A message from our pastor about re-opening:

 

Starting 5-31-20

Services at:

 

8:30am

9:45am

11:00am

Updated: Tuesday, May 21st at 2:00pm

 

Hello Myrtle Grove Family!!

We are SO excited to announce our future plans about meeting together again. The leadership and pastors of Myrtle Grove Baptist Church have been praying and discussing our desire and ability to meet again as soon as possible. With the spread of COVID-19 still a threat and our safety for you being of utmost priority, we are taking all the precautions necessary. The online services have reached so many more people than ever imagined, so we also want to make sure we transition well to continue reaching the people that God has allowed us to.

As we get back into the sanctuary, there will be some changes and precautions that we will do together as a family in an effort to steward our time together that honors God. It is our responsibility as leaders and before God to make sure that we are careful how we do this, everyone is at risk; some more than others. In an effort to meet sooner rather than later, we will need your help to make sure that we are careful and strategic in how we approach this global situation.

Pending any potential changes in the situation, these are our goals:

  • First date back in the sanctuary: Sunday, May 31st
  • Recommended attendance for Service times:
    • 8:30am for 60+
    • 10:00am for families (with a children’s message)
    • 11:15am
  • The sanctuary seating has changed to meet the social distance requirements set out by the state (pictures attached)
  • Sanitation protocols will be followed in-between services for safety; including hand sanitizer stations by the entrance and exits
  • Social distancing will be a priority to keep everyone safe
  • Entering and leaving the sanctuary will be structured to prevent possible risk
  • Children’s programs and Sunday School classes are being discussed for a future date
  • We will continue to provide an online service to meet the needs of the whole congregation
  • More detailed information on protocols and expectations will be given as we get closer to meeting again

We know these are hard times for everyone and this pandemic has affected so many lives, especially those in our congregation. We are so excited to meet together physically in a worship gathering, but we know that we need everyone’s help to keep it safe for each other and those who are at risk here. Please understand that as much as we would like everyone to be together, we also ask that you follow these simple guidelines in an effort to continue to gather safely.

  • If sick, please stay home
  • Face masks suggested
  • Please stay 6 feet apart – use the seating appropriately and only sit with your families
  • Utilize the hand sanitation stations located at the entrances and exits
  • No touching encouraged, including fist bumps or elbows
  • High risk people, or family member, should be advised to stay home, includes: cardiovascular disease, hypertension, COPD, asthma, renal disease, diabetes type I or II, active cancer, immunocompromised and immunosuppressed, age greater than 65, and children with underlying health problems
  • Please think about those at risk so we can keep the environment open and usable to everyone

Thank you for being a part of this family and helping us work come together safely with the purposes of God’s will for our church. We are an example of Christ in our community, so how we do this represents more than just our families. We miss you and hope that you are looking forward to gathering as much as we are. We know every situation is different and we need to show grace and compassion to everyone in our church and community. May God keep you safe and continue to bless you in this season.

Thank you and continue to pray for our families, our church, our community, our nation, and the world.

Myrtle Grove Staff and Deacons

Updated: Saturday, March 21st at 4:00pm

Hello everyone,

We sincerely hope that you and your loved ones are safe. Here are a few very important updates as we move forward in the days of uncertainty.

Some new information for the youth at MGBC; both the Middle School group Soundcheck, and the High School group Amplified. We have been working hard to have content available for them to connect with God in these hard times. We have made available a video of Rusty teaching a message on Doubt, as well as questions and content for you to interact with them. Please click here to access the video and questions: http://amplifiedyouthgroup.org/soundcheck/

First notice of importance regarding the services this Sunday. Unfortunately, due to the new declared state of emergency, gatherings of 10 or more are strictly prohibited. This means that we will not be allowed to meet this Sunday at church under any circumstances. Information on how to view those services will be explained here. To see more on this new announcement, please click on the link below:

Declared State of Emergency

As far as services this weekend, they will be streaming live on our website: www.myrtlegrovebaptist.com/live

You can also go to our homepage at www.myrtlegrovebaptist.com and find links to the live stream under media. We will still be broad casting on Facebook Live and YouTube Live as well, but the experience is sure to be better through the website.

We are unsure of what the plans are moving forward as we continue to try to worship and seek the Lord together, but as Pastor Paul has said several times, “We may be unsure of what our future holds, but we are not unsure of Who holds our future.” Trust in the Lord as we seek Him in these days.

Please continue to pray for our country and those who are affected so heavily by all that is happening. We will thrive in these circumstances because we are the people of God. Much like Israel had to work through, we too, as God’s children, will have much ahead to endure in the days to come. Have faith that He is in control and that He loves you more than you could ever know.

God Bless and thank you for being a part of what God is doing at Myrtle Grove.

MGBC staff

Updated: Thursday, March 19th at 12:15pm

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where will the live feed be available for Sunday services

  • At 9:30 am Sunday morning, we will be streaming a live service from Facebook Live with worship and a message.

Why do we need to suspend services?

  • Romans 13 tells us to obey the authorities that watch out for us; this is a Biblical mandate and we don’t see any reason that would go against Biblical in such a time as this

How long will we be conducting church like this?

  • We are dealing with the situation week to week, so it’s hard to say how long. The government has said until the end of March at least.

How can I view services?

  • Go onto Facebook, search for Myrtle Grove Baptist Church, and look for the channel that has a picture of our church. Or, click here: Youtube Channel

How can I give?

  • We use the very safe and secure company known as PushPay.

  • Please continue to tithe through this format or feel free to drop off at the church between 9am-3pm during the week, Monday through Thursday.

  • To access PushPay, you can go to the website at myrtlegrovebaptist.com and click on the section Give, you can text Mgbcgive to 77977 or click here: Give

How can I stay updated?

  • We will be sending out emails through the Church Community Builder app as well as through the church email address at myrtlegrovebaptist@gmail.com

  • We will also we keeping the website updated, please check the section labeled New Updates to keep current as information comes in. Click here for info: New Updates

  • Feel free to call during the week from 9am-3pm at (910) 395-1926 as well

Are the church offices open?

  • The church office will continue to function normal hours Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 3:00pm.

  • If for any reason someone is not there because of unforeseen circumstances, please contact Pastor Paul at (910) 520-1340 or Rusty Smith at (910) 262-6818

What can I do if I need help?

  • Please contact your deacon first; if you are not sure who your deacon is or you cannot get a hold of him, contact the church office at (910) 395-1926.

  • We are here to help you with whatever you may need, please let us know however we may be of assistance. We have people standing by ready to do what they can

What can I do to help?

  • Right now, following the suggestions from CDC and from government officials is important to keep this from getting worse than expected.

  • Look for opportunities to make sure your families and communities are not in need while being safe and following CDC suggestions.

  • If you are able to help those in need, please feel free to contact the church office at (910) 395-1926 Monday through Friday from 9am-3pm to find out needs in our church.

  • The Baptist Network of churches has asked us to be ready to use our kitchen facilities to prepare meals when needed for the at-risk community, especially children.

Updated: Thursday, March 19th

New information that might help explain:

 

Some insight from Kat Storti for those who continue to say…”It’s just the flu”.
“Feeling confused as to why Coronavirus is a bigger deal than Seasonal flu? Here it is in a nutshell. I hope this helps. Feel free to share this to others who don’t understand…
It has to do with RNA sequencing…. I.e. genetics.
Seasonal flu is an “all human virus”. The DNA/RNA chains that make up the virus are recognized by the human immune system. This means that your body has some immunity to it before it comes around each year… you get immunity two ways…through exposure to a virus, or by getting a flu shot.
Novel viruses, come from animals…. the WHO tracks novel viruses in animals, (sometimes for years watching for mutations). Usually these viruses only transfer from animal to animal (pigs in the case of H1N1) (birds in the case of the Spanish flu). But once, one of these animal viruses mutates, and starts to transfer from animals to humans… then it’s a problem, Why? Because we have no natural or acquired immunity.. the RNA sequencing of the genes inside the virus isn’t human, and the human immune system doesn’t recognize it so, we can’t fight it off.
Now…. sometimes, the mutation only allows transfer from animal to human, for years it’s only transmission is from an infected animal to a human before it finally mutates so that it can now transfer human to human… once that happens..we have a new contagion phase. And depending on the fashion of this new mutation, thats what decides how contagious, or how deadly it’s gonna be..
H1N1 was deadly….but it did not mutate in a way that was as deadly as the Spanish flu. It’s RNA was slower to mutate and it attacked its host differently, too.
Fast forward.
Now, here comes this Coronavirus… it existed in animals only, for nobody knows how long…but one day, at an animal market, in Wuhan China, in December 2019, it mutated and made the jump from animal to people. At first, only animals could give it to a person… But here is the scary part…. in just TWO WEEKS it mutated again and gained the ability to jump from human to human. Scientists call this quick ability, “slippery”
This Coronavirus, not being in any form a “human” virus (whereas we would all have some natural or acquired immunity). Took off like a rocket. And this was because, Humans have no known immunity…doctors have no known medicines for it.
And it just so happens that this particular mutated animal virus, changed itself in such a way the way that it causes great damage to human lungs..
That’s why Coronavirus is different from seasonal flu, or H1N1 or any other type of influenza…. this one is very slippery. And it’s a lung eater…And, it’s already mutated AGAIN, so that we now have two strains to deal with, strain s, and strain L….which makes it twice as hard to develop a vaccine.
We really have no tools in our shed, with this. History has shown that fast and immediate closings of public places has helped in the past pandemics. Philadelphia and Baltimore were reluctant to close events in 1918 and they were the hardest hit in the US during the Spanish Flu.
Factoid: Henry VIII stayed in his room and allowed no one near him, till the Black Plague passed…(honestly…I understand him so much better now). Just like us, he had no tools in his shed, except social isolation…
And let me end by saying….right now it’s hitting older folks harder… but this genome is so slippery…if it mutates again (and it will). Who is to say, what it will do next.
Be smart folks… acting like you’re unafraid is so not smart right now.
#flattenthecurve . Stay home folks… and share this to those that just are not catching on. 🤓”-Kat Storti

Latest information concerning church services and the Coronavirus:

 

Updated: Sat, March 14th at 6:35pm

Dear MGBC family and friends

Our governor has issued a strongly worded warning against gatherings of over 100 people, with only 10% of those in attendance being in the vulnerable range. We believe that the Lord gave us the command to obey those in authority. Romans 13 says, 1All of you must obey those who rule over you. There are no authorities except the ones God has chosen. Those who now rule have been chosen by God. 2 So whoever opposes the authorities opposes leaders whom God has appointed.

 

It is his mandate to protect our state and its citizens. It is also important that we do all we can to protect our MGBC family and attenders. Safety and security is always a big concern for our staff and deacons as we meet for worship.

 

That being understood, our early service is usually under that number but there are more than 10% who might be in a compromised state. 

 

So here’s where we stand given what we know.  

Sunday School classes for children age 0-18 will be suspended for this Sunday.

Adult classes may be held at the discretion of the teachers and the class members. Those participating will do so at their own risk.

While the doors will be open for the sanctuary, the 8:30 and 11 AM services will be live streamed on our Facebook page, God willing.

Anyone who might come in person will be told they enter at their own risk. 

The service will be centered on prayer and the message. Music will be limited.

 

We strongly urge all of our members and friends to take all precautions regardless of their understanding or lack thereof of the coronavirus situation. It is our hope that God will provide for everyone as they use this Lord’s Day as a day of prayer and contemplation. We urge everyone to read the message of tomorrow as well and watch the church Face Book page for the live stream.

 

Again, may God Himself give us wisdom in days ahead. We can only follow His mandates as we march into more of this unknown time.

 

May God bless you  and keep you!

Pastor Paul

 

  • Updated:

    Thu, Mar 12 at 9:13 AM (OUT OF DATE INFORMATION; SERVICES WILL NOT BE HELD)

    Amidst concerns surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19), we want to let you know how MGBC is responding.

    Our leadership team is carefully and continually monitoring this situation. We are committed to doing everything we can to provide a safe environment for our church family and the surrounding community.

    IS MGBC GATHERING THIS SUNDAY?

     

    Yes. We will gather this Sunday. If at any point our Sunday Worship schedule changes, we will update you by email and share any plans we have for gathering online.

    SHOULD PEOPLE COME TO MGBC IF THEY ARE FEELING SICK?

     

    While we place a high priority on gathering together as the church for worship and other activities, and we always want you to feel welcome at MGBC, if you are feeling sick or running a fever, the best way that you can love your neighbor is by staying home! If you need to stay home instead of coming to a worship gathering, we encourage you to view sermons on our YouTube channel.

    https://www.youtube.com/c/MyrtleGroveBaptistChurch

    WHAT PRECAUTIONS CAN PEOPLE TAKE WHEN THEY COME TO MGBC BUILDINGS?

     

    We encourage everyone to take certain steps to protect themselves and others from the coronavirus, flu, and other illnesses, including:

    • Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;

    • Using hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available;

    • Not touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands;

    • Avoiding close contact with people who are sick;

    • Staying home if you are sick;

    • Covering your cough or sneeze;

    WHAT PRECAUTIONS IS MGBC TAKING TO MAKE MGBC GATHERINGS AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE?

     

    MGBC is taking extra cleaning precautions at this time. This includes:

    • Wiping/Spraying down all common area touchpoints (e.g., doors, light switches, etc.) with a disinfectant before and after Sunday Worship Services.

    • Placing hand sanitizers in common areas throughout the buildings.

    • Extra cleaning/disinfecting in the children’s areas and having children wash or sanitize their hands upon arrival to the classrooms.

    During our worship gatherings, We will also continue to baptize people in pools filled with sanitized water. In addition, we encourage everyone to take common-sense precautions and consider creative interactions (like elbow bumping instead of handshaking!). At this time we feel it would be wise to temporarily discontinue the “meet and greet” portion of our Worship Service.

    HOW CAN I BETTER UNDERSTAND THE CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)?

     

    Coronavirus is a type of virus that causes respiratory illness — an infection of the airways and lungs. COVID-19 is a new strain of coronavirus. It is part of the same family of coronaviruses that includes the common cold. The coronavirus outbreak was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Since then, the virus has spread to other countries.

    The most common early symptoms appear between 2 and 14 days after infection. Symptoms can be mild to severe. They include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention. Most people recover from the disease without needing special treatment.

    Like many other viruses, the coronavirus (COVID-19) seems to spread from person-to-person through a cough, sneeze, or kiss. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the risk in the U.S. is still low. They will update this status regularly on their website at cdc.gov/coronavirus. You can also find more information from the World Health Organization.

    HOW SHOULD I RESPOND SPIRITUALLY TO THE CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)?

     

    The coronavirus (COVID-19) is yet one more reminder that we live in a fallen world of sickness, sin, suffering, and death. Ultimately, none of us are immune to any of these things. But that’s why the gospel is such good news. God has not left us alone in this world of sickness, sin, suffering, and death. He has come to us in the person of Jesus. The greatest news in all the world is that Jesus lived a life with no sin, died on a cross to pay the price for our sin, and rose from the grave in victory over sin and death. Now anyone anywhere who turns from their sin and trusts in Jesus will be forgiven of all their sin and restored to relationship with God forever. That means that through Jesus, we never have to fear sickness or death because we know we have eternal life with God.

    If you do not know that you have eternal life with God, we urge you to put your faith in Jesus. And if you do know that you have eternal life with God, we urge you to share your faith in Jesus with others. Times like these remind us all of the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. So let’s spread the greatest news that death has been defeated and eternal life is available to all who trust in Jesus.

    In addition to trusting in Jesus and sharing about Jesus with others, here’s some other ways you can respond to the coronavirus (COVID-19):

    • Trust in God as the good and sovereign Creator and Sustainer of life upon whom we all depend.

    • Pray for mercy for the sick, strength for doctors, insight for researchers, and wisdom for officials.

    • Look for opportunities to love and care for others, whether they are sick, isolated, marginalized, poor, or oppressed.

    • Avoid every semblance of prejudice or racism. In light of the origination of this virus in Asia, it has been grievous to see a rise in racist incidents against the Asian community. Much of our universal church family (and some of our city) is Asian-American, and we want every Asian-American (as well as Asians around the world) to feel and know the love of Christ. So just as we do in any circumstance, guard against all prejudice or racism in your thoughts, your words, and your actions.

    • Even if we are unable to gather at certain times, stay closely connected to the church family. Gather with smaller groups as appropriate, and participate in worship gatherings online if that’s the only option.

    • Continue to faithfully give financial offerings online https://myrtlegrovebaptist.com/give/ or by mail (5524 Myrtle Grove Road, Wilmington, NC 28409) so that the ministry of the church thrives all the more in the midst of difficult days.

    Reflect often on the brevity of life, the urgency of eternity, and the beauty of the gospel.

    Please call the church office at 910-395-1926 if you have questions or concerns.

    Blessings from your MGBC Staff!