Gwathmey Baptist Creates Impact Kids Experience, and the Value of Abiding

July 27, 2020

Gwathmey Baptist Creates Impact Kids Experience Locally, Respecting COVID Distancing Guidelines

by Arlene Hayes and Taylor Bigelow

When in-person Impact Kids was cancelled due to COVID-19, we decided that if it became safe enough here at home, we would do a mission-based day camp for all kids eligible to attend Impact. We would have a Bible study and use Impact curriculum and also do mission projects to help directly in our community.

We have a safety committee for COVID-19 at our church to help with following CDC guidelines. That meant social distancing and cleaning areas we used (tables, classrooms, restrooms, doorways, etc.) each day. We set up our sanctuary with chairs socially distanced and assigned each student an area. When we did projects, we tried to use the same area each day. Some things were moved outside for distancing purposes. Children who were related and/or saw each other every day were partnered together when necessary. We also committed to only doing this during Phase II, as we felt that would give us more time to learn more about safety precautions we could take.

Favorite Scriptures from the BGAV Staff Family

This summer, every issue of Advance Notice will feature a favorite scripture verse or passage submitted by a member of the BGAV staff. We hope these scriptures will inspire you in your daily walk with Christ and also help you get to know our staff a little better.

Colossians 1:28-29, NIV

He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.

“My calling is to live to proclaim Christ and help others become fully mature in him. I have chosen this as a life verse because I want to live like Paul out of the wisdom the Lord gives and point others to Christ and Christ alone.” - Ken Kessler

Ken is BGAV’s Coaching Network Director. He has served Virginia Baptists since 2008.