Partners & Friends,
In less than a week, the Coronavirus has changed our communities, our state and our world in unimaginable ways. Many partner congregations were not able to gather for worship on Sunday and it is unclear when we will be able to gather again.
In the meantime, we have an opportunity to live out the literal meaning of the New Testament name for church, ecclesia, “called out ones,” and continue to minister in the midst of very challenging circumstances.
CBFNC wants to be a resource for churches as they strive to minister in creative ways. In the coming days, we will offer ideas and opportunities, beginning with the following:
- Online Giving – If your church does not have the capacity to facilitate online giving, members may give to their local church through CBFNC’s online giving platform. For assistance, contact Kathryn Ashworth (kashworth@cbfnc.org).
- Remote Meetings – CBFNC highly suggests the Zoom platform as a way for committees, teams and small groups to meet virtually. Zoom allows persons with computers to “see and be seen,” and to “hear and be heard.” If you don’t have a computer, you can participate by phone, though without the video capability. For more information, visit www.Zoom.us. If you need basic advice about using Zoom, contact Mary Kaylor (MKaylor@cbfnc.org).
- Ministry Grants – With schools closed and people out of work, community needs will be even greater in the coming weeks. CBFNC offers several grants to assist churches, which can be found HERE.
- Technology Grants – CBFNC is offering a new grant, in small amounts, for churches that need to upgrade technology. For more information, contact Andy Jung (AJung@cbfnc.org)
CBFNC will be closing our offices for the foreseeable future. However, our staff will continue to work from home. You may still call the CBFNC office and your calls will be fielded by staff remotely.
Be assured of our prayers for our churches and their communities during these unprecedented days of challenge and opportunity.
Yours in Christ,
Larry Hovis
CBFNC Executive Coordinator
