11:00 am In side Worship Service. Everyone welcome.
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. 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.
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.
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:27th. Mrs. Amanda Halsey (Cory- Fletcher Memorial)
Happy Anniversary: 24th. Rev. and Mrs. John Elledge (Bald Mt.) 24th. DOM and Mrs. David Blackburn (Linda - Healing Springs)
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