• The First and Second Quarters of 2020 have been unchartered territory for our church. The words unprecedented, uncertainty, and COVID-19 became household terms in just a few weeks. After much prayer, discussion, seeking godly counsel, and in accordance with the recommendation of the President and our Iowa Governor; the First Baptist Church decided to postpone all services, meetings, and Bible studies beginning Sunday, March 22nd until further notice.  

• At that time, we started offering online messages, transcripts by mail, and we actively engaged our Deacon’s care groups. We did our best to stay connected by phone calls, text messages, emails, and letters. I personally believe that this was a good time for us to connect with individuals and families even though we were not meeting for services. We developed a great online presence and had a good following for most Sundays. We are reaching many homes, families, and individuals we might not normally reach with our traditional church services. 

• The deacons and I met in April to discuss options for safely reopening. Once again after a time of prayer, Bible Study, discussion, and feed back from the congregation we decided it would be in the best interest of our church family and witness in the community to continue with online services until May. At that meeting we also agreed that postponing our first quarter business meeting and combining it with our second quarter meeting in July would be the best option. 

• On Sunday, May 17th we started meeting again for Sunday Morning Worship at 10:30 AM. We modified the service to keep contact minimal to comply with social distancing and cleaning guidelines (i.e. basket at the back of the sanctuary for offering, marked off every other pew, limited our singing to one hymn, and Pastor Matt tried to have a shorter message). We also agreed to begin meeting for Wednesday Words of Encouragement and Prayer at 7:00 PM at the church. At that time, the decision was made to wait on resuming Sunday school, evening service, children’s church, fellowship meals, and the Lord’s Supper until a later date.

• After receiving positive and beneficial responses in regard to safely reopening for our Sunday Morning Worship we chose to resume “Regular Sunday Morning Services” on June 21st. This included Sunday School for all ages. We adjusted the end time to 10:15 to have classes a bit shorter and keep folks from having to gather in the church foyer. We also added back in Children’s Church during the morning service and all these changes seem to have worked out well. 

• Last Sunday, July 5th we gathered together for the Lord’s Supper serving the bread in a small cup on larger trays, spreading out the cups and minimizing contact by not passing the trays. The feedback from much of the congregation was positive and we look forward to gathering again at the Lord’s Table for the Lord’s Supper in the future. 

• As moved through all these decisions and changes I encouraged you as your Pastor to stay connected with one another and to God, to diligently study the Word of God in order to keep growing spiritually, to be ready to serve as needs came up, and to not stop sharing the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. For our mission did not and does change in the midst of a pandemic we are called to share and show the love of Jesus at all times, but especially in times such as this. 

• I leave you with these truths for the end of the First and Second Quarter:
  
  1. Our God is Sovereign, meaning he is supreme above all things and is not surprised by our present circumstances. We can and should trust him to work even this out for His purpose and for His glory. Ephesians 1:11 …In Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.
     
  2. As born-again believers in Jesus Christ we are careful and compassionate, but we are not fearful. We must be motivated by love and by the spirit of God who gives us power to be self-discipled in every area of life and godliness. 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear or timidity, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.  
     
  3. Finally, we continue to have the opportunity to respond to suffering and uncertainty in a way that people will see, hear, and know that we are a follower of Jesus Christ. John 13:35 By this all will know that you are my Disciples, if you have love for one another and in John 16:33 Jesus says, 33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Grace & Peace,
Reverend Matthew C. Froah