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Temporary Office Hours
Current Church Office hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Note- the weekly newsletter is now emailed instead of postal mailed. If you would like a physical copy of the electronic newsletter, let the Church Office know.
Worship services have been suspended in the Sanctuary until June 21, but are available online.
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On-Line Giving
To remain faithful during this time of uncertainty, you can continue to support your church and it's outreach through our on-line giving by clicking the give button, or you can mail your giving to:
P. O. Box 541, Bainbridge, GA 39818. |
Online Interactive Resources
Pastor's Study:
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Sunday Worship - May 31, 2020
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If you know of additional graduates we need to recognize, contact the Church Office.
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BFUMC 2020 HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS!
Austin Aldridge Ellie Bridges Jonathan Farrington Renee Fillingame Jack Holden Stokes Moore Lillian Reynolds Garrett Sigman |
Church Office Hours
The Church Office hours will revert to the normal Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. beginning Monday, June 1, 2020.
The Church Office hours will revert to the normal Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. beginning Monday, June 1, 2020.
Sunday School Materials
The current issue of the Cokesbury Adult Bible Study used for Sunday School expires at the end of May. Because of the stay at home and delayed restart of church activities, the autoship for the next quarter materials was put on hold. If you would like to receive the summer quarters study book, please contact the Church Office and we will get one ordered for you and let you know once it arrives. You can choose to come pick it up from the Church Office or we can mail it to you. Note, there will be a delay so let us know quickly if you want a summer study book.
The current issue of the Cokesbury Adult Bible Study used for Sunday School expires at the end of May. Because of the stay at home and delayed restart of church activities, the autoship for the next quarter materials was put on hold. If you would like to receive the summer quarters study book, please contact the Church Office and we will get one ordered for you and let you know once it arrives. You can choose to come pick it up from the Church Office or we can mail it to you. Note, there will be a delay so let us know quickly if you want a summer study book.
The Wesley Challenge
Our Bible Study on Acts continues each Wednesday night at 7 pm through June 3. Next we will study the Wesley 21 day challenge, which will meet for three weeks. From the website description: “Renew your passion and discover deeper commitment to God in just 21 days. Wesley who? The Wesley Challenge not only offers an introduction to our denomination’s founder in a practical and accessible way, the series engages small groups and churches to work through twenty-one questions studied over three weeks to help renew passion and discover a deeper commitment to God and others—one that is more authentic, vulnerable, and soul-shaping. Daily posts and messages are designed with an emphasis on graphics and short content bits to engage your physical, emotional, and spiritual lives throughout the 21-day study.”
Due to the nature of the study, you will likely enjoy it more if you have the book to read daily. Books are $10.50. To order the book directly, you can find the link here: https://www.amazon.com/Wesley-Challenge-Participant-Book-Authentic/dp/1501832905/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1590587831&sr=8-1
Our Bible Study on Acts continues each Wednesday night at 7 pm through June 3. Next we will study the Wesley 21 day challenge, which will meet for three weeks. From the website description: “Renew your passion and discover deeper commitment to God in just 21 days. Wesley who? The Wesley Challenge not only offers an introduction to our denomination’s founder in a practical and accessible way, the series engages small groups and churches to work through twenty-one questions studied over three weeks to help renew passion and discover a deeper commitment to God and others—one that is more authentic, vulnerable, and soul-shaping. Daily posts and messages are designed with an emphasis on graphics and short content bits to engage your physical, emotional, and spiritual lives throughout the 21-day study.”
Due to the nature of the study, you will likely enjoy it more if you have the book to read daily. Books are $10.50. To order the book directly, you can find the link here: https://www.amazon.com/Wesley-Challenge-Participant-Book-Authentic/dp/1501832905/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1590587831&sr=8-1
Video Update
We are working on ordering and installing our new video equipment. The system needed to maintain our current video quality and fit our sanctuary costs approximately $15,000. To date we have received approximately $12,000. Your investment in this new ministry allows us to continue to reach out beyond our walls.
We are working on ordering and installing our new video equipment. The system needed to maintain our current video quality and fit our sanctuary costs approximately $15,000. To date we have received approximately $12,000. Your investment in this new ministry allows us to continue to reach out beyond our walls.
Reopening News
Bishop Bryan has recommended that churches in South Georgia develop a “rolling” plan to begin some in person activities June 21 or June 28. Our leadership is still looking at the options that would work best for Bainbridge FUMC. We are currently expecting to reinstated an adapted Worship service beginning June 21. Once a final solution to all the requirements is resolved, the plan will be shared with the congregation.
Bishop Bryan has recommended that churches in South Georgia develop a “rolling” plan to begin some in person activities June 21 or June 28. Our leadership is still looking at the options that would work best for Bainbridge FUMC. We are currently expecting to reinstated an adapted Worship service beginning June 21. Once a final solution to all the requirements is resolved, the plan will be shared with the congregation.
Volunteers and Ushers Needed
When we begin to meet for worship, we will need many more people to serve in additional ways to help us ensure that we can be as safe as possible as we gather together. Additionally, some of our most reliable volunteers will need to remain at home for a few more weeks. Please let us know if you are willing to serve in this capacity. We are still developing specific needs and will have a training session at the church the week prior to opening. Thank you for your service!
When we begin to meet for worship, we will need many more people to serve in additional ways to help us ensure that we can be as safe as possible as we gather together. Additionally, some of our most reliable volunteers will need to remain at home for a few more weeks. Please let us know if you are willing to serve in this capacity. We are still developing specific needs and will have a training session at the church the week prior to opening. Thank you for your service!
REFLECTIONS - A Note from Pastor Melissa
May 30, 2020
Survey Results
More than one hundred of you responded to our survey about in-person worship. While specific plans for our re-opening are still being refined, I wanted to share with you the information gleaned from you that will guide our decisions. First, seventy percent of our congregation is vulnerable for complications related to COVID 19 or care for someone who is. Seventy-five percent of our congregation plans to return to worship this summer; forty-five percent will come right away.
These results alone tell us several important things. Many are eager to return to in-person worship. We desire to be together! These numbers also tell us that when we gather, our church family will include people who need to take great care, especially in crowds. Furthermore, these more vulnerable people will count on everyone else who attends worship to do their part to create an environment safe enough for them to worship. The survey also shows that twenty-five percent of our church family will continue to worship primarily on-line for the summer and probably longer. Our on-line worship is a critical point of connection and spiritual resource for our members.
Unsurprisingly, the major concerns expressed were either contracting the virus or passing it along to others. Many people are concerned that good social distancing practices be put in place and maintained. Two aspects of the survey conveyed how much you desire to be together and how much you are willing to do what is best for our whole church family. A good number of you signed up for a 10 am worship service that does not presently exist. You are willing to try something new! Others of you indicated that regardless of your personal preference, you want to do whatever it takes to make in person worship possible for everyone. You understand that being a church is not about our personal desires, but our relationships to one another as the body of Christ.
Your leadership and staff have been meeting to consider all these factors and more. We are working on communication elements to answer your questions. Please be prepared, that things will be different for a time. All decisions we are making now are for June and July. Returning to our building and activities will be a process that will continue to evolve. Thank you so much for your feedback, your patience, and your support.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Melisa
Survey Results
More than one hundred of you responded to our survey about in-person worship. While specific plans for our re-opening are still being refined, I wanted to share with you the information gleaned from you that will guide our decisions. First, seventy percent of our congregation is vulnerable for complications related to COVID 19 or care for someone who is. Seventy-five percent of our congregation plans to return to worship this summer; forty-five percent will come right away.
These results alone tell us several important things. Many are eager to return to in-person worship. We desire to be together! These numbers also tell us that when we gather, our church family will include people who need to take great care, especially in crowds. Furthermore, these more vulnerable people will count on everyone else who attends worship to do their part to create an environment safe enough for them to worship. The survey also shows that twenty-five percent of our church family will continue to worship primarily on-line for the summer and probably longer. Our on-line worship is a critical point of connection and spiritual resource for our members.
Unsurprisingly, the major concerns expressed were either contracting the virus or passing it along to others. Many people are concerned that good social distancing practices be put in place and maintained. Two aspects of the survey conveyed how much you desire to be together and how much you are willing to do what is best for our whole church family. A good number of you signed up for a 10 am worship service that does not presently exist. You are willing to try something new! Others of you indicated that regardless of your personal preference, you want to do whatever it takes to make in person worship possible for everyone. You understand that being a church is not about our personal desires, but our relationships to one another as the body of Christ.
Your leadership and staff have been meeting to consider all these factors and more. We are working on communication elements to answer your questions. Please be prepared, that things will be different for a time. All decisions we are making now are for June and July. Returning to our building and activities will be a process that will continue to evolve. Thank you so much for your feedback, your patience, and your support.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Melisa
Food Bank Schedule
The Food Bank is open during our regular schedule of Tuesday mornings, for one hour from 9:00 a.m. until 10: 00 a.m. The Food Bank operates out of the Adult Sunday School Building, 232 W. Shotwell Street.
The Food Bank is open during our regular schedule of Tuesday mornings, for one hour from 9:00 a.m. until 10: 00 a.m. The Food Bank operates out of the Adult Sunday School Building, 232 W. Shotwell Street.
Christian Fellowship Dinners
CFD's have been suspended until future notice.
Christian Fellowship Dinners usually meet at 6:00 p.m. in the J. O. Smith Building.
Children up through age 3 – no cost Children ages 4-10 - $5.00
Ages 11-64 - $7.00 Ages 65 and over - $5.00
Immediate Family limit - $22.00
CFD's have been suspended until future notice.
Christian Fellowship Dinners usually meet at 6:00 p.m. in the J. O. Smith Building.
Children up through age 3 – no cost Children ages 4-10 - $5.00
Ages 11-64 - $7.00 Ages 65 and over - $5.00
Immediate Family limit - $22.00
Mother’s Morning Out / The Learning Corner
MMO & TLC have been suspended until future notice.
Mother’s Morning Out/The Learning Corner is on break until the Decatur County Schools restart on Monday, April 6. MMO serves children ages 12-24 months on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. TLC serves children ages 2-4 years old on Mondays, Tuesday, and Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Our TLC Program serves as an educational playschool.
MMO & TLC have been suspended until future notice.
Mother’s Morning Out/The Learning Corner is on break until the Decatur County Schools restart on Monday, April 6. MMO serves children ages 12-24 months on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. TLC serves children ages 2-4 years old on Mondays, Tuesday, and Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Our TLC Program serves as an educational playschool.
Cub Scout Pack #519
Regular Scout activities are suspended until the school system starts back. At this time, we are still planning to have our Pinewood Derby on April 9, so continue working on your cars!
They usually meet on Tuesdays from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. The Pack is open to Kindergarten through 5th grade boys and girls. For more information, please contact the Church Office. Click HERE to go to the Scout page.
Regular Scout activities are suspended until the school system starts back. At this time, we are still planning to have our Pinewood Derby on April 9, so continue working on your cars!
They usually meet on Tuesdays from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. The Pack is open to Kindergarten through 5th grade boys and girls. For more information, please contact the Church Office. Click HERE to go to the Scout page.
Welcome
Whether you are new to our wonderful community of Bainbridge or just new to our church, we are delighted that we can share our faith together.
Quick Links
- Newsletter (currently suspended)
- Worship
- Sermons
- Bible Studies
- Christian Fellowship Dinners
- Annual Conference 2019
- Mother’s Morning Out
- The Learning Corner
- Cub Scout Pack #519
- Food Bank
Join the 12:19 prayer movement
The coronavirus is also known as COVID-19. This has led to discussion among churches and pastors about inviting us to pray together at 12:19 p.m. each day. Let us join together in praying for: the researchers who are working for a cure, the medical personnel who are on the front lines of this fight, those whose jobs are in jeopardy, those in particularly vulnerable groups, the business owners who are living with financial uncertainty, and our churches as we seek to bring hope through Jesus Christ. Wherever you are at 12:19 p.m. each day, Bishop Bryan and the Cabinet ask you to join us in this prayer movement.
Rev. Melissa Traver, Senior Pastor
From the Staff Parish Relations Committee
The Staff-Parish Relations Committee is excited to announce that Rev. Melissa Traver has been projected to serve a second year as the pastor of Bainbridge FUMC. We are thankful for all that Rev. Traver and her family have brought to our church, and we look forward to continuing our ministry together in the coming church appointment year. We thank God for Rev. Traver and each member of our outstanding staff. I am extremely proud of how our church staff and members have served in countless creative ways during these current, trying times. To God be the Glory!
- Hal Earnest, SPRC Chairman
The Staff-Parish Relations Committee is excited to announce that Rev. Melissa Traver has been projected to serve a second year as the pastor of Bainbridge FUMC. We are thankful for all that Rev. Traver and her family have brought to our church, and we look forward to continuing our ministry together in the coming church appointment year. We thank God for Rev. Traver and each member of our outstanding staff. I am extremely proud of how our church staff and members have served in countless creative ways during these current, trying times. To God be the Glory!
- Hal Earnest, SPRC Chairman
Yuliia Billa, Director of Music Ministries
Deeply Rooted Revival
Our “Deeply Rooted: Nurturing Faith for the Transformation of the World” worship revival originally scheduled for Sunday, April 26, through Tuesday, April 28 has been rescheduled for Sunday, October 25, through Tuesday, October 27. We have great speakers and music lined up to help provide for a wonderful gathering! Mark your calendars now! You don’t want to miss this!
Our “Deeply Rooted: Nurturing Faith for the Transformation of the World” worship revival originally scheduled for Sunday, April 26, through Tuesday, April 28 has been rescheduled for Sunday, October 25, through Tuesday, October 27. We have great speakers and music lined up to help provide for a wonderful gathering! Mark your calendars now! You don’t want to miss this!
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
For more information, click here to go to the Youth Ministries page.
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