DETAILED UPDATES BY DATE:
Released Tuesday, August 3, 2021, 3:00p.m.
Dear church family,
Over the last couple of weeks, COVID-19 has once again reared its head in our community as positive cases have surged in Colquitt County. Several members of our church family have been affected by this recent spike. As COVID numbers once again increase, I’m asking our church family to do the following things:
1. Be wise. COVID is a real virus with real symptoms that affects real people. With that in mind, there are simple steps we can take to limit its spread and its impact on our church and community. Seek counsel from your healthcare providers and make wise, informed decisions. Take necessary precautions to ensure your health and that of others. Follow current guidelines regarding
quarantining and isolation. Please refrain from coming to church if you have any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or if you have been exposed to someone who is positive.
2. Be gracious. We all know COVID has been and continues to be a divisive topic. People have significantly different views on masks, vaccines, and COVID protocol. Bear in mind that faithful, Bible-believing Christians have come to different conclusions regarding the steps that they need to take regarding their personal healthcare. We need to show one another grace in this season when we disagree on these matters. Arguing about these things does nothing to build the kingdom of God—in fact, it hinders it.
3. Be prayerful. As always, God is in control, and He calls us to bring our cares and concerns to Him. Pray for those who are ill. Pray for our healthcare workers. Pray for wisdom for yourself and for your leaders. Pray that God would eradicate this disease. Pray that God would use this time to draw people closer to Him.
4. Be faithful. Although COVID is a big deal, so is worship and the gathering of the body of Christ. Remember that we have 2 Sunday worship options—8:15 and 10:30—to ensure that there is plenty of room for us to safely gather together. Hand sanitizer stations are at every entrance to our facility, and masks are welcomed. We also continue to provide livestream options via our website (www.firstmoultrie.org/watch) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/firstbaptistmoultrie) for those who are unable to attend in person.
COVID is not going away anytime soon, but neither is the Lord. I’m thankful for what God has brought us through, and I’m looking forward to what he is going to bring us to. Let’s continue to trust Him.
In Christ alone,
Pastor Matt
Released Thursday, March 11, 2021, 9:35a.m.
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Released Wednesday, February 3, 2021, 10:50a.m.
- Some Connect Groups will continue to provide online options via Zoom
- Nursery and Kidz Worship (children’s church) will be available
- The service will be livestreamed on our church website and Facebook page
- Prayer meeting in the Social Hall
- Preschool, children, and student activities meet in their respective areas
- Choir practice in the choir room
Released Tuesday, January 19, 2021, 10:45a.m.
- We will continue to offer two socially-distanced worship services each Sunday morning at 8:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Pews are marked off at appropriate social distancing intervals. Ushers and staff continue to wear masks. There is plenty of room for you and for your family to come and worship in a safe way, and we encourage you to do so if you are able.
- On-campus Connect Groups and Wednesday night activities will be suspended through February 3. We will reevaluate everything in mid-January and determine an appropriate start date for these important aspects of our church programming.
- Resources and videos for you and your family continue to be available at our website (www.firstmoultrie.org) and through various social media platforms (i.e., email, Facebook, and Instagram).
- STAY HOME if you have fever, cough, or any other symptoms consistent with COVID-19—even mild ones.
- Please wash your hands and use hand sanitizer regularly.
- Observe social distancing of 6’ or more as much as possible and refrain from physical contact with others.
- Please consider wearing a mask for the sake of others.
- The latest information/updates on church activities can always be found at www.firstmoultrie.org/updates.
- The 10:30 a.m. worship service will be streamed every week on our church website (www.firstmoultrie.org/watch) and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/firstbaptistmoultrie).
- Check your email and connect with us on social media for additional information and resources.
- Do not file your taxes until you receive your contribution statement for 2020.
Released Tuesday, December 29, 2020, 3:00p.m.
- We will continue to offer two socially-distanced worship services each Sunday morning at 8:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Pews are marked off at appropriate social distancing intervals. Ushers and staff continue to wear masks. There is plenty of room for you and for your family to come and worship in a safe way, and we encourage you to do so if you are able.
- On-campus Connect Groups and Wednesday night activities will be suspended through January 20. We will reevaluate everything in mid-January and determine an appropriate start date for these important aspects of our church programming.
- Resources and videos for you and your family continue to be available at our website (www.firstmoultrie.org) and through various social media platforms (i.e., email, Facebook, and Instagram).
- STAY HOME if you have fever, cough, or any other symptoms consistent with COVID-19—even mild ones.
- Please wash your hands and use hand sanitizer regularly.
- Observe social distancing of 6’ or more as much as possible and refrain from physical contact with others.
- Please consider wearing a mask for the sake of others.
- The latest information/updates on church activities can always be found at www.firstmoultrie.org/updates.
- The 10:30 a.m. worship service will be streamed every week on our church website (www.firstmoultrie.org/watch) and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/firstbaptistmoultrie).
- Check your email and connect with us on social media for additional information and resources.
- Give in-person at any of our Sunday worship services (see the donation boxes at each sanctuary exit) - donations given in person this Sunday will NOT count toward the 2020 contributions; they will go toward 2021
- Mail your financial gift to the church office (400 S Main St., Moultrie, GA 31768) - must be postmarked by Dec 31st to count toward 2020 contributions
- Bring your financial gift to the church office in-person - we will be open until 4:30pm on Dec 31st to receive end of year contributions
- Give online through our church website at www.firstmoultrie.org/give - if processed before midnight on Dec 31st, it will count toward your 2020 giving
Released Monday, December 7, 2020, 4:30p.m.
- WEDNESDAY NIGHTS – There will be no Wednesday night activities for the rest of December. Our hope is to resume Wednesday night activities on January 6, 2021.
- CONNECT GROUPS – There will be no in-person Connect Groups for the rest of December. Our hope is that we will resume in-person Connect Groups on January 3, 2021. In the meantime, we strongly encourage each Connect Group to meet online via Zoom or some other means.
- SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP – We will continue to offer two morning worship services each Sunday— 8:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Pews are marked off at appropriate social distancing intervals. Ushers and staff will continue to wear masks. There will be no Kidz Worship at either service; however, a nursery will be available at the 10:30 service for children ages 3 and under. The 10:30 a.m. service will continue to be livestreamed on our website and Facebook page.
- SPECIAL EVENTS – Unfortunately, we have had to cancel our annual choir Christmas musical that was scheduled for this coming Saturday and Sunday. However, we still plan to have our Christmas Communion service at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 20. Also, please be aware that the church facility will not be available for any class/small group gatherings or Christmas parties for the rest of this month.
- STAY HOME if you have fever, cough, or any other symptoms consistent with COVID-19—even mild ones.
- Please wash your hands and use hand sanitizer (hand sanitizer stations are available at each door).
- Refrain from shaking hands, hugging, or engaging in any other physical contact with other attendees.
- Observe social distancing of 6’ or more as much as possible.
- Please consider wearing a mask.
- The latest information/updates on church activities can always be found at www.firstmoultrie.org/updates.
- The 10:30 a.m. worship service will be streamed every week on our church website (www.firstmoultrie.org/watch) and Facebook page www.facebook.com/
firstbaptistmoultrie).
- Give in-person at any of our Sunday worship services (see the donation boxes at each sanctuary exit)
- Mail your financial gift to the church office (400 S Main St., Moultrie, GA 31768)
- Bring your financial gift to the church office in-person
- Give online through our church website at www.firstmoultrie.org/give
Released Wednesday, December 2, 2020, 1:00p.m.
- There will be NO WEDNESDAY ACTIVITIES TONIGHT (December 2). All Wednesday activities (including children, youth, choir, prayer meeting, and discipleship groups) will be suspended at least one week.
- There will be NO CONNECT GROUPS on Sunday, December 6. Some Connect Groups will most likely offer an online (Zoom) option this Sunday. Reach out to your Connect Group leader for details.
- We will still offer two morning worship services on Sunday, December 6 — 8:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Pews will continue to be marked off at appropriate social distancing intervals. Ushers and staff will continue to wear masks, and we encourage you to consider doing so as well. There will be NO KIDZ WORSHIP at either service; however, a nursery WILL be available for at the 10:30 service for children ages 3 and under. The 10:30 a.m. service will continue to be livestreamed on our website (www.firstmoultrie.org/watch) and on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/
firstbaptistmoultrie). - CLEANING/SANITIZING: The church campus is currently being extensively cleaned and sanitized. Hand sanitizer stations are available at all entrances/exits.
- STAY HOME if you have fever, cough, or any other symptoms consistent with COVID-19—even mild ones.
- Please wash your hands and use hand sanitizer whenever possible.
- Refrain from shaking hands, hugging, or engaging in any other physical contact with other attendees.
- Observe social distancing as much as possible.
- Please consider wearing a mask.
- The latest information/updates on church activities can always be found at www.firstmoultrie.org/updates.
- The 10:30 a.m. worship service will be streamed every week on our church website (www.firstmoultrie.org/watch) and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/
firstbaptistmoultrie) - In addition to giving in our worship service or mailing your gift to the church office, you can always give online at www.firstmoultrie.org/give.
Released Monday, August 17, 2020, 1:15p.m.
- The latest information/updates on church activities can always be found at www.firstmoultrie.org/updates.
- All of our worship service videos, Wednesday night videos, and daily devotional videos can be found at www.firstmoultrie.org/watch.
- In addition to giving in our worship service or mailing your gift to the church office, you can always give online at www.firstmoultrie.org/give.
Released Monday, August 10, 2020, 1:55p.m.
- The latest information/updates on church activities can always be found at www.firstmoultrie.org/updates.
- All of our worship service videos, Wednesday night videos, and daily devotional videos can be found at www.firstmoultrie.org/watch.
- In addition to giving in our worship service or mailing your gift to the church office, you can always give online at www.firstmoultrie.org/give.
Released Sunday, July 26, 2020, 12:00p.m.
Dear church family,
We have much to be thankful for. Although several families in our church have been affected by COVID-19 over the last few weeks, we rejoice in the improvement that we have seen in our church’s health and in that of our
community. We no longer have any COVID-positive church members in the hospital, and the few people in our church family that are still recovering from COVID are all doing much better. We praise the Lord for these things!
At the same time, we recognize that this season is far from over. As COVID numbers continue to remain high in our state and in our country, we need to remain wise in how we proceed as a church.
After much prayer and discussion amongst our church leadership, we have decided on the following changes to our current ministry schedule:
- On August 2, we plan to resume having a nursery (birth to 3 years) during our 10:30 a.m. worship service.
- On August 5, we plan to resume a socially-distanced prayer meeting on Wednesday nights at 6 p.m.
At this point, all other details of our current ministry schedule will remain the same. Our hope is that we will resume in-person Connect Groups and some of our other Wednesday activities around mid-August if we are able to do so in
a safe manner.
In the meantime, be reminded that we are still holding an in-person worship service at 10:30 a.m. each Sunday.
- Our Sunday morning worship service is socially-distanced.
- Additional hand sanitizer stations will be set up this week to assist in sanitization.
- Masks are not required but are encouraged. Out of an abundance of caution, the church staff and
ushers have been wearing masks and will continue to do so as we interact with church attendees. - Pews are spaced at least 6’ apart to ensure adequate social distancing.
- Please remember the “3 W’s” that Colquitt Regional Medical Center is promoting: (1) Wash your hands. (2) Wear your mask when social distancing is not possible. (3) Watch your distance between other people.
- If you have had ANY symptoms associated with COVID-19, or if you have been around someone suspected of having COVID-19, please do the safe thing and remain at home.
- Our Sunday worship service is streamed live each week on our website at www.firstmoultrie.org/watch and on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/firstbaptistmoultrie. Additionally, Bible studies, devotional videos, and other resources for all ages are available throughout the week on both of these sites.
Thank you for your continued prayers and faithfulness during this season. God is in control, and he has a plan in this. Let’s continue to trust him, worship him, and share him with a world that needs the hope that only Jesus can
bring.
In Christ alone,
Pastor
Released Sunday, July 19, 2020, 1:55 p.m.
- We have seen no new cases of COVID-19 in our church family in almost two weeks.
- God has allowed many of our COVID-positive members to be completely healed of this virus.
- Of those in our church family who are still fighting COVID-19, most are in recovery or are only experiencing mild symptoms.
- One of our dear senior adult ladies, Ms. LaRue Norris, passed away this past week from COVID-related complications. While we know she is with Jesus in glory, we still mourn alongside the Norris family.
- A few of our COVID-positive members are still experiencing heavier symptoms as they fight the virus. Please continue to pray for their healing and recovery.
- We are continuing to hold a socially-distanced worship service at 10:30 a.m. each Sunday in the sanctuary.
- Masks are not required but are encouraged. Out of an abundance of caution, the church staff and ushers have been wearing masks and will continue to do so as we interact with church attendees.
- Pews are marked at 10-foot intervals to ensure generous social distancing.
- Measures have been taken to ensure proper sanitization and germ-control.
- Connect Groups, Wednesday activities, and all other small groups will continue to be suspended through the end of July. Further information on an anticipated restart date will be released next week.
- Our Sunday worship service is streamed live on our website at www.firstmoultrie.org/watch and on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/
firstbaptistmoultrie. Additionally, Bible studies, devotional videos, and other resources for all ages are available throughout the week on both of these sites. - Thank you for faithfully continuing to give financially to support our ministry during this time. You can always find out more about giving options on our website at www.firstmoultrie.org/give.
Released Sunday, July 12, 2020, 3:40 p.m.
Dear church family,
The last few weeks have truly been challenging, but we have several reasons to rejoice:
- Although we still have several families in our church who are fighting COVID-19, the virus’ spread among our church family seems to have slowed significantly.
- God has graciously brought healing to many of our COVID-positive members, several of which have been cleared by doctors to resume normal activities.
- Many of our COVID-positive members are still only experiencing mild symptoms.
While we can certainly praise God for his hand of healing and protection, we must also continue to seek him in prayer and intercede for those who are still fighting this terrible disease. We have seen five new positive COVID-19
cases in our church body in the last week. All of these cases occurred within two families, none of whom have been at church in the last two weeks. We also currently have four members in the hospital with COVID, one of which is in
very critical condition. Please pray for healing, relief, and encouragement for these members and their families.
In a desire to be cautious, we will continue to suspend all in-person Connect Groups, Wednesday night activities, and all other small groups through the end of July. Our hope is to resume these components of our ministry at the
beginning of August if it is safe to do so.
We will continue offering a socially-distanced in-person worship service each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Pews have been marked off in 10’ increments, and we have taken measures to make the service as clean and safe as possible.
If you are able to come, we encourage you to consider wearing a mask as you interact with others.
Remember that our Sunday morning service is streamed live every Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. on our website at www.firstmoultrie.org/watch and on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/firstbaptistmoultrie. You can also find devotional videos, Bible studies, and other resources for you and your family at each of these sites. Recordings of the previous Sunday’s worship service also air each Sunday on CNS channel 6 and on the radio at WMTM 105.1.
We would also like to thank you for faithfully continuing to financially support the ministry of our church during this time. Many of you have continued to give regularly and sacrificially to sustain our ministry, as well as other
ministries that we support. May the Lord bless you for your faithfulness and generosity. If you would like to give, you can do so three different ways: (1) In-person at a church service or at the church office; (2) Mail your gift to 400
S Main St., Moultrie, GA 31768; (3) Give online at www.firstmoultrie.org/give.
I know that we are all ready for this season to be over. In the meantime, let’s continue to trust in the Lord. He has a plan and a purpose in all things—including this pandemic. Additionally, let’s continue to remain vigilant and do our part to limit the spread of the virus to our vulnerable population. May the Lord continue to grant us grace.
In Christ alone,
Pastor Matt
Released Sunday, July 5, 2020, 11:40 a.m.
Dear church family,
The past two weeks have been very difficult as COVID-19 has directly affected our community and our church. We want to take this opportunity to be honest and clear about what is going on so that our church family can respond as best as possible.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
- As of today, there have been 18 members in our church family who have tested positive for COVID-19 over the past three weeks.
- We currently have 4 members who have been hospitalized due to COVID-19. Two of these are senior adult members who remain in serious condition.
- Most of our members with COVID-19 have had mild-to-moderate symptoms and have not been hospitalized.
- Most of our cases are comprised of a few families with multiple members of those families being affected.
- The virus did not spread to all 18 members as a result of them being in a group gathering at church. In fact, most of our cases can be traced back definitively to individual person-to-
person interaction. Some of these interactions most likely did occur on our church campus, while many did not.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:
- Please pray for those who are affected by COVID-19. Pray for their healing. Pray for their families as they care for them. Pray for the doctors, nurses, DPH workers, and other health officials as they minister during this very challenging time.
- Please do your part to limit the spread of COVID-19. Follow the guidelines set forth by our Governor’s office as well as the Georgia Department of Public Health.
- STAY HOME if you have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19 or if you have developed any symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
- Please also help limit the spread of false information. In times like these, false information is rampant. If you have any questions or desire clarification, please call the church office. We are happy to help you and will do so to the best of our ability while also protecting the private
health concerns of our members.
WHAT OUR CHURCH LEADERSHIP IS DOING:
- We are extensively cleaning and sanitizing the church campus.
- We have suspended all Wednesday activities, Sunday morning Connect Groups, and all other small group activities through at least July 12.
- We have increased spacing in the sanctuary for even greater social distancing (at least 10 ft. between pews).
- We are seeking guidance from state and local health officials as we look to make wise decisions regarding our church reopening plan.
- We are fervently praying and asking our Heavenly Father for wisdom and direction.
As we continue to move forward, we must trust the Lord. He is the Great Physician. He is sovereign over COVID-19. He calls us not to walk in fear but to walk in faith. At the same time, faith is not foolishness. COVID-19 is not a myth. It is a real virus that has affected real people in our own context. Let us continue to be vigilant and mindful of our own health as well as that of our friends
and family.
These are uncharted waters for all of us, but we know the God who knows it all. Let’s continue to cling to him.
In Christ alone,
Pastor Matt
Released Wednesday, July 1, 2020, 9:15 a.m.
Dear church family,
As COVID-19 cases continue to increase in our community, several members of our church family have contracted
COVID-19. Please pray for them and their families—that God would bring them healing, relief, and encouragement.
To the best of our knowledge, none of these affected members were in attendance this past Sunday; however, we
want to be proactive in doing our part to limit the spread of the virus. After much prayer, we have decided to suspend all in-person Wednesday activities and Sunday morning Connect Groups for the next two weeks.
Opportunities to join in Connect Groups and Wednesday activities will now be limited to online options (i.e., our church website, Facebook, Zoom, etc.).
As for now, we will continue to offer a socially distanced in-person worship service at 10:30 a.m. In an effort to provide as safe an environment as possible for our Sunday morning worship service, social distancing of at least six feet will be strictly enforced. Pews will be marked off at appropriate intervals to limit contact between non-family members. The offering plate will not be passed, and bulletins will be pre-distributed in the pews. Ushers will continue to direct proper seating and exiting.
We are working very hard to extensively clean and sanitize our church campus. Hand sanitizer will be available at all entrances/exits. Greeters will continue to hold doors open for touchless entry. We also encourage you to consider following our state government’s recommendation to wear masks while out in public.
As COVID-19 continues to be a threat in our community, we understand that many in our church family do not feel comfortable coming to the church facility at this time. Allow me to be very clear—we support you as you make decisions that you deem best for your family. If you feel comfortable attending in person, we want to provide you the opportunity to do so. If you do not feel comfortable coming, please rest assured that we will continue to livestream our Sunday worship service and will continue providing online resources for you and your family on our website (www.firstmoultrie.org) and on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/firstbaptistmoultrie) throughout the week.
If you do plan to join us in person for worship, please help us maintain a healthy environment by doing the following:
- STAY HOME if you have fever, cough, or ANY other symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
- Please wash your hands and use hand sanitizer whenever possible.
- Refrain from shaking hands, hugging, or engaging in any other physical contact with other attendees.
- Maintain at least a six-foot distance from other attendees.
As always, God is in control, and he will see us through this time. Let’s continue to trust him and follow him.
In Christ alone,
Pastor Matt
CHURCH SERVICE AND ACTIVITY SCHEDULE
(AS OF WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2020)
Wednesday, July 1
- No on-campus activities
- Video Bible studies and activities will be available on our church website and Facebook page
Sunday, July 5
10:30 a.m.
- On-campus morning worship service only (no connect groups; no nursery/childcare)
- The service will be livestreamed online at our church website and Facebook page
Wednesday, July 8
- No on-campus activities
- Video Bible studies and activities will be available on our church website and Facebook page
Sunday, July 12
10:30 a.m.
- On-campus morning worship service only (no connect groups; no nursery/childcare)
- The service will be livestreamed online at our church website and Facebook page
**Our church leadership will continue to monitor the situation and will notify the church about subsequent church activities and schedules.
REMINDERS:
- The latest information/updates on church activities can always be found at www.firstmoultrie.org/updates.
- All of our worship service videos, Wednesday night videos, and daily devotional videos can be found at
www.firstmoultrie.org/watch. - In addition to giving in our worship service or mailing your gift to the church office, you can always give
online at www.firstmoultrie.org/give.
Released Wednesday, June 24, 2020, 2:53 p.m.
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
Dear church family,
As of noon today, Monday, June 24, the church staff was made aware that one of our choir members has tested positive for COVID-19. This church member did attend church on Sunday, June 21 and then got tested for COVID-19 on Monday, June 22. They received the positive test result on Wednesday, June 24.
After much prayer and discussion, our church leadership is taking the following steps:
- SUNDAY SERVICES: We WILL continue to operate under our current schedule—Connect Groups at 9:15
a.m. and Worship at 10:30 a.m. We invite you to come if you feel comfortable doing so. - WEDNESDAY SERVICES: The choir will suspend all practices until further notice. Prayer meeting will
continue as scheduled each Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. in the Social Hall. Youth will currently continue
meeting in homes this summer (contact Rob Craft for more information). All Wednesday children’s activities
will continue to be ONLINE ONLY. - SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES: Social distancing of six feet will continue to be enforced. The pews in
the sanctuary will remain marked off at appropriate intervals. The offering plate will not be passed, and
bulletins will be pre-distributed in the pews. Ushers will continue to direct proper seating and exiting. You
are welcome to wear masks as you attend services. - CLEANING/SANITIZING: The church campus is currently being extensively cleaned and sanitized. Hand
sanitizer is available at all entrances/exits. Greeters will continue to hold doors open for touchless entry.
We realize that there are many who may not feel comfortable coming to the church facility at this time. Please know
that we understand your caution and support you in your decision. Rest assured that we will continue to livestream
our Sunday morning service and will continue to provide digital resources/content for you and your families on our website (www.firstmoultrie.org) and on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/firstbaptistmoultrie). We want you to stay safe, and we will do our best to continue encouraging you from a safe distance.
For those who feel comfortable coming to the church facility, please help us out by doing the following:
- STAY HOME if you have fever, cough, or any other symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
- Please wash your hands and use hand sanitizer whenever possible.
- Refrain from shaking hands, hugging, or engaging in any other physical contact with other attendees.
This season has been a difficult one, and only the Lord knows what the future holds. But we know this—God is in
control. He is strong, and he is faithful. He provides wisdom as we ask for it. Let us seek him and trust him. He
has not failed us yet, nor will he ever do so.
Know that we love you dearly. Please call on us if we can help you in any way.
In Christ alone,
Pastor Matt
Released Wednesday, June 3, 2020, 4:15 p.m.
Wednesday, June 3, 2020
Dear church family,
We have some exciting news! On Sunday, June 14, we are looking to resume our normal Sunday morning activities at the church campus. This will include connect groups at 9:15 a.m. for all ages (preschool, children, students, and adults) and our morning worship service at 10:30 a.m. (with nursery and children’s church available).
The governor’s shelter-in-place order for vulnerable populations is set to expire on June 13. Consequently, we would love for any of our senior adults to join us as we meet together again. That said, we understand that many people in our congregation may still be unable to come due to health concerns. Rest assured that we will continue to livestream our service on our website (www.firstmoultrie.org/watch) and on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/firstbaptistmoultrie).
Please know that we will continue to extensively sanitize the facility and do everything in our power to make our
church campus as clean and safe as possible. At this time, we are still required to maintain social distancing, so seating will continue to be spaced out accordingly. If we reach our seating capacity in the sanctuary, the social hall and chapel will continue to be used for overflow seating with a livestream of the service being displayed on large
screens. Masks will not be required, but the governor does recommend them. Be advised that if you choose to wear a mask, you will need to provide your own. Also, please help us limit the spreading of germs by washing your hands, using hand sanitizer, and limiting contact. Additionally, if you are sick or have been exposed to someone
who is ill, please remain at home and connect with us online.
In addition to resuming our regular Sunday morning activities, we will also be resuming a limited on-campus Wednesday night schedule on Wednesday, June 17. This will include prayer meeting in the social hall and choir practice in the sanctuary at 6:00 p.m. Social distancing will be maintained in both prayer meeting and choir practice.
Once again, let me thank you for continuing to financially support our church during this time. If you’d like to give, you can give in person during the worship service, drop your gift by or mail it in to the church office, or give online at our website at www.firstmoultrie.org/give.
This has been a difficult season for us all, but the Lord is faithful. We eagerly look forward to being able to gather again as an entire church family to worship our Savior and King. In the meantime, if our church staff can do anything to serve you or your family, please let us know.
See you soon!
In Christ alone,
Pastor Matt
Below is a date-by-date summary of the next couple of weeks.
CHURCH SERVICE AND ACTIVITY SCHEDULE
(AS OF WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2020)
Sunday, June 7
10:30 a.m.
- On-campus morning worship service only (no connect groups; no nursery/childcare)
- The service will be livestreamed online at our church website and Facebook page
Wednesday, June 10
- No on-campus activities
- Video Bible studies and activities will be available on our church website and Facebook page
Sunday, June 14 (and subsequent Sundays)
9:15 a.m.
- On-campus connect groups for all ages (preschool, children, students, and adults)
- Some connect groups will continue to provide online connection options (i.e. Zoom)
10:30 a.m.
- On-campus morning worship service
- Nursery will be provided
- Children’s church will be available for children in grades Pre-K thru 3 rd grade
- The service will be livestreamed online at our church website and Facebook page
Wednesday, June 17 (and subsequent Wednesdays)
6:00 p.m.
- On-campus prayer meeting (in the social hall) and choir practice (in the sanctuary)
- Preschool/children’s resources will be posted online at our church website and Facebook page
- Students will begin meeting in homes (Rob will communicate more details to our youth families)
REMINDERS:
- The latest information/updates on church activities can always be found at www.firstmoultrie.org/updates.
- All of our worship service videos, Wednesday night videos, and daily devotional videos can be found at
www.firstmoultrie.org/watch. - In addition to giving in our worship service or mailing your gift to the church office, you can always give
online at www.firstmoultrie.org/give.
Released Monday, May 4, 2020, 4:00 p.m.
Monday, May 4, 2020
Dear church family,
Over the past several weeks, our church leadership has been praying and planning about how to best “reopen” our church campus and begin meeting together again as the church body. As Georgia begins to “reopen,” we have sought to be prayerful, intentional, and wise about how and when we come back together.
On Sunday, May 10, our service will remain online only. However, we are planning to have our first in-person worship service on Sunday, May 17 at 10:30 a.m. Although this is exciting news, please be aware that things will not be “normal” as we meet back together again in-person. The state of Georgia continues to require strict social distancing guidelines, especially for gatherings such as ours. Out of an abundance of caution and in an effort to adhere to government regulations, the following measures will be taken as we meet on Sunday, May 17:
- The service on May 17 will be a simple, A.M. worship service only. There will be no Connect Groups or P.M. service at the church facility on May 17.
- There will be no nursery or childcare available. Parents with young children should plan accordingly.
- The capacity of the sanctuary will be limited to 200 people spaced according to social distancing guidelines. The social hall and chapel will be used for overflow seating and will have the service displayed on large screens.
- As you arrive for worship, ushers will assist you in finding a seat in the best way possible. Once the service concludes, we will dismiss by rows to allow people to exit in a safe and orderly manner.
- During the May 17 service, we will also be recognizing our 2020 high school graduates. Please be aware that the graduates and their families will be given priority seating in the sanctuary due to this special occasion.
SANITATION AND VIRUS-PREVENTION
In anticipation of meeting together on Sunday, May 17 please know that our custodial staff has been working diligently to sanitize the facility. With that in mind, please do your part to limit the spreading of germs by washing your hands, using hand sanitizer, and limiting contact. Please refrain from shaking hands or hugging others. Also, keep in mind that the state of Georgia recommends all individuals wear cloth face coverings when in public.
VULNERABLE POPULATIONS SHOULD REMAIN AT HOME
It is important to note that Governor Kemp has extended the shelter-in-place mandate for vulnerable populations through June 12. This applies to those who are age 65 and older and to those who are deemed “medically fragile.” If you fall into either of these categories, we urge you to comply with the governor’s mandate and continue to shelter-in-place. Additionally, if you are sick or have been exposed to someone who is ill, please remain at home.
DIGITAL WORSHIP OPTIONS
For those who are unable to attend the worship service in person, we will continue to make the worship service available digitally via the following means:
- Sunday A.M. Live Stream: Beginning May 17, the A.M. worship service will be streamed LIVE on our on our Facebook page at facebook.com/firstbaptistmoultrie. Previous recordings of all our worship services are always available on Facebook and on our church website at www.firstmoultrie.org/watch.
- TV Broadcast: We will continue to broadcast our worship services on TV via CNS channel 6 at 11:00 a.m. each Sunday morning and at 5:00 p.m. each Wednesday. These broadcasts are a re-airing of the previous Sunday’s worship service.
- Radio Broadcast: We will also continue to broadcast our worship services over the radio each Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. on WMTM 105.1 FM and AM 1300. These broadcasts are a re-airing of the previous Sunday’s worship service.
- Wednesday videos and resources: Each Wednesday evening, videos and resources will be made available for adults, students, children, and preschoolers. These videos will be available at firstmoultrie.org/watch and on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/firstbaptistmoultrie.
- Daily devotional videos: Each weekday morning, Monday-Friday, we will share brief devotional videos led by our church family and staff. These videos will be available on our website and our Facebook page.
CHILDCARE AND CONNECT GROUPS
Due to the governor’s extension of the shelter-in-place mandate for the elderly and vulnerable, we are currently unable to provide adequate nursery and childcare options at the church facility. Consequently, we are also tentatively planning to wait to resume on-campus Connect Group meetings until June 14 (or later). Your Connect Group leaders will be contacting you regarding how your group will meet during this time and going forward.
OFFICE HOURS
The church office has resumed its normal operating hours, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Please let us know how we can serve you.
GIVING OPTIONS
Thank you for your continued and faithful financial giving during this season. We know that many of our members’ finances have been directly affected by this crisis, and we are grateful for the way you sacrificially give in order to further the ministry of FBC Moultrie, our missionaries, and the ministries we support. If you would like to give during this season, there are now four ways you can do so:
- Give by mail: You can always mail your check to the church office at 400 S Main St., Moultrie, GA 31768.
- Give during the worship service: As we resume in-person worship on May 17, you can give during the worship service. Be aware that we will not “pass the plate;” however, you will be able to drop your gift in the offering plate at the conclusion of the service.
- Come by the church office: You are welcome to come by the office anytime during our normal office hours and drop your gift by directly.
- Give online: You can give online anytime on our website at firstmoultrie.org/give. Through our site, you can make a one-time gift or set up a recurring gift. You can give by bank draft or by credit/debit card. As always, all gifts are tax-deductible.
This season continues to change day-by-day. For the most up-to-date information about our activities during this time, please check the church Facebook page and our website at www.firstmoultrie.org/updates. Know that we love you and miss you. If we can serve you in any way, please let us know. May the Lord continue to lead us and guide us, and may he get great glory in our church—both now and forevermore.
In Christ alone,
- Pastor Matt
Released Tuesday, April 21, 2020, 1:00 p.m.
Dear church family,
Yesterday, Governor Kemp outlined some steps that the state of Georgia is taking to "reopen Georgia." There have been a lot of questions about what these changes will mean for churches, particularly in regard to when we will be able to worship together in person again.
After consulting with the governor's office and local leadership, our church leadership feels like it is still in the best interest of our church and community to continue meeting solely online for right now. We hope to be able to be back in person soon, but out of an abundance of caution, we believe it is best for us to meet online at this time.
Consequently, the Sunday, April 26 worship service will be conducted online. Please tune in at 10:30 a.m. on our website (www.firstmoultrie.org/watch) and our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/firstbaptistmoultrie).
We are constantly monitoring this situation and are receiving new information each day. We will take things week-by-week at this point regarding our worship services and other activities.
Please pray for us as we seek God's wisdom in our decisions. We long for the day when we can meet together again as the body of Christ, but we want to do so in the safest and wisest way possible.
In the meantime, please let us know if we can do anything to serve you.
May the Lord be honored and glorified even in this season of uncertainty.
- Pastor Matt
Released Thursday, April 2, 2020, 4:00 p.m.
Dear church family,
In response to the shelter-in-place order from the Governor's office, we are making the following adjustments to our church activities:
- The church office will be closed from April 3-13. The church staff will be available via cell phone and email if you need anything.
- All worship services and Bible studies will continue to be video-only through the month of April. All videos and Bible study resources can be accessed on our website (www.firstmoultrie.org) and our Facebook page.
Continue to pray and seek the Lord during this time. He is in control!
Released Monday, March 30, 2020, 12:00pm
Dear church family,
We are living in an unprecedented time. The world around us is reeling from the effects of COVID-19. Society as we know it looks different right now—and so does church.
I wanted to personally write to you and update you on the latest information and changes regarding what is going on at FBC Moultrie. Here are a few things you need to know:
ONLINE WORSHIP AND DISCIPLESHIP OPTIONS
As you are probably aware, as of March 29, President Trump has extended the coronavirus guidelines for an additional thirty days. These guidelines include instructions to avoid social gatherings of more than 10 people, including church services. As a church, we value corporate worship, but we also want to be responsible citizens and yield to those that God has placed in leadership over us. Consequently, we are suspending all on-campus services, Bible studies, and activities through the month of April.
But just because we cannot gather together in person for the next few weeks does not mean that we cannot continue to connect as a church family. Here are several ways that you can stay connected during this time:
- Sunday worship service videos: At 10:30 a.m. each Sunday morning, a recorded video worship service led by our church staff will be broadcasted on our website at firstmoultrie.org/watch and on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/firstbaptistmoultrie. These videos include music, prayer, a sermon, and more. Currently, we are going through a study of the book of James that I have called “Scattered Church—Same Gospel.” Tune in each week as we worship and study God’s Word together.
- Sunday evening radio broadcast: We continue to broadcast our worship services over the radio each Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m. on WMTM 105.1 FM and AM 1300. These broadcasts are a re-airing of the previous Sunday’s worship service.
- Wednesday videos and resources: Each Wednesday evening, videos and resources will be made available for adults, students, children, and preschoolers. These videos will be available on our website and our Facebook page.
- Daily devotional videos: Each weekday morning, Monday-Friday, we will share brief daily devotional videos led by our staff and members of our church family. These videos will be available on our website and our Facebook page.
- Connect Group Zoom meetings: Many of our Connect Groups are scheduling video-based discussion times using a platform called Zoom. This is a great way for your connect group to chat with each other in real time on your phone, tablet, or computer. If you have any questions about using Zoom, just call us at the church office and we can help walk you through it.
- Devotional booklets and magazines: We have hard copies of our March magazines (Mature Living, HomeLife, etc.) and our March-May daily devotionals available at the church drive-thru on 1st SW. Simply pull up and grab a copy during our adjusted office hours.
GIVING OPTIONS
Thank you for your continued and faithful giving during this season. We know that many of our members’ finances have been directly affected by this crisis, and we are grateful for the way you sacrificially give in order to further the ministry of FBC Moultrie, our missionaries, and the ministries we support.
If you would like to give during this season, there are three ways you can do so:
- Giving by mail: You can always mail your check to the church office at 400 S Main St., Moultrie, Ga 31768.
- Come by the church office: You are welcome to come by the office anytime during our adjusted office hours and drop your gift by directly.
- Online giving: You can give online anytime at our website at firstmoultrie.org/give. Through our site, you can make a one-time gift or set up a recurring gift. You can give by bank draft or by credit/debit card. As always, all gifts are tax-deductible.
OFFICE HOURS, STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION, AND UPDATES
At this time, our office does continue to remain open Monday-Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Of course our staff is always available via cell phone if you need to contact us.
In this season, everything is subject to change day-by-day. For the most up-to-date information about our church, please check your email, the church Facebook page and the Updates page of our website at www.firstmoultrie.org/updates.
Know that we love you and that we are praying for you. If we can do anything to serve you during this time, please let us know. May God continue to lead us, grow us, and use us to serve him and bring him glory, especially in times like this.
Released Monday, March 23, 2020, 12:23pm
Released Tuesday, March 17, 2020, 8:55am
Released Monday, March 16, 2020, 3:35pm
Dear church family,
As of last night, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued guidelines asking that organizations not hold mass gatherings of more than 50 people at one time. In an effort to yield to our governing authorities and to be good neighbors to our community, we feel the need to comply with this request.
In an effort to help our church family stay connected in fellowship, worship, and discipleship during this time, we are asking our Connect Group leaders to organize small group gatherings this Sunday. Beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, the church staff will provide a video-based time of musical worship and a message by Pastor Matt on our website and through Facebook Live. Our goal is that our church will be able to meet together in small groups that morning to worship, study God's Word, and pray together.
We know that some people may not be able to meet in homes or may not feel comfortable doing so, and we certainly understand this precaution. Moreover, if you are sick or have recently experienced any signs of illness, we encourage you to stay home for the sake of everyone's health. If you are unable to attend one of these home groups, you can always tune in to the video broadcast in your own home via our church website or Facebook Live.
The church staff is working diligently to lead our church to continue to grow in the Lord and in our relationships with one another, even during this unusual time. Please pray with us that God will be glorified in this season of ministry.
Don't forget, you can always stay up-to-date on the latest information during this time at firstmoultrie.org/updates.
Released Sunday, March 15, 2020, 11:15am
All evening activities will be cancelled for tonight, including Financial Peace University and our evening worship service.
All activities throughout the week will be cancelled, including the Ladies Community Bible Study, Women on Mission, TLC Ladies Bible Study, all regular Wednesday night activities, and the Men's Morning Bible Study on Friday morning.
As of right now, the church office will hold normal office hours on Monday and Tuesday. However, due to us continuing to sanitize the building as best as possible, please call if you have any questions or need anything. Beyond Tuesday, please check back on this page for the latest updates.
Please note, as well, that all suppers over the next several weeks will be cancelled. Supper will resume on April 15th. Please plan accordingly.
Released Saturday, March 14, 2020, 7:53pm
Join us tomorrow, in-person or by Facebook live if you aren’t feeling well, as Pastor Matt discusses “The Cure For Chaos,” something we should all hear during this time of uncertainty. #WorshipHimWithUs
Released Saturday, March 14, 2020, 12:30pm
FBC Moultrie will be having our normal activities and worship service tomorrow morning. Connect Groups will meet at 9:15. Worship begins at 10:30.
We have taken extra efforts to sanitize our facility, and have made adjustments to our service to limit hand-to-hand contact.
Pastor Matt will be updating the church on our response to the coronavirus outbreak and will be preaching from 2 Timothy 1:7 on how we should respond to events such is this.
If you are sick, or have recently had any symptoms such as cough, fever, etc., please stay home and watch the service on Facebook Live stream on our church page. Please be in prayer for those affected by the virus and for our leaders as they seek to make wise decisions in this time.
Released Friday, March 13, 2020, 10:58am
Released Friday, March 13, 2020, 10:16am
We wanted to assure you that we are fully aware of the situation with closings in the area, including school for 2 weeks, as a precaution for keeping everyone healthy. We wanted to let you know that we will definitely continue to keep tabs on the progress and what the CDC, Governor's office, and CRMC have to say about public meetings and closings. We plan to have Sunday worship services as usual with Connect Groups starting at 9:15am, Worship beginning at 10:30am, and our Evening Worship at 6:00pm. For those who may be ill with a fever, cough, or respiratory issues, remember that we do a live stream of our morning worship service that you can see live beginning at 10:30! Otherwise, see you Sunday! #ComeWorshipWithUs