Dr. George W. Farmer Jr. and First Lady
We've Come This Far by Faith
As we at Olive Branch Baptist Church move into this new year, let us be sanguine and realistic concerning our goals and our focus as we endeavor to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. Our vision continues to be simple and straightforward.
The events of the last year and our response to them have made us a different church – in style and function, from what we may envision at this time last January. Nonetheless, the pandemic came and continued; and we – by necessity – became a different kind of church. In like manner, we became different kind of members as well. However, our vision did not – and will not change. Somehow, we moved forward – each in our own way – and here we stand today.
Now we can build upon the lessons we learned. For example, we learned that the church can and must continue – whether or not we met in the church building. Our Bible study efforts – Sunday School and Discipleship Classes – more than tripled in attendance as our members and friends from all over the country came together – over the telephone – to study and discuss the Word of God. Consequently, we can declare with confidence that we have – in many ways – been a stronger BEACON FOR THE WANDERER – even under the adverse conditions generated by the pandemic.
As we stride forward into this new year. We must continue to deal with the realities forced upon us – i.e. “social distancing, masks, ubiquitous sanitation procedures” – because they save lives and keep us at whatever health levels we have. At the same time, we can – and should – look for new and different ways to touch the people around us who have not fared as well as we have- enabling us to continue to be A REFUGE FOR THE TROUBLED. As we do this, we will be living up to Jesus’ call for us to help – “the least of these my brethren.”
Finally, the year 2021 offers us another opportunity to build a solid base for future achievements – achievements that will be the product of our innovative actions that will enable us to overcome the limitations forced upon us by the conditions of today. In doing so we can become inspiring examples of faith in action that show that we are still creating evidence that gives A HOPE FOR POSTERITY – as we become living “lights” shining on the hill of hope called Olive Branch Baptist Church.
As we at Olive Branch Baptist Church move into this new year, let us be sanguine and realistic concerning our goals and our focus as we endeavor to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. Our vision continues to be simple and straightforward.
The events of the last year and our response to them have made us a different church – in style and function, from what we may envision at this time last January. Nonetheless, the pandemic came and continued; and we – by necessity – became a different kind of church. In like manner, we became different kind of members as well. However, our vision did not – and will not change. Somehow, we moved forward – each in our own way – and here we stand today.
Now we can build upon the lessons we learned. For example, we learned that the church can and must continue – whether or not we met in the church building. Our Bible study efforts – Sunday School and Discipleship Classes – more than tripled in attendance as our members and friends from all over the country came together – over the telephone – to study and discuss the Word of God. Consequently, we can declare with confidence that we have – in many ways – been a stronger BEACON FOR THE WANDERER – even under the adverse conditions generated by the pandemic.
As we stride forward into this new year. We must continue to deal with the realities forced upon us – i.e. “social distancing, masks, ubiquitous sanitation procedures” – because they save lives and keep us at whatever health levels we have. At the same time, we can – and should – look for new and different ways to touch the people around us who have not fared as well as we have- enabling us to continue to be A REFUGE FOR THE TROUBLED. As we do this, we will be living up to Jesus’ call for us to help – “the least of these my brethren.”
Finally, the year 2021 offers us another opportunity to build a solid base for future achievements – achievements that will be the product of our innovative actions that will enable us to overcome the limitations forced upon us by the conditions of today. In doing so we can become inspiring examples of faith in action that show that we are still creating evidence that gives A HOPE FOR POSTERITY – as we become living “lights” shining on the hill of hope called Olive Branch Baptist Church.
Current Operating Status: Limited, Closed
All Olive Branch Baptist Church facilities will be closed to everyone except essential employees. You may reach the church for emergencies via telephone at 703-754-8167 - 24 hours a day. You will reach our voicemail and we will respond ASAP.
Worship Services
We will have virtual worship services until the government provides clearance for large gatherings to resume. Our online services are posted for each Sunday, during our regular service times of 11:30 a.m., please tune in via one of the following platforms to join us in worship.
Communion
Communion will held virtually and can be viewed anytime for your participation.
Ministry Activities
Though the church’s buildings will remain closed, we will resume as many ministry activities as possible over the next month. We are unable to hold in-person gatherings, but we will begin to transition to using technology instead.
Discipleship classes will meet via teleconference so that we can continue with ministry. The Lesson topic for this time period will be Dealing with Disasters (Base Scriptures: JOB 1-3, ET AL.)
I encourage open discussion by all participants, and will endeavor to answer any questions that rise. I look forward to hearing you during these sessions.
Tithes & Offerings
If you would like to continue your tithes and/or offerings during this time, there are several ways you can give to the church:
We are working on a payment system using credit and/or debit cards and will keep you informed.
Thank you for your contributions.
Safety Precautions
For everyone's safety and protection, we ask that you please remain at home if you:
Funerals
Previously scheduled funerals will proceed as planned>
Access
Only essential OBBC Officers will be granted access to OBBC buildings
WHAT WE’RE DOING
The safety of our members, staff and visitors is our utmost concern. We are taking the following precautions at OBBC facilities:
WHAT YOU CAN DO
There are simple measures you can take to protect yourself and help us reduce the spread of Coronavirus in our community.
If you feel sick or are caring for someone who is sick:
In general:
Educate yourself:
DR. GEORGE W. FARMER, JR.
PASTOR
All Olive Branch Baptist Church facilities will be closed to everyone except essential employees. You may reach the church for emergencies via telephone at 703-754-8167 - 24 hours a day. You will reach our voicemail and we will respond ASAP.
Worship Services
We will have virtual worship services until the government provides clearance for large gatherings to resume. Our online services are posted for each Sunday, during our regular service times of 11:30 a.m., please tune in via one of the following platforms to join us in worship.
Communion
Communion will held virtually and can be viewed anytime for your participation.
Ministry Activities
Though the church’s buildings will remain closed, we will resume as many ministry activities as possible over the next month. We are unable to hold in-person gatherings, but we will begin to transition to using technology instead.
Discipleship classes will meet via teleconference so that we can continue with ministry. The Lesson topic for this time period will be Dealing with Disasters (Base Scriptures: JOB 1-3, ET AL.)
- DEATH OF CLOSE FRIENDS AND FAMILY
- DEATH OF FINANCIAL STABILITY
- DEATH OF PERSONAL HEALTH
I encourage open discussion by all participants, and will endeavor to answer any questions that rise. I look forward to hearing you during these sessions.
Tithes & Offerings
If you would like to continue your tithes and/or offerings during this time, there are several ways you can give to the church:
- Mail: You can send a check to the following address: OBBC, P.O. Box 29, Haymarket, VA 20168. Please make checks payable to OBBC.
We are working on a payment system using credit and/or debit cards and will keep you informed.
Thank you for your contributions.
Safety Precautions
For everyone's safety and protection, we ask that you please remain at home if you:
- Are unwell or ill,
- Are caring for someone who is ill,
- Have a compromised immune system, or
- Have cold or flu like symptoms
Funerals
Previously scheduled funerals will proceed as planned>
Access
Only essential OBBC Officers will be granted access to OBBC buildings
WHAT WE’RE DOING
The safety of our members, staff and visitors is our utmost concern. We are taking the following precautions at OBBC facilities:
- Providing hand sanitizer. We have placed hand sanitizer stations at all building entrances. We also have wall-mounted stations throughout our buildings’ common areas as well as our classrooms and meeting spaces. Please use them when you are unable to wash your hands.
- Disinfecting our buildings. The surfaces within OBBC facilities, including our meeting rooms and classrooms, are cleaned and disinfected whenever used. For any public gatherings such as Bible study and our Sunday worship services (when allowed), all surfaces are cleaned both before and after the event.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
There are simple measures you can take to protect yourself and help us reduce the spread of Coronavirus in our community.
If you feel sick or are caring for someone who is sick:
- Stay home unless you are seeking medical treatment.
- Limit your participation in community activities.
- Plan to call into ministry meetings instead of attending them in person.
- Dispose of used tissues right away.
In general:
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth and others with unwashed hands.
- Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water as often as you can. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
- If you are not near a sink, use hand sanitizer. Sanitize all of the skin on your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. Refrain from shaking your hands to dry them.
- Engage in respiratory etiquette by coughing and sneezing into the bend of your elbow.
- Sanitize freshly touched surfaces in your home, school or office daily.
- Avoid coming in close contact with those who appear unwell.
Educate yourself:
- Learn the additional measures that high risk, vulnerable individuals should take.
- Stay up on current events.
DR. GEORGE W. FARMER, JR.
PASTOR