Dear FBC Family and Friends,                                          30 July 20
As the highly contagious coronavirus continues to spike in the region, and is at its highest level locally, we believe the most realistic timeframe for face-to-face worship in the sanctuary is the beginning of the year.  We have confidence that the re-open time could be sooner.However, until there is a sustained drop in cases across one month’s time, the risks of gathering continue to be great. A Deacon appointed task force is now working to project when and how we can resume other areas of ministry safely.
Hoping to See You Soon,
FBC Deacons and Staff

Update: 3 August 20:  Regarding Reopening of Ministry Gatherings:
We are thankful for our FBC Deacons who have been faithful to interact with the rapidly changing circumstances brought on by the coronavirus in our community. In July, the Deacons appointed a Task Force to look at specific dynamics of ministry gatherings in order to assist the Deacons in making decisions.  
After hearing the Task Force’s recommendations, the Deacons approved the following:

1.  Mother’s Morning Out will reopen following Labor Day.
2. Children, Youth, Scouts, Small Groups will not reopen at this time. The Task Force will revisit the timing of reopening after Labor Day. ESL classes will not meet this semester.
3. Large indoor gatherings, i.e. Worship, Funerals, Weddings, will not meet at this time.
4. Outdoor gatherings will not be organized at this time but the Task Force will revisit the timing of reopening after Labor Day.
5. The use of the gym, for now, will be limited to the daily use of Weekday Ministries only.  

We continue to pray for God’s direction toward a vaccine, for healing grace to care for those infected, for wisdom and guidance for all the varied ways the pandemic is impacting the lives of our families and neighbors. We pray, too, for students and teachers who are anticipating a return to school in the next weeks.

Thank you for your prayers and patience as we continue to press ahead together seeking creative ways to engage our community during such days as these.

Also: Our church office will continue to telework through August 7, with the Governor’s “safer at home” order, providing daily office coverage (8:30a-4p) while strategizing about safe indoor/office practices once we are into Phase 3.

And: Our child care center has begun to receive additional children as parents return to work. Our child care center staff and teachers have been faithful to fulfill the increased safety guidelines issued by NCDHHS including twice daily temperature check reports etc. 

Other Schedule Modifications until further notice include: Friday Feed the Hungry bag lunches provided at the Washington Street door each week at 12:30 PM.

Here’s an Adult Sunday School Lesson Starter for August 9 for your use at any time following our Morning Worship together on Facebook LIVE at 9:30 AM

If you children missed VBS at Home during the week of June 14-18 they can still enjoy the lessons from God’s Word.  Just click below and you will see access to the daily lessons and the video worship rallies, Bible studies, skits and more.  Use these VBS at Home lessons at any time now.

Communication Tree “Opt-In”

We are looking to prepare a “phone tree” style communication list using text/ voice messaging and email messaging.  We need you to “opt-in” to the system with the phone number you want us to use and email address you want us to use.  Only those members who opt-in to the system will receive notifications from the church in these areas:  (1) Church Promotions (2) Inclement Weather Announcements and (3) Deaths in the church family.  Sign-up during February by emailing your information to operations@fbcshelby.org or by filling in the Google form by clicking below: