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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Camps take COVID-19 threat, seriously, and are ready to host

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – Louisiana Baptist camps are facing an uncertain summer season but their ministry leaders are confident God will provide. Tall Timbers Baptist Conference Center in Woodworth has not hosted any groups since Governor John Bel Edwards issued a stay at home order March 22 that limited gatherings to no more than 10 people. Camp Director Josh Bumgardner told the Baptist Message the only summer camp that has been affected so far is the Champion’s Camp. Because many of the special needs campers have compromised immune systems, Louisiana Baptist Convention children’s ministry strategist David Anderson made the decision to move that camp date from June to Sept. 18-20. “All of us want to have summer camps if conditions are safe to do so,” Bumgardner said. “Summer camps have a huge impact on the spiritual lives of children and youth. We see new Christians born each summer and so many more whose faith matures here. The decision to go ahead or cancel a camp will be made three weeks prior. "If it is safe enough to have a week of camp at that point, we absolutely want to host it,"he said. But he emphasized his commitment to set a good example on behalf of Louisiana … [Read more...]

As the church regathers

By Waylon Bailey Soon churches in America will regather for public worship. We can all be thankful that we have done our best to be good citizens who cooperated with those in authority to “flatten the curve” and not overwhelm our healthcare professionals. We can be very proud to have been a part of that. But now we have the monumental task of doing things that go against our nature and all that we have learned. Not only do we have to refrain from a “holy kiss,” we also have to refrain from what we have taught our sons about a firm handshake. Churches and schools have been greatly affected and will require creative ways to fulfill their mission. Thankfully, I can let other professionals deal with how to open schools safely and to do a high quality job of education. Think with me about the church. What will we need to do this? I can’t say it more simply. We will need God. More than anything, we will need to be completely open to God to see how He will lead. I almost want to write “reimagine,” but we don’t have to reimagine church. God will lead His people. We must be open to God’s Spirit as He shows us how to regather and how to effectively serve our communities. We must adapt, and we must be adaptable. … [Read more...]

State guidance: Conducting memorial services during COVID-19 crisis

By the Office of the Louisiana Department of Justice BATON ROUGE, La. (LDOJ)--This guidance is designed to assist those handling memorial services during the COVID-19 emergency in light of Proclamation 38 JBE 2020 issued on March 31, 2020. If possible, conduct direct burial or cremation, with a memorial service for the deceased to follow after the COVID-19 risks have abated. It is crucial for interments or cremations to continue during this emergency because the remains cannot continue to take up much-needed storage space while families wait for the ability to conduct a full commemoration service. Under Louisiana law (la. R.S. 8:651), burials or cremations must occur “within a reasonable time” after death. A reasonable time during this emergency, pursuant to CDC guidance, is three (3) days. If this short delay is impractical, final disposition may occur later, but must occur within 10 days if the remains have been properly embalmed or refrigerated. If embalming or refrigeration has not occurred, Louisiana law mandates burial or cremation within 30 hours (La. R.S. 37:848(D)). If some memorial must be held during the stay-at-home and social distancing periods, then: Funeral services (at the place of worship or … [Read more...]

Louisiana Baptist churches look to adapt, again

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer FOREST HILL, La. (LBM)--Louisiana Baptist churches soon will reopen their doors, and Elwood Baptist Church in Forest Hill is among the congregations considering how to adapt, yet again. Pastor Michael Evans told the Baptist Message that drive-in services have been so well received by his members and guests that these might continue, even when Sunday morning services resume in the worship center. Elwood Baptist has averaged 50 vehicles at drive-in services, and has drawn an average of 100 views for the Facebook Live broadcast of worship services. The congregation averaged 125 in the pews on Sunday mornings in early March. “Some can’t come in for various reasons, and may be reluctant to come inside a building with others at first,” Evans said. “Jesus said to go to highways and byways and compel them to come in. This alternative has been a great way to reach others in a new way.” The church also has used other methods to maintain connection with its members and prospects. Elwood posts on its Facebook page a devotional every Tuesday and Friday evening, and utilizes a phone bank to send 60-second messages. The congregation also has formed caravans of 15-20 vehicles to pass by the … [Read more...]