Church Updates

 

July 1, 2020

Church family and friends:

We are resuming in-person services and have put together some guidelines on safely regathering in our church building.

DOWNLOAD AND REVIEW THESE GUIDELINES IN ADVANCE

While we are beginning to regather as a congregation in the building, we will be doing so gradually and with capacity limits. We understand that not everyone is ready or in a position to return to in-person service, and we want to be sure that we're taking that into account as we move forward. As such, online services will still be available on our websiteYouTube and Facebook page every Sunday at 11 a.m.

Please refer to the instructions below for how to register. You can register for upcoming service dates on our registrations page.

Reservations/Registration

If you are planning to attend an in-person service, you will need to register in advance to reserve your spot. For the time being, we can only have a limited amount of people in our sanctuary and so it's important that we do our best to accommodate those who want to participate in a service. Unfortunately, due to capacity limits, reservations are first come, first serve. While this is not the most ideal scenario, we are doing what we can to give as many of you as possible an opportunity to gather for service.

If you are planning to attend one Sunday, please opt out of attending the following Sunday so that others may have a chance to participate. Here are some additional notes about reserving your space:

  • Whether you are coming to the building to serve on a team or as a congregant, you must register 

  • If you are scheduled to serve on a team (check in, cleaning, ushers, worship, A/V), please complete the registration and select "Volunteer/Staff" under "Attendee Type"

  • If you are registering as a congregant, please select "Member" as your "Attendee Type"

  • Please register for all those in your household that will be in attendance

  • You will be asked to complete a few pre-screening questions as part of the registration, which helps us to expedite the check-in process

  • Registration for each service is open until 11 p.m. the day prior or until spaces are filled

  • On the main registration page for each service, under attendee type, you will be able to see how many spaces remain

Plan your visit

  • Service will begin at 11AM (11:30AM for Spanish service), but please plan to arrive at least 15-30 minutes prior for screening/check in (temperature checks)

  • Those attending the Spanish service should enter through the Albany St. entrance, and those attending the English service must enter through the main doors on Kedzie Blvd. 

  • Each visitor/volunteer will have their temperature taken at check in

  • Masks or face coverings must be worn (with the exception of those 2 years of age or younger)*

  • Please observe social distancing when entering and exiting the building

  • Upon completing your check in, enter the auditorium and see an usher for seating

  • Do not crowd the doorways or foyer

  • Pay attention to tape markings on the floor, indicating where to wait in order to maintain distancing between you and the person/group in front of you

  • Avoid greetings that involve contact, such as handshakes or hugs

  • The water fountain will not be in use - please bring your own water bottle

  • Children's ministry/nursery will not be available - please factor this into your plans when registering

  • At the conclusion of celebration, please stay seated until an usher dismisses your pew

*Regarding the use of masks, if you have a medical condition that does not allow you to wear a mask for an extended period of time, we highly encourage you to take that into consideration before choosing to come to an in-person service. Both for your safety and the safety of others. If you have questions or concerns, please email us at info@armitagechurch.org.

Blessings,

Armitage Baptist Church

 

June 2, 2020

Dear church family,  ​

We come to you with heavy hearts over all that we – our church, families, city and world – have been experiencing this year. It seems we continue to feel wave after wave of trauma, and we want to acknowledge the pain and loss that many of us are experiencing, with the crisis of COVID-19 still raging even while our country reels and heaves under the weight of injustice.  ​

Most everyone has seen the images of George Floyd gasping for breath and begging for his life while in the custody of those sworn to protect. This spark lit the fires of outrage across our country, and we stand with the hurting and oppressed in their call for justice and reform. Because we are made in the Image of God, the longing for justice burns inside us and righteous anger wells up within us. The paradigm that made the outrage boil over must be changed. The historical and entrenched sin of racism must be called out and repudiated. ​ ​

We have also witnessed the ugliness of rioting, looting and violence that is unfolding in our city and cities across the country, and recognize that while rage can be a form of righteous anger, destruction and violence are sinful, harmful and counterproductive, and must be repudiated as well.  ​ ​

We recognize that these are complex times, and every narrative has multiple streams. We must navigate our times with unity that comes from the heart of God. Our enemies are spiritual forces of darkness and systemic racism, not people. We simultaneously condemn police misconduct and the culture that empowers it while appreciating and lifting up our police officers and other first responders. We are grateful for those who literally put their lives on the line each day and seek to uphold the principles of justice, order and peace. ​ ​

As Christians, we have a weapon at our disposal that no earthly power can withstand – the power of the Gospel. The world longs for peace and reconciliation, and the new life that comes through the gospel provides it. Let us be ambassadors of reconciliation – to God first and then to our fellow man because we’ve been reconciled to our Creator. The words of Paul come to mind from 2 Corinthians 5:14-20 – 

“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” ​

Your pastors want to call and challenge you to pray for our city, our nation and the witness of our church. Pray and fast. Storm the throne of God. 

Love you all,

Your Pastors

 

March 21, 2020

Update from our Pastors concerning Sunday services

Church family,

We continue to pray for you all, asking that the Spirit of God encourages, strengthens and comforts you in this time. 

This time of unprecedented crisis has forced us to make difficult decisions. Those decisions are always made seeking God's will through what He commands in Scripture, by praying earnestly and hearing the advice of godly and experienced counsel.

Within the last 24 hours Governor Pritzker announced via a press conference that beginning today, Saturday, March 21 at 5 p.m. he is issuing an executive order to stay at home. This order will be in effect until Tuesday, April 7 and applies to all non-essential workers and services. 

Social distancing is key to fighting against COVID-19. Romans 13:1-2 reads: "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment."

With that being said, our plans to continue to convene for celebration service this Sunday, March 22 have changed. We are now moving the services online until the stay at home order is lifted. We are planning to record our sermons and have them available on our YouTube channels. 

YouTube

YouTube en Español

Please continue to check back for more.

We feel the weight and severity of this decision, but it's being made to protect you and in doing so, fulfilling the charge that we received from the Lord: "Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. (Acts. 20:28). We acknowledge that if you do not belong to a vulnerable population under the threat of the virus, this decision might be hard to understand. However, we encourage you to follow the rule found in Philippians 2:4: "Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."

This is definitely a time for prayer. A time to press into God and to thrive under his leading, guidance and power. Many of us are praying for our families, city, country and world in the uncertainty of this time. We invite you to share your prayer requests with us here in this form. One of our leaders will receive your request and join you in prayer.

If you have questions or there's anything that you need, please connect with us. We also encourage you to reach out to your Bible study and grow group leaders.

"I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus..." (1 Corinthians 1:4).

Blessings,

Pastor Steve

Pastor Jeremy

Pastor Leandro

 

March 18, 2020

Update Regarding Sunday services as of March 18, 2020

Church family,

Things continue to unfold as the world, our government officials and leading health experts scramble to respond to the spread of COVID-19. On Monday, March 16 Governor Pritzker banned all gatherings of more than 50 people. He also called for restaurants and bars to close for the next couple of weeks for dine-in service. The reality is that these measures could, and likely will, change at any moment. The timelines could extend into multiple weeks and not just through the end of the month. Those are possibilities that we must contend with and do our part to be prepared for. We continue to pray and earnestly seek God for guidance, wisdom and discernment.

While we understand that things could shift from the minute you read this communication, here are some points we’d like to address in the short term…

Will there be service this Sunday? The short answer is, yes. We do, however, encourage you to watch the service online if you opt to stay home. More details on that below.

  • Barring any changes at the government level (including a full-on quarantine), we will be gathering for 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. services on Sunday, March 22. The current ban on group gatherings limits us to 50 people, so here’s how we will manage the gatherings:

    • Both the English and Spanish congregations will run a service, capping the number of people in each sanctuary to 50 people (including the Worship team, audio/visual team and pastor).

    • Once we meet the 50 person threshold in each sanctuary, any additional congregants will be directed to an overflow room. For the Spanish congregation that will be room G12, also known as the SLC meeting room. For the English congregation that will be room 330, also known as the Fireside Room. Please note the cap for these rooms will also be 50 people.

    • If you come for the AM service, please refrain from coming to the PM service so as to give others an opportunity to attend.

    • Children’s Ministry for all ages is cancelled until further notice. Please plan accordingly.

    • This Sunday’s service will be condensed to one hour. At the conclusion of celebration, please exit the building and do not linger in the common areas.

    • We will be disinfecting the building between services.

    • There will also be hand sanitizing stations available for each sanctuary and hand sanitizers will be placed in G12 and room 330.

  • We want to reiterate and urge you to be mindful and considerate of others.

    • Again, if you are showing any symptoms of illness, please stay home.

    • If you are considered part of the vulnerable groups (those 60+ years old or those who have underlying health issues), we encourage you to stay home as well.

    • Keep greetings to a wave or smile. Avoid fist bumps, elbow bumps, hugs, handshakes, etc.

    • When coming into the sanctuary, please space out your seating. You may sit together with your family, but be intentional about creating some distance between you/your group and the other congregants. Ushers will be on hand to assist.

What if I can’t come to service, but I still want to view the sermon? We will be ready to live stream our service on Sunday, March 22.

  • We encourage all those who are able and who choose to stay home to join us for Sunday celebration online by watching the service remotely via YouTube or Facebook. Both the English and Spanish services will be streamed live. You can view them on the following sites:

  • If you’re unable to join us or opt to worship at home with your family or in a smaller group setting, you have the choice of watching the live stream, or listening to previous sermons available as podcasts here:  Armitage Baptist Church Podcasts

    • Please note that previous sermons are also available as videos on our YouTube channel.

  • Other resources available to you during this time:

    • 40 Day Devotional – read through the 40 Chapters of the Bible listed in this guide (page 2). We are currently on day 18: Joel 2 – Holy Spirit.

    • Read A.W. Tozer’s Knowledge of the Holy

Tithes and Offerings

  • As was the case this past Sunday, the offering plates will not be passed, but instead will be stationed on tables at the front of the sanctuary. Ushers will direct congregants to go up and place their tithes and offering in the plates.

  • If you’re on site, you can also use the SecureGive kiosk. There will be someone stationed by the kiosk to answer questions and to wipe down the kiosk after every use.

  • Whether you’re in the church building or at home, we highly encourage you to give your tithes and offerings online. It’s simple. Here’s a quick guide on setting up your SecureGive account and giving your contributions online.

As mentioned above, Children’s Ministry is cancelled until further notice. The same applies for the following:

  • 9:30 a.m. Bible Study – please connect with your Bible study leader for recommended study, reading or setting up virtual chats.

  • All events in the church building including the Women’s Prayer meeting, which was scheduled for Friday, March 20, and Men’s Basketball, which was scheduled for Saturday, March 21, are cancelled. If you have an event on the calendar and are unsure of what to do next, please connect with Melanie Perez, melanie.perez@armitagechurch.org

This is a challenging time for all of us. We’re in uncharted territory in many respects. But what a time for God’s people to shine! We want to exhort you, church, to stay connected, especially with each other. Reach out to your neighbors. Reach out to your brothers and sisters. You can:

But most of all, we exhort you to pray. “…pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Go before the throne of God and praise Him. Extol Christ. Confess sins. Ask to be filled with the Spirit. Intercede for others. “…if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

If you have questions or concerns, please let us know. We will do what we can to update you on any changes in the coming days and weeks. We also want to remind you to keep checking the website for further updates.

We love you and thank God for you.

In His Grace,

Pastor Steve, Pastor Jeremy & Pastor Leandro

 

March 13, 2020

Armitage Baptist Church Update Concerning COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Church family,  

Information and updates about COVID-19 (coronavirus) are coming at rapid speeds and several measures are being taken to mitigate its impact. The increasing spread of the virus has led to a certain level of panic, fear and uncertainty. And while there are still many unknowns amid all the updates and changes that we are experiencing in this time, we know that our God is both mighty and sovereign. There is nothing outside of His control and He alone is our strength and deliverer. In fact, Scripture exhorts us to "Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord Himself, is the eternal Rock.” (Isaiah 26:4). It is because of our confidence in the Almighty God that we can face times like these and not be shaken.  

We also are mindful that there is real concern about the spread of the coronavirus, and we certainly don't want to be dismissive, neglectful or irresponsible in our response in how to address these current times. We seek our counsel and wisdom from the inspired Word of God and hold fast to his commandment to care for one another. We, brothers and sisters, are called to love our neighbors as ourselves. And that love may be demonstrated in many ways, including taking precautions so as not to increase the risk of our neighbors being exposed to illness. 

It is in light of what we know about God and His Word that we are considering the ways in which we can best serve each other. We also look to Hebrews 10:24-25 as a critical admonishment: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” God's people should also respect the authority of the governing bodies as it says in Romans 13:1. “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” Currently, both Governor Pritzker and Mayor Lightfoot have strongly discouraged gatherings of 250 or more. That said, we are averaging less than 200 in each of our congregations. It is based on this guidance that we have decided to continue to meet for Sunday services. However, following are some additional measures that we are taking for the foreseeable future: 

  • All 9:30 a.m. Bible study classes are cancelled (Adults, youth, children's). However, we do encourage our weekly grow groups to meet if possible. 

  • Children's ministry for babies and children up to 5 years of age during our 11 a.m. service is cancelled until further notice.  We will continue to evaluate and provide updates as necessary. We encourage families to stay together for 11 a.m. service. 

  • Tithes and offerings will be collected online, and during services there will be plates stationed at the front and back of the sanctuary for people to drop their tithes and offerings.  

  • Vulnerable members and attendees, especially those over 60 years of age and/or who have underlying health issues/weakened immune system are encouraged to stay home. 

  • Again, in the instance that you are currently experiencing flu-like symptoms or symptoms of acute respiratory illness, please stay home. 

  • No handshakes or hugs – in exercising an abundance of caution, we want to minimize contact as much as possible. While we know this is challenging, we want to encourage you to greet each other with waves and smiles. 

Beyond this, we have also done the following with regards to our facilities: 

  • Disinfected our sanctuaries and visible surfaces throughout the building, including banisters and doorknobs. We have placed hand sanitizers and disinfecting wipes in the major rooms that are utilized. We will also be going through and regularly cleaning the facilities. 

  • We have cancelled the use of our building to groups that generally meet there throughout the week until further notice. The same applies to other gatherings scheduled for the next few weeks. 

  • We have asked our staff to work remotely, with the exception of our weekly staff meeting on Wednesdays. 

We also highly recommend that you continue to follow the guidelines of the Center for Disease Control (CDC): 

  • Keep your hands clean: wash your hands with soap and water (for at least 20 seconds) or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (containing 60%–95% alcohol). 

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands; and avoid close contact with people who are sick. 

  • If you or a close family member is showing symptoms of illness, please consult your healthcare provider by phone with any concerns. 

We are also looking at setting up live streaming video of our services soon so that those who are unable to gather for Sunday services can still watch the sermon. In the meantime, please continue to check our YouTube channel throughout the week for updates on recent sermon videos. 

We are continuing to monitor the latest developments and guidance provided by our global and national health organizations as well as our national, state and local governments. Just this afternoon President Trump declared a National Emergency. There are still many questions that need answering, but we will do our best to keep you apprised of how these changes impact our weekly gatherings. Please continue to check our website for more updates. We will also send emails as information is available or any changes are made. 

If you have questions, please consult the website for the latest information. You may also email info@armitagechurch.org.  

We want to urge you to continue praying for our church family, our community, our city, nation and world. Pray for all those affected by the coronavirus. Pray for continued guidance by God's Spirit. We know there's power in prayer. And let us all remember Paul's words in Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

In His Grace,  

Armitage Baptist Church Pastoral Team