Dr. George W. Farmer Jr. and First Lady
Operations While Dealing With the Coronavirus Pandemic
As Olive Branch Baptist Church closely monitors the progress of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) throughout our nation and region, we are taking steps to prepare for potential impact. We are praying for those who may be affected by the virus and for God’s protection over us all. Please partner with us in this prayer as well as in taking practical measures to mitigate the spread of the virus.
The OBBC leadership is praying for God's Healing and protection during this difficult time. As we look unto God, let us also look after one another. Even as we practice social distancing, please remember to consider and care for the most vulnerable among us, such as our senior citizens and those with serious health conditions. May God bless and keep you in our time apart.
Current Operating Status: Limited, Closed from March 22 - April 30
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 first online service will be held on Sunday, March 22. 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 not be held on the third Sunday in April.
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
As Olive Branch Baptist Church closely monitors the progress of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) throughout our nation and region, we are taking steps to prepare for potential impact. We are praying for those who may be affected by the virus and for God’s protection over us all. Please partner with us in this prayer as well as in taking practical measures to mitigate the spread of the virus.
The OBBC leadership is praying for God's Healing and protection during this difficult time. As we look unto God, let us also look after one another. Even as we practice social distancing, please remember to consider and care for the most vulnerable among us, such as our senior citizens and those with serious health conditions. May God bless and keep you in our time apart.
Current Operating Status: Limited, Closed from March 22 - April 30
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 first online service will be held on Sunday, March 22. 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 not be held on the third Sunday in April.
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