Blog https://www.taylormemorial.com Fri, 29 Mar 2024 02:29:03 -0600 http://churchplantmedia.com/ Crutches https://www.taylormemorial.com/blog/post/crutches- https://www.taylormemorial.com/blog/post/crutches-#comments Fri, 08 May 2020 14:00:00 -0600 https://www.taylormemorial.com/blog/post/crutches- No doubt we are living in a time where an accurate description is difficult to find. We might perhaps be able to agree on some things; none of us would have picked this situation, and no one could have predicted the degree to which it would alter our lives. We are all looking forward to regathering as the church in person (which thankfully seems somewhat close) but please do not let mere "normal" be the climax of our longing. Hopefully, the last few weeks have altered our way of thinking, especially as followers of Christ, making us more heavenly minded, longing for a better, perfect kingdom. There is also a reason that our current gathering situation seems lacking, it is missing necessary components. Jared Wilson, Director of For the Church at Midwestern Seminary, describes this reality well:

 

"If church is simply about a religious content download, then certainly online options are suitable replacements. But if something else is taking place, if there is something "spiritually" significant about the people "physically"  gathering, no substitute can be "the same". We might look at the options available to us these days as acceptable crutches for a time of hinderance. But when the hinderance is gone, we toss aside the crutches."

 

Without hesitation we hope that the crutches of our current situation can be tossed aside as soon as possible. Being in community with people, which actually means being with people, is a desire all people have because they are made in the image of God, but should be a deep desire for the church--followers of Christ. As we look to lay aside the crutches let us not rush to the way things were without meaningful contemplation of what we have learned. Let us kneel, run, seek after, and long for Jesus. Let the fact that we long for an eternal kingdom drive us to see our current situation as an opportunity to tell people about the kingdom we long for and its glorious and gracious King. Followers of Jesus are the bride of Christ, the family God, the body of Christ, and have a biblical mandate to make disciples. As we begin taking steps to come together fix your mind on Jesus, "the author and perfecter of our faith". Ask Jesus to help us be selfless, to shine His light through us, and to let our church family be obedient to the Word of God.

]]>
No doubt we are living in a time where an accurate description is difficult to find. We might perhaps be able to agree on some things; none of us would have picked this situation, and no one could have predicted the degree to which it would alter our lives. We are all looking forward to regathering as the church in person (which thankfully seems somewhat close) but please do not let mere "normal" be the climax of our longing. Hopefully, the last few weeks have altered our way of thinking, especially as followers of Christ, making us more heavenly minded, longing for a better, perfect kingdom. There is also a reason that our current gathering situation seems lacking, it is missing necessary components. Jared Wilson, Director of For the Church at Midwestern Seminary, describes this reality well:

 

"If church is simply about a religious content download, then certainly online options are suitable replacements. But if something else is taking place, if there is something "spiritually" significant about the people "physically"  gathering, no substitute can be "the same". We might look at the options available to us these days as acceptable crutches for a time of hinderance. But when the hinderance is gone, we toss aside the crutches."

 

Without hesitation we hope that the crutches of our current situation can be tossed aside as soon as possible. Being in community with people, which actually means being with people, is a desire all people have because they are made in the image of God, but should be a deep desire for the church--followers of Christ. As we look to lay aside the crutches let us not rush to the way things were without meaningful contemplation of what we have learned. Let us kneel, run, seek after, and long for Jesus. Let the fact that we long for an eternal kingdom drive us to see our current situation as an opportunity to tell people about the kingdom we long for and its glorious and gracious King. Followers of Jesus are the bride of Christ, the family God, the body of Christ, and have a biblical mandate to make disciples. As we begin taking steps to come together fix your mind on Jesus, "the author and perfecter of our faith". Ask Jesus to help us be selfless, to shine His light through us, and to let our church family be obedient to the Word of God.

]]>
Easter Service FAQs https://www.taylormemorial.com/blog/post/easter-service-faqs https://www.taylormemorial.com/blog/post/easter-service-faqs#comments Wed, 08 Apr 2020 13:00:00 -0600 https://www.taylormemorial.com/blog/post/easter-service-faqs Easter FAQs

  1. Is “Drive-In Church” permissible under the governor’s orders?

Yes! The governor and the NM Health Dept. have both suggested “Drive-In” church as a viable alternative to gather for worship.

 

  1. Are there certain precautions being taken in regard to health and safety?

Yes! You MUST stay in your car! We will park cars at a safe distance and our parking lot attendants will be in masks and gloves. Also, the packets being handed out were packed with our volunteers wearing masks and gloves. The packets contain song lyrics, a kid’s activity page, and the weekly schedule for Taylor.

 

  1. How will we know where to park and how will all the cars be dismissed? 

As you enter the Tydings parking lot there will be cones that lead the way. Also, as you enter there will be parking lot attendants to guide you through the whole process. You will enter in the middle entrance of the parking lot, by the white security guard building.

 

  1. How will we hear the teaching and music?

You will roll your window down. There will be enough distance between vehicles to safely roll down your windows. The music and teaching will be on a live sound system from the porch of Tydings Auditorium. We will broadcast in Spanish over an FM station.

 

  1. Are there restrooms available?

Given our current circumstances you will not be able to get out of your vehicle and use a restroom. Should you have an emergency, our parking lot attendants will make sure there are easy exit paths should you need to leave.

 

  1. What can I expect at the Easter service?

The service will consist of songs, a testimony, and teaching. Our hope is to keep the service under an hour given the circumstances. Besides the service being live on a sound system, we will also broadcast the service on Facebook Live, for those who cannot make it, or for those who may have difficulty hearing.

 

  1. What about tithes and offerings?

We will not take tithes and offerings due to the health concerns. You may mail those to the church office or give online.

]]>
Easter FAQs

  1. Is “Drive-In Church” permissible under the governor’s orders?

Yes! The governor and the NM Health Dept. have both suggested “Drive-In” church as a viable alternative to gather for worship.

 

  1. Are there certain precautions being taken in regard to health and safety?

Yes! You MUST stay in your car! We will park cars at a safe distance and our parking lot attendants will be in masks and gloves. Also, the packets being handed out were packed with our volunteers wearing masks and gloves. The packets contain song lyrics, a kid’s activity page, and the weekly schedule for Taylor.

 

  1. How will we know where to park and how will all the cars be dismissed? 

As you enter the Tydings parking lot there will be cones that lead the way. Also, as you enter there will be parking lot attendants to guide you through the whole process. You will enter in the middle entrance of the parking lot, by the white security guard building.

 

  1. How will we hear the teaching and music?

You will roll your window down. There will be enough distance between vehicles to safely roll down your windows. The music and teaching will be on a live sound system from the porch of Tydings Auditorium. We will broadcast in Spanish over an FM station.

 

  1. Are there restrooms available?

Given our current circumstances you will not be able to get out of your vehicle and use a restroom. Should you have an emergency, our parking lot attendants will make sure there are easy exit paths should you need to leave.

 

  1. What can I expect at the Easter service?

The service will consist of songs, a testimony, and teaching. Our hope is to keep the service under an hour given the circumstances. Besides the service being live on a sound system, we will also broadcast the service on Facebook Live, for those who cannot make it, or for those who may have difficulty hearing.

 

  1. What about tithes and offerings?

We will not take tithes and offerings due to the health concerns. You may mail those to the church office or give online.

]]>
Church Out of the Building https://www.taylormemorial.com/blog/post/church-out-of-the-building https://www.taylormemorial.com/blog/post/church-out-of-the-building#comments Fri, 27 Mar 2020 17:00:00 -0600 https://www.taylormemorial.com/blog/post/church-out-of-the-building It has been an interesting couple of weeks to say the least. Trying to change the entire default structure of the way we do church has been challenging. However, it has also been exciting to see how God changes us and mold us to continue to be the church. Thankfully, the church is not confined to a building. While we do not want to downplay the resources God has given us to steward, our situation has served as a tangible reminder of what the church should be: mobile, agile, and hostile. (Thanks Coach Boone, In the movie - Remember the Titans)

 

The church family that makes up Taylor Memorial Baptist Church has jumped to action in many different ways. Making worship gatherings available online, taking meals to people, delivering encouragement cards to nursing homes, adjusting the way we function day to day, making masks, etc. The mobility of the church has been an incredible thing to observe, I'm so thankful that we are committed to something bigger than ourselves.

 

Given the fact that we cannot meet together at a central place will require some agility on our part. We are currently working on a way for our Sunday School groups to meet virtually. We are also working on making extra resources available for family worship and discipleship. We appreciate your patience during this time.

 

We still have a job to do. We are called to make disciples. We are called to share the good news. Our hostility is used in that we are in a battle, not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Eph 6:12) The devil would seek to use this time to hinder the work of the church, but I am convinced that it is at times like these the church is at her best (and history would be on our side). The previous is true, provided we keep our eyes on our leader, JESUS!

 

Let me encourage you do some thing as we journey through this together:

1. Be people of prayer

2. Press into one another: call people, text, me, check on our brothers and sisters.

3. Meet needs where you can!

4. Join us online for our worship gatherings. (Make it a priority: get ready, focus, gather your family)

5. Take advantage of the student and children's ministries videos available online.

6. Continue to give. We are still supporting local ministries, church plants, missions nationally and globally, as well as ministering to needs of our church family and our community.

7. Be looking for other opportunities as they become available.

 

Keep your eyes on Jesus! He is always faithful!

]]>
It has been an interesting couple of weeks to say the least. Trying to change the entire default structure of the way we do church has been challenging. However, it has also been exciting to see how God changes us and mold us to continue to be the church. Thankfully, the church is not confined to a building. While we do not want to downplay the resources God has given us to steward, our situation has served as a tangible reminder of what the church should be: mobile, agile, and hostile. (Thanks Coach Boone, In the movie - Remember the Titans)

 

The church family that makes up Taylor Memorial Baptist Church has jumped to action in many different ways. Making worship gatherings available online, taking meals to people, delivering encouragement cards to nursing homes, adjusting the way we function day to day, making masks, etc. The mobility of the church has been an incredible thing to observe, I'm so thankful that we are committed to something bigger than ourselves.

 

Given the fact that we cannot meet together at a central place will require some agility on our part. We are currently working on a way for our Sunday School groups to meet virtually. We are also working on making extra resources available for family worship and discipleship. We appreciate your patience during this time.

 

We still have a job to do. We are called to make disciples. We are called to share the good news. Our hostility is used in that we are in a battle, not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Eph 6:12) The devil would seek to use this time to hinder the work of the church, but I am convinced that it is at times like these the church is at her best (and history would be on our side). The previous is true, provided we keep our eyes on our leader, JESUS!

 

Let me encourage you do some thing as we journey through this together:

1. Be people of prayer

2. Press into one another: call people, text, me, check on our brothers and sisters.

3. Meet needs where you can!

4. Join us online for our worship gatherings. (Make it a priority: get ready, focus, gather your family)

5. Take advantage of the student and children's ministries videos available online.

6. Continue to give. We are still supporting local ministries, church plants, missions nationally and globally, as well as ministering to needs of our church family and our community.

7. Be looking for other opportunities as they become available.

 

Keep your eyes on Jesus! He is always faithful!

]]>
Important Schedule Update https://www.taylormemorial.com/blog/post/important-update https://www.taylormemorial.com/blog/post/important-update#comments Mon, 16 Mar 2020 16:00:00 -0600 https://www.taylormemorial.com/blog/post/important-update Taylor Memorial Family,

 

Thank you so much for your flexibility and understanding in regard to the current situation we find ourselves. As much as we would like to continue with things in our regular way, we feel it best to make some temporary format changes in our meeting schedules. Out of an abundance of caution for the members of our church and community, as of Tuesday, March 17, all Taylor worship gatherings will be moved online until further notice. We are hoping to gather back in one place on Palm Sunday (April 5th).  Please plan to worship online this Sunday, at 11am on the Taylor Facebook page, and invite others to join us, as well. We will sing together, pray together, and hear what God’s Word says. The service video will be uploaded to our vimeo page for later access: https://vimeo.com/taylormemorial.

In addition, the Taylor church building is closed until April 5th. The only exceptions to this are for staff and/or volunteers whose work necessitates being at the building. All other groups which normally meet on Sundays and during the week are encouraged to explore alternate means of staying closely connected with one another. We will make content available online for our kids, students, and adults, as well as, some of our TaylorU offerings. For our church family members that prefer, this content will also be made available on DVD (to request a DVD, email office@taylormemorial.com or contact the church office at 397-7447).  For more information on individual ministries and/or meetings, please contact your ministry leader.

]]>
Taylor Memorial Family,

 

Thank you so much for your flexibility and understanding in regard to the current situation we find ourselves. As much as we would like to continue with things in our regular way, we feel it best to make some temporary format changes in our meeting schedules. Out of an abundance of caution for the members of our church and community, as of Tuesday, March 17, all Taylor worship gatherings will be moved online until further notice. We are hoping to gather back in one place on Palm Sunday (April 5th).  Please plan to worship online this Sunday, at 11am on the Taylor Facebook page, and invite others to join us, as well. We will sing together, pray together, and hear what God’s Word says. The service video will be uploaded to our vimeo page for later access: https://vimeo.com/taylormemorial.

In addition, the Taylor church building is closed until April 5th. The only exceptions to this are for staff and/or volunteers whose work necessitates being at the building. All other groups which normally meet on Sundays and during the week are encouraged to explore alternate means of staying closely connected with one another. We will make content available online for our kids, students, and adults, as well as, some of our TaylorU offerings. For our church family members that prefer, this content will also be made available on DVD (to request a DVD, email office@taylormemorial.com or contact the church office at 397-7447).  For more information on individual ministries and/or meetings, please contact your ministry leader.

]]>
Update Concerning Health Concerns, Spring Break, and Church Schedule https://www.taylormemorial.com/blog/post/update-concerning-health-concerns-spring-break-and-schedule https://www.taylormemorial.com/blog/post/update-concerning-health-concerns-spring-break-and-schedule#comments Thu, 12 Mar 2020 11:00:00 -0600 https://www.taylormemorial.com/blog/post/update-concerning-health-concerns-spring-break-and-schedule Church friends and family,

I am assuming we are all aware of the current health concern. Accordingly, our Governor has declared a public health emergency, which will make sure goods and supplies are available and that the Department of Finance and Administration will immediately identify emergency funds for disbursement in various ways to ensure the government will continue to operate and that the private sector receives needed resources. Our state government has advised against public gatherings, including church worship services. Church, this was inevitable and expected, and we have been preparing for this accordingly. Therefore, please read the following carefully:

  • First, we have added some additional deep clean detail to our auditorium, Sunday school classrooms, nursery/pre-school spaces, restrooms, and all surfaces in and around the building that come in contact with our church friends and family.
  • Second, we ask and will continue to ask you to thoroughly wash your hands and follow best practices for your own health (not just now, but always). If you are sick, please stay home. Granted, we all should have been doing these things already out of love for our brothers and sisters in Christ.
  • Third, we are NOT planning to cancel our worship gatherings, though we will be diligent to monitor the situation and any further developments as we go along and respond as the need arises.While we are not canceling, we are going to adjust our schedule through the month of March due to the health concern combined with the scheduling of Spring Break. Therefore, on the Sundays of March 15th, 22nd, and 29th, we will only have our 11 o’clock service. As we continue to meet, we are aware that certain demographics of our congregation are more susceptible to the health threat and therefore will choose to stay home. Consequently, to be the best stewards of the provisions God has given us in regard to volunteer personnel and funds, we feel it is the wisest course of action to only have Sunday School and the one service for the remaining Sundays in March. (For those that choose to stay home, we will live stream the 11 o’clock service on Facebook.) At this point we will return to the two service format on April 5th.
  • Fourth, if you decide to stay home, let me encourage you to maintain your regular worship through giving by going tohttp://www.taylormemorial.com/give so the missionaries, church planters, and other ministries we support can continue unhindered and funds will continue to be available to respond to any unforeseen crisis in our community.
  • Fifth, I remind you our Lord Jesus Christ commanded us not to worry. If you are worried, anxious, or simply concerned about what to do, I also remind you of what Paul says in Philippians 4:6-7: "Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Let us all choose worship over worry, faith over fear, and peace over panic.

Church friends and family, worry, fear, and panic do not honor our sovereign Lord––worship, faith, and peace do. By His grace, we will together walk this journey.

 

]]>
Church friends and family,

I am assuming we are all aware of the current health concern. Accordingly, our Governor has declared a public health emergency, which will make sure goods and supplies are available and that the Department of Finance and Administration will immediately identify emergency funds for disbursement in various ways to ensure the government will continue to operate and that the private sector receives needed resources. Our state government has advised against public gatherings, including church worship services. Church, this was inevitable and expected, and we have been preparing for this accordingly. Therefore, please read the following carefully:

  • First, we have added some additional deep clean detail to our auditorium, Sunday school classrooms, nursery/pre-school spaces, restrooms, and all surfaces in and around the building that come in contact with our church friends and family.
  • Second, we ask and will continue to ask you to thoroughly wash your hands and follow best practices for your own health (not just now, but always). If you are sick, please stay home. Granted, we all should have been doing these things already out of love for our brothers and sisters in Christ.
  • Third, we are NOT planning to cancel our worship gatherings, though we will be diligent to monitor the situation and any further developments as we go along and respond as the need arises.While we are not canceling, we are going to adjust our schedule through the month of March due to the health concern combined with the scheduling of Spring Break. Therefore, on the Sundays of March 15th, 22nd, and 29th, we will only have our 11 o’clock service. As we continue to meet, we are aware that certain demographics of our congregation are more susceptible to the health threat and therefore will choose to stay home. Consequently, to be the best stewards of the provisions God has given us in regard to volunteer personnel and funds, we feel it is the wisest course of action to only have Sunday School and the one service for the remaining Sundays in March. (For those that choose to stay home, we will live stream the 11 o’clock service on Facebook.) At this point we will return to the two service format on April 5th.
  • Fourth, if you decide to stay home, let me encourage you to maintain your regular worship through giving by going tohttp://www.taylormemorial.com/give so the missionaries, church planters, and other ministries we support can continue unhindered and funds will continue to be available to respond to any unforeseen crisis in our community.
  • Fifth, I remind you our Lord Jesus Christ commanded us not to worry. If you are worried, anxious, or simply concerned about what to do, I also remind you of what Paul says in Philippians 4:6-7: "Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Let us all choose worship over worry, faith over fear, and peace over panic.

Church friends and family, worry, fear, and panic do not honor our sovereign Lord––worship, faith, and peace do. By His grace, we will together walk this journey.

 

]]>