Bring
A Piece of Church History Into Your Home
It seems that Christmas decorating begins a little earlier each year Whether you love seeing the Christmas tree go up before the turkey is even carved or you prefer to savor each season in its own time, decorating for Christmas is always meaningful It weaves together memories of the past with hopes for the future.
Decorating our church is no different. In fact, it can feel like a sacred moment set apart to remind us, and to show the world, that something is shifting. The season is changing, and we are preparing our hearts to step once again into the mystery of Christmas: the mystery of how God came to be with us and changed everything
For many years, our sanctuary was adorned with towering Christmas trees covered in hand-made Chrismon ornaments crafted by our own members Some of those faithful hands still worship among us; others are now part of the great cloud of witnesses who continue to shape us in new ways. Although we no longer place the large trees in the sanctuary, those beautifully detailed Chrismon ornaments have been carefully stored away waiting.
This year, we believe it is time for these Chrismons, with all their intricate designs and holy memories, to become part of your own Christmas traditions They hold the history of Fredericksburg Baptist Church They tell the story of Christ, and they tell our story our beloved people and now, they will begin to hold your story as well
We have selected a beautiful representation of these ornaments to preserve in our history room. But the rest, we want to place in your homes, where the love and craftsmanship of past generations can be seen and cherished again.
Throughout the month of Advent, these ornaments will hang on the liturgical trees in the Welcome Center, alongside cards with angel tree wishes for our church family. We hope you will take both: an angel tree card and a Chrismon ornament. Hang your Chrismon on your Christmas tree or in a meaningful place in your home as a reminder of where we have been. Then fulfill your angel tree wish either by purchasing a gift card or writing a check and return it to the church by December 21st as a reminder of where we are going.
We are a church that continues to grow and change not for the sake of change itself, but because Christ calls us into ministry together Ministry looks like honoring both the past and the future Ministry looks like remembering our saints and welcoming the new baby Ministry looks like handcrafted ornaments and hands serving chili to our neighbors. Ministry looks like laughter and joy shared in community. Ministry looks like you, like me, like all of us.
As we enter this season of expectant waiting, I invite you: visit the liturgical trees, choose an ornament, take an angel tree card, and join in the ministry of this season
Fun At The Youth Fall Retreat
By Rev. Beth Bailey
Over the weekend of Nov. 21st23rd, our youth ventured to Camp Willow Run for a Fall Retreat centered on the theme, "Friendsgiving " We learned, discussed, and pondered what deep, trusting and healthy friendship looks like and how we can learn from friendships in the Bible such as Ruth and Naomi, and David and Jonathan, and how friendship is rooted in love. In addition to worship, we played soccer and basketball during our free time, climbed a rock wall, and explored the beautiful grounds of Camp Willow Run, which is off Lake Gaston. We also painted our Advent worship art letters of "JOY" during the first part of our free time on Saturday afternoon to have our youth be a part of preparing for the season of Advent at our church During this time, we truly experienced joy as we had some laughs coming up with the imagery to paint and as it started to rain in the middle of our painting session.
We ended Saturday evening with worship and a scavenger hunt game for the youth. Our youth group ended up being the first to finish and had lots of fun as they used flashlights to search for clues around the grounds of CWR.
The retreat ended on Sunday as we had one final worship time in the morning with communion and reflecting on how in the story of Jesus and Lazarus, deep friendship abides, despite and because of grief On our way home, we stopped at Bojangles for lunch and celebrated Katie's birthday together. It was a fun-filled, restful, and renewing weekend for our youth and adult chaperones. Thank you to Colin Bailey (our bus driver), Elena Ingram, and Terry Delaney for chaperoning this retreat. We came home with the challenge of thinking about how we can show and receive deep love in our friendships. Thanks be to God for deep, abiding friendship and for the friendship of God who loves us just as we are
The Home Stretch
Well, the countdown is on and there are so many things to accomplish in December - decorating, buying gifts, attending socials, planning menus and preparing special meals, maybe even traveling. Oh, and one more thing: making your gift to the church. Your gifts last year made it possible to meet our Ministry Budget for the first time in several years. Let's do it again this year. As of this past Sunday, we need $350,000 by December 31st to accomplish this goal.
Ministry Budget
Thank you for your faithful giving this year As of the end of November our total budget revenue is $1,172,442, an increase of $49,900 over the same period last year Our budget expenses through November total $1,319,223, which are slightly less than the expenses for the same period last year.
Watering the Roots Capital Fund
Through November gifts to the fund have totaled $28,336 and expenses have totaled $33,083, leaving a fund balance of $330,824. Remember, the Watering the Roots Capital Fund is an accumulating fund for paying for future major repairs and improvements.
Christian Nationalism Study to Continue
Three dozen folks gathered for our Wednesday adult study in November to learn about Christian Nationalism and the threat this ideology presents to our religious liberty, our democracy, and our Christian witness. The group was really engaged and decided they would like to study further. So, the conversation will continue in February at the Wednesday adult study time If you did not participate in the recent sessions, you are invited to come in February. If you would like to explore the topic on your own before attending the February sessions, visit christiansagainstchristiannationalism.org.
Benevolence Fund
In November, the fund received $11,733 and spent $10,741. Most of the funds used in November assisted individuals with housing costs, which continue to accelerate in the local area. Through November, the fund has received $89,770 and expended $140,776. Your continuing support is greatly appreciated.
Reminders
Any undesignated gift received is automatically applied to the Ministry Budget If you wish a gift to be applied to the Watering the Roots Capital Fund or the Benevolence Fund, be sure to note on your check or envelope how you wish the gift applied
For a gift to be counted as a 2025 receipt, cash or checks must be received by December 31st For gifts mailed in, the envelope must be postmarked no later than December 31st. For online gifts, the transaction must be conducted no later than December 31st. (There was a donor last year that made an online transaction at 11:58pm on December 31st!). For gifts of stock, the stock must be received in our brokerage account by December 31st.
If you have any stewardship questions, please contact Dennis Sacrey
MEMORIALS / HONORS
November 2025
In Memory Of
Organ Restoration Fund – for Edith Houghton, given by Martie Tuthill…for Kathryn Perlewitz, given by Virginia Powell; Martie Tuthill; Bill & Nancy Young
Benevolence Fund – for Clarene Woodward, given by The Entheos Class
In Honor Of
Benevolence Fund – for Marsha Stewart as deacon chair, given by Ann & Jim McGlone Music Ministry – for Amber Bathke, given by Catherine Ryder
Upcoming Events
Youth Christmas Party
Sunday, Dec. 14th, 4:30-8:30 pm
All youth (7th-12th grade) are invited to a Progressive Dinner and Gift Exchange! We’ll enjoy appetizers at the McGlones’, dinner at the Overbys’, and dessert and a gift exchange at the Stewarts’. Bring a wrapped gift (under $15, no gift cards) and wear your best Christmas attire! For more information & to RSVP, scan the QR code Contact Beth Bailey at beth@fxbgbaptist org for more details
Young Adults Tacky Light Tour
Sunday, Dec. 21st, 4-9:30 pm
All young adults (college students included) are invited to celebrate the season with a Tacky Light Tour in Richmond! Join Beth and Colin Bailey as we meet at the church parking lot by 4 pm to head to RVA for dinner at ZZQ and a tour of holiday lights We’ll return around 9:30 pm Bring snacks, drinks (non-alcoholic only), and wear your best Christmas gear! RSVP at the QR code by Dec 18th
A Night of Stars
Sunday, January 4th, 5 pm-7 pm
Join us for an evening that is sure to dazzle! On Sunday, January 4th we will gather for a church-wide variety show and dinner to celebrate the season of Epiphany All ages are encouraged to sign up to participate in the show You may sing, dance, play an instrument, perform a skit the options are endless Sign up to reserve your spot for dinner, to submit an act for the show, or for both!
Young Adult Axe Throwing
Thursday, January 8th, 7-8:30 pm
All young adults and college students are welcome to join us for a fun night out at FXBG Axes for axe throwing and dinner! We’ll meet at FXBG Axes (514 Lansdowne Road A) from 7–8:30 pm The axe-throwing fee is covered; food and drinks will be on your own Please be sure to sign up by January 1st at the QR code Contact Beth Bailey at beth@fxbgbaptist org with any questions
Youth Ski Day Trip
Saturday, January 10th
All youth (7th-12th grade) are invited to join us for a full-day Ski Trip to Wintergreen Resort! We will spend the day skiing, snowboarding, and/or tubing We plan to leave the church parking lot around 6:30 am and return around 8:30 pm For more details and to sign up, scan the QR code Please register by December 23rd payment is due January 10th Contact Beth Bailey at beth@fxbgbaptist org for more details and if you are
