Update January 1, 2021
Faith Baptist Church Family,
Over the last several weeks your pastors and deacons have been discussing and praying about how to move forward concerning our ministries in 2021. It goes without saying that this last year has been a challenge as we’ve attempted to effectively minister through a pandemic. I’m thankful for a God who promises to give generously to those who seek wisdom (James 1:5). Thank you for your patience, prayers, support, and encouragement throughout this last year!
After much discussion and prayer the pastors and deacons have decided that beginning January 10th we will restart the ministries that have been put on hold because of COVID-19 concerns. We believe this is the appropriate thing to do based on a few things. First, infection numbers continue to drop in our state and county and the burden on our hospitals has lessened. Second, Governor Reynolds has been cautiously loosening COVID-19 restrictions. And finally, it’s vital that we as a church carefully balance the need for the physical health of those who attend our church with their spiritual health. Providing these ministries once again will allow us to address the vitally needed spiritual health of our people. For these reasons the pastors and deacons have made the decision that on Sunday, January 10th we will begin the following:
We will begin all Children’s ministries that have been put on hold. This includes Sunday School, Children’s Church, Faith Kids (start date Wednesday, January 13th).
We will also begin Adult Sunday School and our evening service on January 10th.
Starting January 10th our mask policy will be, “Masks are encouraged but not required”. We will still provide a sanitary environment as well as continue to strongly encourage steps for proper social distancing.
Again, thank you so much for your patience, prayers, support, and encouragement during this unprecedented time in our nation and our church! God is still on the throne!
Pastor Tim, Pastor Jared & Deacons
Over the last several weeks your pastors and deacons have been discussing and praying about how to move forward concerning our ministries in 2021. It goes without saying that this last year has been a challenge as we’ve attempted to effectively minister through a pandemic. I’m thankful for a God who promises to give generously to those who seek wisdom (James 1:5). Thank you for your patience, prayers, support, and encouragement throughout this last year!
After much discussion and prayer the pastors and deacons have decided that beginning January 10th we will restart the ministries that have been put on hold because of COVID-19 concerns. We believe this is the appropriate thing to do based on a few things. First, infection numbers continue to drop in our state and county and the burden on our hospitals has lessened. Second, Governor Reynolds has been cautiously loosening COVID-19 restrictions. And finally, it’s vital that we as a church carefully balance the need for the physical health of those who attend our church with their spiritual health. Providing these ministries once again will allow us to address the vitally needed spiritual health of our people. For these reasons the pastors and deacons have made the decision that on Sunday, January 10th we will begin the following:
We will begin all Children’s ministries that have been put on hold. This includes Sunday School, Children’s Church, Faith Kids (start date Wednesday, January 13th).
We will also begin Adult Sunday School and our evening service on January 10th.
Starting January 10th our mask policy will be, “Masks are encouraged but not required”. We will still provide a sanitary environment as well as continue to strongly encourage steps for proper social distancing.
Again, thank you so much for your patience, prayers, support, and encouragement during this unprecedented time in our nation and our church! God is still on the throne!
Pastor Tim, Pastor Jared & Deacons
Update November 11, 2020
This morning Governor Reynolds issued new restrictions as COVID-19 cases rise in Iowa. Starting this Wednesday (tomorrow) social gatherings with more than 25 people indoors will not be allowed unless people wear masks (this includes those 2 years and older). The Church Ambassador Network, who has worked closely with the governor through this entire pandemic, has received clarification from the governor’s office that this does not include churches. However, they strongly recommend churches comply to these restrictions and the deacons and I would agree.
With these restrictions in mind, the Pastors and deacons have decided that we will cancel all children’s ministries (Wednesday night, Sunday School and Children’s Church) until further notice. Nursery, on Sunday morning only, will still be provided. We have also decided that at this time we will only offer the Wednesday evening adult Prayer Meeting and the 10:15 Sunday morning service, requiring masks for both services. We realize that the mask requirement could be an inconvenience to some. However, for the health and safety of all attending our worship service, and for the testimony of our church in the community, we have decided following the Governor’s restrictions is the right thing to do.
When you come to church Wednesday night for Prayer Meeting or Sunday morning for the worship service we encourage you to bring and wear a mask. There will be a limited number of masks made available at the Welcome Center. We ask that you wear a mask while mingling prior to the service. The ushers will also be instructed to guide you in appropriate social distancing as you are seated. Once you are seated you are welcome to remove your mask if you’d like, assuming you are socially distanced from other non family members. When the service is over you will be asked to be seated and be dismissed by rows to avoid unnecessary social gathering. At that time, if you removed your mask while seated, we ask that you replace your mask as you leave the auditorium. If the weather is nice we ask that you take your fellowship time outside. If the weather is inclimate, we ask that you observe social distancing guidelines while in the church building.
With these restrictions in mind, the Pastors and deacons have decided that we will cancel all children’s ministries (Wednesday night, Sunday School and Children’s Church) until further notice. Nursery, on Sunday morning only, will still be provided. We have also decided that at this time we will only offer the Wednesday evening adult Prayer Meeting and the 10:15 Sunday morning service, requiring masks for both services. We realize that the mask requirement could be an inconvenience to some. However, for the health and safety of all attending our worship service, and for the testimony of our church in the community, we have decided following the Governor’s restrictions is the right thing to do.
When you come to church Wednesday night for Prayer Meeting or Sunday morning for the worship service we encourage you to bring and wear a mask. There will be a limited number of masks made available at the Welcome Center. We ask that you wear a mask while mingling prior to the service. The ushers will also be instructed to guide you in appropriate social distancing as you are seated. Once you are seated you are welcome to remove your mask if you’d like, assuming you are socially distanced from other non family members. When the service is over you will be asked to be seated and be dismissed by rows to avoid unnecessary social gathering. At that time, if you removed your mask while seated, we ask that you replace your mask as you leave the auditorium. If the weather is nice we ask that you take your fellowship time outside. If the weather is inclimate, we ask that you observe social distancing guidelines while in the church building.