December 1, 2022 | Issue 316 | View as Webpage
PLEASE FORGIVE THE RESEND - BUT SOME HAD
TROUBLE WITH YESTERDAY'S EMAIL
Greetings!

My beloved friends, this Sunday will be my final message to you from God’s Word as your pastor. Words fail me! What a privilege and honor to have been asked to stand in this time-tested pulpit and deliver the absolute truth of God’s Word to so many for so many years. One can only imagine the time and prayer I engaged in concerning this final message. After many weeks I was at my study desk at 3:00 AM Tuesday morning, and God spoke clearly to me about what He wanted me to say. Earth shattering? No. Just terrific? Absolutely not. But it is where my heart is for my people. I have truly loved the way the Lord has opened my heart each week in a fresh way making the Old, Old Story ever new! Please pray for me, that I will make it through this with all praise and glory only to our Savior. I am but His instrument, and it should never stop filling us all with wonder and amazement that our Holy and Righteous God would choose to use a lowly sinful people like you and me! But He does, and will continue to do so, in us all and in the pastor God leads you to in the months that lie ahead.

My message is entitled: PASTOR’S FINAL MESSAGE

I cannot wait to see you with your Bibles in hand.

Your friend and pastor,
PS: The reason this is the final message is because I am told that Sunday December 11, for once in my life, I will need to do a lot more listening to others! One grand celebration worship at 9:00 AM in Celebration and Genesis! Karyn and I feel so very deeply blessed and honored!
December 11 - One connected service at 9:00 AM in the Sanctuary and Hangar!
Revelation Overview

If you missed last week's Wilton 101 Reunion, click the link to the right and gain insight from Dr. Wilton on this most intriguing book of the Bible!

(over 3000 views already)
Please pray for our Pastor Search
and Spiritual Advisory Teams
Pastor Search Team

John Warner
Chip Foster
Mickey Sobeski
Chris Gardner
Bill Stewart
David Wise
Kristen Foster
Rick Mathis
Neal Williams
Christina Cleland
Kyle Shuler
Lesa Banks
Deneen Griffin
Robert Moore
Spiritual Advisory Team

Debbie Sobeski
Michael Latzka
Jim Barrett
Hal Foster
Larry Fike
Leann Greene
Larry Irvin
Lauren Morris
Ruthi Neely
Joanna Swanson


Every month representatives from the the Pastor's Search Teams listed above will be sharing video updates to keep us informed on their progress.

Every other week members from the Spiritual Advisory Team will be providing a continual flow of information as we move through this process. This month's report is from co-chair John Warner. This week we gain insight from one of the Prayer Advisory team leaders, Leanne Green.

These updates will help to keep us unified in prayer as we seek God's choice for the next pastor of First Baptist Spartanburg.
Join us in Prayer
Come spend an hour every Tuesday from noon to one in our Sanctuary to pray or be prayed for. You are welcome to stop in when you like and leave when you like.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7
December Prayer Focus
During the holidays, we focus our prayer attention on the Lottie Moon Christmas offering, which is collected from Christians all over the world to help support international missions. 

Pray for the IMB and for those in leadership as they work with our missionaries in the field.  Ask God to renew their strength and give them a clear vision for reaching the lost where they serve with the gospel. Pray for an outrageous amount of giving in December to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering so that the IMB may continue to send missionaries out and to maintain those already on the field. Pray for our missionaries who are far from families and friends over the holidays. Ask the Lord to grant them a great peace and thanksgiving to be serving Him all over the world. 
The Bridge is a great place to volunteer! 
Visit our website at www.thebridgeatgreenstreet.org and look for the Orientation video to learn how you can join The Bridge Volunteer Team.
Watch, Like and Share last week's 
Services on Facebook
CELEBRATION LIVE STREAM
For the friends you want to invite to Worship, share last week's video and invite them to church this Sunday!
GENESIS LIVE STREAM
Invite a friend to watch the Genesis Service online, or live in theHangar this Sunday
MVMT - STUDENT WEDNESDAY NIGHTS
See what God is doing in the FBS Student Ministry on Wednesday Nights!
THIS WEEK'S ENCOURAGING WORD MESSAGE
Spread the Encouragement from our pastor this week!
FIRST LOOK
What's happening this week at First Spartanburg!
The Vision 2020 Story
Vision 2020 Launch and Fly Through Video CLICK TO SEE

Believe it or not December has arrived and we are so thrilled to be celebrating the birth of our Savior and Lord throughout this Christmas season. December also means we are approaching year-end which is a time so many of us make extra financial gifts to the church. In order for your gifts to be included in your giving statement for 2022, here are a few reminders you will want to be aware of:
 
·      Each week you will have an opportunity to place your gift in the offering collection at each service or in one of the drop boxes around the church.
·      If you would like to bring your gift to the church during the week, please do so before midnight on December 31.
·      If you mail your gift it must be postmarked no later than December 31.
·      Online gifts will also need to be submitted before midnight on December 31 at www.fbs.org/give.
·      If you would like to give stock, please contact the Business Office at 864-699-4225 by December 29 for the instructions.
 
Thank you for your faithful and generous support of the many ministry opportunities of First Baptist Church.
Stay informed via Text
For general TKD reminders text @tkdupdates to 81010 
For MPACT Kids reminders text @mpactkids to 81010

A wonderful family resource: RightNow Media! 
Did you know that attending FBS gets you free personal access to this great platform? It’s full of quality biblical content you can use for your personal spiritual growth, as well as other great tools for life. Share this awesome online discipleship library with any of your friends and family. You can give them this free gift of access to the largest library of video bible studies in the world!
 
To sign up for free personal access through our church, click here.  https://www.rightnow.org/Account/Invite/FBCSpartanburg

We Are Senior Adult Ministry
Jesus is here for us all.
We are here for you all.
Because we love you, our ministry team is committed to walk with you through this challenging time.  We are here to:

  1. Listen 
  2. Pray
  3. Share Jesus
  4. Talk
  5. Encourage

Feel free to call us anytime at 864-583-7245.  You may also connect with live prayer lines at 1-877-443-2273 or visit our website at www.fbs.org


Join us in praying for more
to accept Jesus as Lord.

Thus far in 2022, over 18,500 people have called, texted or emailed for prayer and 487 people have given their lives to Jesus through the broadcasts of The Encouraging Word!

STAY CONNECTED WITH TEW
Receive the Daily Encouraging Word, catch us on Social Media, or Request Prayer! 
Click the links below to discover more:

CLICK HERE For Daily Bible Study 
Dr Wilton's Encouraging Word daily devotional is available free of charge in a number of ways! Each morning via email at www.TEWonline.org. It is also recorded Monday through Friday and can be listened to at 864.764.1462 . Or if you would like a copy of the quarterly magazine, call 1-866-899-WORD (9673).
PRAYING IN UNITY
Thousands of neighbors are being prayed for by members of our church! Don't miss the blessing, sign up by clicking HERE
Members who need prayer
                                                 
Spartanburg Regional Hospital
Robert “Taco” Talanges
Bob Turner
Kevin Kirby 

Spartanburg Regional—Mary Black Campus
Merri Morrell  

Spartanburg Regional Restorative Care
William “Billy” Campbell   

Pelham Medical
Marie Lipscomb (surg 12/12)
Joyce Laws (surg 12/2)
 

Members in Rehab

Spartanburg Rehab Institute (SRI)
Lewis “Rick” Carlisle 

PRWC
Linda Lewis

Rosecrest
Belle Smith (Rick Smith’s mother) 
Tony McMillan 


Special Prayer Requests
(Due to the many requests for prayer, we try to leave names on this list for 30 days. Please feel free to request a name to be listed again.)

Bobby G. Martin, Margaret Cothran, Billy Bersagli (Becky Morris’s brother), Lula Armstrong (Johnny McCraw’s granddaughter), Alan Roberts, Wayne Grigg, Edward Anthony (Jo Ellen Clubb’s father), Joe & Marsha Goodwin, Hortense Bunt, Mona & Don Ezell, Martha Gribble (Russ Gribble’s mother), John Anthony Taylor (Chester & Carolyn Lawson’s grandson), Brenda Mullinax, Barry Jennings, Stephanie Smith, Carroll Tipton, Jerry & Darlene Holden (Rosea Zoellner’s parents)(TEW viewers), Donna Garrison, Jean Lowery, Jim and Elaine Mann, Debbie & Roy Smith, Jr., Charlie Lowery & Lynn Lowery (Jean Lowery’s children), Kevin Lagerholm (Norma Jean Lagerholm’s son), Mike Garren (Norma Jean Lagerholm’s nephew), Leon Harvey, Mike & Mary Crawley, Shirley O’dell, James & Frances Paslay, Jane Warren, Stephen Hughey (Marie Lipscomb’s nephew), Danielle Whitaker, Larry Gowan (Cindy Miller’s father), Larry & Joan Quinn (Carolyn Lawson’s cousins), Robert Simpson (Jean Allison’s brother) Ron & Wilma Hayes, Miriam Morgan, Linda Merrill, Billy Campbell, Anna Barrett & unborn baby, Renee Brown (Debra Key’s friend), Lachlan Hyatt, Jenny Johnson, Tommie McAllister (Chad McAllister’s grandmother), Jeanette Kirby, Bill Gramling & Mike Petty (Margaret Suits’ friends), Mike Turner (Tami Morris’ co-worker’s Dad), Karmen Kingsmore, Kate Suits (Stephen Suits Sister-in-Law), Marie Humphries’ Mother, Anna Barrett & her newborn baby (Joanne Carter’s friend), Roger Riggins (Joanne Carter’s friend), Mildred Graves (Darlene Williams’ Mother), Paisley Loftis (Darlene Williams’ Granddaughter), George Candler (Terry Candler’s brother), Sean Loftis (Darlene Williams’ Son in law), Linda McClure, Sarah Jane Owens (Miriam Vickery’s Niece), Lauren & Maddie Hartzell (Neices of Wanda Babb) Scott Hayes(Audrey Hampton's Son), Lynn Cazallis (Annette Miller’s friend)

Christian Sympathy is Extended to:
Family of Rita Burgess Boggero Chapman (Union SC) who passed away 9/20
Family of Juanita Dillard (Terri Gowdy & Britt Dillard’s aunt) who passed 9/30
Family of Sandra Anders (Debra Key’s mother) who passed away 10/1
Family of Carolyn Bryson who passed away 10/2
Family of Ralph Allen who passed away 10/8
Family of Jenny Leopard (Tom Leopard’s mother) who passed away 10/9
Family of Joyce Kuipers (Linda Martin’s mother) who passed away 10/10
Family of Paul Horne (Madelyn Horne’s son & Gina Williamson’s brother) 10/14
Family of Ray Rooke who passed away 10/17
Family of Sal Delgado (Kay Edwards’ father) who passed away 10/18
Family of Sarah Lancaster (Rhonda Fisher’s mother) who passed away 10/21
Family of Wilford McAbee who passed away 10/24
Family of Louise Keesler who passed away 10/28
Family of Dan Miller (Brian Miller’s brother) who passed away 10/31
Family of Dr. John Stowell who passed away 10/31
Family of Gwen Mooneyham who passed away 11/6
Family of Marie Blackwell who passed away 11/8
Family of David Renwick who passed away 11/18
Family of Mildred Friday who passed away 11/20


Pray for our missionaries who have birthdays or anniversaries in December
Solomon (CA) Dec 15
Lydia (CA)   Dec 21
Jonathan (SA) Dec 23
Eli (SIL)  Dec 29
 
     
Pray for our ladies and gentlemen serving in our military

Lt. Caleb Robinson, US Navy - Guam
SGT. Luke Redding, US Army - Ft. Bragg, NC
Brandon Duke, US Air Force -
PFC Joshua Ruff, US Marines - Camp Lejeune, NC
Lt. Jake Moore- US Army - Ft. Benning, GA
 
To add an active duty service lady or gentleman please contact dwilliams@fbs.org
At Home Neighborhoods

 
Members in Asst. Living /Nursing Facilities as Residents

Ashlan Village
Miriam Vickery

Brushy Creek Cottages in Greer
Martha Turner

Cascades Verdae - Independent Living
Len & Kay Carroll

Chandler Creek Village
Norma Jean Lagerholm

Eden Terrace
Peggy Biggerstaff
Gerald Emory
Mildred Fridy
Betty Gillespie
Jim & Elaine Mann
Barbara Shepherd
Suzanne (Suzi) Smith
Grady Stewart
Jack Tyner

*Easley Nursing Home
Carolyn Crowe

Fairhaven of Forest City
Carolyn Morgan

The Gardens at Eastside - Greenville        
Margaret Kirby

Greenville Glen - Greenville, SC
Steve Satterfield, Sr.

Lakewood Senior Living - Boiling Springs
Betty Heatherly

Lakewood Senior Living - Independent Living
Betty Medford

Magnolia Manor Inman
Samuel Lee Perry

Physical Rehabilitation & Wellness (PRW)
Rhonda Fisher

Rolling Greene - Greenville
Sally Hutcheson

Rosecrest
Ruby McDowell
Betty Toney

Rosecrest - Independent Living
Loretta Cassell

Skylyn/Pacifica
Richard Smith

Summit Hills Asst Living
Rachel McMillan
Lib Woolbright

Summit Hills - Independent Living
Linda Arnold
Henry H. Hamilton

Summit Hills NH
Peggy Gilliland

The Waterford at Columbia
Jane Littlejohn

Wesley Court Asst. Living, Boiling Springs
Helen Young

White Oak Asst. Living Webber Rd
Jo Ann Adams

White Oak - Independent Living
Harriet Baughman
Sara Hall
Jim Miller
Bill Osteen
Pat Tate
Lou Ann Walker
Eula Williams

White Oak, Northgrove
Mirth Bolton

White Oak Manor - East Pearl Street
Sara Duncan

Woodbridge Senior Living of Spartanburg
Donna Garrison
 
Our FBS "At Home" Residents enjoy your care through cards, calls & visits. Please contact the church office if you have any updates. 864-583-7245 or by email to dkey@fbs.org

This list contains members who are residents in nursing & assisted living neighborhoods. Please let us know when someone is in the hospital or a facility for rehab so they can be added to the "Let Us Pray" list. If someone is living "At Home" independently they will be listed through their Life Groups and Deacons.
Minister on Call:  For assistance, call 864.583.7245 - option 6 
ONLINE AND ON SOCIAL MEDIA
We are excited to share inspiration and information every day from FBS both online and on our Social Media. You will find Encouraging Words from Dr. Don on Instagram, Facebook and our Website around noon each day! 
Details at www.fbs.org with even more opportunities to stay connected! 
Follow us and join the conversation all week long! www.fbs.org/social
Encouraging Complete and Courageous Living in Christ

First Baptist Spartanburg
(864) 583-7245