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