We live in an increasingly polarized culture characterized by a lack of civility and respect. This polarization is creating division and broken relationships among family members, friends, co-workers, and neighbors. Many conversations deteriorate into a war of words. As followers of Jesus we have a clear mandate to live and love in ways that express God’s Kingdom in our world.

 

The events of the past several months have brought the conversation of civility to the very forefront of our national dialogue. We are delighted to invite you to participate in the Exploring Revolutionary Civility webinar.

Our presenter will be Dr. Jim Baucom, senior pastor of Columbia Baptist Church, Falls Church, VA. As pastor of a church within the DC Beltway, Jim is particularly familiar with the national crisis and is uniquely called and equipped to offer insight and wisdom as we seek to express Kingdom life in tumultuous times. 

Virginia Baptist Disaster Response is still on alert and in communication with emergency management about needs related to Tropical Storm Isaias. In the meantime, we encourage everyone who may be interested in serving to view our virtual training, which is now on the website. 

Churches can also prepare for a possible feeding response by preparing food buckets/boxes. These food supplies will be kept onsite at churches so they are available to distribute quickly. If they are not used for a response, we encourage churches to use them in their own food pantries or donate them to local food banks after hurricane season.

View upcoming trainings for Disaster Response volunteers and Crisis Care Chaplains.

You can still participate in Impact Mission Camps this summer through a virtual camp! With Impact’s Virtual Camp, you manage your own camp experience and can choose how and when to engage! The Virtual Camp guide has resources for creating a full mission camp experience wherever you are. 

Check out the Virtual Camp guide and see how it works.

Eastside Community Church support Abba’s Pride, a ministry in Pretoria that brings hope to under-resourced communities by educating and nurturing vulnerable children. Members of Eastside and Abba’s Pride will virtually join Parkview Baptist Church to tour and pray for Parkview Baptist Church’s recently established community garden in Newport News.

Register online or watch live on the Partnership Missions Facebook page.

Since March 23, 2020 the BGAV has distributed a total of $116,750 in micro-grants to 119 churches to assist with their community response to the COVID-19 crisis. Read more and learn about how to apply for a grant.

Are there students from your church and community heading off to college in the fall? The BGAV supports a vibrant network of Collegiate and Young Adult ministries on college and university campuses all over Virginia called the Kairos Initiative. If you know a first-year undergrad or transfer student, we would love to reach out to them and invite them to be a part of one of our Kairos ministries in their area. Share your student information and learn more about Kairos.

The 2019 BGAV Annual can now be viewed online at BGAV.org/Annual.

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.

“This verse was given to me when I felt like I hit rock bottom and was totally alone. This scripture reminds me that no matter where I am, I will never be alone.” - Mikayla Barnes 

Check the website for more information about virtual summer mission camps with Impact!

August 11, 2020

Use code BGAV35 for a 35% discount on classes!

Empower CAM 501: Building Blocks for Powerful Coaching (online course)

August 24-26, 2020

Empower CAM 502: Establishing a Dynamic Coaching Relationship (online course)

September 1-29, 2020

September 17, 2020

September 21, 2020

November 9-10, 2020