February 2008
FBC Informer – February 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
- Prince Edward Dialogue for Racial Reconciliation
- Wednesday Night Activities
- February Wednesday Night Programs
Serving Others
“Simple Gifts”
This Christmas, Beth and I were showered with many simple gifts . . . cookies, brownies, Christmas candies, etc. More recently, we were surprised with some homemade bread hanging on our doorknob one evening. And of course, right before Christmas, we were stunned to receive a love offering from the congregation, an act of generosity which was very touching. We appreciate all these gifts and want to say “Thank you.” Your thoughtfulness and care are meaningful and encouraging. But I don’t want to neglect to say thanks also for your everyday, simple gifts offered to our church and our community, such as:
- the simple gift of service, whether it comes in the form of teaching Sunday School, assisting with Wednesday night meals and programs, or participating in the jail ministry, just to name a few
- the simple gift of encouragement, whether in words spoken after the service, or a lovely anthem sung by a choir, or cards and notes written to someone experiencing grief
- the simple gift of your presence, in worship, at youth group meetings, or at workdays such as the set-up or clean-up for Advent decorations
- the simple gift of your smiles as you greet one another, your hugs as you comfort each other, your prayers as you lift one another up
- the simple gift of your resources, whether contributing to the budget of the church, to the needs of individuals in our community, or to support our various missions emphases
For all these gifts, simple or not, I simply say, “Thank you!” Yours in Christ, Michael
ANNOUNCEMENTS
In Memoriam
- Elsie Garrison Coleman: 3/13/1910—12/31/2007
- Howard Walker Young: 9/14/1932—1/1/2008
Welcome New Member!
On Sunday, January 13, we welcomed Jeaninne Milne into membership through baptism. Jeaninne is a Longwood graduate student.
New Pictorial Directories for Sale
For members who did NOT have their Lifetouch portraits made, but would like to receive our new church directory, please contact the church office, 392-5041, to purchase one at $10 a copy.
Senior Adult Valentine Dinner – Sat., Feb. 16, 5 p.m.
On Saturday, February 16 at 5:00 pm in the fellowship hall all Senior Adults are invited to Farmville Baptist Church’s annual Valentine’s Dinner. Please RSVP with the church office by February 14.
Women’s Ministry Luncheon – Sun., Feb. 17, noon
There will be a covered dish luncheon on Sunday, February 17 after worship for anyone interested in a more comprehensive women’s ministry here at Farmville Baptist Church. The women’s ministry organize events like ladies night out, small group Bible studies, as well as mission opportunities particularly pertaining to women’s issues. Please RSVP with Amanda by Friday Feb. 15 (392-5041) or amanda [at] farmvillebaptist.org.
Baptist Women in Ministry’s “Cloud of Witnesses” Quilt
Baptist Women in Ministry of North Carolina is pleased to announce that Farmville Baptist Church has been honored as a Witness for the “Cloud of Witnesses” Quilt for the church’s contributions to Baptist Women in Ministry. This honor was conferred to Farmville Baptist Church by the Rev. Susan A. Joyce.
THANKS
I would like to thank you for all the prayers and support you have given me. They are truly appreciated. You can’t go wrong with God on your side. Thanks and God bless!
Kathy Howard
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Thank you so much for all the kindness, food, flowers to me during the loss of Elsie Coleman, one of the kindest people I knew. Also the visits during her stay at the nursing home. Also thanks so much for the strong shoulders given me the last week of Elsie’s life. It means so much to me.
Dale Tatum
_________
Thank you so much for the silk Sympathy Wreath in memory of Walker. Your kindness is greatly appreciated.
Celia Jo Young, Janett Southall and Mary Jo Chassey
_________
Thank you for your prayers. Also, thank you for the cards letting me know that someone is prayer for me. In my constant struggle with chronic pain and the fatigue that goes along with that pain, it helps to know that there are people that care enough to keep me in their prayers for the many months that I have been receiving these wonderful cards.
Nathan Glascock
_________
Dear Farmville Baptist, I just wanted to thank you all so very much for your thoughts and prayers. The test came back today and everything is going to be fine. I appreciate the prayer cards and personal prayer.
Jenny Landes
_________
Thank you for remembering me in your prayers. I am doing well following surgery.
Clinton Vick, Jr.
CALENDAR
Upcoming Events for Your Calendar
Jan. 30-Feb 1…Michael/New Baptist Covenant
February 6……..Ash Wednesday
February 10……Peggy Cave’s Class-Holly Manor
Feb. 11-15………Amanda-WFLO Morning Devotions
February 13……Lenten Service/Farmville United Methodist Church
February 16……Seniors’ Valentine Dinner
February 17……Youth-Holly Manor
February 18……Newsletter Articles Due
February 20……Lenten Service/First Baptist Church
February 24……Ruth Class-Holly Manor
……………………….Deacons’ Meeting
February 27……Lenten Service/Farmville Presbyterian Church
Sunday Schedule for Children’s Church Workers
| February 3 | |
| Toddlers/Cribs | Sandy & Matt Covington |
| Toddlers | Lucille Holman |
| Children’s Service | Beth Cheuk & Carter Family |
| February 10 | |
| Toddlers/Cribs | B. A. & Emmalee Klein |
| Toddlers | Lucille Holman |
| Children’s Service | Beth Cheuk |
| February 17 | |
| Toddlers/Cribs | Sandy & Matt Covington |
| Toddlers | Lucille Holman |
| Childrens’ Missions | Edith Ann & Katherine Austin |
| February 24 | |
| Toddlers/Cribs | David Schmidt |
| Toddlers | Lucille Holman |
| Children’s Service | Beth Cheuk & Farrah Schmidt |
WORSHIPPING GOD
February Worship Services
2/3…….”Behold the Glory the Lord” – Matthew 17:1-9; 2 Peter 1:16-21, Rev. Amanda Johnston
2/6…….ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE, 6:30 p.m.
2/10….”Jesus, You Da Man!” – Romans 5:12-19
2/17…..”Righteous by Faith” – Romans 4:1-5, 13-17
2/24…..”We’ve Got Peace, Love and Joy” – Romans 5:1-11
Rev. Amanda Johnston to Preach on “Women in Ministry” Sunday
We welcome one of our own, the Rev. Amanda Johnston, to our pulpit during worship on Sunday, February 3. The service will mark the first annual Martha Stearns Marshall Day of Preaching sponsored by the national organization for Baptist Women in Ministry. Amanda has her Master of Divinity from Duke University with a Certificate in Baptist Studies. She was ordained in November of 2006 and currently serves as our Associate Pastor here at Farmville Baptist Church. Amanda and her husband John have just recently moved to the area.
Ash Wednesday Service, February 6, 6:30 p.m.
On Wednesday Feb. 6, at 6:30 p.m., we will have our Ash Wednesday service in the sanctuary. During the service, ashes from the palms used last year for Palm Sunday will be imposed on our foreheads as a way to acknowledge our mortality and our need for God’s salvation.
Lenten Services and Lunches
Lent is a forty-day period in our church calendar that is set aside for reflection and repentance. Lent originated in the very earliest days of the Church as a preparatory time for Easter, when the faithful rededicated themselves and when converts were instructed in the faith and prepared for baptism. By observing the forty days of Lent, the individual Christian imitates Jesus’ withdrawal into the wilderness for forty days. The Farmville Area Ministerial Association invites you to attend their Wednesday Lenten Services at 12 noon followed by a free soup lunch at 12:30 p.m. The following is a schedule of churches hosting these services and the speakers:
- Feb. 13…….Farmville United Methodist……..Rev. Amanda Johnston
- Feb. 20……First Baptist……………………………..Rev. Kim Steinhorst
- Feb. 27…….Farmville Presbyterian…………….Rev. Jeff Hudgins
- Mar. 5……..St. Theresa Catholic………………….Rev. Amy Beth Hougland
- Mar. 12……Johns Memorial Episcopal………..Rev. Kitty Smith
On Friday, March 21, Farmville Baptist will host a community-wide Good Friday Service at noon. A soup lunch will be served after the service.
“Christ in the Passover” Thursday, March 6, 6:30 p.m.
During the week of March 6, all Wednesday night activities will be rescheduled for Thursday, March 6. We will serve supper at 5:45, followed by a special “Christ in the Passover” program. Held in the Fellowship Hall at 6:30, the program will feature a missionary from “Jews for Jesus,” who will give a sermonic demonstration of a traditional Jewish Passover seder meal. We will actually see a table set with traditional Passover items. The missionary uses Scripture as well as the visual items to walk through a seder meal, weaving the story of the Exodus together with the life, death and resurrection of Christ. After the demonstration, we will celebrate Communion.
2008 Calendar for Flowers in Sunday Worship
The 2007-2008 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.
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.
Sermons Available Online
MP3s of sermons from previous weeks of worship are available on the worship page of our website under: http://www.farmvillebaptist.org/worship.php.
GROWING TOGETHER
Passport / Passways Camps Sign Up
The dates for the children’s trip to Passport Kids! will be June 30-July 3 at Eagle Eyrie. The cost of the retreat is $225 and the camp is open to students who have completed grades 3 through 6. The dates for our youth’s trip to the Passport Passways camp will be July 13-18 at Wingate University, NC. The cost of the camp is $320 and is open to youth who have completed grades 6 through 12. Both groups will be fundraising to lower the cost per child. Contact Amanda Johnston if you’d like to attend either camp.
2007 Year-End Stewardship Report
Our year-end Stewardship report shows that our general offering for the calendar year 2007 totaled $225,671 which is one of the best years ever for Farmville Baptist. Total income was $231,592. However, total expenses ran $243,790, thus producing a net shortfall of $12,640. A closer study of these numbers shows that the deficit can be attributed to two main areas. First, there was extensive work done to the exterior of the building with repairs made to the roof support structure as well as the trim work. Also, a new handicap accessible door has been installed on the courthouse side of the front. Costs for these projects well exceeded $10,000 with the majority being funded from monies in the Ila Rickman Fund and donations given in memory of Walter D. Southall. The balance sheet reflects these expenditures, but it did not reflect the offsetting income transferred from those other accounts. Second, additional expenses were incurred by the Personnel Committee related to the filling of our Associate Pastor position. Such expenses include advertising, interviewing and moving costs. Overall, we are encouraged with the financial health of the church. We encourage all members and regular attenders to be faithful in their giving this year as we expand our ministries led by two full-time pastors. We are looking forward to a busy and prosperous 2008! Gene Watson, Stewardship Committee Co-Chair
“The Power of Forgiveness” shown Feb. 5, 6:30 p.m.
The Prince Edward Dialogue for Reconciliation is sponsoring an advance viewing of the film “The Power of Forgiveness” on Feb. 5, 6:30 p.m. at Farmville United Methodist Church. For more information, visit: www.readthespirit.com/explore/2007/11/044-conversatio.html.
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 Price Change
Due to rising food cost and increased attendance in our Wednesday night suppers last year, we ended up with a shortfall of about $1,500 in this ministry. While our suppers are not a profit-making venture, we do want to be good stewards. Therefore, with input from those who attend the suppers and approval from the Church Council, 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 February
COST: $5.00 for adults; $2.00 for children; $14.00 family limit.
| February 6 | Hamburger & Hot Dogs, Baked Beans, Potato Chips, Tossed Salad and Ice Cream. Children’s menu: Same |
| February 13 | Spaghetti, Corn on Cobb, Garlic Bread, Tossed Salad, and Fruit Cup Children’s menu: Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich |
| February 20 | Oven Baked Pork Chops/Gravy, Fried Apples, Green Peas, Tossed Salad, Rolls and Pound Cake. Children’s menu: Same |
| February 27 | Oven Baked Chicken with Gravy, String Beans, Mashed Salad, Tossed Salad, Rolls and Banana Pudding. Children’s menu: Same |
Wednesday Night Discipleship Study Schedule
February 6…………………………Ash Wednesday Service, 6:30 p.m.
February 13……………………….New Baptist Covenant Report, 6:30 p.m.
February 20-March 12………“Jesus Saves! But How?” study
March 19……………………………Holy Week Service, 6:30 p.m.
March 26……………………………BCM Missions Report, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday Night Study on “Jesus Saves! But How?” starts Feb. 20
For four Wednesday nights starting February 20, Michael will be leading a study examining the ways the Bible has understood how Jesus saves. Special attention will be paid to the various “theories of atonement” that Christians have used to explain the saving work of Jesus. We encourage all to attend the study to gain a better appreciation for our salvation through Christ as we approach Holy Week and Easter.
SERVING OTHERS
Souper Bowl of Caring & Youth Fund Raiser, Feb. 3
Sunday, February 3 is Souper Bowl Sunday! On that day, our youth will be collecting both canned goods and monetary donations for F.A.C.E.S., our local food pantry. Please drop off your contributions in the large soup pots at the entrances to the sanctuary. After the worship service and the collection, you are invited to a soup luncheon in the Fellowship Hall. The Youth Committee will provide salad and bread sticks. There is no set price for the meal. We just ask that you donate what you would spend for a Sunday lunch in a restaurant. This will be our first major fundraiser for the youth to help them with the cost of attending youth camp this summer.
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
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.
Volunteers Needed for February Services at Holly Manor
During the month of February, Farmville Baptist Church will provide a short devotional worship service each Sunday at Holly Manor. We need volunteers to go with the Sunday School classes. Each class will lead the worship service and participate in some hymn singing. Contact Amanda if you are interested in participating.
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!