January 2011
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FBC Informer – January 2011
Table of Contents
- Baptismal Service
- Worship Services
- Christmas Eve Service
- Un-Decorate the Sanctuary
- 2011 Flower Calendar
- Children’s Choir
- Sanctuary and Bell Choir Rehearsal Schedule
- Children’s Church Workers’ Schedule
- Holiday Office Closing
- Staff Anniversary
- Family Movie Night
- Youth Schedule for January
- Youth Lock-In
- Ladies Night Out
- Subscribe to the Religious Herald
- Stewardship Report
- Offering Envelopes
- Roof Repair Update
- Church Business Meeting
- “Hands for Christ” Mission Report
Pastor’s Column
“A Look Back and a Look Forward”
Well, another year is almost behind us and as I look back, there are many things for which I’m thankful. First of all, I’m thankful for a wonderful, dedicated staff. Dr. Mc Amoss has provided beautiful music as our organist and pianist for over 18 years! Al Schmidt has served as our custodian for over 6 years. Kathy Dunnavant will be celebrating her 4th anniversary as our office manager this January. And since October, Sandy Yeatts began her “second tour of duty” as our interim choir director. I am so blessed to serve with these individuals, and I feel that our staff, including Julie Gaines and Sara Thompson our ministry interns, have worked really well together as a team.
I am also thankful for our Deacons as they have taken the lead in implementing our church-wide ministry teams in the areas of “Small Tasks,” “Visitation,” “Bereavement” and “Caring Cuisine.” My prayer is that many more members will join these ministry teams, and even start new ones! This is a wonderful way for us to be the hands and feet of Christ. I also want to thank the Deacons for their Christmas gift to me and my family. We will certainly enjoy a night out using the gift certificate at a restaurant!
As 2010 comes to a close, I also look forward in anticipation to what God has in store for us in the new year. As part of our on-going spiritual transformation journey, I sense that God is calling us to focus on discipleship in 2011. Let us spend the new year exploring and living out what it means to follow Jesus as His disciples, and in turn, to learn what it means to make disciples as Jesus commanded us to do in His Great Commission. As a result, I will be offering a three-week Bible study series during the Sunday School hour in February. I invite all adults to attend this series. Then during Lent, I will be preaching a sermon series called “Covenant and Kingdom,” which will provide a biblical and theological basis for our focus on discipleship and prepare us for Easter.
Every Christmas, we celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ. But let us remember that Jesus is not only a gift of salvation for us to receive, Jesus is also the Lord of all for us to follow. So as we prepare to receive the Christ-child this Christmas, I pray that we will also prepare to follow this Christ-child into new areas of spiritual growth, both for us as individuals and for us as a church.
Merry Christmas!
Journeying on, Michael
ANNOUNCEMENTS
A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all from the Staff
Michael, Kathy, Mc, Sandy, and Al
Poinsettias given in memory of:
George & Faye Carter by George & Lorraine Carter
L. M. (Jake) & Marie Carter and Marvin & Katie Austin by The John Austin Family
Mary Ann Chappell by Kim & Sandy Yeatts
Brandon Davis by Jack & Kim Davis
Clyde Davis by Jack & Kim Davis
Jack & Kevin Dunlap by Ceile Dunlap
Joseph S. Gills by George & Lorraine Carter
Pinkie Hatcher Jones by John Slade
Nellie & Billy Johnson by Jessie McGehee
Hugh & Barbara Moore by Kerby & Janet Moore
J. G. “Pat” Patteson by Ruth Patteson
Charlie Rosser by Terri Atkins Wilson & Family
Isaac David Schmidt & Rachael Catherine Schmidt by David & Farrah Schmidt
Percy Dewey Shumaker by Docia Shumaker
L. Leslie Simpson by Janie Simpson
Fred Garrett & W. A. Watson, III by Gene & Patsy Watson
Henry Weaver by Doris Weaver
Charles L. & Georgia Wilkerson by Charles W. Wilkerson
Raymond Yeatts by Kim & Sandy Yeatts
Poinsettias given in honor of:
Ken, Kathryn, John & Erin Copeland by K. C. & Harriett Copeland
Our Church Family by Ken and Kathryn Copeland
Ernestine Garrett & Betty Watson by Gene & Patsy Watson
Jack Austin Family by Terri Atkins Wilson & Family
Candlelight and Communion Service
We will celebrate communion by intinction during the service, and we will collect a love offering for FACES and Meals on Wheels as a way to share the love of Christ with others.
If you purchased a poinsettia in honor of or in memory of a loved one, please pick it up after the service.
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
THANK YOU
Dear Ruth Blair Sunday School Class,
Thank you for your gift. Here’s why your support is so important to us; a call to a case worker went like this:
“I need shelter”…………………………….. “We have a place”
“I don’t have money”………………….. “Not a problem”
“I don’t’ have clothes”…………………. “We will cloth you”
“I don’t have a car”……………………… “We will pick you up”
Madeline’s House couldn’t do this without you.
Thank you, Allen Denmark
* * * * *
Thank you to the Personnel Committee and Farmville Baptist Church for the more than generous Christmas gift and dinner and to the Ruth Sunday School class for inviting me to join them for their Christmas luncheon. I pray the coming year will be as rewarding for you as these past 4 years have been for me as your office manager.
God Bless and Merry Christmas, Kathy Dunnavant
* * * * *
I had the opportunity on Sunday, Dec 12 to be present for a beautiful church service at 11:00. The service was filled with exciting and soul stirring moments. Mary McKenna Schmidt was dedicated. Tyler Cristo came forth to be baptized and join the church. The music was so inspirational, especially the choir. Michael spoke on “Joyful Revolution” and what a joy his Homily was to hear. Then the grand finale with the youth choir singing such a wonderful Christmas song and they sang so well. I had the joy to be there for this service and then to wrap up I stayed in the sanctuary to help tidy up after 12:00. David , Farrah, and Tyler’s families and friends were there after the service visiting with each other and FBC church members. They were taking pictures and the kids were enjoying visiting with each other. I saw such joy and spiritual inspiration during this time. My point is this. Here I have a church home and family where I can serve in many ways. I find such joy and fulfillment in being a part of FBC. Then you choose to recognize me as a “Good and Faithful Servant” during the special service. It is I who thanks you, the church family, for allowing me to serve and be a part of such a wonderful church. I am truly humbled and so thankful to be recognized for my service, and to be in the company of people like Peggy and Doris.
Thank you and God Bless you, Chuck Daniel
* * * * *
Thank you for blessing us with your prayers and the cards.
Bob and Jean Pino
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
CALENDAR
December 24-27…………………………………………. Office Closed for Christmas
……………………………………………………………………. Christmas Eve Service, 5:00 pm
December 29………………………………………………. Prayer Meeting, 5:30 pm
December 31………………………………………………. Office Closed
January 2……………………………………………………. Jail Ministry, 9:00 am
……………………………………………………………………. UN-decorate the Christmon Tree & Sanctuary, 12 noon
January 3……………………………………………………. Office Closed
January 5……………………………………………………. Prayer Meeting, 5:30 pm
……………………………………………………………………. Missions & Outreach Meeting, 6:30 pm
January 12………………………………………………….. Prayer Meeting, 5:30 pm
January 15………………………………………………….. FACES Food Distribution, 7:30 am
January 16………………………………………………….. Church Business Meeting, 9:30 am
January 17………………………………………………….. Newsletter Articles Due
January 18………………………………………………….. Ladies Night Out @ LaParota Grill, 6 pm
January 20-21…………………………………………….. Youth Lock-In, begins at 6:30 pm, ends at 10:00 am.
WORSHIPPING GOD
Baptism Service for Tyler Cristo
At the end of the worship service on December 12, Tyler Cristo professed his faith in Christ and requested believer’s baptism. Tyler will be baptized on Sunday, January 9 in our worship service. We rejoice with Tyler in his decision!
Farmville Baptist Worship Services in January
January 2……………………………………………… “A Mystery Revealed” — Ephesians 3:1-12
January 9……………………………………………… “Immersed by Grace” — Matthew 3:13-17; Acts 10:34-43
………………………………………………………….. (Baptism and Communion Sunday)
January 16……………………………………………. “Come and You Will See” — John 1:29-42
January 23……………………………………………. “Follow the Light” — Matthew 4:12-23
January 30…………………………………………… “The ‘Be’ Attitudes” — Matthew 5:1-12
Christmas Eve Communion Candlelight Service
We will have our traditional candlelight Christmas Eve service on , December 24 at 5:00 p.m. We will celebrate communion by intinction (dipping of the bread into a common cup) during the service, and we will collect a love offering to FACES and Meals on Wheels as a way to share the love of Christ with others.
UN-Decorate the Sanctuary, January 2
We will be un-decorating the Chrismon tree and taking down the decorations in the church on Sunday, January 2, immediately after the worship service. If you can help, please remain in the sanctuary after worship that Sunday.
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
Children’s Choir Rehearsal
Our Children’s Choir will begin rehearsing on the first and third Sunday evening of every month, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Children first through fifth grade are invited to participate. Gail Cave will serve as the director for the choir.
Sanctuary & Bell Choir Rehearsals
This fall, the Sanctuary Choir will rehearse on Wednesday nights from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., and the Bell Choir will rehearse at 7:30 p.m. Childcare is provided. If you’re interested in joining either or both choirs, please contact Anita Lynn, 391-3751.
Sunday Schedule for Children’s Church Workers
January 2
Toddlers/Cribs:…………………………………………… Katrina & Tori Dunn
Toddlers:…………………………………………………… Lucille Holman
Children’s Worship:……………………………………… Lisa Tharpe & Kevin Dunn
January 9
Toddlers/Cribs:…………………………………………… David Schmidt & Thea Cheuk
Toddlers:…………………………………………………… Lucille Holman
Children’s Worship:……………………………………… Farrah Schmidt & Katie Trent
January 16
Toddlers/Cribs:…………………………………………… McLemore Family
Toddlers:…………………………………………………… Lucille Holman
Children’s Missions:……………………………………… Edith Ann & Katherine Austin
January 23
Toddlers/Cribs:…………………………………………… Crystal Cupp & Erin Copeland
Toddlers:…………………………………………………… Lucille Holman
Children’s Worship:……………………………………… Beth Cheuk & Tyler Mills
January 30
Toddlers/Cribs:…………………………………………… College Students
Toddlers:…………………………………………………… Lucille Holman
Children’s Worship:……………………………………… Cindy & Chris Landrum
GROWING TOGETHER
Office Closed for Holidays
The office will be closed Friday, December 24 and Monday, December 27 for Christmas and December 31 and January 3 for the New Year Holiday.
Staff Anniversary!
Congratulations to Kathy Dunnavant on her fourth anniversary (January 10) in her role as Office Manager! We also offer our condolences to Kathy on the passing of her mother on December 19.
Family Movie Night, Friday, January 28
The Children’s Committee is hosting a family movie night in the Fellowship Hall on Friday, January 28 from 6 p.m. to around 8:30 p.m. Parents and their children are invited to enjoy pizza and drinks (for a suggested donation of $5 per family), before the movie (to be announced) is shown.
Youth Schedule for January
January 2………………………………………………… NO “No Holds Barred”
January 9………………………………………………… “No Holds Barred”, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. @ FBC
January 16………………………………………………. “No Holds Barred”, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. @ Cheuks
January 21-22…………………………………………… Lock-In @ FBC 6:30 p.m.—10:00 a.m.
January 23………………………………………………. NO “No Holds Barred”
January 30………………………………………………. “No Holds Barred”, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. @ FBC
Youth Lock-In, January 21-22
There will be a youth lock-in at Farmville Baptist from Friday January 21 at 6 p.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday, January 22. The lock-in is free, but youth are encouraged to bring snacks, drinks and friends for the night. Please contact Julie Gaines to RSVP by January 15.
Ladies Night Out, January 18, 6:00 p.m.
All ladies are invited to have dinner at the LaParota Grill Restaurant on Tuesday, January 18 at 6:00 p.m. RSVP to Penny Huskey, 392-1050 or pvhuskey1 [at] embarqmail [dot] com, no later than January 17.
Subscribe to the Religious Herald
If you would like to subscribe to the Religious Herald, the bi-weekly newspaper of Virginia Baptist, please call the church office to get your name on the list. Subscription costs $13.50 a year.
Stewardship Report
Budget Needs through 12/21………………………. $245,338.23
Total Disbursements through 12/21……………….. $270,189.19
Receipts through 12/21…………………………….. $203,860.10
Please note that $70,000 of the total disbursements went to pay for the roof repair. The end of 2010 is fast approaching and we encourage you to turn in your pledges so the books can be closed out as soon after Dec. 31 as possible.
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!
Roof Repair Update
The repairs on the church roof were basically completed by December 6. However, while the workers removed the flashing around the bell tower, about a 2×2 section of brick fell out, which now has to be replaced, painted and flashing replaced around it. After further inspection of the bell tower roof, it was discovered that the metal shingles had deteriorated to the point they are being held on with paint and must be replaced to ensure no further leaks occur. The total cost for this additional repair amounts to 22,400.00.
Work to complete the repairs will resume on January 10, 2011.
Church Business Meeting, January 16
There will be a church business meeting on Sunday, January 16, 9:30 a.m. in the sanctuary to approve the additional repairs to the roof and the changes to Michael’s covenant regarding 7 extra leave days.
“Hands for Christ” Youth Missions Day Report
Six youth from Farmville Baptist attended the Southside Baptist Association’s “Hands For Christ” event, held at Crewe Baptist Church on Saturday, November 6. Julie Gaines, the Youth Ministry Intern at Farmville Baptist, chaperoned Jewel Moore, Lindsey Davis, Erin Copeland, Thea Cheuk, Charlotte Cave, and Tara Bauer as they spent their day raking and bagging over forty-six bags of leaves, packing bags for Crewe Baptist’s annual Christmas food pantry distribution, and doing various other jobs for others in the community. The event concluded with a worship service, where missionaries from Hungary discussed their work and their faith.
SERVING OTHERS
Kleins to Go on Belize Service Trip, January 2-9
Beverley Anne and David Klein along with their son, Scott Snoddy and daughter, Emmalee will be accompanying Hampden-Sydney College’s Beyond the Hill Service, Leadership, and Adventure Group to Southern Belize January 2-9, 2010. The 18 member mission group will be adding floors to the maternity annex it began last year in the town of Punta Gorda. They will also begin construction on a library in the village of Criqua Sarca. They are taking clothes donated by the community (if you would like to donate money or summer clothes, please call BA at 434-547-3024 and she will pick them up) to the villages of Crique Sarca and St. Theresa. They ask for your prayers as they travel to Belize and work with the kind and needy southern Belize residents.
Donations for the trip can be mailed to PO Box 144 Hampen-Sydney, VA 23943 and make note of BTH BELIZE. Thanks for your love and support!
FACES Food Distribution, January 15
On Saturday, January 15, 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.
Annual Taste of Farmville Celebrity Cook-Off, Jan. 20
This year, the Missions & Outreach committee would like to participate in the Farmville Rotary Club’s Celebrity Cook-Off, since there will be approximately 400 people in attendance. The event will be held on Thursday, January 20, 2011, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. If you are interested in participating in this unique outreach opportunity, contact Penny Huskey, 392-1050.
“Souper Bowl of Caring” & Camp Fundraiser, 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.
After the service on February 6, our children and youth will sponsor a Soup & Bread lunch to raise money for Passport summer camp. We invite everyone to attend and make a donation for lunch comparable to a restaurant lunch (or more). Donations help defray the cost of the camp for every participating child or youth. RSVP with the church office 392-5041 for the lunch by February 4.
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
January 10
Nancy Vick
January 14
James Druen
January 15
Katherine Lynn
January 16
Toby Towler
January 17
Madison Atkins
January 20
Megan Wingo
January 21
Adna Yeatts
January 22
Penny Huskey
January 26
Jay Lynn
Drue Martin
January 28
Rick Chassey
January 29
Alexis Tharpe
January 30
Doralease Jackson