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   

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.   

 Minister, wife and staff Ashe Baptist Association Christmas Dinner was held at a new location this year at Bald Mountain Baptist Church on Thursday, December 12th at 6:00 PM. Virginia Carolina Concrete Company was our sponsor. We thank them (Mr. Ted Huffman, Teddy Huffman Jr., and Adam Huffman) and encourage you when are in need please contact them.  

Church Announcements   

 Executive Committee of the Ashe Baptist Association has approved unanimously a one-day Annual Meeting on Saturday, August 15 beginning at 9:00 AM and ending at approximately 12:00 with lunch. Beaver Creek Baptist Church on the Mullatto Mountain Road will be our host. Rev. Johnny Goodman is the pastor. COVID-19 recommendations will be in place. They recommend only two folks from each church, pastor and one representative. This is a onetime exception from our constitution due to COVID-19. If the pastor cannot attend for some reason, please send 2 messengers from the church. The church will be sanitized the day before the meeting. The ladies will be wearing gloves and masks as they serve lunch and if you do not want to eat in the new fellowship hall, picnic tables will be placed outside for you to use. I hope and pray that you will attend and that God’s plan for another year will be felt by all attending. Rev. Lawrence Goodman will be preaching due to Rev. Homer Murdock have a medical procedure he is not going to try to preach but plans to attend. If you have questions or concerns, please let us know.  

North Beaver Baptist Church will have their 17th Annual Done Unto Me mission project on Sat. August 8 at the church located on Hwy 163 t the New River. Pork BBQ by the plate $8 w all the fixins and by the pound for $12 prepared by Lloyd Bedford will be available at 11:00. Drive thru no contact all proceeds are to be used to help folks with medical related needs. For more info or to donate call 336-877-6475 after 5:00pm. Rev. Rick Miller is the pastor at North Beaver Baptist Church.

   The Ashe County Children’s Christmas Project Team met  and decided unanimously to have the Christmas Project again this year for 1000 children. More info as the time draws near, thank you to Christian Unity Baptist Church for hosting this meeting. We had about 20 in attendance with many churches and organizations represented.   

Wagoner Baptist Church will have Worship Services at the Picnic Shelter on Sunday at 11:00. Rev. Darrell Poole Senior invites you to attend.

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.

When you pray please remember Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, and Riverview Baptist Church, these are currently in search of a pastor for the church. 

Congratulations to all the graduates. It is exciting to see next steps for each one. We are praying for you as you take those steps.

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.    

LOOMS Bible Study

Still time to join. “40 Days in the Word” LADIES Bible Study is held weekly on Thursday, 11:30-12:30 at the Ashe Baptist Association Office on 204 Beaver Creek School Road, West Jefferson Meetings are facilitated by Mrs. Linda Blackburn. Study Six easy to learn methods of Loving, Learning, and Living in the Word.  1) Pronounce it, 2) Picture it, 3) Probe it, 4) Paraphrase it, 5) Personalize it, 6) Pray it. Reignite and Strengthen your passion for God’s Word by not only being “hearers” of the word, but also “doers” of the word. Call the associational office for more info.  

  Schedule to mow the Ashe Baptist Campground the week of August 8th is Friendship Baptist Church and the week of August 22 is Clifton Baptist Church. We appreciate all that you do to keep the campground in good shape 

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. Anyone who would like to donate to the cemetery upkeep may do so by mailing your check to Oak Hill Baptist Church, in care of David Miller at 380 Whitetail Dr Fleetwood, NC 28626. Sincerely, Oak Hill Church Family, Rev. JC Darnell, pastor. 

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

Big Flatts Baptist Church announces Drive in Service FM 87.9 as well as        In-House Church, beginning at 10am with Sunday School and Worship at 11am. DOM David Blackburn is scheduled to preach on Sunday, August 23. Rev. Billy Norris and congregation, invites you to attend. 

Executive Committee of the Ashe Baptist Association has approved unanimously  a one-day Annual Meeting on Saturday, August 15 beginning at 9:00 AM and ending at approximately 12:00 with lunch. Beaver Creek Baptist Church on the Mullatto Mountain Road will be our host. Rev. Johnny Goodman is the pastor. COVID-19 recommendations will be in place. They recommend only two folks from each church, pastor and one representative. This is a onetime exception from our constitution due to COVID-19. If you have questions or concerns please let us know.

Thank you to everyone who came to the Campground Workday last Saturday. We had about 40 folks doing different jobs. The chipper was there and we chipped a lot of the loose limbs and some of the piles that was left from last year. Warrensville Baptist Church mowed and trimmed the campground. He Prayer Garden looks beautiful and is ready to be used. The camp is in excellent condition. Praise be to God in Heaven who guides our paths,

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

Due to the uncertainty of the Covid-19 situation, Pleasant Valley Baptist Church has decided that they will not be having homecoming on July 26.  Anyone is welcome to come and place flowers on the graves at any time. “Anyone who wants to make a donation for the cemetery upkeep may mail your donation to Kathy Bower at 160 Bower Ridge Rd, Jefferson, NC. 28640. Please put “For Cemetery” on your check. “ Our church will have normal Sunday School at 10:15 and Worship at 11:00 on that Sunday.  There will be no meal and no special singing.” Everyone is welcome.

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 is having Drive in Worship Service at 11:00 on Sunday. Everyone is invited to attend by the pastor, Rev. Larry Powers.

Round Knob Baptist Church will have Inside Services on Sunday at 10:00 for Sunday School and 11:00 for Worship. Rev. Keith Elledge invites you to attend. 

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

Bald Mountain Baptist Church will have a service in the sanctuary at 10:00 this coming Sunday. We will continue to have the Facebook livestream and drive-in church for those who are uncomfortable returning to the building at this time. No Bible Fellowship, PM or Wednesday services inside. 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 will have Indoor Services at 11:00, 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 Inside the church at 10:00 Sunday and is live streaming as well via Facebook and at www.appchurch.org. Everyone is invited to attend by the pastor, Rev. Steve Ashley,

Welcome Home Baptist Church will continue to provide online services on Facebook on both Sundays and Wednesday evenings. Drive In Services on Sunday with Sunday School at 10:00 and Worship at 11:00. Pastor, Rev. Lonnie Jones invites 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.

Clifton Baptist Church will have Services inside the church Sunday at 11:00. They will as so have Drive in service and Facebook services. Pastor, Jimmy Galgano invites you to attend.

Pine Swamp Baptist Church will have Services in side 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 at 10:00 as well as Drive in Service for those who are not ready to come in. We will also have an online 10 AM service on Sunday and have a Bible study each Wednesday at 7;00 p.m.  To access our services just go to www.warrensvilleBaptistchurch.com.

Buffalo Baptist Church will be having Drive in Service this Sunday at 10:30, Pastor, Rev. Tom Graybeal invites you to attend. 

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 announce. We are having Services inside at 11:00.. No Sunday School at this time but will also be on Facebook at 11:00.   Everyone is invited by Rev. Homer Murdock, pastor.

Friendship Baptist Church is doing Drive in Service on Sunday 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 Inside Sunday Worship Service @ 11am.  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.

Christian Unity   Baptist Church will have Indoor service with a   soft opening of the church on Sunday at 10:45 am with Worship Service   at 11 am with Rev. Darren South as the speaker. Covid-19 Safety Precautions   will be taken. 11 am service will also be on Facebook. Everyone is invited.

Riverview   Baptist Church will have Indoor Services at 11:00   Sunday.  The congregation   invites you to attend.

 Pleasant Home Baptist Church announces no Homecoming Meal on Sunday, August 24th, but feel free to bring flowers to the cemetery for Decoration. Pastor, Rev. Lonnie Carpenter welcomes you to Pleasant Home Baptist Church in Grassy Creek, NC. 

When you pray please remember Christian Unity, Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, and Riverview Baptist Church. These are currently in search of a pastor for the church.     

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 County Habitat for Humanity Restore –127 Beaver Creek School Road needs volunteers with muscle to help on Mondays or Saturdays at 9 am. This is for a good cause! Volunteers are also needed at the Job Site in Jefferson near Hickory Hills. If you can help them out please call Don Sloan at 828-406-1309. Ashe County Habitat for Humanity is a Christian non-profit organization that works in partnership with the people of Ashe County to eliminate substandard housing by building safe, affordable housing for families in need. Visit their website: ashehabitat.org 

What is the Ashe County Resilience Initiative?

Summary: 

The Ashe County Resilience Initiative is a disaster response initiative that is part of the larger Resilient American Communities initiative.  This system encourages solid decision making during any disaster, but for now, COVID19 Pandemic at the community level. Everyday citizens become involved in supporting and building the information and activities needed for the community to be safe and resilient.  The community action teams are supported by a knowledge hub, informational dashboard, interactive map(s) and localized assessments. This platform has been designed and validated by the Global Health Response and Resilience Initiative (GHRRI) https://resiliencesystem.org/about-global-resilience-system.

The real power in this Ashe County initiative is the involvement of local citizens in the community, strength from the bottom-up. In addition, it is also helpful if there is a top down opportunity in the creation of collaboration across all levels of society engaging in a unity of effort. 

The Ashe County Resilient System Dashboard, maps and links to the localized assessments can be found at Ashe County informational Dashboard.  Check out, like, and follow the Ashe County Resilience Facebook Page . 

Check out the FB page or the dashboard.  If you go to Ashe County Dashboard you will come up with it as well.   

Happy Birthday: 9th Rev. Lonnie Jones (April- Welcome Home), 15, Mrs. Rachel Poole (Darrell- Wagoner)

Happy Anniversary: 11th Rev. and Mrs. Danny Joe Farmer (Farmers Memorial)