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Protocols for Building and Property Use
January 6, 2021
The elders met last night to consider our protocols for meeting following January 10. As has been the case from the beginning, the primary purpose of our protocols is to preserve the unity of the church in corporate worship as we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and prepare His people to worship Him forever. There is a wide array of opinions on the various issues around COVID-19 and protocols. This diversity of thought is present among the elders as it is among our congregation and communities. Because of this, our protocols reflect an effort by believers with divergent opinions to honor and continue to worship with one another.
In November, we were faced with a majority of our staff, several elders, and others involved in ministry leadership quarantined either with COVID-19 or because of exposure to someone with COVID-19. Other churches in our area were making the difficult decision to go to all online services as all or nearly all of their pastors and or other leaders were quarantined. As we considered our primary goal of protecting our ability to worship together, we agreed to reduce our interactions with each other on a temporary basis in order to reduce the risk of the rest of leadership having to quarantine and forcing us to an all online format by default. This was eventually extended to January 10 both to give the elders time to focus on other ministry and in recognition of the fact that at least two of those weeks would have seen few events other than our worship services anyway because of the Christmas and New Year holiday.
From our discussions last night, we believe that the value of returning to our fall schedule and protocols - and the ministry and fellowship that they allowed - outweigh the potential health risks. Below is a summary of what the changes include. These changes, beginning Monday, January 11, will be in effect until there is significant change in the situation in either direction. We continue to monitor how other like-minded churches and local schools are dealing with the issues.
As we make decisions like this, our goal remains to preserve the unity of the church in corporate worship as we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and prepare people to worship Him forever. Thank you for your prayers and for your love and compassion for one another.
Sunday Mornings
Worship Services
We will continue to meet in-person for our 9am and 10:30am Sunday morning worship services. Live stream of both services will be available. Our protocols will remain the same – encouraging the wearing of masks in the building while moving about, able to take them off once seated, being courteous toward those around you in practicing social distancing.
Bethany Kids!
Starting on Sunday, January 17 Bethany Kids! will be offering Nursery – 5th Grade care during the 9am service & Nursery – 2nd Grade care during the 10:30am service. We will attempt to follow all current cleaning, mask, & social distancing protocols, but ask parents to recognize we may not always be able to have kids spaced a full 6 feet apart while not wearing masks in the classrooms.
Wednesday Night Ministries
Awana
Awana will resume on January 13. We will be following the protocols that were in place from the fall, practicing social distancing when able and wearing masks.
Youth Groups
Our Middle School (Edge) & High School (Image) youth groups will resume meeting on January 13. Their protocols are updated in that they will need to wear masks the entire time but will eliminate the social distancing protocol.
Other Ministries/Activities
Beginning on Monday, January 11 the campus will be available to all ministry groups of Bethany (Care Groups, Bible Studies, etc.) and non-Bethany groups (24/7, 4H, etc.) following the guidelines from the fall.
December 5, 2020
The increased health risks remain during this time and we desire to remain cautious as we care for those around us. We also recognize the need biblically for us to gather as the church. The elders have decided to continue with our plans for ministry at Bethany in the following way for the remainder of December continuing through Sunday, January 10.
Sunday Morning Worship
We will continue to meet in-person for our 9am and 10:30am Sunday morning worship services.
We will continue to offer childcare for birth-4 years old during both services.
We will live stream both the 9:00am and 10:30am service.
Our protocols will remain the same, but some might desire to wear a mask the entire time during service.
Other Ministries/Activities
We will be canceling all NON-Sunday morning large events at the campus (i.e. Awana, Youth Group, beREAL, Men’s Breakfast, etc.).
The campus will still be available to ministry groups of Bethany but limited to 25 people or less (Care Groups, Bible Studies, etc.). Some might want to consider wearing a mask for the entire time they are on campus.
The church campus will be closed to all non-Bethany groups.
The church office will be closed. If you need to stop by the office for something, please email diane@bethanycommunitychurch.org to make arrangements to come in.
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Due to the rise in Covid-19 positive cases in our area and those in our church, we will be making the following adjustments beginning today, November 18 and continuing through Sunday, December 6:
We will continue with our 9am and 10:30am Sunday morning worship services offering childcare for birth-4 years during both services. The 10:30am service will continue to be available via livestream. Our protocols are the same, but some may want to wear a mask the entire time during the service.
We will be canceling all non-Sunday morning large events at the campus (i.e. Awana, Youth Group, beREAL, Men’s Breakfast, etc.)
The campus will still be available to ministry groups of Bethany but limited to 25 people or less (Care Groups, Bible Studies, etc.). Some may want to wear a mask the entire time they are on campus.
The church campus will be closed to all non-Bethany groups.
The church office will be closed.
Monday, September 28, 2020
We are excited to begin worshipping, Lord willing, inside the church building on Sunday, October 4. As much as we would love to continue worshipping all together in one service, we recognize that in order to allow for social distancing, we will need to provide two worship services. The Sunday morning worship services will be at 9am (with childcare for infants through 2nd grade) and at 10:30am*.
Please submit an RSVP for your household’s attendance. Your RSVP will help us plan for social distancing, overflow rooms, special requests/needs (special entrance, seating, other requests), and designated areas for full time mask wearing.
RSVP for Worship Service
For those that will be attending inside the church building:
Welcome Center – Please visit the Welcome Center once you arrive if you have questions or would like any accommodations for seating. Seating will be available in the Worship Center or in designated areas for those who would like to wear masks the entire time.
Worship Center – The Worship Center will be set up to provide adequate social distancing. The ushers will be seating everyone starting in the front of the Worship Center and moving back. Feel free to remove masks once seated and while singing. If you prefer to sit in a designated area for full time mask wearing, please see an usher, pastor, or visit the welcome center when you arrive. If you are attending alone, please feel free to sit with someone you know. If you know of someone attending alone, please feel free to invite them to sit with you.
Bethany Kids! and Buddy Program – Bethany Kids! along with the Buddy Program will be available during the 9am service for infants through 2nd grade.
Fellowship – The west end of the lobby will be available for fellowship with or without masks. If you are mobile or leaving that area, please wear a mask.
RSVP – Please submit an RSVP. Your RSVP will help us plan for social distancing, overflow rooms, special requests/needs, and designated areas for full time mask wearing.
*Attending virtually will remain an option during the 10:30am service.
Protocols for Building and Property Use
Protocols for Our Outdoor Worship Services
PRE-SERVICE INFO
Seating – Greeters and elders will be seating you as you arrive systematically from front to back. They will help you find a space to sit where you can be 10 feet away from other households.
*Parents: Please keep your children with you at all times; Feel free to use a blanket or child’s chair to help your children know the boundary for them to stay in.
Masks – Those who are most comfortable wearing a mask are encouraged to do so. We will not be enforcing mask wearing for the outdoor service.
Additional Social Distancing Request – There will probably be scenarios where different individuals and/or families are already spending time together outside of our church property and would prefer to sit together or fellowship closely at the service. Out of respect for other families who may or may not know the specific situation or agree with them, we ask that you please practice social distancing while on the church property and refrain from hugging, shaking hands, fist bumps, etc. with those not in your household, even if you are doing this with them outside of our church gatherings.
DURING SERVICE INFO
Offering – For those wanting to give offering, there will be a bucket/container at the entrance of the building near the ushers/greeters.
Limited Bathroom Usage – A monitor will be at the construction entrance allowing a maximum of 2 males and 2 females in the building at a time to allow social distancing in the restrooms. Doors will be propped open and user will be asked to wash hands. Hand sanitizer is available indoors as well. If inside, we encourage you to limit the amount of areas you touch by following the partitions put in place that will direct you to each restroom. Water fountains, the kitchen, and all other rooms in the building will be closed.
POST-SERVICE INFO
Dismissal – In order to follow gathering guidelines, we will begin dismissing as soon as the service ends. You will be dismissed in a format where social distancing can be achieved. We ask that you help with a safe dismissal by maintaining social distance from other individuals and families.
Tours of the Building – Unfortunately, at this time, we won’t be able to accommodate building tours.
Sunday, June 21 7:30am
Good morning BCC and Happy Father’s Day to the Dads out there!
We are still planning on meeting in person and on livestream this morning at 9:30am. The grass and concrete on site got a little wet overnight, but we are hoping the 15% chance of rain predicted by weather.com during service will hold off. A few things for you:
-We won’t be sending a second email this morning once the livestream is up unless there is a technical difficulty we need to make you aware of. Please find our livestream using the helps at the end of this email.
-If it would rain mid-service (we are praying otherwise) we will email out when the sermon or rest of the sermon would be online to view.
-We will be evaluating what grassy areas are available for parking. We may want to park more cars on the rock drives at the Counseling Center and Farmhouse today. If you are able to park there, feel free to go directly there to park and walk in. There is a low mowed path from the corner of the Counseling Center backyard through the field to the church building to safely walk to service.
-It is possible that seating on the grass could be less than ideal, so please follow the lead of the ushers stationed in the seating area so we can escort you to a place to sit. We may need to seat more people on the concrete this morning than in Sundays past, so following the ushers will be important in order to fit us all in with protocols in place.
-THANK YOU for following the protocols outlined by our leadership. Those protocols are the same today as they were when we started meeting in June. It’s getting harder and hard to not shake hands/hug and keep our kids with us, but please do so in order to keep physically distanced.
-Tables will be set out with candy bars to celebrate Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. We would encourage all adult women and men to receive a bar as a gift from BCC!
See you soon!
Pastor Ben
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Join our livestream! See below for ways to find us.
-Go to the www.bethanycommunitychurch.org and click on the Live Now button when it has turned red just before 9:30am. If you are on the site and the Live Now button is still grey, you may have arrived a little early to see it red. Refresh your webpage every few minutes to see it turn red.
-You can also find our livestream by going directly to BCC YouTube channel. You can find it here: https://www.youtube.com/user/BethanyCommunity
-We would also encourage you to become a subscriber to BCC’s YouTube.com channel. You can get notifications any time BCC posts a new video. Just click the “subscribe” button on the right side of our YouTube page!
Sunday, June 14 7:00AM
Join our livestream each week by clicking on the "LIve Now" button at the top of our website when it turns from grey to red on a Sunday morning! It will make that change just before 9:30am. If you get here early, refresh your page before 9:30am to see it turn red. Another way to view our livestream is to go directly to youtube.com and search "Bethany Community Church" to find our church's channel. While you are there, subscribe to get notifications of future uploads and livestreams to the BCC channel.
Sunday, June 7 9:15AM
Join our livestream by clicking here.
Saturday, June 6 3:00PM
Don't forget! We are starting at 9:30am tomorrow!
Sunday, May 31 10:15 AM
Join our livestream by clicking here.
Saturday, May 29 8:00PM
Bethany Community Church,
We are looking forward to being together for those that can join us this Sunday at Dutch Lane. At the same time, we recognize that not all of you will attend due to illness, certain vulnerabilities, and family circumstances. We understand that the pandemic has brought different dynamics and may cause some to exercise wisdom in choosing not to gather with the body. We encourage anyone over the age of 65 and those with health concerns to continue viewing our livestream from home. Also, we would encourage anyone with symptoms (or living with someone with symptoms) of any contagious illness, such as fever, cold, cough, etc. to stay at home and view the livestream.
Below are some protocols put together from federal, state, and county resources and have been talked through by doctors, pastoral staff, and maintenance staff at BCC. We have approved these and are available for any questions or concerns. Many of us will be onsite on Sunday to talk more about these protocols in person if you would like.
Grab a Coke or a cup of coffee and take some time to read through these protocols and information. We continue to welcome your prayers as we pray for you.
Yours for proclaiming and preparing,
The Elders
Special Note: Pastor Daniel and Pastor Ben will be going over the protocols and offering a tour of the building and its progress via Facebook Live at 10am Saturday morning. Please tune in if you are interested in seeing how far the building has come. Touring the building will not be an option on Sunday due to gathering restrictions and safety guidelines
This Sunday, May 31, we will be holding one service at 10:30am in the church building parking lot. There is a lot of information to cover. If you plan on attending the service at the church building, please take the time to read through all of the information below.
PRE-SERVICE INFO
Livestream – We will still livestream as usual, Lord willing, on YouTube.com.
Potential Weather Cancellations – Any weather-related cancellation will be made by at least 7am on Sunday morning. In case of bad weather, we will cancel the outdoor service and only livestream.
Parking – You will be able to park in the church lot until it is full, and then we will use the Counseling Center and Farmhouse parking lots. If the lot is full when you arrive, a driver can drop off his or her family at the church building and go park at another campus location. There will be limited parking available where an attender can view and hear the service from their vehicle (10-20 spots). If you would like to reserve one of those spots, please contact Pastor Ben at ben@bethanycommunitychurch.org, and he will tell you what availability is left by late Saturday.
Worship Service Packets – BCC volunteers will greet you as you pull off of Dutch Lane and put a packet of paper between your windshield and wipers. The packets will include a list of protocols, song lyrics, and children’s resources. In order to keep vehicles moving and limit the touches to attenders, please take the entire packet. If you don’t have children, consider sharing it with a neighbor that does. Song lyrics can also be found on the BCC app.
Communion Packages – As you drive down the driveway, you can stop, and a greeter will hand you as many communion packages as you need for the service.
Writing Utensils – Please bring your own pens, pencils, or crayons as nothing will be handed out at the service site.
Seating – We hope to have enough room for all to sit in lawn chairs on concrete, but if the grass is dry, we can spill onto the lawn as well.
*Please bring your own lawn chairs and blankets for sitting.
*Greeters and elders will be seating people as they arrive systematically from front to back.
*Greeters and elders will help you find a space to put out your items where you can be 10 feet away from other households.
*Parents will be asked to keep their children with them at all times.
*Parents can consider bringing a blanket or child’s chair to help their children know the boundary for them to stay in.
Masks – Those who are most comfortable wearing a mask are encouraged to do so. We will not be enforcing mask wearing for the outdoor service.
Additional Social Distancing Request – There will probably be scenarios where different individuals and/or families are already spending time together outside of Dutch Lane and would prefer to sit together or fellowship closely at the service. Out of respect for other families who may or may not know the specific situation or agree with them, we ask that you please practice social distancing while on Dutch Lane and refrain from hugging, shaking hands, fist bumps, etc. with those not in your household, even if you are doing this with them outside of Dutch Lane. Please be in prayer for the hearts of our brothers to love each other well.
DURING SERVICE INFO
Length of Service – The service will last around an hour.
Singing – We will be singing songs before hearing from the Word.
Communion – We will be taking communion. Communion packets will be passed out when you enter the parking lot.
Offering plate – We will not be passing an offering plate.
Limited Bathroom Usage – A monitor will be at the construction entrance allowing a maximum of 2 males and 2 females in the building at a time to allow social distancing in the restrooms. Doors will be propped open and user will be asked to wash hands. Hand sanitizer is available indoors as well. If inside, we will encourage you to limit the amount of areas you touch by following the partitions put in place to direct you to the best route to each restroom. Water fountains, the kitchen, and all other rooms in the building will be closed.
POST-SERVICE INFO
Dismissal – In order to follow gathering guidelines, we will begin dismissing as soon as the service ends. You will be dismissed via someone on the microphone in a fashion where social distancing can be achieved. We ask that you help with a safe dismissal by maintaining social distance from other individuals and families.
Tours of the Building – Unfortunately, we won’t be able to accommodate building tours on Sunday. Please consider joining Pastor Daniel and Pastor Ben via Facebook live Saturday morning at 10am.
Sunday, May 17 10:15AM
Join our livestream by clicking here.
Saturday, May 23, 12:15pm
Many of you have seen the exciting news about the reopening of churches. The elders met this morning, and we wanted to give you a quick update.
It looks like the current building renovations could be done next week! This allows the elders some time to consider the changing governmental viewpoints to see if we can meet, at the very least, outdoors on May 31. In the meantime, this Sunday we will continue with our livestream in hopes that the following Sunday can be different! We look forward to keeping you posted. The elders would appreciate your prayers as these decisions are weighty. If you have questions, please connect with an elder. Pastor Daniel, in particular, has received many contacts, and they have all been gracious. Everyone has been very kind; even those with different thoughts have expressed them sweetly and gently. Thank you!
We, the elders, have asked Pastor Daniel to turn over the responsibility for answering questions about the virus and our response to it to other leaders. Again, this is not because people have been communicating in an ungodly way. Right now there are so many opinions about how government and health organizations are leading and how individuals and churches should react. Many have shared excellent positions that the elders are discussing. In order for Pastor Daniel to fulfill the shepherding and teaching roles he has been charged to do, the elders have asked to share in the role of listening to our flock.
We will continue to try to keep you updated on what the plans are. If you have things you want us to think about, any elder would love to receive those thoughts. So, reach out to elders with whom you have a relationship. If you don’t have a relationship with an elder in the church, this is the perfect time to develop one. You can also each out to Pastor Blake (blake@bethanycommunitychurch.org), and he can connect you with an elder.
Below is plan we have agreed upon as elders. Please hold these plans lightly as data changes on a daily basis. All below would be with proper protocol in place. We are thankful to have BCCers who are local doctors, our county health department, the CDC, and other great resources to help us finalize these protocols by May 31.
We are also thankful for the opportunity to shepherd BCC. We love each of you and look forward to seeing you soon.
Yours for proclaiming and preparing,
The Elders of BCC
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Today through May 30
-Continue to operate as we have been during shelter in place.
-Sunday, May 24, we will continue to livestream a service at 10:30am.
-The Dutch Lane property will continue to be closed.
-Great news! Renovations on the current facility will be complete and all cleaning of current building done with the exception of deep cleaning of carpets.
May 31
-Details and protocols for our reopening are pending, and we hope to get you information by Friday afternoon.
-BCC becomes an outdoor church!
-We will plan on an outdoor service including livestream in some form.
-Additionally, we will also plan for indoor, multiple services should things swing that way.
-Care groups and youth group can meet in outdoor venues heading indoors in smaller groups if weather doesn’t allow.
June 1
-The Dutch Lane property opens for indoor gatherings of 10 or fewer. Protocols for this will be published soon.
-Church offices reopening to regular office hours.
Sunday, May 17 10:15AM
Join our livestream by clicking here.
Sunday, May 3 10:15AM
Join us livestream by clicking here.
Sunday, May 3 10:15AM
Join us livestream by clicking here.
Sunday, April 26 10:15AM
Join us livestream by clicking here.
Friday, April 24 2:30PM
Sunday Livestream at 10:30AM – Join us this Sunday as we livestream our worship service. Please visit our website and click on the red “Live Now” button on our homepage. The button should be red by 10:20AM. If there is a problem with the “Live Now” button, please visit our website calendar for further instructions.
Additional Note – Due to the “shelter in place” order being extended through May; we will continue to livestream our Sunday worship services through May as well.
Additional Resources:
BCC App – Gain access to sermon notes, song lyrics, order of service, giving, our church website, and calendar of events.
Care Groups – Our most helpful way to be connected, especially now during the “shelter in place” order.
Giving – Information on how to continue giving while we are not meeting in person.
Zoom and Livestream Opportunities:
Renew Hope – Tonight, Friday, April 24 at 7PM. This is for all parents, no matter the age of your child. The topic is on purity and the theme is "Heart Check: The Battle Begins Within.”
Introduction to Hermeneutics – Join Pastor Daniel beginning Monday, April 27 at 6PM.
Wednesday Prayer – Join Brian Backstrom at 6:30PM to pray for our church, our community, our country, and our world.
Youth Group Devotional – Join Phil and other youth leaders for a brief devotional each Wednesday at 6:30PM. Questions? Contact Phil at phil@bethanycommunitychurch.org.
General Announcements:
Sunday Night Service – Join us Sunday, May 3 at 6PM via Zoom for our evening service and family meeting. We will approve officers and elders, affirm new members, and approve the budget. To view the budget, go here and type in the password #BCCbudget. Zoom invitations will be sent closer to May 3.
Children’s Ministry Resources – Would you like devotional materials for your children on Sunday mornings? Contact Kim Wuebben at cccoordinator@bethanycommunitychurch.org.
Awana – This is the final week of Awana. If you have questions about how to help your child complete their book, please contact Nate at nateennis22@gmail.com.
Opportunities to Serve:
WHIP
Construction Site Clean Up
Donate Gift Cards to Our Construction Workers – Would you like the opportunity to support the contractors working on our new building? How about the opportunity to support local restaurants? Consider donating $25 gift cards from local restaurants that can be given to our construction workers. We, as a church, had been providing lunch to the construction workers every Tuesday. With the current pandemic, and for safety reasons, this ministry has been postponed. If you are interested in donating a $25 gift card, along with a thank you note (kids are encouraged to write them too), Pastor Ben has agreed to collect them. Please drop them off or mail them to the home of Ben and Casey Davidson at 1924 Country Fair Drive, Washington. Pastor Ben will give them to Seth Braker, BCCer and construction project manager, who will then pass them along to the 40+ workers that will be on our site between now and August. If you have questions, please contact Pastor Ben at ben@bethanycommunitychurch.org.
Sunday, April 19 10:15AM
Sunday livestream link is here!
Friday, April 17 3:15PM
Sunday Livestream at 10:30am – Join us this Sunday as we livestream our worship service. Please visit our website and click on the red “Live Now” button on our homepage. The button should be red by 10:20am. If there is a problem with the “Live Now” button, please try one of the following options: -go to youtube.com/BethanyCommunity
-go to the churchwide email sent on Sunday once we go live
-go to Facebook, Twitter, or our Instagram bio
-go to our COVID-19 slide on our church website
Additional Resources:
BCC App – Gain access to sermon notes, song lyrics, order of service, giving, our church website, and calendar of events.
Care Groups – Our most helpful way to be connected, especially now during the “shelter in place” order.
Giving – Information on how to continue giving while we are not meeting in person.
Zoom Opportunities:
Wednesday Prayer – Join Brian Backstrom at 6:15pm to pray for our church, our community, our country, and our world.
Youth Group Devotional – Join Phil and other youth leaders for a brief devotional each Wednesday at 6:30pm. Questions? Contact Phil at phil@bethanycommunitychurch.org.
beREADy – All women are encouraged to join Kim Anderson on Tuesday, April 21 at 9am for a book discussion.
Introduction to Hermeneutics – Join Pastor Daniel beginning Monday, April 27 at 6pm.
General Announcements:
Save the Date – Join us Sunday, May 3 at 6pm via Zoom for our Sunday Night Service.
Children’s Ministry Resources – Would you like devotional materials for your children on Sunday mornings? Contact Kim Wuebben at cccoordinator@bethanycommunitychurch.org.
Awana – Questions regarding how to finish out this semester? Please contact Nate at nateennis22@gmail.com.
Opportunities to Serve:
WHIP
Construction Site Clean Up
Sunday, April 12 10:15AM
Join our Easter livestream by going here.
Friday, April 10 12:15PM
Join our Good Friday livestream by clicking here.
Friday, April 10 12:15PM
Good Friday Livestream at 6:30pm. Visit our calendar for details on how to connect.
Easter Livestream at 10:30am. Join us as we celebrate our risen Lord and King – Jesus Christ. Please visit our website and click on the red “Live Now” button on our homepage. The button should be red by 10:20am. If there is a problem with the “Live Now” button, please try one of the following options:--go to youtube.com/BethanyCommunity
-go to the churchwide email sent on Sunday once we go live
-go to Facebook, Twitter, or our Instagram bio
-go to our COVID-19 slide on our church website
Additional Resources:
BCC App – Go here for more information on how to access sermon notes, song lyrics, order of service, giving, our church website, and calendar of events via our BCC app.
Care Groups – Our most helpful way to be connected, especially now during the “shelter in place” order. Go here to find out how to be connected to a care group.
Giving – Since we are not meeting, go here for information on how to continue giving.
Opportunities to Serve:
WHIP
Construction Site Clean Up
General Announcements:
Youth (IMAGE and EDGE) – Contact Phil at Phil@bethanycommunitychurch.org if you are not receiving youth email updates, or if you have any questions.
Children’s Ministry Resources – Would you like devotional materials for your children on Sunday mornings? Contact Kim Wuebben at cccoordinator@bethanycommunitychurch.org.
Awana – A recent communication was sent regarding the remaining Awana semester. If you did not receive it, or you have questions, please contact Nate at nateennis22@gmail.com.
Sunday, April 5 1:15PM
Links you will want to have for Sunday, April 5!
1-For tonight’s 6pm Zoom BCC Family Meeting, download Zoom to your computer or device and go to:
https://bit.ly/2R1cqsS
Things to know in regards to tonight’s meeting:
-Once you click on the link, you will need to type in your email address in order to join the call.
-Dave Robinson will be moderating the Zoom call to help us all be able to connect well.
-If you have Zoomed before, this won’t be like a usual call. Because of the volume of users, you won’t be able to see everyone on the call, but instead, you will see the ones speaking like Pastor Daniel, Kirk Hoffman and a few others.
-If you have trouble connecting to the call, contact Pastor Ben at 309-472-2388.
2-To see the budget we will vote on during our May 3 meeting (but will be discussed tonight), go here and type in the password #BCCbudget.
https://www.bethanycommunitychurch.org/resources/secure_doc.asp?id=2666
Please encourage those in your household to email ben@bethanycommunitychurch.org to get placed on the churchwide email.
3-Thanks for your patience on the livestream this morning. If you missed it, see our youtube channel or Facebook page for the recorded version.
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMFkyve5IqM
Facebook: facebook.com/BethanyCommunity/videos/568832247078123
Sunday, April 5 10:45AM
Hey! Once we announced we are going on Facebook, Youtube began working! SO...
We will try to do it on both!
Here is the youtube link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMFkyve5IqM
Here is the link to our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/BethanyCommunity
Friday, April 3 5:30PM
Bethany Community Church family,
There are many responses churches are being encouraged to consider as we respond to COVID-19. In many ways, our church family's response stays the same: to glorify God as we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and prepare His people to worship Him forever (Col. 1:28–29). We continue to encourage you to proclaim Jesus Christ by reaching out to one person a day whether that person is a part of BCC or a person in your neighborhood. We also would encourage you to continue to prepare by connecting to a care group and practicing the spiritual disciplines in your home.
Below are some reminders for this Sunday’s time of worship, our family meeting Sunday evening, opportunities to serve, and other general announcements. Please continue to check our church calendar for updates and/or changes to events. We are making every effort to keep it updated regarding what is canceled, postponed, or pending.
Sunday Morning:
1) Live Stream at 10:30am - Click on the red “live now” button on our homepage. This should be red by 10:20am. If there is a problem with the “live now” button, please try one of the following options:
-go to youtube.com/BethanyCommunity directly and search for the Bethany Community Church channel
-go to the churchwide email sent on Sunday morning once we go live
-go to Facebook, Twitter, or our Instagram bio
-go to our COVID-19 slide on our church website
2) Utilize the BCC App – If you have not downloaded the BCC app, now is a great time to check it out via the App Store or Google Play Store and search Bethany Community Church-Washington. By using the app, you can access sermon notes, song lyrics, order of service, care group questions, giving options, and our website calendar.
3) Connect with your care group following the 10:30am service – Many care groups are choosing to connect using varying digital resources. If you need assistance in choosing a resource or trying one out, please contact Pastor Ben at ben@bethanycommunitychurch.org.
4) Not in a Care Group? – If you are not in a care group, but would like to connect with others, please contact Blake Gerber at blake@bethanycommunitychurch.org.
5) Giving - Since we are not meeting, here are ways you can continue to give.
Sunday Evening:
1) Family Meeting at 6pm – Join us Sunday evening via Zoom for a family meeting. We will discuss upcoming phases in the life of our church, receive construction and membership updates, and discuss budget and officers that will be voted on during our May 3 family meeting. This Sunday, those to be affirmed for membership are Sheri Williams, Larissa Garman, and Daniel and Leslie Hodgen.
2) Zoom Sunday evening 6pm meeting link: https://bit.ly/2R1cqsS
*Contact Pastor Ben at ben@bethanycommuntychurch.org to set up a time on Saturday between 10am-12pm if you want to test your Zoom capabilities.
Opportunities to Serve:
1) Construction is still in process on our new building. If you would like to help with cleaning on Saturdays, please go here: construction site clean up
Please take note, there are some new guidelines in place for those who sign up. You must be 18 or older to help with clean up. Please read the additional new guidelines when you sign up.
2) WHIP (Washington Helps Its People) is in need of canned food donations. Please go here for drop off location and hours.
3) Operation Christmas Child – For those of you interested in buying or making items ahead of time in preparation for packing boxes this fall, please contact Karen Placher at kplacher@centurytel.net.
General Announcements:
1) Calendar Cancellations – Our calendar has been updated up through May 2 to be in line with extended guidelines of the “shelter in place.
2) Bethany Kids Parents – Are you receiving emails with devotion materials for Sunday’s worship time? If not, please contact Kim Wuebben at cccoordinator@bethanycommunitychurch.org.
3) Youth Parents – Are you receiving emails from Phil (IMAGE students) or Janelle (EDGE students)? If not, please contact Phil at phil@bethanycommunitychurch.org or Janelle at janelle@bethanycommunitychurch.org.
4) All IMAGE and EDGE Youth - Zoom game night at 6:30pm TONIGHT – We will be playing different games over video conference together. We will send an email out with the info for how to log in at 6:25pm with a link to join. If you would like to download the software ahead of time, you can get the free version here.
Wednesday, April 1 6:25PM
Join our youth livestream here!
Sunday, March 29 10:15AM
Join our livestream by clicking here! Discussion questions for you to talk about with your care group, family, or roommates are:
1.What are God’s standards for worship? How do we fall short in our worship? What is our hope?
2.In what ways does “digital” church fall short of true church? Why can it still be a helpful tool for us at this time? What has God done in and through you as a result of this time of separation from your brothers and sisters in Christ?
3.How can we engage in true worship even if we can’t engage in perfect worship?
4.What are you doing now to prepare yourself for the return of our corporate worship? What are you doing now to prepare yourself for our eternal worship?
Friday, March 27 2:25PM
Bethany Community Church family,
Below are some reminders for this Sunday’s time of worship, opportunities to serve, and other general announcements. Please continue to check our church calendar for updates and/or changes to events. We are making every effort to keep it updated regarding what is canceled, postponed, or pending. For the latest information on our church’s response to COVID-19, go here.
Reminders for Sunday:
Live Stream at 10:30 - Our livestream will operate like last week. Click on the red button on our homepage or go directly to our YouTube channel.
Utilize the BCC App – If you have not downloaded the BCC app, now is a great time to check it out via the App Store or Google Play Store and search BCC-Wash. By using the app, you can access devotional (sermon) notes, song lyrics, order of service, care group questions, giving options, and our website calendar.
Connect with your care group following the 10:30am service - Please consider utilizing Google Hangout or Zoom (options to connect digitally) as a way to see and talk with your care group.
These outlets can be used for regular contact as well.
Below is a link to instructions for starting a Google Hangout:
This service is available to anyone with a Google account and can be accessed on computer, Android, and iPhone & iPad.
START A GOOGLE HANGOUT
Another option for meeting by video is Zoom. This option is available on multiple platforms as well, but there are some limits on the length of meetings for groups of three or more. More info can be found HERE.
Not in a Care Group? – If you are not in a care group, but would like to connect with others, please contact Blake Gerber at blake@bethanycommunitychurch.org and he will get you in touch with a group that you know and can connect with.
Giving - Since we are not meeting, here are ways you can continue to Give.
Opportunities to Serve:
*Construction is still in process on our new building. If you would like to help with cleaning on Saturdays, please go here: Construction Site Clean Up
Please take note, there are some new guidelines in place for those who sign up. You must be 18 or older to help with clean up. Please read the additional new guidelines when you sign up.
*WHIP (Washington Helps Its People) is in need of canned food donations. Please go Here for drop off location and hours.
Other Announcements:
*Kolb baby shower canceled - Due to COVID-19, the baby shower for Kevin & Jesse Kolb scheduled for Saturday, April 4, has been canceled with no plans to reschedule. If you have already bought a gift for Kevin & Jesse, you can drop it off at the home of Paul & Marsha Markas (605 Main Street in Washington, IL) and put it on their screened-in porch.
*April 5 BCC family meeting - We hope to have a BCC family meeting on April 5 at 6 PM using Zoom—more details on this soon and technical help will be offered.
Wednesday, March 25 2:15PM
Thank you for your prayers for our elders as they met last night to talk about future decisions.
At this point, the elders see our church continuing to operate on Sundays, as we currently are, for the remainder of the CDC recommended 8 week time period—up to and including May 3. When the shelter in place mandate ends, we will be in a better position to communicate what ministries may be able to meet in person again. This may mean that the farmhouse and counseling center could open up at some point before May 3. However, during this time period, we will continue to:
-close the church building (unless mandates/recommendations change before May 3)
-update our website calendar on events cancelled or pending in March and April-click here.
-live stream on Sunday mornings
-live stream to youth on Wednesdays and starting tonight it will be at 6:30 on BCC’s YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/bethanycommunity
-send parents updates on our children’s ministries and resources for your kids
-communicate options for giving
-care for those in our church who are most vulnerable
-encourage reaching out to the most vulnerable in our neighborhoods
-show care and concern for our church as a whole
-help our county with a collaborative response
-close the Counseling Center and Farmhouse (again, these may open once the "shelter in place" mandate is over. Care groups and Bible studies will be encouraged to meet in person after "shelter in place" is lifted, too)
We also want to announce:
-We hope to have a BCC family meeting on April 5 at 6 PM using Zoom—more details on this soon and technical help will be offered
Thank you for your prayers and for continuing to pursue the unity of the body and care for those in need.
Sunday, March 22 10:30AM
Join us live! Click here.
Sermon notes and song lyrics on the BCC app.
Google Play users may have some trouble finding our app this week. We hope to have that fixed by next week!
Friday, March 20 4:30PM
Bethany Community Church Family,
Please keep us posted on your needs. Our church leadership, care group leaders, and others in our church want to come alongside you as you wrestle with the changes going on around us. Please keep us informed of any need you have from job change, to physical health, to counseling needs and more. You can send your need to heather@bethanycommunitychurch.org.
In light of the governor’s announcement this afternoon, our office will be open next week, as the Lord wills, on MWF from 9-11am for basic needs of the church to be fulfilled. The best way to reach a staff person may be via email or cell phone. Their information is on Breeze.
We also want to keep you updated on how you can continue to connect with our church family and provide opportunities and ideas for continuing to serve.
1. Connecting with Our Church Family on Sunday:
Care Group Gatherings – Please consider utilizing Google Hangout or Zoom (options to connect digitally) as a way to see and talk with your care group. These outlets can be used for regular contact as well. Consider inviting someone who isn’t in a care group to join your digital conversation!
Not in a Care Group? If you are not in a care group, but would like to connect with others, please contact Blake Gerber at blake@bethanycommunitychurch.org and he will get you in touch with a group that you know and can connect with.
Below is a link to instructions for starting a Google Hangout:
This service is available to anyone with a Google account and can be accessed on computer, Android, and iPhone & iPad.
START A GOOGLE HANGOUT
Another option for meeting by video is Zoom. This option is available on multiple platforms as well, but there are some limits on the length of meetings for groups of three or more. More info can be found HERE.
These are only suggestions on ones we know and have used. Please feel free to use other sources you may like and already use.
Live Stream – Our livestream will operate like last week. Click on the red button on our homepage or go directly to our YouTube channel.
Option to Utilize the BCC App – If you have not downloaded the BCC app, now is a great time to check it out via the App Store or Google Play Store and search BCC-Wash. By using the app, you can access devotional (sermon) notes, song lyrics, order of service, care group questions, giving options, and our website calendar.
Parents/Guardians of children up through 5th grade – An additional communication will be sent out with available resources/ideas/options for your children.
Giving - Since we are not meeting, here are ways you can continue to Give
2. Opportunities to Continue to Serve:
Caring for the Most Vulnerable - BCC continues to do first contacts to those within our body who are most vulnerable. If you can help with errands, grocery shopping, etc., for those in need, please contact Phil Smith at phil@bethanycommunitychurch.org.
In Your Neighborhood - Consider reaching out to the most vulnerable in your neighborhood or apartment complexes--especially those without a family or church family nearby. You can use the card attached (in this email) to drop off at a neighbor.
Building Clean Up Opportunities – This is a great opportunity for your family, maybe even together with another family, to sign up and help continue to clean our church building during construction. We will send additional information next week with dates that are available.
Wednesday, March 18 1:45PM
From Pastor Daniel:
This Friday, the elders are calling the church to a time of prayer and fasting. For more information on what fasting is and isn't, check out the devotional from our Sunday morning time. Remember that fasting is not a tool to force God's hand or earn His favor. Rather, we fast to help us as we recognize this world is not as it should be and as we long for God and His glory. Though going without food for some period of time (a day, one meal, etc.) is what a fast often consists of, there can be many things we deprive ourselves of for a period of time to allow us to spend more focused time praying and longing for God.
Those with underlying medical conditions, such as compromised immune systems, should probably find other ways of directing their thoughts upon God and His grace besides depriving themselves of food for a time. Remember, this is to be a joy and not an obligation. Regardless of how you feel called to participate, we hope you experience joy as you pray for the church and our community.
Friday, we'll give some thoughts throughout the day on how we can pray and seek the Lord as a church. I hope this is a time of great joy for you.
To view the devotional from this past Sunday, please see the post below from Sunday, March 15, 2020
Goals for our time of prayer and fasting:
Treasure Christ as we yearn for His return!
Display the beauty of Christ in our gospel witness during this time.
Repent of our love for the World as we grow in our love for Christ.
Provide for the physical healing of our community.
Provide for the physical and financial needs of our church.
Free resource download:
Habits of Grace: Enjoying Jesus through the Spiritual Disciplines by David Mathis
https://www.desiringgod.org/books/habits-of-grace
Join us via Facebook Live on Friday for specific times of prayer:
7am with Daniel
12pm with Mike
5:30pm with Ben
Sunday, March 15 10:15AM
Livestream link is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1n19WuVPLU
Sunday, March 15 10AM
BCC desires to serve those within our body who are most vulnerable to contracting COVID-19 because of age or medical condition --especially those without family nearby to help. There may be two groups of people who may have the ability to help run errands, get groceries, etc. for that population of our church. The first group is students who are drivers. Although we recognize that online learning and babysitting younger siblings may take some time, we are wondering if students would have a little extra time to serve in this way. Additionally, those who were to attend BCC ministry events that are now postponed or cancelled may have the opportinity to serve. Dr. Jeff Leman will be putting together protocols for this such as making sure the helper is healthy, not going into the home of the vulnerable, dropping groceries on the front porch, etc. We will also be providing a phone script for the helper, so when they call to ask for needs, the receiver will know it is a person from BCC that is trusted. This is a great ministry to do in pairs. For more information on how to serve in this way, contact Phil Smith at phil@bethanycommunitychurch.org or the church office at 309-508-1755.
We will continue to keep our ears to the ground on ways we can serve the broader context of our communities as well. Partnerships with Emergency Management Agencies in the tri-county area as well as BCC's role in the Tri-County COAD (Community Organizations Active in a Disaster) with inform us of ways to serve as well. In the meantime, we would encourage you to reach out to vulnerable neighbors in need.
Saturday, March 14 6PM
We continue to trust the Lord that His plans are the best plans and none of the circumstances this week are outside of His sovereign, wise, and loving hands.
Below are some updates for you and your household:
1) How to watch the Sunday morning livestream
We are thankful that the livestream we have been doing on YouTube each Sunday can continue to serve the church during this time. There are a number of ways to find it on YouTube:
-The easiest way is to go to www.bethanycommunitychurch.org at 10:30am and click on the red "live now" button on the top of the homepage.
-You can also go to www.bethanycommunitychurch.org, scroll down to the bottom of the homepage, click on the YouTube icon and look for the livestream on BCC's YouTube channel.
If you would like to be connected to a group to watch the livestream, please reply to this email.
2) How to handle your giving to the church
Some have asked how to give during the month of March. Your continued giving to the church during March will enable us to do the ministry God has called us to. You can:
-Put a check in the mail to BCC at 27265 Dutch Lane, Washington, IL 61571.
-Drop a gift off at the Farmhouse during our office hours from 9am-4:30pm.
-Go to your Breeze app and tap the dollar sign icon.
-Go to the BCC app and tap on the Give icon (heart icon) at the bottom of your screen.
-Go directly to giving on Breeze here: https://bethanycommunity.breezechms.com/give/online
***The online giving options above can be used for one time giving or for regular giving.
3) Discussion questions
Here are questions you can use after tomorrow's livestream to discuss with your care group, family, roommates, or others. Remember to reply to this email if you would like to be connected to a group.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
-How do we sometimes misunderstand fasting? What is a fasting not? How can fasting be a window into what our soul longs for?
-What were some of the things the fast was for in the Old Testament? How is a fast in the New Testament different from the fast of the Old Testament?
-What do we want God to accomplish in our hearts when we fast and pray? Where are some situations where we might feel called to fast?
-What is our primary goal when we fast? How does a fast help us treasure Christ more? What are some secondary goals we might have as we fast and pray as a church this week?
-How is God going to use this time to proclaim the beauty of Christ to you and through you to others? Are you praying fervently for Christ to use you during this time?
4) Event updates
The baby shower scheduled for Shelby Fehr this Tuesday has been postponed until April 6. Location TBD.
As a reminder, we will follow our typical process of closing our church building when the schools are closed thus cancelling the events held there. Care groups and Bible studies can continue to meet offsite. Counseling appointments can also continue to meet as the Counseling Center and Farmhouse offices will be open for that purpose. Office hours for the farmhouse will continue as normal as of now.
Friday, March 13 9:30PM
The elders met tonight to discuss our church’s response to COVID-19. Since our update this afternoon, the announcement was made about schools closing and that has influenced our response.
We are canceling our onsite Sunday services for the next three Sundays (3/15, 3/22, 3/29). You will be getting information soon about how to gather with your care group, family, or others to view a devotional time at 10:30am on Sunday morning with Pastor Daniel. We hope to incorporate singing and discussion questions in with this video. More information will be sent tomorrow (Saturday) on how to view this as a church family.
If you do not have a group to meet with, please let us know and we will be glad to point you in the right direction. As always if you are sick (even with just a cough or cold) or vulnerable because of age or autoimmune issues, we would encourage you to stay home.
We will also follow our typical process of closing our church building when the schools are closed. Care groups and Bible studies can continue to meet offsite. Counseling appointments can also continue to meet as the Counseling Center and Farmhouse offices will be open for that purpose. Office hours for the farmhouse will continue throughout this two week time.
As always, we would encourage you to continue to trust in the Lord, and seek to point others toward Him in the midst of this challenging time in our country and world.
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