The Witness

Volume 40, Issue 44

November 2, 2022

"Because of You"

“How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you (1 Thessalonians 3:9a)?”


Following Timothy’s return from Thessalonica, Paul was so encouraged by the report Timothy gave. He wrote, “But Timothy has just now come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love. . . . For this reason, brothers and sisters, during all our distress and persecution we have been encouraged about you through your faith (1 Thessalonians 3:6).” He went on to give praise to the Thessalonian Christians for all of the ways they had encouraged Timothy, Paul, and many other apostles. It was in this spirit of thanks that he wrote, “How can we thank God enough for you for all of the joy that we feel before God because of you (1 Thessalonians 3:9a)?” The kindness and generosity of the Thessalonians had been such a source of encouragement for Paul and the apostles during that time.


Like Paul, I want to echo those same words of gratitude to all of you. Throughout this month of pastor appreciation, our staff has been blown away by all of the ways you have reached out to us in love. Through delicious meals provided by the Casserole Committee, a number of goodies and treats delivered to the office each week, as well as many other cards, calls, gifts, and words of appreciation, we have been so encouraged by you. Thank you for all of your kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity. We are so grateful for our Vinton Baptist Church family. It is a joy to serve alongside of you; you are such a blessing to us all. How can we thank God enough for you for all of the joy that we feel before God because of you?


Thank you!

-- Travis

This Sunday, November 6th

Please note: Daylight Savings Time ends this Sunday! Remember to "fall back" so that you will be on time for church Sunday morning. The good news is that we all get an extra hour of sleep!


We will return to our usual Sunday schedule this week: 8:45 AM Contemporary Worship, 9:50 AM Sunday School, and 11:00 AM Traditional Worship. Travis' message is, "We're Still Here," and the scripture reference is Haggai 1:15b-2:9. If you cannot join us in person, please tune in through our website or Facebook group page.

Children's Ministry Events this Sunday

This Sunday our Children's Ministry has the following monthly activities planned: Art from the Heart at 4:00 PM in the small dining room with Mike & Susan Foster, children's dinner at 5:00 PM, and CIA (Children in Action) at 5:30 PM in room 206 with Donna Jackson. These events are open to all kindergarteners through 5th graders.

November Gratitude Calendar

Rev. Laura Stevens-Reed has shared a gratitude and prayer calendar for November, which calls us to remember and pray for the "cloud of witnesses" in our lives who have played a significant role. I hope your family can use it this month to reflect on the people in your lives for whom you are grateful. Just click here.

-- Whitney

Wednesday Night Menus for November

Tonight we'll follow a regular Wednesday night schedule: dinner at 5:30 PM (for those who signed up), Youth Missions Group at 6:00 PM (to plant flower bulbs at Keystone), Adult Bible Study & Children's Choirs at 6:15 PM, and adult choir rehearsals at their usual times.


The remaining menus for November are as follows:

  • November 9th - sweet & sour pork, fried rice, egg roll, soup, & dessert
  • November 16th - turkey breast, stuffing, sweet potato casserole, green beans, cold salad, roll, and dessert
  • November 23rd - NO Wednesday dinner. Enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday!
  • November 30th - loaded baked potato quiche, vegetable, soup, bread, and dessert


Dinner reservations are due by 5:00 PM the Monday prior to each dinner by calling 540-343-7685. Costs are $7/adult (ages 13+); $5/child (ages 4-12); children 3 and under are free; max per family (living in the same household) is $20; first-time guests are complimentary; takeout boxes are 50 cents/each.

Looking Ahead to Advent

The first Sunday of Advent this year is the Sunday after Thanksgiving - November 27th. The last Sunday of Advent is December 18th, and then Christmas Day is also on a Sunday. From November 27th through December 25th, we will follow a modified schedule which will allow us to prepare together for the birth of the Christ child. Sunday School will be at 9:15 AM, and we will have One Combined Morning Worship service each Sunday at 10:30 AM. Our theme will be, "Do Not Be Afraid." Please mark your calendars accordingly.

Come Shop at Our

Christmas Craft & Vendor Fair

All of our vendor spots are FULL, which means there will be many unique gifts to choose from when you come shop at our Christmas Craft & Vendor Fair on December 4th, 1:00 - 4:00 PM. We have over 27 vendors, so mark your calendars and invite some friends!

Kathi Pennington

The Glebe - Chaplick Center

250 Ellison Circle West MC #125

Daleville VA 24083

October 30, 2022

10:30 AM Worship:

In Person - 267

Online - 259

Sunday School: 182

Thanksgiving Offering

Please note that this year's Thanksgiving Offering will be split, with 50% benefitting the Capital Needs Fund and 50% benefitting the Blessing Box.


Please note the following information provided by the Finance Committee regarding the difference between the Capital Needs Fund and the Building Fund:

  • The Building Fund is used to track donations for major church construction or renovation projects, or to pay any loans used to finance major construction or renovations. We do not have any church construction or renovation projects at this time, so the funds are held for future use.
  • The Capital Needs Fund is used to pay for mechanical components, fixtures, furniture, or other assets needed by the church that would typically have a useful life longer than one year. It is often used for maintenance projects involving HVAC systems, roofing, or other building repairs, or can be used to purchase new furniture or equipment such as cameras, projectors, sound equipment, or computers.

Congratulations to Mark & Debbie Adler in the birth of granddaughter Madison Marie Briskey to Christie & John Briskey. Also to Joey & Cindy Hall in the birth of grandson Lane Edward North on October 23rd, weighing 7 lbs., 9ozs. and measuring 20-3/4" long. Proud parents are Caitlin & Alex North; proud great-grandmother is Verlie Hall.

Christian sympathy is extended to Reggie & Sandy Ginter and family in the death of their daughter Pamela Lea Ginter on October 30th; to Pat Barton, Becky Ingram, and Kathryn Sowers in the death of their cousin Doug Forbes last week; and to Ken & Jennifer Williamson and family in the death of her cousin Jack Williams of Clarksville.

Deacon Nominations Are Due Sunday

Nomination forms are available at the Welcome Center for next year's new deacons. As always, this is an important decision; please make it a matter of prayer. Please click here for a copy of the nomination form, which also lists our current and lifetime deacons, or find originals at the Welcome Center. Please drop your completed form in the nomination box at the Welcome Center by this Sunday, November 6th.

Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes

are Due This Sunday

Please return your filled OCC shoeboxes to the Missions Tables by this Sunday, November 6th. Be sure to tape your boy/girl label to the outside of your box top and indicate the age range you have packed for. Please also include $10 for shipping in the inside top of your box unless you paid for shipping online. It's not too late if you want to donate funds to help cover shipping on extra boxes. Contact Darlene McCaskill (540-890-6748) with any questions. Finally, if you would like to help but just don't have the time to pack a shoebox or shop for items, click here to build a shoebox online for as little as $25.

Blessing Box Needs

Saltine crackers, vegetable soup, baked beans, spaghetti sauce (in can or jar), spaghetti pasta, women's shampoo, paper towels, and any type of individual snack items (nabs, cookies, Fruit Roll-ups, graham crackers, Cheez-Its, etc. in small, individual packages). Donations can be dropped off at the appropriate bin at the Missions Tables.

Nurse's Station Needs for

William Byrd Middle & High Schools

The Nurse's Stations at both the middle and high schools are in desperate need of items to meet student needs. Please consider donating any of the following items:

travel toothbrushes; travel toothpaste; shampoo; feminine products; ginger ale; juice; 8 oz. water bottles; cough drops; hair bands; contact solution; peppermint candy; hard candy (any flavor); individual hand sanitizers; individual tissue packets; safety pins; hairbrushes; individual packages of crackers, Cheez-Its, chips, cookies, fruit snacks, etc. (NO nuts of any kind, NO peanut butter); underwear (child & adult sizes, male & female); t-shirts; boys' & girls' pants with elastic waist (leggings, sweatpants, shorts). Please drop off items in the appropriate bin at the Missions Tables, and we'll make sure they get to the Nurse's Stations. Thank you!

Children's Basketball Registration is OPEN!

Children's Basketball registration forms are available in the church office or by clicking here. Please complete the form that corresponds with your child's age/grade level. This year's cost will remain at $40 per participant. Registration forms and payment are due in the church office by Wednesday, November 30th.

Collection for Boys & Girls Club: Frosting Lids

Thank you to everyone who donated empty 2-liter and Gatorade bottles for Boys & Girls Club projects! They are still in need of frosting can lids. Please drop off at the Missions Tables. Thank you!!

Christmas Poinsettias

It's that time of year again! We are ordering poinsettias to beautify our sanctuary during the upcoming Christmas season. They will be purchased from Martin's again this year. They are $10/each. You may order in honor or memory of a loved one. Please stop by the church office to place your order no later than December 5th.

Update from the Zubtsov Family in Ukraine

About 3 weeks ago, we sent out an urgent prayer request from Bogdan Zubtsov and his wife Zhenia in Ukraine. We wanted to share with you their most recent communication, which we received Monday, October 31st. Please note that it has been edited for space. Please click here.

From the entire ministerial and administrative staff, we want to express our thanks to EVERYONE who had a part in making our October special. From gift cards to goodie bags to homecooked meals, you have certainly made us feel special and appreciated. God bless you!

Your Church Staff

November 2022 Calendar
www.vintonbaptistchurch.org