Anchored In His Word. Secured By His Grace. Called to His Purpose.
The strategy of the Atlantic Missionary Baptist Church family to carry out the Great Commission that God has commanded for us to do as His disciples is by being:
COVID-19 "CORONAVIRUS" REGATHERING PLAN (as of 26MAY20)
As everyone knows there is a lot of information being put out about the spread of COVID-19, commonly referred to as the Coronavirus. The entire leadership team of AMBC desires for all people to be mindful, respectful, and considerate of the information being disseminated, to be informed, not influenced.
As the Bible clearly teaches us in 2 Timothy 1:7 - For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and discipline. So, let us not be afraid, don’t go into panic mode, but trust and be confident that just as the Bible also clearly teaches us, God is still in control of all things and that we can trust in His wisdom and in His timing.
Yes, the Bible in Romans 13 does instruct us to honor our government and its statutes, but it also instructs us that when man’s law begins to contradict God’s law then we must as always go with God. So being that we are subject to governmental authority as individuals we should obey the laws as long as they do not go against God and His teaching. Our government, both state and federal, have issued mandates for school closings, government office stand downs or other closings, as well as many other things including but not limited to gatherings inside of 10 people or more. Neither of which, state or federal, are prohibiting churches in any way whatsoever to assemble at this time as the local church can always meet regardless of it being in small group form or larger assemblies, in a building or even outside. Also, we do not feel in any way, shape, or form that the government, regardless of state or federal, is pursuing, pressing, or placing upon local churches any form of religious infringements at this time, as some may say, as they are seeking only to protect the health and safety for all people. Should that ever actually be the case however we will of course obey the Word of God over the laws of man.
However, here at AMBC we want to be mindful and respectful of the sanctity of human life for all people, regardless of physical age or health condition. It is our responsibility to do whatever we can to protect people from possible illness, as well as listen to listen to sound Godly advice, and take whatever precautionary steps necessary to ensure public health and safety. That being said, our entire church leadership has unanimously voted in favor to update our previously set limitations, which were set to expire on Friday, June 5th, as to how AMBC would function during the COVID-19 response timeframe.
We do this in how we manage such things as limiting close contact areas, service schedules, and future events that may help prevent the spread of any unaware, unseen of sickness. It is our decision that here at AMBC until this COVID-19 Response and Acclimation Plan go into effect on Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 and remain as such until further notice:
Sunday Worship Services:
From Friday, May 22nd, 2020 through Saturday, July 4th, 2020 all regularly scheduled Sunday Worship services, or any other corporately held Bible Studies, will continue to be offered via livestream and/or as a pre-recorded service through the AMBC Facebook page. All worship services, or any other corporately held Bible Studies, will also be uploaded to the AMBC YouTube page as well at a later date in the week. Sunday Worship service audio recordings of the sermon will also be uploaded to the AMBC website and weekly podcast later in the week as well. Anyone that does not have access to a computer, SmartTV, or SmartPhone or would simply just prefer to watch the services in this manner can request an audio or video recording of the weekly services and it will be provided to them free of charge and will be delivered to them by a member of the AMBC staff or one of our deacons as soon as possible. There will also be hand sanitizing stations installed at each entrance of the church facility as well as to the back entrances into the sanctuary. Our church facility is cleaned on a weekly basis by our church custodian to ensure AMBC offers a clean and safe place to worship God. If all continues as we hope with as to a diminishing threat of COVID-19, we will regather together on Sunday, July 5th with updated social distancing guidelines as we draw closer to that timeframe. After the Kids Connection portion of the worship service all children, except for nursery age (Infants - 2yrs), will return to sit with whomever they came with to the worship service. Kids Guides for the worship service will be provided to them.
Youth & Children’s Ministry (Nursery – 12th Grade):
From Friday, May 22nd, 2020 through Sunday, September 6th, 2020 all currently in place sessions will continue as they already are for children and youth. Two sessions will be offered for children with one on Sunday nights at 6pm and it will be posted on the AMBC Facebook page. Kid’s Guide packets will also be delivered on Sunday afternoons following the morning worship service to any child who wishes to receive one. If you would like for your child or grandchild to be placed on the delivery list please email Mrs. Roxie Gardner at ambckids2@outlook.com or give her a call at (252) 241-8209. They can also be mailed as well. The second weekly session for children, Bible Story Time with Mrs. Roxie, will on the AMBC Facebook page via livestream or as a prerecorded session on Wednesday mornings at 10am. All Youth sessions on Sundays at 4pm will continue via a secure online Zoom meeting. If you would like for your youth to be a part of these sessions please email Mrs. Roxie Gardner at ambckids2@outlook.com or give her a call at (252) 241-8209.
Sunday School:
Beginning Sunday, July 5th, 2020 there will be one adult Bible Study class for anyone wishing to come that will be held in the sanctuary each and every Sunday at 9:45am. This class will be taught by Mrs. Paula Willis and in substitution if need be by Mr. Buddy Davis or Mr. Dennis Thomason. There will be no physical in attendance Children’s or Youth Sunday School Classes offered during this timeframe.
Choir Practice:
On, Wednesday July 1st, 2020 at 7pm all regularly held Wednesday Night Choir Practices will resume as previously held pre-Covid-19 in the fellowship hall. As always this is on a voluntary basis, however for choir members that come to practice it is strongly encouraged that everyone remain the recommended six feet apart from one another at a minimal.
Community Events:
All AMBC sponsored community events, including but not limited to joint church events, AMBC’s annual Back to School Bash, and First Sunday Fellowships, are cancelled until at least Sunday, September 6th, 2020. As part of our Atlantic community tradition Vacation Bible school is a combined effort of Atlantic Missionary Baptist Church and Atlantic United Methodist Church. This summer it is AUMC’s turn in the rotation to serve as host of VBS so the decision to or not to cancel VBS will be their decision alone. However, it is the recommendation of AMBC leadership as a whole that if VBS is to be held, that it only be held in a virtual format with daily crafts and snacks delivered to attending children’s home. This being that children, as well as senior adults, who may participating in VBS are both in the high risk threat category for COVID-19. With no vaccine available at this time we believe this is the safest and healthiest option to conduct Vacation Bible School if it is to be held in any way, shape, or form at all.
Collection of Tithes and Offerings:
At Atlantic Missionary Baptist Church we believe that giving of a tithe and offering should be a product of one's growing relationship with their Lord and Savior as they have been changed by His leading. Just as any household or business does AMBC also has the every month bills of electricity, communication, payroll, etc. On top of all that we have a mandate from God to complete His mission here in Atlantic as a local church. This including our growing church membership responsibilities, increasing ministry opportunities for our children, youth, and adults, as well as missions projects that we serve in and contribute to. Giving should be a natural response to God’s gracious outpouring of love for all of His children. As the Scripture says giving should not be done out of compulsion but in love.
When we give in love, with a cheerful heart, it honors God and also bring us joy in the process as we know we are doing what our Heavenly Father has commanded us to do. During this timeframe you may still give of your tithe and offering via on of three different ways. You can:
1) Mail your contribution directly to AMBC at 926 Seashore Drive – Atlantic, NC 28511
2) Place your tithe and/or offering in the offering plates located in the back of the sanctuary close to main entrance foyer anytime between 9:30am – 12:30pm on Sunday Mornings.
3) Give online via our secure connection via the AMBC website at www.atlanticmissionarybaptist.com on the “Giving” page. Simply select the blue button giving link on that page to give your donation through our safe, secure, quick, and convenient online platform via an electronic check, debit, or credit card.
In the initial planning for how to proceed, since first notification of COVID-19, the entirety of AMBC’s leadership was deeply concerned as to how this would impact giving as a whole to the church. And as a result of significant overall decreased giving AMBC has only met budget five times in the fourteen week span since March 1st, 2020. So we strongly urge, as best as you can in these difficult times, to continue giving to the church so that we can get back to meeting budget as soon as possible. If not, the finance team and deacons will be forced to recommend significant budgetary cuts to an already bare bones church budget as the church financial reserve is having to be greatly eaten into each and every week just to meet the current need.
This entire AMBC COVID-19 Response and Regathering Plan will remain in effect until at least Sunday, July 5th. As more health information is made available our entire church leadership team will revisit and adjust the end of policy date, services, and events schedule as deemed necessary.
You may reach out to Pastor Adam at the church parsonage or on his cell at any time day or night and he will be more than glad to assist you in any way that he can. The parsonage phone number is (252) 225-0175 and Pastor Adam's cell is (252) 269-6620. Please keep in mind that cell service in our area is not all that great, especially inside the parsonage, and if Pastor Adam does not receive your call at that moment you make it, he will return your call as soon as possible. You can also email Pastor Adam at adamself.rev@gmail.com.
As always we stress the washing of your hands multiple times throughout the course of the day and the use of hand sanitizers as well. We stress the importance of hand-washing and hand sanitizing for a considerable amount of time to help prevent any possibilities for infection or spread of disease.
If you are feeling symptoms of sickness in any way we ask that you stay at home, not to venture out in any way to any place other than to a doctor's office or hospital.
And as always if there is anything that you need, regardless of whatever it is, please reach out to Pastor Adam Self, Mrs. Roxie Gardner (AMBC’s Youth & Children’s Director), or any of our deacons (James Gaskill, Dennis Thomason, or Buddy Davis) and we will be more than glad to help you in any way that we can. If you would be willing to volunteer in the nursery or in the Kid Connection class on Sunday Mornings please contact Mrs. Roxie Gardner.
In other news, we have had two Building and Grounds related issues that have come up. One just prior to the start of this entire COVID-19 response and the other just in the last week. First, the week prior to the start of our COVID-19 response one of the two air conditioning units that controls the sanctuary has ceased to function and to get it repaired, not replaced, will cost from quotes received at least $3500 with only a one year warranty on the part itself. Replacing the unit entirely was deemed way too expensive at this time by our Deacons and Building and Grounds team.
Also, when Tropical Storm Arthur passed by Down East just recently, an approximately two foot tear was made into the roof of the church right at the apex point just behind the steeple. Being that it was legally a named storm the warranty on the roof itself was voided however due to some administrative and logistical help from our friends at Unified Disaster Resources, Mr. Pete Scaffidi and Mr. Ray Keech, spoke with the roofer and had the repairs to the church roof completed free of charge. There was some additional water damage to the sanctuary balcony ceiling inside however that is being looked into for repairs at this time.
Once again, please do not allow panic, fear, or timidity of any type to settle within you as that does not come from God. As followers of Jesus Christ, truly born again believers in the Word of God, in the power of God, and in the name of God’s one and only Son, Jesus Christ, and through the indwelling of His Holy Spirit within us we are to remain constant, steadfast, and faithful in and out of season, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. Please be safe and know that God loves you all so very much! Continue to be Anchored in His Word, Secured By His Grace, and Called to His Purpose!
Very Respectfully and In Constant Prayer,
Your AMBC Deacons, Pastor Adam Self,
and Youth & Children’s Director Roxie Gardner
As the Bible clearly teaches us in 2 Timothy 1:7 - For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and discipline. So, let us not be afraid, don’t go into panic mode, but trust and be confident that just as the Bible also clearly teaches us, God is still in control of all things and that we can trust in His wisdom and in His timing.
Yes, the Bible in Romans 13 does instruct us to honor our government and its statutes, but it also instructs us that when man’s law begins to contradict God’s law then we must as always go with God. So being that we are subject to governmental authority as individuals we should obey the laws as long as they do not go against God and His teaching. Our government, both state and federal, have issued mandates for school closings, government office stand downs or other closings, as well as many other things including but not limited to gatherings inside of 10 people or more. Neither of which, state or federal, are prohibiting churches in any way whatsoever to assemble at this time as the local church can always meet regardless of it being in small group form or larger assemblies, in a building or even outside. Also, we do not feel in any way, shape, or form that the government, regardless of state or federal, is pursuing, pressing, or placing upon local churches any form of religious infringements at this time, as some may say, as they are seeking only to protect the health and safety for all people. Should that ever actually be the case however we will of course obey the Word of God over the laws of man.
However, here at AMBC we want to be mindful and respectful of the sanctity of human life for all people, regardless of physical age or health condition. It is our responsibility to do whatever we can to protect people from possible illness, as well as listen to listen to sound Godly advice, and take whatever precautionary steps necessary to ensure public health and safety. That being said, our entire church leadership has unanimously voted in favor to update our previously set limitations, which were set to expire on Friday, June 5th, as to how AMBC would function during the COVID-19 response timeframe.
We do this in how we manage such things as limiting close contact areas, service schedules, and future events that may help prevent the spread of any unaware, unseen of sickness. It is our decision that here at AMBC until this COVID-19 Response and Acclimation Plan go into effect on Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 and remain as such until further notice:
Sunday Worship Services:
From Friday, May 22nd, 2020 through Saturday, July 4th, 2020 all regularly scheduled Sunday Worship services, or any other corporately held Bible Studies, will continue to be offered via livestream and/or as a pre-recorded service through the AMBC Facebook page. All worship services, or any other corporately held Bible Studies, will also be uploaded to the AMBC YouTube page as well at a later date in the week. Sunday Worship service audio recordings of the sermon will also be uploaded to the AMBC website and weekly podcast later in the week as well. Anyone that does not have access to a computer, SmartTV, or SmartPhone or would simply just prefer to watch the services in this manner can request an audio or video recording of the weekly services and it will be provided to them free of charge and will be delivered to them by a member of the AMBC staff or one of our deacons as soon as possible. There will also be hand sanitizing stations installed at each entrance of the church facility as well as to the back entrances into the sanctuary. Our church facility is cleaned on a weekly basis by our church custodian to ensure AMBC offers a clean and safe place to worship God. If all continues as we hope with as to a diminishing threat of COVID-19, we will regather together on Sunday, July 5th with updated social distancing guidelines as we draw closer to that timeframe. After the Kids Connection portion of the worship service all children, except for nursery age (Infants - 2yrs), will return to sit with whomever they came with to the worship service. Kids Guides for the worship service will be provided to them.
Youth & Children’s Ministry (Nursery – 12th Grade):
From Friday, May 22nd, 2020 through Sunday, September 6th, 2020 all currently in place sessions will continue as they already are for children and youth. Two sessions will be offered for children with one on Sunday nights at 6pm and it will be posted on the AMBC Facebook page. Kid’s Guide packets will also be delivered on Sunday afternoons following the morning worship service to any child who wishes to receive one. If you would like for your child or grandchild to be placed on the delivery list please email Mrs. Roxie Gardner at ambckids2@outlook.com or give her a call at (252) 241-8209. They can also be mailed as well. The second weekly session for children, Bible Story Time with Mrs. Roxie, will on the AMBC Facebook page via livestream or as a prerecorded session on Wednesday mornings at 10am. All Youth sessions on Sundays at 4pm will continue via a secure online Zoom meeting. If you would like for your youth to be a part of these sessions please email Mrs. Roxie Gardner at ambckids2@outlook.com or give her a call at (252) 241-8209.
Sunday School:
Beginning Sunday, July 5th, 2020 there will be one adult Bible Study class for anyone wishing to come that will be held in the sanctuary each and every Sunday at 9:45am. This class will be taught by Mrs. Paula Willis and in substitution if need be by Mr. Buddy Davis or Mr. Dennis Thomason. There will be no physical in attendance Children’s or Youth Sunday School Classes offered during this timeframe.
Choir Practice:
On, Wednesday July 1st, 2020 at 7pm all regularly held Wednesday Night Choir Practices will resume as previously held pre-Covid-19 in the fellowship hall. As always this is on a voluntary basis, however for choir members that come to practice it is strongly encouraged that everyone remain the recommended six feet apart from one another at a minimal.
Community Events:
All AMBC sponsored community events, including but not limited to joint church events, AMBC’s annual Back to School Bash, and First Sunday Fellowships, are cancelled until at least Sunday, September 6th, 2020. As part of our Atlantic community tradition Vacation Bible school is a combined effort of Atlantic Missionary Baptist Church and Atlantic United Methodist Church. This summer it is AUMC’s turn in the rotation to serve as host of VBS so the decision to or not to cancel VBS will be their decision alone. However, it is the recommendation of AMBC leadership as a whole that if VBS is to be held, that it only be held in a virtual format with daily crafts and snacks delivered to attending children’s home. This being that children, as well as senior adults, who may participating in VBS are both in the high risk threat category for COVID-19. With no vaccine available at this time we believe this is the safest and healthiest option to conduct Vacation Bible School if it is to be held in any way, shape, or form at all.
Collection of Tithes and Offerings:
At Atlantic Missionary Baptist Church we believe that giving of a tithe and offering should be a product of one's growing relationship with their Lord and Savior as they have been changed by His leading. Just as any household or business does AMBC also has the every month bills of electricity, communication, payroll, etc. On top of all that we have a mandate from God to complete His mission here in Atlantic as a local church. This including our growing church membership responsibilities, increasing ministry opportunities for our children, youth, and adults, as well as missions projects that we serve in and contribute to. Giving should be a natural response to God’s gracious outpouring of love for all of His children. As the Scripture says giving should not be done out of compulsion but in love.
When we give in love, with a cheerful heart, it honors God and also bring us joy in the process as we know we are doing what our Heavenly Father has commanded us to do. During this timeframe you may still give of your tithe and offering via on of three different ways. You can:
1) Mail your contribution directly to AMBC at 926 Seashore Drive – Atlantic, NC 28511
2) Place your tithe and/or offering in the offering plates located in the back of the sanctuary close to main entrance foyer anytime between 9:30am – 12:30pm on Sunday Mornings.
3) Give online via our secure connection via the AMBC website at www.atlanticmissionarybaptist.com on the “Giving” page. Simply select the blue button giving link on that page to give your donation through our safe, secure, quick, and convenient online platform via an electronic check, debit, or credit card.
In the initial planning for how to proceed, since first notification of COVID-19, the entirety of AMBC’s leadership was deeply concerned as to how this would impact giving as a whole to the church. And as a result of significant overall decreased giving AMBC has only met budget five times in the fourteen week span since March 1st, 2020. So we strongly urge, as best as you can in these difficult times, to continue giving to the church so that we can get back to meeting budget as soon as possible. If not, the finance team and deacons will be forced to recommend significant budgetary cuts to an already bare bones church budget as the church financial reserve is having to be greatly eaten into each and every week just to meet the current need.
This entire AMBC COVID-19 Response and Regathering Plan will remain in effect until at least Sunday, July 5th. As more health information is made available our entire church leadership team will revisit and adjust the end of policy date, services, and events schedule as deemed necessary.
You may reach out to Pastor Adam at the church parsonage or on his cell at any time day or night and he will be more than glad to assist you in any way that he can. The parsonage phone number is (252) 225-0175 and Pastor Adam's cell is (252) 269-6620. Please keep in mind that cell service in our area is not all that great, especially inside the parsonage, and if Pastor Adam does not receive your call at that moment you make it, he will return your call as soon as possible. You can also email Pastor Adam at adamself.rev@gmail.com.
As always we stress the washing of your hands multiple times throughout the course of the day and the use of hand sanitizers as well. We stress the importance of hand-washing and hand sanitizing for a considerable amount of time to help prevent any possibilities for infection or spread of disease.
If you are feeling symptoms of sickness in any way we ask that you stay at home, not to venture out in any way to any place other than to a doctor's office or hospital.
And as always if there is anything that you need, regardless of whatever it is, please reach out to Pastor Adam Self, Mrs. Roxie Gardner (AMBC’s Youth & Children’s Director), or any of our deacons (James Gaskill, Dennis Thomason, or Buddy Davis) and we will be more than glad to help you in any way that we can. If you would be willing to volunteer in the nursery or in the Kid Connection class on Sunday Mornings please contact Mrs. Roxie Gardner.
In other news, we have had two Building and Grounds related issues that have come up. One just prior to the start of this entire COVID-19 response and the other just in the last week. First, the week prior to the start of our COVID-19 response one of the two air conditioning units that controls the sanctuary has ceased to function and to get it repaired, not replaced, will cost from quotes received at least $3500 with only a one year warranty on the part itself. Replacing the unit entirely was deemed way too expensive at this time by our Deacons and Building and Grounds team.
Also, when Tropical Storm Arthur passed by Down East just recently, an approximately two foot tear was made into the roof of the church right at the apex point just behind the steeple. Being that it was legally a named storm the warranty on the roof itself was voided however due to some administrative and logistical help from our friends at Unified Disaster Resources, Mr. Pete Scaffidi and Mr. Ray Keech, spoke with the roofer and had the repairs to the church roof completed free of charge. There was some additional water damage to the sanctuary balcony ceiling inside however that is being looked into for repairs at this time.
Once again, please do not allow panic, fear, or timidity of any type to settle within you as that does not come from God. As followers of Jesus Christ, truly born again believers in the Word of God, in the power of God, and in the name of God’s one and only Son, Jesus Christ, and through the indwelling of His Holy Spirit within us we are to remain constant, steadfast, and faithful in and out of season, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. Please be safe and know that God loves you all so very much! Continue to be Anchored in His Word, Secured By His Grace, and Called to His Purpose!
Very Respectfully and In Constant Prayer,
Your AMBC Deacons, Pastor Adam Self,
and Youth & Children’s Director Roxie Gardner
Here at Atlantic Missionary Baptist Church we believe that giving should be a product of one's growing relationship with their Lord and Savior as they have been changed by His leading. Just as any household or business does AMBC also has the every month bills of electricity, communication, etc. and on top of all that we have a mandate from God to complete His mission here in Atlantic as a local church.
So in that comes as a result our growing church membership responsibilities, growing ministry opportunities for our children, youth, as well as our adults, and missions projects that we serve in and contribute to as well. Giving should be a natural response to God’s gracious outpouring of love for all of His children. As the scripture says giving should not be done out of compulsion but in love. When we give in love it honors God and also bring us joy in the process as we know we are doing what our Heavenly Father has commanded us to do.
Select the blue button link below to give through our safe, secure, quick, and convenient online way to give of your donation to Atlantic Missionary Baptist Church here in Atlantic, NC via an electronic check, debit, or credit card.
So in that comes as a result our growing church membership responsibilities, growing ministry opportunities for our children, youth, as well as our adults, and missions projects that we serve in and contribute to as well. Giving should be a natural response to God’s gracious outpouring of love for all of His children. As the scripture says giving should not be done out of compulsion but in love. When we give in love it honors God and also bring us joy in the process as we know we are doing what our Heavenly Father has commanded us to do.
Select the blue button link below to give through our safe, secure, quick, and convenient online way to give of your donation to Atlantic Missionary Baptist Church here in Atlantic, NC via an electronic check, debit, or credit card.
"LIVING WITH & LEARNING FROM JESUS"
Each and every Sunday at 11am, AMBC is going through a verse by verse examination of the book of John on how we truly can not only know, but also understand, how to apply the Word of God to our life. It is a call for all of those who believe in Jesus to understand what it means to truly believe and not to just say that we do. It is also a call for all of those who do not believe in Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior to realize how Jesus is the only true source of freedom in this world but also how Jesus is only the source of redemption from sin! We hope that you will come and join as here at AMBC as we continue to become "Anchored In His Word, Secured By His Grace, and Called to His Purpose!"
Each and every Sunday at 11am, AMBC is going through a verse by verse examination of the book of John on how we truly can not only know, but also understand, how to apply the Word of God to our life. It is a call for all of those who believe in Jesus to understand what it means to truly believe and not to just say that we do. It is also a call for all of those who do not believe in Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior to realize how Jesus is the only true source of freedom in this world but also how Jesus is only the source of redemption from sin! We hope that you will come and join as here at AMBC as we continue to become "Anchored In His Word, Secured By His Grace, and Called to His Purpose!"
"FORWARD IN FAITH"
Atlantic Missionary Baptist Church - Renovation Fund
Atlantic Missionary Baptist Church - Renovation Fund
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“Forward In Faith” is the name of Atlantic Missionary Baptist Church’s recently approved restoration projects fund to help complete the needed work to our church facilities. If you would like to donate towards "Forward In Faith" you may do so here on our church website through our secure online giving portal by selecting the "GIVING" tab in the main menu up at the top of this screen and submitting your donation there.
If you would not like to make a donation online but would still like to send a donation to us you can always simply mail it to us. Just make your check out to the church and simply write "Forward In Faith" in the lower left hand corner of your donation check and you can drop it in the offering plate during one of our Sunday Morning Services or mail it to us at: Atlantic Missionary Baptist Church 926 Seashore Drive Atlantic, NC 28511 And as always we thank you for your support of AMBC! Where we are "Anchored In His Word, Secured By His Grace, and Called To His Purposes!" |