CONGREGATIONAL UPDATES

5/24/2020.  12:00am

Bethel AME Church - WILL NOT open

Bethel stands in agreement with our leadership - Bishop James L. Davis, presiding prelate of the 2nd Episcopal District of the AME Church. In a memorandum yesterday, he implored our district to take time to be fully prepared for church reopening. Bishop Davis then gave the following warning: “Let us not be bamboozled and hoodwinked by someone who does not have our best interest at heart. The leadership of our church has already been in deliberations about what will make the reopening of our church possible. We are committed to making Bethel as safe as possible before having public worship services. Until Bethel is ready for reopening, we will continue to stream our services, bible studies, prayer meetings, and ministry gatherings. Our aim is to be a house of healing, help, and hope!


Rev. Patrick D. Clayborn, Ph.D.

Senior Pastor




4/28/2020.  8:04pm

Fair Development Solidarity Hotline 


IF YOU'VE BEEN ASKING: 


  • When will evictions restart?
  • What do I do if I can't pay my rent?
  • What if my landlord changes thee locks?
  • Do I qualify for Unemployment?
  • Where can I get food assistance?


There is a Fair Development Solidarity Hotline operating now that will answer questions about housing, employment and food.

443-402-6223.  It is Open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 4-8pm

04/19/2020  12:00am

COMMUNITY FOOD BANK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


04/01/2020  12:00am

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!

04/01/2020  11:37am

 

HAVE YOU TAKEN THE CENSUS?
YOU CAN FILL OUT THE PACKET SENT IN THE MAIL OR DO SO ONLINE:

 

https://my2020census.gov/

 

April 1: This is Census Day, a key reference date for the 2020 Census—not a deadline. We use this day to determine who is counted and where in the 2020 Census. When you respond, you'll tell the Census Bureau where you live as of April 1, 2020, and include everyone who usually lives and sleeps in your home. You can respond before or after that date. We encourage you to respond as soon as you can.

 

April 29 – May 1: The Census Bureau will count people who are experiencing homelessness over these three days. As part of this process, the Census Bureau counts people in shelters, at soup kitchens and mobile food vans, on the streets, and at non-sheltered, outdoor locations such as tent encampments.

 

April 16 – June 19: Census takers will work with administrators at colleges, senior centers, prisons, and other facilities that house large groups of people to make sure everyone is counted.

 

May 27 – August 14: Census takers will interview homes that haven't responded to the 2020 Census to help make sure everyone is counted.
December: The Census Bureau will deliver apportionment counts to the President and Congress as required by law.

 

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3 /25/2020  1:37pm

 

VITAL WEBLINKS AND INFORMATION SOURCES

 

https://governor.maryland.gov/coronavirus/   STATE OF MARYLAND SITE COVID-19 response and programs

 

https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/  STATUS OF THE VIRUS IN MARYLAND

 

https://www.fns.usda.gov/contacts?f%5B0%5D=state%3A304   FOOD AND NUTRITION INFO

 

https://www.MDSummerMeals.org    MEALS FOR SCHOOL AGED CHILDREN

 

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03/21/2020 6:55pm

 

Dear Bethel Nation Members,

 

We pray you are all well and taking care of you and yours. If you are in need or have a pressing pastoral matter, please call the church 410-523-4273 as the lines are forwarded and still monitored.

 

As a church, we continue to follow the protocols in place that prohibit large group gatherings.

However, we need God now more than ever. PLEASE KNOW - WE ARE STILL HAVING CHURCH ONLINE. Many of you join us LIVE, and others of you have gotten help so you're able to watch live, watch replays, or listen via phone. No matter how you're able to connect with the Word it's important that YOU MAKE EVERY EFFORT to continue to stay in faith and fellowship.

 

Church is more than it's walls and pews. The Church is us -- the people.

 

TOMORROW -Sunday, March 22nd. We will be streaming live at 9:45am. To watch click :

 

 

Please continue to pray and be faithful in your giving. There are several ways to do that online. 

CLICK HERE:  https://www.elexiogiving.com/App/Giving/bethelamec

 

For those members who reached out and shared they aren't tech savvy, or prefer not to use online means-- we will be receiving your tithes and offerings in person March 22nd in Brooks Chapel between the hours of 9:45 and 11:45 a.m.

For elderly persons or those with low mobility- a Steward will come out to your car to receive your offering.

 

SOCIAL DISTANCING & HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN DRIVE UP GIVING SUNDAY ---

 

  • Park next to the church on the Lanvale St. side and go into brooks chapel and drop your offering at the table with Steward Cyndi Foote. 
  • If there are a few people in front of you, space yourself out by 6-8 feet. Return to your vehicle .
  • If you have low mobility, stay in your vehicle and alert security that you need assistance.

 

We are happy to try and work out something for those of you who still prefer to pay in person as long as we are able to get to the church.

We love you and are praying for you. Please don't hesistate to call the office with other question and concerns. Remember you can also get congregational updates here: http://www.bethel1.org/member-updates/

 

FAQ

Q: WILL THIS OPTION BE AVAILABLE WEDNESDAY OR NEXT SUNDAY?

A: With protocols changing weekly, we cannot say. We suggest that you drop of future gifts - dated for the future Sundays / Wednesdays you wish them to be deposited. You may also download ELEXIO COMMUNITY on your smart phone and email Sis. Janette Smith to help you get set up to give through that app. You can also use the Givelify app. YOU MAY ALSO CALL IN, and give payments over the phone to Ms. Lily. 410-523-4273.

 

Q: WILL CHURCH CONTINUE TO BE HELD ONLINE?

A:  Yes! In some shape, form or fashion ---we WILL receive our weekly messages from Pastor Clayborn.

 

Q: WHAT OTHER WAYS CAN WE STAY CONNECTED ?

A: The Stewards and Ministers are beginning to make phone calls to check in with every member. We care about how you're doing during this  tumultuous time.  We are also working on small group gatherings that will take place online via Google Hangouts or Zoom. There is no cost to participate. More word will be coming about that soon.

 

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HOME SCHOOLING SCHEDULE IDEAS

3/16/20  6:00 a.m. EST

For parents: Here's an at-home schedule shared by our educators and heads of the Bethel Tutorial and Enrichment Program to help those looking for a structure for your Elementary School Students for these "at-home" days.

 

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Trusted Sources : Links shared in today's Live Stream

3/15/20  12:00 a.m. EST

 

 

COVID-19 Disease - Symptoms & Testing

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/index.html

 

COVID-19 Disease - Resources for Home

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/home/

 

Support Groups | Anxiety & Depression Association of America, ADDA

www.Adda.org

 

Information on meals for school children

www.BaltimoreCitySchools.org

 

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A Message From Our Pastor -Rev. Patrick D. Clayborn, Ph.D.

3/13/20  4:00 p.m. EST

 

I wanted you to give you a personal update about our plans for Sunday in the wake of the mandate to suspend large gatherings. I hope you'll make every effort to stay connected in faith and fellowship through all the means we plan to offer. Sunday's service will be a little different, but we think you'll enjoy it! There are several ways to take part in worship while you're watching online.  

 

If you need prayer - call 410-523-4273 ext 0, and leave your message. Tomorrow I'll be sharing another live prayer line number, plus a conference call number you may use to call in and listen to tomorrow's service after we stream live. This option is for those of you who may not use social media or do much on the internet.

 

An equally important part of our experience is worship through giving. Please know that there are several ways to give.

  • You may click this link and give: Give Now
  • Use your ELEXIO app, or the GIVELIFY app.
  • Mail in your tithes and offerings
  • Call in to our financial secretary to give by debit or credit card.(Ms. Lily  may be reached at 410- 523-4273 press1, then press1 again for accounting) 
  • Visit www.Bethel1.org/giving to sow your seed
  • Use your phone and text to give.

All the information for those options are below:

 

Click the link below to view my video message.

A Personal Message From Pastor Clayborn

 

 

 

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Bethel AME Church

In Response to Governor Hogan’s Coronavirus Updates - Sunday Services Held Online Only

3/13/20  5:00 a.m. EST

 

Dear Bethel AME Members and Guests:

 

With the heightened awareness and public concerns regarding the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) as well as the ongoing seasonal flu virus and common cold, we want to assure you that public health and safety concerns are our highest priority.

 

Therefore, following the recommendation of Maryland’s Governor to cancel mass gatherings, along with the strong advisement from health officials on how to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, we are canceling both in-person services 7:15 a.m. & 9:45 a.m. this Sunday (March 15) and will only be streaming live online.

 

We know this change is a drastic change for how many of you experience Sunday worship – but your health and wellness is our primary concern. Remember: 1300 Druid Hill is not the church; WE are. As we move through this crisis, it’s so important that we stay in faith and fellowship. In this way, technology is a blessing beyond measure. We will continue to monitor the situation week-by-week and hope to resume regular weekend services as soon as we are able.

 

Anyone can join our e-church members and online streaming family this weekend, and every weekend. Join us for worship on our website, www.Bethel1.org    or on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/BethelAMEBaltimore at our usual Sunday worship streaming time of 9:45 a.m. For those who are not comfortable or able to stream — we will provide a phone number for you to call in and listen to the service at your convenience.

 

We will stay connected throughout the week with any updates and other messages via social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) If you are not already, please take a moment to get connected:

 

If you have not liked our Facebook Page— please do so here: Bethel AME Facebook

Connect with us on Instagram here: Bethel AME Instagram

Connect on Twitter here: Bethel AME Twitter

Subscribe to Bethel’s YouTube Channel here: Bethel AME Youtube

 

We will also be contacting members directly via Bethel AME Updates. Members: If you do not currently receive emails, texts, and phone messages from Bethel AME Updates —please call the office at 410-523-4273 ext. 0 or email rcarryall@bethel1.org or janetteRsmith@bethel1.org with all your correct or updated member information.

 

Moving forward— the building will be closed to all ministry activities. We are suspending all rehearsals, meetings, and gatherings, etc. Our staff will be working remotely. Phone calls to the church will be redirected and still received.

 

While we apologize for any inconvenience this causes our members and friends, we feel that this move is necessary to ensure the well-being of all Baltimoreans, especially the most vulnerable among us.

 

Stay connected! Meaningful ministry work during this time includes reaching out to one another with messages of healing, help, and hope. Please continue to pray and seek God’s face as we are praying for all of you.

TRUST GOD...

Stay Informed: The media is aflame with daily updates. Reading everything only increases anxiety. The following is a reliable list of links for educational, planning, and coping tools:


CDC on COVID-19: The US Center for Disease Control’s up-to-date resources on coronavirus.


CDC Resources for Community and Faith-Based Organizations: The CDC has also created resources specifically for faith-based organizations to respond to influenza pandemic, which are applicable in this situation.


Managing Anxiety Around Coronavirus Coverage: The American Psychological Association created this resource to help manage anxiety around coverage of COVID-19.


• Addressing Mental Health Issues: This resource from the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Network provides guidelines for addressing mental health issues that may arise, and offers advice for messaging, including among children, older adults, people with disabilities, and those in quarantine.