December 2009

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FBC Informer – December 2009

PASTOR’S COLUMN

“Advent Conspiracy”

Starting last Sunday, the first Sunday in Advent, I began a new sermon series called “Advent Conspiracy.”  Too often, preachers and Christians have complained that Christmas has become too commercialized, too much of the world and of the checkout line.  Well, this year, I hope we can actually do something about that as we conspire against the prevailing powers of this world to live out and witness the true meaning of Christmas.

During these Sundays of Advent, we will learn how to worship more fully our true God and not the god of consumerism, because Christmas begins and ends with Jesus.  We will also learn how to reorder our desires so that we’ll spend less on ourselves this Christmas in order to free our resources for things that truly matter.  We will practice giving more to others of our presence, our hands, our words, our time, and our hearts.  Finally we will be challenged to love all – the poor, the forgotten, the marginalized, the sick, in ways that make a difference – because after all, for God so loved the world, that He send His only begotten Son.  And during our Christmas Eve service, we will collect an offering to give solely to our community, so that even as we receive God’s greatest gift to us, we may, in our thankfulness and joy, share that gift with those around us.

These are challenging actions, and ones that my own family has been talking about.  We’ve been brainstorming ways that we will try to live out the Advent Conspiracy this year.  Instead of spending our money on Black Friday, we spent our time at FACES this past Saturday helping to distribute food while most of their regular volunteers are away.  That’s our first resolution for thinking about the holiday season differently. We’re still talking about others.  Perhaps instead of spending time trying to find the perfect gift, we will try to spend time writing notes and making phone calls to our friends and relatives.  Maybe instead of telling relatives what gifts to buy for us, we will ask them to donate the money they would have spent on us to World Vision, or Heifer International, or Watering Malawi.  Last year, we started scaling back on the number of presents we give to our children.  We thought they might be disappointed, but Thea welcomed it, and Wesley said, “I think that’s a good idea – because my room and I are stuffed!”

These are some small changes that my family is exploring as we try to be “in the checkout line but not of it.”  And in the process, I have a feeling that we will experience the true spirit of Advent and Christmas in ways that honors and worship Christ the newborn King in ways that we haven’t before.

— Yours in Christ, Michael

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Advent at Farmville Baptist

Nov. 29……. “Worship Fully”, 11:00 a.m.

Dec. 2……… A Service of Remembrance, 6:30 p.m.

……………….. We remember the loved ones we’ve lost this year

 

Dec. 6……… Hanging of the Greens, 11:00 a.m.

Dec. 13……. “Spend Less.  Give More”, 11:00 a.m.

……………….. Christmas Pot-luck Dinner, 5:00 p.m.

……………….. Christmas Caroling, 6:15 p.m.

Dec. 20……. “Love All”, 11:00 a.m.

Dec. 24……. Communion & Candlelight Service, 5:00 p.m.

FBC is on Facebook

Farmville Baptist has a page on Facebook now!  Log onto your Facebook.com account and become a fan of “Farmville Baptist Church, Farmville, VA” by visiting this link:

http://facebook.com/pages/Farmville-VA/Farmville-Baptist-Church-Farmville-VA/113830845613

THANK YOU

Tucker and I are so thankful for all of you who lifted me up to the Lord in prayer during very difficult days.  The good news is, the biopsies and tumor were all benign, and we are praising God for that.  I am on the mend and growing stronger each day.  Life is sweeter and love for family and friends has taken on new meaning.  Thank you again from my heart.

Queta Watson

* * *

All Saints Sunday was very special to me.  I thank you for your constant friendship, kind words and delicious food.  The honor goes to the saints who have gone before me.  They have set the bar of devotion so high and I have been blessed by all of you.

Love, Peggy Cave

* * *

I would like to thank the Farmville Baptist Church for the prayer cards and words of encourgement that continue to come to me every week.  It honestly does help when these cards arrive as it lets me know that people are praying for me and do care.  It makes my health conditions a little easier to bear.  Again, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

Sincerely, Gary Smith

* * *

The family of Susan Barr acknowledges with grateful appreciation your kind expression of sympathy.

* * *

Thank you so very much for the wonderful Sunday of November 1st.  It was very special to me!  I am humbled to be a “Good and Faithful Servant.”  The tables and flowers were beautiful and the dishes of food delicious.  The plaque will find a special place in my house and I shall cherish it always.

Love to each of you, Janie Simpson

* * *

Thank you for the honor and plaque presented to me as a faithful servant.  I am humbled by this presentation.  Each of you is a special member of my church family and has always been supportive of my family.  The luncheon was delicious.  Your love and support is overwhelming.

Love in Christ, Edith Ann Austin

CALENDAR

December 2………. Episcopal Campus Ministry Blood Drive @ Parish House, 400 High Street, 12 noon

……………………….. Service of Remembrance, 6:30 pm

December 5………. Volunteers to Setup for Hanging of the Greens, 3 pm

December 6………. Hanging of the Greens, 11 am

……………………….. Personnel Committee Meeting, 6:00 pm

December 7………. Ruth Class Dinner, 5 pm

……………………….. Missions & Outreach Committee Meeting, 5:45 pm

December 13…….. Church Council Meeting, 8:30 am

……………………….. Christmas Dinner, 5 pm

……………………….. Christmas Caroling, 6:15 pm

December 19…….. FACES Food Distribution

December 14…….. Newsletter Articles Due

December 24…….. Office Closed

……………………….. Christmas Eve Service, 5 pm

December 25…….. Christmas Day, Office Closed

December 31…….. New Years Eve, Office Closed

January 1…………… New Years Day, Office Closed

WORSHIPPING GOD

Farmville Baptist Worship Services in December

12/6………. Hanging of the Greens Service, 11:00 a.m.

12/13…….. “Advent Conspiracy: Spend Less. Give More” (Communion)

12/20…….. “Advent Conspiracy: Love All”

12/24…….. Christmas Eve Communion Service — 5:00 p.m.

12/27…….. Rev. Jay Lynn to Preach

A Service of Remembrance, Wed., Dec. 2 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 2 at 6:30 p.m.

Hanging of the Greens Service, Dec. 6 at 11 a.m.

On Sunday, December 6 at 11 a.m. in our sanctuary, we will have our “Hanging of the Greens” worship service.  This service combines scripture readings, carols and special music from our adult, children and bell choirs.  Groups from the church will be invited to decorate the sanctuary for Advent.

We also need volunteers to help with preliminary setup of the decorations in the sanctuary, on Saturday, December 5 at 3:00 p.m.

Christmas Eve Communion Candlelight Service, Dec. 24, 5:00 p.m.

We will have our traditional candlelight Christmas Eve service on Wednesday, December 24 at 5:00 p.m.  We will celebrate communion by intinction during the service, and we will collect a love offering to our community as a way to share the love of Christ with others.

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).  The cost is $14.00.  Your poinsettia can be picked up after the Candlelight Service on Christmas Eve.

2010 Calendar for Flowers in Sunday Worship

The 2010 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.

Sanctuary & Bell Choir Rehearsals

This fall, the Sanctuary Choir will rehearse on Wednesday nights from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., and the Bell Choir will rehearse at 7:30 p.m.  Childcare is provided.  If you’re interested in joining either or both choirs, please contact Anita Lynn, 391-3751.

Sunday Schedule for Children’s Church Workers

December 6

Toddlers/Cribs:……………… Volunteer Needed

Toddlers:……………………… Lucille Holman

December 13

Toddlers/Cribs:……………… Sandy East & Crystal Cupp

Toddlers:……………………… Lucille Holman

Children’s Worship:……….. Beth Cheuk

December 20

Toddlers/Cribs:……………… Volunteer Needed

Toddlers:……………………… Lucille Holman

Children’s Worship:……….. Penny Agee

December 27

Toddlers/Cribs:……………… Liz & Carter Chassey

Toddlers:……………………… Lucille Holman

Children’s Missions:……….. Edith Ann & Katherine Austin

GROWING TOGETHER

Office Closed for Holidays

The office will be closed December 24 and 25 for Christmas and December 31 and January 1 for New Years.

Business Meeting Budget Vote Report

On Sunday, November 22, the 2010 Church Operating Budget was presented by the Stewardship Committee to the congregation and approved by a formal vote.  The total for next year is $252,115 which is about $3,500 less than the current year.  Additionally, I am pleased to report that collections currently are running slightly ahead of expenses.  Considering the state of the economy, this is indeed good news!

We plan to bring regular reports of our financial status during the upcoming year as we aim to keep everyone informed.  Should you ever have any questions, please do not hesitate to approach any member of the Stewardship Committee.  We look forward to continuing to serve Farmville Baptist in the coming year.

Gene Watson, Stewardship Committee

Stewardship Report

Budget Needs through 11/30………………………………$234,330.57

Budget Disbursements through 11/30…………… …..$185,661.27

Budget Receipts through 11/30……………………………$191,946.69

Youth Events in December

“No Holds Barred” will meet from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Julie Gaines (julie[at]farmvillebaptist.org) will lead.

December 6……………………. at FBC

December 13………………….. Christmas Dinner, 5 p.m.

…………………………………….. Caroling, 6:15 p.m.

December 20………………….. No youth meeting

December 27………………….. No youth meeting

Offering Envelopes Available for Pick Up after December 6

The offering envelopes for 2010 will be available for pick up on the pew in the hallway outside the church office starting Sunday, Dec. 6.  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 Dinner, December 7, 5:00 p.m.

The senior adult Ruth Class will have a holiday dinner in the Fellowship Hall on Monday, December 7 at 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting

Peggy Cave is leading a weekly Wednesday night prayer meeting for adults in the Fellowship Hall, from 6 to 6:30 p.m.  There will be a brief scriptural meditation followed by updates on those who are on our prayer list.  Participants will have an opportunity to add prayer requests, write prayer cards and pray for those on our list.  All are invited to attend this time of intercessory prayer and spiritual growth!

Prayer List Distribution

The church office will be sending a weekly email with our full Prayer Concerns list to church members.  The list, along with a supply of prayer cards, will also be printed out for our adult Sunday School classes so they may either send cards or add individuals to the list.  If you wish to add someone, please email or call the church office, 392-5041.  Please include the person’s name, mailing address and the reason for them being put on the list.  Also provide updates on that person’s progress.  If there is not an update for an individual after a four-week period, we will remove that person from the list.

No Wednesday Night Activities, Dec. 23

There will be no Wednesday night prayer meeting or choir rehearsals on December 23 because of the Christmas Eve Communion Candlelight Service on Thursday, December 24.

New Prayer Groups to Form

We are beginning to start new prayer groups as part of our Spiritual Transformation Journey!  Past participants in our prayer triplets and any other persons who would like to join a group consisting of 4-6 members are invited to join a group.  Each member is required to purchase a prayer and devotional book called Cultivating Fruitfulness for $7.  If you are interested in participating in a prayer group, please contact Michael Cheuk or the church office (392-5041) to sign up.

Here are the tentative meeting times of some of the prayer groups:

• Every other Sunday, 9 to 10:30 a.m., starting Jan. 10 at FBC.  Facilitated by John Slade.
• Sunday mornings, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., starting late Jan. at FBC.  Facilitated by Elizabeth Whiley.
• Every other Sunday afternoon or Monday night.  Location TBA.  Facilitated by Doris Weaver.
• Fridays, from 12 to 1 p.m. at FBC.  Facilitated by Michael Cheuk.

SERVING OTHERS

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.  Please contact Anita Lynn, 391-3751, for more information and to participate.

FACES

On Saturday, December 19, 7:30 to 10:30 a.m., 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.  Meet at the church at 7:20 a.m. and walk over to FACES together. FACES is located at 314 N South Street.

Episcopal Campus Ministry Blood Drive

There will be a blood drive on December 2 at the Parish House, 400 High Street.  (Enter the Drive through the St. George St. door that faces the back of the church.)  The drive is from noon to 6 p.m.  If you would like to reserve a time please contact Dr. Anne Lund, Campus Minister at (alund[at]hsc.edu or shanon.mcguirk[at]live.longwood.edu) for more information.  Walk-ins are also very welcomed!

Christmas Dinner and Caroling, Sunday, Dec. 13

All are invited to our church-wide Christmas Dinner on Sunday,     December 13 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.

During the meal, we will write messages and sign Christmas cards that will be delivered to our shut-ins as we go caroling at around 6:15 p.m.

We will take our church van and carpool carolers to visit our homebound members. We need a volunteer to drive our church van. Please contact the church office 392-5041, office[at]farmvillebaptist.org, if you are willing to volunteer.

Alma Hunt State Missions Offering

This year, we fell short of our goal of $1000.00 for our Alma Hunt State Missions Offering.  As of November 30, we ended up collecting $880.00.  Many thanks to those who gave generously to this offering.

BIRTHDAYS

December 1

Lewis, G. W.

December 3

Lewis, Alma

December 4

Cave, Cynthia

Snoddy, Scott

December 7

Tolley, Sarah

December 10

Jones, Jackie

Moore, Jewel

December 15

East, Sandy

December 16

Huskey, Jim

Overton, Wyatt Lee

December 17

Penick, Walter

December 20

Dunning, Olivia

December 25

Addleman, Walter

December 28

Wallace, Blake

December 30

Covington, Sandra

Smalley, Breanna

December 31

Wood, Michael