October 23, 2014 Farmville Enterprise
One of the best and most unique things about Farmville is the way that churches work together. Visitors often voice surprise at a community Vacation Bible School and joint Lenten and Thanksgiving services. People of different races and socio-economic backgrounds work side-by-side at Farmville Benevolent Ministries and take turns serving at the Community Outreach Kitchen or delivering Meals on Wheels. As Paul writes “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body.” (1 Corinthians 12:12-13a)
When Rocky and I moved to Farmville we were particularly interested in encouraging more racial diversity in our church’s children’s and youth ministry as well as in the congregation as a whole. I don’t know if we could have asked for a warmer reception for those who eventually became active in our community. One of my favorite events is Fifth Quarter. After certain Farmville Central home football games all FCHS students are invited to eat, play basketball or just hang out until 11:30 PM. Various churches have helped in this ministry. For years we have enjoyed offering a positive place for such a diverse group of youth.
Sunday morning we sang “”In Christ There Is No East Or West” which says “Join hands, disciples of the faith, wate’er your race may be. All children of the living God are surely kin to me.” The bond we share is truly greater than any differences we might have!
celiastone 