Pastor Joey Update

Church family,

The Scriptures teach us that the Lord is our rock and our refuge – and an ever-present help in times of need. And certainly, in times of uncertainty, He is the One in whom we find our help.

Over the past week, our nation and world have experienced an unprecedented event that is directly impacting our daily lives. Even as I write, President Trump is declaring a national emergency making requests of our nation in order curb the effects of the impact of COVID-19.

Needless to say, this has been a fluid situation. We have been hopeful throughout the week that we could keep things as normal as possible, but just in the past 24 hours, things have changed significantly. These changes have caused us to reconsider how we need to move forward as a church in order to best care for our congregation and the community around us.

After consulting with the extended leadership of our church – including our Ministry Advisory Counsel, our deacons and trustees, and our Senior Leadership Team, we believe the most prudent thing to do is cancel on-campus services this Sunday, March 15th and move them online at www.fbcptc.org. The online feed will begin at 10:30 AM and will include a time of prayer, worship, and instruction.

At this time, we are planning to hold services online for the next two Sundays. We are also working with our LIFE Group leaders and deacons to ensure the care of all of our church members. You should anticipate a phone call from your LIFE Group to stay in close communication with you and your family.  Likewise, we ask that if you have any personal, financial, or physical needs which arise over these two weeks, please contact your LIFE Group leader or deacon for assistance. In extreme cases, please contact the Pastor-on-Call by calling the church at 770-487-8133.

In closing, let me remind all of us of Paul’s encouragement to Timothy:

God has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, love, and discipline.

God bless you. I look forward to sharing a word of encouragement with you online on Sunday.

 

Church Response To Ongoing Health Concerns

Dear Church Family, On behalf of the leadership of the church, I want to update you on the current measures being undertaken by our church in response to the continued concern for the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation and its potential effect on our community. We have been in consultation with state and federal officials, as […]

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Pastor’s Community Health Message

Dear Church Family,

As you are likely aware, there is great concern around the world with regard to the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19). Without a doubt, each one of us has already indirectly experienced the impact of this virus in one way or another through the financial markets, supply chain disruption, and increased level of fear and uncertainty. And now that a case has been found in the Atlanta area, there will be an even greater heightened level of concern.

Over the past few days, the church leadership team has been discussing protocol and our response to ensure your health and safety. Needless to say, we are thankful for the quick response of local and national health officials who are working to monitor and contain the outbreak. Likewise, we will continue to monitor the situation as it might impact our church and make necessary changes as needed. With this in mind, here is our encouragement for you.

Pray: We would ask that you join us as we pray and seek God’s hand of protection on those directly impacted and for those who are working to curtail the spread of the virus. We understand, that for a season, each new day will likely bring new cases – yet we believe prayer is a better alternative than panic. So, while you watch the news for information, let’s all remember to keep it in perspective that God is still in control. Make prayer a priority during these days. Pray specifically for those on the front line of the fight to control this outbreak, such as health officials, doctors and nurses treating patients, and for task forces assigned the responsibility to coordinate any response to spread of the virus.

Hand Washing: The number one suggestion from the health department, CDC, and other agencies involved is to wash your hands using soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap is not available, use hand sanitizer. Washing your hands frequently and avoid touching your mouth and nose are good hygiene practices for smart health.

You will find bottles of hand sanitizer at different locations throughout the building. Additionally, we are purchasing hand sanitizer stations to be placed at all door entries.

Stay Home if Sick: One of the best ways to curtail the spread of any flu or virus is to stay home, rest, and get well. As much as we want to see you at church, if you are sick, it is better to stay home. If you stay home on Sunday mornings, you can watch our services on-line live. Follow the link to log onto the streaming of the service – https://fbcptctwo.org/watch-live/

Church Cleaning: The building is cleaned on a regular basis using a high-level hospital standard cleaning solution. In addition, we will be working with the cleaning company to ensure a heightened surface cleaning takes place. The guest service team on Sunday mornings will periodically wipe down heavy use surfaces such as door knobs and elevator buttons as a precaution.

Updates: If there are changes or necessary updates to share, we will post these updates on the church website and send out a message via email. We will also post any helpful links as they become available to provide you with more detailed information about coronavirus. Follow the link or go to www.fbcptc.org. You can also find up-to-date, accurate, trustworthy information at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Thank you for your concern for our church and community, and for your faithfulness to trust in the Lord for His guidance and care. In times of great concern, we have an even greater responsibility to direct people to the mercy, grace, and love of God.

God is great,
Pastor Joey