February 2, 2023 | Issue 326 | View as Webpage
Greetings!

God is surely at work in our church! It is Wednesday as I am writing this letter, and I am still living in the afterglow of the worship services of this past Sunday. Eric Kuykendall and Greg Springsteen each preached a powerful message in the Genesis services. During the 10:30 a.m. service, the Hangar was packed with many of our coaches, parents and boys & girls for Basketball Recognition Day. There were 243 players and 53 coaches registered to play basketball this year and were exposed to the love of Jesus every week. 
 
Then in our 9:00 a.m. Celebration Service there was a powerful presence of the Lord as we gathered for worship. Dr. Gary Hollingsworth brought a deeply challenging word from Revelation to be alert and continue to keep the lines of communication open with God through prayer. He encouraged us to keep our spiritual eyes open to God’s leadership so we do not become lukewarm in our spiritual lives individually and collectively as a church. Multiple times this week people have shared their hearts and thoughts with me about each of our worship services. I pray that you will be present this Sunday with a heart of great expectancy as we gather to worship. Our own Dr. Eric Kuykendall, Minister of Education & Discipleship will be preaching in Celebration and Dr. Gary Hollingsworth, Executive Director-Treasurer, South Carolina Baptist Convention will be preaching both Genesis Services.
 
During the month of January, our Life Group leaders and FBS Staff have made a strong effort to reconnect and invite people who are not involved in Life Groups. Thank you! Your effort has worked! We have seen great results. Next week I will share more of the results of this emphasis. Mark your calendar for Sunday, February 26, 2023, for a special event. I will share more on this as time draws close.

So many of you have responded to the Encouragement to Pray opportunity. I have received numerous comments about Student D-Groups, Life Groups, and families joining together praying; “Dear God, please send to us the man you have chosen to be our next Senior Pastor!”
I believe God hears and answers the prayers of His people. I cannot wait to experience the answer to this prayer.
 
As you receive this e-blast, First Baptist Spartanburg is sponsoring three evenings of Wild Game Dinners, Thursday, Friday & Saturday. Through the leadership of Rev. Eddie Robertson, Minister of Recreation, the Recreation Staff and a great number of volunteers we have sold approximately 1200 tickets for these dinners. Will you please join us praying that many of those who attend will hear the Gospel clearly and accept Christ as their Savior.

February is going to be a great month at First Baptist Spartanburg as we continue to be faithful in what God has called us to do. Please do not miss this wonderful season of God doing those things in our church family that only He can do! I deeply appreciate how faithfully and expectantly you continue to do your part.

Thank you for your kind words to me and your faithfulness during this time of moving forward with an expectant heart. You are a loving and incredible body of believers. I am so thankful to be a part of the FBS church family. I cannot wait until Sunday. I am expecting another great time of worship and gathering in life groups.
 
It is a joy to serve the Lord alongside you,
Sam Davis
Associate Pastor

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


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
February Prayer Focus
Pray for Refuge, an FBS outreach ministry to those experiencing homelessness in Spartanburg and surrounding areas that strives to provide for their spiritual and physical needs through fresh clothing, breakfast, and praise and worship. Praise that showers will be offered beginning the first of this month after being stopped due to COVID for the past several years. Pray that those coming to Refuge would come to know the truth and seek to know Him through this ministry. Pray that they will share with others and encourage them to also seek the truth. Pray for the volunteers who minister to Refuge, and that many more will want to be a part of this dynamic ministry. 
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 @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


Join us in praying for more
to accept Jesus as Lord.
Already this year over 2100 people have called, texted or emailed for prayer and 179 people have given their lives to Jesus through the outreach of The Encouraging Word!

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! Don't miss the blessing, sign up by clicking HERE
Members who need Prayer
                                                 
Spartanburg Regional
Alison Walker  
Ben Babb
Janet Dillard—Surgery 2/15
Troy Stokes
                                                                                           
Spartanburg Regional—Mary Black
Linda Parsons

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.)

Billy Campbell, Renee Brown (Debra Key’s friend), Lachlan Hyatt, Jenny Johnson, 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, 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


Christian Sympathy is Extended to:

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 Alverson’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 Marvin Lipscomb who passed away on 1/12
Family of Kathy “Polly” Ellwood (Roy “Mac” Smith’s Sister & Kathy Heacox’s Aunt) who passed away on 1/14
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

          

Pray for our missionaries who have birthdays or anniversaries in February
Cole (CA)            Feb 7
Liz (SSA)              Feb 8
Paul (CA)            Feb 21
Jen (APAC)        Feb 21
Ransom (EUR)  Feb 21 
     
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 [email protected]

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
Eddie Dutton

Summit Hills Memory Care
Martha Hines


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 [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.
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