September, 2009
Click here Informer 2009-09 for a pdf version of this newsletter
FBC Informer – September 2009
Table of Contents
- Worship Services
- Sunday School Promotion
- Ruth Patteson Recognition
- Choir Schedule
- Wednesday Night Prayer Service
- Prayer List
- Schedule for Children’s Church Workers
- Children’s Choir Rehearsal Schedule
- Children’s Games Afternoon
- Youth Ministry
- Ministry Interns
- “Get a Life” Sunday School Class
- Stewardship Report
- Dinner Night Out
- College Ministry
PASTOR’S COLUMN
“Get a Life!
Good news, folks — your pastor is about to get a life! Come on, admit it, you’ve been hoping it would happen . . . at least I know Beth has!
Seriously though, I’m excited about the five-week class and sermon series that I will lead during Sunday School and worship starting September 6. This summer, I’ve been reading a book called Get a Life! that deals with how a person can have a full and abundant life as promised by Jesus in John 10:10: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” It is a very practical book, one that has challenged me to look deeper into my life and my faith. I hope to share some insights from what I’ve learned this summer, and I cordially invite all our adults and youth to attend the class Sunday mornings from 9:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
Having issued my invitation, I do want to make it clear that this class may not be everyone’s cup of tea. The class will heavily depend on the active participation and sharing of those in attendance. To get the most out of the class and the sermon series, some might want to order the book Get a Life! It Is All About You by Reggie McNeal. For others, this topic might be “old hat,” and some Sunday School classes may rightly decide to continue meeting separately during those five weeks. Probably most of all, this class and sermon series is about me taking some risks and going a little bit out of my comfort zone to teach and preach in ways that I have not done so before.
During these five weeks, we will address some significant questions. Questions like “Why am I here?”, “What is really important to me?”, What am I really good at?”, and “What do I need to learn?” We will not be able to answer fully each of these questions, but my hope is that these questions will stimulate us to examine our lives so that we may live more fully into the lives that God has intended for us as individuals and as a church.
As we start a new school year, I hope you will join me in enrolling in the “school of life.” May God bless and enlighten us as we take this journey together.
— Journeying on, Michael
ANNOUNCEMENTS
“Get a Life, Give a Blessing” Stewardship Sunday, Sept. 27
September is our Stewardship Emphasis month, and this year, our theme is “Get a Life, Give a Blessing.” Throughout each Sunday in worship, members of our church will share how giving a blessing to others in the name of God can be life-giving.
This stewardship emphasis will culminate on Stewardship Sunday, September 27, when members will turn in estimate-of-giving cards at the end of the worship service to help support the ministry and mission of Farmville Baptist. After the service, all are invited to a cookie and punch reception in the Fellowship Hall. Let’s all attend church that Sunday and make September 27 a high attendance Sunday!
Very soon, letters will be mailed to members and regular attendees to give more details about our stewardship emphasis. Please be in prayerful consideration in the coming weeks as you seek God’s guidance in your stewardship and participation in God’s work through the ministries of Farmville Baptist!
QUARTERLY CHURCH BUSINESS MEETING
We will have our Quarterly Church Business Meeting on Sunday, September 20, after worship in the Sanctuary. The main item on the agenda is to vote on the new slate of committee members recruited by our Nominating Committee.
“Spiritual Transformation Journey” Second Cluster Retreat
The Initiating Leadership Community for our Spiritual Transformation Journey will be attending its second retreat in Richmond on September 25-26. Please pray for Ken Copeland, Crystal Cupp, Don Kyper, John Slade, Doris Weaver, Elizabeth Whiley and Michael Cheuk as they learn about the next phase of our spiritual journey.
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
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. Gascón and family
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Thank each of you for remembering me in your kind and helpful thoughts and prayers. The prayer cards and prayers can help more than you will ever know. Keep praying for me.
Love, Catherine Estes
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We wish to extend a heartfelt thank you for your many prayers and caring thoughts that you had for Sarah both before and after her passing. Knowing that so many people were praying for us helped to support and comfort us during this difficult time. Thank you again for your love and caring.
Warmest Regards, The Glascock Family
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Bobby and Ann Swanberg upon the arrival of their son, Mason William, born August 7. Proud grandparents are Jack and Edith Ann Austin along with aunt Katherine and siblings Abigail and Carter.
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Congratulations to Katherine Austin on being selected as a 2009 Aramark Outstanding Volunteer! Katherine was presented with a Bronze Medal Jefferson Award for Public Service for her work with Amateur Radio Operation, Virginia Military Affiliate Radio system and with our church’s monthly children’s mission group.
CALENDAR
September 6……………. Sunday School Promotion
September 7……………. Labor Day—Office Closed
September 10………….. BCM Dinner, 5 pm
September 12………….. Camerata Singers Retreat, 9 to noon
September 13………….. Deacons’ Meeting, 8:30 am
September 14………….. Missions & Outreach Committee Meeting, 5:45 pm
September 19………….. “Reclaiming Our Life Ministries,” 9 am to 4 pm
…………………………….. “Stop Hunger Now,” 10 to noon @ Heritage Baptist
…………………………….. Children’s Games Afternoon, 3 to 5:30 pm
September 20………….. Church Business Meeting, after worship
…………………………….. Ruth Patteson Recognition Sunday Luncheon
September 21………….. Newsletter Articles Due
September 24………….. Dinner Night Out @ Hobie’s Hitch’n Post
September 25-26…….. Spiritual Transformation Journey Cluster Retreat
September 27………….. Stewardship Sunday
…………………………….. Reception in Fellowship Hall after worship service
WORSHIPPING GOD
Farmville Baptist Worship Services in September
Starting in September, Michael will be preaching a sermon series called “Get a Life!” The series is based on a book of the same name by Reggie McNeal, a church leadership specialist. The focus scripture for this series is from John 10:10: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” During these five Sundays, the following questions will be addressed:
9/6 “Why am I here?”
9/13 “What is really important to me?”
9/20 “What is my scorecard?”
9/27 “What am I really good at?”
10/4 “What do I need to learn?”
Sunday School Promotion, September 6
On Sunday, September 6, in worship, we will be promoting our Sunday School classes for our grade-school students. We will also be recognizing our Sunday School teachers in the worship service.
Fellowship Pot-Luck After Worship, Sunday, September 20
On Sunday September 20, after worship, there will be a quick church business meeting to vote on the recommendations from our Nominating Committee. Afterwards, all are invited to a Fellowship Pot-Luck luncheon in honor of Ruth Patteson for her years of service as Chair of the Social Committee. Come and express your thanks to Ruth on this special day!
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.
Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting Starts September 23
This fall, we will take a break in offering our usual Wednesday night suppers and Wednesday night Bible study for adults and children. However, starting September 23, we will be offering a weekly Wednesday night prayer meeting for adults held in the Fellowship Hall, from 6 to 6:30 p.m. Peggy Cave will lead the meeting by offering a brief scriptural meditation and giving 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
Starting in September, 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 or call the church office, 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.
Sunday Schedule for Children’s Church Workers
September 6
Toddlers/Cribs:……………… Volunteer Needed
Toddlers:……………………… Lucille Holman
Children’s Worship:……….. Charlotte Cave
September 13
Toddlers/Cribs:……………… Chuck & Debbie Daniel
Toddlers:……………………… Lucille Holman
Children’s Worship:……….. Beth Cheuk
September 20
Toddlers/Cribs:……………… Volunteer Needed
Toddlers:……………………… Lucille Holman
Children’s Missions:……….. Edith Ann & Katherine Austin
September 27
Toddlers/Cribs:……………… Katrina & Tori Dunn
Toddlers:……………………… Lucille Holman
Children’s Worship:……….. Patti Trent
GROWING TOGETHER
Children’s Choir Rehearsal
Starting in September, our Children’s Choir will begin rehearsing on the second and fourth Sunday evening of every month, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. starting in October. Children first through fifth grade are invited to participate. Gail Cave will serve as the director for the choir.
Children’s Games Afternoon, September 19, 3 to 5:30 p.m.
On Saturday, September 19, 3 to 5:30 p.m., all grade-school children are invited to attend a “Games Afternoon” at the home of Chris & Jackie Jones, 1203 Sixth Ave., 392-9311. Sara Thompson, our ministry intern for children, will be leading games as a way to get to know the children better. A free pizza dinner will be provided for our children and their parents. Please contact Sara (434-987-0326, sara[at]farmvillebaptist.org) to RSVP.
Youth “No Holds Barred” Meetings, 6:00 to 7:15 p.m.
For the month of September, “No Holds Barred” will meet from 6:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Julie Gaines (julie[at]farmvillebaptist.org) will lead.
September 6 At the Chassey’s, 960 Greentown Rd., 223-7481
September 13 At FBC
September 20 At FBC
September 27 At FBC
Introducing Ministry Interns
Starting in September, we will have two Longwood students on staff serving as ministry interns. Please welcome Julie Gaines and Sara Thompson as they work with our children, youth and college students!
I’m Julie Gaines, and I’m a music student at Longwood, taking a lot of the same classes as Anita Lynn! I chaperoned the youth to Passport camp this summer and felt called to work with them this year, especially leading “No Holds Barred.” I grew up in Charlottesville and was in Michael’s youth group when he was at University Baptist! I enjoy spending time with people, seeing God in the little things, swimming, music and finding the big picture. I’m a sucker for a good chick flick or anything that makes me think. I love the quote from the movie American Beauty: “It’s a great thing when you realize you still have the ability to surprise yourself. Makes you wonder what else you can do that you’ve forgotten about.”
Hi! I’m Sara Thompson. I work with the children and college students here at Farmville Baptist. I grew up in as a pastor’s daughter in Crozet, Virginia, and was brought to the Farmville area by the pursuit of a degree in English Education and a minor in French (taking classes often taught by the Farmville Baptist organist, Dr. Amoss). In my spare time, I enjoy coloring, reading, and listening to the tunes of Relient K, my favorite band! I also enjoy napping, when I have time! My favorite Bible verse is Mark 10:27, because it reminds me that I can do all things (even a 10 page paper!) if I rely on God for help.
Pastor to Teach “Get a Life!” Sunday School Class
Starting September 6, Michael will be teaching a five-week Sunday School class from 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall called “Get a Life!” The class will consist of a brief lecture and small-group discussion about how we can live the abundant life that God intended for us to live. All adults and youth are invited to the study.
Stewardship Report
Budget Needs through August 25 $166,298.59
Budget Disbursements August 25 $126,790.49
Budget Receipts through August 25 $132,392.30
Dinner Night Out at Hitch’n Post, September 24, 6:30 p.m.
All ladies and gentlemen are invited to have dinner at the Hitch’n Post (Route 15 in Hampden Sydney, 223-1234) on Thursday, September 24 at 6:30 p.m.. RSVP to Penny Huskey no later than September 20 (392-1050 or pvhuskey1[at]embarqmail.com).
Parents for our “Adopt-a-Student” Ministry Needed!
The “Adopt-a-Student” program is a fun outreach program designed to give college students local Christian support while living in Farmville. Suggested activities may include taking your students to lunch or having them over for a home-cooked meal, sending cards on special occasions, calling to check on them, offering a ride to Sunday School, etc). For more information or to sign up, please contact Patsy Watson at 392-8563 or by email at pwatson[at]southsidevafamilyymca.org.
SERVING OTHERS
“Mentoring Children for a Better Tomorrow”
“Prince Edward Partnership for Success” is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children. They are currently looking for individuals to mentor at-risk 2nd and 3rd graders from Prince Edward Elementary School.
Requirements include:
- 12-month commitment from September 2009 to August 2010
- One hour per week minimum interaction time with an at-risk child
- Background and reference checks on all mentor applicants
Mentors will receive:
- Training prior to beginning the program
- Support and continued training throughout the year
For more information, please contact Jane Hudgins at (434) 391-1159.
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.
“Stop Hunger Now” September 19
The Southside Baptist Association is sponsoring a Stop Hunger Now event at Heritage Baptist. On September 19, from 10 a.m. to noon, members from Southside Baptist Association churches will gather at Heritage Baptist Church to fill up containers that will provide food for persons suffering from starvation in a third-world country.
You can be a part of “Stop Hunger Now” by:
Giving financially to support this effort. Make checks payable to Heritage Baptist Church and write “Stop Hunger Now” in the memo.
Being present to help fill the containers. They will need several people to come out and help that day. Don’t miss this opportunity to join in with others in taking a step towards alleviating hunger in the world.
For more information, contact Jeff Hudgins, Pastor, Heritage Baptist Church at 392-6119.
BIRTHDAYS
September 1
Copeland, Erin
September 3
Cave, Kim
Watson, Casey
September 4
Raymond, Bob
September 7
Cheyne, Lisa
Phaup, Nancy
Walter, Louise
September 9
Bratcher. Darlene
September 11
Saxtan III, H. A.
September 13
Patterson, Cameron
September 14
Shumaker, Docia
September 15
Davis, Jim
September 17
Tucker, Caroline
September 21
Raymond, Pamela
September 22
Chapin, Crystal
Wingo, Erica
September 24
Davis, Kim
September 25
Huskey, Lorena
September 26
Bandy, Loren
Moorefield, Patricia
September 27
Huskey, Charlotte
September 28
Nelson, Tracy