I have always believed that teenagers can turn the world upside down. I have always believed that Middle Schoolers, especially, are overlooked and underestimated because of the generalizations that are made about the Middle School Phase.

I am so grateful to be a part of a church that believes in the Next Generation, that empowers, encourages, and equips teenagers to actively follow Jesus and love people. 

This May and for the foreseeable summer schedule, students will be taking over our weekly MSM Online programming.

We, as an MSM team, could not be prouder.

Britta Dick and Olivia Koch, two of our 8th graders, met with myself on a video-conference call a couple weeks ago and brainstormed with me some of the ideas they had on how to help their peers stay connected to the MSM. What you hear and see in the video is all theirs, their brain power, and their ideas. I know it's their intent that it just wouldn't stay "theirs" but that more students would become a part of it. I think often of something I read (I'll be honest, it was probably on Pinterest) about how we need to form horseshoes instead of circles, because circles are closed and imply that no one else can come in, but horseshoes leave space for more to enter. That's what Olivia and Britta have done: they have created a horseshoe, leaving space for more students to join them.

Your sons and daughters are invited to be a part of this summer journey. Connect with me or connect directly with Britta and Olivia if you have their contact info. 
 

"Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity."
1 Timothy 4:12

This Wednesday,  we'll be sharing about how in the middle of chaos and disorder, God gives us peace. The chaos doesn't always disappear, but neither does God. He is always with us. Thank you for your continued patience with us as a church as we navigate these brand new waters.  

4) Marco Polo App If you and/or your student would like to connect with myself or his/her Small Group Leader, we encourage you to download the Marco Polo app.  You can add me by typing in my number: (701)425-6115. Marco Polo is not a social media app; think of it like a "walkie talkie" app where you talk directly to one person or a group of people that only you have given permission to contact you.  The video messages are not public. This is how we as MSM Youth Leaders and SGLs are connecting with each other during this time of social distancing.  

Click Here for a List of Small Group Leaders (SGLs) and their contact info. 

If you are interested in downloading it for your teen and would like more info, check out this link from Common Sense Media: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/app-reviews/marco-polo-video-chat.

5) Social Media We will continue to post to the following social media accounts. 

Update: Most Needed – Diapers size 4, 5, 6 and Pull-ups.

Our community contains people who struggle to purchase daily necessities including diapers, baby wipes, tampons, and feminine pads. This pandemic is beginning to expose those needs in our community with a wider lens. Coupled with jobs being lost and furloughed we will likely see more needs beyond this. Right now we are inviting you to help meet this need.

The church office is opening this coming week – May 11 – so you will be able to drop off items Monday through Friday 8:30-5:00pm and Thursday evening 7:00-8:30pm. If you arrive early just leave them by the doors as someone we will be there soon.

This need came to Pastor Paul Herr via Bismarck Public Schools and our goal is to collect these items through May 22 and get them into the hands of families in need via BPS personnel. Questions? Call or text Pastor Paul Herr at 701-471-7808.

Join us for this online prayer time as your pastors will lead you in moments of guided prayer and you will have an opportunity to pray for each other. This week’s prayer focus is on the beatitudes. Registration is required. Email pherr@centurybaptist.org to register.

After registering you will receive a link to access the online gathering.

We are excited to announce that as our community is beginning to re-open, and to celebrate God's work over the past number of weeks through the body of Christ,  we are calling the Century Baptist Church family to come together on SUNDAY, MAY 17th for ONE Sunday morning worship service at 10AM in our south parking lot!  

WHAT TO EXPECT:
The plan for the 17th is to use the south parking lot as our gathering place and the north parking lot as our parking area.  Please bring lawn chairs for your family as the number available folding chairs is extremely limited. 

We will not be offering any Sunday School classes or children's ministry on the 17th. 

We will all be expected to do our best to manage the requests for healthy distancing. As a family that is for one another, we would expect that each and every person cooperate in this manner by respecting one another's boundaries, opinions, and desire to remain healthy.  

If you are not able to attend or would desire to continue to connect with CBC worship services, we will continue to offer our online and televised worship service on Sunday morning at 10am. 

We will continue to update you with more details on the worship service (as well as future services) at centurybaptist.org.  

 

Sincerely,
April Wahl, Middle School Director
april@centurybaptist.org
Office: (701)223-0478
Cell: (701)425-6115