December 9, 2021 | Issue 263 | FINAL View as Webpage
Greetings!

Just a wonderful week! And blessings to you my friends. Christmas is in full swing, it seems, with all the lights, sounds, and activities going on. Last Sunday was just such an incredible blessing in every way. Our worship services were filled with the power and presence of the Lord. I began our short Christmas series entitled THE PLACE OF CHRISTMAS right in the heart of Nazareth, where Jesus grew up and spent almost 30 years of His life.

The Christmas Homecoming presentation at 4:00 PM was significantly enjoyed and appreciated by the nearly packed out house of people who came to celebrate the Christ of Christmas. This was just so well done by all those who participated. How much we appreciate the choir, orchestra, praise team, media team, and all our boys and girls who sang from their little hearts with such abandoned joy. It was so great.

And then, one of our leading musicians fell ill as we began to look forward to KEYBOARDS AND CAROLS this Sunday afternoon at 4:00 PM. For a while, we really thought we might have to cancel because this presentation is just so specialized!!! But, God is so good!! One of the most brilliant and gifted musicians in our country has stepped up to the plate and will be part of this team come Sunday. Praise the Lord for this great provision.

KEYBOARDS AND CAROLS has to be, for certain, a Spartanburg favorite. It is as Christmas as it gets and is one of the most inspiring evenings of the season. I know scores will join us in the beautiful sanctuary and I hope you will make certain to invite your friends and bring your family with you.

’Tis the season to be jolly and jolly we will be!

God bless you all, and I cannot wait to see you Sunday morning with your Bibles in hand.

Your friend and pastor,
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.  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. 
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.
ADDITIONAL WAYS TO WORSHIP 
In person is best... but 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
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!
SUNDAY'S GENESIS LIVE STREAM
Invite a friend to watch the Genesis Service on line, or live in the Hangar this Sunday!

HOMECOMING CHRISTMAS
if you missed last Sunday's special time of multi-generation worship featuring the choir, orchestra, praise team and kids choirs, you can watch here- already 6000+ have viewed on YouTube!
THIS WEEK'S ENCOURAGING WORD MESSAGE
Share our pastor's Bible based teaching with your friends and spread the Encouragement!
FROM OUR CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR 
December has arrived and Christmas is in full swing celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. December also means we are approaching year-end which is a time so many of us make extra financial gifts to the church.
In order for your gifts to be included in your giving statement for 2021, here are a few reminders you will want to be aware of:
·     Each week you will have an opportunity to place your gift in the offering collection at the end of each service or in one of the drop boxes around the church.
·     If you would like to bring your gift to the church during the week, please do so before midnight on December 31.
·     If you mail your gift it must be postmarked no later than December 31.
·     Online gifts will also need to be submitted before midnight on December 31 at www.fbs.org/give.
·     If you would like to give stock, please contact the Business Office at 864-699-4225 before noon on December 30 for the instructions.
·     Also remember if you are you over 70 ½ and have to take a Required Distribution from your IRA you can send that directly to the church and save on taxes.
Give more than money...
Discover the joy of serving!
There are many opportunities:
Greeting, Recreation, Preschool, Children, Students, Music, Missions and Media all have places where giving your time and talent can make an eternal difference!
CLICK HERE to discover more at www.fbs.org/serve
Roger & Ola Adams
Mr. Vic Bailey
Janice Branum Barnard
Jo Bradford
Randy Bradford
Eddie Branum
Gene Brown
Mary Jo Brown
Homer C. Brown
Maxine Chapman
Mr. & Mrs. Allen Odell Clark, Sr
Juanita Blalock and Jim Couch
Mr. & Mrs. Randolph Crowder
Denny & Vicki Curry
Don Crowder and Walter Davis, Jr.
William & Nora Estepp, Barbara Brant and Margaret Roberts
Dewitt and Kathryn Ezell
Lawrence & Barbra Ferguson
Jean D. Fields
Johanne B. Fields
Mr. and Mrs. Howell J. Foster
Peggy Gillard, Women on Mission
E.D. "Gene" Hall
Jean B. Hamner
Rev. Richard L. Hawk
William Gabriel Heacox
Bert Hodge
Jack & Millie Hudson
Mignon Jeffords
Jerry & Grace Johnson
Evelyn Grace Jones
Mr. & Mrs. J. C. Kirkland
Charles Dean Long
Ed Long
Dr. Stan Mooneyham
Tony Lemmon and Ronnie Motts
Peggy S. Murphy "Mema"



Bob Neely
Mrs. Alfred O'Sheilds Sr.
Jerry & Doris Fowler and J.C. & Virginia Rhinehart
Frances W. Rice
Todd Johnson and Rhonda Rhodes
ROTO
Oliver & Margaret Smith and
Oliver Jr. & Mildred Smith
Raymond W. Smith
Hannah Marie Sobeski
Sharon Johnson and Cindy Johnson Stanley
David Knox and Wayne Taylor
Bill Thompson
James Edward Toney
Tressie Turner
M.C. Warters
Richard Craven Webb
Mr. & Mrs. Marvin Richard Webb
Susan West Short and Peggy Thredgill West



1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
13) Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14) For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15) According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16) For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.17) After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18) Therefore encourage one another with these words.
Register now for "See Her" an exciting overnight retreat with our home grown girl Courtney Veasey. It will begin Friday, January 28, 2022 at 6:30 PM and continue through Saturday, January 29 at 3:00 PM. The cost of the retreat is $150. Details of the event are on the registration page. www.fbs.org/women. 
Courtney will share with us how God “sees us” right where we are in our own personal journey of life, not matter your age or stage of life! We will study God’s word, make new friends, and build strong enduring friendships. So with a twinkle in your eye and dancing shoes on your feet register today! We can’t wait to see you!
ALPHABET CHRISTMAS
This December, our preschoolers will take a Christmas journey through the alphabet! The letters will lead us to different parts of the story of Jesus’s birth and how God sent him here so that we could KNOW how much He loves us!! learn about all the ways that we can be grateful, too!


Discover more by watching our preview video CLICK HERE.

Download the PARENT CUE app here on your phone to watch Bible story videos and follow along at home each week.
Be an Encourager...Join the team where Christ makes the difference in the lives of His children every day! 
The Woodlands Preschool
"from little seeds grow mighty trees"
CHILDCARE PROVIDED FOR SUNDAY WORSHIP
KEEP INFORMED VIA TEXT!
For general TKD reminders text @tkdupdates to 81010 
For MPACT Kids reminders text @mpactkids to 81010
$120 price increases on January 3rd!

KEEP THE CONVERSATION ALIVE!
If you don't have a wristband - Get yours by emailing info@fbs.org or at all Guest Services stations on Sunday.
Life Groups are 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!

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
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

 Jesus is here for Us All!
We are here for You All!
So far in 2021,16,205 people have called/texted or emailed for prayer and 228 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.
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 YOUR PRAYER

Spartanburg Regional Hospital
Mildred Graves (Darlene Williams’ mother)                          
Patrick McClure (surgery 12/8)
Ron Dorsey (surgery 12/13)
 
Greenville Memorial Hospital (Prisma Health)                                    
Phillip Vickery (Miriam Vickery’s son outpatient surgery 12/13)
Randy Morrison (Stacie Morrison’s dad) surgery 12/16


MEMBERS IN REHAB
(All Residents are on the "At Home Neighborhoods" list)

White Oak - Northgrove
Bryan Hines (Dale Hines’ brother)
Merle Parnell
Spartanburg Rehab Institute - Northgrove
Wanda Sizemore (Steve Sizemore’s mother)
Physical Rehab & Wellness Center of Spartanburg
Stanley Humphries (Judy Humphries’ brother)



MEMBERS IN HOSPICE CARE   

Mannie Horton - Agape Hospice House in Landrum
CR Rhinehart - Hospice Care at Home
Bill Woodard - Hospice Care at Home
Jean Hamner – Hospice Care at Home
Betty League – Hospice Care at Home
Christine Woodsby – Hospice Care at NHC Greenville
Peggy Hall – SRH Hospice Home



CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY IS EXTENDED TO:
  
Family of Rev. Robert “Bob” Neely who passed away 11/9
Family of Calvin Robertson (Bobby Dover’s brother-in-law) passed away11/9
Family of Mildred Robertson (Eddie Robertson’s mother) passed away 11/11
Family of Curtis Wilson (Denise Roof’s father) who passed away 11/14
Family of Patsy Finley (Ken Finley’s mother) who passed away 11/17
Family of Marilyn Bates (Jeanette Kuhn’s grandmother) who passed 11/24
Family of Catherine Ivey (Steven Williams mother) who passed away 11/24
Family of Jean Hamner who passed away 11/24
Family of Joe Lawson (Kaye Lawson’s husband) who passed away 11/26
Family of Margaret Grant (Donna Moore’s mother) who passed away 11/27
Family of Brandon Guy who passed away 12/1
Family of Daisy Ramsey (Bobby Ramsey’s mother) who passed away 12/3
Family of Corey Rice (Gail Shook’s grandson) who passed away 12/8
Family of Ruth Mescher (Suzy Wilbanks’s mother) who passed away 12/8



SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST
Bobbi Siefert (Jean Brewington’s sister), Rita Chapman, Storm Loftis (Steven & Darlene Williams’ grandson), Ruth Brown, Mark Burgess (uncle of Rev. Bill Parnell’s daughter-in-law), Richard Vickery (Miriam Vickery’s son), Buddy Cheatwood (TEW), Randall Whitaker, Mike & Teresa Epperly (Sal Barone’s family), Rev. David Moore, Adrianne Mack (Elda Webber’s grandson), Molene Childers, Knox Painter - 3 mos (Bud & Sandy Griffin’s great grandson), Sheila Colley Keith (Janice Jefferies’ sister), Jean Lowery, Pennie Wood (Dianne Smith’s sister), Jim and Elaine Mann, Charlie Lowery & Lynn Lowery (Jean Lowery’s children), Debbie & Roy Smith, Jr., Christine Nichols, Tony Sexton (Jeff Williams’ friend), Ann Littlejohn (Jimmy and Carol Vinson’s friend), Aletha Hawkins, Joanna Bell (Richard and Beverly Bell’s daughter), Merri Lewis Caldwell, Carl A. Lewis, Gina Williamson, Ryan Harper (Pat Moore’s grandson), Tony and Gloria Taber, Reba Allison, Phillip Vickery,


MPACT Partners with birthdays and
anniversaries in December
Solomon (CA)12/15      
Lydia (CA) 12/21          
Jonathan (SA) 12/23     
Eli (SIL) 12/29  
       

PRAY FOR OUR LADIES AND
GENTLEMEN SERVING IN OUR MILITARY

Lt. Caleb Robinson, US Navy - Guam
PFC Luke Redding, US Army - Fort Bragg, NC
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
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.
Betty Gillespie
Barbara Shepherd
*Easley Nursing Home
Carolyn Crowe
The Gardens at Eastside – Greenville
Margaret Kirby
Greenville Glen - Greenville
Steve Satterfield
Lakewood Senior Living - Boiling Springs
Betty Heatherly 
Madge York
Magnolia Manor Inman
Samuel Lee Perry
NHC Greenville
Christine Woodsby
Rolling Greene - Greenville
Sally Hutcheson
Rosecrest 
Ruby McDowell  
Betty Toney
Rosecrest - Independent Living
 Loretta Cassell  
Skylyn/Pacifica 
Diane Butts
Summit Hills Asst Living
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
Louise Keesler 
White Oak Manor- East Pearl St.
Sara Duncan
Woodbridge Senior Living of Spartanburg
Donna Garrison     
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.
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