April 2008
FBC Informer - April 2008
Table of Contents
Pastor’s Column
Announcements
Thank You
Calendar
Schedule for Children’s Church WorkersWorshipping God
Growing Together
- Passport and Passways Camps
- Stewardship
- Casting Crown Concert
- Parents Night Out
- Wednesday Night Activities
- Wednesday Night Programs
Serving Others
“Celebrating New Life”
Having just experienced a wonderful Easter service last week, it got me to thinking about new life in Christ for us as a congregation. This past year, I feel that we have continued to experience a renewed vitality in the life of our church. I am grateful for your faithful attendance in worship and Bible study, and for your service in the name of Christ in the church and in our community.
I am especially grateful for the ten new members who joined the church since May of last year: Russell Chassey, Rodney, Tammy and Sarah Dunning, Lindsey Davis, John and Amanda Johnston, Jordan Miles, Cameron Patterson and Jeaninne Milne. Of those, Russell, Lindsey, John, and Jeaninne were baptized, in addition to Sandy Covington. And on Sunday, April 6, we will celebrate with Jewel Moore and her family as Jewel comes to be baptized as a follower of Jesus Christ. What an occasion for thanksgiving to God!
As we baptize Jewel, I also know of several others who are very interested in becoming members of Farmville Baptist. And so, it is with these folks in mind that we will have a New and Prospective Member Luncheon after worship on Sunday, April 13. At the luncheon, I will give a brief overview of the beliefs and ministries of Farmville Baptist and answer any questions you might have. If you have been sensing that God might be leading you to formally join in the life and ministry of Farmville Baptist, I would love to hear from you and to cordially invite you to attend this luncheon.
May God continue to bless Farmville Baptist as we continue to grow numerically and spiritually in the days ahead!
Yours in Christ, Michael
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Reconciliation Fellowship Luncheon, April 6
As I mentioned in my column last month, as a result of the community prayer vigil held at First Baptist Church on February 3rd, a group of local pastors has set out to create more opportunities for integrated Christian worship services in our community. This pastor’s group, which calls itself the “Reconciliation Fellowship,” is inviting local pastors from both black and white churches to a fellowship luncheon on Sunday April 6, at 2:30 p.m. at the Farmville United Methodist Church for the purpose of fellowship and exploring the possibility of organizing another community-wide worship service. Amanda and I will attend this luncheon, and we ask for your prayers as we seek to follow God’s lead in building bridges in the name of the risen Christ to span the barriers that divide us. Thank you for your continued prayers and support!
Grace and Peace, Michael
Prospective/New Member Luncheon, Sunday, April 13 after worship
All new members who’ve joined the church since May 2007 and prospective members are cordially invited to a “Farmville Baptist 101″ luncheon in the Fellowship Hall immediately after morning worship on Sunday, April 13 There, Michael will give a brief presentation about the beliefs, theology, and ministries of the church, and entertain any questions that people might have. If you are interested in attending, please contact the church office by Wednesday, April 9.
Quarterly Business Meeting, April 20
Our regularly scheduled quarterly business meeting will take place Sunday, April 20, 9:45 a.m. in the sanctuary. On the agenda are proposed changes to the church Constitution regarding the re-election of deacons, a clarification regarding the term of service for the Nominating Committee and minor changes regarding the membership qualifications of those serving as Tellers, Librarian and in the Nominating and Pulpit Supply Committees. Please plan to attend this important meeting.
CBF Offering for Global Missions
During the month of April, we will be promoting our CBF Global Missions Offering. Our goal this year is $1,500. Special CBF Missions offering envelopes will be in the pews for worshippers to use. Members with offering envelopes can use the special red envelopes.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL, JUNE 8-12
FBC will hold Vacation Bible School on the evenings of June 8-12. The theme this year is “Power Lab: Discovering Jesus’ Miraculous Power” by Group Publishing. Our children will discover Jesus’ miraculous power by experimenting with Bible study, music, games, and treats in the “Power Lab.” Please mark your calendars and plan to help. Amanda Johnston will serve as VBS director.
THANKS
Thank you so much for your prayers and concerns for me during my stay in Lynchburg General Hospital and the Moore Center. Thank God I’m home and doing very well.
Yours In Christ, Allen “Bo” Fowler
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Your kind expression of sympathy is deeply appreciated and gratefully acknowledged.
The Family of Mamie Holman
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Thank you for your prayers, thoughts and food after the recent death of my mother.
Clinton Vick, Sr.
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I’m writing to thank all those at Farmville Baptist who have prayed for me. It’s a great blessing to know I’m being remembered. Healing is from the Lord and I’m trusting Him for the full manifestation of what Jesus came to do for us. I appreciate your standing in faith with me. May all at Farmville Baptist have a Blessed Easter!
With His Love, Janet Estes
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I want to thank everybody for what you did for me, especially your prayers and cards, while I was in the hospital.
Eva Smith
CALENDAR
Upcoming Church Events
April 4………………. American Cancer Society Relay For Life
April 5………………. BCM Yard Sale
April 7………………. Stewardship Committee Meeting
April 12…………….. Casting Crowns concert
April 13…………….. New & Prospective Member Luncheon
April 18…………….. Parents’ Night Out
April 19…………….. Lion’s Club Youth Music Competition
April 20…………….. Quarterly Business Meeting
April 21…………….. Newsletter Articles Due
April 24…………….. Preschool Open House
April 26…………….. Youth Car Wash
Sunday Schedule for Children’s Church Workers
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April 6 |
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| Cribs: | LU Student/Volunteer Needed |
| Toddlers: | Lucille Holman |
| Children’s Worship: | Beth Cheuk & Kerby Moore Family |
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April 13 |
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| Cribs: | Sandy East & Crystal Cupp |
| Toddlers: | Lucille Holman |
| Children’s Worship: | Beth Cheuk & Sandy Covington |
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April 20 |
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| Cribs: | Sandy & Matt Covington |
| Toddlers: | Lucille Holman |
| Children’s Missions | Edith Ann & Katherine Austin |
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April 27 |
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| Cribs: | Liz & Carter Chassey |
| Toddlers: | Lucille Holman |
| Children’s Worship | Beth Cheuk & Penny Agee |
WORSHIPPING GOD
April Worship Services
4/6….. “Made To Last” - 1 Peter 1:17-23, Jewel Moore Baptism
4/13.. “Healing Wounds” - 1 Peter 2:19-25, Communion Service
4/20.. “Being God’s People” - 1 Peter 2:2-10
4/27.. “A Gentle Witness” - 1 Peter 3:13-22
Michael to Preach at Zion Hill Baptist Church, May 4, 3:00 p.m.
On Sunday, May 4 at 3:00 p.m., Michael will preach at the anniversary service of Pastor Michael Martin of Zion Hill Baptist Church. Members of our Sanctuary Choir will also sing in the service. You are cordially invited to attend the service and offer support for Michael and the Choir, as well as expressing your congratulations to Rev. Michael Martin of Zion Hill Baptist Church.
EASTER LILIES
Given in Memory of: By:
Elsie Coleman…………………………….. Chuck & Debbie Daniel
Dan Daniel & Johnny Maples…….. Chuck & Debbie Daniel
Brandon Davis……………………………. Jack Davis & family
Clyde J. Davis…………………………….. Jack Davis & family
Frank & Ruby Doss……………………. Phyllis & Cecil Yeatts
Frankie & Jackie Doss
John G. “Pat” Patteson……………….. Ruth Patteson
Emmalee and Cecil Patteson……… B. A. & David Klein & children
Wayne & Melissa Peters…………….. Chuck & Debbie Daniel
Percy “Dewey” Shumaker………….. Dot Shumaker
Ruby M. & Ernest J. Stombock….. Margaret & Bill Stombock
W. A. Watson, III……………………….. Gene Watson & family
Charles & Georgia Wilkerson……… Charles Wilkerson
Given in Honor of:…………… By:
Paul & Peggy Cave…………………….. Gail, Mark, Sarah & Charlotte Cave
Ruth Ferguson…………………………….. Darlene Bratcher
Children’s Worship Service
During our main worship service we are also offering a Children’s Worship Service, for children kindergarten to second grade, in the Fellowship Hall. Children in those grades will leave the sanctuary following the children’s lesson and will typically return to the adult service in the sanctuary during the offertory. Older children are welcome to sign up to be “guest readers,” serving as worship leaders on the specific Sundays for which they sign up. Children’s church will take place every week except the third Sunday of each month, when Edith Ann and Katherine Austin will continue to lead missions activities.
GROWING TOGETHER
Passport / Passways Camps Interest Meetings
The dates for the children’s trip to Passport Kids! will be June 30-July 3 at Eagle Eyrie. The present cost of the retreat is $225, and the camp is open to students who have completed grades 3 through 6. There will be an interest meeting for the camp following worship on Sunday, March 2. All children and parents who are interested are invited to come. We will discuss fundraisers to substantially lower the cost of the camp. You must RSVP for camp by Sunday, April 27.
The dates for our youths’ trip to the Passways camp will be July 13-18 at Wingate University, NC. The camp costs $320 (before fundraising) and is open to youth who have completed grades 6 through 12. There will be a pizza dinner and interest meeting at 7 p.m., Sunday, March 30 following the Alternative Worship Service. You must RSVP for camp by Sunday, April 27.
Both groups will be fundraising to lower the cost per child. Contact Amanda Johnston if you’d like to attend either camp.
Stewardship Report
General Offerings as of February 29……………………… $28,966.52
Interest, Rent & Other Income……………………………….. $ 1,373.81
Total Income……………………………………………………………$30,340.33
Expenses as of February 29……………………………………. $38,989.53
Prorated budget through February 29…………………… $46,654.76
Casting Crowns Concert, Saturday, April 12, 7:00 p.m.
Amanda is looking for a group of 14 or more people who would like to go see Casting Crowns at Liberty University. These guys are great for all ages. Tickets are $18.50 for a group of 15 or more. We will meet at the church at 5:30 p.m. and leave shortly after either by church van or caravan in order to make the 7 p.m. concert. The estimated time of arrival home should be between 10:30-11:00 p.m. RSVP with Amanda before April 7 (amanda@farmvillebaptist.org, 607-0082).
Parents’ Night Out, April 18, 6 to 9 p.m.
The Children’s Committee will be providing a Parents’ Night Out on Friday, April 18, from 6:00-9:00 p.m. We will provide dinner, a movie and games. The cost is $5 per child. To make a reservation, contact Tammy Dunning at tammy[at]farmvillebaptist.org or 392-4990. Reservations are due by April 11 in order to ensure adequate childcare.
Youth Car Wash, April 26
On Saturday, April 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Advance Auto Parts (1137 S. Main St.), the youth will hold a car wash to raise funds for their trip to Passways youth camp this summer. There will be a minimum donation of $10.
Wednesday Night Activities
| 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. | Wednesday Night Supper.
COST: $5 for adults; $2 for children; $14 family limit. |
| 6:15 to 6:45 p.m. | Children’s Choir, led by Gail Cave. |
| 6:30 to 7:10 p.m. | Adult Discipleship Study (formerly known as Wed. Night Bible Study) in Fellowship Hall |
| 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. | Bell Choir rehearsal |
| 6:45 to 7:30 p.m. |
“Bible Blitz,” a curriculum of active learning featuring science experiments, games, crafts, and life lessons for grade-school children. |
| 7:15 to 7:25 p.m. | Prayer Time in Fellowship Hall |
| 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. | Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal |
Wednesday Night Supper
In order to be good stewards of the church’s resources and to keep prices low for everyone, we ask that those who make reservations for our Wednesday night supper to pay for your supper(s) even if you don’t show up. Due to rising food cost, our new Wednesday night supper pricing will be $5 for adults; $2 for children; $14 family limit. If this price increase is a financial hardship on anyone, please let Michael know. We do not want anyone to quit coming to Wednesday night supper because of finances.
Menus for April
COST: $5 for adults; $2 for children; $14 family limit
| April 2 | Hamburger & Hot Dogs, Baked Beans, Potato Chips, Tossed Salad, Buns and Chocolate Pudding Children’s menu: Same |
| April 9 | Meat Loaf, Mashed Potatoes, Black-eyed Peas, Tossed Salad Children’s menu: Same |
| April 16 | Fish, Navy Beans, Baked Tomatoes, Tossed Salad, Corn Bread and Cookies. Children’s menu: Hot Dogs |
| April 23 | Baked Pork Chops, String Beans, Boiled Potatoes, Tossed Salad and Banana Pudding and Rolls Children’s menu: Same |
| April 30 | Lasagna, Corn on the Cobb, Tossed Salad, Garlic Bread, Fruit Salad Children’s menu: Peanut Butter & Jelly |
Wednesday Night Discipleship Study Schedule
On Wednesday, April 2, Michael will present the last session of his study on “Jesus Saves! But How?” as he will attempt to synthesize the various models of atonement into a coherent framework.
Starting Wednesday, April 9 and lasting until April 30, Dr. Rodney Dunning will lead a study on Bible translations. He will examine how scholars recover the original text of the Bible, how the Bible is translated into English, the nature of the Bible as an inspired text, and tools for interpreting the Bible. All are invited to this important study!
SERVING OTHERS
Opportunities to Serve Others
The mission and outreach committee will be listing opportunities for mission and outreach each month. These opportunities will include individual as well as group options. You are encouraged to reach out to the various groups in our community and world to lend a helping hand. Every little bit helps! If you are aware of opportunities that are not being listed please forward the information to Amanda for inclusion in the newsletter.
Please let us know at any point if you would like to address the congregation about an experience you have had volunteering in our community or world.
May God bless our efforts to love and serve others!
April 4 - This year’s American Cancer Society’s 12-hour Relay for Life event will begin 7 p.m., April 4 on Stubbs Lawn of Longwood University. Leading up to this date, we are PAINTING THE TOWN PURPLE in honor of Sarah Terry. Individuals and businesses may purchase a purple bow for $25 (checks made to American Cancer Society) at the following locations: Farmville Area Chamber of Commerce, Real Living Cornerstone, Barnes & Noble @ Longwood, and the Longwood Health & Fitness Center . Display your purple bow proudly in honor of Sarah. Check out www.events.cancer.org/rfllongwooduniversity to learn more about the Prince Edward County Relay for Life.
April 5, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., BCM Yard sale for Summer Missions at the Baptist Campus Ministries building, 303 Griffin Blvd.
Drop off priced yard sale items at the Baptist Student Center by Wednesday, April 2. (No clothes, please!)
Drop off a baked item Friday, April 4, at the Baptist Student Center to be sold at the yard sale on Saturday.
Shop till you drop Saturday, April 5, 8:00-2:30, at the Baptist Student Center.
All proceeds will help provide mission experiences for college students this summer. Unsold items will be donated to Madeline’s House.
Habitat for Humanity is looking for Partner Family Advocates before and after construction. Time commitment is 6-8 hours/month and training is provided. For more information contact Farmville Area Habitat for Humanity, 434-392-6627, or email jayne@farmvillehabitat.org.
Deacon Ministry Teams
The following Deacon Ministry Teams are now in place to serve those in our congregation and others in our community. Information about these teams is posted on our Deacon Ministry Teams bulletin board on the main floor of the church. If you’d like to join one or more of these teams, please contact team leaders for more detailed information regarding each ministry team.
- Senior Adult Ministry: led by Jack Davis and Bobby Huskey
- Bereavement Ministry: led by Kathryn Copeland and Joyce Davis
- Casserole Ministry: led by George Carter
- Homebound Ministry: led by Drue Martin and Jack Davis
- Guests and New Members Team: led by Chuck Daniel
Opportunities to Serve Others
American Cancer Society’s “Relay for Life”-April 4, 6:00 p.m. Visit: http://events.cancer.org/rfllongwooduniversity for more info.
BCM Yard Sale for Summer Missions-April 5, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Baptist Campus Ministries building, 303 Griffin Blvd.
Sunday School Teachers and Small Group Leaders Needed
Michael and Amanda are looking for people who are willing to consider the possibility of becoming either a Sunday School or small group leader. If you are interested please see either Michael or Amanda. There will be a time set aside to further discuss these leadership opportunities.
The Jail Ministry Team invites you . . .
On the first Sunday of each month from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m., a small team visits the Piedmont Regional Jail to lead the female inmates in a time of singing, devotion and prayer. This ministry requires no specialized talents, just an open and flexible spirit. Please contact Anita Lynn, 391-3751, for more information and to participate.
Meals on Wheels
SCOPE Meals on Wheels provide approximately ninety plus meals per day to local residents. It takes at least 10 drivers each day to make the deliveries. Currently there is a need for drivers. If you can help please call Hoke Currie at 434-392-8797. This is a great mission opportunity!