Volume 29, Number 7 March 29, 2020 www.Eastmont.

org

See inside for important information

regarding Eastmont’s response to COVID-19

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 From Your Assistant Pastor
Art Long - along@eastmont.org
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in
trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
As I write to you this is day five of the fifteen days that
our president asked all Americans to observe a self
quarantine of sorts to attempt to curb the spread of the
Coronavirus. Yesterday, after 24 hours of a persistent
cough, I saw a doctor who determined that I probably
have an upper respiratory infection. I was given a steroid
shot, antibiotics, and a strong cough syrup. Even though
I’m hunkered down, I am still available to any of you 24/7
by calling me at 334-462-4676.
Whether you are ill or trying not to be, this is a difficult
time for everyone—Christians not excluded. This virus will
affect everyone in this nation and the world over. We
know our economy and the world economy is in turmoil.
There is a distinct possibility that unemployment will go
up, financial investments will go down, and everyone will
be forced to “tighten their belts.”
Should we as the church be concerned? The answer is an
affirmative—yes we should be. Should we be afraid? That
would be a certain NO! “In God I have put my trust, I will
not be afraid” (Psalm 56:11). Second Samuel 22:2-3 says,
“The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
my God, my rock, in whom I will take refuge, my shield
and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my
refuge; my savior….”
During this time of global uncertainties, one thing is
certain - God is in control! As the church, let us not forget
that. I don’t know the outcome of all of this, but God does
and “my shield is with God” (Psalm 7:10). Our hope and
prayer should be, “Let me take refuge in the shelter of
your wings” (Psalm 61:4). I do know that He will see us
through this crisis.
As your staff, we encourage you and your family to pray,
to fast, to study God’s Word together, and to enjoy this
time with family. Let’s pray for those with the virus and
for the families who have loved ones who have died. Let’s
pray for our president, our governor and our mayor as
well as all world leaders. Let’s pray for first responders,
doctors, nurses and all health care providers. Also
remember to pray for the research work to seek a vaccine
for this virus. Let’s pray for one another. Go to
eastmont.org to keep abreast of information and
encouragement from your staff and church leaders. Go
online on Sunday mornings for Bible study lesson and
worship and the message through live streaming. And let
me say with the writer of Hebrews 2:13, “And again, I will
put my trust in Him.” May God bless you all!
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COVID-19 Updates
ALL PHYSICAL GATHERINGS HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED
THROUGH APRIL 1, 2020.
Sunday Worship Services
Service on March 29 will be available online only through
live stream. Join us online at 10:30 am at eastmont.org/
livestream. April 5 service to be determined.
Passion Play
Postponed at this time
Prayer and Fasting
Join us in fasting from sunrise to sunset on Thursdays.
During the time that you would usually eat, pray for our
faith family, our nation, and all those impacted by the
COVID-19 virus.
Caring for One Another
If you are a church member requiring assistance with
essential needs such as grocery pick up, pharmacy pick up,
delivering tithe and offerings to church or any other
essential needs please call the church office and speak to
Karen Bush.
Tithing Options
1. Give online at Eastmont.org/giving.
2. Mail it to 4505 Atlanta Hwy. Montgomery, AL 36109
3. Physically deliver your offering to the church during
office hours. There is a drop box located on the
credenza in the hallway outside the church office.
Office Hours
Office hours will temporarily change to 10:00 am - 3:00
pm Monday through Friday. Please limit your visits to the
office and only visit when absolutely necessary.
Stay updated through our website at eastmont.org
Senior Adult Ministry
Billy Dickey - bdickey@eastmont.org
I encourage each of you to please read and follow the
guidelines concerning the Coronavirus (COVID-19) at
CDC.gov/coronavirus and more at Whitehouse.gov. Tune
in to eastmont.org often for the latest updates.
Forever Young
*Note date & location change. Forever Young will meet
on Tuesday, April 21 at 10:00 am in Fellowship Hall. Spe-
cial guest will be Eastmont’s very own Picking, Grinning
and Singing group. A covered dish meal will follow.
Senior Adult Trip to Portland & Kennebunkport
September 5-12, 2020. $900.00 per person. This trip is
now open to Eastmont members, family & friends.
Contact Cheryl Wells (Tue.- Thur.) to sign up and pay
your deposit. Contact Billy Dickey for more details.
Mystery Trip
Postponed … date and details hopefully coming soon.
 Student Ministry
Cleve Mallory - cmallory@eastmont.org
VIRTUAL WEDNESDAYS
Since we cannot gather, Cleve will provide a video
message for students and families through his Facebook
page each Wednesday at 6:15 p.m.
MONTGOMERY BISCUITS PARKING FUNDRAISER
The season has been postponed in response to the
COVID-19 outbreak. Watch for updates.
SUMMER MISSION TRIP
June 22-27, our students will experience MFUGE at North
Greenville University, South Carolina. MFUGE is
a missions camp where students minister in a variety of
ways for the week. The cost for MFuge is $300
per person. Visit eastmont.org/mfuge to register.
SUPER SUMMER ALABAMA
Super Summer, July 6-10, is open to students currently in
8th - 12th grades who have shown a commitment
to spiritual leadership amongst their fellow students.
Qualifying characteristics are provided on our church
website. Registration closes April 1st. Students
must register through the church website and complete
a MY TESTIMONY sheet and return it to Cleve or Karen
before the deadline.
Music & Worship Ministries
Lance Maddox - lmaddox@eastmont.org
The Montgomery Passion Play may be postponed, but
definitely not canceled! Christ’s love still holds the same
power to save as always and as soon as we are able, we
want to make sure to take the opportunity to share that
with our community!
All regular rehearsals are canceled for now, but don’t
stop listening to your CDs... We will pick up right where
we left off ASAP!
Our Worship Leadership team works so hard EVERY
WEEK, ALL YEAR LONG to prepare for worship to the
glory of God. This is a difficult, but “prayerfully” restful
time - not rehearsing, singing and playing before the
church... Thank you for being patient in your roles and to
the Tech Team for picking up the slack to make sure the
services are all that they can be! We are blessed to have
so many ready to serve and I look forward to the many
HUGS & handshakes to come…
Remember that what we do is bigger than what we do
on-stage. Being a Worship Leader is living out a lifestyle
of Worship and pointing others to Jesus. We preach the
Word through song... We are more than musicians!
Sympathy to ….
Jeff McFarland in the loss of his grandmother, Bobbie
Handy, who passed away March 16, 2020.
College & Career Ministry
Gene Kim - gkim@eastmont.org
*Regular activities are postponed at this time. Please
check the College GroupMe and social media pages
for the latest updates.
Home Group
Meets on Thursday nights at 7 pm at the Kims. We'll be
going through the book, Gospel in Life by Tim Keller.
Secret Church
April 24 at 6 pm. A time of Bible study & prayer simulating
the persecuted church. The topic is: God, Government, &
the Gospel. All Life Groups are encouraged to participate.
For more info contact Gene.
Missions
Buckleys’ Business Fund
Support IMB missionaries, Jamie and Lauren Buckley, as
they begin their business in South Asia. Write a check to
Eastmont and put “IMB business fund” in the memo line.
Spring Yard Sale Postponed
In light of current conditions, we have postponed the yard
sale. However, you can still contribute directly to help the
Buckleys as they serve in South Asia. All proceeds were
going to be given to their efforts, so we ask you
prayerfully consider giving financially to their cause.
Homeless Sleeping Mat Ministry
The Homeless Sleeping Mat Ministry will not meet until
further notice. However, for those of you looking for
something to do at home, visit Eastmont.org/
sleepingmats for instructions on bag prep.
Children’s Ministry
ltruitt@eastmont.org
Teachers Needed
8:10 Preschool Worship - One adult helper
9:20 -1st Grade Life Group - One adult
10:30 Preschool Worship - Nine adults
9:00-9:25 Greeters serving one month, every 5 months
Wednesdays - GA Director & RA Leader
Team Kid - Sundays 5:00 - 6:00 pm. Suspended
LifeGroup Curriculum Meeting - Canceled
Student Life for Kids Camp - June 23-26 @ Shocco Springs.
Look for more information from a recent mail out.
VBS - June 8-12 - VBS Mystery Island by Answers in
Genesis. Please consider where you might serve.
Free Resources
While we are unable to gather at the church, the following
are good resources for you to use at home with your kids:
From Lifeway - digitalpass.lifeway.com
For RAs and GAs (1st - 6th Grade) - wmu.com/children
Children’s Worship Bulletins - childrensbulletins.com
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The Encourager Periodicals Postage
Eastmont Baptist Church Paid
Montgomery, AL
4505 Atlanta Highway
Montgomery, Alabama 36109
The Encourager USPS No. 018-816 is published and mailed
bi-weekly by Eastmont Baptist Church, 4405 Atlanta Highway,
Montgomery, AL 36109. Postmaster: Send address changes to
Encourager, 4405 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, AL 36109.

March 29, 2020 WEDNESDAY NIGHT FELLOWSHIP MEAL

Sunday, March 29 Sunday, April 5 April 1 2020

To Be Determined No Meal
10:30 AM Worship Service
April 8, 2020
Live Stream Only
To Be Determined

Wednesday, April 1 Wednesday, April 8

No activities To Be Determined
WEEKLY GIVING
March 8, 2020 March 15, 2020

Wednesday Night Fights

General Budget General Budget
$35,426.85 $15,879.00
Emergency Fund Emergency Fund
$2,020.00 $615.00

10:00 pm Annie Armstrong Mission Offering: $2,570.00

Join us from your home as we pray together
LIFEGROUP TOTALS
BUILDING LOCK UP
March 15, 2020 March 22, 2020
March 29, 2020 April 5, 2020 Preschool……………….…....NA Preschool……………….…….NA
NA Jerry Gentle Children……………….….…. NA Children……………….……...NA
Students……………..……….NA Students…………….………..NA
BUS MINISTRY
Adults………..……….….… NA Adults……………….………..NA
March 29, 2020 April 5, 2020
Total………………….….…..NA Total………………….……….NA
NA Brian Gjesvold - 514-0363

Office: (334) 277-6300 Fax: (334) 277-6322 Careline: (334) 277-6384 Prayer Room: (334) 277-8876
Email: ebc@eastmont.org Website: eastmont.org Facebook: facebook.com/eastmont Twitter: @eastmontbaptist

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