Contact Us
- Phone: (505) 899-0665
- Email:
- Mailing Address: 6400 Golf Course Rd NW Albuquerque, NM 87120
Though there are some new restrictions coming to NM in response to climbing COVID-19 cases, the governor stated Tuesday, October 13, 2020, that there should be no changes to the occupancy limit for houses of worship. Currently, we are operating according to the public health order limitation at 40% of maximum occupancy. We are wearing masks indoors, and doing our best to remain physically distanced in the worship center.
As of right now, we anticipate no changes to Sunday morning worship or Wednesday evening Grow Groups for Kids and adults. Thank you for following best practices that ensure everyone's continued health! You deserve much encouragement and praise for your patience and cooperation.
Should the governor change the health order in any way that changes the present guidelines for houses of worship, we will communicate any changes to our procedures as quickly as possible.
May God continue to bless and keep you, as we glorify him by making disciples of Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit!
Beginning June 7, 2020 we will be able to gather in smaller groups for in-person worship at First West! At the present phase of reopening, churches in New Mexico are allowed to gather at 25% of their fire code capacity so long as they practice COVID Safe Practices (CSPs).
We are presently working hard to train volunteers and communicate clearly with you and our community what to expect as we begin meeting again. We want to gather safely, securely, and in as prepared a manner as possible. This letter will help spell out what we can all expect of each other as we begin meeting in person. As a reminder, all persons who are in the high-risk demographic or have compromised immune systems should follow the direction of their doctors and/or medical experts.
Reopening Guidelines and Expectations:
We will continue to provide an online video service on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. for those choosing to self-isolate during the several phases of reopening. Watch online here.
During this phase, all other onsite ministries/groups remain suspended.
There will be no childcare or nursery care provided during gathered worship.
Sunday morning Bible study groups are encouraged to continue using video conferencing services to meet virtually.
There will be no midweek studies or events during this phase.
Greetings Church Family!
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!
I hope this letter finds you well and at peace during the current COVID-19 situation. On Monday, April 6, New Mexico Governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham extended the statewide “stay-at-home” order, continuing the closure of all non-essential businesses and non-profits and the limit on gatherings of people to five or less. This order is to be in effect until at least April 30, 2020.
What this means for us as a church is that we will continue to meet for worship digitally at https://live.fbcwa.org and through our YouTube channel at least through the month of April. It is hard to imagine not gathering together in person for Easter as a church. Remember, though, dear church, Christ is risen everyday! Each time we worship, we worship the Risen Savior! Our worship of late has been different—but it has not been hindered.
I am so grateful for our Bible study leaders who have done an excellent job in working to keep the church connected. Should you need anything in this time, please do not hesitate to let us know. We continue to maintain a presence at the office via a “skeleton crew” and using social distancing in the office as you do in public. You may call the church to speak with us, though you may need to leave us a voicemail. Or you can reach us by email or cell phone at the numbers below.
Until we meet again face-to-face, let us make the most of this opportunity to make much of Jesus. Take a few moments and do one of two things:
Let us use the unusual amount of time we have online right now to declare the hope we have in Christ to a watching world!
Grace and peace to you until we meet again, my dear faith family!
Your partner in the Gospel,
Pastor Stephen Baum
Unless retracted or adapted, this plan is to remain in place through April 10, 2020
Greetings Church Family!
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!
I hope this letter finds you well and at peace during the current COVID-19 situation. On Monday, March 23, New Mexico Governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham issued a statewide “stay-at-home” order. This order puts into effect the closure of all non-essential businesses and non-profits, as well as limits gatherings of people to five or less. This order is to be in effect until April 10, 2020.
In response to this order, offices at First Baptist West Albuquerque will be closed through Friday, April 10. As we had already cancelled all on-site meetings and activities through April 7, this new decision simply extends that decision three days. What has changed for us, however, is that there will not be staff in the office regularly through the “stay-at-home” order. Our desire is to continue to be helpful and supportive citizens who follow the just direction and requests of our governing officials. Our decision to close offices will not stop the work or ministry of the church or of its ministry staff.
During the next couple of weeks, you may contact me or pastor Danny directly via email (see below). In addition, we will continue to worship digitally through online services as previously planned. Though it is not possible for us to assemble as we would like, we can still be the church together! I hope you will continue to minister to your friends and neighbors in the love and name of Jesus. Pray with the hurting, help the vulnerable, extend gospel-hospitality as you are able. Above all, in all you do, make much of Jesus!
We both want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to each of you for praying for us recently, and for the many encouraging emails and text messages we have received. Thank you! Remember, God is on his throne! Jesus still saves! His church will prevail! And we are determined to meet again to the glory of God soon!
Your partner in the Gospel,
Pastor Stephen
Ways you can help us:
1. Check your email for messages from the church. If you do not receive emails from the church, subscribe at www.fbcwa.org/contact.
2. Join us each Sunday for worship online! Visit www.fbcwa.org for details.
3. Follow us on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram @FBCWestABQ
4. Pray . . .
1. For a quick end to this pandemic
2. For wisdom for governing officials
3. For healthcare workers, police, fire and rescue, and EMTs
4. For missionaries serving in heavily affected areas
5. For Christians to make much of Jesus
5. As you are able, continue to support the ministry of First West through your regular tithes and offerings. You may give online at www.fbcwa.org/give, or mail a check to the church or use your bank’s bill pay feature at our address at the head of this letter.
Contact us:
Stephen Baum
Danny Marsh
Unless retracted or adapted, this plan is to remain in place through April 7, 2020. Please visit this page regularly for updates.
First Baptist Church of West Albuquerque
6400 Golf Course Rd. NW
Albuquerque, NM 87120
Thank you for your patience and prayer as we navigate these unique circumstances.
Your partners in the Gospel,
Pastors Stephen and Danny
The COVID-19/Coronavirus situation continues to evolve daily.
Yesterday the CDC released a new suggestion for the cancellation of all events with over 50 people in attendance for the next 8 weeks. In light of this we feel it most prudent to suspend until further notice all weekday activities and meetings scheduled to take place at the church. This decision is being made in order to protect the most vulnerable among us and promote the overall health of our community during this time.
This suspension includes:
Obviously this situation continues to develop, and we will do our best to communicate with you regularly and often about developments. Expect to hear more from us by mid-week regarding weekend services and gatherings.
Thank you for your prayer and patience.
This weekend, 9 AM Bible Study & 10:30 AM Worship will continue as normal.
At First West, we want to do all we can to care for our congregation including both their spiritual and physical well-being. We invite you to be praying for all of the aspects regarding the coronavirus, and we remind you to trust in the Lord, not be fearful, and remember as the Psalmist has said, “God is our refuge and strength” (Psalm 46) and all of “our times are in his hands” (Psalm 31). We have an uncommon opportunity to demonstrate the peace, calm, and hope that come with knowing and trusting our sovereign God who holds all things in his hands.
IN SHORT, sanitize, wash hands, avoid touching, stay home if you are sick.
Governor Lujan-Grisham has declared a state of emergency in NM with regard to the ongoing spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) to ensure access to funds and materials needed for testing and combating the virus. The governor has suggested that planned large gatherings be postponed or canceled (though public schools will remain in session) until there is a handle on the matter.
For now, First West will remain open, and we will continue to have regular Sunday morning worship and Bible study and our mid-week activities. If local and state health officials do recommend closure, or we determine it is in the best interest to close or cancel any programming, we will inform you through our website, email, and social media.
Pray for the peace of God which surpasses all understanding to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Pray that we would not be swept up in a spirit of fear, but in confidence in Jesus and in God's sovereign control. Pray for our members who may be ill, and call them to check on their well-being and pray with them. Pray that God will give wisdom to health officials and the public at-large to deal with this matter calmly and responsibly.
Remember, if you or a family member are sick and need to stay home during this time, you can listen to our sermons online here or find us on your preferred podcast app.