Answering Your Questions: COVID-19, March Madness, Sunday Services, & More

Good Morning Oak Grove MBC Family,

A NOTE ON THE CORONAVIRUS

The state of our global community is on unsteady ground. The spread of the COVID-19, or coronavirus, has escalated to pandemic status, sending many into a frantic frenzy of attempting to contain its spread and treat its victims. Some employers have shut down operations, laying workers off indefinitely, as the governments of the world attempt to find a medical solution to the problem. In this time, where social distancing, isolation, and quarantines work against the community, there is often a pull felt by the church and its body.

As servants of God, we are called to connect and worship together. We are called to serve together. And we are called to gather and lift up praises to the Lord for what has been provided and the grace that we know has already been bestowed upon us. Many churches around the world have refused to close their doors in the face of this pandemic and encouraged their members to enter the sanctuary for their normal worship experience.

As a church family, we have many high-risk members whom this action would jeopardize the safety and well-being of. Upon further study from health officials, the offices of the CDC, and the leaders of our country, they have uncovered that COVID-19 is infectious and potentially fatal for a larger population than what was initially released. Where it appeared only older members of the population were susceptible to the virus, it has been shown that the largest age group to have contracted the virus fall between the ages of 18 and 54 years old. The mortality rate is still higher for the elderly and immunocompromised members of society, but the number of critical cases for the aforementioned age group has increased significantly.

OUR MISSION DURING THIS TIME

Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church is committed to ensuring the safety for all our members. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we operate on the side of caution and have prioritized the recommendations of the CDC in practicing social distancing, limiting shared spaces, and ceasing all activities where more than 10 people are gathered. We have reflected this commitment in the early conclusion of our March Madness revival event for this month. After this coming Sunday, March 22nd, we will cease in sanctuary worship services until further notice.

APART BUT NEVER ALONE

We are also committed to continuing the work that Christ commissioned us to do. Reaching out to share the Word of God, study it together, and lift one another up in prayer. While we are not physically able to congregate and worship, there are a few avenues we’ve established to help maintain our church community.

Join us for Sunday Services Here, where Rev. Grant will upload his sermons and Lessons: https://oakgrovembc.online.church/

Connect with us on our church website. Sermons and inspirational messages will be posted throughout the week, as well as announcements and other important information: https://oakgrovembc.wixsite.com/home

Stay connected with the OGMBC Family on Facebook. Announcements and Community are kept up to date on this platform. https://www.facebook.com/ogmissionarybaptist/

Even though we will not be meeting in person on our campus, we will still be maintaining the facilities, ensuring that they are secure and sanitized for our inevitable return. If you are interested in giving during this difficult time, you may do so online here on our webpage. If you are more comfortable with holding on to your tithes until we meet again, that is also encouraged.

Join us for our first online service on Sunday March 29, 2020 at 11am. Until then, please stay connected with one another, check-in with each other, pray with and for each other, and let us remember to lift up praises to the Lord, remembering that He works all for our good.

Stay safe, wash your hands, avoid touching your face, and stay prayed up!

The OGMBC Team