Dear friends and family of Laveen Baptist Church,

As you are all well aware, the information regarding the Corona virus continues to be updated on a daily and sometimes hourly basis. In deciding on our response to this issue we are guided by God’s Word that tells us both to not forsake the gathering of ourselves together (Heb. 10:25) and that as Christians we are to be in subjection to the governing authorities that God has placed over us (Rom. 13:1). Also, 2 Tim.1:7 tells us “For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.”   So we are relying on that last phrase as we’ve prayerfully considered how as a church we are going to conduct ourselves in the upcoming days and weeks.

Effective as of today, March 17, 2020, Awana is not going to meet. Dinner will be served this week in to-go boxes. Please come by and get dinner tomorrow night as the food, which will not keep, is already in our kitchen. There will be no dinner next week (3-25-20). There will be a time of prayer at 6pm for our community and country.

Sunday mornings: Sunday school is suspended for the rest of the month (March 22^nd and 29^th). Sunday morning service will still be held at the normal time (10:05 am) but we will enjoy the beautiful weather we have right now and we’ll be meeting outside on the west lawn (where we have Harvest Fest). Child care will be available in building B for birth to 4-years and those rooms will have two adults and a maximum of 8 children each to comply with the 10 person guideline.

Sunday evenings will remain at the normal time of 5pm but they will also be a time of group prayer. We will break into groups of ten led by a deacon to humbly bow before God to bring Him our praise and petitions.

All other ministries that meet on campus that have attendance that exceeds 10 people are asked to evaluate how you will proceed keeping in mind that the world is watching. We want to make sure that God’s name is honored in our planning. Please inform that office as to what changes, cancellations or postponements you decide to do.

Please continue to hold our church staff in daily prayer as we work through these difficult issues. But know this, our God is in control and His perfect plan for His praise and our good is in the process of being accomplished.

A final reminder, if you or anyone in your household is having any issues regarding your health, please stay home until they are resolved. If you need assistance due to those kind of issues, please let us know and we will minister to you directly.

Pastor Jerry
Laveen Baptist Church
602-237-4885

Hello Laveen Baptist Church!

     Well we’ve made it through the first week of our adjusted schedule and way of doing things and we’re still learning and adapting. Please check the church website regularly as we’ll be putting updated information there as soon as we can.  Additionally, Lifeway has provided free bible study resources.  When you click on the link you will be taken to their page:  https://www.lifeway.com/coronavirus

     For this coming Sunday (3-29-2020) we will be again having a worship service on the west lawn but we’re going to be adjusting the look and layout a bit. Things to consider: even though it’s projected to only be in the mid 60’s as far as temperature is concerned, a lot of us learned how intense the sun can be so please dress accordingly. Even Pastor Jerry is going to be in very casual attire. Sun screen, hats, and other personal sun protection is highly encouraged.

     This week we’re going to change the layout to put the sun mostly at our back and to utilize what shade we have. The chairs will be set up in groups of 8 in sort of a semi-circle setup 6’-10’ apart running along the playground area (facing north). Please sit in family groups – i.e. people who live under the same roof and arrive in the same car. Also, endeavor to arrive on time as we’ll be livestreaming again this week. If you or anyone in your household has any type of underlying medical issue or compromised immune system then please consider availing yourself of the livestream broadcast on the church website.

     While many things like the rummage sale have had to be postponed, we are still having the blood drive on April 2^nd. This is beyond important as many blood drives have cancelled and the blood supply is now at a dangerously low level. Now is the time to step-up and fulfill the ‘loving your neighbor’ commandment in a very practical way.

     Let’s continue to follow our Lord and be a loving witness to our community as we enter into the Easter season. Stay flexible and watch and be amazed as God’s gracious hand takes care of us as we “walk through the valley of the shadow of death” (Psalm 23:4).

Pastor Harry