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.
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
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.
- 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.
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