Members and Friends of FBC Indianapolis,
Following updated guidance from the Center for Disease Control, First Baptist Church of Indianapolis has suspended all in-person worship services until May 10. Until further notice, all in-person events and meetings are cancelled or postponed. The most recent guidance from the CDC can be read here. Follow this link to read an announcement from the Governor of Indiana.
We make this decision with deep sadness. We know that, for perhaps the first time in our history, we will be unable to worship together, in-person, during Holy Week and on Resurrection Sunday. Yet, we trust that this is the best way to help slow the spread of coronavirus, support providers of medical care, and protect the most vulnerable members of our community.
We have already begun making plans for the coming weeks. Check your email or watch our Facebook page for more information. As a community of faith, we will look for new ways to worship together. Even while physically separate, we will continue to explore the scriptures and build community. We believe that we can still grow in faith, even and perhaps especially in a time of crisis. We know that we will find new opportunities to serve our neighbors. Check your email, or follow our Facebook page, for more information.
This week, though, our priority is pastoral care. Our pastoral staff will be reaching out to some of our members through email or phone. We hope that you will also make every effort to connect and care for one another. Each of us will respond differently to this time of disturbance and disruption. It will be a difficult season for all. For some, the challenges will be overwhelming. So give yourself time and space to adjust.
| Pay attention to your feelings, ask for what you need, and try to be gracious to one another |
Don’t hesitate to contact Pastor Evan or Pastor Laura if you have specific needs. The FBC Office will remain open through Thursday (March 19) and we are happy to answer your questions by phone. After Thursday, the office will be closed and FBC Staff will be working from home as much as possible. The FBC Office voicemail will be monitored throughout the week, or you can contact our staff by email at information@fbcindy.org.
For now, we encourage you to continue in the practices we have emphasized during this season of Lent. May we continue to “fast from worry.” May we hear again the words Jesus spoke to his friends in their own hour of anxiety and fear:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you…
Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”
“Sincerely,
Rev. Evan Bever
Senior Pastor
Rev. Laura Harris-Adam
Pastor of Faith Formation
Additional Information
Your pastors are available if you need support. Do not hesitate to reach out to Pastor Evan (ebever@fbcindy.org) and Pastor Laura (lharris-adam@fbcindy.org) And, please be proactive in your support and care for one another.
If you typically make financial contributions to FBC during worship, please consider mailing your contribution to the church office, or submit it electronically.
If you have been in direct contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, or suspect that you might have the virus, please contact Pastor Evan or Pastor Laura. We will maintain your confidence, but want to stay informed about exposure in our community.
The programs NOT currently affected by this closure include the Community Food Pantry, Beginnings Preschool and Childcare, and weekly 12-Step Groups.