A Message from Bro. Andy and Star Baptist Church

March 17, 2020

Dear members and friends of Star Baptist Church,

In the midst of the COVID-19 Coronavirus crisis, I first want to encourage you that Jesus Christ is still Lord.  Jesus is still the Head of His Church and our mission has not changed.  In recent days I along with all our Church staff and deacons have prayerfully considered various plans and possibilities for the weeks ahead.  On Monday, March 16^th President Trump called on all Americans to take 15 days of action to slow the Covid-19 Coronavirus.  I’m attaching two slides from the White House that summarize the steps we’ve been asked to observe, including restricting meetings to no more than 10 people.  There is no good decision, but we must make the decision to change our routine the next 15 days.

Like Nehemiah who faced physical enemy attacks when rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, this is both a spiritual and a physical battle.  When facing the threat of his enemies Nehemiah 4:9 said “we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.”  I believe at this time, we also must pray and post a guard against this disease.  Let’s join together and keep praying in Jesus’ name to put a hedge of protection around us and to end this threat quickly. And at the same time, we will take 15 days of purposeful action to prevent the spread of the virus.

That is why for the next fifteen days through March 30, all services at Star Baptist Church are moving online and we will not meet in person at the church for any regular activities.  Wednesday night prayer meeting on Wednesday March 18th will be conducted via Facebook Live on our Star Baptist Church Facebook page.  Sunday morning services will be broadcast live, as well.  We are taking action this week to install a better quality “live streaming” system.  We have also reached out to the children in our community who may be at home without transportation during the school closures.

While we don’t know what the future may hold, we are acting now by planning ahead and we need your help in a few ways:  1)  In order for us to effectively communicate with you, we need you to provide your updated best contact information to Vie Cooper in the Church office as soon as possible.  2) Please check on our fellow church members and neighbors, especially the elderly and sick, even if just a simple telephone call or text message.  We share the love of Jesus by letting folks know we care.  3) Let us know of any specific needs by calling the Church office so we can help.  4) Finally, please remain faithful to the Lord’s work by sharing the Gospel with others, through prayer, and through your support.  It is absolutely critical to the ministries of Star Baptist Church that we all continue faithfully serving and giving.

As we move through these days of uncertainty and fear, I am reminded of the words of the prophet Jeremiah who himself lived through troubled times, upheld by the faithfulness of God.

 “It is of the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.  They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness! “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!”  Lamentations 3:22-24

Remember, our hope is in the Lord, and though the mountains be shaken, though the hills be removed, His love for you will never change!  We will be praying and making other announcements as the circumstances change, so please stay in touch.  God bless you.

Thank you for visiting the website of Star Baptist Church.  If you are new to Star Baptist Church, our community, or simply new to church I want to let you know that you are always welcome here.  We desire to connect with you and would love for you to worship with us.  We are a church that teaches the Bible faithfully, enjoys being together, and has a heart for our community and world.  I hope you will find truth on your journey, and I hope your journey includes Star Baptist Church.

Serving Him by Serving You,

Lee Brewer

Senior Pastor