The purpose of this blog is to collect information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, as it relates to FMBC and its members, in one spot. As a blog, information will be continually added as it becomes available — with the newest information displayed first and older information can be found by scrolling down through the entries.
Please “bookmark” this page and return to it frequently to get the latest information and messages from the Pastor and others.
Test Kits
1/18/2022
Service Suspension
12/29/2021
In-Person Worship Suspended
2/17/2021
COVID 19 Vaccine and Me
Our own Dr. Allyson Brotherson has prepared a series of questions and answers regarding the COVID 19 vaccines to help us better understand the issues and to help us make informed decisions about vaccinations. Go HERE to download your copy of the document.
1/30/2021
Download more information here.
12/29/2020
12/29/2020
Recommendations for a Safe Return to Worship
Leveraging a Community-Based Participatory Research
Partnership COVID-19 Initiative
Summary
What is already known on this topic?
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disproportionately affected African American communities with high infection and mortality rates; these high rates result from pre-existing chronic disease disparities and structural inequities.
What is added by this report?
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention framework guided the implementation and evaluation of a COVID-19 emergency preparedness and risk communication strategy within an established community-based participatory research partnership with African American churches.
What are the implications for public health practice?
Leveraging existing infrastructure from academic–community partnerships can facilitate rapid dissemination of accurate COVID-19 health information and critical resources to address COVID-19–related inequities
Dial Back
11/19/2020
COVID-19
Housing Assistance Program
8/26/2020
COVID-19 Testing
6/12/2020
COVID-19 Testing
6/8/2020
His Works United network is playing a pivotal role in the first two of the three testing sites covered in this announcement.
Sabathani Community Center
310 East 38th St., Minneapolis
Non-Clinical staffing by Greater Friendship Baptist Church
New Salem Baptist Church
2507 Bryant Avenue North, Minneapolis
Non-Clinical staffing by New Salem
In St. Paul, the testing will be at Jimmie Lee Rec. Center on Lexington Parkway
Testing will be available to anyone (without) symptom requirements from Noon to 6:00 PM.
These opportunities are to be available on Tuesday and Wednesday for the next three weeks.
Reverend Gallmon’s Message on Church Re-Opening
5/23/2020
Dear Fellowship,
The safety and well-being of all of our members is imperative. There is no decision that will be made without member safety being at the core. Accordingly, all events and activities, including in-person worship service, will remain cancelled until further notice.
I, along with the Board of Trustees, the Board of Deacons and other church officers will continue to work toward establishing the plan to reopen FMBC. Until that plan is completed and put into place, we will continue to conduct our services, Bible study, Sunday school and board & committee meetings online.
Please stay tuned to the website and to your emails for updates as our plans progress.
In the meantime, continue to pray, seek God’s face and take care of yourselves and of each other.
I love you and there is nothing you can do about it!
God bless,
Rev. Albert Gallmon, Jr
Senior Pastor
5/23/2020
The State of Minnesota is offering free COVID-19 testing over Memorial Day weekend at six National Guard Armory locations across the state for Minnesotans who need or want to be tested for the coronavirus.
Anyone can get tested, even if they are not experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, according to a news release. However, health officials are especially encouraging those who are ill and those who have been exposed to a known COVID-19 contact to take advantage of the free testing. Officials say no appointment is needed and Minnesotans will not be asked for insurance cards or ID.
The free testing will be offered Saturday through Memorial Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or until supplies are exhausted. No appointment is necessary. People can expect to receive their results by phone about 48 hours after the test.
TESTING LOCATIONS
East St Paul
1530 Maryland Ave E, St Paul, MN 55106
Minneapolis Armory
1025 Broadway St. NE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55413
#MaskUpMPLS
5/23/2020
Beginning 5 p.m. on May 26, masks will be required for indoor public spaces in Minneapolis, including stores.
Per the emergency regulation enacted by Mayor Jacob Frey, anyone over the age of 2 who can “medically tolerate” a face mask will be required to wear a mask in stores, hotels, government buildings, schools, recreational facilities, day care facilities, and service centers.
During a press conference Thursday afternoon, Mayor Jacob Frey emphasized the policy is backed by research showing cloth masks can slow the spread of the coronavirus. While the city will prioritize outreach and education, he said, refusal to wear a mask can result in a citation and up to $1,000 in fines.
Employers will be required to enforce the policy, which will apply to bars and restaurants when they re-open. To report refusal to wear a mask, or ask questions about the policy, residents can call 311.
The city said it has distributed masks to many organizations affected by the policy, including day care centers. During a city-wide mask drive Monday, people can drop off masks from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at fire stations.
“We are not criminalizing forgetfulness; we are not penalizing people for a lack of awareness,” Frey said. “We will not be entertaining extreme selfishness and flagrant disregard to the health and safety of our fellow Minneapolis residents.”
As of Wednesday, Minneapolis had 2,098 confirmed cases of COVID-19. More than half of these cases have been traced to community spread, in other words the source is unknown.
#StaySafeMN
5/14/2020
NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and adults with mental illnesses and their families. For over 40 years, NAMI Minnesota has worked to promote the development of community mental health programs and services, change public attitudes about mental illnesses, improve access to services and increase opportunities for recovery.
COVID-19 and related stresses have led NAMI to promote some free, online resources that address different aspect of mental health care. Go to their website and review the various public classes that have available — via ZOOM.
A message from the Pastor
4/2/2020
Grace to you and peace from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
This is my effort to keep the Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church family informed regarding the business matters of the church during these times in which we find ourselves.
We are in the first week of the “Stay at Home” executive order issued by Minnesota’s governor. I pray all of you are safe and following the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) guidelines for social distancing. May we continue to pray for a miracle to be brought forth and God’s glory be seen.
Meetings will continue to be held virtually either via Zoom or conference calls until further notice.
Sunday School
COVID-19 Update
4/1/2020
More than ever, we need the comfort and unsurpassed peace that only our Jesus can provide. Even though we are physically separated due to the coronavirus pandemic, we are continuing to identify creative ways to study His Word as one.
Most adult classes are meeting in alternative spaces such as Facebook; teleconference; and YouTube. IF you do NOT have a Sunday school class, and would like the opportunity to study, please contact us at StudyTheWord@fellowshipmb.org. We will attempt to match you with a teacher.
Parents/guardians/grandparents, we know our school-aged children are currently completing their studies at home. Schools have provided lesson plans so they maintain their skills and knowledge. We believe it is just as important, if not more, that all of our children continue bible study at home as well to continue their spiritual growth. We are currently identifying ideas and activities to share. Please check back for recommendations and suggestions to consider sharing at home.
State of Minnesota
Executive Order
03/25/2020
Dear Fellowship family,
Grace to you and peace from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Your health and well-being continue to be the priority of the church leadership and me as we continue to walk by faith.
Therefore, in compliance with the March 25, 2020 “Stay at Home” executive order issued by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz; the Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church will close for the next two weeks.
The executive order goes into effect Friday, March 27, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. Our offices will close Friday at noon.
Wednesday Evening Prayers
7:00 – 8:00pm
3/23/2020
Pastor Gallmon is calling all those who want to gather together to pray! Each Wednesday evening from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm, the ministers and deacons of FMBC will be on hand to receive you.
We will make rooms available so that in compliance with the current guidance, there will be no more than 10 people in each room. Within the rooms, each individual will be able to maintain 6 feet between themselves and the next person.
Because of growing concerns about social gatherings, Rev. Gallmon has modified the program and has asked all that can, stop what ever they are doing and join us in prayer — in place. Download his letter for details.
The specific focus of our prayer time are the following:- Healing for all those who have this virus or who may be diagnosed with it in the future
- For medical intervention in the form of a vaccine or cure
- For God to send a miracle to resolve all that has resulted from this virus – the layoffs, the schools closing, over-full hospitals and over-worked medical staff, social injustices, the hoarding, etc.
- The leadership
- The safety of the total body of Christ.
Be sure to pray from wherever you are beginning at 7:00 pm. Much prayer, much power!
First 10;00am Service in COVID-19 Era
03/22/2020
The 10:00 am Service was Live-Cast over Facebook. Because so many organizations are using Live-Cssting to support social distancing during gatherings (we limited attendance to 30 healthy, low risk members), the broadcasting band was crowded and the quality of the video was poor.
You can go to our Facebook page to view a recording of the service. For those who do not have Facebook, you can view a recording on YouTube: select the button below.
Rev. Gallmon Update
3/19/2020
Transcript: Rev. Gallmon’s Facebook Video
Key Points
- All Church Saturday activities cancelled.
- Sunday School cancelled for next 3 weeks
- Sunday’s 10:00am Worship Service will be streamcast via Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/Fellowshipmbcmpls
- Consistent with guidelines, up to 30 healthy members may join the service; contact office for reservation; leave message after office hours. This is the absolute limit.
- Plans are discussed regarding in-home, Communion on the 1st Sunday.
Check back here for new information and updates and changes to this information.
Rev. Gallmon Update
3/14/2020
After meeting with the board chairs and vice chairs regarding Coronavirus COVID-19, I believe the Lord is leading us to proceed with worship on Sunday.We recognize this is a fluid situation and as promised, we want to keep you updated. First, the Women Ministry Leadership Team (WMLT) and the Iron Men’s Prayer Breakfast that was scheduled for today, March 14,has been cancelled. However, Fellowship will be open this weekend for all rehearsals, Sunday School,and Sunday worship service.
Rev. Gallmon Letter
3/12/2019
Dear Fellowship family,
As your pastor, your health, safety and well-being are of the utmost importance to me. The FMBC leadership and I, through prayer and our reliance on God, have developed precautions to help our congregation remain healthy and safe as we contend with COVID-19, also referred to as Coronavirus.
We are regularly monitoring and following the recommended guidelines of the Minnesota Department of Health website which is routinely updated: