September 2011
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FBC Informer – September 2011
PASTOR’S COLUMN
“Remembering . . . Celebrating . . . Dreaming”
Our 175th Anniversary Celebration is a month and a half away, and preparations for this momentous occasion in the life of our church are well underway! I am so grateful for the many members who are working diligently to ensure that October 16 is a special day. As we approach this important milestone, it is a wonderful opportunity for us as a church to remember the past, to celebrate the present, and to dream about the future.
One way that we are remembering the past is the publication of a history booklet that will serve as an addendum to the history book that was published for our sesquicentennial in 1986. Many thanks to Peggy Cave, Becky Kelly, Nancy Vick, and Ceile Dunlap for their work on this booklet!
Another way that we will be remembering the past and celebrating the present is through a series of interviews that Jay Lynn will facilitate among various groups within the church. In these videotaped interviews, participants will be asked these questions pertaining to our past:
1) What brought you to FBC?
2) What were your initial impressions? What made you decide to stay?
3) Share a personal story about FBC that is especially meaningful to you.
Also, the following questions will be asked pertaining to our present:
4) What three words would you use to describe FBC to an outsider?
5) What three words would describe the things that are important to us?
6) What are some things/ministries we do well at FBC? What resources are we blessed with as a church?
I hope you’ll begin to consider these questions as a way to identify the ways that God has worked and is working in the life of Farmville Baptist. I encourage you to participate in these interviews so that your thoughts, responses and stories will be recorded for posterity. Portions of these interviews will be shown at our reunion luncheon after worship on October 16.
Finally, our anniversary shouldn’t just be about our past or the present. Ideally, it will also launch us into the future. Therefore, we will celebrate 2012 as our “175th Anniversary Year” in which special events will be planned for us to dream, discern and discover the future that God has for us. It will be a great year, and I hope that you’ll be a part of this exciting journey!
Blessings, Michael
ANNOUNCEMENTS
You are cordially invited to
Farmville Baptist Church’s
175th Anniversary Reunion Celebration
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Continental Breakfast/Social at 9:30 a.m.
Worship Celebration at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary
Reunion Luncheon at 12 noon in the Fellowship Hall
Anniversary Program and Festivities to end by 2:00 p.m.
Preparations for our 175th Anniversary are well underway! Here’s an update of what is going on . . .
Your help is needed to obtain current mailing address and contact information of former FBC members, staff, and out-of-town friends so that we can send them invitations to our anniversary celebration!Please give updated information to Gene Watson (392-8563) or to the church office (392-5041).
Church Clean-Up Days. In making sure that our building is looking its best for our anniversary celebration, Jim Davis and the Property Committee have scheduled two “Church Clean-Up” days on Saturdays, September 24 and October 8, starting at 9 a.m. (with a continental breakfast served) and ending at 1 p.m. Clean-up projects include painting, carpet cleaning, retouching and staining the sanctuary pews, dusting various rooms, and cleaning the bathrooms. A list of projects and the supplies needed will be published in the coming weeks. Your help is needed! Many hands make light work!
Interviews: In the coming weeks, Jay Lynn (with Kathy’s help) will be contacting various FBC groups of all ages to schedule interview times for them to share their favorite stories and memories of Farmville Baptist. Segments of these interviews will be videotaped and shown at our anniversary luncheon. For more information about these interviews, please read the pastor’s column.
Hat and Tie Contest: Get ready for the Ladies’ Hat & Men’s Tie (neck or bow) contest! Wear your hat or tie to our Anniversary Celebration and you may receive a prize at our reunion luncheon for being “historically correct,” “fashionable,” or “funny/gaudy”!
Returning Pastors and Staff members include Dr. Jason Thrower, Rev. Les Giles, Pam McDermott and their families. Dr. Bill Wilson, Dr. Charles Stewart, Rev. Susan Joyce, and Revs. Joseph and Dawn Mayes send their regrets.
Fun Facts from our history:
- In the 1860’s, many non-Baptists attended Farmville Baptist in order to view the “most beautiful woman ever seen.” Mrs. Arnaud Preot was FBC’s choir director, and the French wife of the President of Farmville Female College (1862-1870).
- Mr. Holman Rice, a prominent church member used to pray he might be permitted to die while praying. In the fall of 1976, his prayer was answered as he passed away while on his knees at a prayer meeting at Farmville Baptist.
- Mary Jo Young Chassey played in the first FBC bell choir as a middle school student. In fact, it was the first bell choir in Farmville.Since Mary Jo returned to FBC with her wonderful family, she has played in and directed the present bell choir.
Anniversary Pictorial Directory
Sign up for Portrait Sessions Now! We are currently scheduling portrait sessions for the week of September 12-16.You can schedule your portrait appointment by going to our website: www.farmvillebaptist.org. Each individual/family who has their portrait taken will receive a freedirectory when they are published in December. If you do not have internet access, please contact Kerby Moore (392-6727) and he will be happy to schedule your appointment.
Pictorial Directory Hosts and Hostesses Needed! We need volunteers to host our registration table during our portrait–taking session days, September 12-16. Please contact Sandy Covington (392-9519) if you can help.
Quarterly Church Business Meeting
We will have our Quarterly Church Business Meeting on Sunday, September 18, at 9:45 a.m. in the Sanctuary. The church will vote on the new slate of committee members recruited by our Nominating Committee.
Discipleship “Huddle” Groups
Michael is planning on starting more 8-week discipleship “huddle” groups this fall open to anyone who would like to participate. The requirements are that participants must commit to attend each meeting, be willing to hear and follow God’s Spirit, to hold each other accountable, and to lead their own discipleship group sometime in 2012. If you are interested in finding out more about these life-changing groups, please contact Michael.
MEMORIAM
Ruby Irvin Smith
10/2/1918—8/5/2011
Dorothy Strickland Ennis
11/10/1920—8/6/2011
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES
We offer Sunday School classes for all ages spanning preschoolers to senior adults. Classes begin at 9:45 a.m. and end at around 10:40 a.m.
GROUPS ROOM TEACHER(S)___
Children
Age 3 to Kindergarten: …………… Preschool Rm. 3………………… Celia Jo Young, Mary Jo Chassey
Grades 1 to 3: ………………….. Rm. 302…………………………… Janie Simpson, Janett Southall
Grades 4 to 5: ………………….. Rm. 303…………………………… Beth Cheuk
Youth
Grades 6 to 12: ………………… Rm. 304…………………………… Chuck Daniel, Gail Cave
Adult
College Students……………….. Rm. 308…………………………… Michael Cheuk
Median Adults: ………………… Fellowship Hall…………………. Ken Copeland
Older Median Adults:………… Preschool Rm. 5………………… Clinton Vick
Senior Adults: ………………….. Church Parlor……………………. Dave Landrum
THANK YOU
We appreciate the cards sent to me concerning thoughts and prayer for me.
Sincerely, Frances Wootton & family
* * * * *
Thank you so much for keeping me in your prayers. It means more than you’ll ever know.Love and God Bless to you all!
Vickie Tate
* * * * *
Thank you all for the food and cards that you sent at this time. The prayer cards and calls meant so much.Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.
H. A. Saxtan and family
CALENDAR
September 4……………………… Jail Ministry, 9:00 am
……………………………………….. Hymn Sing Service/Sunday School Promotion, 10:55 am
September 5……………………… Labor Day—Office Closed
September 6……………………… Preschool Begins, 9:00 am
September 7……………………… Conversational English, 9:00 am
……………………………………….. Prayer Meeting, 5:30 pm
September 8……………………… BCM Dinner, 5:00 pm
September 9……………………… Southall-Burger Wedding Rehearsal 6:00 pm
September 10……………………. Southall-Burger Wedding, 1:00 pm
September 11……………………. Church Council, 8:30 am
……………………………………….. Children’s Choir, 6:00 pm
September 12……………………. SBA Pastor’s Meeting, 11:00 am
September 12-16……………….. Pictorial Directory Portraits
September 14……………………. Conversational English, 9:00 am
……………………………………….. Prayer Meeting, 5:30 pm
September 17……………………. FACES Food Distribution, 7:30 am
September 18……………………. Church Business Meeting, 9:45 am
September 19……………………. Newsletter Articles Due
September 21……………………. Conversational English, 9:00 am
……………………………………….. Prayer Meeting, 5:30 pm
September 22……………………. Ladies Night Out @ Shogun Japanese Steakhouse
September 24……………………. Church Clean Up, 9 am to 1 pm
September 25……………………. Adopt-a-Student Dinner, 5:00 pm
……………………………………….. Children’s Choir, 6:00 pm
September 28……………………. Conversational English, 9:00 am
……………………………………….. Prayer Meeting, 5:30 pm
WORSHIPPING GOD
Farmville Baptist Worship Services in September
September 4 …………………….. Hymn Sing Service/Sunday School Promotion
September 11……………………. “A Memorial of Forgiveness” – Matthew 18:21-35
September 18 …………………… “Gracious Generosity” – Matthew 20:1-16
September 25 …………………… “Imitating Christ” – Philippians 2:1-13
Sunday School Promotion Sunday, September 4
On Sunday, September 5, in morning 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.
“Hymn Sing Service,” September 4
On Sunday, September 4, we will have a “Hymn Sing Service” in which we sing some of the favorite hymns and songs of our congregation! Join us as we raise our voices in praise and adoration to God!
Sanctuary and 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. If you are interested in participating, please contact Sandy Yeatts (223-2295) for the Sanctuary Choir and Mary Jo Chassey (223-7481) for the Bell Choir.
Children’s Choir to Resume September 11
Children’s Choir will resume on Sunday, September 11, and will meet on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month during the school year, 6:00-7:00 p.m. Children in grades 1-5 are invited to participate.Anita Lynn and Beth Cheuk will serve as children’s choir leaders.Children will sing during worship an average of once per month.
Rededication to Christ
On Sunday, July 31, Kevin Dunn, a member of Farmville Baptist since his baptism on January 1, 1984, came forward during worship service to rededicate his life to Christ. He lives with his wife Katrina and their two children Tori and Kevin, Jr. at 4 Beechwood Drive, Farmville, VA. We rejoice in his decision!
Volunteers Needed!
Michael is creating a schedule of volunteers to lead in Sunday morning worship during the summer months.Volunteers are needed in these areas:
1) leading the Call to Worship and other responsive readings
2) giving the Prayer of Praise, Prayers of the People and Offertory Prayer
3) reading Scripture
4) doing the Children’s Lesson
A schedule will be posted on the church’s bulletin board for volunteers to sign up. Thank you very much for your help and participation in worship!
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.
Sunday Schedule for Children’s Church Workers
September 4
Toddlers/Cribs:…………………………….. Katrina & Tori Dunn
Toddlers:………………………………………. Lucille Holman
Children’s Worship:……………………… Lisa Tharpe & Kevin Dunn
September 11
Toddlers/Cribs:…………………………….. David Schmidt & Thea Cheuk
Toddlers:………………………………………. Lucille Holman
Children’s Worship:……………………… Farrah Schmidt & Katie Trent
September 18
Toddlers/Cribs:…………………………….. McLemore Family
Toddlers:………………………………………. Lucille Holman
Children’s Missions:……………………… Edith Ann & Katherine Austin
September 25
Toddlers/Cribs:…………………………….. Crystal Cupp & Erin Copeland
Toddlers:………………………………………. Lucille Holman
Children’s Worship:……………………… Beth Cheuk
GROWING TOGETHER
Stewardship Report
Budget Needs through 8/29…………………………………………….. $165,098.30
Total Disbursements through 8/29…………………………………….. $150,342.24
Receipts (Gen. Offering & Interest Income) through 8/29….. $132,616.68
Building Fund Report
As of August 29, $31,628.70 has been donated toward our roof restoration project. The total cost of the project was $99,665.00. Any donations toward our building restoration fund will be greatly appreciated! Special “Building Restoration Fund” envelopes can be found on our “Raise in Praise” bulletin board on the main floor.
Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting
Join us for our Wednesday night prayer meeting for adults in the Fellowship Hall, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Peggy Cave leads a brief scripture lesson followed by updates on those who are on our prayer list.
Ladies Night Out, September 22, 6:00 p.m.
All ladies are invited to have dinner at The Shogun Japanese Steakhouse on Thursday, September 22 at 6:00 p.m. RSVP to Penny Huskey (392-1050 or pvhuskey1[at]embarqmail.com) no later than September 21.
Parents for our “Adopt-a-Student” Ministry Needed!
The “Adopt-a-Student” program is a fun outreach program designed to give college students a “home away from home” 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.). Please contact Patsy Watson, gnpwatson [at] gmail [dot] com, 392-8563, for more information or to sign up for this fun and fulfilling ministry.
Adopt-A-Student Welcome Dinner, September 25
On Sunday, September 25, an “Adopt-a-Student” welcome dinner will be held in our church Fellowship Hall starting at 5 p.m. It will be a pot-luck dinner provided by our adoptive parents. After the dinner, students participating in our adopt-a-student program will be matched with their adoptive parents. Contact Patsy Watson (392-8563) for more information about the dinner.
SERVING OTHERS
FACES Food Distribution
On Saturday, September 17, 7:30 to 11 a.m., Farmville Baptist Church will be volunteering at FACES (416 N. South Street), our local food pantry. Meet at FACES at 7:30 a.m., or go at 9:30 a.m. to be the “second shift.”
Communion Ministry
The deacons would like to offer communion to our church families that are shut-ins or in the retirement homes in our area. If you or someone you know would also like to have communion served to them, please contact the church office so our deacons can schedule the visitation on our communion Sundays.
English Conversation Class
Volunteers are needed to help “teach” an English conversation class for four Chinese nationals (the owners of Shogun Restaurant) on Wednesday mornings from 9 to 10 a.m. in our Fellowship Hall. No preparation is necessary. Also, one of them is free for several more hours on Wednesday, and would love to spend additional time, perhaps in your home, to visit and speak more English. She is happy also to do some light housework or help around the house during that time. Please contact Michael if you’re interested in volunteering.
“Meals on Wheels” News
It takes $5/day; $25/week; $100/month; and $1200/year to satisfy one senior’s hunger, yet the personal interaction is priceless and invaluable!
If you know of those who need our services, please contact us. Also, if there are those who wish to serve as volunteer drivers, we welcome newcomers.
Contact: Cindy Cave 434-392-8797; director [at] scopemow.farmville.net
Ministry Teams at Farmville Baptist
Our ministry teams are up and running! Below is a list of teams and their contact persons should you know of a need that these teams can meet.
Small Tasks Team: Performs small tasks like changing light bulbs, raking leaves, and doing yard work.Contact Jim Davis, 392-3308.
Food Team: Provides food to those who need a meal, especially those who are sick, recently hospitalized, etc.Contact Peggy Cave, 392-4422.
Visitation Team: Makes visits to those unable to attend church regularly.Contact Jack Davis, 223-4413.
Bereavement Team: Provides help to a family who has lost a loved one.Contact Gene Watson, 392-8563.
“Back to School Event” Report
On Saturday, August 6, Farmville Baptist partnered with FACES (our local food pantry), the Youth Empowerment Center, and Minister Pamela LaRue to sponsor a Back-to-School event to feed a hot breakfast to over fifty students and then escort them to the Youth Empowerment Center for a anti-bullying program. Afterwards, all the students received school supplies to help them with the beginning of school. This was truly a community effort!The following churches and businesses contributed school supplies and backpacks to this event: Apostolic Faith Church of All Nations, College Presbyterian Church, Farmville Baptist Church, Farmville United Methodist Church, Farmville Presbyterian Church, Hampden-Sydney College, Heritage Baptist Church, Mt. Pleasant/Beulah/Mt. Harmony United Methodist Churches, Reclaiming Our Lives Ministry, St. James Orthodox Church and Wal-Mart.We are so thankful that these churches and businesses partnered together to make this event possible!
BIRTHDAYS
September 1
Erin Copeland
September 3
Christopher Barnett
Kim Cave
Casey Watson
September 4
Bob Raymond
September 7
Lisa Cheyne
Nancy Phaup
Louise Walter
September 8
Teddy Bryant
September 9
Darlene Bratcher
September 11
H. A. Saxtan, III
September 13
Cameron Patterson
September 14
Docia Shumaker
September 15
Jim Davis
September 17
Stephen Landrum
Caroline Tucker
September 21
Pamela Raymond
September 22
Mike Barnett
Crystal Chapin
Erica Wingo
September 24
Kim Davis
September 26
Loren Bandy
Patricia Moorefield
September 27
Charlotte Huskey
September 28
Tracy Nelson