March 2009
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FBC Informer – March 2009
Table of Contents
Pastor’s Column
Announcements
Thank You
Calendar
Worshipping God
Growing Together
Serving Others
“Spiritual Transformation Journey” to Begin
On Sunday, February 15, those in attendance at our called Church Business Meeting formally voted to begin the spiritual transformation journey. At the end of the worship service on that day, during the time of invitation, twenty nine people filled out a response card that indicated that they would pray and support the church in this journey. Of those who responded, five indicated that they were willing to be considered to serve on an initiating leadership team, and five more indicated that they would like to participate in one of the three-person prayer groups that will be setting up in a couple of months.
I was greatly encouraged by the response of the congregation. In the coming weeks, we will ask members of the deacon body and the congregation to nominate individuals whom they consider to be very positive and passionate about Farmville Baptist and who have the spiritual maturity to possibly serve as a member of the initiating leadership team. The church staff, together with a deacon and a church trustee, will then take the input from the church and prayerfully identify seven from that list to ask them to serve on the leadership team.
Members of this team will attend a six-hour workshop at Farmville Baptist to learn more about the “nuts and bolts” of this spiritual journey. Then they and I will attend three overnight retreats (from Friday 4 p.m. to Saturday 3:30 p.m.) during the course of the next sixteen months. At these retreats, we will join the initiating leadership teams from Patterson Ave. Baptist Church in Richmond and West End Baptist in Suffolk to learn from Bill Moore, our congregational coach, and from each other about how to lead our respective congregations in this spiritual journey.
Please be in prayer as we begin this process of discerning the makeup of our leadership team. If you would like to be considered to serve in this capacity, please let me know. May God bless Farmville Baptist as we take this step of faith to journey with Christ toward a new future!
Yours in Christ, Michael
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Journey to the Cross: Lent 2009
Lent is a forty-day period in our church calendar that is set aside for reflection and repentance. Lent originated in the very earliest days of the Church as a preparatory time for Easter, when the faithful rededicated themselves and when converts were instructed in the faith and prepared for baptism. By observing the forty days of Lent, the individual Christian imitates Jesus’ withdrawal into the wilderness for forty days. For contemporary Christians, this is a season for prayer, penitence, and preparation for Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.
The Farmville Area Ministerial Association invites you to attend their Wednesday Lenten Services at 12 noon followed by a free soup lunch at 12:30 p.m. The following is a schedule of churches hosting these services:
Wed., March 4 – Farmville Presbyterian
Wed., March 11 – Farmville United Methodist
Wed., March 18 – Beulah African Methodist Episcopal
Wed., March 25 – Johns Memorial Episcopal
Wed., April 1 – St. Theresa Catholic
On Friday, April 10, FBC will host a community-wide Good Friday Service at noon. A soup lunch will be served after the service.
Spring Ahead!
Daylight Savings Time begins this year on March 8 at 2:00 a.m. Don’t forget to “Spring Ahead” one hour!
“The Time Has Come”
16th Annual CBFV General Assembly
March 13 and 14, 2009
Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond
Eddie Hammett, Senior Coach for Lake Hickory Learning Communities and Valwood Christian Leadership Coaching, and Rob Fox, newly appointed CBF Field Coordinator in Virginia will be the keynote speakers.
Welcome Our New Members!
On Sunday, February 22, at the end of the worship service, we welcomed Tim and Patti Trent into the membership of Farmville Baptist. Tim comes by a statement of faith and Patti comes to join as a Watchcare member. Tim, Patti, and daughter Katie live at 505 Park Ave. in Farmville, 392-5607.
Anita Lynn Named Choir Director
On Sunday, February 15, Chris Jones of the Personnel Committee announced that Anita Lynn’s title has been changed to Choir Director. Anita has served as our Interim Choir Director since January 2006, and this update to Anita’s title has been long overdue. Thank you, Anita, for your faithful ministry to Farmville Baptist!
Congratulations to Our Youth!
Sarah Cave: for receiving the VCU All-Conference Academic Award.
Sarah Dunning: for placing 3rd in Prince Edward Middle School’s Spelling Bee.
Russell Chassey: for winning first place in Prince Edward Middle School’s Geography Bee.
Congratulations to these individuals for their achievement!
Stair Lift Installed
At the beginning of February, we installed our new chair lift at a cost of around $4,300. The project was financed by contributions from the congregation and a special donation from Curt and Peggy Michener in honor of Peggy’s mother Nellie Johnson. With our previously installed new doors, our building is now fully accessible on our Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall level.
In Memoriam
Jacqueline Fore Southall
June 20, 1936-January 16, 2009
Paul Winfrey Cave
November 2, 1933-February 19, 2009
THANK YOU
I’d like to thank each of you for your faithful support of me while I’ve been ill. Your prayers were heard and I know I’ve done well with God’s help and your prayers. I have finished chemo and received good results on my latest scan. I am to begin preventive radiation treatments in a few weeks. Heartfelt thanks in God’s Love.
Susan Barr
* * * * * * * *
Thank you so much for thinking of us and sending the beautiful wreath for Mama’s funeral. It was so thoughtful and we appreciate your kindness.
Sincerely, Curt & Peggy Michener
CALENDAR
Upcoming Church Events
March 1 Caitlin Daly Baptism in Worship
…………………Youth Committee Mtg., 7:00 p.m.
March 4 Full Wed. Night Activities Resume
March 8 Daylight Savings Time Begins
…………………Deacon’s Meeting, 8:30 a.m.
March 9 Missions & Outreach Committee Mtg., 5:45 p.m.
March 11 Lenten Service/Farmville United Methodist
March 12 Ladies Night Out/Pino’s
March 13-14 CBFV Assembly at BTSR
March 15 Church Council Mtg., 8:30 a.m.
March 16 Music & Worship Committee Mtg., 5:30 p.m.
…………………Newsletter Articles Due
March 18 Lenten Service/Beulah African Methodist Episcopal
March 21 FACES Workday, 7:30 a.m.
March 22 Willie Smith preaches
March 23-25 Michael-Leadership Workshop
March 25 Lenten Service/Johns Memorial Episcopal
March 29 College Led Worship, Student Lunch & Auction
WORSHIPPING GOD
“Journey to the Cross”
Starting in March, we will observe Lent as a communal preparation for Jesus’ journey to the cross on our behalf. We invite you to worship with us during the season of Lent. The following is a schedule of the themes of our Sunday morning services:
3/1 “Journeying with God” – Psalm 25:1-10
3/8 “Journeying with One Another” – Psalm 22:23-31
3/15 “Journeying in God’s Law” – Psalm 19
3/22 “Journeying with Thanks” – Psalm 107-1-3, 17-22
3/29 “Journeying with Clean and Open Hearts” – Psalm 51:1-12
4/5 “Journeying into Jerusalem” – Mark 11, 15
Sunday Schedule for Children’s Church Workers
March 1
Toddlers/Cribs: Volunteer Needed
Toddlers: Lucille Holman
Children’s Worship: Katrina Dunn
March 8
Toddlers/Cribs: Carrie Browning
Toddlers: Lucille Holman
Children’s Worship: Karen & Allison Newman
March 15
Toddlers/Cribs: Elizabeth Whiley
Toddlers: Lucille Holman
Children’s Missions: Edith Ann & Katherine Austin
March 22
Toddlers/Cribs: Volunteer Needed
Toddlers: Lucille Holman
Children’s Worship: Lisa Tharpe
March 29
Toddlers/Cribs: Patti Trent
Toddlers: Lucille Holman
Children’s Worship: Volunteer Needed
Rev. Willie Smith to Preach, March 22
On Sunday, March 22, the Rev. Willie Smith will be our guest preacher in worship. Rev. Smith is a CBF-endorsed chaplain serving at Centra Southside Hospital here in Farmville. Rev. Smith has served churches in Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and California. He previously served as a staff chaplain at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg. His pastoral care experience includes work as a chaplain with Centra in Lynchburg and with Carillion Health in Roanoke, Virginia. He served in the United States Navy from 1979 – 1996.
Rev. Smith and his wife Gloria have three children, Willie Jr., Richard, and Naomi. We welcome Rev. Smith to our pulpit on March 22!
College-Led Worship Service and Student Luncheon, March 29
On Sunday, March 29, our college students will lead in our morning worship. Amy Sherman, a Longwood University senior, will be giving the message. Other students will read scripture, pray, present special music, and play the piano and organ.
After the service, there will be a free luncheon in the Fellowship Hall for all our students and their adoptive parents.
Read the Bible Through in 2009
We encourage our members to read the Bible through in 2009! A reading schedule for the Bible is available either through download or in the church office. The schedule may be viewed and downloaded at http://www.arcamax.com/ttb-yr.html.
GROWING TOGETHER
Baptist General Association of Virginia
Summary Report, 1/1/2008-12/31/2008
2008 Cooperative Program World Missions 3………….. $13,095.00
Standard Designated Giving……………………………… $4,023.45
Total Contribution by Farmville Baptist Church………… $17,118.45
Volunteers Needed for Sunday Morning
We need volunteers to serve both as regularly scheduled and as substitute workers to care for our young children during the Sunday worship service. Substitute workers will be called on only as needed; they will not be put on a regular schedule. Please contact Tammy Dunning (392-4990 or tammy [at] farmvillebaptist.org) to sign up.
Help Needed With Our Children & Youth Ministries
During this time of ministerial staff transition, the Children and Youth Committees would appreciate anyone who would like to help plan, organize and lead children and youth events in the coming months. If you can help with our children, please contact Tammy Dunning (392-4990, tammy [at] farmvillebaptist.org). Please contact Sandy Covington (392-1034, scovington [at] kinex.net) if you can help with our youth. Thank you very much!
Youth “No Holds Barred” Meetings
Mar. 1 6 to 7 p.m., at FBC
Mar. 8 6 to 7 p.m., at FBC
Mar. 15 6 to 7 p.m., at FBC
Mar. 22 6 to 7 p.m., at the Cheuks, 1685 Dodd St., 391-3616
Mar. 29 6 to 7 p.m., at Farmville Miniature Golf, 1503 Milnwood Rd.
Wednesday Night Activities Resume
Starting March 3 our Wednesday Night Activities will resume. Here is the schedule:
5:45 to 6:30 Wednesday Night Supper
6:15 to 6:45 Children’s Choir, led by Gail Cave
6:45 to 7:30 “Bible Blitz,” for children
6:30 to 7:15 Adult Discipleship Study in the Fellowship Hall
6:30 to 7:30 Bell Choir Rehearsal
7:15 to 7:30 Prayer Meeting in the Fellowship Hall
7:30 to 8:30 Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
Wednesday Night Supper Menus for March
COST: Adults & Children 12 and older-$5.00; Children 3 through 11-$2.00; Children 2 & under-free. Family limit: $14.00.
Please make your reservations by Monday noon.
March 4
Cancelled because of snow and icy conditions
March 11
Roast Beef with Gravy, Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes, Tossed Salad, Rolls and Banana Pudding. Children’s menu: Same
March 18
Pork Loin with Gravy, Cabbage, Green Peas, Tossed Salad, Rolls, Jello. Children’s menu: Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
March 25
Spaghetti, Corn on the Cob, Garlic Bread, Tossed Salad, Fruit. Children’s menu: Same
Lenten Bible Study Begins March 4, at 6:30 p.m.
During the season of Lent, Michael will lead a Wednesday night study called Respectable Sins: Confronting the Sins We Tolerate. This eight-session study will begin on March 4 and will cover topics like ungodliness, unthankfulness, anxiety, pride, judgmentalism and jealousy.
Ladies’ Night Out
Thursday, March 12, 5:30 p.m. at Pino’s
Our next Ladies’ Night Out will be held Thursday, March 12th at 5:30 p.m. at Pino’s, on South Main Street. Please contact Penny Huskey (392-1050 or pvhuskey1 [at] embarqmail.com) to RSVP.
SERVING OTHERS
Baptist Collegiate Ministry Student Auction, March 29
On Sunday, March 29, the Baptist Collegiate Ministry will be sponsoring a student auction to help raise money for missions. On that Sunday, the BCM will have a table set up in front of the church with a picture and brief biography of each student describing their abilities (babysitting, garden work, etc) and people are encouraged to bid for them. At the end of that Sunday, the highest bidder wins that person!
All proceeds from the auction will go toward sending fifteen BCM students on a mission trip to the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, December 27 through January 3. These students will be working at an orphanage with Mayan children and doing sports evangelism with the Mayan street children. Please plan to come to church that Sunday to help support these students to be missionaries for Christ next winter!
FACES Work Day, Saturday, March 21
On Saturday, March 21, youth and adults of all ages are invited to volunteer at FACES from 8 to 10 a.m. during their food distribution by filling bags with dry and frozen goods and carrying them to the clients’ cars. We will meet at the church at 7:30 a.m. and walk over to the food pantry center located at 314 N. South St. Please contact Rodney Dunning (dunningrb [at] longwood.edu, 392-4990) if you have any questions or if you can volunteer.
Souper Bowl of Caring Report
On Sunday, February 1, our youth once again participated in the Souper Bowl of Caring. It was an opportunity for our youth to help fight hunger and poverty in our community. At the end of the worship service, our youth stationed themselves at the exits of the sanctuary holding pots to collect canned and boxed food for our emergency food pantry. They also collected over $332.35 for FACES, our local food pantry. Many thanks to those who contributed to this worthy cause!
Heifer Project International
The Missions and Outreach committee thanks the congregation for its participation in the Christmas Heifer International fundraiser. We have raised approximately $340 to date. We will continue to fundraise for this worthy project throughout the year. Go to Heifer’s website www.heifer.org to discover all the ways you can help end poverty and hunger around the globe.
BIRTHDAYS
March 1
Bruce Dunn
March 4
Margaret Hargrove
March 5
Kevin Dunn
Jean Shell
March 8
Stephen Carter
Liz Chassey
Annie Snoddy
March 9
Crystal Cupp
Harold Saxtan IV
Grace Smalley
March 11
Joyce Eggleston
Robert Huskey
March 12
Jessie Akers
Kathy Redd
March 15
Emmalee Klein
March 16
Bobby Huskey
Mary Stanley
March 17
Penny Agee
Barbara Atkins
March 22
Scott Simms
March 24
Patrick Watson
Kim Yeatts
March 25
Tyler Browning
Bobby Newman
John Noel
March 27
Matthew Powers
March 28
Carter Swanberg
March 31
Gene Watson