The Messenger
End of Summer Church Picnic, September 28, 2025
By Laura Pryce
As 4:00 came on Sunday afternoon of September 28, people continued to arrive at Pratt Park for our church picnic. A variety of picnic food began to cover the tables under Shelter G Lots of our children and grandchildren came in tow also They brought their energy and desire for fun God graced our area with warm sunshine Once the food was blessed, we were nourished by delicious home made side dishes which accompanied fried chicken Better yet, our spirits were fed as we communed with our fellow church members and friends
Many "caught up" with those folks they had not seen in a while. We seniors watched the "little ones" as they ran around freely, with excited smiles on their faces We crowded around and cheered adventurous volunteers, young and "older," who participated in silly games (Pastor David worked diligently, contorting his face in order to move an Oreo cookie from his forehead to his mouth) We all left for home together with full hearts and looking forward to another picnic experience What a blessing to be had in this generational gathering!
Interest Meeting for Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage 2027
All are invited to an initial interest meeting on November 2nd at 12:30 pm (Blue room) to learn more about el Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage trip that ends at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain At this meeting we will discuss route details and timing for the trip (Spring 2027) as well as details regarding the physical nature of the pilgrimage and financial commitment If you are interested in learning more about this trip, please make plans to attend or reach out to Erin Silver. Attending this meeting is a great way to find out if this trip is right for you before making the commitment to go! Scan the QR code for some basic information about the pilgrimage!
Nominations
for Church
Trustees are Being Received
Nominations for the Church Trustees are being accepted during the month of October The election will take place at the Annual Business Meeting on November 12. Term of service is for two years commencing on January 1 The primary function of the Trustees shall be to make any and all decisions necessary for the smooth functioning of the Church between regular and called business meetings of Members.
Currently serving as Trustees are: Jane Sthreshley, Chalee Carmichael, Kacie Starck, Mike Silver, Marian Wiltshire, Bev Haney, Chuck Bogue, Anne Nuckols, and Jenny Graham
If you wish to nominate someone, please confirm their willingness to serve and then submit their name to the church office Please contact Dennis Sacrey for further
Fun In Williamsburg, VA
Our time in Williamsburg was pure joy! It was a refreshing reminder that God nourishes and restores our souls in many different ways especially through fellowship and laughter. God sees our needs and cares deeply about our whole selves: mind, body, and soul.
Our time together created space to eat, play, talk, and connect beyond the church walls, strengthening the Body of Christ for the work of Christ. I'm deeply grateful for this time, the stories that were shared, and the wonderful people I had the pleasure of experiencing it with -Erin Silver
Going to Colonial Williamsburg with church friends was loads of fun for us From the first scrumptious dinner together to exploring parts of our country’s heritage, we learned and laughed with friends for two days Thank you Erin, the Organizer, and David, the Bus Driver, for our memorable experience -Becky and Burnie Parker
Let’s support our kids as they live out God’s love in action! As a part of Mission Possible, our children are taking on a special mission project: helping a woman in our community who is moving into an apartment after living on the street We’d love for the whole church to join in! Check out the sign-up sheet in the QR code to see how you and your family can help provide essentials for her new home
Micah Cold Weather Shelter Season: November 15-March 15
As the weather begins to change, it’s time to begin praying in earnest for our unhoused neighbors living outside and also time to consider how you could commit to:
1 Providing pre-packaged snacks for our volunteers to have Thursdays when they host Micah’s men’s and women’s cold weather shelters. Bring snacks to the church office or order them from Amazon and have them shipped.
2 Driving a church bus out to the men’s shelter from community dinners on scheduled evenings of the week or from the men’s shelter to FXBG Baptist for breakfast on Thursday mornings Tammy is making calls now to last year’s drivers Call her if you’re interested!
3 Being a shelter host who helps welcome and sign in our neighbors for the night
4 Helping prepare and host Thursday morning breakfasts in our fellowship hall after open shelter nights 6:45 am8:30 am, kitchen and dining area in Ferrell Hall.
Sometimes we pray in ways that miss the heart of God not because God isn’t listening, but because we pray from fear, pride, or forgetfulness In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus shows us four moments when prayer goes sideways and then redirects us to honesty, humility, persistence, and gratitude. Each week, Jesus teaches us not just how not to pray, but how to discover a deeper life with God that shapes how we live, love, and give
October 5: The Prayer for Enough Faith to Have No Need for Faith | Luke 17:5–10
October 12: The Prayer That You Didn’t Pray | Luke 17:11–19
October 19: The Prayer That Quits | Luke 18:1–8
October 26: The Prayer of Comparison | Luke 18:9–14
Limited Time Topical Sunday Morning Bible Study Group
Meet new people as you join these pre-Advent discussions meant to enrich this year’s Advent experience and inform our praying for the current troubles of Palestine and Israel Scan to QR code or e- mail Jeanne for more information about the topic and facilitator and to sign up.
Looking Back... Looking Ahead
On March 17, 1856, the following interesting article about our church appeared in the local newspaper:
“We are requested to give notice that the Ladies Fair for the benefit of the New Baptist Church [our sanctuary building that had been completed the prior September], will take place at the Guard’s Armory, on Tuesday evening next, the 18th, and continue for four days. Confectionary, Fancy Articles of Dress, Needle Work, and many other useful articles will be disposed of at moderate prices
A substantial supper will be provided every evening during the Fair, and snacks will be furnished at all hours of the day
In this laudable effort, we bespeak for the Ladies, the kind assistance of their friends and public generally, both in the city and the country around”
Throughout our history our members have supported the ministry and work of our church creatively and faithfully Methods may evolve over time, but the foundational element of financial stewardship remains. May the example of those who have gone before us inspire us to do our part for today, and for the generations to come
Here is a synopsis of our stewardship through September
Ministry Budget
Through September our contributions have totaled $912,461, about $6,000 less than last year. However, due to a significant increase in revenue from other sources, primarily from donations from groups that use our facilities, our total budget revenue through September is about $30,000 ahead of last year That is good news! To meet the Ministry Budget for the year, we need to receive $577,000 by the end of December
Yes, that’s a substantial sum, but with everyone faithfully doing their part we can do it.
Watering the Roots Capital Fund
Through September the fund has received $22,971 05 and spent $33,083 Capital expenditures in September included the replacement of one of the air conditioning systems for the Blue Room. The current balance of the fund is $325,458.76. Your continued support is appreciated as we have identified nearly one million dollars of anticipated capital needs over the next decade
Benevolence Fund
While the increasing cost of housing, food, and other basic necessities impacts all of us, there are some among us who feel those impacts more deeply In their times of difficulty, we continue to help these folks through the Benevolence Fund, which currently stands at a $43,700 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
Upcoming Events
Called to Journey, Called to Welcome: A Biblical Perspective on Immigration Zoom meetings
Thursdays, September 25th-October 30th, 6- 7:15 pm
Mark your calendars to join this Zoom Bible Study hosted by Fredericksburg United Methodist Church’s Peace with Justice Team and LUCHA Ministries. Scan the QR code or contact Jeanne for more information.
Mission Possible
Sunday, October 12th, 6:00 pm
All 1st - 6th graders are invited to a Mission Night! 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
Hiking Trip to Mary’s Rock
Saturday, October 18 , 7 am th
Join us for a hike to Mary’s Rock Summit on Saturday, October 18th We will meet in the church parking lot at 7 am 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 3 pm For questions or sign-up, please contact Erin Silver
Theology On Tap
Tuesday, October 21st, 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
Lunch at Graves Mountain Lodge
Wednesday, October 22nd, 10 am
We will meet in the church parking lot at 10 am 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 pm
Mark your calendars! We’ll be hosting our annual Trunk or Treat on Sunday, October 26th at 4 pm. We’d love your help collecting candy If you’re able, please bring in candy donations to help us make this a sweet and welcoming event for our kids and community! Scan the QR code for more opportunites to help out
Advent Workshop
Sunday, November 23rd 4:30- 7 pm
Save-the-date for our annual Advent Workshop on November 23rd! We will gather to prepare our church and our hearts for the season of expectant waiting We encourage families and friends of all ages to join us for dinner, break-outs, and worship More information about breakout sessions and sign-up will come in the next few weeks, but in the meantime, make sure to mark your calendar for this special event!
Ladies Ornament Exchange & Brunch
Saturday, December 6 , 10 am th
All ladies are invited to an ornament exchange and brunch on Saturday December 6th at 10 am at the home of
Susan Ellefson We will gather for food and fellowship and get in the holiday spirit with an ornament exchange Please bring a wrapped ornament for the exchange! You may sign-up with the QR code or by contacting Erin Silver
A Christmas Carol Performance
Saturday, December 20 , 9:30 am th
Join us for a trip to Staunton to the Blackfriars Playhouse to see A Christmas Carol We will meet in the church parking lot at 9:30 am and travel on the church bus to meet up with our dear friend Jane Sthreshley for lunch and then to the playhouse for a 2 pm performance Tickets for the performance are $50 and lunch will be an additional cost per person. Please sign-up using the QR code or by contacting Erin Silver.
