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3/14/20
Dear Friends,
I would like to let you know what our plan of action is at New Testament Baptist Church regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We do not wish to react in fear, but rather to act in faith and love. “...God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind;”
Currently, there are no cases of COVID -19 reported in Butler County. As long as that remains the case, we will continue to have our regularly scheduled services and activities. In order to help prevent possible spread of illness, we will not be having our normal “fellowship time”, and will encourage people to refrain from physical contact (hugs, handshaking, etc.) while at church. We are taking extra precautions with cleaning and sanitation before and after each service. We will have hand sanitizer in the foyer as well as in every classroom and meeting space and encourage everyone to use them. We ask that if you have any symptoms of a cold or other illness that you please do not attend. Also, if you are a senior citizen, or have an underlying health condition that puts you at risk, please be cautious. You may wish to consider staying home during this time.
In the event that cases of COVID-19 are found in Butler County, we will take additional steps. We will remove the song books from the auditorium for sanitizing and less possibility of transmitting illness. We will also suspend the bus ministry and door-to-door soulwinning.
We will continue to have services as long as we can. If we reach a stage where we determine that we should close public services temporarily for the health and safety of our congregation, all other events on the church calendar during that period will also be canceled. Pastor Lott will continue to preach at regular service times and these will be live-streamed. Links to the private, church YouTube channel will be provided to those who attend. Each service will require a separate link, so please make sure we have your current e-mail or text information if you wish to participate.
Even if we are unable to have our regularly scheduled services, our church will still have financial obligations. Our missionary support will remain unchanged, and our other expenses will continue at approximately 75%. It is vital that you continue to be faithful in your tithes and offerings. You can mail your checks to 437 N. Duffy Rd., Butler, PA 16001, or you can give online through downloading the tithe.ly app on your smartphone or through the giving link on the church website ( www.visitNTBC.com).
We will have men available who will be willing to help our senior citizens and others who may be unable to get out with shopping and other practical needs.
I hope that each of us will see this as an opportunity to share the love of Christ with others through our words and our actions. Look for ways to be a light and help to those around you. If we can find ways to reach out in an organized way to our community, we will do so.
Most importantly, do not panic or live in fear. While there is no doubt that this is a time of uncertainty in many ways, we have a God who is still in control. Have faith in Him.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.
Pastor Brian Lott