Chaplain ministry continues as COVID-19 ravages nation’s nursing homes
(BP)—One of the most difficult things for Cathy Tisher, a chaplain to three different nursing homes in the Oklahoma City area, is seeing the face of a particular nursing home resident as she conducts regular video calls. Tisher knows something that he does not. Roughly three weeks after visitors were prohibited from entering the facility due to the Coronavirus pandemic, this resident’s wife passed away. “The situation is...
Grand Re-opening: Churches prepare for process of regathering in wake of Coronavirus
With the state of Oklahoma permitting churches to open for in-person meetings or worship in early May, Oklahoma Baptist pastors are wading into what it means to reopen the church building. Plans to re-gather for worship vary in pace and style. At Bethel Acres, New Hope, Pastor Will Wilson planned for “Lawn Church” for several Sunday mornings in May, before later gathering in the worship center. Much like a drive-in service, the lawn...
Wynnewood, First sees blessings at Mother’s Day service
WYNNEWOOD—For numerous churches across Oklahoma, Mother’s Day Sunday (May 10) marked the first time since the COVID-19 outbreak that congregations gathered for in-person worship. Members of Wynnewood, First experienced a special Sunday, as nearly 150 attended a lawn chair service. Pastor Jarrod Kendall said, “Yesterday we had another drive-in/lawn chair service for Mother’s Day, which was very special.” According to Kendall,...
Oklahoma Baptists and national leaders observe National Day of Prayer
Christian leaders across the country demonstrated social distancing while observing the 69th annual National Day of Prayer today. Oklahoma Baptist leaders and pastors participated as well with virtual prayer programs at different times throughout the day. At 11:30 a.m., Alan Quigley, associate executive director for Oklahoma Baptists’ Church Resources Group, started a 30-min prayer time that was livestreamed and featured on Oklahoma...
Bixby, Evergreen plans seniors-only worship gathering
BIXBY (BP)—As churches begin to plan to return to physical gatherings, many are taking extra—and innovative—steps to protect high-risk individuals. Bixby, Evergreen plans to reopen its building May 17 for an in-person worship service—but only for those age 55 and older. Michael Gabbert, Evergreen’s senior pastor, said the primary goal was to honor older members of the congregation by bringing them back into the community...
Oklahoma Baptists faithfully house missionaries during pandemic
Oklahoma Baptists have a long legacy of sending and supporting missionaries serving overseas. For the local church, it is a joyous occasion when missionaries return home for a stateside visit. Dozens of churches across Oklahoma provide housing to missionaries while they are on stateside. With travel suspended to many countries due to COVID-19, missionary housing among Oklahoma Baptists has reached full capacity. Thankfully, churches...
