October 2009
Click Informer Informer 2009-10 for a pdf version of this newsletter
FBC Informer – October 2009
Table of Contents
- Worship Services
- Deacon Ordination
- All Saints Day
- Children’s Choir Schedule
- Sanctuary & Bell Choir Schedule
- Schedule for Children’s Church Workers
- Stewardship Report
- Budget Requests
- Passport Camp Registration
- Youth Ministry
- Children’s Hayride
- Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting
- Prayer List
- New Prayer Groups
- Ladies Night Out
PASTOR’S COLUMN
“Being the Church ‘Outside the Box’”
At our second cluster retreat in Richmond last weekend, our Spiritual Transformation Journey initiating leadership team was asked at a breakout session to reflect on and answer the following fictional scenario:
“Due to an unfortunate “happening,” Farmville Baptist Church lost all of its buildings and resources inside its buildings. In the face of this new reality, share ideas of how the congregation can be the Church, the “living presence of Christ,” to those He is calling and gifting it to serve.”
I must admit, it was hard for us to imagine how we could be the church “outside the box,” outside the white brick building located on 132 N. Main Street. But we all agreed that we do not cease to be Farmville Baptist Church just because we no longer had a building. After some discussion, we came up with some interesting possibilities.
First of all, we talked about how the church could take our worship service “to the streets,” gathering under a tent in our parking lot, assembling in places like Brock Commons on Longwood campus, or meeting at Holly Manor or even at Piedmont Regional Jail. We might rent space in other churches, in schools or the movie theater to hold our worship service. We could also hold smaller worship services at many different locations (like in people’s homes) and then gather as the whole church family once a month in a rented space.
We might consider having Sunday School in restaurants, in people’s homes and dorm rooms, and not just on Sunday mornings, but every day of the week and at different times during the day. We could expand our small prayer groups and hold prayer meetings in the homes of our shut-ins and in the activity room of Brookview. We could utilize technology more—like email, our church website and Facebook—to stay connected 24-7, and to post and update prayer requests.
Finally, we agreed that instead of focusing on “our” ministries in “our” building, we could focus on joining forces with the many wonderful ministries already established in town, like FACES, Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, “Reclaiming Our Lives Ministry,” and others. We also wouldn’t need to wait for the Missions and Outreach Committee to come up with missions opportunities—we could just do missions and intentionally serve others as part of our daily lives.
These are some of our answers to this fictional scenario, but we can actually do some of these things already regardless of whether we have a building or not! What possibilities can you imagine for Farmville Baptist to be the church “outside the box”? I hope you will ponder this question as a way to invite God to show you how Farmville Baptist can be the presence of Christ in our community in fresh, exciting and creative ways!
— Journeying on, Michael
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Alma Hunt State Missions Offering
In the month of October, Farmville Baptist will be having our Alma Hunt Offering for Virginia Missions emphasis. Our goal this year is to collect $1,000.00 for this offering. Envelopes will be available in the pew racks for this offering.
Alma Hunt was a Virginia-born, world renown Baptist leader, having served 26 years as WMU National Executive Director and, after retirement, as a national and international missions advocate. Until her death at age 98, her sacrificial service was an example for all Virginia Baptists to emulate. Thus, the State Missions Offering of Virginia was named in her honor in 1998.
The Alma Hunt Offering for Virginia Missions makes possible special ministries, outreach projects, and initiatives that are not funded through regular streams of giving but are uniquely connected to VA Baptists.
Baptist General Association of Virginia
The Baptist General Association of Virginia will hold its annual meeting on
November 17-18, 2009 at the Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center, Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Farmville Baptist Church is eligible to send 14 messengers to attend this meeting. Please contact Michael if you would like to attend.
Welcome Our New Members!
On Sunday, August 30, at the end of the worship service, we welcomed Sara Thompson into the membership of Farmville Baptist. Sara comes to join as a watchcare member while attending Longwood University. Sara is also serving as one of our ministry interns this year.
On Sunday, September 20, we welcomed Tara and JoAnn Bauer to membership at Farmville Baptist by transfer of letter from a sister Baptist church. The Bauers live in Farmville, and Tara is a ninth-grader at the Fuqua School.
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
THANK YOU
Thank you for the gift card to Barnes & Noble. Being allowed to lead the Ruth Class is an honor and a privilege. No other recognition is needed, but again, “Thank you.”
Doris Weaver
* * * * *
Thank you for adding me to your prayer list. After five months of illness and being hospitalized I fully know the goodness in those prayers and what they have done for me. I am better and I thank Doris Weaver for all she has done.
God bless you all, Anne Hayden
* * * * *
I just wanted to let the congregation know how much I appreciated the many prayers before and after my accident. It is to people like you who I owe everything. Thank you again, and God bless.
Andy Koroneos, Hampden-Sydney Class of 2009
CALENDAR
October 4……. Jail Ministry/Piedmont Regional Jail
October 7……. Music & Worship Meeting, 5:00 pm
………………….. Prayer Meeting, 6 pm
October 9……. “Reclaiming Our Life Ministries” Conference
October 11….. Deacons’ Meeting, 8:30 am
October 12….. Columbus Day—Office Closed
October 13….. Missions & Outreach, 5:45 pm
October 14….. Prayer Meeting, 6 pm
October 17….. FACES Food Distribution, 8:00 am
October 18….. Church Council Meeting, 8:30 am
October 19….. Newsletter Articles Due
October 20….. Ladies Night Out/Big Dogs
October 21….. Prayer Meeting, 6 pm
October 24….. “Reclaiming Our Life Ministries”
October 25….. Deacon Ordination/Installation Sunday
………………….. Children’s Hayride, 3:30 pm
October 30….. Youth Handout at Halloween Parade, 4 pm
WORSHIPPING GOD
Farmville Baptist Worship Services in October
Michael will finish his “Get a Life!” sermon series on October 4. Starting October 11, he will start another sermon series called: “The Good Life (According to Walmart)”. For seven weeks, Michael will take a look at the Walmart checkout line to see what messages it gives about the good life and what the Bible has to teach in response.
10/4…. “Get a Life! What Do I Need to Learn?”
10/11.. “The Good Life According to Walmart: Health”
10/18.. “Beauty & Sex” – (Church Pot-Luck Lunch after the service)
10/25.. “Wealth” (Deacon Ordination Service)
Deacon Ordination Sunday, October 25
In our worship service on Sunday, October 25, we will be ordaining Tim Trent to the position of Deacon. He will be joined by George Carter, Ruth Patteson, and Doris Weaver as they all will be installed as active Deacons for the 2010-2012 term. Please worship with us on that day as we affirm these in their service as deacons.
All Saints Sunday, November 1
On this Sunday in our worship service, we will honor Edith Ann Austin, Janie Simpson, and Betty Watson as our “Good and Faithful Servants” and Peggy Cave as our Life Deacon. There will also be a pot-luck luncheon after worship to continue our celebration.
Children’s Choir Rehearsal
Our Children’s Choir will begin rehearsing on the second and fourth Sunday evening of every month, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Children first through fifth grade are invited to participate. Gail Cave will serve as the director for the choir. The choir will meet on October 11, but on October 25, the children are invited to attend the Halloween Hayride from 3:30 to 5.30 p.m. at 952 Lockett Rd.
Sanctuary & Bell Choir Rehearsals
This fall, the 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.
Sunday Schedule for Children’s Church Workers
October 4
Toddlers/Cribs:……………… Sandy & Matt Covington
Toddlers:……………………… Lucille Holman
Children’s Worship:……….. Carter Family
October 11
Toddlers/Cribs:……………… B. A. & Emmalee Klein
Toddlers:……………………… Lucille Holman
Children’s Worship:……….. Beth Cheuk
October 18
Toddlers/Cribs:……………… Volunteer Needed
Toddlers:……………………… Lucille Holman
Children’s Missions:……….. Edith Ann & Katherine Austin
October 25
Toddlers/Cribs:……………… David Schmidt
Toddlers:……………………… Lucille Holman
Children’s Worship:……….. Farrah Schmidt
GROWING TOGETHER
Stewardship Report
On Stewardship Sunday, September 27, we received 59 pledge cards for a total of $152,792.00. This is a 2.25% increase over last year’s commitment on Consecration Sunday If you have not yet turned in your card, please do so soon. Thanks!
Budget Needs through August 31…………………………… $170,421.78
Budget Disbursements through August 31………………… $133,503.37
Budget Receipts through August 31………………………… $138,831.78
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, so that the Stewardship Committee can come up with a budget for the upcoming church year.
PASSPORT Camp Registration!
It is now time to register for both Passport Kids and Youth Camps!
PASSPORT Kids Camp (completed grades 3-6), at Eagle Eyrie, Lynchburg, VA, June 19-22 (Sat – Tues). Cost: $235; Deposit: $60.
PASSPORT Youth Camp (completed grades 6-12), at Wingate University, Wingate NC, July 18-23 (Sun – Fri). Cost: $328; Deposit: $75.
Register and secure your spot by submitting the deposit made payable to “Farmville Baptist” by Sunday, November 1. Contact Michael Cheuk if you have any questions or conflicts with these dates. You can also find out more information about the camps by visiting the Passport Camps website: http://www.passportcamps.org.
Youth Events in October
For the month of October, “No Holds Barred” will meet from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Julie Gaines will lead.
October 4 at FBC
October 11 at FBC
October 18 at Chasseys’, 960 Greentown Rd., 223-7481
October 25 at Children’s Hayride, 952 Lockett Rd., 2:30 p.m.
Also, on Friday, October 30, from 4 to 5 p.m., our youth will hand out Halloween goodies on the front steps of the church during the town’s Halloween Parade on Main Street.
Children’s Hayride, October 25, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Farmville Baptist Church will be hosting a Children’s Hayride on October 25, at 3:30 p.m. at the “Children’s Hayride” at 952 Lockett Rd. The hayride will not be “haunted” this year. Instead, there will be “fall festival” games for children to play. A hot dog and s’mores cookout will follow the hayride.
Here are directions to the Hayride:
From Farmville take 460 East, go past Trinity Memorial Gardens on your right
Turn LEFT on County Road 600 (if you get to Rt. 307 you have gone too far).
The road will fork.
Veer LEFT on County Road 619 (Lockett Rd.)
Look for the Hayfield on your right at 952 Lockett Rd.
If you get lost, contact Wayne Wallace for directions 390-7818 (cell).
Please contact Sara Thompson (434-987-0326, ) to RSVP or if you have any questions.
Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting
Peggy Cave is leading a weekly Wednesday night prayer meeting for adults in the Fellowship Hall, from 6 to 6:30 p.m. There will be a brief scriptural meditation followed by updates on those who are on our prayer list. Participants will have an opportunity to add prayer requests, write prayer cards and pray for those on our list. All are invited to attend this time of intercessory prayer and spiritual growth!
Prayer List Distribution
The church office will be sending a weekly email with our full Prayer Concerns list to church members. That list, along with a supply of prayer cards, will also be printed out for our adult Sunday School classes so that they may either send cards or add individuals to the list. If you wish to add someone, please email the church office or call 392-5041. Please include the person’s name, mailing address and the reason for them being put on the list. Please also provide updates on that person’s progress. If there is not an update for an individual after a four-week period, we will assume that the person is doing well, and his or her name will be removed from the list.
New Prayer Groups to Form
We are beginning to start new prayer groups as part of our Spiritual Transformation Journey! Past participants in our prayer triplets and any other persons who would like to join a group consisting of 4-6 members are invited to a ten-session prayer experience that meets for about an hour each at a location and time determined by each prayer group. The groups will use a prayer guide that is designed to help members to share their lives, to pray for one another and the church, and to discern God’s call for each individual and the church to be fruitful in these five practices: radical hospitality, passionate worship, intentional faith development, risk-taking mission and service, and extravagant generosity. Each member is required to purchase a prayer and devotional book called Cultivating Fruitfulness for $7.
If you are interested in participating in a prayer group, please contact Michael Cheuk or the church office (392-5041) to sign up and to pay for the book.
Ladies’ Night Out at Big Dogs, October 20th, 6:00 p.m.
All ladies are invited to have dinner at Big Dogs Restaurant, 1506 S. Main St, 391-3912, on Tuesday, October 20 at 6:00 p.m.. RSVP to Penny Huskey no later than October 16 (392-1050 or pvhuskey1 [at] embarqmail.com).
SERVING OTHERS
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. Please contact Anita Lynn, 391-3751, for more information and to participate.
FACES Food Distribution, Saturday, October 17
On Saturday, October 17, volunteers of all ages are needed at FACES from 8 to 10 a.m. to help with food distribution. Meet at the church at 7:45 a.m. and walk over to FACES located at 314 N. South St.
Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore Has Moved
The Farmville Area Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore has moved to The Shoppes at College Park, 1411 South Main Street, next to Perini’s. Please stop by on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. to browse or donate “gently used” building materials, tools, furniture or appliances. All proceeds help build affordable homes for sale to low-income families. Please call 434-392-6627 to arrange donations or to volunteer.
Christmas Gifts for Piedmont Geriatric Hospital
The Ruth Class is collecting items for the Piedmont Geriatric Hospital. A list of needed items will be posted on the missions bulletin board and you can drop off items in a box in the hallway. The deadline for this collection is November 18th. Do not wrap gifts. Checks should be made payable to Piedmont Geriatric Hospital, Christmas.
“Hands 4 Christ” Local Mission Project, November 7
Heritage Baptist Church is sponsoring a day of local missions on Saturday, Nov. 7, starting at 7:30 a.m. and ending at 8:30 p.m. All youth grades 6 to 12 and adults from local churches are invited to participate in serving our community and surrounding areas through projects involving painting to building to yard work and everything in between.
Cost per youth is $10.00, which includes food for the day and a T-shirt. Heritage Baptist also welcomes any donations of money and supplies, and adult volunteers experienced in building and painting to supervise the youth and the job sites.
Deadline for registering is Sunday, October 18. Please contact Julie Gaines (760-2135) or the church office (392-5041) to register.
BIRTHDAYS
October 4
Cave, Gail
October 5
Tharpe, Tim
October 8
Watson, Gary
October 9
O’York, Lawrence
October 10
Mallory, Nellie
October 11
Southall, Whitney
October 13
Huskey, Daniel
Morrissette, Ruth
Schmidt, Al
October 14
Barnett, Crystal
Tatum, Tabitha
October 15
Thompson, Weldon
October 18
Covington, William
October 21
Wilkerson, Charles
October 22
Wallace, Charles
October 23
Amos, Lynn
October 25
Huskey, Lorena
October 26
Taylor, Alise
October 27
Austin, Edith Ann
Wallace, Wayne
October 29
Austin, Katherine
Tolley, Darren