CHBC Advent Devotional
Our annual CHBC Advent Devotional Guide is available at the link below to download.
POSTPONED -- Outdoor Gathering - Sunday, November 1
We are sorry to inform you that we are postponing the Outdoor Gathering that was scheduled for this coming Sunday. Due to the rising COVID-19 cases, putting our community into the Red Zone, we feel that it is necessary to postpone our outdoor gathering until a time with the COVID cases are better controlled. We know many folks were looking forward to gathering outdoors again, but we need to follow the recommendations from the Governor to cancel all public events.
Donation Drive October 17
Donation Drive: Saturday, October 17th 10am to 1pm We will be collecting for Scarlette Jasper, KRM, La Casita, & Medwater. This is also the last opportunity to turn in the Christmas Boxes for Appalachia or to donate financially to that project. Items for Scarlette- Cleaning Supplies Hygiene Items Sanitizer Masks Canned Goods (especially ones with “pop tops” for those experiencing homelessness) Educational Games Hats & Gloves for all ages Items for KRM- New or gently used coats (mostly needing kids sizes, but accepting adult sizes also, all used coats must be washed) Hats, gloves, scarves Items for La Casita- Hygiene items: -bottles of shampoo (not travel-sized. These will be given to families) -bottles of conditioner (not travel-sized. These will be given to families) -bars of soap -toilet paper -toothpaste (not travel-sized. These are given to families) -deodorant (men's or women's) Food items: (please note that rice is not on this list. we have an overstock of rice at this time. That being said we will still happily accept rice, it is just not our priority need): -boxes of spaghetti or other pasta -jars of spaghetti sauce -canned corn with pop-top lids -canned tuna or canned chicken -1-2lb bags of dry black beans Medwater- Donations can be made to Medwater through their website at Medwater.org/donate
The Church and Democracy in 2020
A Live, Virtual Conversation with Dr. Alton Pollard, Louisville Presbyterian Seminary President
Sunday morning, October 11, 9:30AM - 10:30AM
Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/86790684081?pwd=eHhPYjNONU43T2VpK3FCamJEU3FZQT09Meeting ID: 867 9068 4081Passcode: 755195
Dial by your location +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) Meeting ID: 867 9068 4081 Passcode: 755195
Alton B. Pollard III
Seminary President and Professor of Religion and CultureFisk University, BA; Harvard Divinity School, MDiv; Duke University, PhD
Rev. Dr. Alton B. Pollard III is Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary’s tenth president. He began his service with Louisville Seminary in September 2018. A scholar, author, consultant and speaker on the subject of African American and U.S. religion and culture, Pollard was previously dean of the School of Divinity and professor of Religion and Culture at Howard University in Washington, D.C.
Prior to his eleven years at Howard University, Pollard served as director of Black Church Studies and chair of American Religious Cultures at Emory University, and taught at Wake Forest University and St. Olaf College.
Pollard is the author of Mysticism and Social Change: The Social Witness of Howard Thurman (1992) and a new edition of W.E.B. DuBois’s The Negro Church as well as co-author of Helpers for a Healing Community: A Pastoral Care Manual for HIV/AIDS (2006). He has also edited and co-edited several volumes including How Long This Road: Race, Religion and the Legacy of C. Eric Lincoln; The Papers of Howard Washington Thurman Volumes I and II; and The Black Church Studies Reader. He has also written dozens of book chapters, journal articles, and op-eds.
He serves on the Board of Directors for the In Trust Center for Theological Schools and the Advisory Committee for the Luce Fund for Theological Education. He served on the Board of Commissioners for the Association of Theological Schools from 2010-2016 and was chair from 2014-2016. A native of St. Paul, Minnesota, Pollard and his wife Jessica have two adult children.
Outdoor Gathering - Sunday, October 4, 10:00-11:00 AM
We do not feel that it is wise to re-open the building for in-person inside worship yet. However, we know that it is difficult to not see each other and share fellowship. We will be offering our outdoor space for a gathering on October 4 from 10:00AM – 11:00AM. Darrell Adams and Fred Bogert will be providing musical entertainment for your listening enjoyment during part of our time together and we will be sharing communion together in celebration of World Communion Sunday. (Communion elements will be available in prepackaged containers.)
We know not everyone will want to attend, and we will respect whatever decision is best for you and your family. We will offer an online service as we have been doing during the pandemic, so if you are unable to join us in person, you can still connect with us through the online service. In order to host this event safely there are several guidelines we will put in place.
1. We will have chairs set up six (6) feet apart, and some small groups of chairs to accommodate households. We ask that you stay six (6) feet apart from all other households.
2. Masks will need to be wore at all times while on church grounds by those two (2) years and over. Please bring your own mask. If you forget, we will have some you can have.
3. We need everyone to register for this event. It will be most helpful to preregister by calling the church office by Friday, October 2 at 12:00 PM. Or go to the church website and register online. You can click on this link for the online form https://form.jotform.com/202585631273152. We are asking for everyone to pre-register or register on the day so that, if necessary, in the event of someone testing positive within two weeks of the gathering, we can make sure you are contacted.
4. Please do not bring any food or drink to the gathering. Eating and drinking requires you to take off your mask, and we want you to keep your mask on at all times.
5. The building will be closed.
6. When you arrive, you can park in the courtyard parking lot, along Birchwood and Frankfort Aves and in the library lot. There will be three check in tables. If you have pre-registered, we will simply check you off the list and make sure you have a mask. If you haven’t pre-registered, there will be a short form to fill out (name and contact information).
September 19th Donation Drive
LOVE IN ACTION DONATION DRIVE
An Opportunity to Share Our Love in Action!
Saturday, September 19: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Donations will be accepted for drop-off at the Fellowship Hall entrance for the following local organizations.
United Crescent Hill Ministries
Needs:
Canned Vegetables
Canned Fruit
Canned Meats
Shelf stable milk
Low sugar cereals
Dry pasta
Spaghetti sauce
Body wash, hand soap, or deodorant
Shampoo
Toothpaste or toothbrushes
Toilet tissue
Laundry or dish detergent
Feminine care products
Formula
Diapers (sizes 1,2,3,4, and 5)
Baby wipes
***(If there is a specific item they’ve asked for next month, please add to the list)
#FeedTheWest
#FeedTheWest is a community-led, food justice initiative working towards building Black-owned and sustainable food sources in the West End of Louisville.
Needs:
Canvas Bags/Grocery Bags
Small Boxes
Cases of Water
Organic Fruit
Organic Vegetables
Bananas
Eggs
Oatmeal- Variety Packs
Snacks/Chips/Cookies
Canned Goods
Organic Fresh and Frozen Meats
Bread
Single Serve Desserts
Hygiene Items for Babies, Children, Women & Men- Deodorant, Bar Soap, Shampoo/Conditioner, Lotion, Toothbrushes/Toothpaste, Tampons/Pads, etc.
For more information or to give monetary donations, please visit
https://change-today.org/feedthewest/#
WaterStep
Needs:
Shoes in good condition (athletic shoes preferred): no rips, no holes, no mud, no mold, no excessive wear.
Support Black-Owned Businesses
The Church Council and staff have discussed ways to continue advocating for racial justice. One easy way that can make a big difference is to support Black-owned businesses. This step helps support the individual owners, their companies, and the neighborhoods where the businesses reside. This article in the Courier Journal is a great resource.
Disaster Response Information
Consider a donation for hurricane relief through CBF.
https://www.classy.org/give/144748/#!/donation/checkout
Follow the link above to make a donation to help CBF Disaster Response meet the needs in communities effected by Hurricane Laura and other storms this season.
Love in Action Donation Drive
Saturday, August 15th: 10 am - 2 pm
Drive-thru drop off in the Fellowship Hall parking lot (between Crescent Hill Baptist Church and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church).
We are collecting the following supplies for the following organizations:
Together for Hope: Scarlette Jasper - CBF Field Personnel ministering in Eastern KY
Needs: Cleaning supplies, Hygiene Items, Sanitizer, Masks, Canned goods, Educational games such as Junior Scrabble and Farkle for literacy bags. To donate funds: https://www.classy.org/campaign/scarlette-jasper/c103225
Cultivate Abundance: Rick and Ellen Burnette - CBF Field Personnel in Immokalee, FL
Needs: Masks, Sanitizer. To donate funds: https://www.cultivateabundance.org/donate or mail to Cultivate Abundance, 17151 Laurelin Ct., North Fort Myers, FL 33917
Hope Rising Ministry Center: Annette Ellard and Steve Clark - CBF Field Personnel ministering to Karen, Chin, Karenni Refugee Community
Needs: coffee supplies (paper cups, spoons, 3-in-1 single serve coffee packets (available at Asian markets); office paper; pens. To donate funds: https://www.classy.org/give/104496/#!/donation/checkout or mail a check to Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, P.O. Box 102972, Atlanta, GA 30368-2972 * Include "SF Steve Clark" on the memo line.
Louisville Standing Up For Racial Justice (LSURJ): a local effort to organize white people for racial justice work
Needs: snacks, soft drinks, masks, disinfectant wipes, candles, storage containers, chairs, volunteers for event support, speakers and performers. To donate funds: https://www.paypal.me/ItsWhatWeDo for direct aid to protesters; https://www.KentuckyAlliance.org for non-profit gift to support the work of The Kentucky Alliance Against Racist & Political Repression; https://bailproject.org to help pay bails for protesters and provide ongoing supports which include: transportation, court reminders, emergency shelter, food and gift cards for supplies and PPE to anyone released from jail during COVID-19.
Bill Holander on Prayer Meeting July 29
If you missed the Prayer Meeting on July 29, we had guest speaker Councilperson Bill Hollander speaking on the Breonna Taylor case. He addressed the facts of the case, what can be done, the legal matters, where the case stands, etc. The prayer meeting can be view here https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/5P1cdLLQq1JJZY3n4mHncIx7Boeieaa8g3JP_PcJmE6wMipZze4SeffE0bZ6cHZ8?startTime=1596059328000.
Prayer Meeting, July 29, Guest Speaker Bill Hollander
During our Crescent Hill Baptist Church Wednesday evening gathering via ZOOM beginning at 6PM on July 29, Louisville Metro Council Member Bill Hollander will join us. He will explain where things stand regarding the Breona Taylor case. What authority does the mayor have to charge the officers involved? What is the role of Attorney General Cameron? What is the scope of the Metro Council’s authority? What could happen next? What can we do as a church and community to bring about the best outcome given the realities in which we find ourselves. Join us and invite others to do the same. If you would like to join the prayer meeting, please contact the church office at 502-896-4425 to request the Zoom invitation to be sent.
Outdoor Gathering, Sunday, July 26, 9:00-10:00 AM
We do not feel that it is wise to re-open the building for in-person inside worship yet. However, we know that it is difficult to not see each other and share fellowship. We will be offering our outdoor space for a social gathering on July 26 from 9:00AM – 10:00AM. Darrell Adams and Fred Bogert will be providing musical entertainment for your listening enjoyment during part of our time together.
We know not everyone will want to attend, and we will respect whatever decision is best for you and your family. We will offer an online service as we have been doing during the pandemic, so if you are unable to join us in person, you can still connect with us through the online service. In order to host this event safely there are several guidelines we will put in place.
1. We will have chairs set up six (6) feet apart, and some small groups of chairs to accommodate households. We ask that you stay six (6) feet apart from all other households.
2. Masks will need to be wore at all times while on church grounds by those two (2) years and over. Please bring your own mask. If you forget, we will have some you can have.
3. We need everyone to register for this event. It will be most helpful to preregister by calling the church office by Friday, July 24 at 4:00 PM. Or go to the church website and register online. You can click on this link for the online form https://form.jotform.com/201986236956165. We are asking for everyone to pre-register or register on the day so that, if necessary, in the event of someone testing positive within two weeks of the gathering, we can make sure you are contacted.
4. Please do not bring any food or drink to the gathering. Eating and drinking requires you to take off your mask, and we want you to keep your mask on at all times.
5. The building will be closed, except for emergencies. (Please plan on NOT using the restrooms or other church facilities.)
6. When you arrive, you can park in the courtyard parking lot, along Birchwood and Frankfort Aves and in the library lot. There will be three check in tables. If you have preregistered, we will simply check you off the list and make sure you have a mask. If you haven’t preregistered, there will be a short form to fill out (name and contact information).
We look forward to seeing some of you Sunday, July 26.
Giving Saturday 2.0 -- June 13
Giving Saturday 2.0
A big thank you to all those who made contributions to UCHM, Waterstep and McCreary County on Saturday, May 9. Crescent Hill folks have always been generous when there is a need.
We are planning a repeat on Saturday, June 13 from 10 - 2. Donations will be accepted for UCHM, Kentucky Refugee Ministries, Waterstep, and La Casita. We are also collecting items for a Virtual Baby Shower for Solange and Victor (they are the refugee family we helped sponsor this past fall).
Virtual Baby Shower for Solange and Victor
A electronic sign up list has been created so that we can make sure that we receive needed items for the family and help ensure that we will not receive duplicates. Please go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E084DA4A922ABFD0-virtual
UCHM
Canned vegetables
Canned fruits
Canned meats
Shelf-stable milk
Low sugar cereals
Dry pasta
Spaghetti sauce
Body wash or hand soap
Deodorant
Shampoo
Toothpaste or toothbrushes
Toilet tissue
Laundry or dish detergent
Formula
Diapers (sizes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5)
Baby wipes
There is a continued, and growing, need for financial contributions. Donation information is available on the website, uchmlouky.org.
Kentucky Refugee Ministries
Diapers: sizes 3,4, and 5
Baby wipes
Paper towels
All purpose cleaner
Dish soap
Laundry soap
Disinfectant wipes
Gently used or new household items:
Lamps with shades and/or just the shades
Small waste baskets
Kitchen garbage cans (that have lids)
Can openers
Large pots and pans
Baking sheets
Silverware sets
Spatulas
Knives
Slotted spoons
Manual lawn mowers
Gift cards ($50 or more are most helpful): Kroger, Walmart or VISA cards
Gently used laptops in good working order
There is also in need of volunteers for food pantry deliveries (drive thru at KRM to pick up the boxes and then porch drop them at clients' homes - low to no physical contact) - third Thursday of each month around noon (next one is Thursday, June 18).
WaterStep
Crescent Hill has long been a supporter of WaterStep and continues to collect used shoes to help fund safe drinking water projects all over the world. They accept gently used shoes that are free of mold/mildew. Athletic shoes are preferred, but they will accept all styles of shoes. Shoes are sold to an exporter and funds received help bring clean water to those in need.
La Casita
La Casita Center is a grassroots non-profit located in Louisville accompanying families in the Latinx community. Their mission is to empower these families, providing a foundation for systemic change with long-term effects.
Food items for a family of 4 to create food baskets:
White rice
Dry Black beans
Spaghetti
Spaghetti sauce in jar
Fruit and Vegetables (fresh and canned)
Canned Tuna
Coffee
Sugar
Maseca
Vegetable oil
Diapers
Kroger or Walmart gift cards
Giving Saturday
We have learned of specific needs of some of our ministry partners and are scheduling a drive-in collection for those who wish to respond to any of these needs.
This Saturday, May 9, there will be three stations set up in the interior parking lot from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM for folks to drop off contributions without having to leave the car.
Helping UCHM
With growing unemployment due to job loss, food insecurity is high. Here is a list of our current needs:
· Canned vegetables
· Canned fruit
· Canned meats
· Shelf-stable milk
· Low sugar cereals
· Dry pasta
· Spaghetti sauce
· Body wash or hand soap
· Deodorant
· Shampoo
· Toothpaste or toothbrushes
· Toilet tissue
· Laundry or dish detergent
· Feminine care products
· Formula
· Diapers (sizes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5)
· Baby wipes
There is also a continued, and growing, need for financial contributions. Donation information is available on the website, uchmlouky.org.
Help McCreary and Scott Counties
Scarlette Jasper works with CBF Global and Together For Hope in the poorest counties in Appalachia. McCreary County, KY and Scott County, TN are places of persistent rural poverty. Scarlette has relationships on both sides of the border, and is helping facilitate the distribution of supplies.
Here is what they need:
· toilet paper
· cleaning supplies
· anti-bacterial hand soap
· body wash
· shampoo & conditioner
· dish soap
· non-perishable food items.
Help WaterStep
Crescent Hill has long been a supporter of WaterStep and continues to collect used shoes to help fund safe drinking water projects all over the world. Shoes are sold to an exporter and funds received help bring clean water to those in need.
Many of us are cleaning out while staying healthy at home, and this is a great opportunity to do some good with little effort.
They accept gently used shoes that are free of mold/mildew. Athletic shoes are preferred, but they will accept all styles of shoes.
COVID19 UPDATE 3/27/2020
Sunday Morning Worship Experience
We are going to offer an online Worship Service again this week. As things with COVID-19 continue, and the need for social distancing and isolating increases, we are involving as few people as possible in person. We will be recording and then uploading the video to our church website and our Facebook page on Sunday morning. The recorded worship service will be on the church website (www.chbcky.org) and Facebook page by Sunday at 10:45 AM. The services will be viewable on our homepage for one week when we will upload the new service. Therefore, if you haven't watched the service from Sunday, March 22 do so before this Sunday morning.
**Special Request: Next Sunday, April 5 is Palm Sunday. As is our tradition at CHBC, we usually have palm branches available for our congregation to wave during the service and our children process into the service with palm branches. Obviously, we are still unable to meet in person, but we want your help in continuing this tradition. I challenged our children to do this this morning, and I want everyone to give this a try. Create your own palm branch and take a photo of yourself holding it and email it to andrea@chbcky.org. We are going to utilize these photos in Palm Sunday's online worship service, so please help us!!
Wednesday Evening Virtual Prayer Meeting
We had a nice time in fellowship with other folks virtually Wednesday evening via Zoom. We will gather again at 6:00 PM this coming Wednesday. This give folks a way to talk with each other to share joys and prayer concerns, and those connecting through their computer will be able to see the faces of those who gather. The Zoom meeting is live and will not be recorded or posted later. If you would like to participate follow the directions below:
If joining the Zoom Prayer Meeting through a computer, tablet, or smartphone click on this link: https://zoom.us/j/860970250?pwd=QnMxWWpiRHhOdFZFK3FTMDN5QjFKdz09
Meeting ID: 860 970 250
Password: 345936
If you do not have access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can use a regular phone or cell phone and call one of the numbers below and use the Meeting ID: 860 970 250. If you are calling, you will hear and be able to talk, but you will not have video.
Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US
+1 301 715 8592 US
Meal Pick-up
Bobbe Crouch has offered to prepare meals and freeze them. Folks in need of a meal or would like a delicious meal, can reserve one for pick up. An email was sent yesterday with next week's menu and instructions on how to order and pick up the meals.
Sunday School Classes are Zooming
All of our adult Sunday School classes are offering ways to stay connected through Zoom. Your Sunday School leader will email the class to let you know when your class is meeting and how to connect. If you are a member of a Sunday School class but did not receive that information, please reach out to your Sunday School teacher or let us know. If you are not involved with a Sunday School class, but would like to connect with one virtually during these days of isolation, please let us know and we will get you connected!
Other Small Groups That Are Zooming
1. Dr. Hinson's Wednesday morning Bible Study on Luke and Acts met is meeting via Zoom at 10:30AM each Wednesday.
2. Brittani and Josh Bair's Sunday evening Lenten Discussion Group will meet this Sunday via Zoom at 5:00PM.
3. The children (all ages from birth to 5th grade) and a parent are invited to Zoom on Friday at 10:30AM.
If you would like to be involved with one of these small groups, let us know and we will get you connected! Or if your small group is meeting virtually, let us know!
New Virtual Groups and Opportunities
1. Susan Lockwood is putting together a Prayer Group. We have added a form to our website to allow folks to enter a prayer request. (www.chbcky.org/prayer-requests)These requests will be forwarded to our staff and the prayer group. If you are interested in joining this prayer group send an email to NeedPrayer2020@gmail.com
2. Quinn Chipley would like to start a Koine Greek Practice Group. This group would meet via Zoom once a week and practice vocalizing texts, parse verbs, and review grammar. If you are a former student of Koine Greek and would like to refresh those skills, let Quinn know you are interested. We have put together a poll to see which day and time would be best. Please go to https://doodle.com/poll/pcx75mgdce5vbefs and let us know when you would like to meet.
Please Continue to Give
The office is still operating. The staff is still working. We are still trying to foster community and meet needs. Therefore, we still have expenses. Please continue to give your tithes and offerings. You can mail a check. You can setup recurring donations through your bank. You can give online (and/or set up a recurring donation) by clicking here (www.chbcky.org/donate) and we have added a new way to give while we are physically apart. You can now TEXT-TO-GIVE! From your cell phone send a text to 502-237-7312 and type GIVE in the message line. You will be taken to a link to enter your information. You can use credit card/debit card or draft your bank account.
How to Zoom
We are connecting a lot these days via Zoom. If you do not have experience with this platform, I have put together a very detailed guide. Please do not let the guide's length intimidate you. I tried to add lots of pictures and walk you through each button to click. In real-time, it takes less than 2 minutes to connect the first time and less than a minute each following time. Click on this link to view the instruction guide. Also, you can run a test meeting to familiarize yourself with the platform by going to https://zoom.us/test.
How to Stay Connected to CHBC:
Make sure that you are signed up for the Remind App so that we can text you any last minute updates about meetings, gatherings, and events. If you are not, simply text @chbcky to 81010
We will also send eNewsletters out regularly as information becomes available. If you do not receive that newsletter in your inbox, and you think you have signed up for it, check your spam folder. If you haven’t signed up to receive the eNewsletter, go to www.chbcky.org. At the bottom of our homepage is a place to enter your email address for the newsletter.
Check the church website (www.chbcky.org) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/CHBCKY) for updates.
CHBC COVID19 UPDATE 3/17/2020
Hello,
I hope this email finds you well. There is still much happening at CHBC even though we are currently unable to meet in person.
Unfortunately, ALL activities at CHBC will continue to be suspended through Sunday, April 5. (This means we will NOT be meeting in person on 4/5/2020.) We will continue to watch what the CDC recommends as well as what the State recommends and we are watching what JCPS does. We may need to suspend typical operations longer, but for now, all in-person activities are suspend through April 5.
This suspension of activities includes the Johnson Lecture Series. The Lecture Series team is in communication with Molly Marshall to see if there is a possibility of rescheduling. We will keep you updated on that as information becomes available.
Also, our annual Eggstravaganza, which was scheduled for April 11, has been cancelled this year. The Frankfort Ave Easter parade has been cancelled as well. Once we are able to resume in-person activities, we will hopefully be able to host a different kind of large group family-friendly neighborhood gathering.
Even though we are not meeting in person, this does not mean operations have stopped at CHBC. Far from it. A few updates on happenings within the CHBC community:
1. Work is almost complete on the new kitchenette/workroom in the office! Thank you, Tom Scott and Bob Hieb!
2. All last week we had Josh and Ryan from SIR running new cable drops, installing access points and switches, and cleaning up the cables in the tech closet and cable runs in the office. What does all that mean? That is the work that needs to be done to upgrade our network. In other words: the church's WIFI will be stronger and continuous through the most used parts of the building. We should be finishing that project by the end of the week!! Thank you Matt Dyer and the tech team for getting that project planned and implemented.
3. On Sunday morning the personnel team met via a Zoom meeting.
4. We were able to record and post a worship service online. If you have not had a chance to see that yet, go to www.chbcky.org, and you can watch it there.
5. We are continuing to match those with needs and those with the ability to help. So if you have a need -- an errand run, childcare, a friendly voice on the phone to get you through the isolation -- please let us know. We have several folks able to help, but so far we do not know what folks needs are.
6. Our office remains open 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Give us a call if you have a need.
7. Our custodial staff continues to work. With no activities occurring in the building, they are able to focus on disinfecting the building and doing some additional deep cleaning.
Upcoming ways to continue to be involved with CHBC:
1. Wednesday morning Dr. Hinson will teach his study on Luke and Acts via Zoom. If you have been attending that class, look for an email from Andrea with information on how to join that meeting in the morning.
2. Brittani will host a session for our youth on Facebook Live via the youth page at 5:30 PM on Wednesday.
2. We will offer a Wednesday evening experience to connect with folks through a virtual prayer meeting. We will meet via Zoom at 6:00 Wednesday, March 18. (See below for instructions on how to join that meeting.)
3. We will again record and post a Sunday morning worship experience. We will send out details later this week on how to connect to that.
4. Give. The office is still operating. The staff is still working. We are still trying to foster community and meet needs. Therefore, we still have expenses. Please continue to give your tithes and offerings. You can mail a check. You can setup recurring donations through your bank. You can give online (and/or set up a recurring donation) at www.chbcky.org/donate.
5. You may also want to consider donating blood if you are able. Contact the Red Cross.
6. Continue to call and check up on your friends, folks in your Sunday School classes and other small groups, and those who may be particularly vulnerable right now. If you hear of needs, please let us know.
7. We are looking into ways to provide meals to those in need. Stay tuned for information regarding that.
How to connect via Zoom for Wednesday Prayer Meeting:
Andrea Woolley is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Wednesday Prayer Meeting 3/18/2020
Time: Mar 18, 2020 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Prayer Meeting will begin at 6:00, but I will open up the meeting at 5:45 so folks have time to connect and test video and audio.
If you have a computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet access:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/549949704?pwd=Y2R5YUUvMDgrcWtydUd5VFVBU3dzZz09
Meeting ID: 549 949 704
Password: 036712
If you do not have a computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet access, you can call from any phone one of the following numbers. You will be able to hear the discussion, but you will not have video.
Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 253 215 8782 US
+1 301 715 8592 US
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
Meeting ID: 549 949 704
Watch the CHBC Facebook page. I (Andrea) will begin sharing links and ideas on how to keep kids (and adults) from getting too bored and how to keep kids engaged during this time of social distancing.
We will get through this together. Let us plunge on with hope and courage in these days of uncertainty.
Peace,
Andrea and Jason
How to Stay Connected to CHBC:
Make sure that you are signed up for the Remind App so that we can text you any last minute updates about meetings, gatherings, and events. If you are not, simply text @chbcky to 81010
We will also send eNewsletters out regularly as information becomes available. If you do not receive that newsletter in your inbox, and you think you have signed up for it, check your spam folder. If you haven’t signed up to receive the eNewsletter, go to www.chbcky.org. At the bottom of our homepage is a place to enter your email address for the newsletter.
Check the church website (www.chbcky.org) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/CHBCKY) for updates.
CHBC Activities Canceled Through Monday, March 16
All Crescent Hill Baptist Church sponsored activities and related activities are canceled through Monday, March 16, due to COVID-19.
That means we will not gather for worship or other events (Sunday School, Karen worship, citizenship class, etc.) this Sunday.
We deeply regret that we find ourselves in this position. However, in an effort to be partners in what we feel is best practice to stop the spread of COVID-19, we must suspend operations at this time.
We will be monitoring the situation over the course of the next few days.
We plan to provide some type of worship experience via social media on Sunday morning. Please join us! We are not entirely sure what that will look like at the moment, but CHBC will worship on Sunday morning!!! Stay tuned for further details.
Also, please use this as a chance to reach out to people in our community who are already isolated. Give them a call.
The church office will remain open.
At the moment we are busy figuring out how to suspend operations, but this situation provides us with a chance to creatively support one another and build community.
As the Crescent Hill Hymn states...
Not our choice the wind's direction, unforeseen the calm or gale.
Thy great ocean swells before us, and our ship seems small and frail.
Fierce and gleaming is Thy myst'ry drawing us to shores unknown:
Plunge us on with hope and courage 'til Thy harbor is our home.
We will continue to be in communication on a regular basis until this storm passes.
Wisdom and peace be with us all.
CHBC Response to COVID-19
***Please note, the information below was put together Tuesday, March 10. As of this morning there is new information that we are reading and taking under advisement. At this time, Wednesday evening activities TODAY (March 11) will go as planned, except youth activities will not take place. However, if you feel that you need to stay home, please do. We are in discussion regarding Sunday worship and other activities. We are aware of Governor Beshear's recommendation that churches cancel Sunday services. We will make a decision soon in regards to Sunday. See bottom of the letter for ways to keep up-to-date with CHBC activities and events.***
The staff at CHBC has been in numerous conversations with various church leaders, medical personnel, as well as reading and staying as up-to-date as possible regarding the COVID-19 outbreak. We are trying to make the best decisions for the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of our congregants, visitors, and staff. We have a team of medical professionals within the congregation that are researching and providing us guidelines and best practice recommendations.
As such, we have outlined certain safety precautions as well as what and who we are watching and how we will make decisions in the near future regarding events, conferences, gatherings, visits, etc. Please note, as information changes and new information becomes available, we will continue to update folks.
Above all, we want everyone to do what is safest. If you do not feel comfortable in large crowds or in close proximity to others, please, exercise your best judgment and stay home. We are aware that COVID-19 seems to effect older populations most as well as those with underlying medical conditions. Please do what you need to do to stay healthy.
General Information about COVID-19:
How is it spread?
· Coughing and sneezing
· Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
· Touching an object or surface with the virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands
What are the symptoms?
· Fever
· Cough
· Difficulty breathing
· Shortness of breath
What can I do?
· Keep Informed - through reliable news sources such as the CDC (Center for Disease Control) www.cdc.gov/COVID19, WHO (World Health Organization) www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/events-as-they-happen. And see articles listed below.
· Self Monitor - be aware of signs of virus i.e. fever, cough, shortness of air and seek medical attention and/or assist those that may need help.
· Control Exposure – avoid crowds, avoid people who are sick, stay home if sick, avoid travel to restricted areas.
· Perform good Respiratory Etiquette – cover cough and sneezes, use tissue and dispose appropriately.
· Perform good Hand Hygiene – Wash with soap and water for 20 sec. or 60% alcohol based sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
· Provide routine Environmental Cleaning – frequent cleaning of highly touched surfaces such as handles, doors etc.
When should I seek care? (Take from https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/pages/covid19.aspx)
To ensure the sickest people receive care, help minimize the spread of infection and maintain resources, please follow the guidelines below when considering whether to seek medical care:
· Stay Home: If you are worried, please stay home. Going to the hospital or doctor’s office adds to a higher concentration of people and further overwhelms medical staff.
· Call for Advice: If you feel ill, but would NOT have sought care if not for the COVID-19, do not seek care at the E.R., hospital, or doctor’s office. If you want advice, call the Kentucky State hotline (1-800-722-5725) or call your local health care provider.
· Seek Care: If you are sick or feel you have an emergency, please call your doctor or seek medical care. Hospitals and medical staff across the commonwealth stand ready to serve you.
· Please call ahead if you are seeking medical care. If you think you might have COVID-19, please call your doctor or hospital before you go so that necessary precautions can be taken.
Articles and websites that you may find helpful:
· https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/pages/covid19.aspx
· https://medium.com/@amwren/forget-about-the-death-rate-this-is-why-you-should-be-worried-about-the-coronavirus-890fbf9c4de6?fbclid=IwAR0uLIFQC30MvkaB_I1wmPpBSXg6_mLn04nKWULFBEKhC8Sq6MttBPMLVDo
· https://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2020/03/the-idiots-guide-to-coronavirus-from-an-emergency-physician.html
· https://blogs.jwatch.org/hiv-id-observations/index.php/as-testing-ramps-up-diagnoses-of-coronavirus-disease-in-the-u-s-will-soon-increase-substantially-how-will-we-respond/2020/03/08/
Regular Weekly Events and Gatherings:
Sunday School and Sunday Worship: We will continue to meet on Sunday mornings per our usual schedule at this time. If in the coming days and weeks it becomes clear that we should not meet, we will be making every attempt to stream some kind of worship service via our Facebook page. If this becomes necessary we will send information on how you can connect to our live stream/video. We are also hoping that by the end of March we will have the live streaming of our service available regularly so that if you are unable to join us for Sunday worship, you can watch us from your home.
Wednesday Dinner and Prayer Meeting: Right now we are still planning to meet. While we are watching how the virus outbreak spreads, we are paying close attention to the Episcopal Diocese of Louisville, The Archdiocese of Louisville and JCPS. We feel the Lenten fish fries that many congregations around the Louisville area have are as close of a model to our Wednesday dinners as we can find. We will be watching how those dioceses, JCPS, and other surrounding school districts react in the coming days.
Other Weekly Gatherings: We are in communication with other weekly meeting groups such as the AA groups, the Women’s Group, Dr. Hinson’s Wednesday class, Yoga, Live Wires, etc. and making decisions with the leadership of each group as to whether it is reasonable for their groups to continue meeting.
Special Gatherings and Events:
Kentucky Baptist Fellowship Youth Mission Weekend: We are in communication with the KBF. We will make a call as to whether this event will happen after we have heard from the leadership of KBF.
Johnson Lecture Series: We are in conversation with the planning team and the speaker, Molly Marshall. We will make a call on this event by Friday, March 13.
Eggstravaganza: We have some time to make a decision regarding this event. We will do what is best for our volunteers and community.
How to Stay Connected to CHBC:
Make sure that you are signed up for the Remind App so that we can text you any last minute updates about meetings, gatherings, and events. If you are not, simply text @chbcky to 81010
We will also send eNewsletters out regularly as information becomes available. If you do not receive that newsletter in your inbox, and you think you have signed up for it, check your spam folder. If you haven’t signed up to receive the eNewsletter, go to www.chbcky.org. At the bottom of our homepage is a place to enter your email address for the newsletter.
Check the church website (www.chbcky.org) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/CHBCKY) for updates.
Congregational Care:
For those living in nursing homes, retirement communities, or otherwise homebound, we will call and check up on you at least once a week. But if you have a need, or find yourself having to be isolated, please give us a call.
During this time of uncertainty and potential isolation, one role that we can play as a family of faith is to continue to make sure that some of the most vulnerable among us are not disconnected. We are also looking at ways that we might be able to provide food and meals and other essential items to some of those who might be sick and shut in during this period of time. Furthermore, we want to encourage all members of the congregation to make an extra effort to be in communication via phone, text, email, or some other appropriate means with one another in these days.
College Connection
Join us March 14th