January 19, 2023 | Issue 324 | View as Webpage
Greetings!

Expectancy…. Our worship services on Sunday were filled with the expectancy of God visiting with each of us as we had gathered. HE DID! From the beginning of our worship, one could sense the presence of the Holy Spirit in both Celebration and Genesis Services. Beginning with the music, right through the spoken word as people came forward to pray at the end, God’s presence was real. Our attendance in all our services was so incredible. WOW, thank you for gathering for worship.
 
Expectancy… As we are unifying our thoughts and hearts as we pray: “Dear God, please send to us the man you have chosen to be our next Senior Pastor.” I hope you had an opportunity to visit one of our prayer locations. Our Team has taken great care to make each of these areas a warm and inviting place to pray. Again, I remind you of these locations.
 
Please, this week, make a point to visit one of the special places designed and dedicated for you to go and pray.
1.    The Main Building, Room 137. This is close to the Chapel.
2.    The Hangar, Room 228, recently created. This is right off the second floor elevator.
3.    The High Place at The Bridge.
4.    Sanctuary of Prayer every Tuesday, Noon until 1:00 PM. Please come for a few minutes then be on your way. What a sweet time!
5.    Finally, wherever you are, please pray. Your private place of prayer, at meal time, waiting for the traffic light to change, carpool line, with your children, Life Group, D-Group, on and on as we often pray.
 
Expectancy… On this past Tuesday, Sanctuary of Prayer, Noon to 1:00 PM, as over 40 people came in for a brief time for prayer and then went on their way. Such a sweet, powerful time of prayer as God’s people came to pray. “Dear God, please send to us the man you have chosen to be our next Senior Pastor.” Believers are coming, praying, and expecting God to hear our prayers for those personal needs as well. Please consider being with us this coming Tuesday, you will be glad you did.
 
Expectancy…As you invited your friends to attend Life Group. The attendance from last Sunday is in. We had the highest attendance in Life Groups, all ages, since 2019. (Pre-Covid) Way to go everyone! The teamwork has been tremendous. Let’s keep up the good work.
 
Expectancy…As we gather this coming Sunday. Preaching in Celebration will be our own Rev. Seth Phipps, Minister of Students. Seth preached a powerful message last week in Genesis; he will be preaching that same message in Celebration this week. Preaching in Genesis will be Dr. Gary Hollingsworth, Executive Director-Treasurer of the South Carolina Baptist Convention. Like Seth, Gary will be preaching the powerful message he preached in Celebration last week. He is the former Senior Pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church, Little Rock, Arkansas and other churches in various states. For the past seven years, he has been an outstanding leader of the South Carolina Baptist Convention. God mightily used these two men to preach a powerful word last Sunday. Come expecting God to meet with you personally as well with our First Baptist Spartanburg Family.
 
Expectancy… That God is hearing our prayers and the best is yet to be.
 
I cannot wait to worship with you on Sunday!!!
Sam Davis
Associate Pastor

P.S. “Dear God, please send us the man you have chosen to be our next Senior Pastor.” Amen
Please pray for our Pastor Search
and Spiritual Advisory Teams
Pastor Search Team

John Warner
Chip Foster
Mickey Sobeski
Chris Gardner
Bill Stewart
David Wise
Kristen Foster
Rick Mathis
Neal Williams
Christina Cleland
Kyle Shuler
Lesa Banks
Deneen Griffin
Robert Moore
Spiritual Advisory Team

Debbie Sobeski
Michael Latzka
Jim Barrett
Hal Foster
Larry Fike
Leann Greene
Larry Irvin
Lauren Morris
Ruthi Neely
Joanna Swanson


The latest update to help to keep us unified in prayer as we seek God's choice for the next pastor of First Baptist Spartanburg.
Join us in Prayer
Come spend an hour every Tuesday from noon to one in our Sanctuary to pray or be prayed for. You are welcome to stop in when you like and leave when you like.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7
January Prayer Focus
As we go into the New Year, our focus this month is on the refugees and internationals coming into our country seeking to start a new life.

Pray for organizations like Samaritan’s Purse who are partnering with churches across America in welcoming refugees displaced by war in their own country.  Pray that each family, following their entry and processing here in the States, will be partnered with churches through Samaritan’s Purse to receive the support they will need, including housing and basic necessities, cultural connections, documentation, employment, language, transportation, and many other needs that they will encounter. Pray for our Good Neighbor teams who are helping with refugees arriving here in Spartanburg. Pray for opportunities to show each the love of Jesus, and that they would accept Him into their lives.
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.
Watch, Like and Share last week's 
Services on Facebook
CELEBRATION LIVE STREAM
For the friends you want to invite to Worship, share last week's video and invite them to church this Sunday!
GENESIS LIVE STREAM
Invite a friend to watch the Genesis Christmas Eve Service online, or live in theHangar this Sunday
MVMT - STUDENT WEDNESDAY NIGHTS
See what God is doing in the Student Ministry on Wednesday Nights!
THIS WEEK'S ENCOURAGING WORD MESSAGE
Spread the Encouragement by sharing this link with friends and family!
FIRST LOOK
What's happening this week at First Spartanburg!
The Vision 2020 Story
Vision 2020 Launch and Fly Through Video CLICK TO SEE
Happy New Year!  As we reflect back on the last year, we are very grateful for the faithful generosity so many of you have shown to the ministries of First Baptist Spartanburg.  As we go through this next year, we want to encourage you to make a renewed commitment to be a faithful steward in every area of your life – time, talents, treasure and testimony. Here are a couple of the many options you can consider as you think about your financial stewardship: 
-On Sunday morning, you continue to have an opportunity to give your tithes and offerings during the service or you can use one of the drop boxes around the church. 
-Have you used our online giving (one-time or recurring) platform through Realm at www.fbs.org/give or on the FBS app? It is available 24/7 and helps you stay up to date on your tithes even if you are unable to make it to church on any given Sunday.
Stay informed via Text
For general TKD reminders text @tkdupdates to 81010 
For MPACT Kids reminders text @mpactkids to 81010

A wonderful family resource: RightNow Media! 
Did you know that attending FBS gets you free personal access to this great platform? It’s full of quality biblical content you can use for your personal spiritual growth, as well as other great tools for life. Share this awesome online discipleship library with any of your friends and family. You can give them this free gift of access to the largest library of video bible studies in the world!
 
To sign up for free personal access through our church, click here.  https://www.rightnow.org/Account/Invite/FBCSpartanburg

We Are Senior Adult Ministry
Jesus is here for us all.
We are here for you all.
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


Join us in praying for more
to accept Jesus as Lord.

Already this year over 900 people have called, texted or emailed for prayer and 79 people have given their lives to Jesus through the broadcasts of The Encouraging Word!

STAY CONNECTED WITH TEW
Receive the Daily Encouraging Word, catch us on Social Media, or Request Prayer! 
Click the links below to discover more:

CLICK HERE 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).
PRAYING IN UNITY
Thousands of neighbors are being prayed for by members of our church! Don't miss the blessing, sign up by clicking HERE
Members who need Prayer
                                                 
SRI @ North Grove
Billy “William” Campbell  


Members in Rehab

Rosecrest
Belle Smith (Rick Smith’s mother) 
Tony McMillan 


Members in Hospice Care
Mannie Horton—At Home
Drew Westbrook—At Home


Special Prayer Requests
(Due to the many requests for prayer, we try to leave names on this list for 30 days. Please feel free to request a name to be listed again.)

Jane Warren, Stephen Hughey (Marie Lipscomb’s nephew), Danielle Whitaker, Larry Gowan (Cindy Miller’s father), Larry & Joan Quinn (Carolyn Lawson’s cousins), Robert Simpson (Jean Allison’s brother) Ron & Wilma Hayes, Miriam Morgan, Linda Merrill, Billy Campbell, Renee Brown (Debra Key’s friend), Lachlan Hyatt, Jenny Johnson, Tommie McAllister (Chad McAllister’s grandmother), Jeanette Kirby, Bill Gramling & Mike Petty (Margaret Suits’ friends), Karmen Kingsmore, Kate Suits (Stephen Suits Sister-in-Law), Marie Humphries’ Mother, Anna Barrett & her newborn baby (Joanne Carter’s friend), Roger Riggins (Joanne Carter’s friend), George Candler (Terry Candler’s brother), Linda McClure, Sarah Jane Owens (Miriam Vickery’s niece), Scott Hayes (Audrey Hampton’s Son), Lynn Cazallis (Annette Miller’s friend), Drew Westbrook, Carolyn Pall, Jason Smith, Deanna Ellis (Carolyn Eubanks’ niece), Aletha Hawkins, Tom Fish (LeeAnn Lee’s Dad), Merri Caldwell (Juanita Lewis’ daughter), Tammy Humphries, Teresa Epperly (Sal Barone’s Sister), Ella Burcklee Lancaster (Jeff & Angela Lancaster’s daughter), Doris Riggins (Joanne Carter’s Aunt), Sue Wilson, Davis Wall, Joe Goodwin, Ben Babb, Randy Caddell, Jack & Bess Johannes, Dani Belk (Jimmy & Susi Smith’s daughter), Wayne Barber (Diana Latzka’s Dad), Merle Parnell, Leonard Gallman (Norma Lynn Phyllips’ Brother and Norma “Dearie” Gallman’s Son), Steve Martin, Jack Jolley (Karen Jones’ Brother), Ralph Parnell, Luke Johnson, Mel Vernon (John & BK Vernon’s Nephew), Wayne Grigg, Lee Holliday, Jim Barrett, Jim & Elaine Mann, Caleb Bayne


Christian Sympathy is Extended to:

Family of Linda Hershberger who passed away on 12/11
Family of Jack Tyner, Sr. who passed away on 12/14
Family of Dale Beachum (Maryilyn Lankford’s Sister) who passed away on 12/16
Family of Ray Dunivan (Dick Vander Meulen’s deceased wife’s Father) on 12/21
Family of Malcolm Caldwell (Carol Fenn’s Brother) who passed away on 12/25
Family of Carolyn Crowe (Larry Gowan’s Sister/Cindy Miller’s Aunt) who passed away on 12/31
Family of Dorothy Willard (Joel Willard’s Mom/April Purser’s Grandma) who passed away on 1/1
Family of Bob Turner who passed away on 1/1
Family of Cathey Blake (Harriet Baughman’s Sister) who passed away on 1/1
Family of Betty Holliday who passed on 1/2
Family of Tim Robinson who passed away on 1/4
Family of Cynthia White who passed away on 1/5
Family of Deborah Hawkins (Sherry Anderson’s Sister-in-law) who passed away on 1/8
Family of Ray England (Jen Elkins’ Father) who passed away on 1/9 
Family of Jimmy Trousdale (Bonnie Tubb’s Brother) who passed away on 12/31
Family of Bryson Green (Bonnie Tubb’s Nephew) who passed away on 1/14
Family of Linda Casey (Ron Dillingham’s Sister) who passed away on 1/8
Family of Kathy “Polly” Ellwood (Roy “Mac” Smith’s Sister & Kathy Heacox’s Aunt) who passed away on 1/14 
Family of Terry Slemons (Terri Gowdy and Britt Dillard's uncle) who passed away 1/16           

Pray for our missionaries who have birthdays or anniversaries in January
Kelly (CA)         Jan 8
Nora (SA)          Jan 9
Eliza Joy (SSA)   Jan 12
Holly (EUR)      Jan 24

 
     
Pray for our ladies and gentlemen serving in our military

Lt. Caleb Robinson, US Navy - Guam
SGT. Luke Redding, US Army - Ft. Bragg, NC
Brandon Duke, US Air Force -
PFC Joshua Ruff, US Marines - Camp Lejeune, NC
Lt. Jake Moore- US Army - Ft. Benning, GA
Luke Johnson-US Marines - Camp Geiger, Jacksonville, NC
 
To add an active duty service lady or gentleman please contact kedwards@fbs.org

At Home Neighborhoods

 
Members in Asst. Living /Nursing Facilities as Residents

Ashland Village
Miriam Vickery

Brushy Creek Cottages in Greer
Martha Turner

Cascades Verdae - Independent Living
Len & Kay Carroll

Chandler Creek Village
Norma Jean Lagerholm

Eden Terrace
Peggy Biggerstaff
Gerald Emory
Betty Gillespie
Jim & Elaine Mann
Barbara Shepherd
Suzanne (Suzi) Smith
Grady Stewart

*Easley Nursing Home
Carolyn Crowe

Fairhaven of Forest City
Carolyn Morgan

The Gardens at Eastside - Greenville        
Margaret Kirby

Greenville Glen - Greenville, SC
Steve Satterfield, Sr.

Lakewood Senior Living - Boiling Springs
Betty Heatherly

Lakewood Senior Living - Independent Living
Betty Medford

Magnolia Manor Inman
Samuel Lee Perry

Physical Rehabilitation & Wellness (PRW)
Rhonda Fisher

Rolling Greene - Greenville
Sally Hutcheson

Rosecrest
Ruby McDowell
Betty Toney

Rosecrest - Independent Living
Loretta Cassell

Pacifica
Richard Smith
Donna Garrison

Summit Hills Asst Living
Rachel McMillan
Lib Woolbright

Summit Hills - Independent Living
Linda Arnold
Henry H. Hamilton
B.B Bryson

Summit Hills Skilled Nursing
Peggy Gilliland

White Oak Skilled Nursing
Shirley Allen

The Waterford at Columbia
Jane Littlejohn

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
Pat Tate
Lou Ann Walker
Eula Williams

White Oak, Northgrove
Mirth Bolton

White Oak Manor - East Pearl Street
Sara Duncan

 
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 dwilliams@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.
Minister on Call:  For assistance, call 864.583.7245 - option 6 
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