March 16, 2023 | Issue 332 | View as Webpage
Greetings!

What a tremendous joy and privilege it was last Sunday as we celebrated 40 years of faithful service by Rev. Britt & Canella Dillard. Britt has served as the Minister of Media at First Baptist Spartanburg unselfishly for forty plus years. Britt and Canella both grew up here through the ministries of First Baptist Spartanburg. They both accepted Christ as their Savior and were baptized right here as children. They fell in love and were married at First Baptist and accepted God’s call on their life to fulltime ministry here. They raised their children, Aubrey and Logan, here and both now serve the Lord in their respective places of service. Yes, now even grandchildren, McKinley and Walker enjoy learning about Jesus in this place. What a great story to tell. Through their giftedness and call to Media Ministry, they have helped countless numbers of people hear the good news of Jesus Christ and accept Him as their Savior. Britt and Canella, thank you for setting the example of faithfulness in serving the Lord Jesus Christ and loving the First Baptist Spartanburg family.
 
Did you hear that on this past Sunday, we had another child accept Christ in the Genesis service? He was so excited he could not wait until the invitation. How sweet was that! We baptized four in the Celebration Service including a precious 91-year-old lady that had recently accepted Christ. Also, we baptized four in the Genesis Services. God is at work! I hope you are praising the Lord in your heart daily for what He is doing in this place. Thank you, Shawn & Sharon Parker, for your ministry through Celebrate Recovery for those that were baptized.
 
Palm Sunday, April 2, 2023 … A beautiful service as we celebrate the Lord’s Supper together. Please tell our homebound friends so they can share in this beautiful service.

Good Friday Service, April 7, 2023 … A 30-minute service at Noon for our church family and business community as we reflect on the crucifixion and death of Jesus. Please come and bring your co-workers and friends.
 
Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023 … Who are you bringing with you on Easter Sunday? Be in prayer for this wonderful day of worship believing many will come to Christ on this day in each of our three services. Let’s celebrate the resurrection of our Savior together.
 
Baptism Sunday, April 16, 2023 … We have many people waiting to be baptized. As part of each worship service we will have a time of baptism. Are you one that has accepted Christ but never followed Jesus’ example and been baptized? Why not settle this issue on this Baptism Sunday? Call the Connection Ministry Office, 864.699.4208, speak with Shae, and get your name on the list to be baptized. This is going to be an exciting day of celebration! The invitation is open to anyone who has accepted Christ and wants to be baptized.
 
Preaching this coming Sunday, in the Celebration Service, is Rev. Joel Sellers, former pastor of First Baptist Gaffney for 20 years. He and Jackie, upon retiring from the pulpit ministry did not retire from serving the Lord. They have connected in to the life of the First Baptist Spartanburg family. They faithfully serve in various teaching opportunities and often you will find Joel with a paint brush in hand at The Bridge. Preaching both Genesis Services, will be our own Rev. Matt Kuhn, Minister of Connections. Matt leads our Connections Ministry helping our many guests and new members connect into a Life Group, and find a place to serve. Matt and his wife, Mollie, along with their family, are found each Sunday serving together connecting New Friends into the life of First Baptist Spartanburg.
 
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: This coming week, we have two opportunities to come hear important updates and ask questions from our church leadership in the Dining Hall. We will hear from our Church Council, Deacon Chairman, Pastor Search Team, and Finance Chairman, followed with a question and answer session. The first opportunity is Sunday, March 19 at 4:00 PM in the Dining Hall, and the second opportunity is Wednesday, March 22 at 6:00 PM in the Dining Hall. We would love to see you at one of these church family gatherings!
 
God is at work, you do not want to miss what He is doing! Be in your place faithfully attending, serving, sharing and giving. If you and I will do our part, we can certainly be confident that God will do His part. What a wonderful blessing you will receive!
 
I look forward to seeing you this coming Sunday. Come expecting!
 
With much love and appreciation,
Sam Davis
Associate Pastor

P.S.“Dear God, please send us the man you have chosen to be our next Senior Pastor.” In Jesus' name, Amen.



The latest devotion to help 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
March Prayer Focus
Pray for members of our own church to establish relationships and have gospel conversations with those who are lost. Pray that each will embrace the Great Commission as each Christian is commanded to proclaim truth with those who do not know Him. Pray that God will equip them through His Holy Spirit in presenting His Word. Pray for our workers who are sent all over the world with opportunities to engage with the lost in varying cultures and worldviews. Pray that God would open the minds and hearts of all those who receive His truth. Pray for divine appointments throughout this month of “Live to Tell”. 
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!
Cameron Lives to Tell
Kyle Lives to Tell
FIRST LOOK
What's happening this week at First Spartanburg!
Discover the power of Daily Bible Reading
Join us in the same passages together - Week 11!
The Vision 2020 Story
Vision 2020 Launch and Fly Through Video CLICK TO SEE
Malachi 3:10 (ESV) says, “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.” Your faithful giving to the storehouse of First Baptist allows the many ministries to keep going strong in order to reach more people for Christ. Thank you for your faithful generosity. We continue to encourage you to make a regular commitment to be a faithful steward in every area of your life – time, talents, treasure, and testimony. 
 
As you think about your financial stewardship, here are a couple of the many options you can consider: 
 
·   Our online giving (one-time or recurring) platform through Realm at www.fbs.org/give or on the FBS app continues to be one of the most popular ways many of you give. 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. If you are concerned about the processing charges that the church incurs, there is an option that allows you to help offset these costs.
·   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.
Stay informed via Text
For general TKD reminders text @tkdupdates to 81010 
For MPACT Kids reminders text @tkdnight 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


God is doing something amazing!

Already this year over 6000 people have called, texted or emailed for prayer and 441 people have given their lives to Jesus through the outreach of The Encouraging Word!

Join us in praying for more
to accept Jesus as Savior!

 
STAY CONNECTED WITH TEW

 
CLICK HERE to request a FREE copy of The Daily Encouraging Word quarterly devotional, or to request a copy by phone, call 1-866-899-WORD (9673) Also, you can listen to a daily recorded reading Monday through Friday by dialing 864-764-1462.

PRAYING IN UNITY
Thousands of neighbors are being prayed for by members of our church through Bless This Home!
Don't miss the blessing, sign up by clicking HERE
Members who need Prayer
                                                 
Spartanburg Regional
Jean Allison 
Elaine Dunger 

MUSC
Lula Armstrong—Surgery 4/13 

Members in Hospice Care
Mannie Horton—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.)

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, Ralph Parnell, Luke Johnson, Wayne Grigg, Lee Holliday, Jim Barrett, Jim & Elaine Mann, Caleb Bayne, Linda Stearn (Dewey Burdine’s Sister), Julie Combs Hunt (Mary Jo Combs Daughter), Ronnie Williams, Caleb Billings, Harrison Wilson, Bill Mangum, Janet Dillard, Lula Armstrong (Johnny McCraw’s Granddaughter), Tammy Hendricks , Tripp Taylor, Carolyn Dillard, Alison Walker, Roy Gossett (Carolyn Dillard’s Brother), Sharon Byers (Susi Smith’s Mother), Martha Gribble (Russ Gribble’s Mother), Eddie Dutton, Tony McMillan, Alleigh Scott, Margaret Cothran, Mary Patterson, Jim Long, Wilma & Ronnie Hayes, Eula Williams, Phil Pacelli, Rebecca Jones, Lydia Kaplan (Marie Lipscomb’s Friend), Billy Campbell, Renee Brown (Debra Key’s friend), Lib Jennings (Sam Davis’ Sister), Alan Roberts, Frank Titz, Chris Stewart, Lynn Morrow (Sedalia Hunt’s Niece), Keren Wilmont (Miriam Vickery’s Niece), Scottie Sybounheaung, John Hall (Marie Lipscomb’s Brother), Andrea McMinn (Annette Miller’s Sister), Sandra Mahaffey, Diane Eason, Paul Weaver, Rhonda Babb, Jean Allison, Fred McCray, Adrienne (Elda Webber’s Grandson), Jack Gibson, Harriette Baughman, Sherrie Whitten, Jenny Ledford (Darlene Williams’ friend) 

Christian Sympathy is Extended to:

Family of Terry Slemons (Britt Dillard’s & Terri Dillard Gowdy’s Uncle) who passed away on 1/16
Family of Jerry Byers (Ruby Bright’s Brother) who passed away on 1/17
Family of Edith Reeves who passed away on 1/24
Family of Gayle Pryor who passed away on 1/26
Family of Fred Burnett who passed away on 1/29
Family of Joann McGinn who passed away on 1/31
Family of Stanley Humphries (Judy Humphries’ Brother) who passed on 1/31
Family of Gerald Bridges (Gail Shook’s Brother) who passed away on 2/2
Family of Drew Westbrook who passed away on 2/7
Family of Billy Hoyle who passed away on 2/10
Family of Belle Smith (Rick Smith’s Mother) who passed away on 2/16
Family of Mary Anne Johnson (Sandie Campbell’s Mother) who passed on 2/17
Family of Betty Glazener who passed away on 2/17
Family of Steve Satterfield who passed away on 2/18
Family of Shirley Davis (Marilyn Lankford’s Sister) who passed away on 2/19
Family of Cathryn Wise (Steve Wise’s Mother) who passed away on 2/25
Family of Fanny Smith (Rebecca Keim’s Mother) who passed away on 2/26
Family of Gloria Kirkland who passed away on 3/5
Family of Tommy Trammell (Ed & Virginia’s Son) who passed away on 3/9



Pray for our missionaries who have birthdays or anniversaries in March

Emilee (SIL)       March 2
Thomas (EUR)   March 3
Erikson (Canada) March 12
Brandy (Canada) March 29
Evan (SIL)          March 31
Eden (SIL)          March 31

     
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 – 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
Billy Campbell
*Easley Nursing Home
Carolyn Crowe
Fairhaven—Forest City
Carolyn Morgan
Gardens at Eastside—Greenville, SC
Margaret Kirby
Lakewood Senior Living—Assisted Living
Betty Heatherly
Lakewood Senior Living—Independent Living
Betty Medford
Magnolia Manor—Inman
Samuel Lee Perry
Pacifica
Donna Garrison
Richard Smith
Physical Rehabilitation & Wellness (PRW)
Rhonda Fisher
Rolling Greene—Greenville
Sally Hutcheson
Rosecrest
Ruby McDowell
Betty Toney   
Rosecrest—Independent Living
Loretta Cassell 
Summit Hills—Assisted Living
Rachel McMillan
Lib Woolbright
Summit Hills—Independent Living   
Linda Arnold 
Henry H. Hamilton  
BB Bryson
Summit Hills—Memory Care
Martha Hines
Summit Hills—Skilled Nursing
Peggy Gilliland
Eddie Dutton
The Waterford—Columbia
Jane Littlejohn
Wesley Court Assisted Living—Boiling Springs, SC
Helen Young
White Oak Asst. Living—Webber Rd
Jo Ann Adams
Helen Mayson
White Oak—Skilled Nursing
Shirley Allen
White Oak—Rehab
Eula Williams
Christine Nichols
White Oak—Independent Living
Harriet Baughman
Sara Hall
Jim Miller
Bill Osteen
Pat Tate
Lou Ann Walker
White Oak—North Grove
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 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