February 25 2021 | Issue 219 | View as Webpage
Greetings!

I trust you are having an excellent week! At least a decent one, if things have been fairly good. And, if not, I want you to know I have been praying for you. Yes, many of us have been praying for you. Just think about this for a minute. We certainly do have very specific times of prayer. Many do so each morning or evening. Many of us keep journals that document daily Bible readings, lessons learned, moments of inspiration and specific people for whom to pray. Our church sends out a daily list of many prayer requests. We see them every day and we pray after reading the names and circumstances. We also have close friends and families we pray for all the time. And, God hears and answers our prayers.
 
But, what about unknown needs, the names we do not mention, and the many times we simply pray - “Lord please touch all those who stand in need of prayer today!” Just think about the Lord. He knows us, sees us, and hears us in detail and all the time! Every time we pray, He activates, and not just because we pray! He actually does not need us to activate Him. He is love. He is compassion! He does hear, He does know and He does see.
 
However, He invites us to approach Him. He wants us to come to Him as His children. He loves us and desires for us to desire Him in close fellowship.
 
You are never alone and never forgotten.
 
How wonderful to see our church mobilized and on mission. How great to feel the fellowship. How marvelous to feel God’s presence.
 
Join the Journey. Trust Him. Acknowledge Him and depend on Him (Proverbs 3:5-6). Join God’s purpose, plan and people.
 
I love you all very much indeed.
 
Your friend and pastor,
REVIVE 2021 is a church-wide prayer focus centered around 3 circles in our lives. Join with us as we seek to deepen our personal spiritual growth, our prayer for and relationships with our neighbors, and our dedicated prayer towards specific ministry areas right here at FBS.

Daily Bible Study and Prayer STRENGTHENS us!
You can get a copy of our daily SOAP scriptures HERE
Today's passages are 2 Samuel 10 &11. Passages of battle and David's sin against God and Uriah. We all face temptation, may God give us wisdom in our choices, and strength today to turn our back on sin and resist the devil!

Praying for our neighbors CHANGES us and our neighborhoods!
Since Sunday, 40 more people signed up to join in praying for our neighbors for a total of 126
(See the graphic below showing how many have prayed, cared and shared!!!)
If you haven’t had a chance to sign up yet you can do so HERE

Praying for our Church MULTIPLIES the fruit of Ministry!!
You will see more online this week about how to pray for the Children's Ministry- The KID DEPOT, our ministry emphasis this month… but you can pray over these areas HERE

Much more than a program… the intentional discipline that comes in the PLAN of REVIVE 2021 can be a great tool of God to help us stay focused and unified as we grow!
ADDITIONAL WAYS TO WORSHIP 
In this unique season remember we have ONLINE opportunities to Worship in addition to our worship centers!
1- Watch WSPA TV-7 or YouTube 
(No interaction just watching)
2- Watch and Interact via chat - FaceBook or Livestream  
(watching and interaction via chat and comments)
FACEBOOK FEEDS
Watch, Like and Share last week's 
Services on Facebook
LAST SUNDAY'S CELEBRATION LIVE STREAM
For the friends you want to invite to Worship, share last week's video and invite them to church this week!
LAST SUNDAY'S GENESIS LIVE STREAM
Invite a friend to watch the Genesis Service on line, or live in the Hangar this Sunday!

LAST WEDNESDAY NIGHT'S
FBS-STUDENT LIVE STREAM
Give your friends a taste of Wednesday Night! Share last week's video and bring them this week!
LAST WEEK'S ENCOURAGING WORD STREAM
Share our pastor's Bible based teaching with your friends and spread the Encouragement!!
FROM OUR CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR 
Thank you for your continued faithful generosity to the ministries of First Baptist Spartanburg. As we go through 2021, we want to encourage you to remain committed to being a faithful steward in every area of your life – time, talent, treasures and testimony. Here are some of the many options you can consider as you think about your financial stewardship:

1.  We will continue to collect tithes and offerings at the end of each service or you can use one of the drop boxes around the church.
2.  Online giving (one-time or recurring) through our Realm giving platform at  www.fbs.org/give is available 24/7. Currently over 40% of all gifts are given online.
3.  Vision 2020 – consider making an extra gift above your tithe to prepare for the relaunch of Vision 2020.
4. If you would like to give stock, please call our Business Office at 864-699-4225 and they can tell you how to have it transferred directly to the church.
5. If you are over 70 ½ and have to take a Required Distribution from your IRA, talk to your tax advisor about how you can send that directly to the church and save on taxes.
6. If you prefer to mail in your gift please send it to 250 East Main St. Spartanburg, SC 29306.
7. This may also be a good time to review your will and considered how you can bless First Baptist by establishing a legacy gift through your estate. Visit www.fbs.org/legacy to learn more about how our partner, Philanthrocorp, can confidentially help you plan through this process at no cost to you.
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! 
Online at www.fbs.org and on all our socials - Facebook, Twitter and Instagram there are opportunities to stay connected! 
Follow us and join the conversation all week long! www.fbs.org/social
February Prayer Focus
The Company’s missionary task is making disciples and planting churches among all the unreached people and places of the world. The church is at the center of the Great Commission. International Church Planting is simply what missionaries do as they faithfully proclaim the gospel and make disciples. As disciples are made among unreached peoples and places and these disciples gather together in groups, work is done intentionally to bring them to the point where they identify as a church. As churches are formed, they are helped to grow in health through patient teaching, training, prayer, and guidance. The goal is proclaiming the gospel and making disciples through healthy church formation. 
Focusing this month on International Church Planters, such as Thomas and Holley Sieberhagen, their daughter Primrose, and their newborn son, Ransom, serving in Belgium. Pray for their small church plant in Namur, that has finally reopened following many months where they could not meet due to Covid lockdowns. Please pray as they begin teaching through a series on what the church is and what the church does. Pray that more church members will take on the responsibility of coming up with new ideas with how to move forward and in sharing the gospel as more and more people start to venture outside again. Pray that the Holy Spirit works to strengthen their church through this initiative in the coming months, and provides them opportunities to reach their people group. 
If you missed the last Orientation for The Bridge, remember that these are held twice monthly. The next one will be Wednesday, March 10th. Come and hear about what is going on at The Bridge and take a tour as well. Hope to see you there!
 In February, our unit is called THE BIG SANDBOX. “The Wonder Clubhouse kids have a new sandbox! Join us as we play and learn that Jesus LOVES us and he wants to be our friend forever!” Download the PARENT CUE app here on your phone to watch Bible story videos and follow along at home each week.
The Woodlands Preschool
"from little seeds grow mighty trees"
CHILDCARE PROVIDED FOR SUNDAY WORSHIP
“The Woodlands Preschool Ministry is seeking loving childcare team members to serve in support of adult ministries and particularly the Celebrate Recovery program that meets each Friday at the Bridge (6:00-8:00PM). Please contact Martha Blackstone [email protected] if interested in learning more. This is a paid position.”
Be an Encourager...Join the team where Christ makes the difference in the lives of His children every day! 
FROM MR. GREG
TKD Families we want to stay connected with you. Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram @thekiddepot. Also join the remind text by texting @tkdupdates to 81010. God built us for community no matter where or how we can come together. Thanks for allowing us to partner with you on this parenting journey!
The TWINS are here!
TKD families we are so excited to celebrate with the Williams on the birth of their new twin boys, Emmett and Sheppard at just 35 weeks old. They are some tough resilient guys already. Todd had his best birthday ever on Wednesday celebrating with his new, two best buds, E&S along with Katelyn who really has her hands full now! Everybody is recovering, trying to rest, and looking forward to coming home with their new little guys. Pray for the Williams as they continue to heal, grow, and gain strength as they begin this new leg of the Williams family adventure! They are in for an incredibly exciting ride!
LIFEGROUPS ONLINE
The Education Ministry is busy working toward helping our Life Groups continue doing life together in a world where we cannot actually be together! We are contacting every Life Group and talking through a strategy to continue community and fellowship through online platforms, email, text, and phone calls. This will be an exciting time to discover new ways to stay connected and on mission.

YOUNG AT HEART - LIVE STREAM FELLOWSHIP
Monday, March 8 / 11:00 AM / Sanctuary
You can come and be apart in the Sanctuary or you can watch via live stream at home. We will also have DVD available as well. For more information contact Debra at 699-4211.


We Are Senior Adult Ministry
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
Be assured, we will be reaching out to you. Though the church meetings are not taking place on campus you can reach out to us any day by calling 864-583-7245. After hours, also connect with live prayer lines at 1-877-443-2273 or visit our website at www.fbs.org

 Jesus is here for Us All!
We are here for You All!
So far in 2021, 2886 people have called/texted or emailed for prayer and 36 people have made decisions to accept Jesus through the broadcasts of 
The Encouraging Word!
Join us in praying for more to accept Jesus as Lord
STAY CONNECTED WITH TEW!
Receive the Daily Encouraging Word, catch us on Social Media, or Request Prayer! 

Keep up to date with our broadcasts:

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).

CALL 864-699-1750 TO ORDER YOUR COPY
MEMBERS WHO NEED YOUR PRAYER

Spartanburg Regional Hospital                                                                                                                           
Ramona “Mona” Ezell 
Larry Harvey (Leon Harvey's son)
                                                                                                             
Spartanburg Restorative
Ruth Anne Anthony (Karen Kingsmore’s mother)

Spartanburg Regional Hospital—Mary Black Campus
Robert Brown

Prisma HealthGreenville Memorial Hospital
Warren “Dale” Faulkenberry

Hospital in Charlotte
Nancy Cauthen (John King’s sister)
 
Hospital in Savannah, Ga.
Frank Walters (Stan Walters’ brother) 

VA Hospital – Asheville, NC
Jimmie Hicks (surg 3/5)
            
 
                                             
MEMBERS IN REHAB
(All Residents are on the "At Home Neighborhoods" list)
 
White Oak - Northgrove
Miriam Vickery
Bryan Hines (Dale Hines’ brother)

Valley Falls Terrace
Donna Garrison

 
Physical Rehab & Wellness Center
Booker Harmon


MEMBERS IN HOSPICE CARE   
 
Jean Ivey - Hospice Care at White Oak North Grove
Lula Bell Clark (Katherine Good’s sister) - Hospice Care at Home
Mannie Horton - Hospice Care at Home
CR Rhinehart - Hospice Care at Home
Jerry Neal - Hospice Care at Home
Glenn Greer - Hospice Care at Home
Bill & Betty Woodard - Hospice Care at Home


CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY IS EXTENDED TO:
  
Family of Hoyle Brown who passed away 1/27
Family of Thomas Gipson (Kathy Hurry’s father) who passed away 1/28
Family of Danny Robbins (Pam Solesbee’s brother) who passed away 1/28
Family of Sara Young who passed away 1/30
Family of Royce Gillespie who passed away 2/1
Family of Winnie Huffmaster who passed away 2/1
Family of Peggy Thompson (Stacey Cabaniss’ mother) who passed away 2/2
Family of Kay Kirkley (Phil Kirkley’s mother) passed away 2/8
Family of Milt Maness who passed away 2/9
Family of Pencel (Penny) Williams (Phyllis Williams’ mother) who passed 2/10
Family of Helen Poteat (Chris Wheeler’s aunt) who passed away 2/16
Family of David Gillespie, Sr. (Dave Gillespie, Jr.’s father) who passed away 2/16
Family of Mary Prichard (Gail Vigodsky’s mother) who passed away 2/16
Family of Cloyes Starnes (Eula Williams’ brother-in-law) who passed away 2/17
Family of Johanne Fields who passed away 2/19
Family of Mary Jo Brown (Patty Smith’s mother) who passed away 2/21
Family of Vic Nicholls who passed away 2/22




SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST  

Kolbie Ruth Kingsmore (Karmen & Karen Kingsmore’s granddaughter), Shirley Willis, Ola Adams (Ric Adams’ mother), Charlie Lowery & Lynn Lowery (Jean Lowery’s children), Joyce Hitt’s family, Angie Seay Davis (Tommy & Janice Jefferies daughter), Jerry Meeks, Hal Murphy, Trudy Patterson, Bonnie Coquin’s family, Donna Garrison, Martha Grigg, Patsy Brown (Michael & Judean Cohen’s friend), Family of Paul Bishop (Paulette Cathcart’s friend), Family of Raymond Buteau (Eugenia Painter’s uncle), Margaret Byars (Shane Byars’ mother), Lesley Phillips, Lisa Timpson (Rhonda Lanford’s sister), Pennie Wood (Dianne Smith’s sister), Debbie & Roy Smith, Jr., Marge Woodruff, Miriam Vickery, Deborah Floyd (FCA basketball family), Don Grundmann, Melody Shull, Ross Tyser, Joe & Kaye Lawson, Teresa Epperly (Sal Barone’s sister), Chris & Lisa Knox & family (Mildred Knox’s family), Rachel McMillan, Family of Melissa Fowler Brown (Jeannette Kirby’s niece), Jim & Elaine Mann, Myles Brock, Mitch Byers (Susi Smith’s father), Jason Varner, Geneva Cox (TEW viewer, Raven Millwood (Ken & Jeannette Kirby’s great-granddaughter), Norman High (Sophia Garland’s brother), Kevin Cauthen (John King’s brother-in-law)

 
MPACT Partners with birthdays and
anniversaries in February
Cole (CA) 2/7   
Liz (SSA) 2/18
Paul 2/21                    
Jenn (SeA) 2/21


  
PRAY FOR OUR LADIES AND
GENTLEMEN SERVING IN OUR MILITARY
Lt. Caleb Robinson, US Navy - Guam
PFC Luke Redding, US Army - Ft. Sill, OK
Matthew Dorfman, US Army - S. Korea
Brandon Duke - US Air Force - Jordan 
Joshua Ruff, US Marines - Camp Lejeune, NC  
Minister on Call:  For assistance, call 864.583.7245 -option 6 
At Home Neighborhoods / Care-Pray-Visit
 
Members in Asst. Living /Nursing Facilities as Residents
Ashlan Village
Miriam Vickery *At White Oak Northgrove for Rehab
Peggy Gilliland
Peggy McIntyre 
Brushy Creek Cottages in Greer
Martha Turner 
Cascades Verdae - Independent Living
Len & Kay Carroll 
Chandler Creek Village
Norma Jean Lagerholm
Eden Terrace
James Ballew
Jim & Elaine Mann  
Suzanne (Suzi) Smith 
Grady Stewart 
Jack Tyner 
Joyce Ward  
Mildred Fridy 
Harmony at Five Forks - Simpsonville
Jason Huffmaster
*Easley Nursing Home
Carolyn Crowe
Lakewood Senior Living - Boiling Springs
Betty Heatherly  
Magnolia Manor Inman
Samuel Lee Perry
Rolling Greene - Greenville
Sally Hutcheson
Rosecrest 
Ruby McDowell  
Betty Toney
Rosecrest - Independent Living
 Loretta Cassell  
Skylyn/Pacifica
Steve Satterfield, Sr. 
Madge York 
Summit Hills Asst Living
Elaine Bond
Lib Woolbright 
Summit Hills - Independent Living   
Linda Arnold
Henry H. Hampton
Bill & Ruby Jeffords Sr.
The Terrace at Lakewood - Independent Living
Betty Medford  
The Waterford at Columbia
Jane Littlejohn    
Valley Falls Terrace
Juanita Byers
Wesley Court Asst. Living, Boiling Springs
Helen Young
White Oak Asst. Living Webber Rd
Jo Ann Adams
Margaret Kirby 
White Oak - Independent Living
Harriet Baughman
Sara Hall
Ellie Mabry
Jim Miller
Bill Osteen
Jean Phillips
Pat Tate
Lou Ann Walker
Eula Williams
Marge Woodruff
White Oak, Northgrove
Mirth Bolton
Jean Ivey  *Hospice Care at White Oak Northgrove  
Louise Keesler 
White Oak Manor- East Pearl St.
Sara Duncan
Winsor House - Greenville
Christine Woodsby       
Woodruff Manor
Dee Bolton 
 
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.
Encouraging Complete and Courageous Living in Christ

First Baptist Spartanburg
(864) 583-7245