Family Retreat 2025: Home
The weekend of August 23 , our church family gathered at The Williamsburg Christian Retreat Center in Williamsburg, VA, for a time of rest, connection, and renewal. The theme of the retreat was “Home”, reminding us through the stories of Ruth that God calls us into belonging, purpose, and community
Our time together was filled with both laughter and meaningful conversation. During the day, families enjoyed group games and breakout sessions, followed by an afternoon of swimming, hiking, games of pickleball, and plenty of board and card games. In the mornings and evenings, we gathered for worship in the beautiful outdoor chapel, where the sounds of creation joined our voices in praise
One highlight was our Saturday night bonfire, complete with s’mores and a giant cauldron brimming with popcorn that everyone was able to enjoy
The retreat was a chance to slow down, share meals and stories, and create new memories together Whether on the trails, around the game tables, or in quiet moments of reflection, we were reminded that “home” is not just a place but it’s also the people God has placed in our lives and the love that binds us together
We give thanks for everyone who helped plan and lead this special weekend, and we look forward to carrying the spirit of “home” with us into the fall season
Midweek Studies for Adults
Wednesdays, Sept. 3, 10, 17, 11:30am- 1:00pm
We will begin with lunch then dive into a discussion of The Canticle of the Creatures, St Francis of Assisi’s hymn of gratitude for God’s Creation
Expect some inspirational music, art and maybe even scientific discoveries, too! As we study his life and his poem of praise, we will be looking for clues of how God reveals Himself to us through nature and contemplate our role as responsible stewards of God’s beautiful, wonderful world.
Can’t make it to Midweek but want to get involved?
On this page you will find some additional fun and meaningful September activities for the young and young at heart to contemplate and experience God’s beautiful, wonderful world: All are invited!
Don’t forget to save the Dates for Upcoming Midweek Studies for Adults:
October 1, 8, and 15: Discovering the art and craftsmanship of Biblical writings
November 5, 12, and 19: Analyzing faith and culture’s intersection in politics
September 12, 7-8 pm: Zoom discussion of Saint Francis plus Kimmerer’s THE SERVICEBERRY: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World Local plant and tree expert to join us Sign up to receive an invitation
September 13, 10:30- 11:30am: Meet the animals at Campfire Critters Animal Sanctuary, 160 Willowdale Ln., 22405. Bring carrots, apples, other fruits and vegetables to share with the new friends you’ll meet. $12 donation per person will support Campfire Critter’s good work (One hour guided walking tour/specifics still pending volunteer guide’s availability) Sign up to say you’re interested.
September 21, 1-3 pm: Puppy Pawty (Party) at Old Dominion Humane Society (3602 Lafayette Blvd ), $8 donation per person supports the puppies you’ll be playing with and other rescue animals waiting to be adopted Sign up for 1-2 pm or 2-3 pm slot so we can make sure we don’t go over 40 visitors each session at the pawty!
September 26, 7-8 pm: Zoom discussion of Saint Francis plus Tan’s The Backyard Bird Chronicles Some experienced birders could drop by to help the conversation fly Sign up to receive an invitation
September 27, 12-2 pm: Donation Drop-Off Day and meeting new friends at Rikki’s Refuge Animal Sanctuary (home to almost 1300 animals/22 species) The visit is free, but donations appreciated! Can you spare a can of cat or dog food, a bag of dry cat food, paper towels, laundry or dish detergent, a bottle of bleach, a bag of cracked corn, sweet feed or senior horse feed? Bring some cut up apples to share some snacks on the spot. Or maybe you’ll sign up with Rikki’s to volunteer! Sign up so we can see who is coming.
Scan the QR code to sign up for any or all of these amazing opportunities:
Liturgical Trees: Prayers for Students & Teachers
As the school year begins, our liturgical trees in the Welcome Center have been transformed with ribbons in the colors of the various schools, colleges, and universities represented in our community. Each ribbon is a prayer, each color a reminder of those learning and teaching.
We invite you to pause and pray every time you pass by those trees for students facing new challenges, for teachers guiding and shaping minds, and for families adjusting to new rhythms. May those trees stand as a living symbol of our commitment to lift up the next generation in love and prayer.
Have you ever had to reboot your phone or computer? Everything freezes, nothing moves forward, and the only way to get it working again is to reset When it comes back online, it’s clearer, faster, and ready to go
This week, we’re beginning a new sermon series called RE:boot: LifeChanging Challenges from Paul’s Letters Because sometimes our souls need a reset too Sometimes our faith, even our sense of purpose need a holy restart.
Together, we’ll dive into the deeply personal words of the Apostle Paul in his letters to Philemon and Timothy. These aren’t abstract ideas they’re real talk for the real world, challenging us to face conflict, regret, prayer, and what it truly means to live a good and contented life.
September 7- Philemon 1:1–21 | RE:concile Relationships
Septeber 14- 2 Timothy 1:1–14 | RE:gret No More
September 21- 1 Timothy 2:1–7 | RE:think Prayer
September 28- 1 Timothy 6:6–19 | RE:calibrate Contentment
Stewardship Update
The kids are back in school, Labor Day is behind us, and before we know it, we’ll be celebrating Thanksgiving and Advent. As we head into the latter part of the year, please continue to be faithful in making your regular offerings to support the ministries of our church Working together, we can accomplish much as we strive to be the church God has called us to be Here is a summary of our financial picture as of the end of August.
Ministry Budget
Summer is not generally kind to our stewardship, but August saw an increase in giving of $40,000 compared to August of last year, putting us ahead of last year by nearly $4,000. Well done!
Watering the Roots Capital Fund
Through August the fund has received $21,396 and spent $24,243. The current balance of the fund is $332,723.76. Your continued support is appreciated as we have identified nearly one million dollars of anticipated capital needs over the next decade Some of you have inquired about the Organ Restoration Fund This fund is separate from Watering the Roots Capital Fund, so any donations for the organ or expenses for the restoration are not part of the Watering the Roots Capital Fund The current balance of the Organ Restoration Fund is $214,913 94
Benevolence Fund
One of David’s recent sermons focused on Jesus’ direction for us to use our resources wisely and for the benefit of others rather than storing up treasure for ourselves This message touched one of our church families who had recently received a substantial inheritance. Rather than add the funds to their already healthy bank account, they gave the funds to the Benevolence Fund where they would be used to help fellow members in need of housing, medical care, and other necessities of life Their generosity has substantially lowered the deficit in the Benevolence Fund, which stands currently at a $33,000 deficit. Gifts to the fund are appreciated
One final reminder: When making your gifts remember that unless you direct otherwise, all gifts are automatically applied to the Ministry Budget.
As always, thank you for stewardship support of the work and ministries of our church. Should you ever have any questions about church finances and stewardship, please feel free to contact Dennis Sacrey
MEMORIALS / HONORS
Month of August
In Memory
Of
Special Friends Ministry –for Bertha O. Sullivan & Howard Kenneth Sullivan, given by Vernell L. Sullivan Benevolence Fund – for Mona Spayde, given by Ann & Jim McGlone for Frank & Carol Young, given by The Entheos Class Youth Ministry – for Glenn & Jean Blair, given by Glenda Gotshall Organ Restoration Fund – for Shirley Onderdonk, given by Ann & Ted Sniffin for Mona Spayde, given by Mary & Winston Ward
In Honor Of Benevolence Fund – for Tony Overby, given by Phyllis Marcom…for Bill & Nancy Young, given by Virginia Powell
Upcoming Events
Mission Possible
Sunday, September 14 , 6:00 PM th
All 1st - 6th graders are invited to a Mission Night, Sunday, September 14th at 6:00! It will be a special evening for fun, fellowship, and service We’ll gather at 6:00 PM in the Sixers Room at the church to enjoy dinner together and talk about what it means to live on mission right here in our own community. Please email Stephanie (stephanie@fxbgbaptist.org) if your child plans on attending so that we can plan for dinner.
Theology On Tap
Tuesday, September 16th, 7-8:30 pm
Theology on Tap is back for the fall! We will meet at Strangeways Brewing from 7-8:30 pm twice a month on Tuesday nights from September to November Dates for the fall are Sept 2nd & 16th, Oct 7th & 21st, and Nov 4th and 18th Join us for thoughtful conversation around theology and current events Topics will be based on current events of the week Contact Beth Bailey for more details at beth@fxbgbaptist org
Overnight Trip to Williamsburg
Tuesday, September 23 -Wednesday, September 24 rd th
Join us for a trip to Williamsburg where we will tour the art museum and visit Colonial Williamsburg all while enjoying delicious food and fellowship! Scan the QR code for more information
Next Chapter
Thursday, September 25th, 7-8:30 pm
Join us for Next Chapter, a new Young Adult small group led by Rev Beth Bailey! We’ll meet twice this semester to begin, focusing on Bible study and devotionals, with the possibility of a book study in the spring (send Beth your suggestions!) Our first gathering is Thursday, Sept 25 at 7 PM bring your dinner and a friend or two! The address will be shared in the Young Adult weekly email Contact Beth at beth@fxbgbaptist org with any questions
Church Picnic
Sunday, September 28th, 4pm-6pm
Join us for a church picnic at Pratt Park on Sunday, September 28th We will gather in shelter G (beside the parking lot) for dinner and fellowship The church will provide fried chicken and you are invited to bring a side to share We will also be collecting pre-packaged snacks that will be used at the men’s and women’s cold weather shelters during the season. Sign-up by using the QR code or visiting the church website.
Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, October 5th, 4-5 pm
Everyone is invited to join our children and youth for a Blessing of the Animals at Alum Spring Park! We will gather at 4 pm and will be led by our children and youth in a blessing of our pets All are welcome!
Hiking Trip to Mary’s Rock
Saturday, October 18 , 7am th
Join us for a hike to Mary’s Rock Summit on Saturday, October 18th We will meet in the church parking lot at 7am and travel to Shenandoah National Park for a 3 7 mile hike This hike is considered a moderate/strenuous hike due to the steady incline and rocky terrain Please bring plenty of water and wear comfortable clothes and tennis shoes/hiking boots We will plan to have lunch at a nearby restaurant after completing the hike and will return home around 3pm For questions or sign-up, please contact Erin Silver
Lunch at Graves Mountain Lodge
Wednesday, October 22nd
We will meet in the church parking lot at 10am and travel to Graves Mountain on church buses to enjoy fried chicken and fellowship. We will make a stop at Yoder’s Country Market on the way home so you can pick up goodies of your choosing! Cost of trip is $35 and will cover lunch Please sign-up with Tammy by calling the church office or by emailing her at Tammy@fxbgbaptist org If you have any questions about the trip please let Erin Silver know Sign-up by October 8th
Trunk Or Treat
Saturday, October 26th, 4:00- 5:00pm
Mark your calendars! We’ll be hosting our annual Trunk or Treat on Saturday, October 26th from 4:00–5:00 PM More details will be shared soon, but in the meantime, we’d love your help collecting candy If you’re able, please bring in donations to help us make this a sweet and welcoming event for our kids and community!
