Welcome to First Baptist Church

May 20, 2020

 

FBC Hobbs Members and Guests,

Congregational Singing The governor of New Mexico has issued a restriction that no congregational singing shall be allowed during worship services due to the increased risk of spreading the COVID virus.  Her decision for this restriction is based on the idea if someone is present in the church service who is asymptomatic, they will expel more viral material when they sing than if they do not sing.  By singing, they increase the risk of spreading the virus.  Her mandate while well intentioned infringes on our religious freedom.

Let us look at our response to this guidance from a religious view first, and then from a medical perspective.

Religious Objections

This mandate infringes on our First Amendment rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution and we therefore are not under obligation to abide by it. 

“Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof” 

This restriction clearly violates our constitutional rights.  It has a negative impact on the free exercise of our religion.

In addition, as a Christian we may also challenge this mandate on the principle that there are certain times in scripture we are instructed to obey God rather than man when mankind’s will is contrary to God’s will (Daniel 3:16-18, Acts 4:19-20).

Medical Considerations

Some members of our congregation are at greater risk of infection due to age or medical condition.  For that reason, we should be sensitive to those who might refrain from participating in congregational singing.  Decisions to not participate in corporate worship based on a compromised immune system or age is not a lack of faith but instead displays wisdom.  Their bodies are more susceptible than those of us who are healthy.  Members with these conditions have shared how they struggle with this situation.  We should encourage and not judge them if they choose to refrain from this portion of worship based on a legitimate health risk.    

Pastoral Encouragement

You should decide based upon your own spiritual or medical convictions whether you will participate in the singing portion of our worship services. 

If people in our congregation wish to sing, that is their God-given right while others may choose to refrain.  Let us not judge one another for either response (Romans 14:13-22)

As your pastor, I encourage you to exercise your faith in a manner that is right for your situation and is pleasing to God. 

Pastor Stewart

 

LEGACY PREGNANCY CENTER OUTREACH: We continue our local missions outreach this month by saving our spare coins for the Legacy Pregnancy Center.  

Fill your bottles with spare change through the month of May!  Deliver the bottles back to 400 E Baja when you are finished, it’s that simple!    

EMMA's CLOSET: is now located in the Troutt and is under new leadership.  Welcome Abby Haggard and Emma's Closet!    

See Underground Youth Meetings!

Sunday AM Worship starting at 10:20 am.  You may click the following link and join us - Youtube, or go to YouTube and type “fbc hobbs.org”.  Next, click on the “fbc hobbs” logo which will take you to the church's YouTube channel. Starting 10:15 am each Sunday, there will be a choice to click on the live broadcast window. The live window will be blank until 10:30 am when we start broadcasting.

Sunday AM Small Groups

Underground Youth  - Sunday Am at 9:00 am via Discord.  If students want to join, they should add Pastor KC (kcpeoples#6541) as a friend.

Adult 4 - Meet every Sunday @9:15 am via zoom.  Contact Jim Fry at jim@fbchobbs.org if you would like to join this Bible Study.  James Francis is leading a study on Romans at the moment.  
Encounter Class - Meet every Sunday AM at 9:15 via a conference call that Tom Miller initiates.  Contact Tom via email t.miller@eaglesupplyusa.com if you would like to attend.
Berean Class -Meet every Sunday @9:15 am via zoom. Contact David Brand at davidobrand49@gmail.com if you would like to join this Bible Study.  

Sunday Evenings

Mundo Lara's Group is meeting every Sunday @ 5:00 pm except the last Sunday of the month via Zoom.  Contact Pastor KC via email if you would like to join, KC@fbchobbs.org  

Dan Heister's Group is meeting every other Sunday evening at 5:30 pm via zoom.  Contact Dan Heister via email danh@fbchobbs.org if you would like to join. 

Underground Youth- Meet Sunday mornings at 9:00 am for Bible Study and Worship via Discord.  If students want to join, they should add Pastor KC (kcpeoples#6541) as a friend.

NEW Wednesday night meetings resume May 20th at the undergrounds Starting at 5:30!  Social distancing and masks will be enforced.  Welcome back youth! 

Friday

Rooted Ministry - Music & CoMotion meet every Friday at 10:00 am on the Music and CoMotion Facebook page.  Rebecca and Kristin offer family devotions that help parents teach truth to their children every week.  Every week our children's ministry offers a video that helps families engage with their children.

Jim Fry's Group is meeting every other Friday at 6:00 pm via Zoom. Contact Jim via email jim@fbchobbs.org if you would like to attend the Bible study.  Study is Louie Giglio's, Not Forsaken