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.

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

The Ashe Baptist Association Annual Meeting is Friday, August 20th at Appalachian Church and Saturday, August 21 at North Beaver Baptist Church. Preaching this year is the Revs. Tom Graybeal, Ken Jones and Russell Hart. Be praying for a great meeting!

North Beaver Baptist Church will be having their 19th Annual Done Unto Me Missions Project on Saturday, August 7. The project is used to

assist folks with health issues. Lloyd Bedford’s BBQ by the plate or by the pound. Starts at 10:30. Plates come with beans, slaw, roll and desert and are $9. Take out or eat in. A giant yard sale will start at 7 am with lots of items. Call for more info or pre order at 336-8776475 or 336-877-6419. Rev. Rick Miller, Pastor invites you to North Beaver Baptist Church.

Fill the Tank, Repent and be Baptized, Act 2:38 A movement to committing to fill our baptism tank on Sept.12. We are trusting God to save souls and calling believes to go public with their faith on that day! Will you pray and join us? Fill the tankNC.org.

Scheduled to mow the camp August 7 is Friendship Baptist Church and September 4 is Liberty Grove Baptist Church. We are in need of help at the campground to add shingles to the large picnic area facility, if you can help, please let me know. Thanks to everyone that keeps the campground up and running.

Healing Springs Baptist Church announces new times of Sunday School at 9:30 and Worship at 10:00 each Sunday and Wednesday Night services at 7:00. Everyone is invited by the pastor, Rev. Kevin Jones.

Buffalo Baptist Church has Sunday School class on at 9:45 with Worship service to remain at 10:30, both services broadcast on FM 99.9. Everyone welcome. Pastor, Rev. Tom Graybeal.

Pleasant Home Baptist Church is having Homecoming this year on Sunday August 22 at 10:00. All members and former members and friends are invited to attend by the pastor, Rev. Lonnie Carpenter and the congregation.

Fletcher Memorial Baptist Church announces; Back to school Bash, family fun for all ages on Saturday, August 14 from 12-2, game, food, crafts, face painting. Join us for this free Community Event. Revs. Cory and Doug Halsey invites you to Fletcher Memorial Baptist Church.

Warrensville Baptist Church will be having a one day VBS on Saturday, August 14, entitled “ A little S more of Jesus:> VBS will be held 4:00-9:00 with games and a cookout. There will be classes for all ages and end with smores around a campfire. Everyone is invited by the pastor, Rev. Wade Huntsinger. and congregation.

Friendship Baptist Church Homecoming and Decoration will be held August 22nd Decoration will start at 9am and Worship at 10am. Special Singers will be The Cockman Family. There will be a covered dish meal after service. Pastor Ken Jones invites everyone to attend.

Rev. Wade Huntsinger, pastor of the Warrensville Baptist Church has accepted the position of FaithHealth Connector for Ashe County and Baptist Hospital.. While the overwhelming majority of Wade’s time will be spent working with Warrensville Baptist Church, the tasks that require time with FaithHealth leaders, clients and other Connectors is very important. Brother Wade works some with the Ambulance Service in Ashe County (He has his EMT License), and is a part time chaplain for the Sheriff's Department. He is a perfect fit for FaithHealth and we look forward to working with him in this area.

The LOOMS next Bible Study we will be doing a short Bible Study by Rick Warren entitled “Daring Faith”. This will follow up our Bible Study on Elijah leading us to practical steps in reaching our boldness goal. You don’t need to have participated in our study on Elijah to do this study. We will begin on August 5, 2021 at 11:30 at the Association Office. Please come join us as we dig into God’s Word—Linda Blackburn invites all ladies to attend.

Thank you to the 26 folks who came today to confirm the Christmas Project for 1000 children in 2021. Yes, we agreed to wrap if COVID behaves itself. Our next and final meeting will be in August on the 10th. I will send you a reminder and other info as the date draws near. Because of you, I live in the coolest corner of NC! Thank you for all you do for young people and their parents.

When you pray please remember Round Knob Baptist Church, Old Fields Baptist Church and Friendly Grove Baptist Church. They are currently without a pastor.

Round Knob Baptist Church announces that they have Sunday School at 10:00. The congregation invites you to attend.

Phoenix Baptist Church invites you to Sunday School at 10:00 and Worship at 11:00 in side the church. The Pastor, Rev. Chris Taylor and the congregation invite you to attend.

Friendly Grove Baptist Church announces Worship Service at 11:00 Inside the Church. The congregation invites you to attend.

Friendship Baptist Church will be having Bible Study at 9am and Worship Service at 10am. inside the building. Pastor Ken Jones invites everyone to attend.

Obids Baptist Church on Hwy. 163 has Sunday School 10 am Worship Service 11 am Pastor, Rev. Mark Harless & congregation welcomes everyone!

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. 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 Baptist Church, 1460 Bald Mountain Road, West Jefferson, NC 28694 or contact Rev. Alan Ambrose at 336-877-1550.

Big Flatts Baptist Church will have Inside Church and drive in service at 10am for Sunday School and 11:00 for Worship at regular services. Pastor Rev. Billy Norris and the congregation invite you to attend

Midway Baptist Church (across from Walmart) announces They will have Inside Services on Sunday, Sunday School at 9:45am classes including nursery, K-5th kids, 6th -12th youth and adults Followed by Worship at 11:00 and will be livestreaming all their Sunday Services and doing Drive in Services@ 11:00 am tune car radio to 100.9 FM or on their FB Page & via their website @ www.midwaybaptistnc.org, or on youtube.com by looking up Midway Baptist of West Jefferson. We have Wednesday night services at 7:00pm at the church. We have Adult prayer, Children and Youth Classes along with Choir practice. Please check out our website for other activities and services may be watched anytime on website or youtube.com. Rev. Steve LeaShomb pastor invites you to attend.

This year Ashe County Schools is excited to plan a Back-to-School event for all Ashe County PreK-12 students. I know in the past many of our churches have helped the PTO's at individual schools provide such an event. This year we are collaborating with Ashe County Sheriff's Department to offer our school community one BIG event for our students. This event will be held from 10:00-2:00 on August 7, 2021 in the parking lot at the courthouse. Ashe County Sheriff's Department will be hosting Deputy for a Day alongside our Back-to-School Blast. Last year was a hard year for our schools and students. We would like to create some excitement to start off this school year. We, also, want to help students be prepared with tools and necessities to begin our year such as: basic school supplies, haircuts, shoes, and school t-shirt and information booths for parents and students. We are asking that our churches help us sponsor this event. Any participating sponsors will be recognized in an activity book that each child will receive.

We could also use some volunteers to help set up and work different stations on August 7. I would also ask that our churches remember our students this year in prayer-- not just on August 7 but throughout the school year. Life, as well as school, is challenging for many students. I would also ask that you pray about helping to sponsor this event and do what God would have you do. Any donations should be made to Ashe County Schools, PO Box 604, Jefferson, NC 28640. Amy Walker will be the contact there.

Bristol Baptist Church will have Sunday School at 10:00 and Worship at 11:00 Inside the church. Everyone is welcome by the pastor, Rev. Keith Wagoner and the congregation.

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 Worship. 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.

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.

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, 10:00 Sunday School and 11 am Worship. Everyone is invited to attend .,

Round Knob Baptist Church will be having Sunday School at 10:00 and Worship service at 11:00..Rev. Larry Powers will be preaching this Sunday, August 8th. Congregation 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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

Ashe Pregnancy Care Center- Save The Date for our annual WALK FOR LIFE, Saturday, September 25, 2021 at the Backstreet Stage in West Jefferson. Registration will begin at 9:30am. It is a great way for us to come together to support the LIFE of the unborn and the work of the Pregnancy Care Center.

Happy Birthday: August 2 Rev. John Elledge (Marcia- Bald Mt), August 3 Rev. Lonnie Carpenter (Pleasant Home), Aug 3 Tammy Elledge (Keith former pastor at Round Knob), Aug 3. Mrs. Joyce Jones (Wayne – New River),

Happy Anniversary: August 5 Mr. and Mrs. Scott Roten (Erica Administrative Assistant at Midway Baptist), August 6 Rev. and Mrs. Larry Shepard (Anna Mary- Tuckerdale )