January 2008
FBC Informer - January 2008
Table of Contents
Announcements
Thank You
Calendar
Schedule for Children’s Church WorkersWorshipping God
- Worship Schedule
- Special Worship Services
- Flower Calendar
- Children’s Worship
- Miscellaneous Worship Items
Growing Together
- Stewardship
- Ice Skating
- Prince Edward Dialogue for Racial Reconciliation
- Wednesday Night Activities
- January Study
Serving Others
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Staff Anniversaries
In the month of January, we celebrate two staff anniversaries. On January 10, we celebrate the first anniversary of Kathy Dunnavant in her role as Office Manager. Kathy has done a great job filling the big shoes left by Evelyn McCluney. We congratulate Kathy for her first year of service. Time flies when you’re having fun!
Congratulations also to Anita Lynn on her two-year anniversary serving as our Interim Choir Director! Anita officially began her service on January 15, 2006, and she has done a marvelous job leading our Sanctuary Choir and Bell Choir. Thank you, Anita, for your ministry among us!
In Memoriam
Sarah Eldred Terry, 10/14/1948 - 12/1/2007
Christmas Poinsettias
The Poinsettias in the sanctuary were given in memory of:
- Mr. & Mrs Divers Brown by Kathryn Copeland
- J. G. “Pat” Patteson by Ruth Patteson
- Ernest J. & Ruby Stombock by Margaret & Bill Stombock
- Henry Weaver by Doris Weaver
- Mabel “Sweetie” Noel by the John Noel Family
- Fred Garrett, Sr. by Ernestine Garrett
- Walter D. Southall by Ethel Southall
- W. L. & Bessie Shockley and W. O. & Edna Southall by Ethel Southall
- L. M. (Jake) & Marie Carter and Marvin & Katie Austin by the John Austin Family
- Mamie Ingle by Peggy Miller
- Wiley Martin by Drue Martin
- Jack & Kevin Dunlap by Ceile Dunlap
- Charles L. & Georgia Wilkerson by Charles W. Wilkerson
- Percy Dewey Shumaker by Docia Shumaker
- W. A. Watson III by Gene & Patsy Watson
- William “Billy” Watson by Marie, Sam & Angela Goodpasture
The Poinsettias in the sanctuary were given in honor of:
- Children, grandchildren & families of Ernestine Garrett by Ernestine Garrett
- Cecil & Phyllis Yeatts by Eloise Tucker
- Betty Watson by Marie, Sam & Angela Goodpasture
- Cave Family by Max, Boo & Tweety
- Punkie Wood and Eloise & Joe Agee by Max, Boo & Tweety
New Handicap Accessible Door Installed December 7
Thanks to many generous contributions in memory of Walter Southall and other faithful members, we have installed a handicap accessible door at the church entrance next to the mailbox. Many thanks to Jim Davis and the Property Committee for making this a reality.
New Pictorial Directory Coming Soon!
Our new pictorial directory will arrive sometime mid-January! All families who had their portraits made or who purchased a directory will be contacted to receive their copy when the directories arrive.
THANK YOU
If there is anyone who does not realize how lucky FBC is to have Jack Davis on our team, you will when I give you an example of the kind of young man he is. On Saturday, December 8, he took his free afternoon and drove 6 senior ladies to the Christmas Show at Thomas Roads Baptist Church in Lynchburg. He contended with our infirmities, listened to our chatter and kept a smile. He even treated us to dinner. I ask you, how good can it get? Many, many thanks, Jack.
Doris, Dot, Elizabeth, Iris, Margie and Lorena
__________
The Family of Raye Borum Englebright would like to thank each of you for the prayers and cards you sent during Raye’s sickness and death. It means so much to have so many people caring about you.
__________
We would like to say thank you for all for your thoughts, prayers and food during this very difficult time. Just knowing you were there for us has helped us greatly during this journey.
Thank you, Parker Terry & family
CALENDAR
Upcoming Events for Your Calendar
Please mark your calendars with these upcoming events:
December 24…………….Christmas Eve Communion Service, 5:00 p.m.
December 24-25……….Church Office Closed
January 1………………….New Year’s Day/Church Office Closed
January 6………………….Jail Ministry, 9:00 a.m.
………………………………….Un-decorate Christmon Tree, 4:00 p.m.
January 7…………………..Preschool Resumes
January 8…………………..Missions/Outreach Committee Mtg., 5:30 p.m.
January 9…………………..Regular Wed. Evening Activities Resume
January 13…………………Church Council, 8:30 a.m.
January 14…………………Mustard Seed Network Mtg., 10:00 a.m.
…………………………………..Music & Worship Committee Mtg., 5:45 p.m.
January 20…………………Deacon’s Meeting, 5:00 p.m.
January 21…………………NO PRESCHOOL
…………………………………..Newsletter Articles Due
Sunday Schedule for Children’s Church Workers
| January 6 | |
| Toddlers/Cribs | Sandy & Matt Covington |
| Toddlers | Lucille Holman |
| Children’s Service | Beth Cheuk & Charlotte Cave |
| January 13 | |
| Toddlers/Cribs | Chuck & Debbie Daniel |
| Toddlers | Lucille Holman |
| Children’s Service | Beth Cheuk & Patti Trent |
| January 20 | |
| Toddlers/Cribs | Sandy & Matt Covington |
| Toddlers | Lucille Holman |
| Childrens’ Missions | Edith Ann & Katherine Austin |
| January 27 | |
| Toddlers/Cribs | Katrina & Tori Dunn |
| Toddlers | Lucille Holman |
| Children’s Service | Beth Cheuk & Janett Southall |
New Baptist Covenant, Jan. 30 to Feb. 1
Michael will be attending the New Baptist Covenant in Atlanta, GA the end of January. This meeting will bring together over thirty racially, geographically and theologically diverse Baptists from all over the world to celebrate the theme of “Unity in Christ.” Michael will give a report on the meeting when he returns.
WORSHIPPING GOD
January Worship Services
1/6 “Beware Resolutions” - Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:1-12
1/13 Baptism and Communion Sunday “The Voice of Truth” - Psalm 29; Matthew 3:13-17
1/20 “The Call of the Lamb” - Isaiah 49:1-7; John 1:29-42
1/27 “Follow The Light” - Psalm 27:1-4, 4-9; Matthew 4:12-23
Christmas Eve Communion & Candlelight Service
We will have our traditional candlelight Christmas Eve service on Monday, December 24 at 5:00 p.m. We will also celebrate communion by intinction during the service. After the service, those who purchased a poinsettia can take it home to enjoy throughout the holidays.
Rev. Jay Lynn to Preach, Sunday, January 6
We welcome one of our own, the Rev. Jay Lynn, to our pulpit during worship on Sunday, January 6. Jay served as the Baptist campus minister at Longwood University before partnering with Jordan Whiley to form High Bridge Design Group and Geeklabel T-Shirts. Jay and his wife Anita have two children, Katie and Sam.
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 to begin the season of Lent. Lent is a forty-day period in our church calendar that is set aside for reflection and repentance. 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.
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.
UN-Decorate the Chrismon Tree
We will be taking down the Chrismon tree and the decorations in the church on Sunday, January 6. If you can help, please meet in the sanctuary at 4:00 p.m.
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
Stewardship Pledge Report
Total pledged……………………………………………….$190,018.00
Total budget………………………………………………..$281,526.00
Cards received to date……………………………………………….. 69
Percent of Budget Pledged………………………………………….67%
If you have not filled out your Estimate of Giving Card for 2008, you may get one in the church office or call and we will send you one.
Stewardship Report
General Offerings to date as of November 30 ………….$194,522.37
Expenses to date as of November 30……………………….$205,347.13
Prorated budget through November………………………..$236,197.62
Offering Envelopes Available for Pick Up
The offering envelopes for 2008 will be available for pick up in the hallway leading to the office starting Sunday, Dec. 9. 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!
Church Wide Ice Skating Trip, Saturday, Jan. 26
On January 26, you invited to go on a multigenerational ice skating trip to the rink at Liberty University. We will meet at the church at 12:00 p.m. and caravan over to skate from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Afterwards, we will enjoy a meal together at a Lynchburg restaurant.
General Admission to the rink is $5, Skate Rental is $3
Prince Edward County Dialogue for Racial Reconciliation
This is a group of local citizens led by Scott Harwood and James Lyle that meets monthly at Farmville United Methodist Church to find ways to bridge the divide among races here in PE county. This group invites the public to two special events at 6:30 p.m. at FUMC. A brief time of discussion will follow these presentations:
Jan. 8 - The story of racial understanding in Greensboro, N.C.
Feb. 5 - The Power of Forgiveness, a film. Visit here for an interview with the filmmaker, Martin Doblmeier.
Wednesday Night Activities Resume Jan. 9
| 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. | Wednesday Night Supper. COST: $4 for adults; $2.00 for children; $12 family limit. |
| 6:15 to 6:45 p.m. | Children’s Choir, led by Gail Cave. |
| 6:15 to 7:10 p.m. |
Women’s Bible Study led by Tammy Dunning |
| 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. |
| 7:10 to 7:25 p.m. | Prayer Time in Fellowship Hall |
| 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. | Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal |
Menus for January
COST: $4 for adults; $2.00 for children; $12 family limit.
| January 9 | Meat Loaf, Mashed Potatoes, Black-eyed Peas, Tossed Salad, Rolls and Jello. Children’s menu: Chicken Nuggets |
| January 16 | Fish, Navy Beans, Mixed Vegetables, Tossed Salad, Corn Bread and Lemon Chess Pie. Children’s menu: Hot Dogs |
| January 23 | Brunswick Stew, Grilled Cheese, Corn on the Cobb, Tossed Salad and Banana Pudding. Children’s menu: Chicken Nuggets |
| January 30 | Baked Chicken, String Beans, Potato Salad, Tossed Salad, Rolls and Cookies. Children’s menu: Same |
January Study on “Our Baptist Heritage: History, Controversy, and Four Fragile Freedoms”
In the month of January, we will discuss the four fragile freedoms that define us as a Baptist congregation: Bible freedom, soul freedom, church freedom and religious freedom. Each Wednesday night starting Jan. 9, from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m., we will cover one of the four freedoms. The books that will be used for the study are listed below. If you would like to purchase them you may do so through either Kathy or Amanda before Jan. 2. However, it is not necessary for you to purchase any of the books to participate in the study.
Main Resources:
Walter B. Shurden, Baptist Identity: Four Fragile Freedoms ($12)
Also by Shurden, Not a Silent People: Controversies That Have Shaped Southern Baptists ($14)
Other Resources:
The Way We Were by Fisher Humphreys ($12)
The Story of Baptists In The United States by Pamela R. and Keith E. Durso ($29.99)
SERVING OTHERS
Souper Bowl of Caring & Youth Fund Raiser, Feb. 3
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 large soup pots at the entrances to the sanctuary. This collection will serve as a count down to our very own Soup-er Bowl luncheon after worship on Feb. 3. The Youth Committee will be asking you to make a crock pot full of soup to be served after worship that day. If you are interested in making soup please contact Amanda (e-mail: amanda[at]farmvillebaptist.org or cell: 607-0082) before Jan. 11. More information will be provided in the church bulletin.
RSVP with the church office 392-5041 for the lunch by Friday, Feb. 1.
Benevolence Assistance Report
We provided over $5,200.00 worth of financial assistance to date, including the designated offering for the Afghan family.
On November 14, 11 Thanksgiving baskets were assembled, and on November 19, the assembled baskets were given to members of Social Services to be distributed to needy families.
We sponsored 20 children to receive Christmas gifts this year: Eleven through Operation Angel Tree, the ministry that provides gifts for children of incarcerated parents; three submitted by Jo Ann Oliver and six through the Sunday School Classes.
Over 600 water bottles were given out at the Downtown Halloween Parade by the youth group.
Approximately 50 flu shots were administered by Dr. Vilma Whitten, who donated her time for this ministry, sponsored by the Outreach/Mission Committee.
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
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!