Newsletter
FBC Informer - November 2008
Table of Contents
Pastor’s Column
Announcements
Thank You
Calendar
Worshipping God
- November Worship Services
- Schedule for Children’s Church Workers
- FAMA Thanksgiving Service
- Hanging of the Greens
- Worship Band
Growing Together
Serving Others
““Good and Faithful Servants”
On Sunday, November 2, Farmville Baptist will have an opportunity to recognize members of the church who have made a difference in the life of our congregation. During worship that morning, the congregation will formally recognize Cecil Yeatts as a Life Deacon of Farmville Baptist Church.
But in addition to Cecil, there are also many in our congregation who have served Christ’s Church faithfully and for many years, although not as Deacons. Through the new “Good and Faithful Servant” designation, our Deacons would like to acknowledge and thank those individuals who have generously given of their time, talents, and spiritual gifts for the good of Farmville Baptist Church. Since this is the first time that this designation will be offered, there are several things to understand about this recognition. First, this designation is not intended to put some members of the congregation on a “spiritual pedestal” over others. Second, this is not a “competition,” where those receiving the recognition are “winners,” while others are “losers.” Third, there is not a set number of individuals who are guaranteed to receive this recognition at any given year. This year, five will receive this recognition. Next year, the number may be fewer.
Once again, the “Good and Faithful Servant” recognition is just one way for our church to express our heart-felt thanks and appreciation for a “job well done.” It is a way for us to thank God for the “living saints” among us. During worship on November 2, Dr. Reggie Warren, former president of the BGAV will be our guest preacher. At the end of the service, the Deacons will recognize Jack Austin, Paul Cave, Howard Ferguson, Alma Lewis, and Ruth Patteson as “Good and Faithful Servants.” After the service, we will have a covered dish luncheon to continue the celebration.
I hope you will make a special effort to attend this service and the luncheon so that you can personally express your thanks and appreciation to Cecil and to these five individuals who have given so much to make Farmville Baptist the wonderful church it is today.
Thankfully yours in Christ, Michael
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CONGRATULATIONS
John Noel was honored by the management of the Farmville Wal-Mart as the regional “Teacher of the Year.” The presentation was made with the students in his class. He received a gift card and a plaque, while the school received a $1000 check in his honor. John is a history teacher at Randolph-Henry High School. Congratulations!
In Memoriam
Vanessa Perkins Harris
May 15, 1925—October 1, 2008
Isaac David Schmidt
September 12, 2008
Rachel Catherine Schmidt
October 7, 2008—October 16, 2008
THANK YOU
Gary and I want to thank everyone for their kindness and the prayer cards Gary has been receiving over the course of his illness. He is so appreciative of receiving these in the mail and they have gotten him through some tough times over the last year. The genuine concern means so much to us both.
Gary and Donna Smith
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Farmville Baptist Church,
We would like to thank everyone for the continued support for Amanda and John. The delicious food that was brought to them, cards, prayer, groceries, flowers and genuine love expressed also by visitors and phone calls. Thank you for standing by Amanda through this difficult first year. I thank you for helping her all the times she could not be present. Forgive us.
Dathne Barbour
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My Dear Church Friends,
I appreciate your prayers on Wednesday night. They have surely helped to mend my broken heart. God has been faithful to lead me every step of the way and I feel His presence daily as I read my Bible and pray. I will be attending a “Grief” class in our church starting October 1st. Our house has almost been restored after being struck by lightning on July 5. We are thankful we are well and were spared. Thanks a lot for lifting me up. Bill would appreciate your remembering me.
Sincerely, Frances Shockley
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Dear Friends,
Thank you so much for the beautiful wreath. Your thoughtful remembrance of Les is truly appreciated.
Sincerely, the Andrews Family
CALENDAR
Daylight Savings Time Change
Daylight Savings Time ends this year on November 2 at 2:00 a.m. Don’t forget to “Fall Back” one hour! Please join us at 9:45 a.m. for Sunday School.
All Saints Sunday Worship Service, November 2, 11:00 a.m.
Life Deacon and “Good & Faithful Servant” Luncheon Following Worship at 12:00 p.m.
We will celebrate All Saints Sunday during our morning worship at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 2. During this service, the congregation will recognize Cecil Yeatts as a Life Deacon. The deacons will also recognize five church members as “Good and Faithful Servants” of Farmville Baptist Church. After the service, there will be a celebratory covered dish luncheon in the Fellowship Hall. If you can bring a covered dish, please contact Jack Davis (223-4413) to let him know what you’ll be bringing.
Please plan to join us for this special day!
Called Business Meeting to Approve Budget
Sunday, November 16, 9:45 a.m.
There will be a called Business Meeting on Sunday, November 16 at 9:45 a.m. in the sanctuary for the purpose of voting on reports from the Stewardship and Nominating Committees. We need to have fifty members present in order to have a quorum.
In preparation for the business meeting, there will also be a budget discussion session on Wednesday, November 12, 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. A copy of the budget will be available for examination on Sunday, November 9.
Upcoming Church Events
November 2
Daylight Savings Time Ends
11:00 a.m. All Saints Sunday
12:00 p.m. Celebration Luncheon
November 7-8
Youth Lock In at Church
November 9
12:00 p.m. Sanctuary Choir Luncheon & Rehearsal
Advent Study Begins
November 10
5:30 p.m. Music and Worship Committee Meeting
November 11-12
BGAV Annual Meeting in Roanoke, VA
November 12
6:30 p.m. Budget Discussion Meeting
No Sanctuary Choir
November 16
8:30 a.m. Church Council
9:45 a.m. Called Business Meeting
November 17
Newsletter Articles Due
November 23
5:00 p.m. Deacon’s Meeting
November 24
6:30 p.m. Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
7:30 p.m. Handbell Choir
November 26
No Wednesday Night Activities
November 30
6:00 p.m. “Hanging of the Greens” Service
WORSHIPING GOD
November Worship Services
November 2
“Lost and Found” — Luke 15 by Dr. Reggie Warren
November 9
“The Ten Bridesmaids” — Matthew 25:1-13
November 16
“Talent is a Two Sided Coin” — Matthew 25:14-30 by Amanda Johnston
November 23
“Giving Thanks” — Psalm 100. College-Led Service.
November 30
“A Song of Lament” — Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
College-Led Worship Service, Nov. 23
On Sunday, November 23 at 11:00 a.m., we will have a Thanksgiving worship service that will be led by college students from Longwood University. They will be leading prayers and readings, offering special music, and Jordan Miles will give the message.
After the service, our College Committee will host a luncheon in the Fellowship Hall for our students. All college students and “adoptive parents” are invited to attend the luncheon.
Sanctuary & Bell Choir Rehearsals, Monday, Nov. 24
On Monday, November 24, there will be a Sanctuary Choir rehearsal at 6:30 p.m. and bell choir rehearsal at 7:30 p.m.
FAMA Thanksgiving Service, Nov. 25 at 7:00 p.m.
The Farmville Area Ministerial Association will host its annual community-wide Thanksgiving Service at Farmville United Methodist Church on Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. Rev. Derrell Wade of Beulah A.M.E. Church will be the speaker. We encourage you to attend this service
Hanging of the Greens Service, Nov. 30 at 6:00 p.m.
On Sunday, November 30, at 6 p.m. in our sanctuary, we will have our annual “Hanging of the Greens” worship service. This service combines scripture readings, carols and special music from our choirs as we decorate the sanctuary for Advent. Light refreshments will be served in the Fellowship Hall after the service.
Worship Band Rehearsals
Anyone who is interested in either joining or continuing to play or sing in the worship band please contact John Johnston for a rehearsal schedule by calling 607-0008 or emailing: tele4hire[at]yahoo.com.
Sunday Schedule for Children’s Church Workers
November 2
Cribs: Katrina & Tori Dunn
Toddlers: Lucille Holman
Children’s Worship: Beth Cheuk & Charlotte Cave
November 9
Cribs: Longwood Student
Toddlers: Lucille Holman
Children’s Worship: Beth Cheuk & Karen & Allison Newman
November 16
Cribs: Carrie Browning
Toddlers: Lucille Holman
Children’s Missions: Edith Ann & Katherine Austin
November 23
Cribs: Elizabeth Whiley
Toddlers: Lucille Holman
Children’s Worship: Beth Cheuk & Lisa Tharpe
November 30
Cribs: Patti Trent
Toddlers: Lucille Holman
Children’s Worship: Beth Cheuk & Volunteer
GROWING TOGETHER
Stewardship Updates
Budget Needs through October 27…………………………………………..$231,767.08
Budget Disbursements through October 27………………………………$204,770.70
Budget Receipts through October 27……………………………………….$179,585.11
We have currently received 57 pledge cards for a total of $149,348. If you have not yet turned in your card, please do so soon. Thanks!
Advent Study
During the week of November 9, several small groups will begin meeting to discuss readings from the book Watch For The Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas. Some of the authors that the groups will be reading are C.S. Lewis, Philip Yancey, Henry Nouwen, Madeleine L’Engle and Dietrich Bonhoeffer. The book can be purchased on Amazon.com for $10.88 or you can have Amanda order one for you and you can reimburse the church when it comes in. The groups meeting times, days, and leaders are listed below:
Sundays, 6:00 p.m. Rodney Dunning
Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. Amanda Johnston
Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. Amanda Johnston
Please contact Amanda at amanda[at]farmvillebaptist.org or 392-5041 before Wed., Nov. 5 to join a group, to have a book ordered, or if you have questions or need childcare.
“Hard Sayings of Jesus” Wednesday Night Study, 6:30 p.m.
During the month of November, we will continue our Wednesday night Bible Study called the “Hard Sayings of Jesus,” based on the book by F. F. Bruce, who examines seventy of the hard sayings of Jesus to clear away the cultural and historical difficulties which keep us from grappling with the real challenge of Jesus’ message. Various church members will take turns leading this study.
Wed., Nov. 5 – Chuck Daniel
Wed., Nov. 12 – BUDGET DISCUSSION
Wed., Nov. 19 – Amanda Johnston. Assemble Thanksgiving baskets.
Youth News for November
November 2
6:00 p.m. No Holds Barred – “Identity”
November 7
7:00 p.m. Youth Fall Lock In begins
November 8
9:00 a.m. Youth Fall Lock In ends
November 9
No evening youth activities
November 16
6:00 p.m. No Holds Barred – “Question of Faith”
November 23
6:00 p.m. No Holds Barred – Nerf Games Night
Guitar Camp
Guitar Camp taught by John Johnston will continue on Tuesday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The camp will take a break for Advent and Christmas after Tuesday, November 25. The camp is free for all who are interested. Please contact John by phone 607-0008 or email tele4hire[at]yahoo.com if you are interested.
WANTED: Adoptive Parents for College Students
FBC’s outreach to college students is really gaining momentum! On Sunday, Oct. 19, we had nearly 30 students in attendance. Three more students have come forward hoping to be “adopted” in our Adopt-a-Student program. We already have a dozen families participating, but we need more! Most of the families already have two, three or even four students already. We need your help!
Please prayerfully consider helping with this fun and very important ministry. Contact Kerby Moore kerbymoore1[at]embarqmail.com, 392-6727 (h), or 391-1284 (w) to receive all the details about becoming an adoptive parent.
Menus for November
COST: Adults & Children 12 and older—$5.00; Children 3 through 11—$2.00; Children 2 & under—free. Family limit: $14.00.
November 5
Beef Wrap, with Lettuce, Tomatoes and Cheese, Potato Chips, Tossed Salad and Fruit
Children’s menu: Same
November 12
Fish, Navy Beans, Stewed Tomatoes, Corn Bread, Tossed Salad and Jello
Children’s menu: Hot Dogs
November 19
Turkey with Gravy, Dressing, Mashed Potatoes, String Beans, Tossed Salad, Rolls and Pie with Whipped Topping
Children’s menu: Same
November 26
NO WEDNESDAY NIGHT ACTIVITIES—THANKSGIVING
Please make your reservations now!
SERVING OTHERS
Alma Hunt State Missions Offering Report
We collected $935.00 for our Alma Hunt State Missions Offering. Thanks to everyone who made a contribution to this effort!
Operation Angel Tree
This year, Farmville Baptist Church will be promoting a program called Operation Angel Tree which is part of a ministry known as Prison Fellowship. Through the Operation Angel Tree project, Farmville area children, whose parents are currently incarcerated, will receive age appropriate gifts for Christmas. We need families from our congregation to sponsor fifteen children.
There will be a “tree” with tags for fifteen children, their ages, sizes and the type of toy they would like to receive. You will be asked to purchase two gifts: a clothing item and a toy, each costing in the $15-$20 range. The gifts will be given to the child in the name of their parents and as a symbol of Jesus’ love for them.
The deadline for sponsoring a child is Sunday, December 7. The gifts should be wrapped and ready to give to the children on Wednesday, December 10. We will be inviting these children and their families to our church-wide Christmas dinner on December 14 and will present them with their gifts at that time. Please contact Caitlin Daily or Jeannine Milne at cdaly86[at]gmail.com or j_milne31[at]yahoo.com. Call the church office for further information 392-5041.
Thanksgiving Baskets
Farmville Baptist church will be putting together Thanksgiving baskets for ten families in need. We need the following items in family or large size (enough of each to feed a family of four) for the baskets before November 17: stuffing, instant potatoes, string beans, butter beans, frozen rolls, frozen pies, yams, and cranberry sauce.
Please bring any food donations to the church office. You may also make a much needed monetary donation which will be used to purchase turkeys for the baskets. We will assemble the baskets on Wednesday night, November 19, at 7:00 p.m.
Each Sunday School class has been assigned a particular item. Please check with your Sunday school teacher or Amanda to find out what your assigned item is. If you are not currently in a Sunday school class, please help us make this a successful mission by bringing any of the items on the list or making a donation.
Food Pantry Donations
Our food pantry is running very low. We need canned vegetables, fruit, peanut butter, jelly, cereal, canned meats, spaghetti sauce, pasta and soups. Since January 1, 2008, we have provided 26 local families 50 bags of food. Donations can be left outside the pantry door in the basement, just off the fellowship hall by the new handicap door.