December 2008
FBC Informer – December 2008
Table of Contents
Stewardship Column
Thank You
Calendar
Worshipping God
- December Worship Services
- Schedule for Children’s Church Workers
- Children’s Christmas Musical
- A Service of Remembrance
- 2008-2009 Calendar for Flowers in Sunday Worship
- Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service
Growing Together
- Business Meeting Budget Vote
- Winterfest
- Offering Envelopes
- Ruth Class Luncheon
- Christmas Dinner and Caroling
- Youth
- Wednesday Night Supper Menus
Serving Others
“Trusting God’s Provision in Challenging Times”
Editor’s Note: this month’s column is written by Chuck Daniel, Chair of the Stewardship Committee of Farmville Baptist Church.
We are in challenging economic times right now and many churches, including ours, are facing a drop in financial giving. In light of this reality, the Stewardship Committee this year was faced with the task of trimming our 2009 budget down to around $250,000. As we worked the figures with the church staff, we met our goal partly through a reduction in our giving to missions. On Wednesday night, November 12, we presented the budget for discussion to the congregation.
On Thursday morning, I received the following email from Michael:
“After we got home from the budget presentation last night, I told Beth about what I heard at the BGAV meeting. On Wednesday morning, Tony Campolo preached prophetically about how during this time of economic downturn, it is a great opportunity for the church of Jesus Christ to show how we can be neighbors to the poor and the oppressed around us. Unfortunately, Campolo continued, many churches don’t take advantage of this opportunity. Instead of stepping out in faith, one of the first things that churches do is to cut from their budget their giving to missions. The budget of the church is the most obvious and public indicator of the values of the church.
Ouch! Campolo’s sermon really convicted me and it stayed with me throughout my whole drive back to Farmville. So Beth and I talked about that last night, and this morning, we both feel that God is leading us to make this proposal. We would like to take $4,800 from my salary and transfer $4000 to Cooperative Missions and $800 to Benevolence in order to partially make up for the cuts the church made in missions giving.
God has blessed Beth and me with all the material resources that we need. God has blessed us with a great church. I like to think of this as my way to trust God more with our finances and to not let ourselves be caught up in the anxiety of the economic situation that we’re facing. I don’t think I can preach and lead the church to give generously in the future if I do not set the example myself.”
Wow! What an inspirational email and a challenge for the rest of us to trust God’s provision in challenging times, and to serve Christ for the glory of the Lord’s kingdom. I hope Michael and Beth’s example will inspire us all to take this opportunity to step out in faith to share the bountiful gifts that God has showered upon us. Let’s begin a church-wide movement to involve the whole congregation in giving and sharing God’s blessings! As they say, “God is good, all the time!” Let us live and act as true believers sharing the Lord’s goodness all the time!
Chuck Daniel,
Chair of Stewardship Committee
Thank You
Dear Christian Friends,
You have all been so generous and supportive to our family over the past couple of months. Thank you so much for your heartfelt letters of condolence, beautiful floral arrangement, money, meals, hugs, phone calls, emails, PRAYERS, etc. !!! This has been such a difficult time for our family and we’re so grateful for your helping hand and support.
Our family has been very saddened by the passing of Isaac David and Rachel Catherine. Your presence and words were not only a comfort, but a source of strength for our family. We continue to struggle with the grief process and feel such a void in our lives right now, so please continue to pray for us.
You are all so wonderful and we’re thankful to God for this amazing church family!
Love, David, Farrah, Hannah-Gray, and Meredith
********
Farmville Baptist Church,
Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond expresses its gratitude to Farmville Baptist Church for your recent financial contribution that is helping BTSR’s work educating women and men for Christian ministry including 39 new graduates in May, 2009.
Lori Strickland, Advancement Associate
Calendar
Songs of the Season, Advent at Farmville Baptist
Nov. 30 Hanging of the Greens, 6:00 p.m.
Light refreshments afterwards
Dec. 3 A Service of Remembrance, 6:30 p.m.
We remember the loved ones we’ve lost this year
Dec. 7 “A Song of Peace,” 11:00 a.m.
Dec. 14 “A Song of Joy,” 11:00 a.m.
Christmas Pot-luck Dinner, 5:00 p.m.
Christmas Caroling, 6:00 p.m.
Dec. 17 Children’s Christmas Musical, 6:45 p.m.
Dec. 21 “A Song of Love,” 11:00 a.m.
Dec. 24 Communion & Candlelight Service, 5:00 p.m.
Upcoming Church Events
December 20
7:30 a.m. FBC to volunteer at FACES
December 21
5:00 p.m. Youth Christmas Party at the Chassey’s home
December 28
5:00 p.m. Youth Movie Night
December 31
Office Closed, 11:00 a.m. Meet at Church for Winterfest.
Worshipping God
December Worship Services
December 7
“A Song of Peace” – Psalm 85:1-2,8-13
December 14
“A Song of Joy” – Psalm 126
December 21
“A Song of Love” – Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26; Luke 1:26-38
December 24
Christmas Eve Communion & Candlelight Service, 5:00 p.m.
December 28
“Radical Transformation” – Isaiah 61:10-62:3, Rev. Amanda Johnston to preach.
Sunday Schedule for Children’s Church Workers
December 7
Toddlers/Cribs: Need Volunteers
Toddlers: Lucille Holman
Children’s Service: Beth Cheuk
December 14
Toddlers/Cribs: Sandy East & Crystal Cupp
Toddlers: Lucille Holman
Children’s Service: Beth Cheuk
December 21
Toddlers/Cribs: Sandy & Matt Covington
Toddlers: Lucille Holman
Children’s Service: Beth Cheuk
December 28
Toddlers/Cribs: Liz & Carter Chassey
Toddlers: Lucille Holman
Children’s Missions: Edith Ann & Katherine Austin
Children’s Christmas Musical
On Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 6:45 p.m. the children of Farmville Baptist will be presenting the musical “Bethlehem Treasure” in the sanctuary. During the play rumors of the existence of a marvelous and mysterious treasure have been spreading. Almost everybody has caught the fever of “treasure mania.” Various treasure seekers have high hopes of discovering the clues that will lead them to their proverbial “pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.” Of course the BIG secret is that the Bethlehem Treasure is Jesus. Be sure to come and join the treasure hunt!
A Service of Remembrance, Wed., Dec. 3 at 6:30 p.m.
We will have “A Service of Remembrance” to remember our loved ones who are now with the Lord. The service will be held in our Fellowship Hall, Wednesday, December 3 at 6:30 p.m.
Christmas Eve Communion Candlelight Service,Dec. 24, 5 p.m.
We will have our traditional candlelight Christmas Eve service on Wednesday, December 24 at 5:00 p.m. We will also celebrate communion by intinction during the service.
2008-2009 Calendar for Flowers in Sunday Worship
The 2008-2009 Flower Calendar is on the bulletin board across from the Sunday School office. Please sign up for the coming year to put flowers in the church in memory/honor of a loved one.
Poinsettias for Christmas
If you would like to purchase a poinsettia in memory of or in honor of a loved one to be placed in the sanctuary for the Advent season, please call the church office (392-5041). We will have a total of 18 poinsettias placed in the sanctuary. The cost is $14.00. Your poinsettia can be picked up after the Candlelight Service on Christmas Eve.
Growing Together
Winterfest at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA,Wed., Dec. 31
FBC is planning to go to the afternoon session of Winterfest at Liberty University. Winterfest is a three day Christian conference with inspirational speakers and recording artists. FBC will be attending the afternoon session on Wednesday, December 31. The Grammy award winning Christian Rock band Decemberadio will be there. Tickets for the afternoon session cost $15 in advance. Rock fans of all ages are welcome to attend. We will meet at the church at 11:00 a.m. and plan to have an inexpensive lunch in Lynchburg around 12:00 p.m. We will head over to Liberty after lunch.
Please RSVP with Amanda by Thursday, December 4.
Amanda’s Contact Info: phone- 392-5041, 607-0082 email: amanda[at]farmvillebaptist.org
Business Meeting Budget Vote Report
On Sunday, November 16th the 2009 Church Operating Budget was presented by the Stewardship Committee to the congregation in the business meeting. This budget was unanimously approved. The budget is $255,633.50 and reflects a 9% reduction from the 2008 budget.
The Stewardship Committee carefully reviewed our projected income for 2009. This projection was based on the “estimate of giving cards” we have received since Consecration Sunday and the estimated tithes and offerings we normally receive from those who do not fill out estimate of giving cards. After this review and discussions in committee meetings it was determined that our income and expenditures for 2009 would be better budgeted if we went back to where we were in 2007.
The 2007 budget was $257,670.00. This of course means trimming our operating expenses where we can and holding the line in other places.
The budget is based on the estimates of giving and other offerings. If you are not on schedule to meet your giving pledges for the year it has a negative impact on our budget. Please make every attempt to bring your giving up to date for the year 2008. If you made a pledge for 2009 or are a regular giver please remember through the year to give accordingly so that we have the necessary finances to meet the ministries of FBC. Let the Lord lead us to be cheerful givers so that the work of our Church may continue to be a blessing to all of us and those we touch.
God Bless all of You,
Chuck Daniel, Stewardship Chair
Offering Envelopes Available for Pick Up after Dec. 14
The offering envelopes for 2009 will be available for pick up on the pew in the fellowship hall starting Sunday, Dec. 14. Please pick up your box of envelopes to help us with our mailing costs. And thank you for using your offering envelopes, which really helps Kathy in recording your contributions!
Ruth Class Luncheon, December 2, 11:45 a.m.
The senior adult Ruth Class will have a holiday luncheon at Shoney’s Restaurant on Tuesday, December 2 at 11:45 a.m.
Youth News for December
December 7
6:00 p.m. No Holds Barred-Preparing for Advent
December 14
5:00 p.m. Christmas Dinner
6:00 p.m. Caroling
December 20
7:30 a.m. Meet at the Church to Go to FACES
December 21
6:00 p.m. Youth Christmas Party
December 28
5:00 p.m. Youth Movie Night
December 31
11:00 a.m. Meet at Church for Winterfest at Liberty
Menus for December
COST: Adults & Children 12 and older-$5.00; Children 3 through 11-$2.00; Children 2 & under-free. Family limit: $14.00.
December 3
Spaghetti, Corn on the Cob, Garlic Bread, Tossed Salad and Fruit Cup
Children’s menu: Same
December 10
Oven Baked Chicken w/gravy, Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes, Tossed Salad, Rolls and Banana Pudding
Children’s menu: Same
December 17
Baked Pork Chops w/gravy, Candied Yams, Green Peas, Fried Apples, Tossed Salad, Rolls and Cookies
Children’s menu: Same
December 24 and December 31
NO WEDNESDAY ACTIVITIES (CHRISTMAS)
Wednesday night activities will resume, Wednesday, January 7
Christmas Dinner and Caroling, Sunday, Dec. 14
All are invited to our church-wide Christmas Dinner on Sunday, December 14 at 5:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Please bring your favorite side dish and/or dessert to share for this pot-luck meal. The church will provide the meat. We will also invite the families of our Angel Tree program to join us at the Christmas dinner. Afterwards at 6:00 p.m., we will take a bus and our church van out caroling and visiting our homebound members. We need a volunteer to drive our church van. Please contact the church office if you are willing to volunteer.
Phone: 392-5041, email: office [at] farmvillebaptist.org
Serving Others
Heifer International Christmas Mission Project
This year more than ever there will be more people in need in our community and in our world. The Lord gave us the best and most lasting gift, the baby Jesus. Our gift giving should reflect our gratitude for this gift. The Missions and Outreach Committee of FBC would like to offer you an opportunity to change lives with your Christmas gifts. We would like to encourage you to support a Heifer International Project in Honduras.
Heifer International helps people out of poverty by providing animals and education to communities around the world. We’ve chosen to focus on a project in Honduras since many in our community have participated in mission trips to Honduras or lived there. We will begin our effort with a Christmas fundraiser to support a five year project on food sovereignty that will assist 2,385 families living in southern Honduras. You can find more information on our bulletin board or at www.heifer.org.
We will be offering hand painted Christmas ornaments for a donation of $10 or more and stuffed manger animals for a donation of $5 or more. Donation cards will be available if you are going to give your purchase as a gift. We will also have a limited number of the children’s book “Beatrice’s Goat” available for $20. These gift items will be available for purchase after worship on Sundays and on Wednesday nights from Nov. 30 through Christmas. We hope that these gifts will help you finish your holiday shopping knowing you’ve reflected the true meaning of Christmas to those in need.
FACES
On Saturday, December 20, Farmville Baptist Church will be volunteering at FACES, our local food pantry. Youth and adults of all ages are invited to take part in this opportunity to serve our community. We will meet at the church at 7:30 a.m. and walk over to FACES together. FACES is located at 314 N South Street. We will work FACES’ Saturday morning distribution shift from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.. We will help to fill bags with dry and frozen goods and carry bags to the clients’ cars, as many clients are elderly.
Meals On Wheels
Meals on Wheels is in need of donations. If you would like to give to Meals on Wheels you may do so through Farmville Baptist or you can give directly to SCOPE/Meals on Wheels Center.