April 2020 Acts of Faith Newsletter by Faith Baptist Church

Acts of Faith

APR 2020

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH We are a family of faith, sharing God’s love in a spirit of hope.

THE CHURCH IS NOT A BUILDING We are doing our part to contain and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our congregation and community by canceling all in-person church activities until further notice. We have closed our building and Linda has worked hard to clean and disinfect our facility. The church office is available by phone and email during regular office hours (M-F, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.) and our ministers are available by phone and email as always. This time is a wonderful reminder that the church is not a building. Even though we are not physically together, we are staying connected in other ways. We continue offering several ways to gather virtually, like our weekly events on Facebook Live. To view these events when they happen (or to watch them later), go to our Facebook page. You do not have to have a Facebook account to watch.

WEEKLY VIRTUAL EVENTS Sunday at 11 a.m. — Worship Service Monday at 12 p.m. — Devotional Wednesday at 4 p.m. — Wednesday Night Program

Many Sunday School classes are keeping in touch through video calls, emails, and phone trees. (If your group needs assistance with setting something up, please call or email the church office and we can help.) For those who do not have a Sunday School class, Jimmy Shaffer is hosting an open Zoom call on Sunday mornings from 10 to 10:45 so you can hear and see your church family. This will be a casual time of reflection and sharing. The link to join this virtual coffee hour will be sent by email on Fridays. It has truly been a blessing to see the ways that you have continued to share God’s love during this time of physical distancing! You have been calling to check in on each other, continuing to support our ministry partners, and finding creative ways to reach

out and love each other. If you are looking for concrete ways to help others, we have a list of ideas on our website. Also on that page is an online form to fill out if you need assistance right now. Whether you need help getting groceries, finding our Facebook Live videos, want someone to regularly connect with over the phone, or something else entirely, please let us know so we can make arrangements. We want to help our Faith family in any way we can! WAYS TO HELP OTHERS OR REQUEST ASSISTANCE www.familyoffaith.net/covid-19-response Another way we have stayed connected is by sharing pictures of #FaithFromHome on social media. We've enjoyed seeing pictures of your at-home worship space each week and we hope you'll keep posting those! We also want to see all the ways you're sharing God's love in a spirit of hope during this time. A great example is the sidewalk chalk art our ministers and deacons have been creating for our members. Please keep sharing your pictures of #FaithFromHome! If you don't use social media, you can email them to us.

#FAITHFROMHOME

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Words from William “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?" Esther 4:14 As we begin to more fully understand the tragedy, damage, and ramifications of the current pandemic that has swept our world, I cannot help but think, “Were Christians made for such a time as this?” Our faith has survived thousands of years of persecutions, plagues, and political turmoil, in part, because our very tenets and teachings help us survive. It starts with the hope that comes from a faith built on a savior who overcame death. That savior repeatedly told us to “fear not” and to “trust in God.” Our Bible is full of stories about people surviving famine, oppression, and exile. It models for us how to find hope and joy despite our circumstances. It also shows us how important it is to lament and mourn. Our faith reminds us not to focus on our own concerns, but rather to lift up the needs of others. That the most important thing we can do is love God, and the best way to love God is to love the people who God loves, which happens to be everybody. The Holy Spirit empowers us to be loving, joyous, peaceful, patient, kind, gentle, and in control. Through our liturgical calendar we practice experiencing the pain of darkness and grief. We also practice celebrating an empty tomb and an end to sadness. We sing songs about death losing its sting and about the wellness of our souls. It seems we have been practicing for moments just like this. A moment when the world needs love and hope like never before. A moment where we show others what humility and service look like. A moment when we suspend those things most precious to us such as Easter traditions and delicious potlucks because we value the lives and wellbeing of others. Esther found herself able to play a critical role in the relief and deliverance for her people. Perhaps in this moment we get to be like Esther. And we are living into this moment! I have been so heartened to see pictures and hear stories about a family packing meals for Gathering Place, and the youth that have a J.O.Y. buddy that they call regularly, and the chalk art people have drawn to bring smiles to their neighbors, and the people who have signed up to work in the call center, and people running errands for vulnerable friends, and the overwhelming amount of calls, letters, and tokens of love people are sharing with each other. Faith Baptist Church is a family of faith, sharing God’s love in a spirit of hope. We adopted that mission statement several years ago, but during this moment of crisis we are embodying it. We are answering our call, realizing that we are here for moments just like this. Now more than ever, thank God we get to be part of the relief and deliverance of our world.

UPDATES FROM AMANDA I have never seen more clearly than now how important weekly rhythms are, not only for myself, but for my children. During the school year they talk of how they long for days with no structure and “nothing I have to do” and yet, I have watched them (and myself) these past few weeks struggle with the unknown and uncertainty of having nothing to do. I have noticed that the days with a familiar rhythm to them seem pleasant and joy-filled, while the days that do not are chaotic and frustrating.

Beautiful flowers are blooming on our church grounds. God is evident in the beauty of creation!

We can look around us and see this rhythm happens naturally in creation. We are creatures of rhythm. Looking out my window now I see beautiful buds on trees, flowers pushing their way up through the softened ground, all pronouncing “It is Spring,

3 again!” This rhythm of the season is a gift from our creator helping us mark time and giving us hope. This is a hard season we are in. We all feel it. For me it bubbles to the surface at unexpected times, displaying itself sometime in tears, sometimes in frustration and irritation. But what I know for sure is that God is with us; God’s presence is felt in the song the birds sing, in the blooms of purple flowers across our yard. This is a season. And in this season I find myself mostly thankful for my God and my church family that walks with me during this time. In this vein of rhythms, it has been my desire to help create one for our children and family ministry. The first week the children received Waiting Boxes— simple reminders that we are all waiting together. In the boxes they found a Christ candle to light in their homes, to be reminded of Christ’s presence throughout this time. They also had waiting journals, to write about where they see God each and every day. They found prompts to read different scriptures and create something beautiful from them. Each week following they have received a Bible Story Bag that contains a Bible Story and different activities to do as a family that go along with the story. These are stories of Jesus’ promise to be with us and care for us. It has been one of my greatest joys during this time to receive videos and photos of the children working away at the activities, always smiling and excited to share what they have done! This Holy Week the children will receive a daily devotional activity to do, as we walk together (although not physically) through the last days of Jesus on this earth. What a time to teach them that our only and true security comes from God. What a gift we have been given! Please know my prayers are with you all during this time. And my joy is in the hope of being with you again very soon!

From Sharon’s devotional on March 30: Remember that we are people of Easter. This is Friday, but Sunday is coming!

UPDATES FROM SHARON Wow! What an unusual time we are living through right now. We are being called on to live differently, work differently, play differently and worship differently. We are adjusting to a new norm and hopefully, while we miss life as it has been, we can find some joy and life in this new time. I love seeing people on my computer screen and hearing how you all are connecting with each other, with yourselves and with God. Spring is definitely in the air and God is surrounding us with reminders that God is present with us and beautiful new things are coming! Our youth group has literally gone virtual these last few weeks! We have had devotional times, Bible study, check-ins, scavenger hunts, and even a video series! I tasked our youth with making their own videos of their favorite Bible stories and the results were amazing!! Our youth are so creative! They did everything from spray bottles making it rain on Noah and his family in a makeshift boat to Spider man starring as the Good Samaritan! They were fabulous! The best part of all of it was hearing the youth read and interpret Scripture. I hope you will continue to pray for our youth as their world is turned upside down, especially our seniors, who are missing some huge milestones. We will definitely celebrate them once this has passed! Encourage your youth to join us in our Zoom meetings and drop them a note to tell them how amazing they are!

UPDATES FROM DALE These past three weeks have been unlike anything we have experienced in our lives. Many in the JOY group have lived through the Korean War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, assassinations of our leaders, the Vietnam conflict, the Woodstock culture shift, the Kent State shootings, Iran hostages, 9/11, and the 2009 H1NI pandemic, but our country has never been locked down to battle an invisible enemy like COVID-19. I’ve realized that my strength does not come from a country, state, or church, but from a loving savior who died on the cross for me. His love and grace will get us through whatever life brings.

decades has tirelessly helped our community — she inspires me.  Betty Ann Wise, a beautiful mother, teacher, and friend who loved the Lord — she inspired me. Isaiah 40:31 — “But for those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” It’s about Jesus. He makes a difference in our lives. His love and grace will get us through whatever comes next.

This pandemic crisis has brought me closer to the people I love at Faith. They inspire me through their love for Jesus. Here are some examples:  Darla Botkin, mourning for O’Neal, works with and encourages the youth at the Ed Davis Park — she inspires me.  Dorothy Butler courageously continues her battle with cancer, yet through her faith in Jesus, she has helped Matthew Dowd succeed in his life — she inspires me.  Mariann and Ken Harlan, our in-house missionaries, ministering to others in our church and in our community — they inspire me.  Sis Curry, 90 years old, prays for people every day and places her prayers in her prayer box — she inspires me.  Elaine Fultz and her faithfulness to Faith and our choir for 50 years, raising her family and grand family as a single mom — she inspires me.  Jackie and Eddie Powell, who relocated to Georgetown after Hurricane Katrina and found their church home with Faith — their love for the Lord inspires me.  Pat Webb, living with COPD and never complaining, loves the Lord — she inspires me to lead others to Jesus.  Ruth Bryant invites people to Faith so they can have a relationship with Jesus — she inspires me.  Jack Willett, who has reached out and ministered to a man in our community so he can have a relationship with Jesus — he inspires me.  Jarred Hutchison, who invites people he meets at Kroger to come to Faith and know Jesus — he inspires me.  Mary Hutton, who has a loving heart and for

FINANCIAL UPDATE During these unprecedented circumstances it is important to keep you informed about the financial operations of the church. Our Finance Team and Admin Committee continue to work diligently during this time to maintain a healthy church, both physically and financially. Position Before the Crisis At the end of February, we had cash reserves of $66,069.98 due in large part to your generosity and responsible spending last year. We were a bit behind on giving for the year, but were still above 90%. The first few weeks of March we had good giving, including a large one-time gift, that raised us over 100% of needed giving for this point in the year. As of last week, we are still at 111% of gifts received, so we are ahead on the year even with a few weeks of lower offerings while we worship virtually. The generosity seen last year and, so far, this year are a crucial part of our ability to survive during this time of crisis. Giving During physical distancing, giving is expected to go down, but it is unclear yet how much of a loss in giving to expect. A small part of our revenue comes from renting our facility. During this time, we are unable to do that, so that income is no longer being generated. Our main source of income is gifts and tithes from you, our church members. Our giving over

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER AT FAITH Holy Week and Easter might look different this year, but it is definitely still a significant part of our church year. It is especially fitting this year that we take time to remember Jesus’ conquering of death. That we reflect on the reality that God will triumph over all. That, although it might feel emotionally bleak now, spring is coming. At Faith we will be doing several things to observe and celebrate Holy Week. Holy Week Vespers Each weeknight of Holy Week (April 6-10) at 7:30, we will hold a short vespers service on our Facebook page hosted by a different family each night. This service of prayer and scripture will last no more than 20 minutes, but will allow us to prepare and reflect during the week leading up to Easter. Easter Sunday Worship Faith Baptist will join with other CBF Kentucky churches to celebrate a second Easter in person tentatively scheduled for June 14. At that time, we will observe several of the Easter traditions that we love and are unable to fully participate in while we practice physical distancing. However, our goal is still to have a meaningful Easter worship experience on Sunday, April 12. Our Facebook Live service will celebrate the resurrection of Christ in a way that creatively reimagines some of our normal traditions. To achieve this, one thing we are asking is that you find a bell to ring at your house. Every time you hear “alleluia,” ring your bell as you would in the sanctuary.

the past two weeks has been $4,106 and $5,315. Our normal weekly budget needs are $7,615.39. We will continue to post giving totals every week as part of the bulletin so that you can stay informed on how we are doing. Expenses During the physical programming hiatus, we are still incurring expenses. We are spending less overall, primarily as we spend less on programming and bills such as electric. However, our biggest budgetary expense is staffing with a payroll of about $20,000 per month. We are also still paying several monthly bills such as water, electric, website fees, database fees, and insurance. Ways to Give Gifts can be made online at familyoffaith.net/give. Online giving is preferred during this time, but you can mal your gift to the church if online giving is not an option for you. Please contact the church office if you have any questions or need assistance.

Easter Lilies During our second Easter in June you will have the opportunity to purchase flowers in honor and memory of others. However, we still want to acknowledge those we have lost over the past year as we normally would during the lily processional. If you have lost a loved one in the past year and would like for them to be included, contact the church office. Easter Flower Cross Although we cannot build a physical flower cross on Easter morning, we can still construct a virtual one. Take a picture of the flower(s) you would have brought to contribute to the cross and email it to angela@familyoffaith.net. We will compile these together into a virtual flower cross to share with you on Easter. #FaithFromHome Pictures One of the best parts of Easter is getting to see everyone in worship so be sure to take a picture of you and your family and share it using #FaithFromHome.

Reasons to Give It is vitally important that we as a church continue to tithe. Giving is necessary to pay our staff, ensure that we can continue to operate, and allow us to support our community through mission’s work. It is also important for our faith as it reminds us that we worship God, not money. Even during times of anxiety, we must continue serving God. Our giving also reminds us of all the ways we are blessed. We give, in part, to say thank you to God for what God has given us. Let us continue to demonstrate our faith Virtual Staff Meeting by tithing. God is good. on Skype We will get through this.

April SUN

MON

WED 1

THURS 2

FRI

SAT

Linda Richardson

Natasha Miller Ryan Oster

4 PM Almost Amish with Amanda

TUES

5 Palm Sunday 6

10 Good Friday 11

11 AM Worship Service

7:30 PM Holy Week Vespers

Darlene Drake

Erica Malicote

Ava Langlands

Ron Dodd

Kathy Fraley

Mark Medley

Lauren Oster

Logan Lookadoo

Pam Sargent Cynthia Insko

Connie Wiggs

Easter

11 AM Worship Service

12 PM Devotional

4 PM Wednesday Night Program

Sarah Glenn Insko

11 AM Worship Service

12 PM Devotional

4 PM Wednesday Night Program

Gary Pruitt Courtney Baird Shannon Gullett Eleri Hadway

11 AM Worship Service

12 PM Devotional

Diane Bugg

Isaac Dean

29 4 PM Wednesday Night Program Brad Hadaway Regan Lookadoo

Daniel Gaeddert Joyce Baird Bailey McFarland

Kathleen Mook

Please note: All events are virtual via Facebook Live.

MEMBER LETTER Elizabeth Sands Wise regularly writes letters to her daughters. Below is an excerpt of a recent one about Faith. You can read the full letter, a beautiful and powerful reflection, at elizabethsandswise.com. And when your Sunday school teachers–two retired grandmothers from our church who have cared for you every Sunday morning this year–texted and told me they’d recorded a Sunday school lesson for your little class on YouTube, I nearly wept. Not because it mattered to me that you had Sunday school, but that the love shown was so simple, so straightforward, and so lovely. In the recording, they sang your Sunday morning greeting song, read a Bible story, taught the motions for Zacchaeus Was a Wee Little Man, recited the Lord’s Prayer, and taught you how to make a Resurrection Garden as we prepare our hearts for Easter morning. I watched you bow your heads and pray solemnly along with the video, sing Zacchaeus, and get excited about the stone rolling away in the Resurrection Garden on Easter morning. Easter morning. There is much loss for me as I think about not having Holy Week and Easter services with my gathered church community. We have such lovely traditions– bell ringing, carrying Easter lilies down the aisle to recognize each family who has lost a loved one over the previous year, beautiful music. Christ the Lord Is Risen Today. Gosh, I tear up just remembering what it is like to be present in that space. But it has helped this week as I’ve thought through all the ways our local community is reaching out and being the hands and feet of Jesus in this season, all the ways I am grateful that we already practice such sincere and selfless community, all the ways that the light is shone to you girls by a whole community that loves you and prays for you and has committed to journeying alongside you, through every season, Covid-19-social-distancing-live-streaming season or otherwise. Yes, I am grateful for this small town church in the middle of America. And I am grateful we planted a Resurrection Garden here in the middle of Lent.

FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH STAFF Senior Pastor William Reilly william@familyoffaith.net Minister of Students Sharon Felton sharon@familyoffaith.net Minister of Children & Education Amanda Langlands amanda@familyoffaith.net Minister to Seniors Dale Stowe dale@familyoffaith.net Choir Director Natalie Tilford-Kopp natalie@familyoffaith.net Office Manager Angela Earwood angela@familyoffaith.net Custodian Linda Johnston Organist Charlotte McFarland Pianist Judith Williams Nursery Workers Suada Derakovic Melisa Custard Church Office M-F, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (502) 863-1537

Faith Baptist Church 116 Pocahontas Trail Georgetown, KY 40324 502.863.1537 familyoffaith@familyoffaith.net www.familyoffaith.net

An update from Scarlette Jasper, our CBF missionary partner in South-Central Kentucky: I am currently working remotely and trying to assist with as many needs as possible. A major need for my area right now is food. I have already advanced the school resource center in Pine Knot $500 for the backpack meals for the weekend. They are struggling to get what they need. It is an ongoing need, but especially right now with everyone hoarding. The schools are trying to deliver the meals during the week via buses but that still leaves these children with no food on the weekend. I just ordered $300 worth of folders for the school for this schoolwork-at-home initiative. Oneida has forewarned me that they will need hygiene and household supplies soon. I am providing temporary shelter through motels, as I can, for some of the most vulnerable experiencing homelessness and I am paying first month/rent deposits trying to get families off the streets. I am staying in contact with my seniors and other support groups that I minister with virtually. I have started Facebook Messenger groups and I am making lots of phone calls. Please pray for these needs as well as those suffering from mental health issues and those children who may be at home in unhealthy environments. Pray for those experiencing homelessness. We are still providing meals as we can while practicing social distancing in Corbin through First Baptist Corbin. These folks are impacted as libraries and businesses close; they have no place to use the restroom or get respite from being outside. Right now one of the best ways I can minister is with financial support for these needs as well as unexpected ones.

We are so thankful for the work Scarlette is doing during this crisis. It is a blessing to partner with her as she cares for the most vulnerable! On a personal note, Scarlette is also eagerly awaiting the birth of her new adopted grandbaby! Please pray for a safe delivery and for the family as they begin life with a newborn during this pandemic. For more information about the work Scarlette is doing, check out her Facebook page (Olive Branch Ministries) or website (olivebranchministriesky.org).