This local church has been gifted with Pastors and Teachers for purpose of discipling the Believers the doctrines of Christ (Eph. 4:11-16). Everyone of them is different in the own right and are uniquely equipped and trained themselves for the ministry. As we grow and mature in our walk with the Lord, we are encouraged to encourage these faithful ministers in their labor of love.
To all of you, please look within your ministry for the person or persons you would like to recognize. On the 4th Sunday of this month (October 24th) we will give time for the ministry presentations
The concept of the appreciation is expanded beyond the work or service of the Pastor but includes the work of those who have labored in the word and in deed. Take a moment this month to call out that person who has ministered Christ to you and helped mature you in your faith. If you have a special person you would like to recognize this month, we can recognize them on the 24th during the Morning service.
October is Pastor/Clergy Appreciation Month
"And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves."
I Thessalonians 5:12, 13
Stanley Lee Eley – Pastor (December 31, 1959 – September 7, 2021)
With respect to Sister Carolyn Eley and family, we announce the Homegoing service for Stanley Lee Eley, former Pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church here at New Berean Baptist Church.
Memorial Service Details:
Viewing Friday, September 17, 2021 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm Metropolitan Funeral Service 5605 Portsmouth Boulevard Portsmouth, VA 23701 (Directions)
Service Saturday, September 18, 2021 11:00 am New Berean Baptist Church 3600 Bamboo Road Portsmouth, VA 23703 (Directions) Seating is limited and audio will be transmitted on FM frequency 107.5
Interment, Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens 4569 Shoulders Hill Road Suffolk, VA 23435 (Directions)
MASKS and FACIAL COVERS ARE REQUIRED INSIDE OF METROPOLITAN and NEW BEREAN BAPTIST CHURCH (please click here specific details for New Berean guests)
“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints” Ephesians 6:17-18
Every Sunday morning we invite you to join with us in prayer. We are engaged in a spiritual warfare which simply means we need to be equipped, suited and trained in the discipline of prayer. Prayer is a tool given to us by the Lord to be used to combat the many things we are confronted with. With illnesses, spiritual rebellion, depression and people who are just struggling to connect the with the Lord, we are commanded to always pray.
At New Berean, we have opened up a time for “Corporate Prayer” where we can collectively approach the throne of grace in our time of need (Heb. 4:16). Join us this Sunday and let us encourage someone in prayer.
Masks and face coverings are to be worn at all times while inside the facility
Practice and encourage safe fellowshipping
Surface body temperature reading upon entering the facility
Sanitizers and hand cleansing station (washrooms) are available
Signages to provide additional directions, instructions are posted throughout
We also ask you to monitor your own health and take the necessary precautions to minimize the risks of illness
We offer audio transmitter service for those who choose not to enter the facility as well as provide a frequently cleaned and disinfected facility.
We encourage biblical and corporate fellowship (Heb. 10:25) but if you cannot we understand. Your health is our combined concern. If you have any specific issues, contact one of our Trustees *property managers”. Looking forward to your continued fellowship with us in prayer.
“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:17b
Isolation, separation and ignorance are not the answers to reducing the risks associated with the COVID and other viruses our world is battling. But vigilance, knowledge of the facts and compliances do help. Let us help you and your family be as safe and conscience of our responsibilities to be the light of this world. The CDC (Center For Disease Controls) has provided us some valuable information for us to us and share (Workplace and Businesses guidelines)
The CDC recommends maintaining safe distances between one another while attending events and other social gatherings. We must recognize and accept that viruses such as the COVID-19 are transmitted through the air from one person to another. If we maintain safe distances no less than three feet, we can help reduce the risks of transmission. Other elements of safe practices like each of us wearing face masks along with distancing further reduce the risks.
Masks and face coverings are another tool we can and are expected to use to help minimize the spread of these viruses to help protect our family and friends. The use of masks is strongly encouraged to be worn by all of us.
Above all, it is imperative we remain vigilant and aware of our own health and the things we need to do to maintain good health. The body we’ve been given are the Lord’s and we are to be found faithful as good stewards with these things entrusted.
Know your health condition and take care of your body, God’s body.
Monitor changes in your health.
Consult your personal care or a competent medical physician when things change or are unexplainably different.
If you’ve been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for the COVID virus, you should immediately get tested as well.
Follow your doctors advice.
Read and know the facts regarding your health, protecting yourself and the health of others near and dear to you. We who are believers are members of the body of Christ (Roms 12:4, Eph. 2:19) have a biblical mandate to care for and be considerate to one another especially those of the “household of faith“. Let us both give and receive consideration in prayer, comfort and supplying the needs of each other. STAY CONNECT and in touch with your church and biologically family.
Our responsibility and commitment to you comes from the Lord.
We, your New Berean family will keep you informed as we are provided with factual information.
We, your New Berean family will ensure our facility is safe for small and manageable gatherings and events.
We, your New Berean family will remain faithful and committed to “The Commission of Christ” as we ask you to do the same. The Lord expects us to rescue the perishing, comfort the hurting regardless of the circumstances for his glory.
Join us this Sunday for a time of Corporate Prayer, Praise and the Preaching of God’s Word. Whether In-Person or in our parking lot, New Berean encourages you both worship and fellowship with the people of God to encourage and be encouraged. Join us and invite a friend as we begin our 32nd year of ministry for the cause of Christ
If you’ve been a member of New Berean for 32 years, twenty years or even one, you are part of a collection of people divinely appointed by the Lord for the purpose of being about his holy business. His business is to be his witnesses to the “Commission” which is to preach Christ to the lost, baptize those who believe and disciple those who follow, God has added you a work that has eternal benefits and rewards attached to his grace. By his order, we are united by his love, his mercy and grace and so are called to edify one another for his sake.
As we celebrate the 32nd anniversary of God’s ministry, let us be reminded we also celebrate being a “Church United”. We are a body of believers of like-faith joined and fitted together by the same Spirit. Working, serving and sharing in the work together, we supply and are supplied of every need and mature together for the cause of Christ and God’s glory.
“From whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” Ephesian 4:16
Great things God has done! Let’s rejoice in the God of our salvation. Ministries and Ministry Leaders let us bring together plans for the honoring of the Lord for the many blessings we have received through the ministry or New Berean.
Contact your ministry Leader and Leaders, contact your Deacon or suggestions including a cookout on the third of fourth Saturday on the Church grounds.
WHILE WE ARE SETTING UP, MAKING PREPARATIONS IN PRAYER AND FASTING KNOW WE’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO FELLOWSHIPING AND WORSHIPING WITH ONE ANOTHER TOMORROW MORNING. SINCE THE LORD HAS FITLY JOINED US TOGETHER IN THE LORD, WE ARE ENCOURAGED SHARING THE DIFFERENT EXPERIENCES OF THE FAITHFULNESS OF OUR FAITHFUL GOD AND THE THINGS HE IS WORKING THROUGH US. SEE YOU THEN.
ENDEVOURING TO KEEP YOU CONNECTED
LISTEN TO OUR SUNDAY MORNING SERIVE LIVE IN OUR PARKING LOT USING YOUR STEREO USING FM 107.5
CAN’T GET TO CHURCH BUT YOU WANT TO GIVE TO THE MINISTRY, CONSIDER GIVING ON-LINE FROM LAPTOP, TABLET OR CELL DEVICE. CONTACT US AND WE’LL SHARE WITH YOU THIS SAFE AND CONVENIENT WAY TO GIVE TO YOUR LOCAL CHURCH.
CHECK OUT PULPIT POINTS, ON YOUTUBE.COM. PULPIT POINTS IS COLLECTION OF CHALLENGING AND ENCOURAGING MESSAGES FROM THE PULPIT OF NEW BEREAN BAPTIST CHURCH.
NEW BEREAN’S PULPIT POINTS ON YOUTUBE
Acts 17:11 “These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.”
UPDATE: There have been a number of changes issued by the CDC, the Governor of the state of Virginia and from our local health agencies which has generated a lot of buzz for our Country. Our responsibilities to keep you informed and safe is our priority. Virginia Governor’s Executive Order # 79 “ENDING OF COMMONSENSE PUBLIC HEALTH RESTRICTIONS DUE TO NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19): goes into effect May 28, 2021. It provides a guidance of directives for the wearing of masks and face coverings both inside and outside. Based upon the numbers positive COVID19 case declining, it has been decided the need to reduce the previously enacted guidelines.
New Berean is responsible to provide our members, our guests and friends with a safe facility to grow in our faith, fellowship with other saints and be discipled in the teachings of Christ. Our plans will be to maintain our current course and will expect the following from all our faithful attenders:
Face masks and coverings are expected to be worn by everyone while inside the facility. You will not be required or asked to wear the coverings outside, while you are still expected to socialized and fellowship responsibly.
Distancing has been a tool to support the minimizing the risk and decreasing the spread of the virus. We are asking everyone gathering for any meeting inside the facility to maintain a safe (recommended 6 foot) distance from others.
Because the virus is communicable, it is strictly encouraged to wash and cleanse your hands frequently to minimize the risks of spreading the virus. If you are comfortable with using the “elbow and fist bumps” as your version of greeting one another with “a holy kiss” do so but use the hand sanitizers provided to wash your hands.
We will continue to work to provide you a safe and cleaned facility by wiping down varied hard surfaces, disinfecting the other surfaces and ensuring the airflow is clean.
Safety Guideline for Guests and Friends of New Berean Baptist Church
The Governor of Virginia has been careful in rescinding and easing these safety restrictions but he has also allowed the religious communities of faith to lead the efforts and be the example. We give honor and praise to the Lord our God for his grace and mercy towards the family of New Berean. If you have any concerns or issues with these guidelines, speak with one of the Trustees so we can get the clarity and understand we need.
Based upon the above mentioned guidelines and instructions, we are issuing and announcing the following “in-house” guidelines for the ministry of New Berean Baptist Church. It is our intent to maintain an atmosphere safe for ministry and Christian discipleship.
Face masks and coverings will still be required while inside the building facility
A minimal distance of 6 feet is to be maintained especially if personal engagement is sustained
We (as a church staff) will continue to provide body temperature monitoring upon entry, hand sanitizer and a clean facility to support our work for the Kingdom of God.
Gatherings
CDC continues to recommend avoiding large events and gatherings. Currently, CDC does not provide numbers to define small and large events.
Large gatherings bring together many people from multiple households in a private or public space. Large gatherings are often planned events with a large number of guests and invitations. They sometimes involve lodging, event staff, security, tickets, and long-distance travel. CDC’s large events guidance might apply to events such as conferences, trade shows, sporting events, festivals, concerts, or large weddings and parties.
Small gatherings are informal in nature and may occur with family and friends you regularly socialize with, often at someone’s residence. They typically do not involve long distance travel. Small gathering guidance might be more appropriate for social gatherings that are more intimate with close friends and family, such as small holiday parties, family dinners, and small special celebrations.
CDC offers the following guidance to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Event planners should work with state and local health officials to implement this guidance, adjusting to meet the unique needs and circumstances of the local community. This guidance is meant to supplement—not replace—any state, local, territorial, or tribal health and safety laws, rules, and regulations with which gatherings must comply.
Risk Factors to Consider
Several factors can contribute to the likelihood of attendees getting and spreading COVID-19 at large events. In combination, the following factors will create higher or lower amounts of risk:
Number of COVID-19 cases in your community—High or increasing levels of COVID-19 cases in the event location or the locations the attendees are coming from increase the risk of infection and spread among attendees. Relevant data can often be found on the local health department website or on CDC’s COVID Data Tracker County View.
Exposure during travel—Airports, airplanes, bus stations, buses, train stations, trains, public transport, gas stations, and rest stops are all places where physical distancing may be challenging and ventilation may be poor.
Setting of the event—Indoor events, especially in places with poor ventilation, pose more risk than outdoor events.
Length of the event—Events that last longer pose more risk than shorter events. Being within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more (over a 24-hour period) greatly increases the risk of becoming infected and requires quarantine.
Number and crowding of people at the event – Events with more people increase the likelihood of being exposed. The size of the event should be determined based on whether attendees from different households can stay at least 6 feet (2 arm lengths) Physical distancing at events can reduce transmission risk—for example, blocking off seats or modifying room layouts.
Behavior of attendees during an event— Events where people engage in behaviors such as interacting with others from outside their own household, singing, shouting, not maintaining physical distancing, or not wearing masks consistently and correctly, can increase risk.
After reviewing this guidance, large event planners, operators, and administrators can use CDC’s Events and Gatherings Readiness and Planning Tool pdf icon[360 KB, 10 pages] to determine their level of readiness to implement mitigation and safety measures. Organizers should continue to assess, based on current conditions, whether to postpone or cancel large events and gatherings, or significantly reduce the number of attendees for events. If organizers are unable to put safety measures in place during large events and gatherings, they may choose instead to host a virtual event.
