First Baptist Church Titusville

5/13 Church Update

5/13/2020

Greetings Church Family,

What a joy it was to be back in the House of the Lord with you this past week! BUT THERE’S MORE... WE GET TO DO IT AGAIN THIS WEEK! We praise God for His continued protection over our community as we have not seen any significant increases in infections in N. Brevard.

I want to thank those of you who came to worship this past week for maintaining physical distance and limiting our time in the facility. Everything went smoothly and safely. I know it felt a little odd and we all want to hug each other but remember the time will come for that. Everything went so well that I have been able to help a number of other pastors in our convention think through their plans to reopen based on our experience.

Reflecting on the past few months and all of the decisions that have needed to be made, I keep thinking about Proverbs 3:5. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding." The truth is we have been given the test concerning how to get through this season without ever being given any instruction as to how to do it. The true blessing of this time has been the increase and diligence of my prayer life. There have been multiple times that my understanding has been depleted and I felt inadequate to get through these last few months. Time in God’s Word, drawing near in prayer, and seeking Godly council of others has been a tremendous help. I want to thank you for your prayers and graciousness to your pastor, and I hope and pray that as you are overwhelmed and anxious giving these trying days that you would seek to trust in the Lord to guide and steady you.

I know many of you are seeking God’s wisdom even now as you discern when to join us in worship again. Know that I am praying for you as you wrestle with that decision. This past Monday I received an apologetic call from a dear member who was not comfortable coming on Sunday. I responded that there is no need to apologize because we understand everyone is facing different circumstances between their health and the health of those they care for. We truly do know that everyone wishes they could join us in person and in time will.

If you are led to gather this week, I want to remind you of what to expect as we are still in Phase 1 of our plan to return to regular worship.

We will gather for a shortened worship only service with precautions for distancing within families throughout our sanctuary.
We have placed green tape on the top rail of pews where we would like you to sit in order to maintain spacing. We ask that you sit in these areas first with those in your household or those who you have been regularly interacting with over these weeks. Once the “green zone” seating has been fully occupied we can begin to sit in other areas with spacing of 6’ maintained.
There will be no nursery or preschool during the service so children must sit with families.
Interactions will be limited and there will be no choir, greeting time, “passing the plate,” or handouts.
Offering plates will be located at the front and back of the sanctuary where you may place your tithes and offerings as you come in or leave.
Please arrive no sooner than 15 minutes before 11 am and leave promptly as the conclusion of the service.
Please refrain from handshakes and hugs we encourage you to maintain 6’ distance and to have conversations with others outside if possible.
There will be no other activities to meet on campus throughout the week.

Proverbs 3 not only encourages us to “trust in the Lord” but gives us a great promise when we do, “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” God will make clear to you how you should go! With that in mind, would you please join with me in considering and praying over an overdue project that is needed for our “Family House” where we gather. As I have been speaking with others in the church and praying about how our ministry can keep moving forward for God’s glory during this time, it is apparent that there would be no better time than now to remodel our kitchen. We are not using the kitchen right now and meetings are limited so renovation would not interfere with ministry activity. Also we are beginning to work on the fellowship hall and kitchen flooring so it would be ideal to address the kitchen.

I have been praying about this for weeks and talking with some of our ministry leaders and kitchen team to develop a plan that I know the church would support. But with not fully gathering right now we find ourselves at odds at how to move forward as we normally would. I have consulted with the Deacon Chair and Church Treasurer about how we could move forward and the consensus is to lay out the plan to the Building and Grounds team, Admin team, and church membership for feedback. We believe that we will find overwhelming support and enthusiasm as you see the plan for the much-needed transformation. I am attaching the facility update here for you review. Would you pray about how God would lead our church family in this project, how you might financially give a gift for this project, and how this project could be used to improve our ministry and reach more people for Christ!

In His Grace, and for His Glory,

Pastor Bob Wilson

Church Family,

I want to update you on some of the projects happening around the church and get your feedback. With limited meetings happening on campus right now this is a good time to tackle some things that need addressed.

1. Sanctuary Painting. If you were here Sunday you may have noticed that we painted doors and the modesty paneling behind the pulpit. Mike did a great job freshening these areas with a white coat of paint. As he is available, he is continuing to work on the trim areas of the sanctuary.

2. Fellowship Hall Flooring. I am beginning to prep the floor in the fellowship hall for work. I have made an executive decision with consultation of the deacon chair and vice chair / treasurer. We previously ruled out an epoxy coating over the existing Vinyl Asbestos Tiles (VAT) because of cost in favor of carpet tiles. The carpet tiles have since become more expensive than originally quoted, and I was able to receive a factory direct wholesale discount from an epoxy coating manufacturer. This made the cost well under what we had previously been quoted and well under the carpet tile figure. I have been in contact with the technical team for the manufacturer and received instructions on how to apply the coating to encapsulate the VAT. This flooring will be better suited for the fellowship hall environment and is very durable and repairable. This is the same product that has been used at the Seafarers building and has held up very well. The cost for the material was $3000 delivered. That will allow for 2 coats of base (the color) a layer of flake (this gives a little texture and the “terrazzo” look) and a seal coat of clear. This will be a uniform floor in the fellowship hall, kitchen and utility closets. We will later install commercial carpet in the classrooms and library. The cost of this project has been approved by the church for $7500 from a designated fund for facility improvements. We should be well under that amount. I think all of you and the rest of the church will be very happy with this flooring solution.

3. Kitchen Remodel. With the floor being replaced in the kitchen and limited meetings on campus right now due to the virus, it would be the ideal time to remodel the kitchen. This is a project that we have discussed many times and needs to be done as our kitchen is very dated and an eyesore to visitors who see it immediately when entering the building. I have been in conversation with the ladies who oversee the kitchen (Jeannie, Bonnie, and June) and have asked them what they need / would want in a kitchen remodel to best serve the church. Here is what has been discussed.

• Demo and Wall Work. Bob McCandless and Dallas Lee did a wonderful job on the east wall of the kitchen adding a header and removing the dated green tile. We would want to do a similar remodel on the north and west wall before adding equipment and cabinets. Cost approximately $1500.

• New Cabinets and Countertop. Our cabinets are very old and look bad. They are very basic made from plywood and the wood is delaminating in many places. The current layout of cabinets is the best use of space. I can obtain cabinets at wholesale pricing through my woodworking company vendors. A new countertop would be installed as well. This would cost approximately $5000.

• Deeper Sink. Our current sink is a residential depth unit which makes it difficult to wash large commercial pots used to serve our church family efficiently. A commercial sized 12” depth sink would be approximately $1000.

• Serving Area. Our steam table is over 40 years old and does not function properly. This is a unit that is very important to the ladies who serve in the kitchen. The proposal here includes a new steam table unit and stainless counter serving cabinets in a similar layout to what we currently have. Cost is $3500.

Range / Ovens. Our range has served us well for many years but is honestly at the end of its serviceable life. Many of the parts are no longer available and it has a considerable amount of rust inside the unit. It is very finicky and a constant source of angst for those who work in the kitchen. The kitchen workers have asked that we switch from an electric range to a gas unit as it would perform better and cost less to operate. The purchase price for a commercial gas range top unit is also much lower than an electric unit. I am currently consulting with the gas utility to see what the cost to add service would be, so that cost is unknown at this time. The kitchen workers have requested that we replace the current double commercial unit with a double convection oven and a single commercial range. The convection cooking and extra capacity would make their work much more efficient and the price for this layout would be similar to the price of a double range with two convection ovens.

• Gas unit would cost approximately $5500
• Electric units cost approximately $9000

The cost to remodel the Kitchen with gas range / oven would be approximately 16,600 (installing the gas line would be an additional expense. I would estimate around $2000). So for under $20,000 we would completely refresh our kitchen with new commercial appliances sized to feed more than 100 people at a time. I would oversee the project and the work would be completed by myself and volunteers. I have experience with remodeling and a full woodworking shop. We have a number of men who have expressed a willingness to pitch in on these projects in the past including some of our newest members and regular attenders. Volunteer labor along with commercial discounts makes this project very reasonable and would be a great benefit and improvement to our ministry years to come.
To finance the project, I will suggest to the Administration Team that we make use of funds from our previous years holdings (undesignated reserve funds) along with encouraging members to give specifically for the project. Many have expressed interest in giving to a kitchen remodel in the past and I would challenge the church to raise at least half the amount ($10,000) through designated giving.

Our previous years holdings account currently has $78,557 that means if we received no direct funding, we would still have nearly $60,000 in this reserve fund. Our giving this year through the virus outbreak has been down a little bit, but we have been able to keep our spending close to the level of funds received. The current forecast is that the church will not see a significant deficit due to the virus and we have been blessed to have adequate reserves to weather this season and invest in the ministry.

Thank you for looking over this proposal. If you have any questions please let me know. Because of the virus we are not able to process this through normal means so I am asking for feedback from this team, the finance team, and the church body. I have consulted with many of our members already and I do not foresee that anyone would be against moving forward with this project.

Pastor Bob

5/6 Church Update

5/6/2020

Greetings Church Family,

As I have been watching our local data concerning the COVID-19 reports, speaking with other pastors, and praying for our church family, I keep thinking of Psalm 122:1 I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD!” I am glad to write and inform you that we will begin gathering again in a limited capacity this week (May 10th). I want to share with you the reasons we are making this decision and also encourage you to prayerfully consider your response.

The Lord has greatly blessed N. Brevard over these past weeks. We have less than 20 cases at this point for a population of nearly 50,000. We have had testing available for anyone in our community for over 2 weeks now with no surge in cases. Capacity of hospitals to care for patients was a major reason for the measures we had put in place not to meet. Parrish is now well equipped and ready to treat anyone who may need medical attention and yet currently has no COVID-19 patients admitted. While many regions in our country and state are not in the same position, after looking at the official data we (along with a number of other similar sized churches in the community) feel it is safe to begin Phase 1 of returning to worship together this Sunday, May 10th.

While all this is very good news, I want to admonish you as your pastor to continue to take your personal safety concerning this virus very serious. If you or someone in your household is running a fever or not feeling well, do not join us in person. This sickness is not one that anyone wants to have and is increasingly dangerous for the elderly, those with underlying chronic medical issues, and individuals with weakened immune systems. We are not encouraging you to think this virus is a hoax by meeting but seeking to balance the risk with our mandate in scripture to meet as a church. The danger of this virus is real and while many of our church body will be ready to gather again, we also know that many will not be ready. I want you to know as your pastor I fully understand. I want you to look at the data yourself (Florida Today has been giving excellent updates by cities in Brevard based on FL Department of Health data) and I want you to prayerfully make a decision for you and your family. I trust you and the Lord to make the right decisions and take the best precautions for yourself and your family.

If you are not ready to join us in person this Sunday, please worship with us through the radio at 89.3 FM. Or by video live-stream at 11 am at https://www.fbctitusville.org/live.html. However, if you are led to gather this week, I want to make you aware of what to expect. We will be in Phase 1 of our plan to return to regular worship.

● We will gather for a shortened worship only service with precautions for distancing within families throughout our sanctuary.

We have placed green tape on the top rail of pews where we would like you to sit in order to maintain spacing. We ask that you sit in these areas first with those in your household or those who you have been regularly interacting with over these weeks. Once the “green zone” seating has been fully occupied we can begin to sit in other areas with spacing of 6’ maintained.

There will be no nursery or preschool during the service so children must sit with families.

● Interactions will be limited and there will be no choir, greeting time, “passing the plate,” or handouts.

Offering plates will be located at the front and back of the sanctuary where you may place your tithes and offerings as you come in or leave.
Please arrive no sooner than 15 minutes before 11 am and leave promptly at the conclusion of the service.

Please refrain from handshakes and hugs. We encourage you to maintain 6’ distance and to have conversations with others outside if possible. This is very important for us as a church to follow during this phase. I know it will be difficult to be around those you care for so much and not have contact, but the last thing we want to see is our church family unknowingly infect each other.

● There will be no other activities to meet on campus throughout the week.

Office hours are still prioritized to essential only tasks.
Prayer bulletins will be sent out each Wednesday.
Sunday Schools are not meeting in person.

I know this seems like a lot of “rules” for worshiping together but we want to balance prudence with obedience. In time, this too shall pass; until then please help us to work through the phases together with much love and grace for each other.

I love you Church and I am so excited to say, “Let us go to the house of the LORD!”

In His Grace, and for His Glory,

Pastor Bob Wilson

4/29 Church Update

4/30/2020

Dear Church Family,

I pray that you’re well and safe. As these weeks of distancing go on, I am increasingly
aware of the void that not meeting together has in my life. Many of you have expressed similar sentiments as I have spoken with you this week. As we move on from this, I foresee two responses that will become prevalent.

Many will fall out of the “habit” of attending church. I know it sounds funny to call
attending worship a habit, but for years this is how many have explained their lack of attendance when questioned. Being in church was a habit acquired from childhood, a friendship, or a time where they were earnestly seeking a relationship with the Lord. There is no lasting change in their lives or love for the gospel, and it becomes easy to walk away from being a part of gathered worship. This is similar to the parable of the 4 Soils that Jesus shares, where two of the soils spring up a seedling quickly only to see it not endure.

As sad as this reality is, I also believe the opposite is true. This season will temper the
faith of many of you to see the vitality of gathering as a church like never before. The longing you have felt to gather for worship in the name of Christ has shown you how important your faith and being a part of the church is! You understand in new ways the wisdom of Hebrews 10:25 “let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do.” You have discovered church is not a “habit” for you but a central way for you to live out your life! This makes me truly excited for the future of our ministry here! I see a season of increased faithfulness and service to one another and our ministries! While it will a strange season of incrementally returning to “normal,” I believe our “new normal” will be greater than ever!

We are working on developing a plan for returning to that “new normal,” and ask that
you be prayerful and patient as we seek to be mindful of the need to gather and be thoughtful for our congregation and community.

Phase 1 - We will gather for worship with precautions for distancing between families throughout our sanctuary. Interactions will be limited and there will be no choir, greeting time, “passing the plate,” or handouts. No other activities will meet on campus throughout the week.
Phase 2 - We will add Sunday School and children’s ministry on Sunday mornings. No other activities throughout the week on campus.
Phase 3 - Choir with distancing precautions. Wed night activities added to the weekly calendar.

After we have reached this point, I hope that we can resume a regular schedule of activities.
This plan takes into account precautions for distancing as well as limiting activity on campus. Additionally, we will be increasing our sanitation efforts, providing hand sanitizer stations and we have even acquired a system to effectively sanitize all surfaces in the church by fogging the areas. We are moving forward not in fear but in love for our church and
community!

We understand that some may not be comfortable with gathering during this time because of high risk factors. We believe you are the best one to make decisions for yourself and family and welcome you to come with or without a mask, to sit in the front or back, to come during phase 1 or wait to phase 3. We understand that all of us have to make wise decisions during this time; know that we are praying for you!

We are prayerfully considering when to begin meeting under Phase 1 as the 30 day “Stay
at Home” request from Governor DeSantis ends. We have been monitoring the spread of the virus locally to make these decisions. Our hope is that Lord willing we will begin meeting under Phase 1 Sunday, May 10th. This is subject to change as we await officials to give further recommendations, so be sure to look out for next week’s church update which will confirm or delay our plans for May 10th.

I love you Church and am honored to serve as your pastor. I am excited for our future and
thankful for the many prayers on my behalf during this time. Know that I am praying for you as well and as always if you have a need let your deacon or myself know how we can serve you!

In His Grace, and for His Glory,
Pastor Bob

3/26/20 Church Update Coronavirus Outbreak

3/26/2020

Dear Church Family,

This past Lord’s Day was so strange, I missed being able to gather with you and see your fellowship with one another. I look forward to being able to gather again soon, however it will not be this week. The outbreak is continuing to spread in our community, and we are now seeing increased cases locally. As of now everyone in our fellowship is safe from infection and we pray that we would remain unaffected.

On that note, please be in prayer for Kristen Young’s aunt Fran. Fran is a nurse in west Florida and tested positive for COVID-19 this past week. She is at home in isolation managing the sickness.

I hope you were able catch the special broadcast on WPIO 98.3 this past Sunday. If not you can listen to the broadcast at our website: https://www.fbctitusville.org/archive.html . This coming Sunday we will do the same format of radio broadcast that will also be available on the website archive section. Additionally, I have recorded some teaching sessions that appear on our Facebook page. We will continue going through the psalms this way.

Your deacons are available if you have any immediate needs or you can contact us here at the church. As a reminder you can give your tithes and offerings online at: www.fbctitusville.org/give or mail them to the Church PO Box: First Baptist Church Titusville, PO Box 2802, Titusville, FL 32781. We are still collecting for our NAMB Annie Armstrong Easter Offering and are currently about $1000 short of our goal of $3500. I’m praying that we will be able to still meet this goal so if you have not given please consider how the Lord would lead you to support this missions partnership.

Let me leave you with Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Though we cannot meet corporately together in person during this time. We can still “stir up one another to love and good works”. Make it a point to reach out daily to another family in the church by phone or message and let them know you are praying for them and miss them. My prayer is that once this season is over we will have a greater understanding of the grace and joy God gives us in our gathering in the name of Jesus for worship, and that there will have been a deepening of friendships that has taken place because of intentionally reaching out to each other during this time.

So much of what I have felt this week is wrapped up in this song by Cochren & Co. - Church (Take Me Back): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eTOcrWu8mQ I love you church and am praying for you.

In His Grace, and for His Glory,
Pastor Bob

Church Update 3/18 COVID-19

3/18/2020

March 18, 2020

First Baptist Church of Titusville Family,

I am constantly reminded this week of the truth from James 4:15 “you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” It was one week ago that the reality of the COVID-19 virus became real for most of us. Now there seems to be an echo in every thought or decision regarding the future of the truth, “Lord willing.”

Last week we were able to gather for worship, and what a joyous time it was. But the situation has changed over the last week and not for the better. Our president has recommended no groups over 10 people, the CDC continues to narrow the number recommended to meet, and our governor has requested prudence and limiting of large gatherings of people to try to slow the rate of infection. Given these factors along with infections now reaching Brevard County, we will not gather for worship this coming Lord’s Day March 22. Additionally, all activities for the week will be canceled as well.

There is much unknown about this virus and its spread still, but what we do know is that the potential for adverse symptoms increases with age and preexisting health conditions. Many of our church family fall within the categories recognized as potential high risk, and we want to do all that we can to ensure they are safe and remain unexposed. Beyond love for others within this church body, we have a mandate to love our community. These factors have led us to this decision.

We do not take lightly the need for Christians to assemble together for worship. This is seen week by week in our prioritization of gathering for worship through singing, reading, praying, and preaching, all centered around God’s Word. There is nothing that can substitute equally for the grace and joy God extends to his people who regularly gather in the name of Jesus. My prayer is that this interruption will prove to make our assembling even more cherished when we are once again able to meet together safely. At this time, it is unknown when it will be prudent or recommended to once again corporately gather, so we pray that it will be soon and will update you each week on any changes.

Please use this time as a Sabbath rest to individually grow in the Word, spend time in prayer and seek ways to serve others. Please utilize the opportunities you have during this time to call, text, or write others you would regularly see in Bible studies and worship to fellowship, encourage, and pray for each other. Be extra mindful of those in our fellowship as well as your friends and family who are elderly, live alone, or in frail health as this is a particularly trying time for them. My hope is that this odd season we find ourselves in will strengthen our love and fellowship with one another as we intentionally seek out each other and commit ourselves to prayer.

While we are not meeting, I plan (Lord willing) to have many of our previous sermons that have been recorded but not edited and posted made available on the church’s website: https://www.fbctitusville.org/archive.html Please visit and use these past messages to encourage you to continue to grow in the Lord while reminding you of the goodness that is found in gathering with your church family.
We will submit messages to WPIO 89.3 fm to play on air during our regular live broadcast time Sunday morning at 11am. Video livestream will be available once again when we are able to once again gather together.
We are working on distributing prayer lists, family worship devotionals, and other resources to help you to continue to grow as disciples of Jesus during this time. Please check your email, the website, and our church Facebook account to keep up with new resources.
We are here for you if you need anything in particular. As the virus spreads in our community more people will need to isolate themselves and require others to serve them in shopping or other necessary errands. If you find yourself in this position please let us know how we can serve you.
Even though the church is not gathering now the ministry is still going forth. We have committed to paying our staff their usual pay as we navigate this difficult season. Even today we showed our faith in your continued generosity towards this ministry as we sent missions funds to the SBC Cooperative Program, FL Baptist Convention, International Missions Board, Brevard Baptist Association, and Canaveral Port Seafarers Ministry. No doubt as some members’ employment is affected by the measures taken to fight this pandemic there will be additional need for the church to provide assistance. Would you pray and seek the Lord to lead if you can help us to not only meet our regular financial needs but be able to have the resources to assist in these difficult situations.
To continue to support the ministry financially during this time we ask that you give your tithes and offering by:
- Using online giving direct from your bank account or from your debit or credit card. We have utilized a new service to make this even more convenient and secure. We encourage if you give a fixed tithe to set up an ongoing recurring payment from your bank account.
  - You can give anytime securely through the church’s website by clicking the green “Give Now” button at: https://www.fbctitusville.org/give.html
- Mailing checks to our new PO Box that was opened to make sure that mail is received securely. (From here on out please use this option when mailing checks or having funds mailed to the church.

First Baptist Church Titusville
PO Box 2802
Titusville, FL 32781

Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Church, as Christians we must act in faith during these days. Along with caution and wisdom we want to remember Who the true Protector and Sustainer of life is. We should continue living, functioning, and ministering as we would on any given day, while being cautious and wise. We can truly trust in the Lord, even as this virus reminds us that humanity is fragile, and that our fallen nature has real and eternal consequences. As believers we do not have to panic. This is an opportunity for us to show the world that faith in Christ brings an assurance of His provision now, and the ultimate heavenly reward.

By His Grace and For His Glory,
Pastor Bob Wilson

Coronavirus / COVID-19 UPDATE 3/14

3/14/2020

Dear First Baptist Church of Titusville,

We are following the information regarding Coronavirus/COVID-19 daily from the Florida Health Department, Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Currently, we have no reports of local Coronavirus/COVID-19 cases.
First Baptist Church is taking the threat of Coronavirus/COVID-19 outbreak seriously. We are dedicated to ensuring proper protocols are in place to protect the members and visitors of our campus.

We are implementing more aggressive sanitization measures to clean frequently touched surfaces.
We have added hand sanitizer stations throughout the campus for everyone to use.
We are staying up-to-date with our city, state and federal guidelines.
We want to ask that if you are sick, please stay home.
We ask that you use provided hand sanitizer and wash your hands if you use the restroom.

We prioritize our gathered worship service and during times like this we know that gathered worship is even more precious to us and needed. With that in mind we will meet for worship (and Sunday School, unless your class has communicated that they are not meeting) this coming Sunday March 15. To be mindful of the situation we will modify a few elements of our worship gathering.

We ask that you refrain from handshakes.
Please sit with your own family and we will try to spread out families though the sanctuary.
We will replace the normal fellowship time with a special time of prayer concerning the Coronavirus/COVID-19 outbreak.
You may want to place your offering in the collection plate before service begins or give online at https://www.fbctitusville.org/give.html.
We will have no Sunday evening service, choir practice, or Wednesday prayer service this coming week.
Office hours may be reduced throughout the week.

If you are worried about gathering with us because you are high risk for major complications, we understand that this is a difficult decision to make and want you to do what is best for you and your family. We want to remind you that the worship service is broadcast live at 11am on WPIO 89.3 fm. We have also implemented video live streaming of our worship service that can be accessed from your computer, tablet, or smart phone at https://www.fbctitusville.org/live.html. The First Baptist Church of Titusville Facebook page will also simulcast the live stream at 11am: https://www.facebook.com/FirstBaptistChurchTitusville

As the information continues to unfold, we will be monitoring the situation and adjusting accordingly. Please be in prayer for our leaders and church members. If you find yourself in need of assistance over the next few weeks, please reach out to us so we can assist you.

Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in you. Psalm 33:20-22

Peace In Christ,
Pastor Bob Wilson