Post 135th Annual Meeting of the Ashe Baptist Association

The Annual Meeting was a big success! I want to thank the Lord for the Holy Spirit that led us all the way. Thank you to Appalachian Church, Rev. Steve Ashley, pastor and the folks who worked so hard to host on Friday. Thank you North Beaver Baptist Church who hosted on Saturday, Pastor, Rev. Rick Miller and the folks who made us feel welcome. Special thanks to Moderators, Mr. Jerry Powers and Mr. Joe Brown. Thank you Mr. Butch Miller for playing the piano and leading the singing. Mrs. April Miller Hartzog led the singing on Saturday and we thank her as well. Her choir did an excellent job and she sang a powerful song that made us all cry. On Friday, App Church’s Praise group blessed us with great music! We had great singing, great preaching, and great information for all to grow by and was well attended even with COVID going on. Friday we had approximately 90 in attendance and on Saturday 75. At least 24 churches were represented. Nine reports from the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, its’ Institutions and agencies. The reports was given to inform folks what is happening in North Carolina and around the world. We appreciate those who traveled to share with us. This is a great time to learn about the convention especially if you do not attend the State Annual Meeting in November. The history of both churches were read. A great message from Rev. Tom Graybeal was give from Acts 27:14 on What to do in a Storm. Rev. Ken Jones challenged us preaching on Jonah 1:1-17 dealing with Asleep during the Storm. It was great! On Saturday, Rev. Russell Hart preached on “As it was in the days of Noah”. As with Noah, God has called us for such a time as this. Many prayers were offered especial for America, Hatti and Afghanistan. Our hearts are sadden by recent events. In new Business motion was made to encourage churches to set aside October the 17th for a special offering to pay off the debt of the office complex and again the same Sunday in October for two more years. The motion carried. The new budget was passed and Bristol Baptist Church was approved to host the 2022 Annual meeting on Friday. Tuckerdale Baptist Church already was approved to host on Saturday. Local reports were given on Saturday by the Director of missions, as well as reports from Ashe Really Cares, Baptist on Missions, FaithHealth, Evangelism, N.C Baptist Women, Disciplemaking, Church Music, Historian, Baptist Campground, Vacation Bible School, Guide Stone ABA, Gideons , Ashe Pregnancy Care Center and Christ for all Peoples. Christ for all Peoples is a movement to give ever family in Ashe County a copy of the Jesus Video on DVD, a track on how to be saved and a plastic bag to hang on doors if the family is not at home. We have those DVDs and tracks at the Associational Office. We hope to have a meeting soon to begin to distribute to all Churches, hopefully on September 28th. I will be in touch in September. All churches are encouraged to participate. If you believe in Jesus as your Savior we need your help no matter what denomination you are. We did this with the Lord’s help a few year ago with the Jesus Video Project and I pray do it again Lord! Lost folks should be on the mind of every born again Christian. Perhaps the new DVD give away will encourage us to again visit homes and share the gospel. I refuse to give up and be asleep in the boat, to run away from God, or to not work because of the storm that we are in sometimes, like COVID. We are #ABASTRONG#! God is with us! I am encouraged and I hope you are as well. If you did not attend the Annual Meeting you can get a Book of Reports from the Associational Office. Be excited, ready to service. From the pew to the streets let us go to work!      Your Servant, David

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

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  

Ashe Baptist Associational Office and Ashe Really Cares will be closed to observe Thanksgiving Thursday, Nov 25 and Friday November 26. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.

Thank you to all the churches and individuals who have give to the debt reduction of the Ashe Baptist Association Complex. We are currently at $14,290 given. 

 How long has it been since you bought an underprivileged child a Christmas gift? The Ashe County Children’s Christmas Project for 2021 is in full swing for 1000 children. The Red Cards are  at the Ashe Baptist Associational Office located at 204 Beaver Creek School Rd in West Jefferson. Names have already been chosen. Final letters from the parents to send in, deadline postmark October 29.   No wrapping due to COVID. Gifts will be brought to Family Central Common Area to be processed and placed in bags for the children. Gift processing will begin Nov 29 thru Dec. 3rd from 9:00am until 4:00pm. Gift deadline is December 1. A letter will be sent to the parents on the pickup date by November 24. Special thank you to Jessica Hamilton for typing 872 names and sizes and gifts for the database for the red cards. Its quire a process with many folks involved, we appreciate everyone that helps. We have 68 red cards left, come and get yours! Thank you, Ashe County Folks, for helping these children have a great Christmas. Ashe County the coolest corner in North Carolina. Please share this so that all the cards will be gone.   

Midway Baptist Church, Warrensville Baptist and Welcome Home Baptist Church will have Generation Excellent as they present “Encountering the Miracle” on Sunday, Welcome Home on December 5th at 10:30, Midway Baptist on December 19th at 11:00 and Warrensville Baptist on December 12 at 10:00. (See flyer at end of announcements)

Tuckerdale Baptist Church would like to offer this capability to other churches that may be in a similar situation as we were. Due to the learning curve and software required for the equipment operation, I am willing to meet with other churches to digitize their records. On average, a two-page scan takes about 3 seconds. Depending on the amount of data that needs to be processed, a few hours is usually all that is required. Tuckerdale is not looking to charge for this assistance, but a love offering to cover the utilization of the equipment would be appreciated.

If you want to share this with other churches, a few items about the scanner:

· Can cover sizes up to 11" X 17"

· Files can be saved as .jpeg or pdf

· Uses page flattening technology to remove distortion

I have created some new options on the Tuckerdale website on the contact form. If anyone would be interested in this option, they could contact the church via that form. If anyone would be interested in doing this, I would naturally expect them to have the material prepared to expedite the scanning process and reduce the amount of time required to be on-site.

 Update on the Saturate USA Movement in Ashe County! Thank you to everyone who attended the rollout on Tuesday, September 28 on the Jesus Video DVD. We had approximately 75 folks in attendance representing at least 20 churches of different denominations. Thank you, Midway Baptist Church, for hosting and each one who had a part in the program. Whether you attended the meeting or not, all churches are welcome to come to Ashe Really Cares M-F 9-4 to get your packets of materials to distribute around the church you attend, which includes the DVD, track on how to know God personally and a plastic doorhanger and we can explain the process to you if needed. We will have maps and zip codes for you to use as well. Call me of questions or concerns. 11.000 of the 12,000 have already gone out. Be praying that folks will be converted and Christians strengthened.  

The Operation Christmas Child High Country Volunteer Team would like to remind everyone that National Collection Week is November 15-22 this year, and there is still time to get yourself , a church group or a secular organization involved in packing shoeboxes for children around the world.  You can get a shoebox and fill it with a WOW gift and other items and take it to a Drop Off Location in your area.  Or, if you would like to pack a shoebox, but are concerned about COVID or time restraints, you can also now utilize the Build A Shoebox tool on the Operation Christmas Child website.  Please pray for our 2021 goal to collect enough shoeboxes to reach 9.7 million children around the world with the Gospel.

For more information and resources on how to get involved or find a Drop Off Location, visit the Operation Christmas Child website at samaritanspurse.org.  

Ashe Really Cares would like to thank everyone who has brought vegetables and food to the ARC from your gardens and farms. It is greatly appreciated. We also thank all our volunteers for their work at ARC, we will not have a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner this year due to COVID but we will have a gift and certificate for you in October. Please pray for folks in need that come to ARC. Special thanks to Pat Miler and Shelia Miller who works so hard to help people have a better life. Special thank you to Mrs. Mary Miller the treasurer for ARC.

All announcements are subject to change because of COVID. Call you Deacon or Pastor if you have concerns.

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 6:30 pm. Bald Mountain is having their Christmas Drive Thru again this year! Dates are Dec. 4 and 5th form 6:00 8:00. Entitled, Here with us, come and see what God has done. 

Round Knob Baptist Church announces they have Sunday School at 10:00 and Worship at 11:00. Communion this Sunday by DOM David Blackburn.  The congregation invites you to attend.

North Beaver Baptist Church– Sunday School 10:00 am Worship 11 am. Wednesday Service at 7:00 pm. Everyone is Welcomed to attend by Pastor, Rev. Rick Miller and

Old Fields Baptist Church will have Sunday School at 10:00 and Worship at 11:00 Inside Church or Drive in. Rev. Jessie Ball will be speaking at Old Fields at the 11:00 Worship Hour on November 14-21-28. The congregation invite you to attend.

Warrensville Baptist Church announces Sunday School at 9:00 and Worship at 10:00 inside church.   The position of Associate Pastor/Student Ministry Coordinator is a part time position in support of the Senior Pastor and the Youth and Kids’ ministry of Warrensville Baptist Church. This is a new position within in our church and was created to assist the pastor in some of his duties, while coordinating with the Youth Council to grow our outreach to students K-12 and their families.  Rev. Wade Huntsinger invites everyone to attend. To access our services on line, just go to www.warrensvilleBaptistchurch.com.

 Fletcher Memorial Baptist Church  Sunday School at 9:15 and Worship at 10:30. Everyone is invited. Pastor Doug and Cory Halsey invite you to attend.

 Bristol Baptist Church has Sunday School at 10:00 and Worship at 11:00. The pastor. Rev. Keith Wagoner and the congregation invite you to attend.  

Friendly Grove Baptist Church announces new pastor, Rev. Jefferey Rizoti voted in last Sunday by 100%. We welcome Brother Rizoti and his wife Danna and look forward to working with them. They have two children. Friendly Grove Baptist Church announces Worship Service at 11:00 Inside the Church.     Everyone is invited to come by and also meet the new pastor, Rev. Jeffery Rizoti.

Special thank you to; Mrs. Linda Blackburn, Mrs. Jeanne Coward, Mrs. Shelia Miller, Mrs. Debbie Miller, Rev. Michael Lea, Mr. Johnny Davis for attending a luncheon and Governors Award Presentation for the Ashe County Children’s Christmas Project. We accepted this ward on behalf of all of the folks who make Ashe County Children’s Christmas Project a success.      

  Healing Springs Baptist Church announces 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.   

  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.      

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

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. 

Friendship Baptist Church will be having services offer Inside and drive-in services @103.9 and have Facebook. Bible Study at 9am and Worship Service at 10am. Pastor Ken Jones invites everyone to attend. Congratulations to them receiving the Outstanding VBS Award for 2021. Special thank you to the Baptist Men of Friendship for the new roof on the larger picnic facility. Job well done!  

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

Big Flatts Baptist Church announces; We will be having inside church Worship Services at 11am. with  Sunday School at 10:00. On Facebook. Pastor, Rev. Billy Norris invites you to listen in on Sunday.

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.  

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 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 99.9 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 has Sunday School class on at 9:30 with Worship service to remain at 10:30 inside the church and Worship Services if in the parking lot 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!

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.

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. 

  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.       

Happy Birthday: 20th Mrs. Diane Dixon (former Faith Health Connector for Ashe County), Mrs. Rosalee McNeil (Kirby-Calvary), 

Happy Anniversary: 23rd. Rev. and Mrs. Ken Jones (Margie- Friendship), 24th. Rev. and Mrs. Mike Trivette (Tonya- Big Laurel)