Slow Down

As a young boy, I would run everywhere!  I ran in the house, through the house, outside the house, around the house — basically use any preposition and I ran there.  I can also remember my mother, on more than one occasion, catching me and forcing me to sit down.  I would whine and complain until I was finally again released to run some more!

Is it possible that during this tumultuous time God is grabbing us and telling us to slow down?  Think about it, we often talk about how busy we are and all the things we need to get finished in between taking the kids to school and practices, but now, most of those activities have come to a screeching halt.  God has used a microscopic virus to pump the brakes on the activities of the entire world.  The question we should ask then is, “Why?”

Notice what the Bible says,

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
—Psalm 46:10

I want to encourage everyone, both Christian and Non-Christian to slow down and ponder God.  Here are some ways we can do that.

1.  Pray to God
Prayer is simply talking to God.  Maybe you have never done this and you’re afraid it might feel a little weird, but I can promise you that it will help.  The act of verbally pouring out your heart to God and telling him about your needs will help you sort through the thoughts in your mind.  But most importantly, God is likely the only one who can do anything about the stuff you’re dealing with anyway.  Prayer still works—we just need to do it.

2.  Meditate on Scripture
Get a Bible down off the shelf or download an app on your phone and start reading.  I recommend beginning with the book in the New Testament called “John”.  As you read, think about what the Bible says and what it means for you.

3.  Listen to Worshipful Music
Music has the ability to tug the strings of our heart as nothing else can.  I know that many have playlists for when they are sad or mad or excited, but I want to encourage you to listen to a playlist that is uplifting and encouraging.  Here is a link to an album I have been listening to during these uncertain days.
Click here for link to album

4.  Meet the Needs of Others
Look!  I get it.  We’re all running low on toilet paper!  But let’s be honest, there could someone in your own neighborhood who has a need that you could meet.  The Bible does tell us that it’s a bigger blessing to give than it is to receive so let’s look for ways to help someone around us.

Let’s take time to slow down and know God.  It may be the best thing that comes from all of this mayhem.

Update about Upcoming Meetings

Church Family and Friends,

I just wanted to take a moment and post an update about the current circumstances that are affecting our community and give you a quick update about any changes in service schedules.

First of all, we will be keeping the doors of First Baptist Church open, but we will also continue to encourage families to use their best judgment in regards to whether they are comfortable attending. I would like to express a word caution to those who choose to remain self-quarantined; please, remember that it easy to fall into a pattern of staying home from church - even when the danger has passed. Let’s be eager and ready to return when this all passes over.

Secondly, the Ladies Retreat in Moab has been canceled. Pastor Howe at Moab Baptist truly did not want to cancel, but in the end, he felt it was the best decision. The Ladies Meeting at First Baptist on March 28 will also be rescheduled.

Thirdly, please follow this blog for any updates regarding service schedules. We will be meeting this Wednesday night for Prayer and Bible Study at the church at 7 pm. A decision about the weeks to come will be announced early Thursday morning

Keep your neighbors in prayer, and check on them regularly. The Lord has called us to be His hands and feet during times like these.

With love to you all,

Pastor Monroe

COVID-19 Preparations and Precautions

Dear First Baptist Family,

With the spread of Coronavirus in America, I wanted you to know what we are doing to ensure our church family is safe and protected. We are committed to doing whatever we can to provide you, your family, and your friends with a safe environment to worship and fellowship. With that in mind, here are a few notes on how we are proactively working to protect the FBC family:

*No church fellowship dinners will be held until further notice. This includes our Birthday and Anniversary Fellowship Dinner that was planned for March 15.

*Offering plates will not be passed by the ushers until further notice, but offering plates will be located at the back of the auditorium. You may deposit your tithes and offerings in the plate as you leave the service. You may also choose to give by mail at PO Box 815, Gypsum, CO 81637.

* If you are experiencing any symptoms at all, we are encouraging you to stay home! We will attempt to livestream the Sunday Service on Facebook. www.facebook.com/FirstBaptistChurchOfGypsum

*We are asking our senior members and guests (60+) to consider the risks that COVID-19 poses to their age demographic and plan accordingly.  While I do not desire for you to live in fear, I do desire to maintain your health.  Please give serious consideration to staying home.

*We are asking our members and guests to refrain from handshaking during this time. (Feel free to substitute a smile and verbal greeting) Please frequently use the hand sanitizer that is available throughout the building.

*Nursery toys and all hard surfaces in the nursery will be sanitized before services. Please be sure that your child’s items, especially drinking cups, are clearly labeled with their name.

As of right now, the threat in our area of Colorado is moderate, however, we will monitor the threat and respond accordingly. At this time, Eagle County officials are recommending limiting group sizes to no more than 50.

The service schedule for Sunday, March 15, will be as follows:  Sunday School at 9:30am, Sunday Worship at 10:30am, and no evening service.  Please follow Facebook for updates on any future service changes.  www.facebook.com/FirstBaptistChurchOfGypsum

Lastly, we as believers must seek to remain calm and put our trust in God. The Psalmist said, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee.” C. S. Lewis said, “In such a fearful world, we need a fearless church.” 

In Christ,

Pastor Steve Monroe

First Baptist Church of Gypsum

Updated March 13, 2020 at 4:32 pm

A Great Work and a Great Need

In 1382, John Wycliffe completed the first translation of the Bible into the common man’s language when he finished a translation of the Bible into the English language.  Ever since that time, the need for translation work continues to be present.  Mankind needs the word of God in a language they can understand.

Kim and I had the privilege recently of visiting the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C.  What an incredible place.  I cannot recommend the museum enough, but among all of the incredible exhibits, manuscripts, and scrolls one room in particular on the 4th floor grabbed my attention.  It is an oval shaped library that contains on one side all of the Bible’s that had been translated into many of the world’s languages.  One Bible for each language.  Then the book shelves continued with yellow books that represent all of the languages of the world that still needed a translation of the Bible.

This incredible visual truly demonstrated for me both the tedious work that has been done, but also the monumental need.  I want to encourage you to pray about this need and also consider giving to missions through your local church.  Most of the translation work that occurs is done by missionaries on the field, but there is more work to be done.

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
—Romans 10:17