RAYMOND BAPTIST CHURCH NOTES
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!
THIS WEEK: CHRISTMAS SEASON 2020 “Searching for Christmas”
12/20/2020: Fourth Sunday of Advent ~ Searching for Christmas Joy~ (Luke 2:1-20).
NEXT WEEK: “Where Have All the Presents Gone?”
We will be having a Christmas Eve Service on Thursday December 24th at 6:00pm at the Church. Because of current conditions and CDC Guidelines we have set forth the following procedures for those who would like to attend. The service will be shown on Facebook Live at 6:00pm on December 24th for those not comfortable in attending at this time.
Just as Sunday morning has been during this pandemic seating will be limited. If you plan on attending, you MUST call the office ahead of time (603-895-2859). Due to seating capacity we cannot promise we can accommodate walk-ins. You must make reservations on or before December 21st.
- When you call you must give your name, number attending and your phone number. Seating will be limited, if your plans change, please inform the office so others may attend.
- There will be seat assignment(s).
- Doors will open at 5:30pm. When you arrive, you will be seated according to the number in your party. Once seated you may not visit others while in the building.
- Masks will be required.
- At the end of service, you will be ushered out. You may visit only in the parking lot upon exiting.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. In this difficult year for many, we are trying to accommodate and protect the best we can, in order to allow worship to continue during this season.
To start our new year together, and in tune with God as a church, we will be holding a week of prayer and fasting the week of January 3rd- January 10th. It is being suggested that for each of us who attend Raymond Baptist that during that week that we each skip one meal, if you are physically able, and spend time in prayer during your normal meal time. Prayer guides will be provided, and more details will follow. After this past year, as a church, we want to be united by God’s spirit, and His purpose for us as we enter the new year together.
We have added 2 new sections to our Weekly Prayer Request. If you know of anyone in healthcare and/or is a first responder and would like to add their names to the prayer request, please email the office and it will be added.
YOUTH GROUP:
Youth Group is now in the Ministry Center. Students will be required to wear masks at all times while at Youth Group. Hand sanitizer will also be available at all times. The building will also be fogged every week to kill any possible germs left behind, and protect from Covid.
Youth Group:
Sundays 3:30pm-5:00pm
Youth Group Ministry Center
Grades 5th – 12th grade
Masks and social distancing are required.
The Youth Group will be participating in the same themes as Pastor Kevin is teaching Sunday mornings through December. (With a Youth Group twist)
December 20th ~ “Searching for Christmas Joy”
No Youth Group December 27th!
Important information: It was decided that if we have to cancel an in person Youth Group even for a week or an extended amount of time, we will have a google meets meeting instead.
Junior High: 3:30pm
Senior High: 4:30pm
This would give time to share our week with each other and share in a lesson as well.
Matt would email or text out a google meets invitation for all students to be able to join.
Matt Chouinard
Director of Youth, Raymond Baptist Church
mchouinardfamily1415@gmail.com
CHILDRENS MINISTRY:
Now, moving forward, we will have Club 2:52 for children ages 3 – 5th grade downstairs in the Great Room, Children’s Ministry rooms, and utilize outdoor space (weather permitting).
Preregistration each week at https://vbspro.events/p/club252december20
will help ensure the correct amount of staff needed to provide a safe experience for families. Go to raymondbaptistchurch.com to preregister. You will receive a confirmation email after registering.
We will use the following guidelines for this ministry:
- Face Masks required by teachers and children
- Social distance Spacing
- Reduce number of children in classrooms
- Hand Sanitizer and cleaning protocols
- Individualized materials for each child
- If your child is sick or has been exposed to someone who has been sick, please keep your child at home.
Process:
- Preregistration each week will help ensure the correct amount of staff needed to provide a safe experience for families. Go to raymondbatistchurch.com to preregister. You will receive a confirmation email after registering.
- Children will check in with family in church foyer. Staff will assist children to the Great Room while parents/guardians continue into the sanctuary.
- Children will participate in “Video Worship” geared for children, Bible Lesson, and small group lessons and activity using individualized material.
- At the End of Service: children will be brought to the foyer for pick up. We ask the parents/guardians remain upstairs for social distancing protocols.
- If your child is sick or has been exposed to someone who has been sick, please keep your child at home.
- During the week, all areas and materials will be cleaned meeting CDC guidelines.
Impact Children’s Ministry will continue providing resources through different forms of media on the Raymond Baptist Church Website and App, as well as continuing with Zoom lessons. This ministry thanks you for entrusting us to serve you and ask that you continue to be flexible as we navigate through this journey.
If you have questions or concerns, please call the church office and Tara will return your call.
CHILDRENS MINISTRY CONTACT INFO:
Tara L. Swist
Children’s Ministry Director
Raymond Baptist Church
TaraSwist@raymondbaptistchurch.comcastbiz.net
603.895.2859
MISSIONS UPDATE(S)/NEWS
Our Missions Team exists to create an awareness of missions and missionaries resulting in a commitment to pray, to give, and to go. Get to know the lives and ministries of RBC missionaries, discover ways to personally support them, and increase our passion for world missions. For more information, email missions@raymondbaptistchurch.com.
RBC TECHNOLOGY UPDATE(S)/NEWS/NOTICES
AWAY or PLANNING A TRIP? USE THE RBC APP: Now Available~ Online Giving; Sermon Messages (Audio & Video); Important Alert Notifications; Weekly Bulletin & Prayer Requests; Upcoming Events; Pastor’s Blog; and more! Download from Play Store or iTunes for Tablets & Smart Phones. Check it out and keep in touch! Check Out: Facebook Live
CURRENT BIBLE DISCOVERY SESSIONS
SMALL GROUPS: There are many ways during Covid-19 that this can be achieved. Have you thought about joining, creating a Zoom Study, thinking of a creative way to study or start a small group? Lives are transformed when people meet together to pray, to study, and engage in fellowship. Fall is Here and Winter is fast approaching! Call if interested in leading or signing up for a Fall/Winter Small Group).
Men’s Group 6:00am Tuesday’s Bible Study. Location varies, contact Les Houston for meeting location 603-785-2491.
OTHER INFORMATION
Donna Lavoie is looking for someone to shovel her walkways and pathways as the person who had done it for her previously cannot do it due to their job. She is willing to pay someone. If anyone knows of anyone who could help her if would be appreciated. You can either give her a call at 603-895-6108 to discuss details or you can give the office a call or email.
If you are behind in Rent or Mortgage payments due to Covid-19 you may be able to get assistance! Visit www.CAPNH.org to apply. Please pass this information along if you are aware of someone out there can benefit from it …More info at: https://files.constantcontact.com/f11360ec701/e4d65f41-e1aa-474d-be34-045bfdddab7f.pdf
Raymond Baptist Church Food Pantry has been selected by local Hannaford Raymond store leadership as the benefiting non-profit in the Fight Hunger Bag Program for the month of January. Raymond Baptist Church Food Pantry will receive a $1 donation from each purchase of the $2.50 reusable Fight Hunger Bag at the Hannaford store located at 2 Freetown Road, Raymond NH.
TECH URGENT NEED: We are still in urgent need of people who would be willing to be trained to serve in our Tech ministry. This team ensures the production of our worship services on Sunday, and the ongoing presence we have created with our Facebook audience. Training will be provided. This team is critical. For more information, contact the church office ASAP either by calling at 603-895-2859 or email at marion@raymondbaptistchurch.com. Thank you!
On December 21st right after sunset in the SW sky, the “Christmas Star” will be visible; it has not been seen for 800 years!! Another gift and demonstration of God’s majesty and His love to us all. King Jesus is on the throne.
We are in need of some shoveling help at the church buildings after a storm, for example the church steps, ramp, etc. If anyone is interested in helping or know of someone who could help please let the office know, it would be greatly appreciated.
Prepared By: Marion Guay | Church Office | Raymond Baptist Church
145 Route 27 :: PO Box 106 :: Raymond, NH 03077 :: 603-895-2859