RBC Weekly Newsletter (9/4/20)

RAYMOND BAPTIST CHURCH NOTES

Monday, September 7th is Labor Day – The Office will be closed on Monday. Happy Labor Day and Enjoy!

STARTING September 13th Church Services will return to 10:30am. The RBC Covid-19 policies and procedures will remain in effect with one difference. We will be scheduling some songs at the end of the service for people who would like to sing along with the Worship Team with masks on.  Pastor Kevin will have Announcements and after Announcements people who are not comfortable staying during the singing portion are welcome to leave before the singing starts.

ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING: Thursday, September 24th at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary with our policies and procedures still in effect. More details to follow.

New Fall Series starting September 13th: “Nobody but Jesus”- Studies in John’s Good News About Jesus:

9/06/2020: Revival of Grace ~ (John 1:14).

Thank you to the “rock” painters and for adding them to RBC prayer garden!!!! They are wonderful, bright colors with great messages! Everyone, go check them out!

We now have a Fire Pit which was installed in the Ministry Center fenced in area for use by any of the ministries who would like to plan an event around the fire.  Please call the office to schedule its use, it will not be available on Sunday evenings at this time as Youth Group will be using this Fall.  If anyone would like to view the Fire Permit which has been obtained, please let the office know.  It is currently posted in the Office Building. 

Text to Give: Text “Give” to (603) 333-1657. You’ll be taken to a link to enter your information. (All sensitive financial information is stored with the highest bank level security. Your phone number will never be sold, traded, or given to third parties. (You will only be texted to confirm your giving.)

ONLINE GIVING Instructions (This is a safe and secure site as well as 100% goes to RBC, there are no processing fees.)

Go to the website: www.raymondbaptistchurch.com

Go to My RBC

Click on Give

Choose a Fund

Fill in the blanks requested (amount, check, credit card or debit card number and amount)

Submit

Anyone mailing in checks for the offering please use the following mailing address:

Raymond Baptist Church

PO Box 106

Raymond, NH 03077

If anyone is in need of assistance of any kind, please contact the office by calling 603-895-2859 or email at marion@raymondbaptistchurch.com.

RBC SERVICES WILL AIR ON CHANNEL 13. Channel 22 has been designated for Town and Government Notices.  If you know of anyone who is utilizing the Public Raymond Station, please pass the word.  Following is the Schedule for RBC Services:

Sunday 9:00am

Monday 2:00pm

Tuesday 6:00pm

Wednesday 10:00am & 7:00pm

Thursday 10:00pm

Friday 2:00am

Saturday 6:00am

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YOUTH GROUP:

Impact Youth

Fall schedule and Planning

As September quickly approaches Impact Youth would like to share our plans for the upcoming year as we continue to work through the best practices as we continue to deal with Coronavirus.

With this hard time upon us we are looking at the best way to serve the youth of Raymond Baptist Church. 

The Leaders have met and talked about these issues. This is where we feel God is leading us at least the short term. We will be running Small Groups from Sunday September 13th through November 22nd. I will give you the breakdown of the small groups and the materials we will be using to help our students grow in this tough time in our nation. 

First I would like to share some guidelines during this time. All Small Groups will be held outside in the courtyard of the Ministry Center. We have put in a fire pit, set up a tent and will provide games that are social distancing appropriate (we are looking for a Corn hole set, and ladder gold if anyone could donate). The building will be open only for use of a bathroom. We require all students to have social distance at all times while attending their small groups. During lesson time we will maintain 6 ft. around the fire pit. 

TIMES OF SMALL GROUP AND MATERIAL

Junior High (5th– 8th grade) Sunday, 3:30pm-5:00pm

Pastor will be preaching on the Book of John starting in September and continuing with that theme we have chosen for the Jr. High to Study John as well.

The book we are using is, “John, The Gospel of Light and Life.” by Adam Hamilton. 

Corey and Jenn Walker will be heading up this group. 

Senior High Girls (9th – 12th grade) Sunday, 5:00pm-6:30pm

The book the girls will be using is, “Define” by Alex and Stephen Kendrick.

A book to discover who we are in Christ and finding our value in Him. 

Katie Chouinard will be heading up this group.

Senior High Boys (9th – 12th Grade) Sunday, 6:30pm-8:00pm

The book the boys will be using is, “Thrive” Dare to Live Like Jesus by Kevin Johnson.

A book to help young men live life as Jesus intended. 

Matt Chouinard will be heading up this group.

Matt Chouinard will be overseeing all the groups and will communicate with parents on a regular basis. Again it is our intent to run these Groups from September 13th – November 22nd. We ask that students dress appropriately for the weather. Students will also be responsible for bringing their books every week. If you have concerns, comments or communication please address with Matt Chouinard. We look to serve your students well through this time.

In Christ,

Matt Chouinard

Director of Youth, Raymond Baptist Church

mchouinardfamily1415@gmail.com

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CHILDRENS MINISTRY:

Hello Everyone,

What has Impact Children’s Ministry looked like during the Covid-19 Pandemic? I can honestly say it has been different, but like many Children’s Ministry leaders, I have spent a lot of time in prayer and asking God to show me a path that Raymond Baptist Church can do remotely. He answered!

Thankfully we live in the Technology Era, so emails, texting, phone calls, and using media and Zoom to connect to families has been vital to the ministry. Some things have worked, while other things have not.  It is all a learning curve. I have spent many hours each week planning for the “reopening” and writing notes to the children, families and staff, and taking online seminars to be informed of how to keep ministry moving. 

Impact Children’s Ministry had many opportunities for families and children in our community to connect. The Snail-Mail Club had 9 children participate, Zoom Club 2:52 with Jordan has been very rewarding for the children, CEF of NH has had weekly lessons posted on our website, and Impact Adventure Camp 2 Go reached 22 Families and approximately 43 children ages 3 – 8th grade, in our local community and beyond.

Now, moving forward, beginning September 20, 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). 

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

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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

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CURRENT BIBLE DISCOVERY SESSIONS

Men’s Group 6:00am Tuesday Bible Study (meeting via zoom. Anyone interested can reach out to Les Houston for the zoom meeting link).

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MINISTRY INFORMATION/EVENT(S)

MINISTRY LEADERS: It’s that time again even in the midst of Covid-19! The 2020 Annual Reports were due, Friday, August 28, 2020.  Please keep in mind when preparing your Annual Report to be in thought and prayer.  This is accountability for your Ministry(ies) so your budgets could be affected if reports are not submitted. 

MEN’S MINISTRY ~ GET FIRED UP is on for October 2nd, 6:00pm at Mike & Glenda Paquin’s home (32 Frost Lane, Fremont). The guest speaker will be Pastor Frank Reynolds. Men please invite your friends and family members to this fellowship around the fire, and a chance for all men to hear a message we pray the Holy Spirit brings to us through Frank.  RBC Covid-19 Policy & procedures will be followed.  There will be food served (a little different than prior years) but wicked good food nonetheless… Please contact the office either by email marion@raymondbaptistchurch.com or by calling 603-895-2859 to sign up. 

Proposed Covid-19 Reopening Guidance for Ministries Fall 2020

As we enter this new phase of our community life, the leadership team of the church has taken time to evaluate our current conditions and determine best practices for us as a church community moving into fall. Please know that we will continue to keep abreast of our community conditions and these guidelines could change as we move through the fall. As we move later into the fall we will examine these guidelines again.

It is very evident that many have formed their own opinions as to the severity of this disease. Please know that these guidelines are open for explanations, but not debate. These protocols have been chosen to help to protect people without violating current health recommendations by DHHS and CDC guidelines. Please continue to pray with us as we track this throughout the fall.

Starting September 1, 2020

Outside Groups to the Church

With the exception of the Red Cross, no outside groups will be allowed to use our facilities. We will evaluate this again before November 1st.  This will help us best understand how to handle others in the buildings as we start with our own ministries.

Raymond Baptist Church Ministries Starting September 1st.

  • A written policy will be given to all ministries and the ministry leaders will be asked to acknowledge and sign that they understand the guidelines.
  • ALL events, meetings, gatherings MUST be scheduled through the church office. No keys may be shared, no random meetings.
  • At this time only the Great Room is available to be used. This will help in maintaining proper sanitizing of our facilities. Office and Ministry Center space is not available.
  • Social distancing (6 feet) must be maintained between group participants. Group leader is responsible to monitor. Note that this may limit meeting size. Size of group may not exceed 50 at this time.
  • Masks must be worn at all times in the building. No exceptions.
  • No food preparation or serving at this time in the building. Outdoors food preparation and serving is allowed with appropriate social distancing. Disposable dinnerware is required.
  • Each group must have a designated person, and inform the office who will be responsible for sanitizing the Great Room, bathrooms and all touch surfaces, counters, door handles etc. after use.
  • Group size of 8 or under can wipe down all surfaces. Groups over 8 will be responsible for “air fogging” all spaces used. Training on the use of the equipment will be provided to a person responsible for each group by Ted Whitten.  Machine is light weight and easy to use and if done effectively should only take about 25 minutes after the group event.

Thank you for your understanding during these challenging days.

If you have any questions, please do not contact the church office, but you may contact one of the following Elders for more information.

Mark Baldwin- 734-4677; m1b16@comcast.net

Jim Belknap- 207-751-7286; belknapje@icloud.com

Scott Osterhuber-812-1600; sgomso3795@gmail.com

Ted Whitten-895-0650; tedwhittensr@gmail.com

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OTHER INFORMATION

Jim and Ginny Fernald are looking to borrow the following items for the weekend of September 26th a Wheelbarrow; a Lawn Roller ; a Rototiller If you can help them with this please give them a call at: 603-895-1320 or email them at vfernald@msn.com  Thank you.

Reminder to Vote: Note: Social distancing procedures will be in place.  Masks will be required inside buildings for all locations.

Voter Information; State Primary Election – September 8, 2020; State General Election – November 3, 2020

Raymond: Iber Holmes Middle School (Polls are open 7:00am-7:00pm)

Nottingham: Nottingham School, 245 Stage Road (Route 152). Polls are open 7am to 7pm. 

Epping: Middle School gymnasium (Polls open 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM)

Deerfield:  Deerfield Fairgrounds, Arts & Crafts Bldg. (Polls open 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM)

 

ARE YOU BEHIND ON RENTAL OR MORTGAGE PAYMENTS DUE TO COVID-19 AND NEED HELP? Go to www.CAPNH.org for help! The Governor’s Office for Emergency Relief & Recovery has announced the New Hampshire Housing Relief Program, an initiative designed to keep people from losing their housing and to secure or maintain permanent housing. Are you on the verge of losing your housing due to COVID-19? Do you have past-due housing related expenses that may impact your ability to remain housed? Applications are available starting June 30th Please contact us today!  ww.capnh.org or call 2-1-1 from any NH phone.

THIS SUNDAY ~ (ALL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES STILL REMAIN IN EFFECT)

This Sunday and for the remainder of the summer, our Facebook Live Stream will be at 9:00am and not 10:30.

Reminders for arrival on Sunday“If you need to be dropped off at the door for health reasons, or may need extra time to be seated, please arrive at 8:30. All others will be admitted to the church starting at 8:45. Please maintain your social distancing outside at 8:45 as delineated by the pavement markers until the doors are open.”

Regarding Sundays all are welcome but for those who are not feeling well, have a temperature, or are not ready at this time, or are unable to attend for any reason, we will continue serving you through our Facebook Live broadcast, and the local Raymond Town Channel 13 from which you can watch and worship at home or wherever you may be during the week.

Because our priority is to ensure a safe and reliable return to Sunday Morning Worship, please note, until further notice all church buildings will remain closed to any group meetings regardless of size. This will help to ensure any cleaning processes that will be in place during the week will not be compromised and potentially inhibit our gathering on Sunday. We will continue to monitor this throughout the summer.

Again, we feel this plan is in the best interest of our entire community- regardless of personal opinion. We all pray that these guidelines will be short-term and can be relaxed as the pandemic eases locally and worldwide, however we reserve the right to reset guidelines if community conditions change. This will be a process of return for all of us.

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Prepared By: Marion Guay | Church Office | Raymond Baptist Church
145 Route 27 :: PO Box 106 :: Raymond, NH 03077 :: 603-895-2859
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