Strategic & Compassionate Response
to COVID-19 Pandemic
A note from our lead pastor:
“Grace and Peace to you in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ! I know this time in our country seems crazy and very out of control. But I assure you that God is indeed still and always in control. Psalm 27:1 says, “The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?” Nothing is out of his grasp or His timeline. Revelation 1:17 says “Then He placed His right hand on me and said: Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.” Check out my message [on March 15] if you missed it. It will encourage you and strengthen your faith. Get the video via Facebook or Podcast from c2church.com.”
– Jeremy Risner
Give Hope, Get Hope
With the global pandemic, life has been changing at a rapid-pace for all of us. Yet, while coronavirus has affected life for everyone, Jesus changed everything for us. He continues to transform our dead-end lives into the very hope of humanity–His image. As his image-bearers in the world, we are compelled by His love to serve our local community in any way we can. Whether you find yourself in need of help or with the ability to help others, start the questionnaire to the right to get more info about opportunities for you.
Intro
Sometimes we are unimaginative when it comes to prayer. As C.S. Lewis puts it, “Those who have not learned to ask God for childish things will have less readiness to ask Him for great ones.” Our problem is often not that we ask too much of God but that we ask too little. We are content with small and temporary things—like asking for hot dogs when steak is on the menu.
While God cares for all those details, He also invites us to experience more of Him and His power. He knows the number of hairs on our heads, clothes the lilies of the field, and feeds the birds of the air. How much more will He care for your daily needs? Yet, we often neglect the great invitation to partake in the divine and experience His unlimited, creative power.
Paul’s words in Ephesians 3:20-21 challenge us to be imaginative in our asking. If moving mountains is not much for God, then certainly He can and wants us to ask, think, and imagine creatively. This brings God glory! We showcase His power by trusting Him and asking expectantly, faithfully, and creatively. The Bible promises that we receive when we ask according to His will. How do we know His will? By diving into Scripture, we find bold and creative asks, from floating ax heads and falling walls to multiplying food and calming storms.
Over the next 21 days, commit yourself to reading the Bible and praying. Take time to think about what you read and what God is speaking to you. Use the questions offered to guide you in prayer about what you are talking to God about. Consider adding a time of fasting or silence to deepen your time with the Lord.
I encourage you to use the SOAP method (Scripture, Observation, Ask, Praise) to guide you each day. Soap Journals are available or use one of your own. As you track the things you are praying about, record your experience and see what prayers you see God answering.
Let’s dive into the Possible!
Pastor Jeremy Risner
October ’23 C2 Kids Update
Hello C2 Kids’ Families,
It’s October, and we are “falling” in love with Jesus around here! Upward season wraps up on the 14th. Then, we begin prepping for our Chili Cook-off and BGMC Pie Auction on Sunday, October 29th. We need lots of pies and even more Pie eaters. Please sign up here to bake a pie or two or here to join the Chili cook off. Help us raise lots of money for BGMC!
C2 Kids Elementary Parents,
This month we are stepping into a new series called “The Loop!” We are talking about having a Durable Faith and Suiting up! You will see our memory verse builds each week, so stay on top of it. We are going to try this out because I think we are all ready for this kind of faith stretching exercise.
We just celebrated our 3rd MVP Party. This time, we asked our students to learn 10 of the 12 Memory Verses. 32 of our C2 Kids met this challenge!!! This Sunday, we started working toward our next MVP party on January 7th!!!
October 1, 2023 – Free Fall Faith: How can you put your faith into action?
“For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all the belongs to Christ.” Hebrews 3:14
Parent Conversation: What do you think we can learn from today’s verse? What does it look like to put your faith into action throughout an entire lifetime? Do you know anyone like that? If yes, what are they like?
October 8, 2023 – For your eyes only: How do you define the word supernatural?
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” Ephesians 6:10
Parent Conversation: Why do you think it can be so hard to fight lies, shame, and temptations?
October 15, 2023 – Classified Gear: How do you face your struggles?
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6:10-11
Parent Conversation: We are learning about the invisible battle between good and evil. Share with your child about an invisible battle you have faced.
October 22, 2023 – Spiritual Decoder: Who is the Holy Spirit?
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Our fight is not against human beings. It is against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly world” Ephesians 6:10-12
Parent Conversation: When you’re struggling because you’re waiting for God’s plan to win out against evil… Where can you go for help? Who can you talk to about it?
October 29, 2023 – Nex-Gen Sunday
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Our fight is not against human beings. It is against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly world. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Ephesians 6:10-13
Kids will be joining us IN SERVICE at 10AM.
Please join us through the YouVersion Bible App Plans for “Durable Faith” (click here) and “Suit Up” to follow along in these devotions. There are 2 different plans this month. I am excited for our kids to study God’s word at home. You can find the verses and devotion links on our C2 Kids Facebook page.
C2 Kids Preschool Parents,
This month we are saying, “Goodbye Fear! God is here!” You can click this link to join the “Roaring Rescue” plan on the YouVersion Bible App. Shine and Emily teach our preschoolers a memory verse, a key truth, and a song to help our littles put fear aside and build up their faith in this 6 day devotional series.
Our C2 Preschool memory verse for this month is, “The LORD your God…says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13. Please work with your preschooler to learn this! We will go over it every week for the month of October.
We are looking for Buddies to volunteer in our preschool program. Our desire is for a consistent member with loads of love and patience to serve some of our preschoolers who may need more focused attention. God’s desire is for all to know Him. Some people need us to show them Jesus in different ways so we are trying out a few news ways. If you would like to jump in and help out with our new special needs ministry, please let me know.
C2 Kids Nursery Parents,
This is the fastest growing ministry in our church. It is so fun watching all the growing baby bumps and feeling the anticipation of new little ones, but with all that joy comes the need for more volunteers. If you can give one Sunday a month to hold babies, we would appreciate it. Michelle Crutcher is our Nursery coordinator, and she would love to add you to the schedule.
If you want a great song to add to your song list, we are introducing Evvie McKinney’s “Ephesians 6” to C2 Kids this week. Play it in your car, and see if you aren’t humming it all day long too!
Have a great month!
Jennifer Daack
Children and Families Pastor
September ’23 C2 Kids Update
Hello C2 Kids’ Families,
It is September! Upward soccer is in full swing. It is the perfect season for roasting marshmallows and enjoying time outside. I hope you all are finding great family moments and also quiet moments to talk about Jesus together. “Mom and Dad remain the most powerful influencers of children and their faith” Click here to read this article about passing on your faith to your kids. Your kids are watching you. They see when you open your Bible to read and when you kneel to pray. The most powerful things you can do are pray over your children and read God’s word with them.
C2 Kids Elementary Parents,
This month we will finish up a series on “Influence” and start one called “Spread the Word.” It is so important that we remind our kids that they can be leaders. They can stand up to evil and share the hope of Jesus as they head off to their schools.
September 3, 2023 – Fight evil and make a difference!
“Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.” Romans 12:21
Parent Conversation: I often tell my kids, be a builder not a destroyer. Point out ways your kids can be a builder. You know the situations they are facing with friends or classmates. Help them lead people to Jesus.
September 10, 2023 – People learn about Jesus when I share God’s Good News!
“…Go into all the world and preach the good news to everyone.” Matthew 16:15
Parent Conversation: How can your family share the good news to people who haven’t heard?
September 17, 2023 – Share your love loud!
“If I don’t have love, I am only a loud gong or a noisy cymbal.” 1 Corinthians 13:1
Parent Conversation: What is the difference between loud and loving? What are the best ways for people to see Jesus in us?
September 24, 2023 – Share your shine. People learn about Jesus when I live like Him.
“Let your good deeds shine out for all to see so that everyone will praise your Heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:16
Parent Conversation: What are some attributes you see in your kids’ lives that reveal Jesus in them? Take some time to build up your child today.
Please join us through the you version Bible App Plans for “Spread the Word” (click here) to follow along in this devotion. It is a 8 day plan that will help us spread the word so more people will know about Jesus. You can also find them weekly on our C2 Kids Facebook page.
C2 Kids Preschool Parents,
This month we start at the beginning! You can click this link to join the “In The Beginning” plan on the YouVersion Bible App. Shine and Emily teach our preschoolers a memory verse, a key truth, and a song to help the message stick in this 8 day devotional series.
Our C2 Preschool memory verse for this month is, “How you made me is amazing and wonderful!” Psalm 139:14. Please work with your preschooler to learn this! We will go over it every week for the month of September.
C2 Kids Nursery Parents,
This may be the fastest growing ministry in our church. It is so fun watching all the growing baby bumps and feeling the anticipation of new little ones, but with all that joy comes the need for more volunteers. If you can give one Sunday a month to hold babies, we would appreciate it . Michelle Crutcher is our Nursery coordinator, and she would love to add you to the schedule.
Have a great month!
Jennifer Daack
Children and Families Pastor
August ’23 C2 Kids Update
Hello C2 Kids’ Families,
I secretly dread August. It means the end of lazy summer days and enjoying having my kids home from school. Routine is returning, which means having to be a little more prepared for crockpot dinners in between homework and sports practices. I know routine is important and so are the lessons learned in school and on the athletic field. I also know that routine helps me stay more on track with my Bible reading and with intentional family time. I hope you are already thinking about those intentional moments with your kids. Maybe this is the year that you decide you are going to complete the Bible plan devotions with your kids or that you are going to learn the verses with them. Put them up in the car and say them on the way to and from school. Begin your day quoting God’s word and see if it makes a difference. It’s easier to have a respectful conversation with your child if you have just invited God’s word into that conversation.
C2 Kids Elementary Parents,
This month we will finish up our faith series and then jump into a series called Influence. Remember, the verses are listed for the week we learn them, so they are recited the following week. You can also find them weekly on our C2 Kids Facebook page or on our church website under C2 Kids.
August 6, 2023 – I can show my faith to grow my faith.
“Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.” James 2:26
Parent Conversation: What are some good things people can do to keep their faith in Jesus healthy?
August 13, 2023 – Think. Pray. Then Follow
“…if a blind person leads another who is blind, both of them will fall into a pit,” Matthew 15:14
Parent Conversation: What do you think makes Jesus the best example to follow?
August 20, 2023 – Kids can be a godly example!
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young. Set an example for the believers in what you say and in how you live. …” 1 Timothy 4:12.
Parent Conversation: Talk to your child about a time that you have learned from them. Encourage them that God can use them and has used them.
August 27, 2023 – I can obey the leaders God gave me.
Dress in shorts and tennis shoes. We are playing Nuke’em at the end of service!!!
“Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord.” Colossians 3:20
Parent Conversation: Maybe you disobeyed your parents and need to tell your kids about what that disobedience caused to your relationship and how you mended it and learned from it.
I challenge you to take the last few days of summer and do this “Red Letter Challenge for kids” (click here) devotion. It is an 11 day plan on the YouVersion Bible App. It takes 21 days to establish a routine. This could be the start of a whole new spiritual growth for you and your kids.
C2 Kids Preschool Parents,
Thank you for your patience during our renovation phase. We are excited about the crisp newly painted walls, hallway and our amazing floors. The preschool area is looking great and is ready for our little ones to learn about Jesus in!!! This month we will learn what is the church, who is welcome and that we all have a part in God’s family. You can click this link to join the “Everybody’s Welcome” plan on the YouVersion Bible App. Shine and Emily teach our preschoolers in this 6 day devotional series. They will learn actions to help memorize their Bible verse and learn new songs so they can worship God. We are really going to focus on having our preschoolers learn a Bible verse each month.
Our C2 Preschool memory verse for this month is, “…the family of God is the church.” 1 Timothy 3:15
C2 Kids Nursery Parents,
George Barna said, “In the race to a child’s heart, the first one there wins.” Help us be the first one to reach them. Our nursery is growing quickly, Michelle Crutcher is our Nursery Coordinator, and she will help you plug in to one week a month to serve on a team. Serving builds relationships in your life and cares for some of our young families. I would like to share a great article that explains serving in our nursery best, “Nursery is not Babysitting.“ There is also a link to this article on our C2 Kids Facebook page.
We had a great time at Kids Camp. It was Matt’s first time at Kids Camp. He had the boys tying ties and came home hoarse from all the orange team cheers! My van was silent with a group of chatty Kathys who were knocked out in exhaustion… so we must have all had fun. God was present and really stirred hearts. One of my favorite memories is watching all the kids with arms held high in worship. I can only imagine how precious this is to Jesus! If your kids didn’t go this year, make plans for next year. There is just something about getting away that lets us draw closer to Jesus!
A huge Highlight at camp was our BGMC offering!!! We turned in $6,094.75 that will be matched to $12,189.50!!! We brought more than half of the $10,000 that was matched to $20,000!!! Thank you for Supporting BGMC!
Have a great month! Matt and I pray that these last few weeks of summer will prepare you for everything that God has for your family during this upcoming school year! Our prayer is that God will help you prioritize Him first and that He will lead your schedules, your relationships and your focus.
Jennifer Daack
Children and Families Pastor
July ’23 C2 Kids Update
Hello C2 Kids’ Families,
It is always fun celebrating with our students as they hit huge milestones in their lives. We welcomed 8 preschool graduates into C2 Kids Elementary and promoted 16 students on to youth. We are so proud of what these students have learned and what they will continue to do for our church and for God’s kingdom.
Our Rec Crew kids are so much fun. We had a great outing to Rock Bridge State Park and then a productive day preparing for worship in C2 Kids. These student leaders have really stepped up to lead our small groups and to help care for younger students in every area of children’s ministry. They are learning to see needs and to problem solve ways to meet those needs. It is amazing!
C2 Kids Elementary Parents,
We are leaving for Camp on July 5th. If you follow the C2 Kids Facebook page, I have posted a daily prayer guide to pray over the campers beginning on Tuesday before we leave. We would love for all of you to pray for us while we are away.
July 9, 2023 – Water Day for C2 Kids Elementary Students
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14
Parent Conversation: When is a time that you stood still and let God fight for you? Have you ever tried to fight alone? What was different about the two situations?
July 16, 2023 – When you have faith in Jesus, share it!
“…it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.” Romans 10:10
Parent Conversation: Talk about some different things you’d like to do to share your faith in Jesus.
July 23, 2023, Missions Sunday – I have faith when I choose to follow Jesus
“Faith is being sure of what we hope for. It is being certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1
Parent Conversation: If someone didn’t know what faith is, what would you tell them?
July 30, 2023 – When I have faith in Jesus, I can give generously
“And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.” Hebrews 13:16
Parent Conversation: Talk about some ways God has been generous to us.
If you would like to follow along with the Bible study we are doing in C2 Kids, join us for the “Faith Facts for Kids” (click here) devotion. It is a 8 day plan on the YouVersion Bible App. This is a great way to motivate your kids to do something good during their summer break!
C2 Kids Preschool Parents,
There are a few exciting changes going on in our preschool area. The walls are being painted and new flooring is going in. So during our beautification phase during the whole month of July, we will have C2 Kids Preschool meeting in the middle school classroom closest to our school bathrooms. Our lessons will be the same as always, just in a different room. If you would like to follow along at home with the devotions your preschoolers are doing during class, click this link to join the “God’s Good News” plan on YouVersion. Shine and Emily teach our preschoolers that God has good plans for them in this 6 day devotional series. They will learn actions to help memorize their Bible verse and learn new songs so they can worship God. We are really going to focus on having our preschoolers learn a Bible verse each month.
Our C2 Preschool memory verse for this month is, “…It is useful for teaching us what is true.” 2 Timothy 3:16
C2 Kids Nursery Parents,
Our nursery is growing by leaps and bounds. If you would like to join our Nursery ministry team and help hold babies once a month, please talk to Michelle Crutcher, our Nursery Coordinator. There is no greater gift to parents of little ones than to be able to worship God knowing their baby is safe and loved. You can sign up to serve once a month and bless so many.
Kids Camp is coming up July 5th – 8th. We will have a short parent meeting on Sunday, June 18th right after church in the C2 Kids auditorium. Come with your questions, and I will do my best to give you answers.
Graduations continue into Kids’ Ministry. Our preschoolers are moving up to elementary on June 4th, and it is also the last day for our 5th graders to be students in Kids’ Ministry. We are excited to celebrate our graduates. Please make sure to have them in church on time so we can recognize them.
Have a great month! We hope to see you around C2 Kids for all kinds of summer fun!
Jennifer Daack
Children and Families Pastor
June ’23 C2 Kids Update
Hello C2 Kids’ Families,
Summer is officially here! It’s time to celebrate our Dads! We are thankful for you Dads, Grandpas, and Great Grandpas who have chosen to lead your families. We pray blessings and wisdom over you. We know the mantle you carry is huge, and we are grateful for you.
The past few months have flown by, and lots of things are going on in Kids’ Ministry. Our Rec Crew is up and running!!! It has been amazing watching our middle schoolers step up into leadership and service. They are now meeting before church to prepare for our services, leading our small group time, and serving in nursery and in preschool. Matt and I are so blessed by each of them. Thank you parents for showing up early. It is so encouraging for us to see so many of them transitioning into youth as a group of friends! We hope to keep building those relationships with special events just for them. Our first one is to Rock Bridge State park for a hike and then lunch. Then back to the church for some planning on June 19th. Please make plans for them to be a part of this.
We are looking forward to our Family Board Game Fun. Don’t forget to register so we can prepare for you and your family and friends. Invite someone to join you June 11th from 3-5 p.m.
Micah Brack is our spotlight volunteer. Micah joined our C2 Kids team this year and has left us wondering what we ever did without him. He has been involved in Kids ministry for about 7 years at previous churches which explains all his wisdom! He runs for the vacuum as soon as church is over and leaves our auditorium spotless!!! His presence brings calm to our squirmy boys so they can focus on learning about Jesus. He says Kids ministry has taught him how to share Christ with people of different ages and to show God’s love, forgiveness and grace and to build relationships with kids. His favorite verse is Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” He also loves EVERY kind of COOKIE! Thank you Micah for loving C2 Kids!!!
C2 Kids Elementary Parents,
Memory verse party is coming up on Sunday, June 25th for all the kids who have memorized 8 verses. There is still time to make up the verses that they have missed. I am happy to FaceTime or meet before or stay after service to listen to memories verses. Remember the verses are listed for the week we learn them, so they are recited the following week. You can also find them on our C2 Kids Facebook page.
June 4, 2023 – I’m on a mission to go fishing — for people!
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” Matthew 4:19
Parent Conversation: Who is someone you can share your faith with? Take a moment to think and share with your child. Then, pray and ask God to lead you into an opportunity to share with that person.
June 11, 2023 – It’s okay to disagree—just do so respectfully.
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:6
Parent Conversation: Talk about building relationships and share a time you disagreed respectfully with a friend and saved the friendship.
June 18, 2023 – I’m well-known because God knows me well.
“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart…” Jeremiah 1:5.
Parent Conversation: Share how you have learned about God with your kids. Is it through experiences? Studying? Church? How can you as a family know God more? Make a plan together for how you can learn more about God.
June 25, 2023 – I can be thankful when things are good—and when they’re not..
“Give thanks no matter what happened. God wants you to thank him because you believe in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
Parent Conversation: What is something hard that you went through that you can now see how God used it in your life, and you are now thankful for it?
If you would like to follow along with the Bible study we are doing in C2 Kids, join us for the “Kids Make a Difference” (click here) devotion. It is a 15 day plan on the YouVersion Bible App. These devotions will encourage kids to allow God to make a difference in their life. This is a great way to motivate your kids to do something good during their summer break!
C2 Kids Preschool Parents,
If you would like to follow along at home with the devotions your preschoolers are doing during Zoom, click this link to join the “The Dreamer” plan on YouVersion. Shine and Emily teach our preschoolers that God has good plans for them in this 7 day devotional series. They will learn actions to help memorize their Bible verse and learn new songs so they can worship God.
Our C2 Preschool memory verse for this month is, “…I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD. They are plans for good…” Jeremiah 29:11
C2 Kids Nursery Parents,
If you would like to join our Nursery ministry team and help hold babies once a month, please talk to Michelle Crutcher, our Nursery Coordinator. There is no greater gift to parents of little ones than to be able to worship knowing their baby is safe and loved.
Kids Camp is coming up July 5th – 8th. We will have a short parent meeting on Sunday, June 18th right after church in the C2 Kids auditorium. Come with your questions, and I will do my best to give you answers.
Graduations continue into Kids’ Ministry. Our preschoolers are moving up to elementary on June 4th, and it is also the last day for our 5th graders to be students in Kids’ Ministry. We are excited to celebrate our graduates. Please make sure to have them in church on time so we can recognize them.
Have a great month! We hope to see you around C2 Kids for all kinds of summer fun!
Jennifer Daack
Children and Families Pastor