October 2008
FBC Informer – October 2008
Table of Contents
Pastor’s Column
Announcements
Thank You
Calendar
Worshipping God
Growing Together
- Stewardship
- Budget
- Haunted Hayride
- Youth
- Wedesday Night Supper Menus
- Wednesday Night Activities
- Alma Hunt
Serving Others
“A Year of Blessings”
On September 4th, 2008 I celebrated my one year anniversary at Farmville Baptist Church. Unfortunately I spent this day at home recovering from a tragic car accident. However, this does not reflect the way I feel about my first year at Farmville Baptist Church. Coming to this church and serving as your associate pastor has been one of the greatest things that has ever happened to me. During this year I have had the pleasure of leading a group of devoted disciples in worship, growing together with you through Bible study, working with the youth, children, and all age groups. I have especially enjoyed working along side you in local service projects. My greatest hope for this year is to continue to worship, grow, and serve along side you.
As most of you know I have also faced several challenges this year. Along with the expected challenges of moving to a new town, trying to sell a house, and find a new one to purchase I have had two rather traumatic events to face within the year. At the end of April I was diagnosed with double pneumonia as well as a viral infection in my trachea, bronchial tubes, and vocal chords. I spent ten days in the hospital and had to be away from the church for a month. However I knew that Farmville Baptist was with me this entire time. I am so thankful for those of you who came by to visit, sent cards, for your prayers. I cannot thank you enough for taking food to John when he got sick at the same. I don’t know what I would have done without the care of my congregation. Then most recently you showed me your loving care again after my car accident on September 2nd. Again I don’t know what I would have done without all of your prayers, cards, food, and continued care. I only hope that you know that I care for you just as much as you care for me. I am so very blessed to be the servant of such a loving congregation.
-Blessings, Amanda Johnston
ANNOUNCEMENTS
In Memoriam
Lester Edison Andrews, Sr.
February 3, 1915 to September 16, 2008
AND
Fred Ruthford Gearheart, Jr.
March 29, 1941 to September 21, 2008
THANK YOU
Dear Members of Farmville Baptist Church,
We are most appreciative for your love and concern shown to my mother, your fellow church member, Geneva Dickerson, during her past nine years of illness and now to us in our bereavement. In christian love you welcomed and mourned with us. You sent a wreath of lovely flowers and provided the food for the family meal at the church. For all this, we are grateful.
Billy, Barbara, Matt & Mark Dickerson and Anna & Shane Cordell
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To The Members of Farmville Baptist Church,
Thank you for including me on your prayer list this summer. I am sure that your kind thoughts contributed to the success of my surgery and ongoing recovery and I remain forever grateful.
Sincerely, Julie Weaver Gepp
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Farmville Baptist Church,
Thank you for the gift card to Barnes & Noble. Being recognized is nice and appreciated, but being allowed to participate in this manner with good friends in the Ruth/Blair Class is reward enough. It’s a privilege.
Doris Weaver
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My Christian Friends,
We wish to thank you so very much for the many Prayer Time Cards that have been sent from your wonderful and caring members. I am doing very well in my recovery process (1/2 way through) with 1 chemo and 15 radiation days left. I will keep you informed and God Bless your minister and entire congretation.
God Loves us all, Joe and Eloise Agee
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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I just want to thank you very, very much for your prayers for me this past year as I have been battling the “beast”. Your prayers and concerns have been greatly appreciated. I ask that you would continue to pray for me, for the battle goes on. No matter what the outcome maybe, we know that God is in control. There is such great power in the prayers of God’s people.
In His Love, Pinkey Baldwin
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To The Farmville Baptist Church Family:
The family of Les Andrews would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and gratitude for the many cards, phone calls, flowers, food and especially your prayers he received during his illness and subsequent death. A special thank you to the Social Committee for the lovely luncheon after the funeral service. You gave Les a beautiful tribute, and we are grateful There was never a doubt in my mind all the years we were together that Les was a Baptist first and foremost and would always be a Baptist. His love for me brought him to my church, but his heart was always with you.
Donna Andrews
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Dear Friends,
Words cannot express what our hearts want to say, but from the bottom of our hearts we would like to tell you Thank You, for your prayers, your support and most importantly your love. May your lives and those of your families be filled with God’s blessings.
Rev. & Mrs. Juan C. Gascon and family
CALENDAR
Baptist General Association of Virginia Annual Meeting
November 10-11, 2008
Roanoke Convention Center
FBC is eligible to send 14 messengers to attend this meeting.
Please contact Michael if you would like to attend
Upcoming Church Events
October 6
Amanda mentoring meeting with Bob Dale
Amanda VBWIM Board meeting
October 7
Guitar Camp Begins
October 12
Children’s Committee Meeting
October 14
Ladies’ Night Out at La Parota
October 19
Deacon Ordination Sunday
Deacon’s Meeting
October 26
Children’s Haunted Hayride
October 27-29
Michael at Leadership Workshop/Lost River, WV
October 30
RSVP Deadline for Passport Kids and PASSways Camps
October 31
Youth Handout Pencils for Halloween Parade
WORSHIPING GOD
Michael to Take Comp Time
Because of the added pastoral and administrative responsibilities that Michael had to cover during Amanda’s time of recovery from her car accident, Michael will not be in worship on Sunday, Oct. 12, and he will be away from the office during the work week of October 14-17.
October Worship Services
October 5
“The Ten Commandments” – Exodus 20:1-17
October 12
“The God of Peace full of Wrath” – Exodus 32:1-14 and Philippians 4:1-9, Amanda Preaches
October 19
Deacon Ordination Sunday – Acts 6:1-7
October 26
“The Call of Moses” – BTSR Sunday, Dr. Ron Crawford
Sunday Schedule for Children’s Church Workers
October 5
Cribs:……………………Sandy & Matt Covington
Toddlers:………………Lucille Holman
Children’s Worship…Beth Cheuk & Carter Family
October 12
Cribs:…………………….B. A. & Emmalee Klein
Toddlers:…………………Lucille Holman
Children’s Worship:……..Beth Cheuk & Volunteer Needed
October 19
Cribs:……………………..Penny Agee
Toddlers:…………………Lucille Holman
Children’s Missions:…….Edith Ann & Katherine Austin
October 26
Cribs:…………………….David Schmidt
Toddlers:…………………Lucille Holman
Children’s Worship:……..Beth Cheuk & Volunteer Needed
If you are interested in assisting with the Children’s Church Service or serving as a stand-by volunteer please contact Amanda Johnston.
Consider Your Call/BTSR Sunday
On Sunday, October 26, Dr. Ron Crawford, President of Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond will be our guest preacher in worship as we consider God’s call in our lives to serve God. On that Sunday, we will also collect a special offering for BTSR.
We will also have a special free luncheon after worship to celebrate and acknowledge our newest Life Deacon, Cecil Yeatts, and other “good and faithful servants” in our church.
Please plan to attend this special day of worship & celebration!
Consecration Sunday Report
We have currently received 52 pledge cards for a total of $132,428. If you have not yet turned in your card, please do so soon. Thanks!
Deacon Ordination Sunday, October 19
In our worship service on Sunday, October 19, we will be ordaining Don Kyper to the position of Deacon. He will be joined by Peggy Cave, Jay Lynn, Drue Martin and Jordan Whiley as they all will be installed as active Deacons for the 2008-2010 term. Please worship with us on that day as we affirm these people in their calling as deacon.
Singers and Ringers Wanted!
Continuing through October the Sanctuary Choir and Handbell Choir will continue their regular schedule. The Sanctuary Choir sings regularly during the Sunday morning worship service and practices on Wednesdays from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Handbell Choir rehearses on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:20 p.m. and plays during Sunday morning worship about once a month. Both choirs are seeking new members! If you’re interested in participating, please see Anita Lynn, 391-3751.
Worship Band Rehearsals
Also continuing in October, the worship/praise band will be practicing every Sunday 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. We need fill in/back up musicians and anyone who may be interested in participating in the worship band in any way. We will be working on praise and special music selections for worship services on special Sundays. Please contact John Johnston (434-607-0008) if you are interested in being a part of the band.
Guitar Camp
John Johnston will be offering a beginner’s guitar camp starting on Tuesday, Oct. 6 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.. The camp is free for all who are interested. Please contact John by cell phone 607-0008 or e-mail: tele4hire [at] yahoo.com if you are interested.
GROWING TOGETHER
Stewardship Report
Budget Needs through September 21…………………$203,724.54
Budget Disbursements through September 21………..$179,427.67
Budget Receipts through September 21……………….$157,044.67
Giving Stocks to the Church
The church has set up an account with Davenport & Company and Edward Jones to facilitate the receipt of appreciated stock and securities from members. A member of the Stewardship Committee will explain the tax advantages of giving appreciated stock to the church during the church Business Meeting on September 21. You may also contact Janett Southall (at Davenport, 392-9813) or Kerby Moore (at Edward Jones, 391-1284) for further information.
Budget Requests Due
In the coming days, committee chairpersons will be receiving a budget request form. Please fill out the form and turn it into the office by Wednesday, October 15, so that the Stewardship Committee can come up with a budget for the upcoming church year. The church will discuss the budget on Wednesday November 12, and it will be voted on at our called business meeting on Sunday, Nov. 16.
Children’s Haunted Hayride
Farmville Baptist Church will be hosting a Children’s Haunted Hayride on October 26, at 3:30 pm at the Haunted Hayfield at 952 Lockett Rd. All haunts are rated “F” for fun. A hot dog and S’mores Cookout will follow the hayride. Directions to the Hayfield are listed below: From Farmville take 460 East, turn left on state road 600 (if you get to 307 you have gone too far) Stay straight on 600- Lockett Rd, the road will veer to the left Look for the Haunted Hayfield on your right at 952 Lockett Rd. Questions? Contact Amanda 392-5041 E-mail: amanda [at] farmvillebaptist.org
Youth News for October
October 5
5:00 p.m. Worship Band
6:00 p.m. No Holds Barred-Looking For God
October 12
5:00 p.m. Worship Band
6:00 p.m. No Holds Barred-When Bad Things Happen
October 19
5:00 p.m. Worship Band
6:00 p.m. No Holds Barred- Identity
October 26
2:00 p.m. Meet at church to ride over to the hayfield and set-up for Children’s Haunted Hayride
October 31
5:00 p.m. Youth Halloween Pencil Handout
This year our youth will be handing out pencils during the town’s Halloween parade. This is in response to their continued commitment to the United Nations Millennium Development Goal to provide primary education to every student around the world. Amanda will be out of town with the Young Leaders program and will need someone to meet the youth here at the church and help pass out the pencils.
Passport Kids and PASSways Registration Begins Oct. 30
Yes it is all ready time to begin thinking about both Passport camps this summer. As some of you all ready know, these camps are extremely popular as well as an excellent experience for both children and youth. Last year we ran into some budgeting and planning issues because people registered for the camp without a down payment and then backed out at the last minute. In order to avoid that issue this year anyone who is interested in going to either Passport Kids (grades 3-6), at Eagle Eyrie, Lynchburg, VA possible dates June 20-23, 25-28,30-3. or PASSways Youth Camp (grades 6-12) at Wingate University, Wingate NC, possible dates July 5-10, 12-17, 19-24 should register with Amanda before Oct. 30. You will need to contact Amanda by Oct. 30 to RSVP for camp, tell her your preferred date to attend camp, and pay your registration fee: Passport Kids $60, PASSways $ 75.
Menus for October
COST:
Adults & Children 12 and older: $5.00
Children 3 through 11: $2.00
Children 2 & under: free
Family limit: $14.00
October 1
Boiled Chicken on Rice, Green Peas, Tossed Salad, Jello and rolls
Children’s menu: Peanut Butter & Jelly
October 8
Fish, Navy Beans, Stewed Tomatoes, Tossed Salad, Corn Bread and Banana Pudding
Children’s menu: Hot Dogs
October 15
Lasagna, Corn on the Cob, Tossed Salad, Garlic Bread, Pears with Cheese Topping
Children’s menu: Same
October 22
Brunswick Stew, Grilled Cheese, Corn on the cob, Tossed Salad, Cookies.
Children’s menu: Chicken Nuggets
October 29
Baked Pork Chops, Fried Apples, Green Beans, Tossed Salad, Rolls and Cake
Children’s menu: Peanut Butter and Jelly
Please make your reservations now!
“Hard Sayings of Jesus” Wednesday Night Study
Starting October 8, we will begin a new Wednesday night Bible Study called the “Hard Sayings of Jesus,” based on the book by F.F. Bruce, who examines seventy of the hard sayings of Jesus to clear away the cultural and historical difficulties which keep us from grappling with the real challenge of Jesus’ message. Various church members will take turns leading this study.
SERVING OTHERS
Alma Hunt Mission Offering
October is Alma Hunt Mission Month. Our goal this year is $1,200.00 There will be a Wednesday night presentation on October 1 at 6:30 p.m.
Opportunities to Serve Others
Meals on Wheels continues to need drivers – substitute and permanent. Several of our church members answered the call to serve this summer. The Copeland and Landrum families have served as substitute drivers. If you are interested in driving, contact the MoW coordinator (392-8797). They’ll call or send an email when they need a driver. If you are available, you’ll go to the back of the hospital at 10:30 a.m. on the day requested. According to Kathryn Copeland, it takes about an hour to deliver the meals.
If you have information on other community service needs, please contact Amanda Johnston (392-5041, amanda [at] farmvillebaptist.org) or Patti Trent (trentpf [at] longwood.edu).
Food Pantry Donations
Our food pantry is running very low. We need canned vegetables, fruit, peanut butter, jelly, cereal, canned meats, spaghetti sauce, pasta and soups. Since January 1, 2008, we have provided 26 local families 50 bags of food. Donations can be left outside the pantry door in the basement, just off the fellowship hall by the new handicap door.