No matter who you talk to, it seems like the majority of conversation revolves around COVID-19. While many individuals around the world are quarantined, fear and anxiety has spread as rapidly as the virus. However, even in the face of uncertainty, there is always HOPE. Hope keeps us going. Hope gives us peace. And, Hope is contagious.

We know that our hope is anchored in God’s word. As David said in Psalms 119:114, “Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.” When we put our trust in God and are reminded of all His promises, we can find rest even in the midst of the unknown and chaos. He is still in control.

When a person resists hope, “it makes the heart sick” (Proverbs 13:12), but a person who finds hope is grounded, calm, and peaceful. We are excited to begin the “Hope is Contagious” movement. This is our way of staying connected and spreading hope while we maintain social distancing. We asked the FAC family to kick off the movement by spreading hope to their communities. However, we don’t want this to be just a FAC Tallmadge thing. Let’s make it a global movement! 

Instead of spreading the virus of fear, let’s seize the opportunity to spread hope. Throughout the duration of the quarantine, we will release an updated map that shows where everyone is participating in this movement. Let’s put hope on the map!

Want to join the movement? Here’s how you can spread hope:

1. Spend time with your family and create artwork that displays your favorite scriptures full of God’s promises.
2. Hang your artwork in a window for your neighbors and community to see.
3. Post a picture of you and your family’s artwork and use the hashtag #HOPEiscontagious (remember to pin your location)
4. Encourage your family and friends to participate.

Sunday Services (March 15, 22, 29, & April 5)

On March 15, 22, 29, and April 5, FAC will only have one Sunday service at 10:00am. FAC is taking extra precautions and measures to provide a safe and clean house of worship by doing the following:

• General assembly only.
• Hand sanitizer will be stationed throughout the building.
• Our staff will sanitize and disinfect all high-traffic surfaces before and after each service.
• We will march to give offering instead of passing offering plates.

To stay healthy and safe, it is a joint effort. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, here are things we all can do to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses:

• Wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based sanitizer if water and soap are not available.
• If you are sick or experiencing flu-like or virus symptoms, please stay home.
• Limit or avoid physical contact with others. We are a friendly church, but for now, please avoid hand-shakes, hugs, high-fives, etc. A smile and friendly wave can be just as effective.
• If you have to sneeze or cough, please cover your mouth with your arm or a tissue then sanitize your hands.

Wednesday Services (March 18, 25, & April 1)

On March 18, 25, and April 1, we have restricted our Wednesday night services to online only. We will have a video of Pastor Bulgrin’s message available every Wednesday night during this season on our website at factallmadge.com.

We know that this situation is rapidly evolving, so we will be assessing the situation continually and may change our schedule accordingly. If the above schedule changes, we will notify the FAC family as soon as possible via our website, social media, and Sunday announcements.

Rest assured, we are exhausting our efforts to provide a sanitized, safe house of worship. This new schedule is only temporary, and we hope that with prayer and cautious efforts, we all can remain healthy and at peace. Be careful, not fearful. Remember to put on the armour of God (Eph. 6) and plead the blood of Jesus (Rev. 12:11) over you and your loved ones everyday.

Don’t Fear the Flu

FAC Takes Preventative Action

Healthy Habits & Prevention Tips

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the following habits are great ways to prevent sickness and remain healthy.

Avoid close contact
If you are sick, maintain a good distance from others to protect them from getting sick. Avoid close contact with those who are sick.

It’s important to note that you can have the virus and be contagious 24 hours before experiencing symptoms. So, if you have been in contact with a person who is sick, it is wise to maintain your distance from others even if you don’t have symptoms.

Stay home when sick
If possible, stay home when you are sick. Ideally, stay home 24 hours after your fever has disappeared without fever-reducing medicine. This will prevent the sickness from spreading which will no doubt be appreciated.

Cover your mouth and nose
If you have to sneeze or cough, make sure to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. If you do not have a tissue on hand, cover your mouth and nose with your arm. Do not use your hands to cover. Many common respiratory illnesses are spreading by coughing, sneezing, or unclean hands.

Frequently wash your hands
The flu virus can live on hard surfaces for 24 hours. So, make sure to wash your hands with hot water and soap especially before you eat or prepare food. Lather your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not accessible, use an alcohol-based sanitizer.

Avoid touching your face
Touching your face, especially with unwashed hands, can easily expose you to germs and sickness.

We care about people’s health. By all of us using the preventative tips, we can work together to stay healthy and flu-free.

More than Just a Flagpole

Praying for Our Country

What to Expect