“Social Distancing” and “Flatten the Curve” … two phrases that are now a regular part of our vocabulary; two phrases that were unheard of at the beginning of March; two phrases that will be key in the days and weeks to come. The experts agree that Social Distancing is currently the most important factor to controlling the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and helping to save lives.
At First Baptist Plano, we want to do our part. We are balancing following the CDC Guidelines with continuing ministry and sharing the hope of Christ with a community that is currently scared, uncertain and isolated. We are not completely sure what this looks like, but we are taking some steps forward (see below) that feel promising and socially responsible. We may have to modify these plans, but by faith we are taking some steps and praying our way through this pandemic.
1. First Baptist Plano’s public office hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• New public office hours will begin Thursday, March 18.
• Church staff members will continue to work normal hours.
• Staff members will be available until 1:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday) at 972-424-8551. If you need to contact a staff member after 1:00 p.m., please call 214-704-2416.
2. Because of new CDC Guidelines, ministers are not able to visit hospitals, nursing homes, retirement or long-term care facilities.
• Ministers and deacons will contact patients and their families by phone to check on their health, provide encouragement and pray.
3. In accordance with the new CDC guidelines to avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people, ALL gatherings scheduled on the First Baptist Plano campus have been cancelled through Tuesday, May 5.
• ALL Sunday, Wednesday and other weekday events have been cancelled. Some events will be rescheduled, and you will be notified of the new dates.
• Special weekend activities between March 18 and May 5 have ALL been cancelled.
• Regularly scheduled activities will resume on Wednesday, May 6, unless the guidelines from the CDC indicate otherwise at that time. We will keep you updated.
4. The CDC guidelines will not allow our church family to gather for worship at this time; however, both worship services will be streamed online at their regular times.
• The Classic Gathering (traditional service) will be streamed at 9:00 a.m.
• The Gathering (contemporary service) will be streamed at 11:15 a.m.
• The services can be accessed on the church website (www.fbcplano.org/livestream) and on Facebook (First Baptist Church of Plano). You can view the church’s Facebook page, even if you do not have a Facebook account.
5. Thank you for continuing to faithfully support the church financially.
• If you are accustomed to bringing your offering to the church on Sunday mornings, please consider using another form of delivery: mail in your offering, text FBCPLANO to 73256, use the church life app, or give online at www.fbcplano.org/my-fbc/.
• You may still bring your offering to the church during public office hours. A secure drop-box is available after-hours in the external door to the church office and will be monitored daily.
6. We are excited to be working on some new ideas that help us to focus on what we CAN do right now. Look for upcoming information/details about opportunities to stay connected to the church family and minister to the community. Several things we are working on:
• Wednesday evening prayer walks, “Walk by Faith: Praying One Street at a Time”
• Daily Video Devotions, “The King and the Cross Daily Devotions”
• Zoom Video Small Groups for Bible study, prayer time, etc.
If necessary, we will communicate any changes/updates via Facebook and email. If you do not have Facebook or email, please let your Sunday School teacher or a staff member know so that you may be contacted directly. If you have not been receiving the church’s emails regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19), you can sign up and receive our future communication by clicking on the button titled “First Connect e-Newsletter” on the home page.
Sincerely,
Dr. Craig Curry
Senior Pastor, First Baptist Plano