This morning, we had over twenty Longwood University students lead in our worship service! They did an awesome job performing in a skit, giving a children’s lesson, signing during a hymn, ushering and taking up the offering, playing instruments, and leading prayers and readings. Jeannine Milne, a first-year Longwood graduate student, did a wondering job with the message, sharing honestly and transparently about how she is thankful that God has been with her in her spiritual journey. At the end of the service, Cameron Patterson, a Longwood student, joined the church as a watchcare member.
After the service, the students enjoyed a home cooked meal in the Fellowship Hall. Many thanks to Linda Saxtan, Kerby Moore and the College Committee for hosting a wonderful lunch consisting of roast beef and gravy, meatloaf, butter beans, candied yams, creamed potatoes, rolls, drinks, dessert.
Truly, we had many things to be thankful for to God on this beautiful fall day!
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As we’ve done in the past, our church is providing Thanksgiving baskets for ten families in our community identified by social services that are in need during this season. Amanda and the Children’s Committee did a great job in mobilizing our Sunday School classes to purchase the needed food items for the baskets. Then, last night, during their Wednesday night “Bible Blitz” time, our children “assembled” the baskets with enough food to make a nice Thanksgiving meal for each family. Many thanks to all who contributed to this effort. These baskets, together with a frozen turkey, will be delivered to social services next week for distribution.
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Associate Pastor’s Column in The Informer (FBC’s Newsletter) – published November 2007
I want to take this opportunity to thank you as a congregation on behalf of John and myself. We appreciate everyone who helped us in our move. We could not have done it without you. I had recently had retinal eye surgery and wasn’t able to pack very much and could not move any thing at all. We truly would not be here now if it were not for your generous hearts and selfless work. I would also like to thank everyone who participated in our pounding. We would have had nothing to eat or drink if it had not been for you. Everyone here has truly made us feel loved and at home. You don’t know how much a smile, handshake, and a hug can mean until you move away from home for the first time. In this way everyone here has participated in welcoming us.
I must send a special thank you to the social committee. The receptions for my welcome weekend were wonderful. It helped both John and me to feel right at home when we came because we got to meet so many people before hand. And I cannot say enough good things about the reception for my installation. It was a luncheon! Thank you so much for making me feel so special.
My installation gifts were another surprise that I do not have the words to begin to express my gratitude. Until now I had nothing to hang my diploma from Duke in. Now I can hang it in a beautiful frame and always remember the loving congregation that presented it to me when I look at it. The same goes for my lovely stole.
The gifts, the food, and the fellowship have all been wonderful. However, I must say the thing I am most thankful for is the opportunity to serve you as a congregation. I am truly honored and humbled to be your associate pastor. Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity. I look forward to an amazing future working with you through Gods grace. I know that we can accomplish almost anything.
Thank you and many blessings,
Amanda Johnston
Yesterday, during Farmville’s “Halloween Parade,” our youth handed out 500 bottles of water to trick or treaters who were walking up and down Main Street. It was fun seeing and saying “hi” to so many kids (and parents) all dressed up and having a great time enjoying this community tradition.
As part of their year-long mission project, our youth is raising money for the “Watering Malawi” project. And on each water bottle they handed out was labeled this message: “Help us in our mission to share life giving water. Please visit www.wateringmalawi.org to find out how you can help.”
I hope you’ll visit that website also and make a donation to Watering Malawi!
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