March 30, 2023 | Issue 334 | View as Webpage
Greetings!

As Christians, we are in a most precious season, EASTER! We are celebrating the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior.
 
On this coming Sunday, we begin what is known as Holy Week. Each day is a reminder of the life and sacrifice of the One we know as our Savior. I encourage you to read Matthew 21, to be reminded of the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. Let’s prepare for a sweet day of worship on this coming Palm Sunday.
 
First Baptist Spartanburg Holy Week opportunities:
 
Palm Sunday – This coming Sunday, we will observe the Lord’s Supper in each of the services. We invite those joining us by television, streaming at home, in nursing facilities, incarcerated, or on duty as one of our incredible first responders to participate as well. You can visit the Security Desk in the Main Building to request a Lord’s Supper element for a loved one that will be unable to attend worship with us. Our loved one can engage in worship with us from wherever they may be.
·      Leading in the Celebration Service, is our own, Dr. Steve Wise, Minister of Missions. Rev. Steve Skinner, along with our choir and orchestra, will be leading in music worship. As you prepare to attend, I pray that God’s presence will be real to each one. It will be a time of corporate worship and personal worship you do not want to miss.
·     Leading in the Genesis Services, is our own Rev. Jordan Cramer, Minister to Families. Daniel Brady and our Genesis Band will be leading in worship music. Our worship will lead us right into the presence God.
 
Maundy Thursday, April 6, 2023 - A time of prayer at The Bridge, 6:00pm to midnight. Please join us.
Please call Kathy Hurry at 864.699.4207, to sign up for a time that is convenient for you. You can sign up and pray from your home.
 
Good Friday Service, April 7, 2023 – Join us in the sanctuary for a thirty-minute service at noon for our church family and business community as we reflect on the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus, our Savior. Please come and bring your co-workers and friends. This is going to be a really special service, you do not want to miss this! With some precious friends, I am looking forward to leading this Good Friday Service.
 
Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023 - Who are you bringing with you on Easter Sunday? Be in prayer for this wonderful day of worship believing many will come to Christ on this day in each of our three services. Let’s worship and celebrate the resurrection of our Savior together. It is going to be a glorious day of worship on Easter!
 
Baptism Sunday, April 16, 2023 - We have many people waiting to be baptized. As part of each worship service we will have a time of baptism. Are you one that has accepted Christ but never followed His example and been baptized? Why not settle this issue on this Baptism Sunday? Call the Connection Ministry Office, 864.699.4208, speak with Shae, and get your name on the list to be baptized. This is going to be an exciting day of celebration! The invitation is open to anyone who has accepted Christ and wants to be baptized.
 
God is at work at First Baptist Spartanburg! I pray that you are attending, worshipping, inviting, giving, serving and most of all praying for our church. I am so thankful for our staff and leadership for their thoroughness, transparency, attention to detail, in every area of the work of the church. It is a privilege and honor to serve alongside of our staff and lay leaders. God is working behind the scenes and I’m looking forward to what He has in store for First Baptist Spartanburg. As always thank you for your kind words of encouragement. Let’s continue to join our hearts as we pray: “Dear God, please send to us the man you have chosen to be our next Senior Pastor. In Jesus name. Amen”
 
I am so grateful to you for your faithfulness,
Sam Davis
Associate Pastor

P.S. Have you shared your story with someone? If so, have you invited them to be in church with you on Easter Sunday?


The latest devotion to help 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
Larry Irvin - Chairman
Colby Hawkins
Kyle Shuler
Bill Stewart
John Warner
Neal Williams
David Wise
March Prayer Focus
Pray for members of our own church to establish relationships and have gospel conversations with those who are lost. Pray that each will embrace the Great Commission as each Christian is commanded to proclaim truth with those who do not know Him. Pray that God will equip them through His Holy Spirit in presenting His Word. Pray for our workers who are sent all over the world with opportunities to engage with the lost in varying cultures and worldviews. Pray that God would open the minds and hearts of all those who receive His truth. Pray for divine appointments throughout this month of “Live to Tell”. 
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 Christmas Eve Service online, or live in theHangar this Sunday
MVMT - STUDENT WEDNESDAY NIGHTS
See what God is doing in the Student Ministry on Wednesday Nights!
THIS WEEK'S ENCOURAGING WORD MESSAGE
Spread the Encouragement by sharing this link with friends and family!
Ashley Lives to Tell
Kyle Lives to Tell
Bobby Lives to Tell
Cameron Lives to Tell
Bradley Loves to Serve
Ed & Denise Love to Serve
FIRST LOOK
What's happening this week at First Spartanburg!
Discover the power of Daily Bible Reading
Join us in the same passages together - Week 13
The Vision 2020 Story
Vision 2020 Launch and Fly Through Video CLICK TO SEE
Malachi 3:10 (ESV) says, “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.” Your faithful giving to the storehouse of First Baptist allows the many ministries to keep going strong in order to reach more people for Christ. Thank you for your faithful generosity. We continue to encourage you to make a regular commitment to be a faithful steward in every area of your life – time, talents, treasure, and testimony. 
 
As you think about your financial stewardship, here are a couple of the many options you can consider: 
 
·   Our online giving (one-time or recurring) platform through Realm at www.fbs.org/give or on the FBS app continues to be one of the most popular ways many of you give. It is available 24/7 and helps you stay up to date on your tithes even if you are unable to make it to church on any given Sunday. If you are concerned about the processing charges that the church incurs, there is an option that allows you to help offset these costs.
·   Did you know you can give stock directly to FBS? For more information on this, please call our Business Office at 864-699-4225 and they can tell you how to have it transferred directly to the church.
Stay informed via Text
For general TKD reminders text @tkdupdates to 81010 
For MPACT Kids reminders text @tkdnight 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


God is doing something amazing!

Already this year over 7500 people have called, texted or emailed for prayer and 544 people have given their lives to Jesus through the outreach of The Encouraging Word!

Join us in praying for more
to accept Jesus as Savior!

 
STAY CONNECTED WITH TEW

 
CLICK HERE to request a FREE copy of The Daily Encouraging Word quarterly devotional, or to request a copy by phone, call 1-866-899-WORD (9673) Also, you can listen to a daily recorded reading Monday through Friday by dialing 864-764-1462.

PRAYING IN UNITY
Thousands of neighbors are being prayed for by members of our church through Bless This Home!
Don't miss the blessing, sign up by clicking HERE
Members who need Prayer
                                                 
Spartanburg Regional
Jean Allison 
Peggy Biggerstaff
Richard Key—Surgery 4/19

Spartanburg Regional—Mary Black Campus
Katie Buckman
 
Spartanburg Regional—Mary Black—Rehab
Betty Olds
 
Spartanburg Regional Restorative Care
Elizabeth Gage
Mary Alice Wingo

Spartanburg Surgical Center
Audrey Hampton—Surgery 4/26


MUSC
Lula Armstrong—Surgery 4/13 

North Grove—White Oak-Rehab
Elaine Dunger   

Members in Hospice Care
Mannie Horton—At Home

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.)

Roger Riggins (Joanne Carter’s friend), George Candler (Terry Candler’s brother), Linda McClure, Sarah Jane Owens (Miriam Vickery’s niece), Scott Hayes (Audrey Hampton’s Son), Lynn Cazallis (Annette Miller’s friend), Drew Westbrook, Carolyn Pall, Jason Smith, Deanna Ellis (Carolyn Eubanks’ niece), Aletha Hawkins, Tom Fish (LeeAnn Lee’s Dad), Merri Caldwell (Juanita Lewis’ daughter), Tammy Humphries, Teresa Epperly (Sal Barone’s Sister), Ella Burcklee Lancaster (Jeff & Angela Lancaster’s daughter), Doris Riggins (Joanne Carter’s Aunt), Sue Wilson, Davis Wall, Joe Goodwin, Ben Babb, Randy Caddell, Jack & Bess Johannes, Wayne Barber (Diana Latzka’s Dad), Merle Parnell, Leonard Gallman (Norma Lynn Phyllips’ Brother and Norma “Dearie” Gallman’s Son), Steve Martin, Ralph Parnell, Luke Johnson, Wayne Grigg, Lee Holliday, Jim Barrett, Jim & Elaine Mann, Caleb Bayne, Linda Stearn (Dewey Burdine’s Sister), Julie Combs Hunt (Mary Jo Combs Daughter), Ronnie Williams, Caleb Billings, Harrison Wilson, Bill Mangum, Janet Dillard, Lula Armstrong (Johnny McCraw’s Granddaughter),   Tammy Hendricks , Tripp Taylor, Carolyn Dillard, Alison Walker, Roy Gossett (Carolyn Dillard’s Brother), Sharon Byers (Susi Smith’s Mother), Martha Gribble (Russ Gribble’s Mother), Eddie Dutton, Tony McMillan, Alleigh Scott, Margaret Cothran, Mary Patterson, Jim Long, Wilma & Ronnie Hayes, Eula Williams, Phil & Barbara Ann Pacelli, Rebecca Jones, Lydia Kaplan (Marie Lipscomb’s Friend), Billy Campbell, Renee Brown (Debra Key’s friend), Lib Jennings (Sam Davis’ Sister), Alan Roberts, Frank Titz, Chris Stewart, Lynn Morrow (Sedalia Hunt’s Niece), Keren Wilmont (Miriam Vickery’s Niece), Scottie Sybounheaung, John Hall (Marie Lipscomb’s Brother), Andrea McMinn (Annette Miller’s Sister), Sandra Mahaffey, Diane Eason, Paul Weaver, Rhonda Babb, Jean Allison, Fred McCray, Adrienne (Elda Webber’s Grandson), Jack Gibson, Harriette Baughman, Sherrie Whitten, Jenny Ledford (Darlene Williams’ friend), Jane Warren, Turner Hammett, Kay Carroll, Ann Rogers, Julia Young (Julie Finley & Cole Young’s Mother), Pat Moore, Elizabeth Gage, Miriam Morgan, Charlie Lowery, Lynn Lowery, Katie Buckman, Al Phillips Family, Nancy Osborne, Dani Belk (Jimmy & Susi Smith’s Daughter)

Christian Sympathy is Extended to:
Family of Belle Smith (Rick Smith’s Mother) who passed away on 2/16
Family of Mary Anne Johnson (Sandie Campbell’s Mother) who passed on 2/17
Family of Betty Glazener who passed away on 2/17
Family of Steve Satterfield who passed away on 2/18
Family of Shirley Davis (Marilyn Lankford’s Sister) who passed away on 2/19
Family of Cathryn Wise (Steve Wise’s Mother) who passed away on 2/25
Family of Fanny Smith (Rebecca Keim’s Mother) who passed away on 2/26
Family of Gloria Kirkland who passed away on 3/5
Family of Tommy Trammell (Ed & Virginia’s Son) who passed away on 3/9
Family of Toy Autry Good (David Good’s Brother) who passed away on 3/16
Family of Margaret DeRosa who passed away on 3/21
Family of Sandra Ann Sarter (Horace Cheeks’s Sister-In-Law) who passed away on 3/19
Family of Doug Farrell who passed away on 3/25
Family of Gerald Emory who passed away on 3/26
Family of Richard Bearden who passed away on 3/26
Family of Victor Abernathy who passed away on 3/28
Family of Barbara Moyer (Becky Smith’s Mother) who passed away on 3/29


Pray for our missionaries who have birthdays or anniversaries in March

Emilee (SIL)       March 2
Thomas (EUR)   March 3
Erikson (Canada) March 12
Brandy (Canada) March 29
Evan (SIL)          March 31
Eden (SIL)          March 31

     
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
Luke Johnson-US Marines - Camp Geiger, Jacksonville, NC
 
To add an active duty service lady or gentleman please contact [email protected]

At Home Neighborhoods
 
Members in Asst. Living /Nursing Facilities as Residents

Ashland Village
Miriam Vickery 
Betty McMillan
Brushy Creek Cottages – Greer
Martha Turner
Cascades Verdae—Independent Living
Len & Kay Carroll
Chandler Creek Village
Norma Jean Lagerholm
Eden Terrace
Peggy Biggerstaff
Betty Gillespie
Jim & Elaine Mann 
Barbara Shepherd
Suzanne (Suzi) Smith
Grady Stewart
Billy Campbell
*Easley Nursing Home
Carolyn Crowe
Fairhaven—Forest City
Carolyn Morgan
Gardens at Eastside—Greenville, SC
Margaret Kirby
Lakewood Senior Living—Assisted Living
Betty Heatherly
Lakewood Senior Living—Independent Living
Betty Medford
Magnolia Manor—Inman
Samuel Lee Perry
Pacifica
Donna Garrison
Richard Smith
Physical Rehabilitation & Wellness (PRW)
Rhonda Fisher    
Rolling Greene—Greenville
Sally Hutcheson
Rosecrest
Ruby McDowell
Betty Toney
Rosecrest—Independent Living
Loretta Cassell 
Summit Hills—Assisted Living
Rachel McMillan      
Lib Woolbright
Tony McMillan   
Summit Hills—Independent Living    
Linda Arnold 
Henry H. Hamilton  
BB Bryson     
Summit Hills—Memory Care
Martha Hines
Summit Hills—Skilled Nursing
Peggy Gilliland
The Waterford—Columbia
Jane Littlejohn   
Wesley Court Assisted Living—Boiling Springs, SC
Helen Young
White Oak Asst. Living—Webber Rd
Jo Ann Adams
Helen Mayson
White Oak—Skilled Nursing
Shirley Allen
White Oak—Rehab
Eula Williams
White Oak—Independent Living
Harriet Baughman
Sara Hall
Jim Miller
Bill Osteen
Pat Tate
Lou Ann Walker
White Oak—North Grove
Mirth Bolton
White Oak Manor—East Pearl Street
Sara Duncan


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 [email protected]

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 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