July 30, 2020
What Can Churches Do to Overcome Racial Injustice?
by Marshal Ausberry

This article grew out of a video conference with NorthStar Church Network in early June 2020. I was asked to lead a session on the theme “What Churches Can Do to Overcome Racial Injustice.” ( Watch the video conference here.)

As I have personally observed and talked with several pastors in Virginia and around the country, there is a recurring response about what is going on: “This seems different.” This moment that we are in—where racial injustice is the focal point—just seems different.

I believe the response is different because it is as if God allowed the whole world to be shut down for such a time as this. We are not distracted with our own personal agendas. We are not distracted with sports, parties, school, work, shopping, vacations, and a host of other things that normally capture our attention. So when the video of the death of George Floyd was broadcast around the world, the harsh reality could not be ignored. It gripped our attention like never before.

Apply to Be a Rural Clergy Fellow with Campbell University

Campbell University’s Center for Church & Community is excited to open up the registration process for the 2021 Rural Clergy Fellows cohort, which is part of the Thriving in Ministry grant awarded by Lilly Endowment.
The Rural Clergy Fellow is designed to connect clergy from rural and small towns, providing them with tools and resources to help them and their ministries thrive and flourish.
We would like to invite clergy from the Baptist General Association of Virginia to apply to be a part of our 12-month cohort and ask for your help in spreading the word. Please see the attachment for more information. If you are able and think the program could be beneficial to members of your organization, we ask that you include the information as part of your newsletter, posts, emails or other correspondence.

For more information on the Fellow and the Center for Church and Community, please visit the Campbell University website.
Kairos Ministries Seeking Rising College Freshmen and Transfer Student Info for This Fall

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.


Our ministries are excited to welcome your students to campus and invite them into a loving and supportive Christian community!
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.
Marilee White said her favorite scripture passage is Psalm 100: 
 
Psalm 100, NRSV
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. 
Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing. 

Know that the Lord is God. 
It is he that made us, and we are his, 
We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, 
And his courts with praise. 
Give thanks to him, bless his name. 

For the Lord is good; 
His steadfast love endures forever, 
And his faithfulness to all generations

Marilee is the Executive Director Assistant. She has served with BGAV since 2001. 
Upcoming Events of Interest

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

August 11, 2020

Children/Youth/Family Certificates:
Church Finance Course of Study:

offered by V3 Church Planting Movement

offered by Fresh Expressions US
Use code BGAV35 for a 35% discount on classes!

August 24-26, 2020

September 1-29, 2020

September 17, 2020

offered by Fresh Expressions US
September 21, 2020

November 9-10, 2020
Save the Date for This Year's BGAV Annual Meeting
November 9-10, 2020
 
Join us for this year's BGAV annual meeting - to be held virtually on Monday, November 9 (evening worship celebration) and Tuesday, November 10 (breakouts and other opportunities) - featuring NT Wright and Kate Campbell! Visit the BGAV Meeting website for more details as they are finalized.
Baptist General Association of Virginia
800.255.2428 | bgav@bgav.org | BGAV.org