As a part of our 175th anniversary celebration, we will be publishing a new pictorial directory! All members, regular attenders, college students and even friends and relatives who are not church members are invited to have portraits made during the week of September 12-16. High Bridge Photography, owned by church members Daniel and Melissa McLemore, will be taking the portraits and assembling the directory.  Thank you for your participation and inclusion in this directory!

MAKE-UP Dates for Pictorial Directory Portraits, September 17 and 30, 2011

We have scheduled two pictorial directory make-up days for those who were not able to schedule during last week.  The dates are Tuesday, September 27 and Friday, September 30, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. 

Click here to schedule an appointment for an individual or family.

You will receive one free 10 x 13″ portrait of your entire family. Only one sitting and one free 10 x 13″ portrait per family.

No charge for the sitting and no purchase is required.  However, you will have an opportunity to purchase extra pictures and packages.

Preparing for your Portrait Session:

• Plan an hour for your session to include:  Check-in, Photography and Portrait Viewing and selections.
• Plan to arrive 20 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment.  This will allow for check-in and any last minute preparations.
• Try to schedule sessions with small children early.  Try to avoid scheduling your appointment during naptimes and meal times.

Portrait products will be available for purchase after your session and make nice gifts and keepsakes.  We do accept all major credit cards, checks and payment plans are available.

What to Wear:

Decide on the tone and style of your family’s portrait.  Formal clothing will provide a traditional look or you may choose a casual look to best fit your family’s style.

• Clothing – Solid, coordinating colors are best.  Avoiding busy patterns helps to maintain a timeless look and is less distracting.   Make sure you are comfortable – whether it’s casual or formal.
• Hair and Make-up – Avoid cutting your hair or changing your hairstyle right before your session.  Apply your make-up as you would normally with special attention to your eyes, as they are the focal point of a portrait.

Posing for the Camera:

• You are encouraged to have fun at your session.  We want to capture the real you!
• Feel free to bring anything meaningful with you to your session.  Props such as special toys, books, musical instruments and more are encouraged to personalize your portraits.
• Notify your photographer of any special requests and we will do our best to accommodate you.
• Generational portraits are allowed and encouraged.  Feel free to invite grandparents or other family members and loved ones to join your session for an additional pose (even if they are not church members).
• Remember portraits make wonderful gifts.  We also offer a full selection of portrait greeting cards and other gift items such as ornaments, canvases and blankets.

Other 175th Anniversary Information

For more information about our 175th Anniversary, please visit our Anniversary Celebration page on our website!

“Happy 175th Anniversary, Farmville Baptist Church!”

November 25, 2011, is the 175th Anniversary of the founding of Farmville Baptist Church.

To celebrate this occasion, the church will be having an Anniversary Reunion Celebration on Sunday, October 16. 

You are cordially invited to

Farmville Baptist Church’s

175^th Anniversary Reunion Celebration

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Continental Breakfast/Social at 9:30 a.m.

Worship Celebration at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary

Reunion Luncheon at 12 noon in the Fellowship Hall

Anniversary Program and Festivities to end by 2:00 p.m.

This page contains the latest updates and announcements regarding our anniversary celebration!  After the jump, click the links on the Table of Contents to go to section you want to visit.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• “Mums” for Anniversary Sunday
• Fun Facts from our history
• Church Clean Up Days
• 175th Anniversary T-Shirts for sale
• 175th Anniversary Pictorial Directory
• “Favorite Stories” Interviews
• Ladies’ Hat & Men’s Tie Contest
• Returning Former Pastors and Staff Members

“Mums” for Anniversary Sunday

If you would like to purchase a Mum in memory or in honor of a loved one to be placed in the sanctuary on our Anniversary Sunday, October 16, please call the church office (392-5041). The cost is $10. The Mums can be picked up after the Anniversary Celebration service.

Fun Facts from our history

In the 1860’s, many non-Baptists attended Farmville Baptist in order to view the “most beautiful woman ever seen”. Mrs. Arnaud Preot was FBC’s choir director, and the French wife of the President of Farmville Female College (1862-1870).

Mr. Holman Rice, a prominent church member used to pray he might be permitted to die while praying. In the fall of 1876, his prayer was answered as he passed away while on his knees at a prayer meeting at Farmville Baptist.

Mary Jo Young Chassey played in the first FBC bell choir as a middle school student. In fact it was the first bell choir in Farmville. Since Mary Jo returned to FBC with her wonderful family she has played in and directed the present bell choir.

Joseph Mays, as choir director at FBC started the annual Hanging of the Greens service at Christmas. It has become an important tradition.

There was in existence a boys school called the Southside Institute which was held in the basement of the Baptist Church. It had a rather close relationship existing between the local white Baptist Church and the present State Teachers College.  Many prominent people were taught in this Institute, including the celebrated Dr. Walter Reed.

The first church building was completed in 1837, on the corner of Fourth and South Main Streets where First Baptist Church now stands. Our present location was purchased and a new building erected in 1855 and used until 1912. In 1912, construction on a new building begun, and it was completed and dedicated on Nov. 1, 1914 at a cost of $24,033.93.

Church Clean Up Days

In making sure that our building is looking its best for our anniversary celebration, Jim Davis and the Property Committee have scheduled a “Church Clean-Up” day on Saturday, September 24, starting at 9 a.m. (with a continental breakfast served) and ending at 1 p.m.  Clean-up projects include painting, carpet cleaning, retouching and staining the sanctuary pews, dusting various rooms, and cleaning the bathrooms.  A list of projects and the supplies needed will be published in the coming weeks.   Your help is needed!  Many hands make light work!

175th Anniversary T-Shirts for sale!

In honor of our anniversary celebration, we’re selling bright blue, 50 poly/50 cotton T-shirts, with an FBC design. The final price depends upon the quantity of the order…estimate $20 each or less!

If you are interested in purchasing a T-shirt, please contact Cindy Cave (cndcave [[at] gmail [dot] com) 434 547-7576 or with the Adult Size shirt you prefer. Feel free to order T-Shirts for your family and friends! The deadline to order (please include T-shirt size) is August 21.

175th Anniversary Pictorial Directory

As a part of our 175th anniversary celebration, we will be publishing a new pictorial directory! All members, regular attenders, college students and even friends and relatives who are not church members are invited to have portraits made during the week of September 12-16.

Click here to schedule an appointment for an individual or family. Appointments are 20 minutes each starting at 9:00 a.m. each day.  The last appointment of the night is 9:00 p.m.

You will receive one free 10″ x 13″ portrait of your entire family. Only one sitting and one free 10″ x 13″ portrait per family.

No charge for the sitting and no purchase is required.  However, you will have an opportunity to purchase extra pictures and packages.

“Favorite Stories” Interviews

Jay Lynn will be video interviewing various FBC groups during the following days and times:

Sunday, September 18, 10 a.m. – Median Adult Sunday School Class (Ken Copeland) in the Fellowship Hall
Sunday, September 25, 9:45 a.m. – Senior Adult Ruth Class in the Parlor
Sunday, September 25, 5:00 p.m. – College Students during our Adopt-a-Student dinner in the Fellowship Hall
Sunday, October 2,  9:45 a.m. – Elisabeth Class in the Preschool Department
Sunday, October 2, 10:15 a.m. – Youth Group

In these videotaped interviews, participants will be asked these questions pertaining to our past:

1) What brought you to FBC?
2) What were your initial impressions? What made you decide to stay?
3) Share a personal story about FBC that is especially meaningful to you.

Also, the following questions will be asked pertaining to our present:

4) What three words would you use to describe FBC to an outsider?
5) What three words would describe the things that are important to us?
6) What are some things/ministries we do well at FBC? What resources are we blessed with as a church?

Segments of these interviews will be shown at our anniversary luncheon on October 16.

Ladies’ Hat and Men’s Tie Contest

At our Anniversary Celebration luncheon, there will be a Ladies Hat & Men’s Tie (neck or bow) contest!  Prizes will be given in these categories: “historically correct,” “fashionable,” and “funny/gaudy.”  Start looking for that perfect, prize-winning accessory !

Returning Former Pastors and Staff Members

The following former pastors and staff members are planning to attend our celebration:

• Rev. Leslie H. Giles and his wife Joanne
• Pam McDermott and her family
• Rev. Charles K. Miller
• Evelyn McCluney

Anniversary Video

You are invited to attend our annual summer church-wide picnic on Sunday, August 28, 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.

This year, the picnic will be held at the Gee Price Center of the Fuqua School, 605 Fuqua Dr, Farmville, VA – (434) 392-4131.

The church will provide a meat dish and bread.  Please bring casseroles, vegetable side dishes, salads and desserts to share.  Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m.

The swimming pool is available at $8 per person; $5 per person for 15 or more.  Twilight rate $5 per person after 4 p.m.  Lifeguard on duty till closing at 7 p.m.

See you at the picnic!

On Saturday, August 6, from 8 a.m. to around 11:00 a.m., we are organizing a “Back-to-School” event for the children of the clients of FACES.  On that day, we will provide a hot breakfast at Farmville Baptist from 8 to 9:30 a.m. for these children.

After finishing their breakfast, the children will head over to the Youth Empowerment Center (315-0248) where Jackie Ghee and her staff will lead a workshop on parental involvement in our local schools and the prevention of bullying.

Afterwards, back packs will distributed to the students containing school supplies that they will need for the upcoming school year.

Here’s how you can help!

1) In the coming weeks, please donate back packs and school supplies (see below the jump for a list of needed supplies) directly to the Youth Empowerment Center.  The deadline to receive these items is Wednesday, August 3. We are expecting around 100 children.

2) Help with the breakfast and with chaperoning the children on Saturday morning, August 6, 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

3) Pray for this event!

School Supplies Needed

SCHOOL SUPPLIES for 9^th to 12^th Graders

• Notebook paper
• Pencils
• Three-ring binders
• Black/Blue pens
• Red pens
• Highlighters
• Index cards
• Glue sticks

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent and occurs forty days before Easter (excluding Sundays). Ash Wednesday gets its name from the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of the faithful as a sign of repentance and as a reminder of our mortality.

This year, we will have our Ash Wednesday service on Wednesday, March 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. All are invited to this service.

Want to energize your marriage in a fun and effective way?  How about going on Ten Great Dates with your spouse?

Farmville Baptist will be hosting “Ten Great Dates” every Friday night starting February 18 going through April 29 (except on Good Friday, April 22).

Spouses come at 6:00 p.m. for a 30-minute introduction to that evening’s topic and then go on a date to discuss the topic.  We are working to line up local restaurants that will give you a meal discount or offer a free dessert if you show them your Ten Great Dates book!

Cost: $12 for the book Ten Great Dates by David and Claudia Arp.  The book is available for purchase at Farmville Baptist.

Starts: Friday, February 18, 2011

Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Place: Farmville Baptist Church Fellowship Hall (132 N. Main St., Farmville, VA)

Childcare: $5 per child per weekly session. This is an optional service that we provide for parents.  Children will be supervised by at least two Longwood students and an adult, all of whom have had their background checked.  We will show an age-appropriate movie during this time.  Parents must pick up their children at 8:30 p.m.

The following restaurants are giving “Ten Great Dates” participants added value during their Friday evening date nights.  Show the restaurant server or the manager your “Ten Great Dates” book in order to receive the following:

Macado’s — 10% off both meals
El Patron — 10% off both meals
Golden Palace — 10% off both meals
Charley’s Waterfront Café — 50% off both meals
Country Cookin — Free drinks with meals

Dates include:

Date 1 – Feb. 18:  Choosing a High-Priority Marriage
Date 2 – Feb. 25:  Learning to Talk
Date 3 – March 4:  Resolving Honest Conflict
Date 4 – March 11:  Becoming an Encourager
Date 5 – March 18:  Finding Unity in Diversity
Date 6 – March 25:  Building a Creative Love Life
Date 7 – April 1:  Sharing Responsibility and Working Together
Date 8 – April 8:  Balancing Your Roles as Partner and Parent
Date 9 – April 15:  Developing Spiritual Intimacy
Date 10 – April 29:  Having an Intentional Marriage

Testimonials:

“You will love growing together while going out together.”
-John Gray, Author of Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus

“10 Great DatesTM is definitely the most widely used marriage education program. It is being used by all denominations, by the military, and by other groups around the country.”
—Diane Sollee, MSW, Founder and Director, SmartMarriages.com

Other than the cost of the book and the cost of childcare (should you use it), there is NO other obligations or commitments to this program.  You can attend all ten dates, or just a few, or none at all!  You can have your dates on any night you choose.  The conversation exercises in the book are all self-directed.  No one from the church will contact you or “follow up” on your dates.  This is a program that Pastor Michael Cheuk of Farmville Baptist and Pastor Elizabeth Rickert Dowdy of Tar Wallet Baptist want to offer to the community with no strings attached.  Both Pastor Cheuk and Pastor Dowdy are available for more in-depth counseling should a couple seek it.

Contact the Church Office of Farmville Baptist (434 392-5041) for more information or to sign up!

After the service on February 6, our children and youth will sponsor a Soup & Bread lunch to raise money for Passport summer camp. We invite everyone to attend and make a donation for lunch comparable to a restaurant lunch (or more). Donations help defray the cost of the camp for every participating child or youth. RSVP with the church office 392-5041 for the lunch by February 4.

Celebrate Advent with us as we prepare for the coming of Christ.

Advent Season 2010

First Sunday of Advent, November 28

Hanging of the Greens, 11 a.m.

Second Sunday of Advent, December 5

“Hopeful Repentance” 11 a.m. – Service of Believer’s Baptism

Third Sunday of Advent, December 12

“Joyful Revolution” 11 a.m. – Parent/Child Dedication & Communion

Christmas Pot-luck Dinner, 5 p.m.
Christmas Caroling, 6:15 p.m.

Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 19

“An Inconvenient Love” 11 a.m.

Christmas Eve, December 24

Communion & Candlelight Service, 5 p.m.