May 2008
FBC Informer - May 2008
Table of Contents
Assoc. Pastor’s Column
Announcements
Thank You
Calendar
Schedule for Children’s Church WorkersWorshipping God
Growing Together
Serving Others
“Farmville Baptist, Beyond Church to the Bonds of Family”
As a new member of Farmville Baptist, and as your associate pastor I was very pleased to hear my thoughts echoed recently. At the new and prospective members luncheon almost everyone spoke about how Farmville Baptist is not just a church or a congregation, but rather a family. This is the way I have felt since arriving here in September. I have come to serve my new family.
I have been blessed to become immediately involved with the youth and the children in this family. Some of the wonderful activities I have had the pleasure of planning and being involved in were the Haunted Hayride in the fall, the Switchfoot concert, volunteering at FACES, a youth lock in, two ice skating trips, the Easter Egg hunt, parent’s night out, and coming very soon our very own Bike Rodeo.
These activities have kept me very busy and allowed me to get to know my new family. However, God has also given me the opportunity to sit down and visit with members of our family in the hospital, nursing homes, and at home. I always find that after a visit I am the one who has been blessed by their presence, their kindness, and willingness to share a little of themselves. Sometimes I get to hear about another piece of Farmville Baptist history. Each person I come into contact with young or old is a precious piece of fabric that makes up the beautiful quilt of Farmville Baptist.
Blessings, Amanda Johnston
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship General Assembly
This year, the Cooperative Bapitst Fellowship General Assembly will be held on June 19-20, at the Cook Convention Center in Memphis Tennesee. The theme will be “Embrace the World, Building Bridges,” and Lauran Bethell, global ministry consultant for the American Baptist Churches, USA will be the keynote speaker. Michael will be attending the meeting. Cost for lodging is $110 per night plus tax for a room with two double beds. Please contact Michael if you are interested in attending the meeting.
Welcome New Member!
On Sunday, April 6, we welcomed Jewel Moore into membership through believer’s baptism. Jewel is the daughter of Kerby and Janet Moore and she lives at 604 First Ave., 392-6727
Congratulations to Our Graduates!
We would like to recognize our middle school, high school and home-grown college students in next month’s edition of The Informer. Please contact the church office to let us know if you are graduating!
We congratulation Anna Wieder on her graduation from Longwood University this May! Anna has already completed her class work last December and has been working as a long-term substitute teacher at Cumberland Middle School. And she has a teaching position lined up at Cumberland Middle School next year.
CBF Offering for Global Missions
During the month of April, we had our missions emphasis month and we promoted our CBF Global Missions Offering with a goal of $1,500. As of Sunday, April 27, we raised $1,254.00. Thank you so much for your contributions!
THANK YOU
In Memoriam
Ethel S. Southall 1928-2008
The family of Ethel S. Southall would like to express our sincere thanks to everyone for the calls, cards, flowers, visits, food and memorials. We also thank you for your prayers during Ethel’s recent illness and death. A special thanks to Michael Cheuk, Amanda Johnston, and Mc Amoss for the lovely service celebrating Ethel’s life. Also we thank all the ladies and men who prepared the meal following the service. Ethel lived a long and happy life and she will be missed. We take comfort in knowing she is with our Lord. May God bless you and keep you.
In Christ Love, Jayne Smith, Susan Lawman, and Delbert Southall and family
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Dear Farmville Baptist Church Members,
I cannot begin to tell you how very much I have appreciated your acts of support and kindness extended to me and my family prior to mother’s death and during the recent loss of my mother, Melissa Peters. Thank you for your visits to the nursing home and for your many prayers and prayer cards. Also, thank you for your calls, cards and visits to express your sympathy upon her death. A special thank you to the Social Committee for the comforting and sustaining luncheon for the family prior to the services and to the Deacons who so kindly volunteered to be pall bearers. The graveside wreath of purple and rose given by the church in remembrance of my mother was beautiful and greatly appreciated. My parents loved their Farmville Baptist Church family and were committed to serving them. This church will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you all.
Gratefully, Katherine Webster and family
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Dear Members of Farmville Baptist Church,
We would like to say thank you for all of your cards and faithful prayers. They have been a blessing to us and have helped to get us through difficult times. Knowing that so many people are praying for Mary has helped us tremendously. She has finished her chemo and is doing wonderful. All of her tests so far have shown no signs of cancer. It has been from prayers and God’s strength and greatness that we have come this far.
God Bless You, T. C., Amy, Mary and Thomas Huddleston
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To Farmville Baptist Church,
Thanks for all who are praying for my continued improvement in health. Please continue your prayers; I appreciate them greatly!
Odessa Pride
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Farmville Baptist Church Members,
Thank you for the cards during my stay in the hospital and after my return home.
Lorena Huskey
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Dear FBC Choir and Congregation,
We would like to express our deep gratitude for your kindness and generosity to us while Jay was in the job search process. We were humbled by the many prayers, kind thoughts and generous gifts we received during a difficult and uncertain time. We experienced in a tangible way how God reaches out to us through the words and actions of others. We will be forever grateful for the love you’ve shown us. And now that Jay is employed at Longwood University, we are delighted that we will be able to remain in Farmville and continue to be a part of the FBC family.
With love and appreciation, Anita and Jay Lynn
CALENDAR
Upcoming Church Events
May 1 CHAC Committee Meeting
May 4 Michael to preach at Zion Hill Baptist Church
May 8 Missions & Outreach Committee Meeting
May 10 Youth Donut Sale
May 13 Nominating Committee Meeting
May 17 Bike Rodeo
May 18 Church Council
…………..Preschool Picnic/Cheuks
May 19 Newsletter Articles Due
Sunday Schedule for Children’s Church Workers
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May 4 |
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| Cribs: | Sandy & Matt Covington |
| Toddlers: | Lucille Holman |
| Children’s Worship | Beth Cheuk & Charlotte Cave |
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May 11 |
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| Cribs: | Chuck & Debbie Daniel |
| Toddlers: | Lucille Holman |
| Children’s Worship | Beth Cheuk & Patti Trent |
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May 18 |
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| Cribs: | Sandy & Matt Covington |
| Toddlers: | Lucille Holman |
| Children’s Missions | Edith Ann & Katherine Austin |
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May 25 |
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| Cribs: | Katrina & Tori Dunn |
| Toddlers: | Lucille Holman |
| Children’s Worship | Beth Cheuk & Janett Southall |
WORSHIPPING GOD
May Worship Services
5/4 “A Prayer for the Church” - John 17:1-11
5/11 Pentecost/Communion Sunday - Acts 2:1-21; Psalm 104:24-34
5/18 “Created in the Image of God” - Genesis 1:1-2:4a; Psalm 8
5/25 Amanda Johnston to preach
Michael to Preach at Zion Hill Baptist Church, May 4, 3:00 p.m.
On Sunday, May 4 at 3:00 p.m., Michael will preach at the anniversary service of Pastor Michael Martin of Zion Hill Baptist Church. Members of our Sanctuary Choir will also sing in the service. You are cordially invited to attend the service and offer support for Michael and the Choir, as well as expressing your congratulations to Rev. Michael Martin of Zion Hill Baptist Church.
Children’s Choir Program, Wed. May 21
The Children’s Choir, directed by Gail Cave, will present a program on Wednesday night, May 21, at 6:30 p.m. Come hear our children sing!
The Bells of the Blue Ridge, Sunday, May 31, 7:00 p.m.
On Saturday, May 31 at 7:00 p.m. Heritage Baptist Church will host a concert of “The Bells of the Blue Ride”, an advanced community handbell group from Lynchburg, Virginia. This will be an exciting event, so please come and support their efforts.
FBC Commissions Three Students for Summer Missions
During our worship service on April 27, we commissioned and prayed for three Longwood students (pictured L to R), Neena George, Emily Caviness, and Robbie Yancey and as they prepare to serve as summer missionaries through the Baptist Collegiate Ministries. Neena will be ministering in India for a month. Emily and Robbie will spend three weeks in Macau and Hong Kong teaching English. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers!
Children’s Worship Service
During our main worship service we are also offering a Children’s Worship Service, for children kindergarten to second grade, in the Fellowship Hall. Children in those grades will leave the sanctuary following the children’s lesson and will typically return to the adult service in the sanctuary during the offertory. Older children are welcome to sign up to be “guest readers,” serving as worship leaders on the specific Sundays for which they sign up. Children’s church will take place every week except the third Sunday of each month, when Edith Ann and Katherine Austin will continue to lead missions activities.
Sermons Available Online
MP3s of sermons from previous weeks of worship are available on the worship page of our website under: http://www.farmvillebaptist.org/worship.php.
GROWING TOGETHER
Stewardship Report
Prorated Budget…………………………$91,754.33
Receipts (as of 4/28)………………….$64,575.62
Difference……………………………….<$27,178.71>
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL, JUNE 8-12
On the evenings of June 8-12, FBC and Zion Hill Baptist Church will join forces again to host Vacation Bible School. The theme this year is “Power Lab: Discovering Jesus’ Miraculous Power” by Group Publishing. Our children will discover Jesus’ miraculous power by experimenting with Bible study, music, games, and treats in the “Power Lab.” Please mark your calendars and plan to help. Please contact Amanda Johnston (607-0082) to volunteer or to learn more.
Community-Wide Bike Rodeo
The children’s committee and the parent’s of children participating in this summer’s Passport Kid’s camp will be hosting a community wide Bike Rodeo on Saturday, May 17 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the municipal parking lot behind the new town building. There will be a bike and helmet check station with minor repairs available. Bike safety education given by Town of Farmville police officers. Snow cones will be available for a donation toward Passport Kids camp.
Youth Donut Fundraiser, May 10, 9:00 a.m.
Come support our youth as they sell donuts at the Wal-Mart parking lot on Saturday, May 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. All proceeds to go to help send them to Passways youth camp.
Youth Car Wash Report
On Saturday, April 26, our youth group together with the youth group from Tar Wallet Baptist Church hosted a car wash fundraiser for Passways Camp this summer. It was a beautiful day for a car wash! The group washed a lot of cars and raised about $600!
Wednesday Night Activities
| 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. | Wednesday Night Supper. COST: $5 for adults; $2 for children; $14 family limit. |
| 6:15 to 6:45 p.m. | Children’s Choir, led by Gail Cave. |
| 6:30 to 7:10 p.m. | Adult Discipleship Study (formerly known as Wed. Night Bible Study) in Fellowship Hall |
| 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. | Bell Choir rehearsal |
| 6:45 to 7:30 p.m. |
“Bible Blitz,” a curriculum of active learning featuring science experiments, games, crafts, and life lessons for grade-school children. |
| 7:15 to 7:25 p.m. | Prayer Time in Fellowship Hall |
| 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. | Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal |
Wednesday Night Supper
In order to be good stewards of the church’s resources and to keep prices low for everyone, we ask that those who make reservations for our Wednesday night supper to pay for your supper(s) even if you don’t show up. Due to rising food cost, our new Wednesday night supper pricing will be $5 for adults; $2 for children; $14 family limit. If this price increase is a financial hardship on anyone, please let Michael know. We do not want anyone to quit coming to Wednesday night supper because of finances.
Menus for April
COST: $5 for adults; $2 for children; $14 family limit
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May 7 |
Oven Fried Chicken w/Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, String Beans, Tossed Salad, Rolls and Jello w/Fruit. Children’s menu: Same |
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May 14 |
Pork Loin w/Gravy, Macaroni & Cheese, Green Peas, Tossed Salad, Rolls and Cookies. Children’s menu: Same |
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May 21 |
Spaghetti, Corn on the Cobb, Tossed Salad, Garlic Bread andCake. Children’s menu: Hot Dogs |
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May 28 |
Breakfast Food: Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Hash Browns, Biscuits and Donuts. Children’s menu: Same |
Wednesday Night Discipleship Study Schedule
6:30 to 7:15 p.m., Fellowship Hall
May 7 Rodney Dunning finishes his study on Bible translations
May 14 Michael will lead a study on “The Bible and Technology”
May 21 Children’s Choir Program
May 28 Hymn Sing and Fellowship
SERVING OTHERS
Opportunities to Serve Others
Summer is fast approaching - warm weather, longer days, VACATIONS! Lighter spirits, happy children, maybe a bit less stress at the office? However, for two of our local missions, FACES and Meals on Wheels, summer approaches with some dread. FACES Food Pantry loses the faithful college student support, and Meals on Wheels will lose drivers to vacations.
Please consider helping these two critical community programs through the summer months in the following ways:
- Help unload the FACES food truck each Friday (between 10 am til noon, N. South St., behind RugRats)
- help distribute food on Saturday mornings beginning at 8 am
- contact Meals on Wheels (392.8797) to serve as a substitute driver
Also, if you are a gardener, consider planting a few rows for FACES. They can accept fresh produce each week (deliver to the warehouse on Fridays) - and it is something the hungry in our community won’t regularly receive.
Prince Edward Elementary school is collecting book donations so that all students may have books for summer reading. Books may be dropped off at the Prince Edward Elementary School office.
Finally, don’t forget to support the CBF Global Missions offering. See the bulletin board outside the sanctuary for more information!
May God bless our efforts to love and serve others in our community!
A Message from Hospice
Hospice of Virginia Volunteer Training will take place on Wednesday, May 14 and Thursday May 15 from 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (Farmville Office, 202 Clark Street). If you are at least 18 years of age 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.
Deacon Ministry Teams
The following Deacon Ministry Teams are now in place to serve those in our congregation and others in our community. Information about these teams is posted on our Deacon Ministry Teams bulletin board on the main floor of the church. If you’d like to join one or more of these teams, please contact team leaders for more detailed information regarding each ministry team.
- Senior Adult Ministry: led by Jack Davis and Bobby Huskey
- Bereavement Ministry: led by Kathryn Copeland and Joyce Davis
- Casserole Ministry: led by George Carter
- Homebound Ministry: led by Drue Martin and Jack Davis
- Guests and New Members Team: led by Chuck Daniel
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. This ministry requires no specialized talents, just an open and flexible spirit. Please contact Anita Lynn, 391-3751, for more information and to participate.
Meals on Wheels
SCOPE Meals on Wheels provide approximately ninety plus meals per day to local residents. It takes at least 10 drivers each day to make the deliveries. Currently there is a need for drivers. If you can help please call Hoke Currie at 434-392-8797. This is a great mission opportunity!