August 2008
FBC Informer – August 2008
Table of Contents
Pastor’s Column
Announcements
Thank You
Calendar
Schedule for Children’s Church WorkersWorshipping God
Growing Together
Serving Others
“What’s In a Logo?”
You might have noticed something new on the cover of our newsletter this month. We’ve added a newly designed logo of the church. As you can see in the graphic to the left, it is a lower case “f” with a “circle” in the center. The circle is broken up into three parts, each part with “arrows” on both ends that point to the other parts of the circle. I want to thank Jay Lynn for designing this logo, and I’d like to explain what this logo symbolizes.
First of all, the “f” in the logo obviously stands for the first letter in “Farmville.” The circle in the logo represents the strategic process that the church is intentionally using to help move people through the stages of spiritual growth. As you might remember, a leadership group spent last summer studying the book Simple Church. We learned that a maturing disciple of Jesus Christ is one who (at the very least) walks intimately with Christ, lives in community with others, and serves both the church and the world. As a result of that study, the group came up with three things we want to focus as a church: “Worshipping God,” “Growing Together” and “Serving Others.” We began to organize the ministries and activities of the church around these three areas-this organization is reflected by the organization of this newsletter.
The circle comes into play because we also realize that people can enter into a growing discipleship process at any of those three points. For example, the discipleship process for many people may begin in a worship setting, but for others, this process could begin with being a part of a small group or by participating in a service project. The goal, however, is not just to stay at one point, but to help our members grow in Christ by encouraging them to move to the next point and then the next-hence the arrows. We would like to encourage all members of Farmville Baptist to not only worship God, but also to grow together in community and to serve others in our community. This process is a circle, because we never “arrive”; there is always room for continual growth in all three areas.
Finally, in the middle of the circle, is a cross, because Jesus Christ is at the center of everything that we do. And our hope is that every time we see this logo, we’ll be reminded of what we’re about as a church.
- In Christ, Michael
Announcements
Ushers & Greeters Luncheon, August 10
On Sunday, August 10, there will be a luncheon to provide a “refresher course” on the responsibilities of an usher and greeter. All individuals interested in serving as an usher or greeter and all currently serving in these capacities are invited to attend. Please contact Chuck Daniel (392-3488) to RSVP for the luncheon.
Missions Week for the Hispanic Church
The SBA has rescheduled the missions week to August 18-22. Volunteers are needed to lead a VBS and to build a 12′ by 12′ tool shed, do general clean up, replace sidewalk panel at parsonage and widen doors at parsonage so that Juan Carlos can use his wheelchair through the doors. Details about this week will be forthcoming as soon as the association publicizes them.
Church Picnic
You are invited to our annual church picnic on Sunday, August 24th at Brookleigh Country Club (near Farmville Airport) from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. for an afternoon of swimming ($4 per person, no life guard), food and 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. Invite your friends!
There will be access to the golf course earlier if anybody wishes to arrange their own tee times. Please call the country club 392-6656 for fees.
Help us to order the right amount of meat with a RSVP to the church office by Monday, August 18.
Preschool Open House, August 26
There will be an Open House for the Preschool on Tuesday, August 26, at 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Enrollment is now open for the new school year which starts September 2. We have a limited number of spaces for two’s, three’s and four-year-olds. For more information, contact Tammy Dunning at tammy (at) farmvillebaptist.org or 392-4990.
Building Update
Several months ago we completed the handicap door on the main floor of the church, thanks to the generosity of Ethel Southall and donations made in the memory of Walter. Upon her death, enough money was received from memorial gifts to have a handicap door installed which allows direct access into the Fellowship Hall. The new door has been installed and a wall (constructed by Andrews, Large and Whitten) has been installed to create a hallway into the Fellowship Hall as well as allowing for additional secure storage and a food pantry. Additionally, a dome canopy has been installed over the door to shade the door and provide protection from the elements.
Thank You
Farmville Baptist Church,
Thank all of you who are remembering me in their prayers. It means a great deal to me. I am pleased to say my operation was successful. Now I will have radiation treatments, and God willing, the doctor feels all will be well. There is such strength in prayer. You have all been so dear to remember me. My daughter-in-law, Patsy Layer, is the sister of Kathryn Copeland. Especially thanks to Peggy Cave and Margaret Stombock. May you continue with your great work.
Fondly, Pat Layer
_______
Farmville Baptist Church,
Thank you so much for your prayers, cards and phone calls during my recent ordeal. Please continue your prayers as they are a real comfort during some trying times. Thank you again and may God bless each of you.
Gratefully, Jimmy Huskey
Calendar
Upcoming Church Events
August 1…………Amanda Away
August 8-9………Youth Lock-In and Laser Quest
August 10………Ushers & Greeters Luncheon/Fellowship Hall
……………………Worship Band Practice
August 11………Missions & Outreach Committee Meeting
August 17………Amanda to Preach at Ash Camp Baptist
……………………Parent/Child Dedication in Worship
……………………Worship Band Practice
August 18-22……New Dates for Mission Week @ Hispanic Church
August 24………Amanda to Preach at Kenbridge Baptist
……………………Church-Wide Picnic/Brookleigh Country Club
August 26………Preschool Open House
August 31………Youth Movie Night – Penelope
September 1…….Labor Day – Office Closed
Sunday Schedule for Children’s Church Workers
August 3
Cribs: Volunteers Needed
Toddlers: Lucille Holman
Children’s Worship: Beth Cheuk & Volunteer Needed
August 10
Cribs: Sandy East & Crystal Cupp
Toddlers: Lucille Holman
Children’s Worship: Beth Cheuk & Sandy Covington
August 17
Cribs: Sandy & Matt Covington
Toddlers: Lucille Holman
Children’s Missions: Edith Ann & Katherine Austin
August 24
Cribs: Liz & Carter Chassey
Toddlers: Lucille Holman
Children’s Worship: Beth Cheuk & Penny Agee
August 31
Cribs: Volunteers Needed
Toddlers: Lucille Holman
Children’s Worship: Beth Cheuk – Volunteer Needed
Worshipping God
August Worship Services
8/3…….”Wrestling for a Blessing” -Psalm 17:1-7, 15; Genesis 32:22-31
8/10…….”Human Justice and Divine Providence” – Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b; Genesis 37:1-4,12-28
……………Amanda Johnston preaches
8/17……”The Blessing of Unity” – Psalm 133; Genesis 45:1-15
8/24……”Whom Will You Serve?” – Exodus 1:8-2:10
8/31……”The Mysterious Name of God” – Exodus 3:1-15
Parent/Child Dedication, August 17
During the worship service on Sunday, August 17, Brian and Eleanor Ross will be presenting their daughter Lyla Gray Ross for a Parent/Child Dedication Ceremony. We celebrate this special occasion with the Ross family as well as with Eleanor’s parents, Gene and Patsy Watson, and Eleanor’s grandmothers, Betty Watson and Ernestine Garrett!
“Reasons to Believe” Preaching Series
During the month of September, Michael will be doing a special sermon series called “Reasons to Believe.” As he prepares for this series, he would like to receive input from the congregation regarding any “questions you’ve always wanted to know about Christianity but were afraid to ask.” Michael will try to address those questions in the sermon series. Amanda will set up small groups that will meet to discuss the sermon topic each week.
Sunday School Promotion, September 7
On Sunday, September 7, at 11:00 a.m. worship, we will be promoting our Sunday School classes for our grade-school students. We will also be recognizing our Sunday School teachers in the worship service.
“One-in-Christ” Celebration Concert, September 6
On Saturday, September 6, there will be an outdoor ecumenical “One-in-Christ” Celebration Concert held at Heritage Baptist Church from 6 to 7 p.m. Singing groups from six local churches, including Farmville Baptist, will be offering musical numbers for the concert. Afterwards, there will be a free barbeque fellowship. This celebration is organized by “One-in-Christ in Prince Edward County,” a group of ministers passionate about Christian unity and reconciliation in our community. Please save this date on your calendar and plan to attend! For more information, please visit http://oneinchristpec.wordpress.com.
“Consecration Sunday” Coming September 28!
Dr. Dan Bagby from BTSR will be our guest preacher that day as we seek God’s guidance to grow together in our stewardship toward God’s church and God’s kingdom. A celebration lunch at the Fuqua School’s Gee Price Center will follow the service. Please save that date!
Growing Together
Stewardship Report
Budget Needs through July 27…………………..$160,281.00
Budget Disbursements through July 27………$129,281.98
Budget Receipts through July 27……………….$117,745.59
Giving Stocks to the Church
The church has set up an account with Davenport & Company to facilitate the receipt of appreciated stock and securities from members. Contributions to this account can be made as part of your tithe commitment or as a supplemental offering. The value of your contribution is the fair market value of the security at the date of the gift. You may contact Janett Southall (392-9813) for further information.
Youth News for August
August 3……….6:00 p.m……No Holds Barred
August 8-9…….6:00 p.m……Back-2-School Lock-In and Laser Quest
August 17……..6:00 p.m……No Holds Barred
August 18-22…………………Missions Week for Hispanic Church. Contact Amanda to sign up to help.
August 24……..3:00 p.m……Church Picnic
August 31……..6:00 p.m……Movie Night. We will be watching the film Penelope (PG) and discussing themes from the film. Dinner & popcorn will be provided.
Back-2-School Youth Lock-In and Laser Quest
On Friday August 8th, the youth will meet at the church at 6 p.m. to begin a traveling Lock In. Dinner will be at the church from 6-7 p.m. At 7 p.m. the group will leave for 2 games of laser tag at Laser Quest Southside in Richmond. The laser tag games will begin at 8:30 p.m. The cost for the laser tag is $13 per person. There is a limited amount of space for this event. The group will depart from laser tag at approximately 10 p.m. and arrive back at the church around 11 p.m. The remainder of the evening will be spent at the church. The lock inn will be over at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday morning, August 9th. All rising 6th graders are invited to attend this event.
Volunteers are always welcome to help chaperone blocks of time for the lock in. Volunteers are needed to either bring or prepare breakfast for the youth on Saturday morning.
To RSVP or volunteer, contact Amanda
Cell: 607-0082, Home: 767-4364, Email: amanda (at) farmvillebaptist.org.
PASSways Youth Camp Missions Report
This year many of our youth chose to spend their week at camp serving others through missions work. Charlotte Cave, Carter Gantt, and Lindsey Davis chose to work at a day camp for underprivileged children. They spent their afternoons face painting, making bracelets, and even playing water games with the kids. They would come back to campus each day exhausted, but covered in smiles and paint.
Sarah Cave chose to take on a construction work site. She worked at a Christian halfway house for men. Her team cleared the basement of the home, helped with landscaping, and helped deliver new appliances. Sarah also had the opportunity to meet the founder of the home, a minister who literally opened up his own home to the current residents. Some of the residents also shared their stories with the team.
Cecil Yeatts Honored as “Life Deacon”
At the church business meeting on Sunday, July 20, the deacons recommended that the congregation name Cecil Yeatts to the position of “Life Deacon.” The congregation unanimously approved the motion, recognizing Cecil’s longtime service to the church and to the community. Thanks for all you do and for the model you provide, Cecil!
Serving Others
Opportunities to Serve Others
Meals on Wheels continues to need drivers – substitute and permanent. Several of our church members answered the call to serve this summer. The Copeland and Landrum families have served as substitute drivers. If you are interested in driving, contact the MoW coordinator (392-8797). They’ll call or send an email when they need a driver. If you are available, you’ll go to the back of the hospital at 10:30 a.m. on the day requested. According to Kathryn Copeland, it takes about an hour to deliver the meals.
Habitat for Humanity had a groundbreaking on Sunday, July 13 for its 17th house at 408 S. Bridge (off Church St.)! In the coming months you will have opportunities to make meals for construction crews or to serve on a construction crew. If you would like more information before we solicit volunteers, contact Pam Gill at 392-6627. Stay tuned.
School supplies needed! Our schools require children to bring a growing list of supplies each year. For many families it is an economic hardship. Consider picking up a few items when you shop at Wal-Mart. The school lists are in racks at the front of the store and you may drop your donation off at local school offices, or bring them to church. We’ll have a box for supplies near the Missions bulletin board on the second floor.
If you have information on other community service needs, or want to share what you’ve done this summer, please contact Amanda Johnston (392-5041, amanda (at) farmvillebaptist.org) or Patti Trent (trentpf (at) longwood.edu).
HELP WANTED! “ADOPT-A-STUDENT”
What does August mean to you? For one thing, our college students will be returning!
The College Committee is seeking church members who wish to participate in FBC’s “Adopt-A-Student” program. This fun outreach program is designed to give college students local Christian support while living in Farmville. Suggested activities may include taking your students to lunch or having them over for a home cooked meal, sending cards on special occasions, calling to check on them, offering a ride if their car is in the shop, etc.
For more information or to sign up, please contact Kerby Moore at 392-6727 or email kerbymoore1 (at) embarqmail.com.