Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to go on an Emmaus Walk. It was a wonderful experience, and I came away with a greater love for our gracious God who specializes in rescuing people out of dire situations in order to bless them with abundant life. I also came away with a deeper love for the people of Farmville Baptist Church. I want to thank the members of the Emmaus Community at Farmville Baptist for sponsoring me on the walk. I want to thank those who took time the time and special effort to lovingly encourage me during that weekend. I also want to thank all of you who are part of the Farmville Baptist family. For almost five years now, you have blessed me and my family with your love, encouragement, support and prayers. The joy in my ministry is not found in the “success” of our programs, but in the life-giving relationships with you the people as we journey with God together.

At our Spiritual Transformation Journey cluster retreat last weekend, I was once again reminded that the church is the people who make up the “body of Christ” under the Lordship of Jesus. As Reggie McNeal so clearly said in the video that we showed last Sunday in our worship service, the church is a “who” and not a “what.” I am the church; you are the church. Granted, neither I nor you are the whole church, but we definitely are the church. Therefore, the church is not the building, the budget, or the programs. The church is not a “What”; it is not an “It.” No, the church is the people, a “Who” that is alive and active in the world because the Spirit of our risen Lord is alive and active in the world. The church is greater than just the members of Farmville Baptist; it consists of all the saints in the past, present and future who have responded to God’s saving call to go on mission to be the presence of Christ in the world.

That is why I’m so grateful for our Missions Committee and their work in organizing a Missions Fair last Sunday. It was wonderful to have organizations like Habitat for Humanity, FACES, Meals of Wheels, Pregnancy Support Center, School Mentoring, Reclaiming Our Lives Ministry and CBF Global Missions as well as our newly formed church ministry teams represented at the fair. It was so gratifying to see folks signing up for various ministry and service opportunities. There was such energy and excitement in the room that I can hardly wait to see how God’s Spirit will unleash us to be a channel of God’s blessing to our community!

As we continue our spiritual transformation journey, it is a joy and an inspiration to see more and more people at Farmville Baptist prayerfully seeking God’s will and call for their life mission. I sense that we are on the verge of a spiritual revival, and I truly believe that God has amazing things in store for Farmville Baptist! So let’s stay the course that we’re on, and let’s be the church by rediscovering what it means to be the people of God sent on a mission to proclaim and live out God’s grace and love to the world!

Blessed to be journeying with you, Michael

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Children’s Musical, May 2

Hallelujah! He did it!

by Pamela Clampitt Vandewalker

During morning worship on Sunday, May 2nd, with joy and excitement, our children will share the story of Jesus’ resurrection in this delightful mini-musical. Through brief drama segments and terrific songs, this short but powerful presentation tells the story of Christ’s amazing resurrection, of those who met Him near the empty tomb, and of our call to share this good news with the world!

20th Annual CBF General Assembly

July 23-26, 2010 the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship is holding its twentieth Annual General Assembly at the Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, NC. Baptist historian Bill Leonard and Lauren Winner will be the keynote speakers. Michael, along with our interns Julie Gaines and Sara Thompson will represent Farmville Baptist.

CBF Global Missions Offering

As of Sunday, April 25, we raised $1136.00. Many thanks to those who contributed to this offering and helped us to surpass our CBF Global Missions Offering goal of $1,100.00!

Easter Lilies

Given in Memory Of:………………………………………… By:

George & Faye Carter ………………… George & Lorraine Carter

Fred & Came Cupp……………………. Crystal Cupp

Jack & Kevin Dunlap………………….. Ceile Dunlap

Frederick Garrett, Sr…………………… Gene & Patsy Watson

Joseph S. Gills …………………………… George & Lorraine Carter

Mamie Ingle ……………………………… Drue Martin

Herbert Ingram, Jubal Towler & …… Toby & Suzanne Towler

Shepherd & Buena Terry

Wiley Martin……………………………… Drue Martin

Hugh & Barbara Moore………………. Kerby Moore

John G. “Pat” Patteson………………… Ruth Patteson

Carlton Randal Phillips…………………. Crystal Cupp

Percy “Dewey” Shumaker……………. Dot Shumaker

L. Leslie Simpson……………………….. Janie Simpson

Walter & Ethel Southall ………………. Their children & grandchildren

W. A. Watson, III………………………. Gene & Patsy Watson

Charles & Georgia Wilkerson……….. Charles W. Wilkerson

Given in Honor Of:…………………………………………By:

Cecil & Peggy East……………………… Sandy East

Billy & Charlean Fowlkes, …………… Toby & Suzanne Towler

Sara Ingram & Louise Towler

Ernestine Garrett ………………………… Gene & Patsy Watson

Lindy & Wanda Hamlett………………. Sandy East

Betty Watson…………………………….. Gene & Patsy Watson

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

In Memoriam

Vergil L. Hudson

6/10/1920—4/12/2010

THANK YOU

We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to our Farmville Baptist Church Family for all the prayer cards, calls and visits that meant so much. A special thank you to Peggy Cave for checking on us and to Cecil Yeatts for the banana split ice cream. All your acts of kindness have been such a comfort.

Sincerely, Barbara Anderson, Frances Simanski & William Bell

* * * * *

Dear Farmville Baptist Church Family,

A huge, heartfelt thank you to everyone who came to my senior recital on March 26th, and an extra special thank you to everyone who so kindly brought food for the reception, donated flowers, and took pictures of my big night! I was so pleased and proud to have so many church folks there to celebrate with me. To the church as a whole, I just want to express my appreciation for all the love, support and encouragement you have shown me during the past several years while I have worked on my degree. I couldn’t have done it without you!

Lots of love, Anita Lynn

* * * * *

Thank you for attending and buying desserts at the spaghetti luncheon and dessert auction last Sunday. The money wil help a great deal in getting us to Passport. This won’t be possible without your support. Thanks again!

From the Farmville Baptist Youth Group

* * * * *

I thank the Farmville Baptist Church members for outstanding support while I was ill. Food, cards, and calls meant so much to me. Having seldom ever been sick I was not used to the kindness.

Cecil Yeatts

* * * * *

Thank you for keeping me on your prayer list. I appreciate all the prayer cards I have received. I am home now, learning to walk again and still remembering your concern. Bless you for your ministry to me.

Nancye Noel

CONGRATULATIONS

We would like to recognize our middle school, high school and home-grown college graduates in next month’s edition of The Informer. Please contact the church office (392-5041) to let us know if you are graduating.

Congratulations to Julie Gaines, Neena George, Anita Lynn, Jordan Miles, Cameron Patterson, Ashley Warrick and Jonci Womack on their upcoming graduation from Longwood this May! We are proud of you!

CALENDAR

April 30………………….. Children’s Choir Dress Rehearsal, 5:30 pm

May 1……………………. Popsicle Fundraiser, 10 am

…………………………….. “Reclaiming Our Lives” Ministry, 4 pm

May 2……………………. Jail Ministry, 9 am

…………………………….. Children’s Musical, 10:55 am

May 9……………………. Mother’s Day

May 15………………….. FACES Food Distribution, 7:30 am

May 16………………….. Camp Orientation Meeting, 6 pm

May 17………………….. Newsletter Articles Due

May 22………………….. Deacon Fellowship @ Copelands’, 6 pm

May 23………………….. Kevin Boyd to preach, 10:55 am

May 23-26……………… CBF Intern Orientation Meeting, Wingate, NC

May 25………………….. Musikgarten, 6:45 pm

May 27………………….. Ladies Night Out, 6 pm @ Huskeys’

May 31………………….. Memorial Day — Office Closed

WORSHIPPING GOD

Farmville Baptist Worship Services in May

May 2……………………. “Hallelujah! He Did It!” Children’s Musical

May 9……………………. “Home with God’s Spirit” — John 14:23-29; Mother’s Day

May 16………………….. “The Ascension of Christ” — Acts 1:1-11

May 23………………….. Kevin Boyd to preach

May 30………………….. Trinity Sunday

Choir Rehearsal Schedule

Our 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.

Kevin Boyd to Preach, May 23

On Sunday, May 23, we welcome Kevin Boyd to our pulpit in worship. Kevin and Danielle Boyd graduated from the University of Mary Washington and were married in 2005. Their son Jace was born in August 2009. The Boyds have been attending Farmville Baptist since last fall.

Kevin has spent the last four years working at Longwood and Hampden-Sydney for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, an evangelical campus mission active on over 560 college and university campuses nationwide. InterVarsity’s vision is to see students and faculty transformed, campuses renewed and world changers developed.

This summer, the Boyds will be moving to Winston-Salem, NC, in order for Kevin to advance InterVarsity’s mission at Wake Forest University. Kevin is also studying part-time through Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

Preparation for Children’s Choir Musical, May 2

On Friday, April 30, there will be a special dress rehearsal from 5:30 to 7 p.m. to prepare for the “Hallelujah! He Did It!” Children’s Musical that will be presented in worship on Sunday morning, May 2. A light supper will be provided at 5:30 p.m.

After the children’s musical, there will be no more children’s choir rehearsals until the fall!

2010 Calendar for Flowers in Sunday Worship

The 2010 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.