February 18 2021 | Issue 218| View as Webpage
Greetings!

It was just so wonderful to be part of all going on in and throughout our church this past Sunday. The excitement and the joy was so evident everywhere. You could feel it. And, many are back in their Life Groups and Sunday School groups, while many are connecting by live streaming and by every other means. We are all part of this fresh wave of optimism as we slowly emerge from a year of Covid. Covid is, by no means, over. We need to be careful and take every measure ourselves. And, of course, we need to respect highly those who see things differently. And, we are praying for those who are afflicted by it as well, as so many of our friends and families need prayer as they go through hard and difficult times for many reasons.
 
God is in the House for sure. As we slowly emerge, we are also praying about what steps to take to help us get ourselves back together in the best and safest ways possible. In many ways, Covid has (obviously) caused people to be separated and distanced from one another. Many feel the pangs of longing just to be together again. Our children have been affected by this - not being able to mingle and have fun together! And so, parents are really trying hard to find ways to enhance their fellowship and interaction with other children and students.
 
So it is with the church. We were forced to be apart and to separate. God allowed us to be in Barnet Park where we could have at least a semblance of togetherness because of the space outside. Then, in October, we moved back inside - but carefully. Things slowly improved (very slowly and carefully). Some said let’s go and some said let’s wait! We started back with four worship services - two in the sanctuary and two in The Hangar. This has allowed for plenty of distancing to take place.
 
In February, we opened back up for Life Groups and Sunday School groups to meet back together as each person felt led to do. This has been so wonderful!!! The excitement is really so encouraging.
 
Starting March 7, we will put the 10:30 AM Celebration Service on hold so that we can begin the process of regathering the 9:00 AM Celebration worship service. The wonderful people who have been attending this service are among our most faithful and long serving adults. We owe them a debt of deep gratitude for all they have done and keep on doing for the sake of Jesus and His church. Although not a large number, these wonderful people are shifting their Sunday School hour again back to 8:00 AM or to 10:30 AM just so we can harness the regathering of our worship at 9:00 AM. Genesis continues to have both the 9:00 AM and the 10:30 AM hours for worship.
 
Even though we all understand the way Covid has continued to affect so many things we do as a church, I am deeply tenderhearted about the sacrifices some of our people make for the sake of others. You are precious in every way, and we all love you deeply.
 
God is calling on us to “Join the Journey.” The best is yet to be!
 
I love you all very much indeed.
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 passage in 2 Samuel 2 paints a clear picture of some of the battles of King David. But the simple phrase .. David inquired of the Lord... represents David's success in life! May we all seek more than God's blessing on our plans, but instead seek to be right in the middle of God's plan!

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 Childrens 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!

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 the child they are expecting in early March, 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. 
South Africa Orphan Sponsorship
Will you prayerfully consider joining us in the sponsorship of our precious little ones who reside in group homes that we as a church family helped to build in Xhosa townships of East London, South Africa. As we move into 2021, our children will need even more support than before as their country is once again seeing an increase in Covid-19 numbers and new restrictions and regulations are in place.  These children desperately need our love and continued support.
At the moment, we have 38 children who need support of a minimum of $100 per month to cover their daily living, which includes food, clothing, school fees and uniforms, shoes, etc. We would love to have five or more sponsors for each child at $20 per month. If you would like to join us in this effort, please contact Kathy Hurry at 864-699-4207 or khurry@fbs.org. Ubuntu, a newsletter is available to our sponsors periodically throughout the year and highlights our children and their activities. We would love for you to be a part of their lives. 
Please be sure to give your gift to the MPACT office or to Kathy to ensure proper tax credit. Make the check payable to First Baptist and then indicate on the Memo Line – SA Orphan Sponsorship.  You can also pay online designating recurring payment to SA Orphans at https://www.fbs.org/saorphan/ Please be reminded you will need to keep track of when you make payments, whether it is monthly, quarterly, or annually. A great way to be reminded is to write on a calendar when payments are made and when the next one is due.     
We dearly appreciate your investment in the lives of these precious children. All for Jesus! 
Karyn Wilton
Then next Orientation at The Bridge will be on Thursday, February 25th at 12 noon. If you want to know what is happening at The Bridge or want to find out about volunteering at The Bridge join us! 317 Green Street.; Main Entrance
 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 mblackstone@fbs.org 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.
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, 2374 people have called/texted or emailed for prayer and 27 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                                                                                                                           
Bob Brisken (surg 2/17)                                                           
Mary Anne Johnson (Sandie Campbell’s mother)                      
Katelyn Williams, Emmett & Sheppard        
                                                                                                          
Spartanburg Restorative
Donna Garrison
Ruth Anne Anthony (Karen Kingsmore’s mother)

Spartanburg Regional Hospital—Mary Black Campus
Tony McMillan (outpatient surg 2/19)

Pelham Medical
William “Bill” Adams
Prisma HealthGreenville Memorial Hospital
Eliza Ruth Holliday (Matt & Lindsey Holliday’s baby)
Warren “Dale” Faulkenberry

Hospital in Charlotte
Nancy Cauthen (John King’s sister)
 
Hospital in Lancaster
Kevin Cauthen (John King’s brother-in-law) 

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
               
Cottages in Greenville
Mary Prichard
 
White Oak - Rock Hill
Bryan Hines (Dale Hines’ brother)
 
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
Johanne Fields - Hospice Care at Home
Vic Nicholls - Hospice Care at Home
Glenn Greer - Hospice Care at Home
Bill & Betty Woodard - Hospice Care at Home


CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY IS EXTENDED TO:
  
Family of Johnny Babb (Mitzi Bragg’s father) who passed away 1/18
Family of Keith Porter (John Porter’s father) who passed away 1/19
Family of LeeBeth Young (Debbie Young’s niece) who passed away 1/19
Family of John Travers (Anna Marie Stephen’s father) who passed away 1/20
Family of Andy Moore (Connie Davis’ brother) who passed away 1/21
Family of David Wells (Deb Hendon’s brother) who passed away 1/22
Family of Leonard Hartford who passed away 1/23
Family of William “Bill” Johnson who passed away 1/26            
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 Cloyes Starnes (Eula Williams’ brother-in-law) who passed away 2/17



SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST  

B.J. Kale (Jean Aylor’s friend), Family of Brian Bishop (Susi Smith’s friend), Mitch Byers (Susi Smith’s father), Victer Mack & Sarah Lyles (FCA Basketball families), Marie Lipscomb, Sara Hall, Richard Dillingham (Ron Dillinham’s brother), 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, Josh Steadman, Donna Garrison, Norm Burleson, 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), Elaine Mann, Miles Brock, 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)


 
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 
Fairview Asst. Living - Simpsonville
Mary Prichard * At Cottages in Greenville
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
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
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 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.
Encouraging Complete and Courageous Living in Christ

First Baptist Spartanburg
(864) 583-7245