Each Sunday in January, the youth will be collecting both canned goods and monetary donations for FACES, our local food pantry. Please drop off your contributions in the baskets at the entrances to the sanctuary.

On February 5, we will announce our total collection as part of the nationwide “Souper Bowl of Caring” effort to help feed the hungry in our community.

As another Christmas comes around the corner, my heart is filled with love for Farmville Baptist Church. What a blessing it is to minister with you as your pastor! Thank you for the generous Christmas love offering that you presented to me at the Christmas dinner. But most of all, thank you for the love you’ve shown me and my family over these past six years. Thank you for your gift of love!

I came across the following from an email and thought I’d share it with you:

It’s sharing your gifts, not purchasing gifts;
It’s not wrapping presents, it’s being present
and wrapping your arms around the ones you love;
It’s not getting Christmas cards out on time,
It’s sending any card, anytime, at the right time;
It’s not having the biggest and best Christmas light display,
It’s displaying the Christ light that comes from your heart;
It’s not Santa coming down the chimney,
It’s Jesus coming down from heaven,
and giving us the gift of love.

May the love of Christ and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be yours during this Christmas season!

Yours in Christ, Michael

After the breakfast, our Christmas Morning Worship Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary.

There will be no Sunday School classes held on Christmas morning.

As Thanksgiving recedes into the past, once again we are coming upon the season of Advent. No sooner as the dishes are washed and the leftovers packed into the refrigerator, we are getting out the Christmas decorations for our annual house makeover. In fact, as I’m writing this column, Beth and the kids are setting up the Christmas tree, putting up the nativity scene onto our mantel, unpacking the ornaments and carefully putting them onto the tree. (And while I did help a little with the Christmas tree, writing a newsletter column is one way to get out of doing all that work!)

During this season of Advent, Christians are admonished to prepare for the coming of Jesus by slowing and quieting down our hectic and boisterous lives, by releasing our worries and concerns, and by counting the blessings in our lives instead of obsessing over the things that we lack. But I must confess, it is hard for me to slow down when our social and even church calendars fill up with events. It is easy to worry about whether end-of-the year contributions will cover our expenses at the church. I grieve for those who have lost loved ones this year, and for whom Christmas will forever be different. In the midst of all these distractions and burdens, how are we to prepare for the coming of Jesus?

Thankfully, I ran across this prayer for Henri Nouwen. This will be my prayer for myself and for you during this Advent season. May it give voice to our desire for this season, and may God hear and honor this prayer and make it a reality in our lives, not only for this Advent season, but for the year to come.

Advent Prayer

by Henri Nouwen

Lord Jesus,

Master of both the light and the darkness,

send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.

We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day.

We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.

We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.

We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.

We are your people, walking in darkness,

yet seeking the light. To you we say,

“Come Lord Jesus!”

Amen.

Yours in Christ, Michael

During the weeks leading up to our 175th anniversary celebration, Jay Lynn, Executive Director of Creative Change Consulting, conducted interviews among all age groups within our congregation to celebrate and acknowledge what God is doing here at Farmville Baptist. (These interviews were videotaped, and portions of interviews were included in our anniversary video.)  Congregants were asked a series of questions, and below are a visual depiction (called “word clouds”) of the most popular answers. In these word clouds, the bigger the words, the more often they appeared as an answer to the questions that Jay asked.

What first brought you to FBC?

What were your initial impressions of FBC?

What made you stay?

What three words would you use to describe FBC to an outsider?

What are three things that are important to us?

What are some things we do well?

What resources are we blessed with as a church?

Many thanks to Jay Lynn for conducting these interviews and to those in the congregation who participated in this project.  In the coming year, Jay will continue to meet with groups to begin envisioning our future as a church.

What a wonderful anniversary celebration we had on Sunday, October 16! It was so good to have former pastor Les Giles and his wife Joanna, former associate pastor Charles Miller and former music director Pam McDermott in our midst. We also appreciated Dennis Myers of the Southside Baptist Association, Don Campbell of the Virginia Baptist Mission Board and Jennifer Clore of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship for coming and issuing words of greeting and congratulations from their respective organizations. Many friends and former members of the church were also present for the celebration. And finally, we were honored to have several local pastors who came during our luncheon to offer well-wishes from their respective congregations.

The anniversary celebration could not have taken place without the investment of time, talents and work of many church volunteers. While I won’t be able to name every single person who helped out, I want to thank these folks: Peggy Cave, Nancy Vick, Becky Kelly and Ceile Dunlap for our history booklet. Jay Lynn & Thea Cheuk for assisting in the video, and for all who agreed to be interviewed. Jim Davis, Kevin Dunn and others who helped clean our building. Sandy Yeatts, Mary Jo Chassey, Peggy Cave, Anita Lynn and Mc Amoss and all our choirs for their wonderful music during our worship service. Gene Watson and the Stewardship Committee for sending out invitation letters to our members, former members and out-of-town friends of Farmville Baptist. Cindy Cave and the publicity taskforce for designing our banner and T-shirts, and for publicizing our celebration in local media outlets. Penny Huskey, Joyce Davis, George Carter and others from the Social Committee for planning and organizing the breakfast and the wonderful luncheon, for decorating the fellowship hall, getting the pumpkins and putting up the tents. For everyone who brought food to the pot-luck luncheon and cleaned up after the celebration. And finally, for Lucille Holman, for taking care of our children in the nursery these last twenty-eight years! For a recap and pictures of our anniversary celebration, please visit this page.

While we had a wonderful day on October 16, I would like for us to continue to celebrate our 175th anniversary throughout this year! To that end, we will invite former pastors and staff members to return sometime this year to visit the church. Rev. Chet Smith, who pastored FBC from 1976-1980, will be our guest preacher Sunday November 10. Chet is currently serving as Interim Pastor of Tar Wallet Baptist Church in Cumberland, and I’m looking forward to his preaching ministry with us that day.

Let us also use our anniversary year to look toward our future. Jay Lynn will continue to interview the congregation to help us discern our vision and mission. You will hear more about this in the coming months. Let us continue to thank God for Farmville Baptist as we celebrate this anniversary year to worship God, grow together and serve others into the future!

Michael

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.

Reunion Luncheon

At around 1 p.m., we started our anniversary program.  First, we declared Adna Yeatts, Doris Weaver & Linda Saxtan, Gail Cave, Christopher Barnett, Matt Fuller to be the winners of our hat and tie contest.

Then the following came forward and gave words of greetings and congratulations on behalf of their churches and ministries:

Rev. Betty Jones, Pastor, Apostolic Faith Church of All Nations
Rev. Dr. Kitty Smith, Pastor, Oak Grove Baptist Church
Rev. Sylvia Meadows, Pastor, Farmville United Methodist Church
Rev. Derrell Wade, Pastor, Beulah African Methodist Episcopal Church
Rev. Dr. David Keck, Pastor, College Presbyterian Church
Rev. Chris Cunningham, Rector, Johns Memorial Episcopal Church
Rev. Cheri Wise, Minister, Baptist Collegiate Ministries, Longwood & Hampden-Sydney

Anniversary Video

Afterwards, a anniversary video was shown to close out the program.  Many thanks to Jay Lynn, Executive Director of Creative Change Consulting, for conducting the interviews.

Messages from Former Ministers

From Rev. Jason Thrower (former Pastor, 1997-2004):

Dear members of Farmville Baptist Church,

Wow!  175 years of faithfully worshiping and serving Christ!  On this important anniversary, know I am rejoicing with you.  As a former pastor of Farmville Baptist, this great family of faith, I am grateful to have played a small part in your history.  I have fond memories of serving FBC.  FBC has a proud history and tradition of being a light for Christ for your community.  A church on mission.  Continue to alert the people to the cosmic reign of God!

Blessings,
Jason

From Dave Ramsey (former Pastor, 1993-1996):

To the members of Farmville Baptist Church:

Congratulations on your 175th Anniversary Celebration!

Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the homecoming event later this month. Terri and I, along with our daughters Blair (13) and Sarah (9), send our very best wishes for a glorious day filled with food, fellowship, laughter, memories and, above all, love.

Dave

From Rev. Dr. Bill Wilson (former Pastor, 1987-1992):

Dear Farmville Baptist Church family,

Congratulations on this momentous milestone in your remarkable history!

I count it as a great honor to be among those who have had the privilege of serving you as one of your ministers. Those five years (1987-1992) were pivotal ones for me and for my family. You were such a gracious, generous, and supportive congregation to us. You allowed me to learn to pastor “on the job”, you helped us raise our children, you blessed us with your affection, and you accepted the challenge of God’s call and dream as a people. We did some amazing things and had such a memorable time. Our family was forever blessed by you and by our time among you. When we speak of you, a smile always breaks across our face and we hold fond memories of those special days among you.

Thank you for continuing your witness into the future. Thank you for helping bring God’s kingdom into reality among the people of Prince Edward County. Thank you for the many wonderful ways you impact children, students and adults in the name of Christ. Thank you for being you.

I celebrate with you this day. Kathy and I regret that we cannot be physically present, but please know that we are with you in spirit and hold you in deep affection this day and always.

In Christ,
Bill Wilson

From Rev. Everette Chapman (former Pastor, 1967-1969):

Dear Dr. Cheuk:

Thank you for your gracious invitation to attend the 175th Anniversary celebration at Farmville Baptist Church.  I am sure all of you are very excited about it; I am too.

I have many wonderful memories of my brief ministry there during some of the truly-exciting years of ministry to town and gown.  So very many of those faces no longer appear in the congregation on Sundays there, having joined the Church above.  I recall them with tenderness and joy.  Many of your church leaders now were youngsters when I was there.  I even coached Gene Watson as a junior varsity basketball player at Prince Edward Academy.  He was the best defensive player we had.

As happy as my memories are and as wonderful as it would be to see youngsters grown into leadership roles, I must regretfully decline your kindness.  We will not be able to be there in person, but our thoughts and prayers will surround all of you on that day.

On October 16, please convey my lasting love and deepest gratitude to the family of faith there and express to them my profound regrets at not being able to join the festivities on that wonderful occasion.

Peace, love, and joy,
Everette H. Chapman

From Rev. Susan Joyce (Associate Pastor, 1999-2005):

Dear Farmville Baptist Family,

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and best wishes on this celebration of your 175th anniversary. While I was a student at BTSR I had the privilege of doing a project on the history of Farmville Baptist for my Baptist Tradition class. Yours is a rich heritage, and your foundation is strong. The spirit of revival and awakening is what started Farmville Baptist, and that spirit continues today. You were leaders in the movement that saw the discrepancies in the Southern Baptist Convention and sought to form a more unified and inclusive organization, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, that upheld the fundamental Baptist traditions of the priesthood of the believer, soul freedom, separation of church and state, and of the Bible as the living and breathing and fluid word of God. Because you stood firm on those principles you were willing to accept the fact that God can and does call women to gospel ministry, and were willing to affirm that calling in me. I will always be grateful for your support and encouragement in giving me the opportunity to live out my calling in tangible ways. Yours were not empty words, but rather words backed by action. I am grateful to Dr. Thrower, and to his mentor, Dr. Molly Marshall, who impressed upon Jason as a young student at Southern Seminary the urgency and necessity of recognizing and supporting the call of women. Dr. Thrower embraced Molly’s words as his own, and his actions in leading you to call me are a testimony to his willingness to stand behind his beliefs.

We had some good times. There were hayrides with scary youth who popped out behind the trees. There were Christmas caroling and bus rides and trips to Passport. There were wonderful choir events and children’s choir musicals. There were times at the pulpit when the only things that weren’t shaking were my fingers that grasped the pulpit so tightly that my knuckles were white. There were births and baby dedications and graduations and all the celebrations of life.

And we had some sad times, too. I have two large binders full of funeral services. Each one was hard. Each time it was like losing family. And I was.

But whether they were good times or sad times, there was something I could always count on – FOOD! Lots of it. Good food, too. Except the time that I brought a chocolate chess pie to a meal. Fortunately “the Ruths” of the kitchen – Ruth Patteson and Ruth Ferguson – thought it looked so good they had to taste it. Boy, am I glad they did. And in true Southern graciousness, Ruth came quietly to me in the midst of a Sunday School class and whispered, “I think you forgot the sugar!” I took the pie home later, emptied into a pan, added sugar, recooked it, and it was delicious. Redemption. I believe it is the thing that we all hope for and long for, and that is why the message of Jesus Christ that you preach by your lives and by your service is so important.

I have so many fond memories of you. I will always be grateful for the way that you embraced my teen-aged sons and all the ways in which they expressed themselves growing up. I’ll never forget when Peyton showed up with a bright red mohawk. I watched the glances as he entered the church and took his usual seat in front of Chuck Daniel. As I stepped up to the pulpit, I could see Chuck straining to the left and then to the right, trying to reclaim his view. I half expected him to part Peyton’s hair right down the middle so he could see. (And by the way, on my desk in my office is a picture of Chuck in an angel costume and Ethel Southall in a pumpkin outfit. It doesn’t get any better than that!)

Chris and I send our deepest regrets that we are not able to be with you in person. But we send our heart-felt appreciation and love to each of you.

Many blessings,
Susan

From Rev. Dr. Charles Stewart (former Associate Pastor, 1991-1994):

Michael,

Thanks so much for the invitation to participate in the October 16 anniversary service at FBC.  I wish we could make it, but we have other obligations for that weekend that prevent us from making the trip.  Farmville Baptist was a good church home to us when Amy and I were starting out in both our married and ministerial life together.  We have many fond memories of the people and ministry we shared together from those days.  Indeed, I reflected in a recent newsletter article here about my ordination by FBC in the spring of 1992.  The church will always hold a special place in my heart.

Please pass along my regrets for not being able to attend.  We will rejoice with you all from afar, though.

You have my best wishes for every success and joy as you continue in your ministry among the good people at FBC.

Charles D. Stewart

Pictures of the celebration

[Show as slideshow]

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 Creative Change 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

Over eighty people attended our adopt-a-student dinner this evening, as over thirty students were adopted by members of Farmville Baptist. Everyone enjoyed a wide variety of food provided by the families. Many thanks to Patsy Watson and the College Committee for organizing this fun-filled event!

Fore more pictures . . .

[Show as slideshow]

Our 175th Anniversary Celebration is a month and a half away, and preparations for this momentous occasion in the life of our church are well underway! I am so grateful for the many members who are working diligently to ensure that October 16 is a special day. As we approach this important milestone, it is a wonderful opportunity for us as a church to remember the past, to celebrate the present, and to dream about the future.

One way that we are remembering the past is the publication of a history booklet that will serve as an addendum to the history book that was published for our sesquicentennial in 1986. Many thanks to Peggy Cave, Becky Kelly, Nancy Vick, and Ceile Dunlap for their work on this booklet!

Another way that we will be remembering the past and celebrating the present is through a series of interviews that Jay Lynn will facilitate among various groups within the church. 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?

I hope you’ll begin to consider these questions as a way to identify the ways that God has worked and is working in the life of Farmville Baptist. I encourage you to participate in these interviews so that your thoughts, responses and stories will be recorded for posterity. Portions of these interviews will be shown at our reunion luncheon after worship on October 16.

Finally, our anniversary shouldn’t just be about our past or the present. Ideally, it will also launch us into the future. Therefore, we will celebrate 2012 as our “175th Anniversary Year” in which special events will be planned for us to dream, discern and discover the future that God has for us. It will be a great year, and I hope that you’ll be a part of this exciting journey!

Blessings, Michael