Sunday, March 7, 2021

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In light of Governor Abbott’s recent order ending many of the restrictions related to COVID-19, it is important that we keep in mind that this order does not declare the end of pandemic and reminds that mitigation efforts need to continue.

 

In order to show love to all our neighbors we are going to continue asking everyone who attends Amelia to wear a mask and when possible maintain social distance.

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Sunday, December 20, 2020

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Due to the current COVID-19 spike, and projected spike, related to the Christmas holiday we are going to suspend some of our on-campus actives between December 27th and January 9th.

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The Sunday morning Bible Study, Helping Hands, Tuesday night Women’s Bible Study (will meet via Zoom), and Wednesday evening kids and youth ministries will all re-start the week of January 10th.

 

We will continue meeting for Worship Service at 10:45 am on Sundays, but feel that it is wise to limit our small group in-person meetings for these weeks right after the holidays. Stay safe!

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Friday, May 21, 2020

 

Amelia Baptist Church Family and Friends,

 

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic we have all faced many challenges and struggles. I have often felt inadequate and discouraged. Most of the time, however, I have been encouraged. God has provided ways for us to continue to worship and gather digitally in ways that most of us have never considered. You all have done an incredible job of being flexible and encouraging each other.

 

As we look towards re-starting our physical gatherings on our campus we are going to have to take a gradual approach. Your deacons, church staff, and I have prayerfully considered many options and have developed a plan to move forward. I am excited to inform you that we are going to resume physical worship services on Sunday, June 7th at 10:45 am. 

 

During this first phase of re-starting, in accordance with government recommendations, we will take several precautionary steps:

• If you or anyone in your household have any symptoms of illness or fever (100.4 F) please remain at home

• Please observe social distancing (6 feet of distance between people)

• Please avoid physical contact (for now choose a simple “hello” and smile)

• We recommend wearing masks (please bring your own or one can be provided for you)

• Greeters wearing masks and gloves will open the entrance doors for you 

• Ushers will direct you to marked seats that are spaced 6 feet apart

• The offering will be collected at the entrances and exits to the sanctuary (save online giving is available at www.ameliabaptistchurch.org/giving)

• The Lord’s Supper and baptisms will be conducted with added safety precautions

• Restrooms will be limited to one family at a time

• We will dismiss in phases to avoid contact

• Our facilities will be sanitized after each gathering

• No drinks or food will be served

 

Remain encouraged as this phase of re-opening comes with these temporary changes:

• Nursery or children’s activities remain suspended. Whole families are invited to join the worship service in the sanctuary. (new messages for children will keep being provided through our “Amelia Kidz” Youtube channel) 

• Van ministry remains suspended

• No in-person Bible study groups will be meeting on campus (including Wednesdays and Sundays)

• Bible study groups are encouraged to continue meeting via ZOOM 

• We will continue offering live streaming services (also beyond this phase)

 

I want to assure you that our church leadership will continue to pray, and monitor all developments of COVID-19, as well as government recommendations, in making decisions about the next phases of re-opening. 


In the mean time pray and prepare for the Holy Spirit to move among us as He had never done before! Share the Good News with those around you! People need Hope right now more than ever! People need Jesus! 

 

1 Thessalonians 5:18-23 - Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil. May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

   

In Christ,

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Robby Ridgeway, Senior Pastor

Ephesians 3:8

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CLICK HERE for a pdf of this letter

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Tuesday, March 31, 2020

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Weekly update:

1. In an effort to help flatten the curve of COVID-19 and the recommendations from the White House, we are planning on suspending all physical gatherings of Amelia Baptist Church through April 30.

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2. Please join us on Facebook Live on Sundays at 10:45 AM, Wednesdays at 6:30 PM, and daily at 11:00 AM for a devotional.

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3. Help us spread the news about our Easter Sunday service on Facebook Life on Sunday, April 12 at 10:45 AM. Mark yourself as “going” on the Facebook event and share it so that others can join us.

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4. GIVING ONLINE is now available at https://www.ameliabaptistchurch.org/giving

 

Blessings

Pastor Robby Ridgeway

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Tuesday, March 24, 2020

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Good afternoon church,

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We promised to communicate with updates each Tuesday. Here are a few things:

1. Continue to pray for Rod Barbee and his family. There will be a graveside service for Ms. Cheryl on this Thursday at 2:00 PM. This will have to be for family only.

2. At this point we are cancelling all gatherings of the church until April 3. We will keep you posts on any changes or updates.

3. Until we are able to meet in-person again, we will have service Facebook Live services on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM and Sundays at 10:45 AM.

4. We will be adding more resources online in the coming days.

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I love you all. Please let me know if there is anything you need.

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Pastor Robby Ridgeway

 

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Tuesday, March 17, 2020

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Amelia Baptist Church Family and Friends,

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I want to begin with an encouragement from Jesus, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.” John 14:27.

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I am writing this letter after consultation and in agreement with your deacon body. Given the recommendations from President Trump and his Coronavirus task force (whitehouse.gov), Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick’s Emergency Order (co.jefferson.tx), and recommendations from the CDC (cdc.gov) we have decided to cancel ALL gatherings of Amelia Baptist Church at this time. This includes all in-person meetings on our campus and other small groups.

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We will revise those decisions on a weekly basis and will communicate them to you every Tuesday throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. If necessary, I will communicate more often. 

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As we will not be able to worship together in person, I will share Bible studies over Facebook. This Sunday worship service will be available to you through Facebook Live at 10:45 am. I will make sure you have more information about this later in the week.

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Remain in fellowship with our Lord Jesus through song, prayer, and His Word. For those of you with Sunday School curriculum please follow your lessons on your own.

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I also want to encourage you to mail in your tithes and offerings to support the needs and uninterrupted operation of our church.

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Please take all necessary precautions to protect yourself and others contracting and spreading the COVID-19 virus:

- Avoid gathering in groups of 10 or more people

- Practice social distancing (6 ft)

- If you have possible underlining conditions and feel like you might be susceptible to the virus remain in your home as much as possible

- Regularly wash and sanitize your hands

- If you are sick please stay home and contact medical professionals immediately

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Whenever possible share the gospel with those around you and pray that many would turn to Christ for salvation. Pray that God would bring this virus to an end. Pray for all those effected by the virus. Pray for our leaders as they make decisions to slow and stop the spread of the virus. Pray for our missionaries serving around the world.

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If you have any concerns or needs, please contact me by phone (409-554-5859) or email (rridgeway@ameliabaptistchurch.org).

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In Christ,

Robby Ridgeway

Senior Pastor

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CLICK HERE for a pdf of this letter

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Friday, March 13, 2020

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Like you, I have been monitoring the developments regarding the COVID-19 Virus pandemic in our country and around the world.

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Above all else, I want to remind you that God still reigns and is not surprised nor will He be hindered by any virus or anything else happening right now. I would like to encourage you to avoid giving into fear. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love and sound judgment.” 2 Timothy 1:7

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I want to keep you up to date with what is happening at Amelia Baptist Church.At this time our Sunday and Wednesday worship services and Bible studies will continue as scheduled. If the situation arises when we feel it is in the best interest of our congregation and community to cancel or amend our services, we will make sure to keep you informed.

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At the urging of the Jefferson Country officials, we have decided to cancel our Annual Easter Celebration and Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 11th. We have also had to cancel some of our ministry outreaches due to other organizations closing or limiting visitors.

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Lets all help each other stay healthy. Regularly wash your hands for at least 20 second, cover you mouth when sneezing or coughing, avoid shaking hands or hugging as much as possible and instead consider waving "hello", and if you are not feeling well or are sick please stay home.

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We will place additional hand sanitizers at the entrances and throughout the church and ensure sufficient supply of soap in all bathrooms. Out of healthy precaution we will tweak a few things to ensure safety and avoid unnecessary risks.

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We will continue to closely monitor the situation and follow the advice and orders of CDC, federal and local agencies, as well as consider any advice given by The Southern Baptist Convention and the Southern Baptist of Texas Convention.

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Please join me in praying for our country and world. Pray for all of those who are infected with COVID-19. Pray for the families that have lost loved ones. Pray for missionaries around the world who serve in spite of all threats. Pray for our leaders at every level as they make difficult decisions to keep us safe.

When possible, use this time as an opportunity to actively share the gospel as many lost people are open to spiritual conversations during times of uncertainty.

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In Christ,
Pastor Robby Ridgeway