175th Anniversary Recap
Posted on October 21st, 2011
On Sunday, October 16, 2011, Farmville Baptist Church celebrated it’s 175th Anniversary.
The morning began with a fellowship breakfast in the Fellowship Hall.
Then we had a wonderful anniversary celebration service at 11 a.m. The sanctuary was filled almost to capacity (click on picture to download a bigger version).
The service was filled with special music. The Sanctuary and Children’s Choirs sang “We Are the Children of Promise.” Lori Davis returned to sing the solo “The King of Love My Shepherd Is.” Peggy Cave (Founder and Choir Director, 1971-1979) directed our bell choir during the Offertory. And Pam McDermott (Former Music Director, 1999-2002) directed our Sanctuary Choir in singing “O Breath of God” as our Choral Benediction.
Pastor Michael Cheuk preached a sermon titled “Raising Our Ebenezer” (click here to listen to the sermon).
Special guests in attendance included:
Rev. Les Giles (former Pastor, 1970-1975) and his wife Joanne.
Rev. Charles Miller (former Associate Pastor, 1986-1988)
Evelyn McCluney, (former Office Manager, 1986-2007)
Pam McDermott (former Music Director, 1999-2002)
Dennis Myers, representing the Southside Baptist Association
Rev. Don Campbell, representing the Virginia Baptist Mission Board
Jennifer Clore, representing the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, national and state
After the service, the congregation enjoyed a pot-luck luncheon organized by Penny Huskey and our Social Committee. The food over overflowing and Linda Saxtan decorated an amazing Farmville Baptist cake. Everyone had a great time eating in the Fellowship Hall and outside under a couple of tents. The weather could not have been better . . . sunny and in the mid 70′s.
Filed under Fellowship, Worship | No Comments »
Thank You! . . . You’re Welcome!
Posted on October 2nd, 2011
Pastor’s Column, published in The Informer (FBC Newsletter for October 2011)
As our 175th anniversary rapidly approaches, there’s an excitement in the air. Like a family that is preparing to host a big party, many members of Farmville Baptist have worked and are working hard to ensure that October 16 will be a special and meaningful day.
Peggy Cave, Nancy Vick, Becky Kelly and Ceile Dunlap have completed our history booklet.
By the time you read this, all of our Pictorial Directory portraits will have been taken by Daniel and Melissa McLemore of High Bridge Photography.
Jay Lynn, Executive Director of Who Needs Normal? Consulting, is completing the first round of video interviews to identify our strengths and gifts.
Jim Davis, Kevin Dunn and others have volunteered their time to clean our building.
Sandy Yeatts, Mary Jo Chassey, Peggy Cave, Anita Lynn and Mc Amoss are preparing wonderful music for our worship service.
Gene Watson and the Stewardship Committee have sent out invitation letters to our members, former members and out-of-town friends of Farmville Baptist.
Cindy Cave and the publicity taskforce designed our banner and T-shirts, and will publicize our celebration in local media outlets.
Penny Huskey and the Social Committee are organizing a luncheon that would make a die-hard Baptist proud!
To all of these people and many more unnamed, I want to say a hearty “Thank You!” for their contributions to our anniversary celebration.
In addition to the “Thank You’s,” let us also say, “You’re welcome!”
We welcome Jane Schirmer, who joined the church on September 18.
We welcome Matt Fuller, who is coming on board as our youth ministry intern.
We welcome the comments of those who participated in the interviews.
We welcome former pastors and staff members like Dr. Jason Thrower and his family; Rev. Leslie H. Giles and his wife Joanne; Pam McDermott and her family, and Rev. Charles K. Miller and Evelyn McCluney.
We welcome former members and out-of-town friends.
We welcome pastors of local churches who will come to our luncheon to express their congratulations and well-wishes.
We welcome the opportunity to embrace our history and reconnect with those who played a very important part in the life of Farmville Baptist.
But most of all, we welcome the Spirit of God, whose presence will be felt in a mighty way, and whose power will lead us forward in the months and years to come!
Let the celebration begin! Michael
Filed under News Column | No Comments »