May 6, 2021 | Issue 233| View as Webpage
Greetings!

Just so beautiful outside as I write to you today. Following stormy rains, the sun is shining again and the air is crisp and clean. Love it and I hope you do too! As I look back over the past year, I somewhat see Covid like this. We are beginning to emerge, although it would be foolish to throw caution to the wind. Our hearts and prayers go out, especially to those who are still affected and to countries like India where people are really suffering. It is also the National Prayer Day as I write. Prayer should permeate every day for certain, but we are striving to call out to the Lord to hear our prayer and heal our land. How badly we need our people to turn to the only One who can do anything about the struggles we see going on everywhere in our nation.
 
On Wednesday evening many gathered for a Church Conference in the Sanctuary. It was such a great time as we were reminded of the blessings of the Lord and His powerful hand on us throughout Covid. All the ministries of our church are doing so well indeed and we affirmed another 73 people who have joined our church family. Chairman Chip Foster gave such a great word as he thanked all our leaders and teams for their continued engagement in the life and ministry of our church. Nothing was put on hold during Covid, because God’s work has continued and our Deacons, Church Council, Finance Team and every other one has continued to meet and discuss regularly. Kelly Banks, Chairman of the Finance Team, brought the incredibly great news that our people continue to tithe and give to the work of God. We ended up 4.7% higher in giving than the year before. This was the largest giving to the budget of our church in our history. Thank you all so very much indeed. Our continuing challenge is to fund the budget fully. Even with such a great year, we still funded some 88% of the actual budget. Perhaps we can all pray about our giving this year, and ask the Lord to help us fully fund all the ministry needs of our church so that the gospel can be shared and people can hear the Good News.
 
We also heard that the Long Range Plan for our church is re-engaging in a very exciting way. Despite the unanimous approval of the Deacons last February to accept the Master Plan, our leader teams are re-setting the plan so that we can come to the church family and begin to set our church solidly for generations to come. I ask us all to pray, trust God and get ready to engage and activate all that the Lord is showing us.
 
The summer schedule is brimful of activity of every kind. Our students and our children are raring to go. We have some really great plans for our college students to gather, serve and grow. In addition to all his mission responsibilities, Byan Biggerstaff will help us carry the flag for our college students this summer.  The Kid Depot has just a few weeks until Camp Voyager. For Students, Graduation Sunday is the 16th!! Wow!
 
This Sunday is Mother’s Day. How could we be more blessed? Come, with your Bibles in hand and get ready to worship the Lord.
 
Your friend and pastor,
PARTICIPATE IN SELECTING
OUR LEADERS!
You should have received your ballots in the mail, prayerfully make your suggestions and be sure to turn them in by May 9th.
REVIVE 2021 is our 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!
Today's passage is Romans 4. Today we celebrate the promises of God... those He made to Abraham and those He provides to us today... I pray you will consider joining us as we SOAP together. Remember you can get a copy of our daily SOAP scriptures HERE And if you have not yet joined an Adult Discipleship group- do so HERE. These are weekly accountability groups centered around our daily SOAP reading.

Praying for our neighbors CHANGES us and our neighborhoods!
More and more are signing up to join in praying for our neighbors for a total of 205 families. 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

This month we are also partnering with Mpact to pray for our future neighbors at Bridgeway Village which will be a residential housing program for women over-coming homelessness. Find specific ways to pray for this exciting outreach op-portunity HERE.


Praying for our Church MULTIPLIES the fruit of Ministry!!
For the month of May, we are praying for FBS Median Adults. Don’t miss out on the fellowship event on May 20! You can see specific ways to pray 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!!

The Video Celebration
of the Life of
Dr. Alastair C. Walker 
One year after the home-going of Dr. Alastair C. Walker on May 4, 2020, the people chosen by Dr. Walker and his family to participate in the service unable to take place due to covid, share their hearts in this video.
Featuring: Dr. Donald J. Wilton, Rev. Steve Skinner, The Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra of FBS, Rev. Bob Morgan, Debbie Hendon, Dr. Benny Littlejohn, Rev. Sam Davis, Rev. Caz McCaslin, Lou Ann Walker, Rev. David Walker Jr.
If you missed the live stream you can watch HERE,
or call the church at 864-699-1750 to order a DVD.
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! 
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
May Prayer Focus
Pray for Bridgeway Village, a tiny house community for women overcoming homelessness, and will be built right beside The Bridge at Green Street, having 20 tiny houses, either with one bedroom and 190 square feet, or two bedrooms with 324 square feet. This program will offer temporary housing for women as they overcome barriers and prepare for a self-sustaining future. Lord willing, the village construction is scheduled for late July by volunteers and skilled professionals
Remember the High Place at The Bridge
is open for Prayer
Monday through Thursday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
“How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.”
Ephesians 3:18

Have you ever thought about how many decisions you make in a day? What do we do when the decision is hard and we are struggling to know which way to go? The first step to making wise choices is trusting that God’s way is perfect. This month, our preschoolers will learn to jump, jump and go God’s way, because God’s way is perfect!

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
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!
KEEP THE CONVERSATION ALIVE!
If you didn't get your wristband on Easter Sunday,
pick one up this weekend at Guest Services.
Life Groups are back 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!

Esther: A Man and a Woman for Such a Time as This
A Precept Upon Precept Inductive study (9 weeks) led by Shelly Mabry via Zoom beginning Tuesday, June 22.   What is your purpose? God is always working in the affairs of His creation, even when we are unaware. This study shows us how Esther attained royalty to fulfill God’s purpose in her life and the lives of His people. Can God use you “for such a time as this?” For more information and registration, contact Shelly Mabry at [email protected].

“Space Odyssey” Puppet Event! 
Presented by the “Sonshine Puppet Ministry of
Covenant Baptist Church.   
Invite your friends and neighbors to come to this enjoyable event. Presented by over 20 puppeteers! Call your name and/or group to 864-699-4236. 6 people per table. Boxed club sandwich dinner with sides and dessert from Bubba’s BBQ. Cost $7.00 for meal. Register to join us with or without meal. Please specify when you register. Social Distancing & Masks Encouraged.
 
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, 6542 people have called/texted or emailed for prayer and 119 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   
John Palinkas (Kelly Vogels’s father)                                          
Merle Parnell                                                                            
      
Greenville Hospital System
Danielle Whitaker (surg 4/30)                                                      
                                                                                          
            
MEMBERS IN REHAB
(All Residents are on the "At Home Neighborhoods" list)
 
White Oak - Northgrove
Bryan Hines (Dale Hines’ brother)

Valley Falls Terrace
Donna Garrison

Lake Emory Post Acute Care
Tom Boyter


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 - SR Hospice Care
Glenn Greer - Hospice Care at Home
Bill & Betty Woodard - Hospice Care at Home
Allen Hazel - Hospice Care at Home


CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY IS EXTENDED TO:
  

Family of Lawrence Ferguson, Sr. (Chip Ferguson’s father) who passed away 4/2
Family of Gerald Forrester (Michael Forrester’s father) who passed away 4/7
Family of Robert “Bob” McGraw who passed away 4/7
Family of Jane Ashley Powers (Kevin Powers’ sister) who passed away 4/13
Family of Harold Farmer (Susan Burdine & Kelly Banks’ uncle) 4/12 in Tn.
Family of Doris White (Patty Hoyle’s sister) who passed away 4/16
Family of Jane Crook (Jim Crook’s wife & Shirley Crook’s daughter-in-law) 4/21
Family of Nancy Cauthen (John King’s sister) who passed away 4/23
Family of Lou Ann Parris who passed away 4/24
Family of Charles “Chip” Gravelle (Maria Stokes Gravelle’s husband) 4/27
Family of Julia Holcombe (Denise Pennington’s mother) who passed away 4/27
Family of Ted Huminski (Mark Huminski’s brother) who passed away 5/1
Family of David Richardson (Jeannette Kirby’s nephew) who passed away 5/2
Family of Mary Jean Holloway who passed away 5/2
Family of Bill Williams who passed away 5/5
Family of Janice Barnard (Jim Branum’s sister) who passed away 5/5 in Ga.



SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST  

Robby DuBois (Ross & Margaret Tyser’s grandson), Brian & Ann Marie Purkheiser, Norman High (Sophia Garland’s brother), Shirley Willis (Jane Willis’ mother), Alan Maness, Frank Walters (Stan Walters’ brother), Sandra Anders, Jason White, Audrey Hampton, Lanier Wise, Jim and Elaine Mann, Pennie Wood (Dianne Smith’s sister), Debbie & Roy Smith, Jr., Marge Woodruff, Miriam Vickery, Tim Wilson, Rebecca Jones, Everette Reese Reynolds (Jim & Anita Branum’s granddaughter), Janice (Jim Branum’s sister), Jerry Riggins, Donna Bate, Faye Johnson, Charles Head (Don & Joanne Carter’s family), Jean Hamner, Roger Britt, Broadus Hall (Dianne Easler’s friend), Maple Shaw, Hellen Reeves (Joanne Carter’s sister), Joyce Pierce, Marian Heatherly, Rev. Charlie Wilborn family, Charlie Lowery & Lynn Lowery (Jean Lowery’s children), Trish Vander Meulen, Alan Maness, Bill & Denise McKeown, Rosa Longshore, Ralph & Merle Parnell, Kasey Greene (Jan Greene’s daughter), James Lewis (Lee Sturgill’s father & C. J. Sturgill’s grandfather), Dillon & Kim Key, Craig & Tonya Pender (Anna Steadman’s friends), Madlyn Berkland, Jimmie Hicks, Beth Johnson, Earline Powell, Donna & Lauren (Joy Powell’s friends), Christopher Traitor & Linda Traitor

 
MPACT Partners with birthdays and
anniversaries in May
Duane (SeA) 5/12                 
Ostrem Anniv. 5/24                            
Stephanie 5/29                     
Jonathan (SSA) 5/31

       
  
PRAY FOR OUR LADIES AND
GENTLEMEN SERVING IN OUR MILITARY
Lt. Caleb Robinson, US Navy - Guam
PFC Luke Redding, US Army - Fort Bragg, NC
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
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.
*Easley Nursing Home
Carolyn Crowe
The Gardens at Eastside – Greenville
Margaret Kirby
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
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
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