December 17, 2020 | Issue 206 | View as Webpage
Greetings!

The joy of this most wonderful Christmas to you all! May the Lord continue to bless you in every way my friends. Thank you for your fellowship, friendship and partnership in giving, serving and engaging in this gospel ministry through our church.
 
Oh my, how wonderful was “Oh What Fun!” Last Sunday evening was truly an incredible experience. Hundreds of people and families turned out to soak up the wide variety of Christmas on display for all to see and enjoy. The hayrides were a total hit for our children. The animals they petted and loved on, the snowy Christmas scene, even the Christmas bingo were so enjoyed by all. The live nativity was…well, spectacular!! As the crowds came one after the other, we met so many people who just loved the opportunity to see the story of Jesus’ birth done so exceptionally well by our children, students, and big people. How can we ever say thank you to Steven Suits - and how gifted is he! To Jim and Denise, to Britt, Jamey, Michele and a massive incredible team of media gurus, to Greg, Todd, Melody, Angie, Martha, Lisa, Kendall, Jennifer and - I am in trouble because I am leaving out so many names of volunteers, security team members and the entire staff. Thank you all. God’s glory!
 
Yes, we are at it full out. January 3rd all Life Groups and Sunday School groups will be back on Sunday mornings, God willing! Worship services at 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM for Celebration and Genesis. This allows all to be involved in one great Life Group and one great worship experience every Sunday morning. If you have gotten out of your rhythm, I encourage you and your family to renew your commitment to the Lord on Sunday mornings. You will be so glad!!
 
During all of this Covid time, our planning teams have been meeting, praying, discussing and asking the Lord to show us what Vision 2020 may look like as we move into 2021. It has been wonderful to see the hope and the future anticipation in our leaders. Yes, I am sure we will recast God’s purpose and plan for us because He knows the changes and limitations we face because of Covid. But, God’s work is reaching up and on as strong as ever. We are determined to provide for an exciting future for our current and next generation of people for Christ Jesus.
 
Proverbs 13:16 - “The wise person plans ahead - the foolish person does not and even brags about it!”
 
Even if you find yourself in a box, turn the box into the most beautiful palace!
 
I am so grateful and proud of our church family.
 
See you Sunday.
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!

VIRTUAL WORHIP WITH CHOIR
O Little Town
VIRTUAL WORSHIP WITH CHOIR
Ring the Bells
FROM OUR CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR 
At Christmas we often turn our hearts toward giving to others as we celebrate the greatest gift we have been given – Salvation through Jesus Christ. Thank you for your faithful generosity throughout this year to the ministries of First Baptist Spartanburg. As we near the end of the year, this is a time when many of you will make your largest gifts to the church. In thinking about your giving, we want to remind you of the many options you can consider:

1.  We will continue to collect tithes and offerings at the end of each service.
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 - this is a great time of year to make 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 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.

Church History as Christmas Gifts
Looking for a great Christmas gift? Did you know we have a pictorial journal of our church’s history? First Baptist Church of Spartanburg is 181 years old and those years are filled with God’s faithfulness through the years. This makes a great gift for all ages. Seniors will love reminiscing, middle agers will see a chronicle of their growth, and children will love so many pictures. Now is the time to get yours.
           Books are $30 and can be picked up in the church office or security desk. Call ahead and we’ll have your copy ready for you. Don’t miss the best gift ever. In fact, why not get one for yourself as well!
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 a Daily Encouraging Word 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
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, and especially during this year’s Covid crisis around the world.   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. 
College Students

If you are looking for something to do over Christmas Break and want to serve, look no further. If you would like to serve, come to the Bridge at Green Street (317 Green St) between 9 and 11 am or 1 and 3 pm next Monday or Tuesday and join in the fun by serving. You can also come after Christmas, Monday 12/28 thru Wednesday 12/30 same times. Bring a friend, wear comfortable shoes and leave feeling satisfied that you have served the Lord and did something meaningful over break. 
Call Tchenavia with questions at 699-4334.

However, here are some Details on our Donations
We are reaching a near saturation point with our donations, as are many local ministries.

·        The only donations we accept for The Bridge are food and clothing, including shoes and related accessories. 

·        We have no use for luggage, sporting equipment, toys, books, furniture, household items, medical supplies and equipment, dishes and kitchen items, stuffed animals, etc. (The toys we receive for our Christmas Shop are new, not used.) Those items often must be thrown away because even Miracle Hill does not have need of them.

·        Also, right now, we are NOT accepting bike donations. Our storage area is full and we will not have volunteers here to repair bikes during most of the holidays. Please remember we only use adult bikes. Our bike ministry is not for children; it is for adults who need transportation to work or to buy food and supplies. We will let you know in the future when we open back up for bike donations.
"SNOW" SHOWERS PREDICTED
OUTSIDE THE WELCOME CENTER
THIS SUNDAY
If you were part of Oh What Fun last Sunday night... You know where snow is most likely to fall... just outside the Welcome Center and the Preschool Courtyard!

After each service you can look forward to a few minutes of snow
around 10 o'clock and then again at noon!

Bring your friends - See you there!!!
The Woodlands Preschool
"from little seeds grow mighty trees"
CHILDCARE PROVIDED FOR SUNDAY WORSHIP
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!
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 news ways to stay connected and on mission.
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!
Carolina Christian Writers Conference
Have you ever wanted to write a book but just didn’t know how to get started? Here’s your chance and you don’t even need to leave your house!
           The Carolina Christian Writers Conference 2021 will be held March 12 and 13 online. All classes will be easily accessible through Zoom. Our faculty will be available for private appointments virtually and you will also have the opportunity for small group meetings as well as keynotes and more. Price of the entire conference is just $125 and includes all the sessions. This year we will be recording sessions, which also will be available for purchase by attendees. If you would like to join the mailing list so you don’t miss any updates, contact linda@lindagilden.com.
So far in 2020, 501 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! Learn More

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! Via email at www.TheEncouragingWord.org. It is also recorded Monday through Friday and can be listened to at 864.764.1462 . If you would like a physical copy of your own- call 1-866-899-WORD (9673). 

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

Spartanburg Regional Hospital
Miriam Vickery                                                                         
Danny Stephenson                                                                  
Hannah Wellborn Deahl
Linda Denton (Curtis Powell’s sister)                                                          
Stan Tillotson (proc 12/18)

Spartanburg Restorative
Bryan Hines (Dale Hines’ brother)
 
Spartanburg Regional Hospital—Mary Black Campus
Booker Harmon                                                                       
Lydia Kaplan
Ruth Chambers (Charlene Bradley’s mother) 

Greenville Children’s Hospital
Lula Armstrong (Johnny McCraw’s granddaughter)
 
Mission Hospital Asheville
Walter Ponder (Angela Springsteen’s father)                                            
 
Augusta Burn Center
David Wells (Deb Hendon’s brother)                                       
 
   
MEMBERS IN REHAB
(All Residents are on the "At Home Neighborhoods" list)

Spartanburg Rehab Institute (SRI) 
Lach Hyatt
 
Skylyn Pacifica
Royce Gillespie

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
Johanne Fields—Hospice Care at Home

CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY IS EXTENDED TO:
  
Family of Ruth Smith Parks (Carol Crocker’s mother) who passed away 11/14
Family of Richard Hawk (Katherine Long’s father) who passed away 11/20
Family of Angela Humphries who passed away 11/25
Family of Charles Long (Tim Long’s father) who passed away 11/26
Family of J.O. “Jess” Brown passed away 11/26
Family of Homer Brown Sr. (Patty Smith’s father) who passed away 11/27
Family of William Gene Powell (Julie Meeks’ father) who passed away 11/28
Family of James Cantrell (Kim Inabinet’s father) who passed away 12/3
Family of Jean Fields (Jeff Fields mother) who passed away 12/4
Family of Dorothy Breitenbach (Johnny Breitenbach’s mother) who passed 12/5
Family of Grace Johnson (Sandy Johnson’s mother) who passed away 12/6
Family of Elaine Horne (Judy Norman’s mother) who passed away 12/9
Family of Victoria Diane Williams (Cindy Williams mother) who passed 12/9
Family of Millie Gillespie (Max Gillespie’s sister) who passed away 12/16
Family of Sarah Tolleson (Karen Weber’s mother) who passed away 12/17


  
SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST  
Brian Bishop (Susi Smith’s friend), Mitch Byers (Susi Smith’s father), Dot Calvert, Jimmy L. Trousdale (Bonnie Tubb’s brother), Ted Huminski (Mark Huminski’s brother), Juanita Byers, Faye Johnson & Vicki Dailey (Joanne Carter’s family), Johnny & Susan Gamble (Audrey Hampton’s friends), Rebecca Jones, Edward Pennebaker, Ali Humphries & Morgan Lemieux (Chase Humphries’ sisters), Debra Whitaker, Jenny Johnson, Susan Simmons, Jeremy Thompson , Billie Huskey (Suzanne Merritt’s friend), Jim & Elaine Mann, Miles Brock, Doug Dills, Lynn Thomas, Stanley Lyda, Pennie Wood (Dianne Smith’s sister), Kathy Meador, Debbie & Roy Smith Jr., Molene Childers, Gene Johnson, Vincent & Sharon Woodruff and family, Angie Seay (Tommy & Janice Jefferies daughter), Peggy McIntyre, Tim & Debbie Ivey (Kathy Meador’s friends), Eugenia Painters’ Family, Jeff Hall (Frank Hall’s son), Dennis & Beverly Rogers, Miriam Vickery, Vicky Arthur, Lydia Jewell & family, Phil Barone, Tommy & Maxine Shook (TEW viewer), Rachael (Dick Vander Meulen’s daughter), Karen Hanke (Stacie Morrison’s friend), Elmer Dryden (Connie Grundmann’s father), Ruth Anne Anthony (Karen Kingsmore’s mother)

 
MPACT Partners with birthdays and
anniversaries in December
Solomon 12/15                
Lydia 12/21
Gresh Anniv 12/29         
Eli 12/29
  
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, please 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 
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 
Fairview Asst. Living - Simpsonville
Mary Prichard
Harmony at Five Forks - Simpsonville
Jason & Winnie Huffmaster
Inverness on Country Club Rd
Peggy West 
*Easley Nursing Home
Carolyn Crowe
Lakewood Senior Living - Boiling Springs
Betty Heatherly  
Magnolia Manor Inman
Samuel Lee Perry
Peachtree Nursing - Gaffney
Ellen Verbeck 
Rolling Greene - Greenville
Sally Hutcheson
Rosecrest 
Mary Jo Brown      
Ruby McDowell  
Betty Toney
Rosecrest - Independent Living
 Loretta Cassell  
Skylyn/Pacifica
Steve Satterfield, Sr. 
Madge York 
Summit Hills Asst Living
Lib Woolbright 
Summit Hills - Independent Living   
Linda Arnold 
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 Nursing, Webber Rd.
Rose Poole
Jean Fields   *Hospice Care at White Oak Estates    
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
Hoyle Brown
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 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.

First Baptist Spartanburg
(864) 583-7245