June 2007
The FBC Informer – June 2007
Table of Contents
Pastor’s Column
Vacation Bible School
Children Ministry News
Youth Ministry News
Fellowship Opportunities
Announcements
Calendar
Stewardship
Missions
Miscellaneous
“The Blogging Church”
This week, I’ve been reading a book called The Blogging Church: Sharing the Story of Your Church Through Blogs. Now, if you’ve never heard of the word “blog,” let me assure you that it is not some contagious disease. A “blog” is a short-hand word for “web log.” A web log or “blog” is an on-line journal where you post your thoughts and reflections on a web site and anyone in the world with an internet connection and a web browser can read it and comment on it. “Blogging” is becoming increasingly popular, not just among the young, but with people of all ages and backgrounds. Now, you might ask, why would a church want to get into something like this? Is this just the latest fad toy for pastors with too much time on his hands? Well, I would like to think that this is not the case. For I have come to believe that blogging can be a solution to a pressing problem in the church.
What is the problem? The problem is communication. I’ve heard from many folks, especially those who are new to the church and the community, stating that there is not one place where they can get up-to-date information and the latest communication regarding church programs, Sunday School classes, and specific ministry opportunities. I’ve heard from others telling me that they would like to be more aware of what we are doing in the area of missions and ministry in our community. A blog may help in disseminating information about the church both to its members and to potential guests. But much more than that, blogging at its best is simply on-line hospitality. It is opening a virtual door into our church, inviting people inside and sharing stories. It may be a window into the heart of our faith community as people see and read about us celebrating victories, carrying one another’s burdens, sharing stories of life change, asking questions of life and faith. It may be a way to broadcast a church’s vision, a way to connect with former members, a way to share ideas and best practices with other churches and Christian leaders. It may even be a way to give honest feedback to ministers who are often too isolated and insulated from the real world! Theologically, a blog may allow a Baptist church to witness to a cherished Baptist belief—the priesthood of all believers—in a new day and a new age.
With that in mind, I’ve recently set up a blog for Farmville Baptist Church. There you will find late breaking news, updates, pictures and “behind the scenes” reflections. If you are reading this article, you’ve already found our blog! Click on the “Home” tab at the top of this web page and read the posts. Leave a comment on it to let me know what you think!
Yours in Christ, Michael
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL, JUNE 10-14
GALILEE BY-THE-SEA
Come with us back in time to a village in Galilee!
Farmville Baptist Church Vacation Bible School
For ages 3 to completed 5th grade
June 10—June 14, 2007 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
In just a few weeks, our church will be transformed into Galilee-by-the-Sea, a seaside village where we will step back in time to experience the life and ministry of Jesus. The Fellowship Hall will become a bustling marketplace where shopkeepers set up booths to welcome kids to create projects. Children will learn some of the crafts and skills of Jesus’ day, such as carving stone, making ropes, weaving fishing nets, and working with wood. We’ll also be heading outdoors to play with marbles, baskets, and even (kid-friendly) bows and arrows! At other times, we’ll enter the Synagogue to learn about traditions, we’ll sing in the Sanctuary, or we’ll see the Bible come to life in dramas that unfold before our very eyes. We hope you’ll invite your friends to Galilee — and whether you have kids or not, we invite you to stop by and see us, and see Jesus in a whole new way.
Bible school will take place from Sunday, June 10, through Thursday, June 14, from 6 – 8 p.m. On Sunday, June 17, we’ll celebrate our week during worship. Registration cards and more details are available in the office and on our VBS post on our blog.
Russell Chassey Baptized
On Mother’s Day, May 13, Russell Chassey was baptized by immersion. The whole Chassey family participated in the service that Sunday, and Michael served Communion to Russell at the end of the service. Russell is the son of Rick and Mary Jo Chassey.
Farmville Baptist Preschool Picnic
On Sunday, May 20, over forty preschoolers and their parents gathered at the backyard of the Cheuks for an afternoon picnic sponsored by the Farmville Baptist Preschool. They enjoyed good food and conversation, and the kids spent time playing in the swings, climbing the tree house, walking in the woods, blowing bubbles, etc. The weather was perfect–warm in the sun, cool in the shade. What a wonderful way to wrap another preschool year to a close! Click on this link to view pictures of the picnic.
Wednesday Night Children’s Activities
We will take a break from our Wednesday Night Children’s Activities during the months of June, July and August.
Passport Kids! Camp
On June 30 to July 3, Thea Cheuk, Erin Copeland, Lindsey Davis, Emmalee Klein, and Jewel Moore, will attend Passport Kids! Camp at Eagle Eyrie in Lynchburg, VA. Beth Cheuk, Kathryn Copeland and Kim Davis will serve as chaperones. Please remember them in your prayers as they travel and as they attend this wonderful four-day camp.
Extended Session Workers Schedule
- June 3
Infants & Toddlers: B. A. Klein & Emmalee Klein
4’s & 5’s: Karen Newman & Allison Newman
- June 10
Infants & Toddlers: Sandy Covington & Matt Covington
4’s & 5’s: Christina Hice & Family
- June 17
Infants: Sandy Covington & Matt Covington
Toddlers & Preschoolers: Lucille Holman
1-5′s: Children’s Missions
- June 24
Infants & Toddlers: Sandy Covington & Matt Covington
4’s & 5’s: Farrah Schmidt & David Schmidt
Youth Dessert Auction
A special “Thank You” goes out to all who participated in the Youth Dessert Auction held on May 16. As a result of all your efforts and generosity a whopping $624.00 was raised to help send our youth to Passport this summer.
Youth Schedule for June
- June 3 – Regular meeting, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
June 10 – To Be Announced
June 17 – No meeting
June 24 – Cookout at the Cheuks, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Family Games Night and Scrapbooking Night
Friday, June 8, 7 to 9 pm Instead of our usual movie night, this month we will have a Family Games Night on Friday, June 8. Bring your favorite games, snacks and drinks to share. The Games Night will be held in our Fellowship Hall. At the same time, anyone wanting to do some scrapbooking can come to the Preschool Department. Contact Farrah Schmidt, 392-4320, for more information about scrapbooking.
Wednesday Night Potluck Fellowship
Wednesday, June 20, 5:45 p.m. There will be a church-wide pot-luck supper fellowship on Wednesday June 20 starting at 5:45 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Bring dishes to share (meat, vegetables, bread, salad and dessert) and we’ll have a good time. Please RSVP the church office by Sunday, June 17 to let us know that you’re coming and what dish you are bringing.
Fellowships at the Cheuks
Beth and I want to invite the following groups to our house for a simple meal and fellowship. Please let us know by email (michael [at] farmvillebaptist [dot] org) or by phone (391-3616) to RSVP!
- Friday, June 1, 5:30 p.m.—Families with Preschool & Elementary Age Children. Barbeque will be provided. Please bring a side dish (vegetable, dessert, drinks) to share.
- Sunday, June 3, 12:15 p.m.—Senior Adults.
- Friday, June 8, 5:30 p.m.—20 & 30 Somethings. Meat will be provided. Bring a side dish to share. (Postponed!)
- Friday, June 15, 5:30 p.m.— “Folks Without Kids (at home)”. Meat will be provided. Bring a side dish to share.
- Sunday, June 24, 5:00 p.m.—Middle & High School Youth and their Families. Meat will be provided. Bring a side dish to share. Extended Session Workers Schedule
Congratulations to Our Graduates!
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our high school and university graduates! God’s blessings upon you as you reach this important milestone, and may God continue to lead and guide you in the months ahead.
- Louis Agee—Prince Edward County High School. Plans to attend Virginia Tech School of Engineering.
- Adam Walker Southall—Fuqua High School. Plans to attend Southside Community College Diesel School.
- Christopher Ryan Yeatts—Meadowbrook High School, Richmond. Plans to attend VCU or John Tyler.
- Ryan Dunlap—USC-LA, Masters Degree, in Real Estate & Business Administration.
- Adam Garrett—Virginia Wesleyan, BA in Business
- Erica Wingo—High Point University. She graduated with a 4.0 GPA and was the recipient of the Haverty Cup, given to the top graduate in the Home Furnishings Program.
Congratulations, Sarah Cave!
Congratulations to Sarah Cave for winning the Hollins College Book Award! She was recognized for her academics and Hollins is interested in her applying to the College. Congratulations, Sarah, we’re proud of you!
Birth Announcements
- Coleman Harry Shell was born on April 26 to Mr. and Mrs. William Shell of Roanoke. Congratulations to Jean Shell, the grandmother.
- Celia Willow Dudley was born on May 21 to John and Kelly Dudley. Gabriel and Lucas are the brothers. Click here for a picture.
Summer Sanctuary Choir Schedule
During the months of June, July and August, the Sanctuary Choir will rehearse on Wednesday nights from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. We invite anyone who would like to sing to join the choir during these months!
Upcoming Events for Your Calendar
Please mark your calendars with these upcoming events:
- June 1 …………….“Young Families” Fellowship (Cheuks)
June 3 …………….Senior Adult Fellowship (Cheuks)
June 5 …………….Missions and Outreach Committee Meeting
June 8 …………….Family Games Night/Scrapbooking
June 8 …………….“Twenty Somethings” Fellowship (Cheuks)
June 10-14 ……..Vacation Bible School
June 15 …………..“Folks Without Kids” Fellowship (Cheuks)
June 20 …………..Church-wide Pot Luck Supper
June 24 …………..Youth Fellowship (Cheuks)
June 28-29 ……..CBF National General Assembly
June 30-July3 ..Passport Kids! (Eagle Eyrie)
July 8-13 ………..Youth Passport Passways! (Wingate Univ.)
June Worship Services
- 6/3 – “Why We Need a Triune God” – Psalm 8, Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15
- 6/10 – “Mite-y Provisions” – 1 Kings 17:8-16 (Emmaus Walk Report & Celebration/Communion)
- 6/17 – “Galilee By The Sea” (Report, skits & songs from VBS)
- 6/24 – “What Are You Doing Here?” – 1 Kings 19:1-4, 8-15
Stewardship Report
- General Offerings as of April 30 ………………………………$74,034.64
Expenses as of April 30 …………………………………………..$66,951.85
Prorated budget through April 30……………………………$85,891.52
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Global Missions Offering
Our goal this year is $1,300. We’ve collected $956.00 already!
Benevolence Fund Report
- January 1—May 25, 2007
Cases …Assistance…………. Amount
11 ………Lodging ……………..$400.00
7 ………..Electric ………………$381.75
2 ………..Rent ………………….$100.00
4 ………..Prescriptions ……..$123.96
2 ………..Gas ……………………..$49.26
1 ………..Heating Oil ………..$222.20
1 ………..Bus Ticket …………..$ 21.00
28 ………………………………..$1,298.17
Food Pantry Donations
Our food pantry is running low. We have plenty of corn and string beans but very little other canned vegetables, fruit, peanut butter, jelly, cereal, canned meats, spaghetti sauce and soups. Since January 1, 2007, we have provided 12 local families twenty-six bags of food. Donations can be left outside the pantry door in the basement.
A Message from Hospice
Hospice of Virginia Volunteer Training will take place on Wednesday, June 13 and Thursday June 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Helping someone in the last weeks and months of their life is a gratifying experience for Hospice of Virginia volunteers. Volunteers provide support by visiting, playing games, reading to the patient and writing letters for the patient. They also provide relief so the caregiver can run errands, go to doctor’s appointments or just take a nap! If you are at least 18 years old and would consider sharing your time and compassion with a hospice patient and their family please call Dolly Buck, Coordinator of Volunteer Services, at 434-392-9666.
Associate Pastor Search Update
The Personnel Committee has begun review of over forty resumes applying for our open position of Associate Pastor. We are happy to report that a number of very well-qualified ministers have applied. Their ministerial experiences range from recent graduates of seminaries to those who are presently serving as associate and senior pastors of churches. We have received applications from both male and female candidates. The Committee will begin its interviewing phase in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for more news!
In Memoriam
Emma Lee Price Patteson
Life Deacon
1920-2007