October 14, 2021 | Issue 255 View as Webpage
Greetings!

What a glorious week of the most excellent weather!! I hope you have been able to enjoy it; at least here and there as we all go about our daily routines and schedules. We are a very blessed people to live and work in this kind of environment where the vast array of God’s creation is very evident. Sometimes, perhaps, we live so close to blessings, we can tend to not see and take hold of our blessings.
 
I am most blessed by the friendships forged in and through our church family. There are many things we could do and still plan to do, but our church family is really so fine. People of every stage and walk of life - young and old standing side-by-side, having lots of fellowship and fun together, but being really serious about serving the Lord Jesus Christ. We owe Him everything because He is everything.
 
I want to affirm you as a most precious people. Together we are giving, serving, and worshipping the Lord.  Vision 2020 is formulating as we speak, and our leader teams continue to be hard at work as our men and women prepare to position our church today for tomorrow and beyond. I call on all of us to pray hard and purposefully. Our world is full of people who want more to life than they seem to have. We all know what it is. It is all about a personal relationship with Jesus. He enters the inside of our hearts and gives us all we need, starting with forgiveness and our reconciliation with our Heavenly Father. He provides for us in every way and helps us in our every circumstance. Where we are weak, He is always strong. He is God!
 
This past Wednesday evening, Jordan Cramer hosted so many of our young families in an extra-ordinary time of fellowship and inspiration with Dan Darling and Jason Thacker. Over 200 were led in a conversation about the “Christian’s Response to Technology” and “Misinformation, Fake News, Algorithms, and Polarization.” It was a practical and informative time of great fellowship and a great meal together as well. Of course we are also getting ready for “Trunk or Treat” Sunday afternoon October 31 and I am so grateful so many are volunteering their trunks!! We need you!
 
This Sunday we are welcoming scores of incredible families to the 10:30 Genesis service in the Hangar - all part of our amazing FCA Flag Football and Soccer leagues. Do we love our kids or what!! Eddie, Corey and an amazing team of coaches and parents make this a really wonderful time for all our kids. We will also follow it up with a luncheon in the Dining Hall following the service. A big time welcome to all.
 
I cannot wait to see you all with your Bibles in hand.

Your friend and pastor,
ADDITIONAL WAYS TO WORSHIP 
In person is best... but 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
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!
SUNDAY'S GENESIS LIVE STREAM
Invite a friend to watch the Genesis Service on line, or live in the Hangar this Sunday!

WEDNESDAY NIGHT'S
MVMT LIVE STREAM
Give your friends a taste of Wednesday Night! Share last week's video and bring them this week to Movement!
THIS WEEK'S ENCOURAGING WORD MESSAGE
Share our pastor's Bible based teaching with your friends and spread the Encouragement!
FROM OUR CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR 
We are very grateful for the continued faithful stewardship of so many to First Baptist Spartanburg. During the fall season, we often think of the harvest and 2 Corinthians 9:6, “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” Thank you for sowing bountifully through your generous giving so that more people can be reached with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
While there are many ways to financially support First Baptist, here are a couple of options we want you to be aware of:
 
·         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. If you already have the transfer information, please be sure to let us know the gift is coming so we will know how to properly allocate it.
 
·         Are you over 70 ½ and have to take a Required Distribution from your IRA? If so, talk to your tax advisor about how you can send that directly to the church and save on taxes.
Discover the joy of serving!
There are many opportunities:
Greeting, Recreation, Preschool, Children, Students, Music, Missions and Media all have places where giving your time and talent can make an eternal difference!
CLICK HERE to discover more at www.fbs.org/serve
October Prayer Focus
Focusing this month on Nehemiah Teams, an organization passionate about sending college students to the unreached and the hard to reach, serving on 52-day short-term mission projects. Since 2004 over 3,200 young people have been trained and sent out as Nehemiah Teams to multiple unreached and hard to reach people groups in 31 different countries. These teams have worked with IMB workers from remote villages to urban centers sharing the gospel, and creating eternal results. Pray for our young people who have been a part of the Nehemiah Teams, for those who are being called, and for those who will be called to serve.
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.
REVIVE 2021 CONTINUES WITH
BLESS EVERY HOME
Join us as we pray for our neighbors!
Over 6000 neighbors now are being prayed for by members of our church! Don't miss the blessing, sign up by clicking HERE

SUPER KIDS!
We all want to do big things. For a preschooler, big dreams come easy. This month, our preschoolers will learn all about David and the big things God did through him. We’ll find out that God made us ALL to do big things through Him, and that we can be Super Kids all the time!


Discover more by watching our preview video CLICK HERE.

Download the PARENT CUE app here on your phone to watch Bible story videos and follow along at home each week.
Be an Encourager...Join the team where Christ makes the difference in the lives of His children every day! 
The Woodlands Preschool
"from little seeds grow mighty trees"
CHILDCARE PROVIDED FOR SUNDAY WORSHIP
KEEP INFORMED VIA TEXT!
Receive text reminders by texting @mpactkids updates to 81010 and keep
up with our events.
KEEP THE CONVERSATION ALIVE!
If you don't have a wristband - Get yours by emailing [email protected] or at all Guest Services stations on Sunday.
Life Groups are meeting on campus each and every Sunday. The hallways are bustling, smiles and laughter are heard throughout, and our Life Group teachers are back to faithfully teaching the Word of God. We have rooms that allow for social distancing and are making every effort to sanitize the room before your arrival. If you are looking for a Life Group to attend or need to verify its location, click HERE!
We are super excited to be Back to Life and hope to see you very soon!

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
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

 Jesus is here for Us All!
We are here for You All!
So far in 2021,13,630 people have called/texted or emailed for prayer and 200 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
All proceeds go to The Encouraging Word.
MEMBERS WHO NEED YOUR PRAYER

Spartanburg Regional Hospital
Jeff Thompson (Keith Thompson’s brother)                                                                   
                                                                            
MUSC - Charleston, SC
Sheila Colley Keith (Janice Jefferies’ sister) (surg 8/11)

August, GA Hospital
Knox Painter - 3 mos (Bud & Sandy Griffin’s great grandson)



MEMBERS IN REHAB
(All Residents are on the "At Home Neighborhoods" list)

                                                
White Oak - Northgrove
Bryan Hines (Dale Hines’ brother)
Merle Parnell
Physical Rehab & Wellness Center of Spartanburg
Stanley Humphries (Judy Humphries’ brother)
Summit Hills
Molene Childers
Roger C. Peace
Sandra Tubb (Bonnie Tubb’s daughter)



MEMBERS IN HOSPICE CARE   

Mannie Horton - Agape Hospice House in Landrum
CR Rhinehart - Hospice Care at Home
Bill Woodard - Hospice Care at Home
Tom Boyter (Shirley Boyter's Husband) Magnolia Manor of Sptbg.
Mitch Byers (Susi Smith's father) Hospice Care at Home


CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY IS EXTENDED TO:
  
Family of Richard Harvey (Tommy Jefferies’ family) who passed away 9/15
Family of Lib Pitts who passed away 9/17
Family of Paul Doty (Lisa Oliphant’s father) who passed away 9/18
Family of Willie Ferguson (Kenny Glenn’s brother) who passed away 9/18
Family of Donna Carol Rhinehart who passed away 9/24
Family of William McCoy (Zack McCoy’s father) who passed away 9/26
Family of Joyce Brown who passed away 9/27
Family of Anthony Knight (Karen Thomas’ brother) who passed away 9/28
Family of Frances Anne Brown (David Brown’s mother) who passed 9/29
Family of Jill Taylor (Sonja Melton’s daughter & Shae Wall’s sister) 10/2
Family of Vicki Curry (David Curry’s mother) who passed away 10/4
Family of Kathy Meador who passed away 10/7
Family of Wanda Earnhardt who passed away 10/9





SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST

Joanne Fogle (Rhonda Lanford’s mother), Deneen Griffin, Roy Lee Parker, Jean Lowery, Pennie Wood (Dianne Smith’s sister), Jim and Elaine Mann, Belinda Wade, Gerri Arthur, Billy Stamey, Norm Burleson, Pat Tate, Jolene Coyle, Brenda Mullinax, Sheila (friend of a member), Danny & Jean Allison, Rhonda & Larry Gable (Anna Nicholls’ family), James Long (Anna Nicholls’ step-father), Stephanie Wofford (Teresa Brown’s daughter), Charlie Lowery & Lynn Lowery (Jean Lowery’s children), Matt & Dede Bright (Ruby Bright’s family), Mike Epperly (Sal & Claudia Barone’s brother-in-law), Debbie & Roy Smith, Jr., Shane Solesbee (Jason & Cynthia White’s friend), Joan Kidwell, Randy Hall & family (Brian Kidwell’s friends), Ed Trammell, Brenda Mullinax, Jane Warren, Mary Reeter Hunt (TEW), Dave & Phyllis Stout, Kristin Welch, Patsy Finley (Ken Finley’s mother), Diane Eason, Sandra Anders, Kevin Bragg, Tim Calicutt, Miriam Vickery, Family of Rev. Dale Roach, Kristen Welch, Merri Lewis Caldwell, Joanna Bell, Deborah Bell, Christine Woodsby, Earle Kirkland, Bob Neely

MPACT Partners with birthdays and
anniversaries in October
Elkins Anniv. 10/17         
Hans (Canada) 10/22
Abigail (SSA) 10/28        



PRAY FOR OUR LADIES AND
GENTLEMEN SERVING IN OUR MILITARY

Lt. Caleb Robinson, US Navy - Guam
PFC Luke Redding, US Army - Fort Bragg, NC
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
Peggy Gilliland
Peggy McIntyre
Mildred Robertson
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
Bill & Ruby Jeffords Sr.
Betty Gillespie
*Easley Nursing Home
Carolyn Crowe
The Gardens at Eastside – Greenville
Margaret Kirby
Greenville Glen - Greenville
Steve Satterfield
Lakewood Senior Living - Boiling Springs
Betty Heatherly 
Madge York
Magnolia Manor Inman
Samuel Lee Perry
NHC Greenville
Christine Woodsby
Rolling Greene - Greenville
Sally Hutcheson
Rosecrest 
Ruby McDowell  
Betty Toney
Rosecrest - Independent Living
 Loretta Cassell  
Skylyn/Pacifica 
Diane Butts
Summit Hills Asst Living
Rachel McMillan
Lib Woolbright 
Summit Hills - Independent Living   
Linda Arnold
Henry H. Hampton
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
White Oak - Independent Living
Harriet Baughman
Sara Hall
Jim Miller
Bill Osteen
Jean Phillips
Pat Tate
Lou Ann Walker
Eula Williams
Marge Woodruff
White Oak, Northgrove
Mirth Bolton
Louise Keesler 
White Oak Manor- East Pearl St.
Sara Duncan
Woodbridge Senior Living of Spartanburg
Donna Garrison     
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.
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