First Baptist Church, Warrenton
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coronavirus/covid-19 updates


 Sunday, August 9th, phase two of our reopening plan will begin. Sunday School for all ages will begin at 9:45am. Immediately following Sunday School, we will have one  service at 11am in the Family Life Center.  Kids Own Worship will also start back. Parents are asked to drop their children off in the Sanctuary at 11am.  We look forward to worshipping under one roof with you again!!
**A nursery will be provided during Sunday School and Church.**​​

important info to know

a message from pastor brandon

​August 4, 2020  
​

Dear First Baptist Family,
 
We are only a few days away from phase two of our reopening plan.  I am excited about all of the energy and excitement that will be experienced in our worship time on August 9.  I hope you and your family will be present!
 
I want to inform you of a few changes that will take place on Sunday.  Just recently, my family was in direct contact with someone who tested positive for the Coronavirus.  After seeking counsel from several medical professionals and from some on our leadership team, I feel it best that I quarantine for 14 days from the time of my exposure.  Due to this setback, I will not be able to attend this Sunday’s service.  We will still have Sunday School at 9:45am, worship at 11am, and Sunday Evening Service at 6pm.  The schedule will be altered in that we will delay our groundbreaking ceremony until August 16 and our baptism service until August 23.  We will also delay our Sunday Night Prayer Meeting until August 16 at 5:30pm.
 
I am excited about our guest preacher for this Sunday morning.  Jessie Holmes is the campus minister at Augusta University’s Baptist Collegiate Ministries.  Jessie spoke to our youth during our Snap Weekend and he preached to our congregation on that Sunday morning.  It is fitting for Jessie to bring God’s word to us this Sunday.  Jessie was the last preacher to preach at First Baptist as we met in under one roof in one service.  He will now be the first one to preach as we come back under one roof in one service.  God’s plan is perfect, and Jessie has a word from the Lord for each of us.  I hope you will be able to attend.  If not, please watch Facebook Live or listen on the radio.
 
Just a few points of reminder for this Sunday:
  • 9:45am Sunday School
  • 11am                Worship Service in the Family Life Center
  • 6pm                 Evening Worship Hour (I will be preaching by way of video on
the topic of the church)
 
If you are uncomfortable due to health concerns or if you are not feeling well, please stay home and listen to the service online or on the radio.  We want you to feel safe and we want to keep our people safe in the days ahead.
 
We know that God’s plan is perfect, and I am excited to see what He has in store for each of us this week and in the weeks to come.
 
God Bless,
Pastor Brandon

a message from pastor brandon

July 24, 2020
 
Dear First Baptist Family,
 
Over the last few months, we as a church and we as a community have experienced trying times with many interruptions, cancellations, and changes to our schedules and to our daily lives.  We realize that this time has not been easy for you.  Several of our members have expressed concern during this time.  Some have expressed concern over the disruption in our schedule.  Many are ready to meet back together in one service as soon as possible.  But others have expressed concern over coming back too quickly, exposing our members to additional risk.  We have heard these concerns and are trying to respond in a responsible way that will allow us to come together in one service for worship while also providing safety for all who attend.
 
As we attempt to bring back all our worship and ministry opportunities, we have developed a three-phased approach.  We are in the first phase at this time.  In the information below, I will describe each phase and the safety measures taken to promote a safe environment in which we can worship.
 
Phase One: Began Sunday, May 31, 2020
 
Sunday Mornings
            Sunday morning early service at 9:15am in the Family Life Center (FLC).
            Sunday morning late service at 11am in the sanctuary.
            Sunday School for youth and adults at different times throughout the week.
 
Safety Measures Taken
            Spacing chairs in the FLC 6 feet apart for social distancing
            Limit seating in the sanctuary to allow for social distancing
            Encourage mask wearing
            Provide an offering box for tithes and offerings
            Provide hand sanitizer at the entrance of each worship area
            Provide only one entrance for both of our worship spaces
            Remove all material from the back of the pews
           
 
Clean weekly all seats in the FLC with a Clorox/water solution
            Sanitize weekly all pews in sanctuary with cleaning solution
            No nursery or children’s events at this time
 
 
Phase Two: Begins Sunday, August 9, 2020
 
Sunday Mornings
            Sunday School at 9:45am in regular Sunday School classrooms for all ages
            Sunday morning worship at 11am (One Service) in the FLC
            Kids Own Worship at 11am in Sanctuary (Parents need to bring their kids to sanctuary)
 
Sunday Evenings
            Sunday Evening Service at 6pm in the Sanctuary
            Nursery for ages 4 and under will be provided
            No children’s or youth Bible study at this time
 
Safety Measures Taken
            All cleaning measures and social distancing practices established in phase one
            Wristbands (red, yellow, green) to show how comfortable one is with physical contact
            In the service, an area will be made available for those who choose to wear masks
            The side entrance to the FLC will be opened for those wearing masks
            All toys in children’s Sunday School rooms will be disinfected
            No Wednesday night activities for kids, youth, or adults
           
*** There will be a prayer walk opportunity at each of our community schools
 
 
Phase Three: Tentatively begins Wednesday, September 9 and Sunday, September 13, 2020
 
Wednesday nights
            Nursery, Mission Friends, Royal Ambassadors, and Girls in Action begins
            Youth Group will start back (location to be determined)
            Adult Bible study will start back (location to be determined)
 
Sunday Nights:
            Children’s Bible study ages K5 to 5th grade will start back
            Youth small groups will start back
Baptist Men and Women on Missions will tentatively meet back on September 14, 2020
 
Safety Measures Taken
            Same as in Phase One and Two
 
*** Baptist Men and Women on Missions will resume meeting.
"A Loving Church Serving the Living Lord"
 
*** There will be no After School Fellowship at this time.  We will continue to assess the situation.

a message from pastor brandon

​May 27, 2020
 
Dear First Baptist Family,
 
It is with great excitement and anticipation that I write this letter to you.  We are only a few days away from opening up our campus for worship again.  It has been too long!  I am writing this letter to give you some valuable information that will help make your worship experience more meaningful. 
 
I first want to let you know that we have been working hard to ensure that our worship centers will be clean and sanitized both before you come as well as after you leave.  We have a cleaning service coming to clean our sanctuary and our Family Life Center this week.  They will give both spaces a proper cleaning.  In addition, the chairs and pews will be disinfected weekly.  We will also follow the Governor’s recommendations for social distancing, providing 6 feet of distance between each family unit. 
 
Many of you are asking questions about where to go and how to come into the worship centers.  The early service which will be at 9:15 will be in the Family Life Center.  An usher will be outside to help answer any questions that you may have.  We ask that you use only the main entrance for the Family Life Center.  As you come in, hand sanitizer will be available on the desk to your right.  If you would prefer to wear a mask but did not bring a mask with you, please let the usher know and he will provide that for you.  As you go into the worship center, the chairs are spaced out to provide safety for you and others.  Please find a seat anywhere you like.  To help us with social distancing, we ask that you refrain from congregating with those outside of your family group.  An usher will be available in the worship center to answer any questions. 
 
The late service which will be at 11 am will be in the sanctuary.  Due to social distancing guidelines, seating is limited.  We ask that you use only the front entrance to the sanctuary.  Ushers will be in place to assist you with seating as well as any other needs you may have. When you enter, you will see hand sanitizer on the table.  If you would like a mask but did not bring one, please ask one of our ushers, and they will provide one for you.  We ask that you remain seated unless you need to use the restroom or ask the usher a question. 
 
There will be kids worship bags in each service.  They will have quiet activities for kids to use during the service.  Although we will miss Kids’ Own Worship, there are many benefits to having your children in the service with you.
 
Our desire in making these changes is to provide a safe environment for worship while also inviting the Lord to let His glory fall upon us.  Let us remember that we all have different health concerns and different levels of comfort.  Let’s make sure that we respect each other’s preferences as we enter into a time of worship.  Our desire is that everyone will feel comfortable.  I hope that you will pray with us for this wonderful day ahead.  Here are a few things that you can do that will help keep our environment safe:
  • Pray that the Lord of Hosts will protect us from sickness
  • STAY HOME if you or your family member has had a fever in the last 48 hours or if you are not feeling well
  • Use the hand sanitizing station when you come in and when you leave.
  • Greet your friends with a “hello” from a distance.
  • Do your best not to shake hands or to hug😊
  • When using the restrooms, please allow only three people in the restrooms at a time. 
  • When we dismiss, please follow the instructions given.
As we prepare for this wonderful day and for many wonderful days after this, we want to remember why we are here.  We are here to worship the Lord.  Let us not allow these changes to distract us from our purpose and our desire to meet with the Lord.  As we make these modifications and humble ourselves before the Lord, I believe we are going to see something extraordinary.  We are going to see something that only can be accomplished when God is in our midst.  Are you ready!!!  I know I am.  I love you and can’t wait to see you.
 
God Bless,
Pastor Brandon

a message from pastor brandon

May 16, 2020
​Dear First Baptist Family,
 
I want to take just a minute to write you and let you know about our upcoming plans to reopen our worship facilities so that we can come together again under one roof to praise and worship our King, the Lord Jesus Christ.  I thank the Lord for providing for us over the last eight plus weeks as we worshiped a little differently.  No sickness or no threat can keep us from worshiping our Lord.  We had to adapt.  Worship was certainly different, but the Lord was honored as we did not miss a Sunday singing His praises and glorifying His holy name.
 
But at this time, we feel it is both necessary and safe for us to come back together on the church grounds.  We are putting into place several measures that will help protect us from contracting and spreading the coronavirus.  Beginning May 31, we will offer two duplicate services, one at 9:15 am and the other at 11 am.  These two services will allow us to have less people in each service and will allow us to social distance while we meet together.  We will have two locations for these meetings as well.  One of the services will meet in the fellowship hall with chairs spread out a safe distance apart.  The other service will be in the sanctuary with people spread out in the pews. 
 
We realize that some of you may not feel comfortable, at this point, returning to our church campus for worship.  We understand and support you in this decision.  We pray that there will be a time in the near future when the threat will be gone and you will feel at liberty to join us again in person.  But until that day, please continue to listen to WTWA/WTHO or watch us on Facebook live at 11am. 
 
For those of you who are feeling comfortable in reassembling, we have a few things to ask of you.  Beginning Monday, call the church office or email us and let us know your name, how many in your family will be coming, and which service you would like to attend.  The sooner you can let us know, the better prepared we will be to serve you.  We would love to have this information by Thursday, May 28.  The energy on May 31 is going to be wonderful.  I have missed you so much, and I look forward to seeing you soon.  If you have questions or concerns, please call me.  I would love to hear from you.  Know that we love you dearly and are praying for you.  See ya soon.
 
God Bless,
 
Brandon Furr
Pastor, First Baptist Warrenton

A message from pastor brandon

March 20, 2020

​​Below is some info that you might find helpful. If there's anything we can do to help you, please let us know. 

Sunday Morning Worship
You can listen to Sunday morning’s worship service two ways:
              1. Tune your radio to 104.9 FM or 1240 AM
              2. Or go to www.wtho.com and listen live (You will begin to hear the worship service at 11am.)

You can watch Sunday morning’s worship service by going to our church’s Facebook group or page. Use the Facebook app on your phone or the Facebook website (www.facebook.com) on your computer. The name of our church Facebook group or page is “First Baptist Warrenton.” When you are on Facebook, you can search for this group or page name and should be able to find it.


(By the way, if you have not asked to be a member of our church’s Facebook group, go ahead and do that. It will be easier for you to find the video on Sunday if you are already a member.)


If you are not on Facebook, you should still be able to see the worship service. You will need to search the internet (www.google.com) for “First Baptist Warrenton Georgia Facebook.” Look for “First Baptist Warrenton – Home / Facebook” **Make sure you don’t pull up FBC Warrenton Virginia**


You do not have to log in or create an account to view the service. Scroll down and you should see our live video by 11am.


Sunday Evening Worship
You can listen to Sunday evening’s worship service two ways:
          1. Tune your radio to 104.9 FM or 1240 AM
          2. Or go to wtho.com and listen live
You will begin to hear the worship service at 6:30pm. This worship service is on a one-week delay. In other words, the service you hear this Sunday night was actually recorded last Sunday night.


Church Office Hours
Our church office will continue to be open each weekday from 9am-12noon. You may also call the church office: (706) 465-2025 or email us at firstbaptistwarrenton@gmail.com


How to Continue Giving
You may drop off your tithes and offerings anytime when the church office is open.
You may also mail your tithes and offerings to the church: PO Box 512, Warrenton, GA, 30828

We are praying for you! 

A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR BRANDON​

March 17, 2020                                                                               
 
Coronavirus Update #2
 
Hello First Baptist Warrenton Family,
 
It has been a few days since we last updated you on the church’s plans for the upcoming weeks of activities and worship.  The Coronavirus is continuing to spread and disrupt the American way of life.  The leadership team (active and inactive deacons and the staff) met Monday night to try to discern the Lord’s will for our church as we attempt to honor the Lord while also providing a safe environment for both our children and adults.
 
After a lengthy discussion and much consideration, those present came to the agreement that all Sunday and Wednesday activities at First Baptist Warrenton should be suspended through April 5.  Our kids Easter musical will be rescheduled for a later date, and practice will resume as soon as possible.  We will provide an opportunity for all our church family to worship on Sunday morning and Sunday evening, though it will not be on our campus.  Our Sunday morning and evening services will be available on WTHO/WTWA website (https://www.wtho.com/wtho-listen-live.html)  and radio stations (101.7 FM/104.9 FM, 1240 AM), and also on Facebook Live on the First Baptist Warrenton Facebook page.  You may also access these links through our website at www.firstbaptistwarrenton.org. 
 
Many may be wondering why we came to this conclusion.  We discussed the pros and cons to the cancellation of each ministry.  We did not want to cancel any of our programs, but after considering the recommendations of the Center of Disease Control, we did not think it would be wise to go against their recommendation of no groups larger than 10 people.  We also considered the risk verses the reward of going on with our programs as scheduled.  If we had continued with all Sunday and Wednesday activities, we would run the risk of having someone in our congregation contracting coronavirus and then we would all be subject to quarantine.  The new schedule would drastically reduce the possibility of spreading the virus.
We appreciate your understanding.  I have struggled greatly with this decision, and my heart hurts in having to temporarily disrupt our worship and our programming.  Our office will be opened Monday through Friday from 9am to 12 noon each week.  If you have a need, please stop by or call during business hours.  Your deacon is also available during this time and will be reaching out to you in the days to come.  Remember, be wise in where you go and take care of yourself and your family.  Now is the time to live wisely, to pray earnestly, and to trust the Lord completely.  God is in control.  We trust in Him.   
 
With Much Love and Affection,
 
Brandon Furr


a message from pastor brandon

March 13, 2020
 
Hello First Baptist Warrenton Family:
 
I just want to take a minute and address the great concern over the COVID-19 – the “coronavirus” and its spread around our world and in our country. It is important that we acknowledge the seriousness of this threat and take necessary precautions.  We must also remember that there has been no reported cases in our county, but we are monitoring the situation closely as things continue to change.

There are some basic things that we must all do to help prevent the spread of this virus as well as other possible illnesses.  Here is a list of things that can help us in this area.
      
 - Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least twenty seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.


 - Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.


 - Avoid close contact with people who are sick.


 - Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and throw away the tissue.


 - Clean and disinfect touched objects and surfaces as much as possible.


 - If you don’t feel well or you feel like you may be coming down with something, please plan to say home until you feel better.


 - If you have a fever over 99.6, persistent cough, sore throat or discolored discharge from cough or nose, vomiting or diarrhea,     please plan to stay home until your symptoms resolve. The above measures are good all the time, but especially in these        
    times.

In addition, we are kindly asking that during this unique season we observe the following:


Please limit shaking hands, giving hugs or other unnecessary contact. (Yes, I know this will be hard, but it will help with limiting the spread of any unwanted germs.)


If you have a weakened immune system, you may consider staying home and listening to our service on WTHO or on the internet.


At this time, we will be moving forward with our Sunday and Wednesday activities.  As information continues to come in and as the situation continues to evolve, we may feel the need to make changes.  If changes are needed, we will adapt accordingly, and we will let you know as soon as possible.  Thank you for your cooperation.

Please Remember: We don’t need to panic.  Our God is in control.
 
Psalm 46:1-2, 7—God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; Though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. The Lord of hosts is with us;  The God of Jacob is our stronghold.
 
2 Timothy 1:7—For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, of love, and of a sound mind.
 
God Bless,
Brandon Furr

206 S. Norwood Street, Warrenton GA 30828

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  • Home
  • I'm New
  • About the Church
    • Get Involved
    • Staff
  • Ministry
    • Children's Ministry
    • Youth Ministry
    • Adult Sunday School
    • Senior Adult Ministry
    • Clothing Ministry
  • Contact Us