 |
Virginia Baptists Respond to "Zero Tolerance" Policy
I would like to express a word of appreciation to all those who have been proactive on behalf of the children who have been separated from their families because of the "zero tolerance" immigration policy that has recently been in effect at the U.S.-Mexico border. Many pastors and church leaders have taken the time to write and express their concerns and outrage to senators, congressmen, and the White House. Their efforts have yielded helpful results: one of our pastors is meeting with Virginia senators today, at the senators' invitation, to express concern. Please pray for that pastor. In the meeting, they are addressing policy which can easily be changed-as has been demonstrated by the recent signing of an executive order. The policy is not currently law, so voicing a concern can have immediate influence.
It is important that Virginia Baptist leaders respond to demonstrate to national leaders that we do not share the interpretation of scripture that attempts to justify separating children from their parents. Baptists must speak out when they feel scripture is being misused and abused.
I also want to thank all those who have expressed a willingness to care for the children and families of those detained. The BGAV is currently exploring ways we can assist with this crisis.
-John Upton, executive director of the Baptist General Association of Virginia
|
|
#KingdomStories for Your Church
One church can make a big Kingdom difference; 1,400 churches together can make a Kingdom difference across Virginia and around the world. Below are bulletin inserts with #KingdomStories of how, together, the 1,400 churches that make up the Baptist General Association of Virginia are making impacts for the Kingdom in Virginia, Texas, Haiti, and beyond.
Additionally, there are worship slides to accompany the print pieces your church should have received to help promote BGAV events. If you need other promotional materials, please email Nathan White, chief marketing officer.
BULLETIN INSERTS
|
|
|
A Change in My Comfort Zone
|
James River Baptist Association: Packing Meals for Hungry People Around the World
|
|
|
KLI: Encouraging, Training Young Leaders in Ministry
|
Journée Scientific (Scientific Day) at the Source of Light Center
|
DIGITAL SLIDES
|
|
|
|
Alma Hunt Offering for Virginia Missions
|
BGAV Annual Meeting
|
|
|
Ministry Equipping Network
|
Camp Piankatank
|
|
|
|
More Than Nets
|
Stay Connected with Your BGAV Family
|
|
In the coming days, the latest edition of the BGAV Express will hit mailboxes. If you don't already have an individual (and free!) subscription - subscribe now! Your church will also receive several copies.
BGAV Academy Scholarships Now Available
Funds are provided by Virginia Baptists for students from cooperating churches of the BGAV who need aid in financing their education at one of the BGAV-partnering academies. The deadline is October 1 at noon.
Learn more.
|
|
|
Developing
Preaching with Passion: A Preaching Workshop
July 12, 2018 - First Baptist Church, Waynesboro, VA
Presented by the Valley and Central regions of the BGAV, the "Preaching with Passion" workshop is designed to awaken our passion for the gospel and the immediacy of God's active presence as communicated through scripture. Whether you're a beginning speaker or have preached for years, this workshop can empower you for more dynamic preaching of the gospel and greater ability to communicate the exciting message of God's word. Our workshop leader will be Dr. Ervin R. Stutzman.
The cost for the workshop is $10 per person, with lunch included.
Music & Worship Arts Camp
July 16-20, 2018 - Eagle Eyrie Baptist Conference Center, Lynchburg, VA
The Virginia Baptist Music and Worship Arts Camp is designed for those children and youth who have completed grades 4-12. The camp consists of worship times and special interest classes, as well as participation in a choral and/or instrumental ensemble. Each afternoon also contains free time to enjoy the Eagle Eyrie pool and facilities as well as opportunities to meet new
Church Weekday Education Conference
August 4, 2018 - Second Baptist Church, Richmond, VA
If your church has a preschool, the Church Weekday Education Conference is perfect for its teachers and director! There is a plenary session and four breakout sessions with topics including After School Ideas, STEAM, Risk/Emergency Preparedness, Finding Bible Teaching Moments, Stretch & Grow, Music, and more. Early bird pricing of $40/per person ends June 16; afterwards it's $45/person. Learn more and sign up now!
The Promising Future of Small Churches
August 25, 2018 - Grace Hills Baptist Church, Appomattox, VA
Presented by the Southside and Capital regions of the BGAV, this conference will teach participants the four essential elements of an effective small church, three real-life models of thriving small churches, and the five important questions every congregation should ask about its future. The seminar will feature breakout sessions, group-learning experiences, discussion, question-and-answer, futures scenario building, and PowerPoint presentations that will be available to all participants. Dr. Chuck Warnock, pastor of Chatham Baptist Church, is the keynote presenter. Register online and learn more.
Empower Class 501: Foundation for Christian Coaching
August 27-28, 2018 - Dover Baptist Association office, Ashland, VA
Many pastors and lay leaders are learning the value of having a life and leadership coach come alongside them in their journey and help them take the steps necessary to move forward in their spiritual journeys. Join us for our introductory course, Empower 501: Foundation for Christian Coaching, and become a coach!
Learn more.
|
|
|
Pray for Our Summer Venturers
This summer, several young adults from BGAV churches will serve as Venturers for Impact Mission Camps and BGAV Disaster Response. Will you please pray for these individuals as they work hard and serve Virginia Baptists in the coming weeks?
Impact Mission Camps
- these students will serve as staff for Impact Mission Camps for five weeks in four locations this summer.
- Taylor Elizabeth Hayes - Longwood University - Gwathmey Baptist Church
- Lara de Haan - George Mason University - Westwood Baptist Church
- Sarah Robertson - James Madison University - Westwood Baptist Church
Also, there are two Norwegian students serving on Impact staff sent by the Baptist Union of Norway and Ung Baptist (Norwegian Baptist Youth), part of the European Baptist Federation:
- James Babu
- Ida Oline Sæli
BGAV Disaster Response
- these students will support Disaster Response in areas where BGAV DR is engaged around the US:
- Mallory Wohlford - Virginia Tech - Bonsack Baptist Church (serving with DR at First Baptist Church, Liberty, Texas)
- Luke Barnum - Bridgewater - Round Hill Baptist Church
- Kaya Prasad - Grinnell College - Gayton Baptist Church
- Daniel Ripley - BTSR - Hatcher Memorial Memorial Baptist Church
Stay tuned for blog posts from the summer Venturers in the coming days and weeks at BGAV.org/blog.
|
|
|
Planting
Join Fresh Expressions for Vision Day in Fredericksburg!
August 11, 2018 - The Center for Faith and Leadership, Fredericksburg, VA
Summer is a great time to join the mission of God in the places where we live, work and play. Learn how to engage your community during this fun and interactive event. At the Vision Day you will discover:
- How fresh expressions of church are renewing the church around the world
- What it means for your church to be Mission-Shaped
- How to intentionally engage with the community beyond your church walls
- Tools for starting fresh expressions of church in your area
Save the Date for Praxis: September 27-29 in Philadelphia, PA
Almost daily in local, national, and world news, we see evidence of leaders who abuse their power or whose character is questionable. In the last few decades, secular business practices and hierarchical structures imposed on the Church have taken their toll. We need another way forward. At Praxis 2018 we'll explore how we can move beyond what we already know and develop leadership approaches to illuminate soul-healthy men and women who lead together. Let's awaken our churches to equip and release all of God's people for mission. Join us and 250+ other planters and practitioners as we Reimagine Leadership in a New World.
|
|
|
STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR BGAV FAMILY
|
|
Latest Ministry Jobs
Churches and ministries are posting new jobs to our ministry jobs board every week. Below are some of the most recent postings:
- Office Administrator @ Ferry Farm Baptist Church, Fredericksburg, VA
- PT Accompanist @ New Bethesda Baptist Church, Mechanicsville, VA
- PT Nursery Coordinator @ New Bethesda Baptist Church, Mechanicsville, VA
- PT Nursery Worker @ New Bethesda Baptist Church, Mechanicsville, VA
- Associate Pastor, Minister of Missions and Discipleship @ Moffett Memorial Baptist Church, Danville, VA
- Pastor @ Black Creek Baptist Church, Franklin, VA
- Lead Pastor @ Bedford Baptist Church, Bedford, Nova Scotia
- Child Development Center Director @ Columbia Baptist Church, Falls Church, VA
- Associate Pastor @ First Baptist Church of Monroe, Monroe, VA
- PT Minister/Director of Youth @ Orange Baptist Church, Orange, VA
- Pastor @ Calvary Baptist Church, Floyd, VA
|
|
|
Are You Reading the BGAV Blog?
The BGAV Blog contains stories, columns, resources, and news that can help your faith journey. View the latest posts:
|
|
|
Upcoming Events
The weather is heating up, and so are BGAV's summer events!
July 12, 2018
Waynesboro, VA
July 16-20, 2018
Lynchburg, VA
July 23-27, 2018
Lynchburg, VA
Richmond, VA
August 25, 2018
Appomattox, VA
Ministry Equipping Network:
Empower Coaching Courses:
Impact Mission Camps:
- June 24-30, 2018
Bluefield, VA
- July 8-14, 2018
Eastern Shore, VA
- July 15-21, 2018
Danville, VA
- July 15-21, 2018
Houston, TX
- July 22-28, 2018
Danville, VA
Camp Piankatank:
- Boys' Week
June 24-29, 2018
- Father/Son Weekend
June 29-July 1, 2018
- Girls' Week
July 1-6, 2018
- Piankatank Pals 1 (Day Camp)
July 2-6, 2018
- Co-ed Mini Adventure
July 6-8, 2018
- Co-ed Week 1
July 15-20, 2018
- Piankatank Pals 2 (Day Camp)
July 16-20, 2018
- Mother/Daughter Weekend
July 20-22, 2018
- Co-ed Youth Week
July 22-27, 2018
- Piankatank Pals 3 (Day Camp)
July 23-27, 2018
- Co-ed Week 2
July 29-August 3, 2018
- Piankatank Pals 4 (Day Camp)
July 30-August 3, 2018
|
|
|
God, you have asked us to continue to love one another, for love comes from you. You have shown how much you loved us by sending your one and only son, Jesus, into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. Today, we confess that we will love you with all of our hearts, souls, strength and minds, and we will love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Amen.
|
|
Stay Engaged with the BGAV!
|
|
|
