May 18, 2023 | Issue 342 | View as Webpage
Greetings!

God hears the prayers of His people! Isn’t it great to serve a God that cares deeply about every aspect of our lives. This time of transition has been such a blessing as we, the First Baptist Spartanburg Family, have boldly come before our Heavenly Father about a deep need we have.
 
It is a blessing to see God’s people praying sincerely. Constantly going before our Heavenly Father has been such a blessing to observe as well as to be a part. As I went to the Sanctuary of Prayer this past Tuesday, I saw business men and ladies that had left their jobs, people that had taken a portion of their lunch time, ladies and men that had left their responsibilities at home, many of your Ministry Team, hosted by some of our precious lay leaders of First Baptist Spartanburg. Is there any wonder that God is blessing us?
 
This Sunday we will see an answer to our specific prayer. You do not want to miss this coming Sunday! God is answering our prayer right before our eyes! “Dear God, please send to us the man you have chosen to be our next Senior Pastor. In Jesus name. Amen” God’s people have bombarded the throne of God with prayers on behalf of His local body of believers. God has taken notice of the sincerity and desperation of our prayers. He has heard our prayers that we were totally dependent on Him or else we were totally helpless. I hope you will be at First Baptist Spartanburg this coming Sunday to see how God has answered our prayers.
 
God has blessed through the leadership of our staff and lay leaders. Several years ago, our leadership sought the face of God as they revised our First Baptist Spartanburg Bylaws. During this time of transition our leadership had followed the process of what the Church Body approved. God has proved Himself faithful.
 
Our Deacons will be bringing a unanimous recommendation to the Church Body for a vote of affirmation that we call Dr. Mike Harder to be our next Senior Pastor. Click here to read more on Dr. Harder and his wonderful family. Dr. Harder will be preaching in our morning worship services. I cannot wait for you to meet him. In accordance to the Bylaws, at the end of our time of Worship Services, we will be called into a Special Called Church Conference for the purpose of affirming the call of Dr. Mike Harder.
 
Our schedule for this Sunday, May 21, 2023:
·     Worship Services at 9:00 a.m. ONLY with the Celebration and Genesis Service synched together.
·     There will not be a 10:30 a.m. Genesis Service, if you normally attend this service please make a special effort to attend the 9:00 a.m. Genesis Service.
·     No Life Groups, this Sunday.
·     This Sunday will be a glory-filled day as we celebrate God’s answer to prayer with
Dr. Harder speaking in both services.
 
Like you, I love being a part of God answering prayer! Let us keep praying, believing, and being obedient.
 
Looking forward to seeing you on this coming Lord’s Day,
Sam Davis
Associate Pastor
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
May Prayer Focus
Pray for our College and Young Adults being sent out this summer through Gen Send, IMB, BCMgo, and Nehemiah Teams:
C. R.                          North Africa with BCMgo
Allie L.                       South Pacific with Nehemiah Teams
Jackson C.                Europe with IMB
Noah M.                    New York City with Gen Send
Grant S.                    Montreal, Canada with Gen Send
Abigail B.                  Montreal, Canada with Gen Send
 
Pray for our students, college, and young adults going on short-term mission trips this summer:
June 21 – July 1         Student International trip to South Africa
July 15-21                   College/YA trip to Pittsburgh, PA
July 24-31                   Student International trip to Dominican Republic
July 31-August 7         Utah Mission trip to Salt Lake City, Utah
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 Socials
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!
STORIES OF LIFE CHANGE FROM OUR CHURCH FAMILY!
Life Together Stories
Love Your Church Stories
Live To Tell Stories
Abide in Him Stories
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 20
The Vision 2020 Story
Vision 2020 Launch and Fly Through Video CLICK TO SEE
Proverbs 3:9-10 (ESV) says, “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.” God’s word teaches us that when we honor Him first with our resources, He will bless us. This blessing is not just to provide for our needs and even better it allows us to give more back to His Kingdom.

Your tithes and offerings to First Baptist allows the many ministries to keep going strong in order to reach more people for Christ. Thank you for your generous stewardship by faithfully giving of your firstfruits so we can see lives changed for eternity in Spartanburg and around the world.
 
As you think about your financial stewardship, here are a couple of the many options you can consider: 
 
·         You can always give online, but if you are unable to attend on Sunday morning and don’t wish to give online, you can mail your gift to 250 East Main St. Spartanburg, SC 29306.
 
·         You can also stop by the church during office hours throughout the week and securely leave your gift in the drop box at the welcome center?
The last Sunday of each month, Kindergartners can experience the wonder, fun, and excitement of "climbing higher" in their love and knowledge of Jesus through exploration, creativity, games, and a WHOLE lot of Treehouse fun!
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
UPCOMING AT YOUNG AT HEART
Thursday, June 15
11:00am Lake Lure Pontoon Tour $35
Lake Lure Cruise and Buffet Lunch @ The Lake Lure Inn
Reservations: 864-596-4110 By May 15

Monday, Jun 12
6:00pm/Hot Buffet/Dining Hall/Cost $9
Featuring: Jack Roper
Reservations: 864-699-4236 by Wed., June 7

God is doing something amazing!

Already this year over 19,000 people have called, texted or emailed for prayer and 811 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 Medical Center
Teresa Harvey
Donna Garrison
Nancy Smith

Spartanburg Regional-Mary Black Campus
Harry Lewis
 
NHC—Healthcare—Greenville
Rachel Thompson
 
MUSC
Mitzi Bragg

Members in Rehab
White Oak—North Grove Rehab
Elaine Dunger

PRWC—Physical Rehabilitation & Wellness Center
Joe Longstreet

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.)

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 & Barbara Ann 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, Paul Weaver, Rhonda Babb, Jean Allison, Fred McCray, Adrienne (Elda Webber’s Grandson), Jack Gibson, Sherrie Whitten, Jenny Ledford (Darlene Williams’ friend), Jane Warren, Turner Hammett, Kay Carroll, Ann Rogers, Julia Young (Julie Finley & Cole Young’s Mother), Pat Moore, Elizabeth Gage, Miriam Morgan, Charlie Lowery, Lynn Lowery, Katie Buckman, Al Phillips Family, Nancy Osborne, Dani Belk (Jimmy & Susi Smith’s Daughter), Bobbie Wilson, Sandy Cornwell, Jenny Johnson, Lydia Kaplan, Will Thompson, Amanda Thompson, Minnie Hughes (Jerry & Roberta Fogg’s Relative), Lee & Nancy Marion, Jeanette Kirby, Ronnie Fore (Steven & Darlene Williams’ Friend), Glenda Turner, Jill Wright, Elaine Bond, Audrey Hampton, Leonard Gallman, Elizabeth Massey, James Whitt (Jenny Wright’s Brother), Jeff Dean, Tom Robertson (Bobby & Anne Dover’s Nephew), Ken Billets (Bobby Dover’s Brother in law), Zella Kennemore (Bobby Dover’s Aunt), Jim & Elaine Mann, John Humphries, Jim Alverson, Mr. Edwards (Jenny Johnson’s Friend), Joe Longstreet, Charles & Flora Davis (Diane Payne’s Friends)

Christian Sympathy is Extended to:

Family of Sara Duncan (Gail Berry & Sherri Smith’s Mother) who passed away on 4/6
Family of Keith Bogda (Ray Haas’ Son) who passed away on 4/7
Family of John Dean Hamrick (Michael Hamrick’s Father) who passed away on 4/12
Family of Dick Gibbons (Katherine Davis’ Father) who passed away on 4/14
Family of Hal Murphy (Keith Murphy’s Father) who passed away on 4/15
Family of Jerri Kimbrell (Donna Garrison’s Aunt) who passed away on 4/16
Family of Irene Long (Anna Nicholls’ Mother) who passed away on 4/19
Family of Gail Sims (Bess Johannes Sister) who passed away on 4/26
Family of Eloise Wiley (Douglas Wiley’s Grandmother) who passed away on 4/30
Family of Randy Lowery (Sherry Smiths’ Brother) who passed away on 4/30
Family of Ronnie O’dell (Austin Burnett’s Grandfather) who passed away on 4/30
Family of Edith Rowell (Calla Snow’s Mother) who passed away on 5/1
Family of Wyatt “Mack” McDaniel who passed away on 5/4
Family of Shelby Workman (Jennifer Beck’s Mom) who passed on 5/5
Family of Junior Tant (Nellie Ruth Tweed’s Brother) who passed away on 5/5
Family of Lib Woolbright who passed away on 5/7
Family of BB Bryson who passed away on 5/14
Family of Cora Mae Gulledge (Patrice Faulkenberry’s Mother) who passed away on 5/15
Family of Billy Honeycutt (Beverly Bell’s Brother) who passed away on 5/16



Pray for our missionaries who have birthdays or anniversaries in May

 Primrose (EUR)       May  3
 Wilton Anniv. (PGH) May 22
 Brandy (Canada)     May 29
Stephanie (CA)        May 29
Jonathan (SSA)        May 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
Brandon Easler, US Army, Jacksonville, FL
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 
Betty McMillan
Brushy Creek Cottages – Greer
Martha Turner
Cascades Verdae—Skilled Nursing
Kay Carroll
Cascades Verdae—Independent Living
Len Carroll
Chandler Creek Village
Norma Jean Lagerholm
Eden Terrace
Peggy Biggerstaff
Betty Gillespie
Jim & Elaine Mann 
Barbara Shepherd
Suzanne (Suzi) Smith
Grady Stewart
Billy Campbell
Richard Smith
*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
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
Summit Hills—Independent Living    
Linda Arnold
Henry H. Hamilton
Summit Hills—Memory Care
Martha Hines
Summit Hills—Skilled Nursing
Peggy Gilliland
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—Independent Living
Harriet Baughman
Sara Hall
Jim Miller
Bill Osteen
Pat Tate
Lou Ann Walker
White Oak—North Grove
Mirth 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 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