January 2009
FBC Informer – January 2009
Table of Contents
Pastor’s Column
“Spiritual Transformation Journey”
Thank You
Calendar
Worshipping God
Growing Together
- Paper Free Newsletter
- Church Wide Ice Skating Trip
- Deacon’s Get Together
- Youth Schedule For January
- Read the Bible Through in 2009
- Wednesday Night Activities for January 2009
- January Bible Studies
- Inauguration Party, January 20
- Lenten Bible Study Begins in March
- Stewardship Report
Serving Others
“A Journey For the New Year”
Last September, I attended a retreat in Richmond that turned out to be a spiritual wake-up call. During that retreat, I came to realize that my work at church was close to burning me out and spiritually depleting me. I was too wrapped up in doing things for the church at the expense of being a child of God and abiding in Christ’s presence.
The leader of the retreat was Bill Moore, a congregational coach who introduced us to a process called “Pursuing Missional Faithfulness.” This process is basically a spiritual transformation journey to help church members embrace a new lifestyle with Jesus under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. When that happens, the hope is that the congregation as a whole will begin to walk with God, to discern, and to live into God’s future by being the Church and doing the work they are uniquely called to do. This is not a church-growth “program” because it is not something we just start, do for forty days, and then bring it to a close. This is a process that begins a transformation of our spiritual lives through intensive prayer so that we will not only seek experiences of God (through worship services, special programs or youth camps), but we will joyfully journey with God every day into the future that God has for us as a church.
I experienced a taste of that joy during the times of prayer at the retreat, and those times gave me a greater desire to know Christ and to forge a deeper spiritual connection with members of Farmville Baptist. I came back from the retreat excited about the possibility of Farmville Baptist embarking on this spiritual journey for the new year. Our first opportunity to learn about this will be Sunday, January 11, after morning worship. Please see the article below for more details.
As we come to Christmas, my prayer for myself and for the congregation is that not only will we experience the hope, peace, joy and love of the Christ-child on December 25, but that we will also commit to journeying with that Christ-child throughout the new year.
On the journey together, Michael
“Spiritual Transformation Journey” Meeting, Jan. 11
On Sunday, January 11, there will be a meeting in the Fellowship Hall immediately after worship for those who would like to learn more about embarking on a “spiritual transformation journey” as individuals and as a church. Bill Moore, a coach who has led many congregations in Virginia and North Carolina through this journey, will spend approximately two hours with us to present more specific information about this process and to answer our questions. A light lunch will be served and we will end the meeting no later than 2:30 p.m. Please RSVP with the church office if you are interested in attending.
Announcements
Staff Christmas Greeting
May the Songs of the Season sing in your heart throughout the New Year!
A Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Farmville Baptist Church Staff
Michael, Amanda, Kathy, Mc, Anita, Tammy, and Al
Reminder
December 24, 5:00 p.m.
Christmas Eve Candlelight and Communion Service
If you purchased a poinsettia in honor of or in memory of a loved one please pick it up after the service.
Congratulations
On December 25th, Howard and Iris Ferguson will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. On December 2nd Billie and Nellie Johnson celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary.
Welcome New Members
On Sunday, December 7 we welcomed Teddy Bryant into membership here at Farmville Baptist. Teddy comes to us by transfer of letter from First Mennonite Richmond. Teddy lives at 1752 Heritage Ln., Farmville, VA 23901.
On Sunday, December 14 we welcomed Daniel & Melissa McLemore into membership here at Farmville Baptist. Daniel comes by transfer of letter from Thomas Chapel UMC. Melissa comes by statement of faith. Daniel and Melissa’s address is P.O. Box 217, Prospect VA, 23960.
Thank You
Thank you to Crystal Cupp and the Farmville Baptist Church family for the prayers you have lifted up to the Lord on my behalf. Thanks to you and to others in the body of Christ who have prayed for me. I am on the mend and doing much better. My prayer for your church is that God will bless you as you continue to serve Him.
In Christ, Bob Pino
*****
Thank you all for your prayers before and after the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather— God Bless All of You.
The Carl Amos Family/Ruth Patteson’s sister and family
*****
Joe and I want to thank the members of Farmville Baptist Church for your continued prayers and support during this critical time in our lives. We know it has been a big contribution to Joe’s recovery because he is now cancer free.
Joe and Eloise Agee
*****
My fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, my family and I are extending with grateful hearts thanks for our wonderful Thanksgiving Basket, which your so graciously provided for us. May your church prosper in every area of ministry.
Mrs. Fisher and Family
*****
Beth and I would like to express our deep gratitude to the church and to the Deacons for collecting such a generous love offering for us. We are so blessed to be here at Farmville Baptist!
Michael Cheuk
Calendar
Upcoming Church Events
December 24
Christmas Eve Communion Service, 5:00 p.m.
December 24-26
Church Office Closed, Staff will be on vacation
December 28
Youth Movie Night, 5:00 p.m.-Prince Caspian
December 31
New Year’s Eve/Church Office Closed
January 1
New Year’s Day/Church Office Closed
January 4
Jail Ministry, 9:00 a.m.
Un-decorate the Sanctuary, 12:00 p.m.
Deacons’ Get Together, 5:00 p.m.
January 5
Preschool Resumes
January 11
“Spiritual Transformation Journey” Mtg., 12:00 p.m.
Youth Committee Mtg., 7:00 p.m.
January 12
Stewardship Committee Mtg., 5:30 p.m.
Missions/Outreach Committee Mtg., 5:45 p.m.
January 17
Church Wide Ice Skating Trip, 12:00 p.m.
January 18
Church Council, 8:30 a.m.
Deacon’s Meeting, 5:00 p.m.
January 19
NO PRESCHOOL
Newsletter Articles Due
Worshipping God
January Worship Services
January 4
Epiphany Sunday “Real Royalty”- Isaiah 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12, Rev. Amanda Johnston will preach
January 11
“Defining Moment”- Mark 1:4-11
January 18
“Well-Known, Well-Loved” – Psalm 139
January 25
“Let Go, Let God and Let’s Go!”- Mark 1:14-20, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31
Sunday Schedule for Children’s Church Workers
January 4
Toddlers/Cribs: Melissa McLemore
Toddlers: Lucille Holman
Children’s Worship: Beth Cheuk & Charlotte Cave
January 11
Toddlers/Cribs: Chuck & Debbie Daniel
Toddlers: Lucille Holman
Children’s Worship: Beth Cheuk & Patti Trent
January 18
Toddlers/Cribs: Celia Jo Young
Toddlers: Lucille Holman
Children’s Missions: Edith Ann & Katherine Austin
January 25
Toddlers/Cribs: Katrina & Tori Dunn
Toddlers: Lucille Holman
Children’s Worship: Beth Cheuk & One Volunteer Needed
Un-Decorate The Sanctuary
We will be un-decorating the Chrismon tree and taking down the decorations in the church on Sunday, January 4. If you can help, please remain in the sanctuary after worship at 12:00 p.m.
Growing Together
Paper Free Newsletter
The Farmville Baptist Office Staff, as good stewards of our environment and the church’s funds, would like to offer you a “Paper Free Newsletter.” The monthly newsletter is posted online at www.farmvillebaptist.org/news/. Everyone who chooses to read the newsletter online will receive a reminder email each month when the new issue is posted. If you would prefer to read the newsletter online instead of receiving one in the mail then please contact the church office by phone: 392-5041 or email: office [at] farmvillebaptist.org.
Church Wide Ice Skating Trip, Saturday, January 17
On Saturday, Jan. 17, a group from FBC will make a ice skating trip to the rink at Liberty University. Anyone is invited to go. We will meet at the church parking lot at 12:00 p.m. and carpool or caravan over to Lynchburg to skate from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. General Admission to the rink is $5, Skate Rental is $3.
Deacons’ Get Together at the Davis Residence, Jan. 4, 5:00 p.m.
The Deacons will get together to celebrate the coming of a New Year. They will gather at the home of Jim and Joyce Davis, 409 Fourth Avenue, on January 4th at 5:00 p.m. This event is casual dress.
Youth Schedule For January
This Month the Youth will be discovering God through different types of worship experiences during No Holds Barred.
January 4 6:00 p.m. No Holds Barred-Bringing in the New Year
January 11 6:00 p.m. No Holds Barred-Thanks for the Meal
January 17 12:00 p.m. Church Wide Ice Skating
January 18 6:00 p.m. No Holds Barred-Teach Me to Pray
January 25 6:00 p.m. No Holds Barred-Nerf War
Read the Bible Through in 2009
Reading God’s Holy Word, on a regular basis is essential to our spiritual lives. There are many different tools available for reading the Bible through in a year. In 2009 Farmville Baptist will provide calendars for reading the Bible through in a year. These calendars will be available each month either through download or in the church office. The calendars will help us all to read the Bible more regularly. Each calendar may be viewed and downloaded at http://www.arcamax.com/ttb-yr.html.
Wednesday Night Activities for January 2009
From January 7 to February 18, we will take a break from Wednesday night activities. This will give our teachers and children’s music leaders a break and allow our senior adults to stay home and not have to drive in the dark and winter weather. Therefore, we will not have Wednesday Night Suppers, Children’s Choir, Bible Blitz, Adult Discipleship Study and Prayer Meeting during this time. Our full Wednesday night activities will resume on Ash Wednesday, February 25.
However, there will be Sanctuary Choir rehearsals on Wednesday nights from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Anita Lynn will contact bell choir members with information about January rehearsals.
January Bible Studies
While Farmville Baptist will be taking a break from Wednesday night activities in January, there will still be opportunities for you to take part in a small group Bible study. Childcare will be provided for each group as needed. The meeting times, days, and books we will be studying in each group are listed below.
Group 1-Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. – “The Case For Christ,” by Lee Strobel $8
Group 2-Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. -”Between The Gates,” by Charles Poole $12
If you have any questions or would like to order a book contact the church at 392-5041.
Inauguration Party, January 20, 11:00 a.m.
On Tuesday, January 20, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Oak Grove Baptist Church invites the community to witness the inauguration ceremony on their big screen TV. Afterwards, lunch will be served for $5 a person. Oak Grove Baptist is located on Rt. 15 north of W. Third St. For more information, contact Rev. Kitty Smith at 392-4848.
Lenten Bible Study Begins March 4 at 6:30 p.m.
For the season of Lent, Michael will lead a Wednesday night Bible study called “Respectable Sins: Confronting the Sins We Tolerate,” based on a book and discussion guide by Jerry Bridges. This eight session study will begin on March 4 and will conclude on April 22. Some of the topics include: unthankfulness, anxiety, pride, irritability, judgmentalism and jealousy. Participants are asked to contact the church office to purchase the book and a discussion guide for $20.
Stewardship Report
Budget Needs through 12/17……………………………….$271,957.30
Budget Disbursements through 12/17……………………..$247,092.51
Budget Receipts through 12/17…………………………… $205,094.21
Serving Others
Souper Bowl of Caring & Passport Fund Raiser, February 1
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. 1. The Youth and Children’s Committee will be asking you to make a crock pot full of soup to be served after worship that day. More information will be provided in the church bulletin.
RSVP with the church office 392-5041 for the lunch by Friday, Jan. 30.
Benevolence Assistance Report
We provided over $6,232.79 worth of financial assistance to 102 families and 70 bags of food to 37 families from the food pantry to date.
On November 19, 10 Thanksgiving baskets were assembled, and on November 20, the assembled baskets were distributed to needy families.
We sponsored 15 children through Operation Angel Tree, the ministry that provides gifts for children of incarcerated parents.
Over 1,000 pencils were given out at the Downtown Halloween Parade by the youth group.