August 2007
FBC Informer - August 2007
Table of Contents
Pastor’s Column
Children Ministry News
Youth Ministry News
Fellowship Opportunities
Announcements
Calendar
Stewardship
Missions
Miscellaneous
“Welcoming a New Pastor”
I am so excited that Amanda Barbour-Johnston has agreed to be our new Associate Pastor! The following is a revised excerpt from Mike Clingenpeel’s editorial in the July 8, 2000 issue of The Religious Herald. I offer it as a way to help us welcome the Barbour-Johnstons on August 4-5 and as Amanda begins her work here on September 4.
Repeat your name to Amanda and John every time you see them, at least until you are sure they know who you are.
Include Amanda and John in your events. But don’t get upset if she has to decline your invitation.
Don’t expect her to remember everything you’ve told her. If it is something important, write it down or email it to her, and make an appointment to see her.
Let her have her own style. There is more than one way to be a pastor, to lead a ministry, to deliver a sermon, to make a visit. That difference is a function of her unique giftedness. It’s a good thing!
Be tender. Everything that is thrilling about coming to our church is matched by something sad about leaving her former church.
Show up. Nothing is more encouraging than your attendance and participation in the various ministries that she is leading. A pastor’s enthusiasm feeds off the energy of the congregation and vice-versa. Your presence is a vital ingredient of the synergy you hope to build.
When you have a complaint, tell the pastor directly. Why go to the pastor and tell her directly? Because it is the biblical way to deal with disagreements (Matthew 18:15). It is also the courteous thing to do, and it is the only proven method for redeeming relationships.
Make the following assumption about your pastor. She wants to serve you. She wants to be your friend. She is a human being, and needs sleep, a day of recreation, and uninterrupted time with her family. Show her a gracious deed and add capital to her emotional piggybank. She longs to cooperate with you and God to see people identify their lives with Jesus, to watch people grow in the likeness of Christ, and to see an authentic work of God in our community through our fellowship. She is praying for you daily as you pray for her and her ministry.
Welcome your new pastor with all the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Yours in Christ, Michael
“Preschool Update
I am very pleased to announce that we have the preschool staff in place for the upcoming school year. Our teachers will be Mary Jo Chassey, Christina Hice, Deanna Verschaeve, and Heather Dowdy. We have classes for children from age 1 through 4. We still have a few spaces open in each class, but are quickly filling. We are working on upgrading our supply room and classrooms (come by and take a look at the progress) and a preschool library. Teachers are currently using their own books or books from the public library. If anyone has books they would like to donate, call Tammy Dunning at 392-4990 or drop them off in the preschool.
Tammy Dunning, Director
Passport Kids Camp Report
On June 30 to July 3, Thea Cheuk, Erin Copeland, Lindsey Davis, Emmalee Klein and Jewel Moore attended Passport Kids camp at Eagle Eyrie. They were chaperoned by Beth Cheuk, Kathryn Copeland, Kim Davis and B.A. Klein. The kids and adults enjoyed the camp as they learned about the Hill tribes in Thailand, played special games, experienced high-energy worship, and as they learned how God is the Rock on whom they depend.
Extended Session Workers Schedule
- August 5
Infants & Toddlers: Elizabeth Covington & Matt Covington
4’s & 5’s: Sandy & Bill Covington - August 12
Infants & Toddlers: Christina Hice & Family
4’s & 5’s: Penny & Louis Agee - August 19
Infants: Sandy & Matt Covington
Toddlers & Preschoolers: Lucille Holman
1-5.: Children’s Missions - August 26
Infants & Toddlers: Sandy East & Crystal Cupp
4’s & 5’s.: Ronda Scarrow & Joan Garrett
Beginning in August a three-month schedule will be mailed out quarterly to all volunteers on the “Extended Session Workers’ Schedule.” This will be in addition to the weekly reminders/materials.
Youth PASSways Camp Report
On July 8 to 13, our youth attended PASSways camp at Wingate University where they were challenged to imagine how Christ can change their lives and their world. They decided to raise money for the “Watering Malawi” project throughout this year. Those attending were Jordan Whiley, Alison Newman, Bob Agee, Matt Covington, Carter Chassey, Sarah Cave, Gail Cave, Liz Chassey, Tabitha Tatum, and Charlotte Cave.
Youth Schedule for August
August 5 - Regular meeting, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
August 12 - Regular meeting, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
August 19 - No Meeting.
August 26 - Regular Meeting, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Church-wide Picnic
Sunday, August 26
Brookleigh Country Club
3:00 to 7:00 p.m.
You are invited to our annual church picnic at Brookleigh Country Club (near Farmville Airport) for an afternoon of
Swimming ($3 per person, no life guard)
Fellowship
Dinner will be served in the air-conditioned club house at 5:30 p.m. Church will provide drink, meat and bread. Please bring casseroles, vegetables, and/or desserts to share.
There will be access to the golf course earlier if anybody wishes to arrange their own tee times. Please call the country club for fees.
Help us to order the right amount of meat with a RSVP to the church office by Aug. 13.
Associate Pastor Rev. Amanda Barbour-Johnston
We welcome Rev. Amanda Barbour-Johnston and her husband John to Farmville Baptist Church the weekend of August 4-5. The following is the schedule of her “Welcome Weekend.”
Saturday August 4
3:30 pm. “Cookies and Conversation” reception will be held in our Fellowship Hall to meet church members
5:30 pm Dinner at the Cheuks with other young adults
Sunday, August 5
9:45 am Meet Senior Adults and Youth in Sunday School classes
11:00 am Amanda participates in worship
12:00 pm Light cookies and punch reception in Fellowship Hall
Rev. Amanda Barbour-Johnston Bio
The Personnel Committee is happy to report that Rev. Amanda Barbour-Johnston has accepted the call to be the Associate Pastor of Farmville Baptist Church. Amanda and John will be visiting the church on August 4-5 during their welcome weekend, and Amanda will formally begin her ministry here on Tuesday, September 4.
Amanda and her husband John are both natives of Martinsville, Virginia. She attended Sweet Briar College, graduating in May, 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Minor in Dance. Ordained by First Baptist Church Martinsville on November 12, 2006, Amanda is a recent graduate of Duke Divinity School She received her Master of Divinity and Certificate in Baptist Studies while at Duke. She has worked with children and youth in a church setting for six years. Her ministry placements have included both Baptist and Methodist churches as well as two hospital settings.
Her current and most lengthy placement has been with the First Baptist Church Martinsville. Amanda has served as a youth minister for three years. Her responsibilities included organizing outreach programs for families in the community, regular leadership and planning in Sunday morning worship, and continued contact with the church’s high school graduates.
Amanda has completed the Level I CPE Internship Training at Moses Cone Health System, where she counseled both families and individuals. As part of a trauma team, she worked to support patients and their families, as well as the hospital staff.
Amanda and John work as a team. John is a professional musician and recently began a youth worship team at First Baptist, Martinsville.
Welcome, New Members!
On Sunday, July 1, Rodney, Tammy and Sarah Dunning joined the church by transfer of membership from a sister Baptist church in Homeswood, AL. Rodney is an assistant professor of physics at Longwood University. Tammy currently serves as our preschool director. The Dunnings have two daughters, Sarah and Olivia, and they live at 501 Milnwood Road, 392-4990.
On Sunday, July 8, Lindsey Davis made a public profession of faith and requested believer’s baptism. Lindsey is the daughter of Jack and Kim Davis, 8660 Five Forks Road, 223-4413. We welcome these new members and we celebrate with Lindsey on her decision of faith!
Upcoming Events for Your Calendar
Please mark your calendars with these upcoming events:
August 1………………………………..Rev. Michael Cheuk’s second anniversary as Pastor
August 4—5…………………………..“Welcome Weekend” for Rev. Amanda Johnston, Associate Pastor
August 8………………………………..”Simple Church” Meeting
August 12………………………………“Simple Church” Meeting
August 20…………………………….. Music & Worship Committee Meeting
August 21………………………………Michael preaches at Zion Hill Baptist Church
August 22………………………………“Simple Church” Meeting
August 26……………………………….Church Picnic — Brookleigh Country Club
September 2…………………………..Sunday School Promotion Sunday
September 4…………………………..Rev. Amanda Barbour-Johnston’s first day of work
September 16…………………………Church Business Meeting
September 30…………………………Consecration Sunday
Summer Sanctuary Choir Schedule
During the months of August, the Sanctuary Choir will rehearse on Wednesday nights from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. We invite anyone who would like to sing to join the choir during these months!
August Worship Services
8/5 “True Wealth” — Luke 12:13-21
8//12 “The Eyes of Faith” — Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 (Communion)
8/19 “The Marathon of Faith” — Hebrews 11:29-12:2
8/26 “The Unshakeable Kingdom” — Hebrews 12:18-29
Michael to Preach at Zion Hill Baptist Church, August 21
Michael will be preaching at a revival service at Zion Hill Baptist Church on Tuesday, August 21 at 7:30 p.m. Many members of Zion Hill Baptist attended a joint worship service at Farmville Baptist on Sunday June 11, 2006 as Rev. Martin, pastor of Zion Hill preached. Let’s return the favor and support Michael and Zion Hill Baptist by attending this revival service on August 21.
Stewardship Report
General Offerings as of June 30…….…..…………………$106,921.37
Expenses as of June 30.….………..…………………………..$ 97,314.07
Prorated budget through June 30..….…………………….$128,836.12
“Project Transformation” Report
On July 22 to 25, our church provided meals for five college interns and Rev. Audrey Underwood in support of their ministry at Project Transformation at Crenshaw United Methodist Church, in Blackstone, VA. Project Transformation is an eight-week camp that aims to increase the literacy skills of children in low-income areas. This summer, they helped thirty to forty 1st through 6th grade kids daily to become better readers. Many thanks to Elizabeth Whiley, Katherine Austin, Sarah Cave, Peggy Cave, Kathryn Copeland, Debbie Daniel, Nancy Vick and Doris Weaver for providing the meals and for traveling to Crenshaw UMC to serve the meals and eat with the interns.
The Jail Ministry Team invites you . . .
On the first Sunday of each month at 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.
Painting The Church
Jim Davis, Chairman of the Property Committee reported that the property committee is working on getting the exterior of the church painted. A bid has been received from Bobby Chapman to paint all the exterior walls of the church and to paint any exposed wood, with the exception of the columns and the front doors. He has submitted a bid of approximately $27,000. Prior to beginning the painting, there is rotten and damaged woodwork around the front porch and along the top of the church that will have to be repaired or replaced. At the time of this report, the committee was seeking bids to replace and or repair, caulk and prime all damaged woodwork to protect the wood until the church can be painted.
Mr. Chapman has been contacted to ensure that we have been placed on his schedule for this year. It is anticipated that the painting will begin the middle to late September.
The bid and an estimate of the cost of repairing the wood has been submitted to the Stewardship Committee for review and presentation to the congregation at the next business meeting.
Pictorial Directory Taskforce
A Pictorial Directory Taskforce has been set up to begin the process of choosing a portrait company and publishing a church pictorial directory coming out toward the end of this year. Members of the taskforce include: Carrie Browning, Sandy Covington, Becky Kelly, Jay Lynn, and Laurie Mills. Many thanks to them in advance for their efforts!
Nominating Committee Selected
A committee consisting of Mary Jo Chassey, Kathryn Copeland, Kerby Moore, Doris Weaver and Cecil Yeatts has been selected to begin recruiting volunteers to fill our various committees. A list of committees and a brief description of their function will be published on our weblog: farmvillebaptist.wordpress.com. If there is a committee in which you feel led to serve, please let Michael know.
Thank you
Dear Church Family,
I want to thank each of you for your thoughts and prayers during my recent surgery & illness. How comforting to have the support of beautiful friends and loved ones! (And Ruth P’s peanut butter pie and the banana split ice cream from Cecil & Phyllis were out-of-this-world!)
Sincerely, Joseph Clinton Vick, Sr.