Following our deacons’ meeting last night, the decision was made to continue with our regular service schedule throughout the month of January.
Throughout these changes, we will strive to observe the regulations for: 1) face covering for all in attendance above the age of 5 and over, 2) maintaining physical distancing between parties, and 3) cleaning of surfaces between gatherings. As these changes take place, we would welcome any questions or feedback as we will monitor these events and make needed adjustments from week to week throughout the month of May. We are grateful for your continued support, suggestions, and prayers for our leadership and church family here at Bethany Baptist Church.
Dear Bethany Family and Friends,
Like so many difficult church decisions before, we had to make another one today. It is with a saddened heart that we are cancelling our outdoor Christmas Eve gathering tonight, December 24 due to inclement weather forecast as we are expecting heavy rain and strong wind arrive late this afternoon. We are going to be premiering on our church Facebook page at 6PM tonight a Christmas Eve celebration featuring music and the Christmas Story as told by our Bethany children. May the Light of the World, Jesus Christ, continue lighting our path as we move into the new year of 2021. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Dear Bethany Family and Friends,
Yesterday (December 15) we became aware of new COVID cases in our church family and, as a result, the following decisions have been made in order to safeguard the well-being of both our church family as well as our community. 1) Our monthly community food pantry event has been postponed to Tuesday, December 29, 9 AM. The food pantry truck will arrive on Monday, December 28, at 12:30 PM. 2) Our Friday evening event of Meet Us at the Manger for children and youths has been moved to December 24. Please see information below. 3) The remainder two Sunday worship services for 2020 (December 20 and 27) have been moved from in-person gathering to online service only. 4) We are planning on holding a short, church-wide outdoor Candlelight Christmas Service on Thursday, December 24 at 6 PM at the manger in front of Bethany Baptist Church. 5) Following our practice of past closings, we will have someone present at the church from 10:00 to 11:15AM each Sunday to receive offerings for anyone who wishes to drop theirs off. 6) We are planning on returning to in-person worship service on Communion Sunday, January 3, 2021. As always, thank you for your understanding and your continued prayers for our leadership in making the right decisions and, more significantly, for all of those who have been affected by the virus in our church family, community and beyond. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Chris Jett (804-761-8489) or Richard Williams (703-966-2284).
Dear Bethany Family and Friends,
It has come to our attention today that one of the members of our church family was tested positive with COVID19. Therefore, the decision was made for this upcoming Sunday, December 6, 2020, to return to online service ONLY for the safety of our congregation. The service will be posted at 10:00 AM on the church’s Facebook page and website. Also, following our practice of past closings, we will have someone present at the church from 10:00 to 11:15AM to receive offerings for anyone who wishes to drop theirs off. Following the current CDC guidelines, we are planning on returning to in-person service on Sunday, December 13. Thank you for your understanding and your continued prayers for our leadership in making the right decisions and, more significantly, for all of those who have been affected by the virus in our church family, community and beyond. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Chris Jett (804-761-8489) or Richard Williams (703-966-2284).
Following the worship service on Sunday, November 15, the Bethany Deacons met to discuss the recent amendments to the governor’s Executive Orders regarding face coverings and public and private in-person gatherings. While these amended Executive Orders do not prevent the continued holding of religious services as long as certain health and safety measures are in place, they do make face covering mandatory for everyone aged five (5) and over “when entering, exiting, traveling through, and spending time inside” of the church. As a result, in order to be in compliance with these amended executive orders, face coverings will be required for everyone aged five (5) and over at all Bethany in-person services beginning this coming Sunday, November 22. We thank everyone for your understanding and help in complying with this requirement. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Chris Jett (804-761-8489) or Richard Williams (703-966-2284).
Pastor Kori
On Friday night (June 5), our deacons met to make decisions about what methods to use to move forward with our mission during the month of June as we have now entered into Phase Two of opening up our Commonwealth. At this time, the rules and regulations put forth by the governor regarding religious gatherings for Phase Two (Executive Order 65) have remained virtually the same as during Phase One. We continue striving to balance the call of the Bible and our deep desire to meet together for worship while, at the same time, adhering to the state regulations currently in place and maintaining the safety and wellbeing of our members and visitors. A limited survey of church members has also been conducted and evaluated.
A health coordinator will also be designated who will be responsible for planning and overseeing all preparations for our place of worship to be able to safely meet for the in-person services. Although face coverings and gloves are not required, if you feel safer with those items, please bring your own. Also, by all means, keep others safe by staying home if you feel ill.
We want you to know, Bethany Family, how grateful we are for your ongoing prayers, ministry, and financial support to our congregation. May the Lord’s goodness and mercy follow us in the days ahead as we go, share, and build up one another.
Deacons of Bethany Baptist Church
Please invite friends and family to like and join our Bethany Baptist Church Facebook page for daily musical encouragement and devotionals which will be posted each Wednesday and Sunday. Please feel free to share any of the posts with others.
Even as we are not meeting physically in the church building, we continue to live out our calling as people of God in our Northern Neck community and beyond. Please consider donating to help us continue bringing the Kingdom of Heaven to our church family and neighbors in some creative ways we never really considered before. At this time, if you desire to give your tithes and offerings, you may do so by:
1.)
Mail to:
BETHANY BAPTIST CHURCH
P.O. BOX 641
CALLAO, VA 22435
2.)
Come by the church between 10–11 AM on Sunday morning where two individuals will receive them. Thank you for helping us carry on our mission.
3,)
Click on ‘Giving’ in the menu and give online through Tithe.ly, or download the app on your phone.
To communicate new information or any updates concerning our church family, we will use the following methods: 1. You may call the church office at 804..529.6890 and listen to the voice mail message. 2. All church cancellations will be announced on the local radio stations. 3. Weekly email messages and updates will be sent to everyone on our email list. If you would like to be added to the list, please send an email to kisshun@yahoo.com. 4. You may also check out our Bethany website at www.bethanycallao.org. 5. All pertinent information will be posted on Bethany’s FaceBook page.
Continue to be Light and Salt (Matthew 5:13-16).
Pastor Kori