The Baptist Convention of New Mexico is monitoring the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), and will cancel events as needed, in order to protect New Mexico Baptists from exposure to the virus. Below is a list of upcoming events and their current status. This list will be updated periodically.

Altered Events:

• July 30-August 1: Ministers and Family Retreat – Postponed until August 5-7, 2021

Canceled Events:

• March 21: Young Lives Ablaze, Albuquerque
• March 21: Hispanic Sunday School Revitalization Training, BCNM
• March 26-28: Disaster Relief Annual Training and Celebration, Albuquerque
• April 2: Vacation Bible School Training, Artesia
• April 3: Vacation Bible School Training, Clovis
• April 3-4: Native American Awakening, Albuquerque
• April 3-5: Collegiate Leadership Training Conference (LTC)
• April 4: Vacation Bible School Training, Hobbs
• April 6: Vacation Bible School Training, Farmington
• April 7: Vacation Bible School Training, Albuquerque
• April 18: Hispanic Sunday School Revitalization Training, Portales La Puerta
• April 25: Ethnic Leadership Summit, Del Norte, Albuquerque
• April 30: Vacation Bible School Training, Las Cruces
• May 1: Vacation Bible School Training, Ruidoso
• May 27-29: Collegiate NM Team Orientation
• May 30 – July 17: Collegiate NM Team Start/Finish Dates
• June 1-5: BCNM StuCamps 1.0, Sivells
• June 2-5: Hispanic Family Camp, Inlow
• June 8-12: Young Lives Ablaze Children’s Camp, Inlow
• June 8-12: BCNM StuCamps 2.0, Sivells
• June 15-19: Indian Family Camp, Inlow
• June 15-19: Connection Children’s Camp, Sivells
• June 22-26: BCNM StuCamps 3.0, Inlow
• June 25-27: Father & Son Camp, Sivells

Dear New Mexico Baptists,

As events are changing rapidly with the COVID-19 virus, the BCNM wants to assure every church that we are here to assist. Safety should be a primary concern for everyone and we are making adjustments even at the Baptist Building to ensure social distancing. The building will be closed on Fridays, but will be open Monday-Thursday. I want to encourage you to continue to monitor the website and, with the president and CDC’s recommendation, do everything possible to slow the spread of the Coronavirus. We will maintain our new schedule through April 3 and then update it as needed.

With these changes, there are several things that I need to apprise you of. This morning, I met with the State Mission Board in a conference call and this afternoon, I met with SBC leadership in a conference call. I am excited to say that other state conventions are working diligently, just as yours is, to ensure support for our churches.

These will be difficult financial times. The BCNM is certainly not flush, but we want to be good partners in helping pastors who experience an emergency in these days. If you are a pastor dealing with a financial emergency or crisis, please contact me. My email address is jbunce@bcnm.com and I’m checking it frequently. I will get back with you as quickly as possible.

Many pastors are asking about the holding of public worship services. Once again, it is not my role as executive director to dictate what local churches do. I can today share with you however, that where I am a member, we are not holding public services Sunday. We are moving to a FaceBook Live venue. All other activities until further notice at my local church are cancelled. It is imperative, when making difficult decisions, that we have the highest care and esteem for those who are elderly and those dealing with chronic conditions. It is my conviction that a wise pastor will guard his flock.

I am not sure, nor is anyone else, when this Coronavirus will begin to flatten out, but I am sure of this, in my lifetime, there has never been a better opportunity for the church to behave like the New Testament church. Candidly, it is easy for us to make the mistake to think that church is a building or a place to go to. We are the church and these would be incredible days to check on those who may not be active in the fellowship or may be vulnerable. These times also afford us incredible opportunities to share the gospel. Part of the fear gripping America, and the world, is most people have some sense of recognition that their death would lead to a divine encounter of which they are not ready.

In closing, there is one more piece of information that I need to share. As a result of this Coronavirus and the impossibility to prepare camps effectively, the securing of cook teams, summer staff, etc., the BCNM will not be holding summer camps. One aspect of this decision is that we recognize that even attempting camp would put an increased financial and burden on individual families and local churches. In these days, some families are going to have to tighten their belts as never before.

Keep up with our website. New information will be coming regularly. If you need to know how to livestream, we are here to help you. Please be faithful in your tithes and offerings.

With all my love, Dr. Joseph L. Bunce

A wise man once said, “A crisis is a great opportunity to learn more about one’s self.” Our world and nation seem to be trembling with hysteria regarding the COVID-19 virus. As believers, hysteria is not the solution. The real solution lies in faith and prudence. I have had calls from pastors in regard to Sunday services and other activities. Every congregation should practice some simple, practical, prudent efforts. Below are a few suggestions.

– If you are ill, STAY HOME! If you have a fever, sore throat, congestion, coughing, shortness of breath or gastrointestinal issues, do not attend church or any other public gathering.

– Wash your hands with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds regularly, or use a quality hand sanitizer made us of at least 60% alcohol.

– Avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes with unwashed hands.

– Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you or someone you care for is in the high-risk group, that suggestion especially applies.

– Cover coughs and sneezes using the inside of your elbow, tissues or handkerchiefs. Dispose of tissues properly. Immediately wash your hands.

– Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly: phones, counters, desks, doorknobs, light switches, keyboards, toilets, sinks, faucets, etc. The CDC suggests using a solution of 5 tablespoons of household bleach mixed with one gallon of water (4 teaspoons per quart of water) or a solution made of 70% alcohol.

Each BCNM church is autonomous. Therefore, there is no edict or directive for churches to meet or not to meet. Personally, I will be in church Sunday morning with a little bottle of hand sanitizer, my Bible and my bride. Because we want to support and encourage BCNM congregations, we are creating information which will be continually updated on the BCNM website at www.bcnm.com/coronavirus. You will find helpful suggestions so each congregation might better prepare in the coming days.

Also, in these days, we anticipate a financial crisis that will affect families, churches, and our Southern Baptist Convention. Please, be especially watchful if you are able to minister to those in the body of Christ. And also, be faithful in your giving, whether in person, electronically, or via postal mail.

I remind everyone that, despite the hysteria, God is still God. Nothing takes him by surprise. This is a good time for more faith and less fantasy; more helping hands and less hysteria; more prayer and less pontificating. This will also be a wonderful time for families to draw together. As activities are being minimized, family time should be intensified. These are the times when faith is lived. And together, we will see this crisis become a thing of the past. I often jest that one of my favorite parts of the Bible is, “and it came to pass.” Continue to monitor the BCNM website for future events, schedules and helpful recommendations.

I love you and love serving you.

Dr. Joseph L. Bunce