Dear Church Family,

 

How wonderful it was to have such strong attendance in The Well and The Sanctuary Service this past Sunday! And how great to have in-person Sunday School for adults and students, and the Sanctuary Choir singing again, too! Here are some midweek updates as we look toward next Sunday, June 13.

 

Sunday Worship

If you missed last weekend, you can find last Sunday’s Well service here, last Sunday’s Sanctuary service here, and last Sunday’s sermon entitled “V.I.P.” here. This Sunday, June 13, we will begin a summer sermon series focused on healing stories in the gospels.

 

Wednesday Bible Study

Pastor Noel Schoonmaker continues to teach a thorough, verse-by-verse video study entitled “Galatians in Slow Motion.” You can find this week’s lesson on Galatians 4:6-9 here.

 

Children’s Choir Program

Our children’s choirs have worked diligently to present a spring program via video. The children’s choir video program entitled “Living in the Light” will premiere this Sunday, June 13 at 6:00 p.m. It will be available for viewing thereafter as well. A link will be sent in a subsequent email so that you can enjoy this special presentation from our wonderful children!

 

In-person Sunday School and New Sunday Schedule

We have resumed in-person Sunday School for adults and students, and we have started a new Sunday schedule with The Well at 9:00 a.m., Sunday School at 10:00 a.m., and The Sanctuary Service at 11:00 a.m. Children’s Sunday School and Worship Care will resume on Sunday, July 4 because more preparation is required to meet the extensive CDC health protocols for children.

 

Emerge Dinner Outdoors

On June 23, at 6:30 p.m., we’ll have Women’s Wednesday Night Dinner prepared by Chef Adam Schumm and dine under the heavens on the church lawn (with Spence Hall as our back up in case of excessive heat or rain). Stay tuned for details about how to register and order your meal.

 

Wanted – A Few Good Men

The Men’s Bible Study group is again meeting in person at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday nights. We invite those men who are interested in studying the Scriptures to join this small group of learners. We meet in the Commons. Enter through the side door on the Gaskins Road side of the church, just south of the porte-cochere.

 

Summer Wednesday Night Dinners

One Wednesday per month, on June 16, July 18, and August 21, take-and-heat dinners from Chef Adam will be available for drive-thru pick-up from 4:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Anyone who wants to pick up a tasty dinner will need to register and pre-pay here by the preceding Monday at midnight. This way, when you drive thru, someone can simply hand you a bag with your order inside. You can only order menu items for the upcoming Wednesday. There is no pre-ordering for future menu items available. You must order here using a Pay Pal account or a credit card. No orders by phone or email will be valid. Here is the full Summer menu.

 

Camp RVA Registration Open for Students

Monday, June 21 – Friday, June 25 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Students and chaperones will gather outdoors for all the fun of camp and all the convenience and safety of home. Students from several churches will be meeting outdoors at Derbyshire Baptist Church for supper, choice activities, missions, and worship. Register now, here.

 

Scripture

As we walk with God this week, let us remember Psalm 103:2-4: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

 

In Christ,

Your Ministerial Staff

June 2, 2021

Dear Church Family,

 

This Sunday, June 6, will be a big day as we return to in-person Sunday School and begin a new Sunday schedule. In the meantime, we have several important midweek updates to share.

 

In-person Sunday School and New Sunday Schedule

This Sunday, June 6, in-person Sunday School will resume for adults and students, and we will begin a new Sunday schedule with The Well at 9:00 a.m., Sunday School at 10:00 a.m., and The Sanctuary Service at 11:00 a.m. Children’s Sunday School and Worship Care will resume on Sunday, July 4 because more preparation is required to meet the extensive CDC health protocols for children.

 

Sunday Worship

If you missed last weekend, you can find last Sunday’s Well service here, and last Sunday’s Sanctuary service here. You can also find Noel Schoonmaker’s sermon from The Sanctuary Service entitled “Three Themes for Everyday Missionaries” here and Ben Brown’s sermon from The Well entitled “Unscripted” here.

 

Wednesday Bible Study

Pastor Noel Schoonmaker continues to teach an in-depth, verse-by-verse video study entitled “Galatians in Slow Motion.” You can find this week’s lesson on Galatians 4:1-5 here.

 

DSS Event and Mission Opportunity

Second Baptist Church is partnering with Area 10 Faith Community and Hill City Church to provide a Foster Family Appreciation Night for Richmond City DSS this Friday, June 4 at Area 10 in Carytown. This is our first in-person event since 2019 to honor Foster Families and children in care and we are excited to be providing a fun evening. We had hoped to provide each foster family with a gift card to use toward some summer fun but we are short on the funds needed to cover each family. If you would like to contribute toward these appreciation gifts, you may give online here using the DSS FUND drop down, or you can put DSS Fund in the memo line of a check. Since this event is happening FRIDAY, please contact Katie Vance (kvance@secondbaptistrva.org) as soon as possible if you give or plan to give, so that we can secure the appreciation gifts in time. Thank you!

 

Second Vaccination Event at Spence Hall

On Thursday, June 3 from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. the Virginia Department of Health will conduct a second vaccine clinic at Second Baptist Church in Spence Hall. This clinic will serve as an opportunity for those that received their first shot on May 13 in Spence Hall to get their second dose of the Pfizer, COVID-19 vaccine. Over 100 shots of the vaccine were administered on May 13, and we are eager to welcome these guests back to campus for this second event. We are most appreciative for the opportunity to host the Virginia Department of Health and to show Christian hospitality to neighbors and others seeking the COVID-19 vaccine.

 

Summer Wednesday Night Dinners

One Wednesday per month, on June 16, July 18, and August 21, take-and-heat dinners from Chef Adam will be available for drive-thru pick-up from 4:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Anyone who wants to pick up a tasty dinner will need to register and pre-pay here by the preceding Monday at midnight. This way, when you drive thru, someone can simply hand you a bag with your order inside. You can only order menu items for the upcoming Wednesday. There is no pre-ordering for future menu items available. You must order here using a Pay Pal account or a credit card. No orders by phone or email will be valid. Here is the full Summer menu.

 

West Virginia Mission Trip: June 6-12

The summer West Virginia Mission Trip is back! You are invited to come along for a week of faith, fellowship, construction, Vacation Bible School, and fresh mountain mornings in McDowell County, West Virginia. The trip is scheduled for June 6-12! Please prayerfully consider joining us as we celebrate our 7th year serving God in this rural community. If you have questions or would just like to know more details, please contact Bruce Hobart at kb_hobart@aol.com or 804-986-7282. If you would like to support this mission but cannot attend, we welcome your WV-designated offerings which will be used to purchase Grant’s grocery gift cards to distribute to local families in need.

 

“FARKLE” Student Ministry Event

This Sunday, June 6: 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.

All 6th-12th grade students are welcome to join us for messy games on the church lawn. You WILL get wet. You WILL get somewhat messy. Please dress accordingly and bring a towel for the drive home. Chef Adam is providing dinner. If you are planning to attend, please RSVP now here!

 

Camp RVA Registration Open for Students

Monday, June 21 – Friday, June 25 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Students and chaperones will gather outdoors for all the fun of camp and all the convenience and safety of home. Students from several churches will be meeting outdoors at Derbyshire Baptist Church for supper, choice activities, missions, and worship. Register now, here.

 

CLC Health Update

Recently, there was an exposure to COVID-19 at our Creative Learning Center (CLC). Our CLC leaders have notified the Henrico Health Department, and CLC is following their guidance.

 

Scripture

As we walk with Christ this week, let us reflect on John 8:36: “If the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”

 

In Christ,

 

Your Ministerial Staff

 

Dear Church Family,

 

“May mercy, peace, and love be yours in abundance” (Jude 2). We have midweek updates to share about multiple missions, student ministry events, Bible studies, and the latest financial summary.

 

Sunday Worship

If you missed last weekend, you can find last Sunday’s Well service here, last Sunday’s Sanctuary service here, and last Sunday’s sermon entitled “Standing at the Threshold” here. Reservations are no longer needed to attend Sunday services in person.

 

Wednesday Bible Study

Pastor Noel Schoonmaker continues to teach an in-depth, verse-by-verse video study entitled “Galatians in Slow Motion.” You can find this week’s lesson on Galatians 3:25-29 here.

 

West Virginia Mission Trip: June 6-12

The summer West Virginia Mission Trip is back! You are invited to come along for a week of faith, fellowship, construction, Vacation Bible School, and fresh mountain mornings in McDowell County, West Virginia. The trip is scheduled for June 6-12! Please prayerfully consider joining us as we celebrate our 7th year serving God in this rural community. If you have questions or would just like to know more details, please contact Bruce Hobart at kb_hobart@aol.com or 804-986-7282. If you would like to support this mission but cannot attend, we welcome your WV-designated offerings which will be used to purchase Grant’s grocery gift cards to distribute to local families in need.

 

In-person Sunday School

On Sunday, June 6, in-person Sunday School will resume for adults and students, and we will begin a new Sunday schedule with The Well at 9:00 a.m., Sunday School at 10:00 a.m., and The Sanctuary Service at 11:00 a.m. Children’s Sunday School and Worship Care will resume on Sunday, July 4 because more preparation is required to meet the extensive CDC health protocols for children.

 

“Park and Praise” Student Ministry Events

Will be from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. on June 13, June 27, July 11, July 18, July 25, August 1, August 8, and August 15. We’ll be studying lessons from the New Testament in a series called ‘Wonderful Words of Life.’ All 6th-12th grade students are welcome to join us for Park and Praise on the church lawn. These Sunday evening events will feature large group games, Bible study, small group devotions, and dinner provided by Chef Adam. While outside, masks are not required while maintaining social distance. Rain plan: all activities will move to the Family Life Center and masks will be required indoors. If you are planning to attend, please RSVP now here!

 

“FARKLE” Student Ministry Event

Join us on June 6th from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. All 6th-12th grade students are welcome to join us for messy games on the church lawn. You WILL get wet. You WILL get somewhat messy. Please dress accordingly and bring a towel for the drive home. Chef Adam is providing dinner. If you are planning to attend, please RSVP now here!

Camp RVA Registration Open for Students

Monday, June 21 – Friday, June 25 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Students and chaperones will gather outdoors for all the fun of camp and all the convenience and safety of home. Students from several churches will be meeting outdoors at Derbyshire Baptist Church for supper, choice activities, missions, and worship. Register now, here.

 

Emerge Women’s Bible Study 

Join our Emerge Bible study to kick off your summer! We will be studying the Book of Haggai with Jennifer Rothschild. This 3-week video-driven study will meet on Wednesdays, June 2, 9, and 16, at 1:00 p.m. in Spence Hall. The study will focus on how the landscapes of our lives can sometimes feel wrecked, just like the Jewish people returning to Jerusalem after exile. We also get distracted and discouraged, but we can take courage. God’s presence and promises give us courage to press on and trust God with our story. To register, please email Patty at info@secondbaptistrva.org or call her at 740-7101, ext. 1145 and leave a message that you would like to participate. We are looking forward to studying God’s Word together!

 

Mission Opportunity

Joshua and Jessica Hearne are CBF Field Personnel serving in Danville, Virginia. Among their many areas of mission is a Tool Library. Friends and neighbors connected with the Hearnes can borrow tools to maintain their own homes or do side work. The tools are used and maintained well, and the Hearnes are seeking hand tools, landscaping equipment, lawnmowers, pressure washers, trimmers, and ladders that are in good working order. If you have any such equipment that you might be willing to donate to this ministry, you can unload the tools at church by Grace Garden (located next to Spence Hall). For assistance in unloading, please contact Tom Mitchell at tmitchell@secondbaptistrva.org or Ben Brown at bbrown@secondbaptistrva.org. Last call for donations will be May 31, 2021. Tom and Ben will coordinate the relocation of the equipment to Danville in early June.

 

Scripture

 

As we walk with Christ this week, let us reflect on Psalm 118:14: “The Lord is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation.”

 

In Christ,

 

Your Ministerial Staff

May 19, 2021

Dear Church Family,

We have midweek news to share about congregational singing, a new mission opportunity, a Pentecost video you can participate in, and today’s Bible study link.

If you plan to attend worship in person this Sunday morning, please make reservations for The Well or The Sanctuary Service here by Friday at noon. If you missed last weekend, you can find last Sunday’s Well service here, last Sunday’s Sanctuary service here, and last Sunday’s sermon entitled “Doing Justice” here.

On Wednesdays, Pastor Noel Schoonmaker continues to teach a verse-by-verse video Bible study called “Galatians in Slow Motion.” You can find today’s lesson on Galatians 3:19-24 here.

Since vaccines are now widely available and the local number of new COVID-19 cases continues to trend downward, we plan to resume congregational singing at our in-person worship services on Sunday, June 6. Please note this is the same day that our adult and student Sunday School classes will re-gather for in-person Sunday School at church. We look forward to praising God together in congregational song!

Second Baptist Church will be hosting a COVID-19 vaccination event on Thursday, May 13 from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. in Spence Hall. The event will be operated by the Virginia Department of Health and the Pfizer vaccine will be administered. Vaccinations are free, and the event is open to all eligible individuals 16 years or older. There will be a follow-up event for second vaccine doses on June 3. Walk-ins are welcome at this event, or you can make an appointment here. We welcome you to take advantage of this opportunity, and to share this opportunity with church members, friends, and neighbors. If you have questions about the event or the vaccine, you can contact the Department of Health by emailing RHHDvax@vdh.virginia.gov or by calling (804) 205-3501.

Joshua and Jessica Hearne are CBF Field Personnel serving in Danville, Virginia. Among their many areas of mission is a Tool Library. Friends and neighbors connected with the Hearnes can borrow tools to maintain their own homes or to do side work. The tools are used and maintained well, and the Hearnes are seeking hand tools, landscaping equipment, lawnmowers, pressure washers, trimmers, and ladders that are in good working order. If you have any such equipment that you might be willing to donate to this ministry, you can unload the tools at church by Grace Garden (located next to Spence Hall). For assistance in unloading, please contact Tom Mitchell at tmitchell@secondbaptistrva.org or Ben Brown at bbrown@secondbaptistrva.org. Last call for donations will be May 31, 2021. Tom and Ben will coordinate the relocation of the equipment to Danville in early June.

Honoring Pentecost in your household helps focus on the gift and work of the Holy Spirit, which fills us at all times and in all places. The Holy Spirit is the real presence of Jesus, as he told his disciples: “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever, the Spirit of Truth (John 14:16-17).” The symbols of Pentecost, based on the description in Acts 2, are wind and fire. So, we encourage you to grab some red, orange, or yellow ribbon (or use the ribbon wand from your Eastertide box) to make a homemade firestick. Then take your ribbons outside and watch the wind bring them to life. Remember that like wind, we cannot see the Holy Spirit, but we constantly experience its effects. We invite you to record yourself, your family, your parents, even your dog! Using landscape (horizontal mode), record a short video clip of yourself with your homemade or Eastertide-Box firestick and send it to Rev. Katie Vance by Wednesday, May 19 (kvance@secondbaptistrva.org or 804.955.5294) to be included in a church wide Pentecost video offering!

Join our Emerge Bible study to kick off your summer! We will be studying the Book of Haggai with Jennifer Rothschild. This 3-week video-driven study will meet on Wednesdays, June 2, 9, and 16, at 1:00 p.m. in Spence Hall. The study will focus on how the landscapes of our lives can sometimes feel wrecked, just like the Jewish people returning to Jerusalem after exile. We also get distracted and discouraged, but we can take courage. God’s presence and promises give us courage to press on and trust God with our story. To register, please email Patty at info@secondbaptistrva.org or call her at 740-7101, ext. 1145 and leave a message that you would like to participate. We are looking forward to studying God’s Word together!

As we walk with God this week, let us reflect on Psalm 67:1-2: “May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known upon earth, your saving power among all nations.”

In Christ,

Your Ministerial Staff