Special Thanks to the Intergenerational Flower Team
Enjoy the beautiful photos capturing the work of our amazing intergenerational flower team who decorated our sanctuary for Easter this year. Thank you to everyone who gave of their time and talent. Your generosity and creativity made Easter even more meaningful and joyous!
Let’s Keep the Beauty Going!
The tulips planted in the parking lot planters put on a magnificent display this spring The whole community enjoyed their beauty But alas, the blooms are finished and the planters are ready for a new installation of floral delight This is where you can help Many of you have flower gardens at your home and you might have some flowers that can be divided or thinned out. If so, and if you would be willing to share, we’ll see that they get planted (or you are welcome to plant them if you feel so inclined!) You can participate even if you don’t have anything to share. Visit your favorite garden center and pick up a few pots of flowers and bring them to the church. We’ll make sure they get planted.
Any variety of flower can be used: annuals and perennials; shade loving plants and sun loving plants; short or tall; any color. Multiple varieties would create a beautiful mosaic of nature and would symbolize the diversity we celebrate in our church and in God’s Kingdom. It would be great if you could get your donated flowers to the church within the next couple of weeks. And if you would like to help get them planted, just coordinate with Dennis Sacrey. Let’s continue to celebrate the beauty of God’s creation.
Fun at the Botanical Garden
A group of adults visited the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. They shared stories, laughed hard, savored a meal, and marveled at God’s handiwork. Pastor David even picked up a crash course in gardening thanks to Cecilia Bain and Dennis Sacrey they’re walking encyclopedias of all things green! Enjoy a few photos from our outing, and keep an eye out for the next adventure
MEMORIALS / HONORS
Month of April
In Memory Of Ministry Fund – for Billie Braswell, given by his wife, Patsy for Katia Simmons, given by Martie Tuthill for Larry Snider, Sr., given by his wife, Kathy
Organ Restoration Fund – for Billie Braswell, given by John & Sharon Fick…for Jean English, given by The Entheos Class…for Bethlyn “Deanie” Ryder, given by Jim & Ann McGlone; Anne Nuckols; Jane Sthreshley
Music Ministry – for Bethlyn “Deanie” Ryder, given by Dianne Watson Benevolence Fund – for Joyce McGee on her April 23rd Birthday, given by Gail Hylton
In Honor Of Children’s Ministry – for Sky Melani Stewart, on the occasion of her adoption, given by Jim & Ann McGlone
Organ Restoration Fund – for Jane Sthreshley, given by Jim & Ann McGlone; The Baraca Bible Class Music Ministry – for Jane Sthreshley, given by Vicki & Jerry Silver
Youth Ministry – for Katie Ingram, given by Vicki & Jerry Silver
April Stewardship Summary
Ministry Budget
Thank you for your faithful giving during the month of April Gifts to the Ministry Budget in April were $95,350, an increase of $3,000 over the amount received in April last year. Our total giving for January through April, however, is still behind the giving of that same time last year by $16,000 and we are behind meeting our budget goals by $129,000 Summer will be here soon, and our giving typically takes a dip during the summer months. So please take a moment to consider if your giving is where you would like it to be and help us be in a good financial position as summer approaches.
Watering the Roots Capital Fund (WTRCF)
Gifts to WTRCF through April have totaled $9,800. So far this year $23,793 has been spent to replace a heating/cooling system in the children’s playroom and a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen, leaving a fund balance at the end of April of $321,579 WTRCF allows us to address capital needs in a timely manner without needing to borrow money. If you do not already contribute to WTRCF, perhaps you will consider doing so. This would also be a good fund for a legacy gift, if you would like to remember the church in your will
Benevolence Fund
Our family of faith here at FBC is diverse in many ways, one of which is economic stability Most of us are blessed to be able to live comfortably, but there are some of us who struggle. The Benevolent Fund helps these people meet basic needs such as housing, medical care, or food. The needs of some are significant and the Benevolence Fund always runs at a deficit as we help to meet the needs as they arise. The fund received $3,580 in gifts in April and spent $13,354. Your onetime or regular gifts to the Benevolence Fund enable our church to meet needs as Christ has commanded.
Reminder:
All gifts the church receives, unless specifically directed otherwise, are applied to the Ministry Budget. If you wish your gift to be applied to WTRCF or the Benevolence Fund, please be sure your gift is clearly noted as such.
You may contact Dennis Sacrey with any questions about church giving or church finances.
Upcoming Sundays
In the weeks following Christ’s Resurrection, the early followers of Jesus discovered something that completely reshaped their lives and the world around them: God specializes in the unexpected Throughout the book of Acts, we’ll explore stories of surprising turnarounds, bold acts of courage, radical generosity, and divine disruptions that transformed the ordinary lives of Jesus’ followers into extraordinary witnesses of God’s grace and power.
May 11- An Astonishing Imitation, Acts 9:36-43
May 18- An Unexpected Change of Menu, Acts 11:1-18
May 25- An Amazing Detour, Acts 16:9-15
June 1- An Ironic Escape, Acts 16:16-34
June 8- Pentecost: The Ultimate Surprise Party, Acts 2:1-21
Upcoming Events
Graduate Sunday
Sunday, May 18th
Graduate Sunday is next Sunday, May 18th! We will be honoring all graduates during our 11 am service. Join us in celebrating the hard work and future endeavors of the youth and young adults graduating this spring
Sprouts of Kindness
Sunday, May 18, 3pm
Join us for Sprouts of Kindness a children’s event where we’ll plant flowers in pots and deliver them to our home bound, sharing God’s love with others We’ll end the afternoon with fellowship and ice cream for everyone! Families are encouraged to participate together. It’s a wonderful way to help kids put their faith into action and brighten someone’s day
Ladies Fellowship Picnic
Thursday, May 29, 11:30am
Ladies are welcome to join in the last fellowship of spring for a potluck picnic at Silver Ridge Farm. Bring your favorite picnic food to share for lunch! RSVP to Linda Britt, at lindpau@aol com or Gail Hylton, at gailhylton7@gmail com by Monday, May 26
Please come and bring a friend!
Jen Hatmaker Tickets still available!
Thursday, May 22 , 4:30pm nd
If you are interested in joining a group of adults traveling to Richmond to hear Jen Hatmaker speak but did not reserve a ticket, you still can! We will depart from the church at 4:30pm and travel to River Road Church, Baptist for the Forum featuring author and speaker Jen Hatmaker We will order dinner and enjoy our meal at the church prior to the speaker series. Please contact Erin Silver if you would like to join!
Wednesday Adult Study
Wednesday, May 7, 14, 21, 11:30am
“The Faith of a Mockingbird: Connecting Christ and Culture ” Come for lunch then engage your perspectives with the perspectives of characters from Harper Lee’s classic, To Kill a Mockingbird. Each meeting will create opportunities to explore your thoughts and feelings about some timely topics No need to sign-up
Sympathy to:
Opening of New Exhibit at the FAM
Friday, May 30, 5pm African American History in the Fredericksburg Area. Scout Finch of To Kill a Mockingbird grew up in a certain time and place which shaped her and her neighbors Meet Jeanne for this event at FAM to do some reflecting about our own community’s past and present
“To Kill a Mockingbird” at the Riverside Center
Sunday, June 1
Anyone is welcome to participate! Dinner at 1 pm or show only at 2:30 pm. Show with dinner $81; show only $60. Reserve your spot on the church website Sign up and make payment on or by Wednesday, May 21!
Pentecost
Sunday, June 8
Pentecost Sunday is coming! Help us celebrate the birthday of the church by bringing cupcakes or pre-sliced cake to share during the Sunday School hour
You may drop off cakes prior to the 8:30am service in the welcome center or as you come in for Sunday School! Please sign up by visiting the church website, or calling the church office.
Among Our Family
Carrie (Tuthill) Crow in losing her Father-in-law, John Crow.
UVA:
Cindy Baker
Encompass:
Steve Garnett
In Tanzania: Francois Ndindamagambo (father of Thomas John Claude)
Hospice Care:
Shirley Onderdonk
Kathy Valentine
Lois Ford
Congratulations to:
Elizabeth Stewart on the adoption of her daughter, Sky Proud grandparents are Ralph & Marsha Stewart
