February 2011
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FBC Informer – February 2011
Table of Contents
- Worship Services
- Sara Thompson to Preach
- Choir Rehearsal Schedule
- Ash Wednesday Service
- 2011 Flower Calendar
- Children’s Church Workers’ Schedule
- Stewardship Report
- Offering Envelopes
- Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting
- Children’s Choir Rehearsal
- Congratulations
- Ladies Night Out
- Adopt-A-Student Dinner
- Office Closed
- Passport Camp Soup Lunch Fundraiser
- Youth Schedule
- Youth Super Bowl Party
- Roller Skating Party
- Senior Adult Valentine Dinner
Pastor’s Column
“A Gospel for Human Life”
Several months back, I was rereading Dallas Willard’s classic The Divine Conspiracy: Rediscovering Our Hidden Life in God. In the second chapter of the book, Willard was exploring the reasons why there is a disconnect between the gospel and every day life, why the Christian faith almost seems irrelevant or powerless in the face of the realities of life. As I read, I came across this passage that was particularly convicting to me as a pastor and preacher.
Willard writes: “The situation we have just described—the disconnection of life from faith, the absence from our churches of Jesus the teacher—is not caused by the wicked world, by social oppression, or by the stubborn meanness of the people who come to our church services and carry on the work of our congregations. It is largely caused and sustained by the basic message that we constantly hear from Christian pulpits. We are flooded with what I have called ‘gospels of sin management,’ in one form or another, while Jesus’ invitation to eternal life now—right in the midst of work, business, and profession—remains for the most part ignored and unspoken. . . . The resources of God’s kingdom remain detached from human life. There is no gospel for human life and Christian discipleship, just one for death or one for social action.” (pp. 57-58). Willard then prescribes a solution: “To counteract this we must develop a straightforward presentation, in word and life, of the reality of life now under God’s rule, through reliance upon the word and person of Jesus. In this way we can naturally become his students or apprentices” (p. 58).
Reading this passage has challenged me to explore how I might be able to preach, teach and model a Gospel for Human Life here at Farmville Baptist, a Gospel that may lead all of us into a deeper life of discipleship to Jesus. On a personal level, I will begin leading a discipleship group of about six people so that we can learn to live life together as disciples of Christ. In my preaching, I will be focusing on discipleship as I begin a series on the Sermon on the Mount. Finally, I will be teaching a three-week Sunday School class session starting February 13 on how a Gospel of Human Life might impact our church as well as our lives. The class will be held in the Fellowship Hall, 9:45 to 10:30 a.m., and I invite all adults to attend. I’m excited about what I’m learning, and thank you for giving me a chance to share it with you!
Yours in Christ, Michael
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Roof Repair Update
Our roof repairs have been completed by W.A. Lynch Roofing Company at a total cost of $99,665.00. The project included the replacement of all damaged and missing slate with Buckingham slate to match the original roof. Copper flashing was utilized on the chimneys, vents, bell tower and at the point where the two church roofs meet. The internal gutters were wrapped with a membrane to prevent any additional leaks and the drip edge was completed with copper. A new copper ridge plate and all ice shields where replaced. The bell tower was wrapped with a waterproof membrane and the metal shingles were replaced along with the gutters, and the molding was wrapped in metal. No extensive structural damages were found in the foundation of the roof or in the internal gutters. We will have begun a Building Fund campaign to raise the money. To date only $17,000.00 has been raised. Your generous and sacrificial contributions will be gratefully accepted.
Welcome, New Member!
On Sunday, January 23, Martha Malone rededicated her life to Christ and requested membership to Farmville Baptist Church. Martha is the mother of Kelly Dudley and she lives at 621 Via Sacra, Hampden-Sydney, VA 23943. We rejoice in Martha’s decision and welcome her to Farmville Baptist!
“Souper Bowl” of Caring
February 6 is the official “Souper Bowl of Caring” day. However, our youth will collect monetary and food donations for FACES, our local food pantry, at the end of our worship service on Sunday, January 30 and February 6. Please come to worship with cash or non-perishable food items to support this cause!
“Ten Great Dates”
“Ten Great Dates” is a nationally recognized program that helps couples enrich their marriage in a fun and effective way. Farmville Baptist will be hosting this program every Friday night starting February 18 going through April 29 (except on Good Friday, April 22).
Couples come for a 30-minute introduction and then go to a restaurant of their choice to discuss that evening’s topic.
Cost: $12 for the book (cost is per couple)
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Childcare: $5 per child per session
Visit our “Ten Great Dates” webpage or call the church office at 392-5041 for more information!
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
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES
This fall, we are offering Sunday School classes for all ages spanning preschoolers to senior adults. Our Sunday School classes begin at 9:45 a.m. and ends at around 10:40 a.m.
GROUPS ROOM TEACHER(S)________________
Children
Age 3 to Kindergarten: …………. Preschool Rm. 3………… Celia Jo Young, Mary Jo Chassey
Grades 1 to 3: ………………….. Rm. 302…………………… Janie Simpson, Janett Southall
Grades 4 to 5: ………………….. Rm. 303…………………… Beth Cheuk
Youth
Grades 6 to 12: ………………… Rm. 304…………………… Chuck Daniel, Gail Cave
Collegiate
“New Adults”:……………………. Rm. 305……………………Julie Gaines
Adult
Median Adults: ………………… Fellowship Hall…………… Ken Copeland
Older Median Adults:…………… Rm. 308…………………… Clinton Vick
Senior Adults: ………………….. Church Parlor……………. Dave Landrum
THANK YOU
My family and I would like to take this opportunity to express our deep appreciation to the members of Farmville Baptist for the food, flowers, cards and telephone calls following the loss of our mother. May God bless and keep each of you.
Kathy Dunnavant & Family
* * * * *
My mother, Ruth Ferguson and I want to express our sincere appreciation to all of our extended family of Farmville Baptist Church for your amazing love and support following Mama’s recent surgery and ongoing recovery. Your calls, visits, food donations, spending precious hours sitting with Mama, and the prayer cards have been a blessing beyond words. We hope to be with you again very soon.
With love and gratitude, Darlene Bratcher
* * * * *
Thank you for all of your prayers! They are truly doing miracles. I have been through 5 treatments so far with almost no side effects. Will start the next set of treatments on January 11th. I hope all of you had a blessed Christmas!
Jody Hogan
CALENDAR
January 28………………………… Family Movie Night, 6:00 pm
January 30………………………… Deacon’s Meeting, 6:00 pm
January 31………………………… FREE Musikgarten, 6:30 pm
February 2………………………… Prayer Meeting, 5:30 pm
……………………………………….. Missions & Outreach, 6:30 pm
February 3………………………… BCM Dinner, 5:00 pm
February 6………………………… Jail Ministry, 9:00 am
……………………………………….. Holly Manor Service, 10:00 am
……………………………………….. Passport Camp Soup Lunch Fundraiser, 12 noon
February 7………………………… Musikgarten, 6:30 pm
February 9………………………… Prayer Meeting, 5:30 pm
February 12………………………. Senior Adult Valentine Dinner, 5:00 pm
February 13………………………. Church Council Meeting, 8:30 am
……………………………………….. Holly Manor Service, 10:00 am
February 14………………………. Musikgarten, 6:30 pm
……………………………………….. Valentine’s Day
February 16………………………. Prayer Meeting, 5:30 pm
February 18………………………. Ten Great Dates, 6:00 pm
February 19………………………. FACES Food Distribution, 7:30 am
February 20………………………. Holly Manor Service, 10 am
……………………………………….. Adopt-a-Student Dinner, 5:00 pm
……………………………………….. Children’s Choir, 6:00 pm
February 21………………………. Newsletter Articles Due
……………………………………….. No Preschool
……………………………………….. Office Closed—President’s Day
February 23………………………. Prayer Meeting, 5:30 pm
February 24………………………. Ladies Night Out, 6:00 pm
February 25………………………. Ten Great Dates, 6:00 pm
February 26………………………. Roller Skating Party in Appomattox, 12:30 pm
February 27………………………. Holly Manor Service, 10 am
February 28………………………. Musikgarten, 6:30 pm
WORSHIPPING GOD
Farmville Baptist Worship Services in February
Starting Sunday, January 30, Michael will begin a four-week exploration of a collection of Jesus’ sayings known as the Sermon on the Mount.
“Sermon on the Mount” Series
1/30 –“Those Honored in God’s Kingdom” — Matthew 5:1-12
2/6 – “Salt and Light” — Matthew 5:13-20
2/13 – “Heart of the Matter” — Matthew 5:21-37 (Communion)
2/20 – “The Extra Mile” — Matthew 5:38-48
* * * * *
2/27 – “A Love that Renews” — Hosea 14:4-9. Sara Thompson to preach.
Sara Thompson to Preach, February 27
On February 27, Sara Thompson, one of our student interns, will preach in our Sunday morning service in honor of Baptist Women in Ministry’s Month of Preaching. Sara is a senior at Longwood University, majoring in English with a minor in French. Sara ministers with our children and college students.
Choir Rehearsal Schedule
Normally, our Sanctuary Choir rehearses on Wednesday nights from 6:30 to 7:30 pm, followed by our Bell Choir, from 7:30 to 8:30 pm. But on Wednesday, March 9, our Sanctuary Choir and the Bell Choir will not meet.
Ash Wednesday Service, March 9
On Wednesday March 9, at 6:30 p.m., we will have our Ash Wednesday service in the sanctuary. During the service, ashes from palms used last year for Palm Sunday will be imposed on our foreheads as a way to acknowledge our sin and our need for God’s salvation.
2011 Calendar for Flowers in Sunday Worship
The 2011 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.
Sunday Schedule for Children’s Church Workers
February 6
Toddlers/Cribs:…………………. Sandy Covington & Martha Malone
Toddlers:………………………….. Volunteer Needed
Children’s Worship:…………… Carter family & Kevin Dunn
February 13
Toddlers/Cribs:…………………. College Student & Erin Copeland
Toddlers:………………………….. Lucille Holman
Children’s Worship:…………… Doris Weaver & Thea Cheuk
February 20
Toddlers/Cribs:…………………. Charlotte Cave & Lindsey Davis
Toddlers:………………………….. Lucille Holman
Children’s Worship:………….. Beth Cheuk & Tyler Mills
February 27
Toddlers/Cribs:…………………. Chuck & Debbie Daniel
Toddlers:………………………….. Lucille Holman
Children’s Missions:……………Edith Ann & Katherine Austin
GROWING TOGETHER
Stewardship Report
Budget Needs through 1/28………………………………………….. $ 20,805.92
Total Disbursements through 1/28………………………………….. $ 13,938.64
Receipts (Gen. Offering & Interest Income) through 1/28………….. $ 22,471.84
Offering Envelopes Available for Pick Up
The offering envelopes for 2011 are available for pick up on the pew in the hallway outside the church office. Please pick up your box of envelopes to help us with our mailing costs. Thank you for using your offering envelopes, which helps Kathy in recording your contributions!
Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting
Join us for our Wednesday night Bible study and prayer meeting for adults in the Fellowship Hall, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Children’s Choir Rehearsal
Our Children’s Choir will continue rehearsing on the first and third Sunday evening of every month, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Rehearsal will be on February 20 this month. Children first through fifth grade are invited to participate. Gail Cave serves as the director for the choir.
Congratulations!
Russell Chassey, winner of Prince Edward County School Geography Bee.
Thea Cheuk, placed third in Prince Edward County School Spelling Bee.
Ladies Night Out, February 24, 6:00 p.m.
All ladies are invited to have dinner at a The Dutch Rabbit restaurant on Thursday, February 24 at 6:00 p.m. RSVP to Penny Huskey, 392-1050 or pvhuskey1 [at] embarqmail.com, no later than February 23.
Adopt-a-Student Dinner, Sunday, February 20
On February 20, at 5 p.m., our adopted college students will be cooking a dinner for their “host’ families at several locations to be determined! After dinner, all the families will gather at the church’s Fellowship Hall at around 6:15 p.m. for dessert and a brief worship service led by our college students. Please contact Michelle Lam (michelle.lam [at] live.longwood.edu) or Patsy Watson (390-0647) for more information.
Office Closed for President’s Day
The office will be closed Monday, February 21 in observance of President’s Day.
Passport Camp Soup Lunch Fundraiser, February 6
On Sunday, February 6, we will have a fundraiser luncheon after worship. This will be a fundraiser to help our children and youth attend Passport camp this summer. Soup and bread will be served. We ask that you donate what you would normally spend for a lunch out at a restaurant to this cause. RSVP with the church office 392-5041 for the lunch by Friday, February 4.
Youth Schedule for February
February 6……………………… Youth Super Bowl Party @ The Copeland’s, 6:00 p.m.
February 13……………………. “No Holds Barred”, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. @ FBC
February 20……………………. “No Holds Barred”, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. @ FBC
February 27……………………. “No Holds Barred”, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. @ FBC
Youth Super Bowl Party, February 6
All youth are invited to attend a Super Bowl Party on Feb. 6, at the home of John and Erin Copeland, 310 Briarwood Dr., 392-4765. The party starts at 6:00 p.m. and goes to the end of the game. Please bring snacks and drinks!
Roller Skating Party for ALL Ages, February 26
The Children’s Committee is sponsoring a roller-skating party – but there is no age limit and no child required! We’ll depart at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 26 from the church parking lot. The skating session is 1-4 p.m. at A.J. Skateworld in Appomattox. Cost is $6 per person, which includes skate rental. Food is available at the skating rink. If you want to go but need a ride, please contact Patti Trent (pftrent [at] embarqmail.com).
Senior Adult Valentine Dinner, Saturday, February 12
On Saturday, February 12, at 5:00 p.m. 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 Wed., February 9.
SERVING OTHERS
Volunteers Needed for Services at Holly Manor
During the month of February, Farmville Baptist Church will be leading a worship service consisting of hymn singing, prayer and a short devotion each Sunday at Holly Manor from 10:00 to 10:35 a.m. We need volunteers to sign up to go with the following Sunday School classes that will be organizing and leading the worship services.
Feb. 6…Median Adult Class: contact Ken Copeland (392-4765)
Feb. 13…Elisabeth Class: contact Clinton Vick (392-8359)
Feb. 20…Ruth Class: contact Doris Weaver (392-8538)
Feb. 27…Youth Class: contact Chuck Daniel (392-3488)
“Souper Bowl of Caring,” February 6
Each Sunday in January, the youth will be collecting both canned goods and monetary donations for FACES, our local food pantry. Please drop off your contributions in the baskets at the entrances to the sanctuary. On February 6, we will announce our total collection as part of the nationwide “Souper Bowl of Caring” effort to help feed the hungry in our community.
FACES Food Distribution, February 19
On Saturday, February 19, 7:30 to 11 a.m., Farmville Baptist Church will be volunteering at FACES, our local food pantry. Youth, adults, and families with children are invited to serve our community. Meet at the church at 7:20 a.m. and walk over to FACES together, or go at 9:30 a.m. to be the “second shift.” FACES is located at 416 N. South Street.
Ministry Teams at Farmville Baptist
Our ministry teams are up and running! Below is a list of teams and their contact persons should you know of a need that these teams can meet.
Small Tasks Team: Performs small tasks like changing light bulbs, raking leaves, doing yard work, or moving furniture. Contact Jim Davis, 392-3308.
Food Team: Provides food to those who need a meal, especially those who are sick, recently hospitalized, etc. Contact Peggy Cave, 392-4422.
Visitation Team: Makes visits to those unable to attend church regularly. Contact Jack Davis, 223-4413.
Bereavement Team: Provides help to a family who has lost a loved one. Contact Gene Watson, 392-8563.
BIRTHDAYS
February 3
Carter Chassey
February 5
Howard Ferguson
February 6
Suzanne Towler
Sandy Yeatts
February 10
Ceile Dunlap
Sara Thompson
February 11
Alesha Jackson
John Powers
February 23
Phyllis Yeatts
February 24
Terri Wilson
February 25
Lenwood Jackson
February 28
Aileen Crowder