January 2010
FBC Informer – January 2010
Table of Contents
- Worship Services
- UN-Decorate the Sanctuary
- John Slade to Preach
- Children’s Choir Schedule
- Schedule for Children’s Church Workers
- Stewardship Report
- Read the Bible in 2010
- Sermon on the Mount Bible Study
- Wednesday Night Prayer Group
- Children’s Movie Night
- Youth Meeting Schedule
- Children & Youth Camp Fundraiser
- Jail Ministry
- F.A.C.E.S.
- Food Pantry Donations
- “Souper Bowl” of Caring
- “Reclaiming Our Lives Ministry”
PASTOR’S COLUMN
“Looking Toward a New Year with Thanksgiving and Hope”
As 2009 draws to a close, I look back with thanksgiving for the ways God has been active and working in Farmville Baptist Church. I am thankful for
- our church going on a spiritual journey to renew its vision and mission
- the Initiating Leadership Community for our spiritual journey
- the thirty people who participated in our prayer triplets
- a burgeoning collegiate ministry that has over 35 students adopted by our church members, and an active contingent of students attending worship
- Julie Gaines and Sara Thompson, our two college ministry interns
- an increasing number of members volunteering at FACES each month
- young adults and young families attending and joining the church
- a wonderful group of deacons excited about mobilizing the church for greater ministry and service
- our Sunday School teachers and students, choir members, children’s volunteers, and Wednesday night prayer group for their ongoing ministry
- our Social Committee members who minister through their gift of hospitality and cooking
- our building that is being used by “Reclaiming Our Lives Ministry” to serve the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of single mothers and their children
- a great staff in Kathy, Anita, Mc and Al
As I look toward 2010, I am hopeful that God will continue to show and lead us to be the presence of Christ in our community and beyond. God is good! I’m eager to see what God has in store for Farmville Baptist in 2010!
— Journeying on, Michael
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Prayer Groups to Continue
You are invited to join in a prayer group 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 TBD. Facilitated by Doris Weaver.
- Fridays, from 12 to 1 p.m. at FBC. Facilitated by Michael Cheuk
Welcome New Members!
On Sunday, December 13 at the end of the worship service, we welcomed John and Kelly Dudley into the membership of Farmville Baptist through statements of faith and previous baptism. The Dudleys live in Meherrin with their three children, Gabriel (age 7), Lucas (age 5) and Celia (age 2).
Staff Anniversaries
In January, we celebrate two staff anniversaries. Congratulations to Anita Lynn on her fourth anniversary (Jan. 15) serving as our Choir Director and to Kathy Dunnavant on her third anniversary (Jan. 10) in her role as Office Manager. Thank you both for your ministry and continued service!
Office Closed for Holidays
The office will be closed December 24 and 25 for Christmas, and December 31 and January 1 for the New Year Holiday.
Poinsettias
Poinsettias given in memory of:
Les Andrews by Anne Hurt Beck & Jim Hurt, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Divers Brown by Kathryn Copeland
George & Faye Carter by George & Lorraine Carter
Paul Cave by his family
Mary Ann Chappell by Kim & Sandy Yeatts
Charles E. “Dan” Daniel by Chuck & Debbie Daniel
Brandon Davis by Jack & Kim Davis
Clyde Davis by Jack & Kim Davis
Jack & Kevin Dunlap by Ceile Dunlap
Fred Garrett, Sr. by Ernestine Garrett
Joseph S. Gills by George & Lorraine Carter
James H. & Olivia Andrews Hurt by Anne Hurt Beck & Jim Hurt, Jr.
Johnny Maples by Chuck & Debbie Daniel
Mildred Mills by Mike, Laurie, Tyler & Caleb Mills
J. G. “Pat” Patteson by Ruth Patteson
Isaac David Schmidt & Rachael Catherine Schmidt by David & Farrah Schmidt
L. Leslie Simpson by Janie Simpson
Ernest J. & Ruby Stombock by Margaret & Bill Stombock
Fred Garrett & W. A. Watson, III by Gene & Patsy Watson
Charles L. & Georgia Wilkerson by Charles W. Wilkerson
Raymond Yeatts by Kim & Sandy Yeatts
Poinsettias given in honor of:
Ernestine Garrett & Betty Watson by Gene & Patsy Watson
Pinkie Hatcher Jones by John Slade
Patsy Watson & family and Fred Garrett, Jr. & family by Ernestine Garrett
Abigail, Carter & Mason Swanberg by John & Edith Ann Austin
In Memoriam
Charles H. “Buck” Wallace, Jr.
10/22/1922 — 11/28/2009
THANK YOU
Thank you so much for the many cards and prayers during the past couple of months. It is such a comfort knowing so many are praying for me.
Sincerely, Dot Shumaker
* * * *
Dear FBC and Personnel Committee, Thank you so very much for the generous Christmas gift I received at the Christmas dinner. I really love serving as your choir director and am so grateful for the opportunity to do so. Your nice gift was icing on the cake. Blessings to one and all for a wonderful new year!
Fondly, Anita Lynn
* * * *
Thank you for the more than generous Christmas gift. I pray the coming year will be as rewarding for you as these past 3 years have been for me as your office manager.
God Bless and Merry Christmas, Kathy Dunnavant
CALENDAR
December 31 New Year’s Eve/Church Office Closed
January 1 New Year’s Day/Church Office Closed
January 3 Jail Ministry, 9:00 a.m.
…………………..Un-decorate the Church Sanctuary, 12:00 p.m.
January 9 “Reclaiming Our Lives” Ministry, 2 p.m.
January 10 Deacons’ Mtg, 6 p.m.
January 16 FACES Food Distribution, 7:30 a.m.
January 17 Church Business Mtg, 9:45 a.m.
…………………..Personnel Committee Mtg, 12:00 p.m.
January 18 Newsletter Articles Due
…………………..Missions & Outreach Mtg, 5:45 p.m.
January 22 Children’s Movie Night, 6:30 p.m.
WORSHIPPING GOD
Farmville Baptist Worship Services in January
1/3/10 “Journey of Our Lives” – Acts 17:24-27. John Slade to preach.
1/10/10 “Being the Church: Created to Journey” – Isaiah 43:1-7; Acts 8:14-17.
……………………Baptism of the Lord Sunday & Communion
1/17/10 “Being the Church: Gifted to Serve” – 1 Cor. 12:1-11
1/24/10 “Being the Church: Called to Care” – 1 Cor. 12:12-31a
1/31/10 “Bring the Church: Guided by Love” – 1 Cor. 13:1-13
UN-Decorate the Sanctuary, January 3
We will be un-decorating the Chrismon tree and taking down the decorations in the church on Sunday, January 3, immediately after the worship service. If you can help, please remain in the sanctuary after worship that Sunday.
John D. Slade to Preach on January 3
We welcome our own John Slade as our guest preacher on Sunday, January 3.
He had an accomplished career in television, movies, and radio. He served as general manager, writer, and producer in television on both coasts. Programs he developed or produced include the first minority-oriented prime-time program North Star in Baltimore, the critically acclaimed Say Brother in Boston, and the children’s program, The Big Blue Marble. He was a radio announcer and producer in San Francisco and a talk show host in Washington, D.C. He produced the film Breaking the Chains of Bondage, which centered on the first national demonstration in Washington, D.C. supporting the liberation struggles in southern Africa.
He is a retired Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army. As a military officer, he taught military science at Bowie State University in Maryland and at Georgetown and Howard Universities in Washington, D.C. Colonel Slade was Acting Chief of the National Guard Bureau in Houston and served on the National Guard Drug Reduction Board at the Pentagon.
Other accomplishments include marching with Dr. Martin Luther King on the March on Washington on August 28, 1963 and founding the fraternity Iota Phi Theta, Inc., about which he has written two books.
He continues to serve on a number of boards, including the Executive Council of the AARP in Washington, D.C.; the Board of Directors of the National Iota Foundation; and the Longwood University Board of Visitors. In addition, he currently is a lobbyist for the Association of Reserve Minority Service –Members (ARMS) and serves as the organization’s director.
He is married to Deborah Douglas-Slade and has one son, Kenyatta.
Children’s Choir Rehearsal
Our Children’s Choir will resume rehearsing on the second and fourth Sunday evening of every month, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., starting January 10, 2010. Children first through fifth grade are invited to participate. Gail Cave serves as the director for the choir, which will next sing on Sunday, January 31.
Sunday Schedule for Children’s Church Workers
January 3
Toddlers/Cribs: Katrina & Tori Dunn
Toddlers: Lucille Holman
Children’s Worship: Lisa Tharpe & Kevin Dunn
January 10
Toddlers/Cribs: David Schmidt & Thea Cheuk
Toddlers: Lucille Holman
Children’s Worship: Farrah Schmidt & Katie Trent
January 17
Toddlers/Cribs: McLemore Family
Toddlers: Lucille Holman
Children’s Missions: Edith Ann & Katherine Austin
January 24
Toddlers/Cribs: Crystal Cupp & Erin Copeland
Toddlers: Lucille Holman
Children’s Worship: Beth Cheuk & Tyler Mills
January 31
Toddlers/Cribs: College Students
Toddlers: Lucille Holman
Children’s Worship: Cindy & Chris Landrum
GROWING TOGETHER
Stewardship Report
Budget Needs through 12/21 $248,761.68
Budget Disbursements through 12/21 $200,135.24
Budget Receipts through 12/21 $198,229.88
Offering Envelopes Available for Pick-Up
The offering envelopes for 2010 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. And thank you for using your offering envelopes, which really helps Kathy in recording your contributions!
Read the Bible Through in 2010
In 2010 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.
“Sermon on the Mount” Bible Study Begins January 10
Starting Sunday morning, January 10, Michael will be teaching an eight-week Bible study on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, taken from Matthew 5:3-10. Each Sunday, Michael will focus on one of the “blessed.” Anyone currently not attending a Sunday School class is cordially invited to this study that will meet in the Fellowship Hall from 9:45 to 10:30 a.m., January 10 to February 28.
Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting
Join us for our Wednesday night prayer meeting for adults in the Fellowship Hall, from 6 to 6:30 p.m. Peggy Cave will lead a brief scriptural meditation followed by updates on those who are on our prayer list.
Children’s Movie Night, Friday, January 22
The Children’s Committee is hosting a children’s movie night on Friday, January 22 from 5:30 to around 7:40 p.m. The movie to be shown is “UP.”
5:30 to 6:00 pm – Cheese pizza dinner. Suggested donation: $5 per family.
6:00 to 7:40 pm – Movie shown in Room 3 in Preschool Dept. Parents are encouraged to watch the movie with their children.
RSVP Melissa McLemore (434) 607-0218, mcsweetly [at] hotmail [dot] com by Thursday, Jan. 21.
Youth Schedule for January
January 3 NO “No Holds Barred”
January 10 No Holds Barred @ FBC, 6:00 p.m.
January 17 No Holds Barred @ FBC, 6:00 p.m.
January 24 No Holds Barred @ FBC, 6:00 p.m.
January 31 No Holds Barred @ the Cheuks’, 6:00 p.m.
Passport Camp “Souper” Fundraiser, February 7
On Sunday, February 7, there will be a fundraiser luncheon after worship to help our youth and children attend Passport camp. In keeping with the “Souper Bowl of Caring” theme, we will be serving soup and bread for lunch. If you would like to contribute a pot of soup, please contact the church office before January 24. RSVP with the church office 392-5041 for the lunch by Friday, February 5.
Rotary Celebrity Cook-off, January 21
We’re thinking of sponsoring a table from Farmville Baptist, so if you’re interested, contact Penny Huskey (392-1050; pvhuskey1 [at] embarqmail [dot] com) or Elizabeth Whiley (315-0160; ewhiley [at] hotmail [dot] com).
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. It has often been said that we receive as much blessing as (or possibly more blessing than) the ladies to whom we are ministering. It requires no specialized talents, just an open and flexible spirit. Please contact Anita Lynn, 391-3751, for more information and to participate.
FACES Food Distribution, January 16
On Saturday, January 16, 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.
Food Pantry Donations
Our emergency food pantry is running low. We especially need peanut butter, jelly, crackers, cereal, canned vegetables, soups, canned meats, any kind of non-refrigerated microwaveable meals. In 2009, we provided twenty-eight local families with fifty-seven bags of food. Donations can be left outside the pantry door in the basement.
“Souper Bowl of Caring,” February 7
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 7, Super Bowl Sunday, we will announce our total collection as part of the nationwide “Souper Bowl of Caring” effort to help feed the hungry in our community.
“Reclaiming Our Lives Ministry” Meetings
Since May 23, 2009, Farmville Baptist has been opening our Fellowship Hall to allow a new ministry called “Reclaiming Our Life Ministries” to meet there each month. This is a ministry headed by Minister Pamela LaRue (223-7815) to empower youth and adults to walk in their God-given purpose through biblical instruction, spiritual enrichment programs, and relational and practical life skills development. Starting in 2010, this ministry will use our fellowship hall three times a month. Minister LaRue will share about her ministry in Sunday morning worship on January 24, 2010.
BIRTHDAYS
January 1
Barbara Anderson
January 4
Sarah Dunning
David Landrum
January 7
Tara Bauer
January 8
Tori Dunn
January 9
Georgia Carter
Bradley Jones
Finley Jones
Trip Terry
Alex Trent
January 10
Nancy Vick
Janaury 12
Caitlin Daly
January 14
James Druen
January 15
Katherine Lynn
January 16
Pauline Canady
Toby Towler
January 17
Madison Atkins
January 20
Megan Wingo
January 21
Adna Yeatts
January 22
Penny Huskey
January 24
Katie Chandler
Ruth Myrick
January 25
Bryan Saxtan
January 26
Jay Lynn
Drue Martin
January 28
Rick Chassey
January 29
Alexis Tharpe
January 30
Doralease Jackson
Eva Smith