Wow, I Miss You All

          I don’t know about you guys, bit seems like we have not had a church service in forever!! I miss “laying eyes” on everyone. Texting, social media, and live streaming are just not the same, but it is what we have available. 

           Personally, I value being informed about what’s going on in the world and with COVID-19. But as the old adage goes, “too much cake will make anyone sick!” So may I suggest you balance your ingestion of news, social media, and binge watching with RightNow Media content. CBC has a subscription to this Christian video library with over 14,000 great videos. Those videos include kids videos, Bible Study videos, and other discipleship oriented videos. If you have not activated your access to this resource, simply email me at celebrationbaptisthaskell@gmail.com. It’s quick and easy to begin benefitting from this great resource.

          On Sunday, March 22^nd, we will again live stream morning worship using Facebook Live. If you don’t have a Facebook account, do not worry. We will quickly post the video on line and I will forward you the link so you can view it on your computer or mobile device. I deeply appreciate Dylan, Jared, Courtney and the CBC band for serving in this way. 

          Finally, we need to talk about church finances. I realize that some of you have experienced some financial hardship already because of the COVID-19 outbreak. This part of the message is not for you. I need to speak to the folk in our church family who are still receiving their livelihood. Your church is still functioning, staff is still serving, and bills are still being received. You may give your tithes and offering in two ways: 1) give online at https://app.easytithe.com/app/giving/cbchaskell or 2) mail a check. Please consider mailing your check directly to our Treasurer (Bryan Clay) or our Assistant Treasurer (Skyler Roth). This is a simply way to keep your personal and our church information secure. Call or text me if you need their contact information. This paragraph is not intended to guilt anyone into being faithful in their giving, but simply a reminder of the need.

Here are a couple of ways Celebration is serving the community.

          1) On March 18^th, Harmony Grove Schools sponsored a food give away for families that needed assistance in the Harmony Grove School District. Celebration participated in that food drive. More of these will happen in the next few weeks. I will send details as soon as they are available. 

         2) Because school is dismissed, Harmony Grove students are doing school at home. Because the dismissal has been extended and students will need online access, at the request of Harmony Grove Schools, CBC will make our church internet access available to students that do not have internet access at home. The goal is to enable students to complete school assignments and video classes. The access will have a password given to students that need it. We will take other measures to ensure this is not abused.

          3) Celebration will soon be installing a “blessing box” at our facility. Our space is limited, so a true food pantry is not a practical option. In lieu of a food pantry, we will be installing a blessing box near the highway. People in the community will have opportunity to get necessary food items for their families. Yes, it will be on the honor system, but they are asked to only take what they truly need. The Blessing Box will be an opportunity for both CBC members and community partners to care for community. Stephanie Penn will manage this ministry. Here is a look at a sample https://tinyurl.com/wqqzqzc.

           Remember, this will eventually end and normal will return. 

Psalm 31:1-5

 Bro. Allan

Ministry Without The Queen

     Several years ago, I attended a training in which the presenter asked the question, “How many of you play chess?” Several affirmed their knowledge of the game. The presenter then asked, “What is the most powerful chess piece on a chess board?” Of course, the answer for which he was rightfully looking was the “queen.” She can move in any direction and any number of spaces on the board. The third question was, “How would your game look if you were not permitted to use the “queen?” The correct answer is "very different." However, you could still play the match! Then he challenged us, “Your Sunday Morning Worship Service is your 'queen'., " What would your ministry look like if you didn’t have your “queen” (Sunday Morning Worship)?" Same answer, we could still minister, but our strategy would be different!!
     Because of the national response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the queen (Sunday Morning Worship) is likely unavailable for a few weeks. BUT, YOUR STAFF IS STILL AT WORK AND TRYING TO THINK “OUTSIDE THE BOX.” Here is what we are planning for Celebration Baptist Church’s members and guests.
     1) We will continue to provide online streaming of Sunday Morning Worship. At 10:30 am on Sundays, navigate to the Celebration Baptist Church Facebook page for a Facebook Live broadcast of CBC Sunday Morning Worship. As quickly as possible, the video will be uploaded to the Celebration Baptist Church YouTube channel for those that do not use social media.
     2) For Children’s Ministry, Courtney Roth is planning a weekly Children’s Worship video broadcast to her Celebration Kids Facebook group. This will be a closed group due to restrictions LIFEWAY is placing on their material usage. Courtney will be contacting parents about this ministry with more details.
     3) John Daniel Parks is going to continue with his Sunday Morning Bible Study for Upper Elementary using RightNow Media and supporting discussion questions that parents can use to interact with their kids.
     4) The AWANA Leaders will soon contact our AWANA Kids and give them the opportunity to have a parent or other adult video tape them saying their memory verses or other items necessary to complete “sections” in their AWANA Handbooks. Parents will be contacted soon. No videos will be posted online by AWANA Leaders.
     5) Dylan Summerville will also be providing resources for students in relation to the Sunday Facebook Live broadcast and other material too. They are highly connected through social media, so that is the avenue we will primarily use for them.
     6) BUT, we must not forget about the need for human connection!!  I’ll be asking several CBC members to regularly check on YOU.
     7) As far as I know, our church family has not encounter CORVID-19. Please know that your church leadership is available to serve you. If you have a need, please DO NOT HESITATE to tell us!
     8) Community ministry will continue as opportunity allows. You will be informed to those opportunities via direct texting.
     We will get past this AND be a better church for it!!

Bro. Allan

To Meet or Not to Meet?

We certainly are living in very interesting times, aren’t we? By now, you have heard of the COVID-19 virus that is currently affecting our nation and our world. Monitor any news outlet and COVID-19 is likely the lead story. COVID-19 is a virus. It acts like other viruses. COVID-19 is spread primarily through exhaled droplets. It is believed to remain active on hard surfaces for approximately 48 hours. 

 Many institutions and organizations are altering the way they do business or offer services. Churches in central Arkansas are among those groups altering their Sunday services. Some churches are dismissing their Worship Services. Others are streaming their Worship Services. Some are following an abbreviated schedule. 

How should Celebration Baptist Church respond? Recently, government officials asked that public gatherings be limited to 200 people or less. That seems to be a reasonable and a wise request. At the same time, Governor Asa Hutchinson appeared on THV-11’s 6:30 Central program on Friday night (3/13) for an interview with Dawn Scott. The governor made an interesting statement. The first lady and he were going out to dinner following the interview. He declared, “life goes on.” How true! But on the other hand, COVID-19 is, by some reports, 2½ times more contagious than the flu. 

 So, here’s how Celebration Baptist Church will function in the foreseeable future. 

Sunday activities– Each week, you will be updated concerning any decisions in schedule changes. Please follow CBC social media and pay close attention to any group texts from CBC.

Wednesday activities– CBC policy is to follow the Harmony Grove School schedule. Harmony Grove Schools will be closed until March 30^th. Therefore, there will be no AWANA Clubs, Student Ministry or Small Groups on Wednesday, March 18^th and Wednesday, March 25^th.

What about Sunday, March 15^th? CBC will broadcast Sunday Morning Worship via Facebook Live. That means essential personnel (pastor, student minister, worship leader, praise band and audio personnel) will gather for worship at 10:30 am. Originally, Dylan Summerville was scheduled to preach this Sunday. He doesn’t have the opportunity often, so we are rescheduling him for a future time when our congregation is back together as a family on Sundays again.

So, grab your Bible, a cup of coffee or tea, and your favorite device and worship with your family at 10:30 am via Facebook Live.

If we can be of help to you in any way, please do not hesitate to ask. We will continue to pray for all of you, our leaders, health care providers, first responders, and nation as a whole.