September 14, 2021 | Issue 253 View as Webpage
Greetings!

Just the greatest week of ministry - everywhere. And this, despite all the “yadayada" coming from the airwaves and political machinery of our nation. The squeeze is on, and pressure is mounting for all to conform and bend the knee to the gods of this world. I am so grateful to know that no Christian people will be on this earth when Anti-Christ unleashes his venomous demands on all who have received the mark of the beast! 1 Thessalonians 4 and Revelation 4 are quite clear about the fact that Jesus will come to take all those who believe on His name to heaven before “the mark” is used to allow and prevent people from getting access to everything, including food and supplies.
 
At our wonderful Deacons’ meeting on Wednesday evening, Jim Barrett reminded us of the 50 people who have given their lives to Christ just through the ministries of the Bridge. It seems every Sunday we are seeing young and old, rich and poor, being baptized as they follow Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Every week more people are coming to know Christ through The Encouraging Word broadcast from our church. Over 4000 have done so over these years. Just too wonderful. We share Jesus because we are living in a searching world. Our church family is well, happy and serving Christ.
 
I really thank you all for your faithfulness in serving and for the magnificence of your financial giving that enables all of us to get out there and do the things necessary to reach our world for Christ.
 
This Saturday, ball games happening all out at the ball fields. We have record numbers participating, so let’s really be thankful for all the coaches and organizers, as well as every boy and girl who participate. What a job Eddie Robertson and Corey Sizemore are doing as they lead us. Let’s pray for them all and watch what God does this season.
 
Be sure to bring your Bibles on Sunday as we worship the Lord together. Whatever is said comes from there.
 
I love you all.

Your friend and pastor,
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!

WEDNESDAY NIGHT'S
MVMT LIVE STREAM
Give your friends a taste of Wednesday Night! Share last week's video and bring them this week to Movement!
THIS WEEK'S ENCOURAGING WORD MESSAGE
Share our pastor's Bible based teaching with your friends and spread the Encouragement!
FROM OUR CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR 
We are very grateful for the continued faithful stewardship of so many to First Baptist Spartanburg. As we move into fall, we often think of the harvest and 2 Corinthians 9:6, “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” Thank you for sowing bountifully through your giving so that more people can be reached with the gospel of Jesus Christ. As a reminder, here are some of the many options you can consider as you think about your financial stewardship:
 
1.  We will continue to collect tithes and offerings at the end of each service or you can use one of the drop boxes around the church.
2.  Online giving (one-time or recurring) through our Realm giving platform at  www.fbs.org/give is available 24/7. Currently over 40% of all gifts are given online.
3.  Vision 2020 – consider making an extra gift above your tithe to prepare for the relaunch of Vision 2020.
4. If you would like to give stock, please call our Business Office at 864-699-4225 and they can tell you how to have it transferred directly to the church.
5. If you are over 70 ½ and have to take a Required Distribution from your IRA, talk to your tax advisor about how you can send that directly to the church and save on taxes.
6. If you prefer to mail in your gift please send it to 250 East Main St. Spartanburg, SC 29306.
7. This may also be a good time to review your will and considered how you can bless First Baptist by establishing a legacy gift through your estate. Visit www.fbs.org/legacy to learn more about how our partner, Philanthrocorp, can confidentially help you plan through this process at no cost to you.
Discover the joy of serving!
There are many opportunities:
Greeting, Recreation, Children's, Preschool, 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
September Prayer Focus
Focusing this month on the Janie Chapman Offering that supports our State Missions and initiatives, including Connie Maxwell Children’s Home that provides hope for children & families in crisis of South Carolina, and whose mission is to care for children while developing and strengthening positive relationships in a Christian environment.  Pray for the children, their families, and for the staff at Connie Maxwell that operates their main facility in Greenwood. Pray for the staff and children who come into their crisis care program. Pray for Connie Maxwell to be a place of unity, and that the staff and students will encourage each other and be a light to the community. 
REVIVE 2021 CONTINUES WITH
BLESS EVERY HOME
Join us as we pray for our neighbors!
Over 6000 neighbors now are being prayed for by members of our church! Don't miss the blessing, sign up by clicking HERE

Toy Box!
What was your favorite toy when you were a child? A teddy bear, a doll…whatever it was, you had it with you ALL the time, right? We’re sure your little ones have a favorite, too. This month they will learn that there is only one who is ALWAYS with them, now and forever! God made us to love Him and to be with Him! God is always with me!
 
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.
The Woodlands Preschool
"from little seeds grow mighty trees"
CHILDCARE PROVIDED FOR SUNDAY WORSHIP
Be an Encourager...Join the team where Christ makes the difference in the lives of His children every day! 
KEEP INFORMED VIA TEXT!
Receive text reminders by texting @tkdupdates to 81010 and keep up with our events.
KEEP THE CONVERSATION ALIVE!
If you don't have a wristband - Get yours by emailing [email protected] 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!

New Adult Life Group Starting 8/22
You are invited to a new Life Group led by Aaron Scarbro at 10:30am in room 270 in the main building. Aaron is a scholar of the Bible and loves to help everyone discover the beauty found in the pages of scripture. The Life Group is for anyone who would like to attend – all ages and life stages! This is a great opportunity for anyone looking for a new group!!!

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, 12,650 people have called/texted or emailed for prayer and 185 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.
PUT YOUR LOVE INTO ACTION WITH UNIQUE RESOURCES!
I want to encourage you today to put your love into action! This summer, we are having a sale on many of our books and messages in order for you to have the opportunity to buy a “spiritual lunch” for a stranger or loved one. When your books arrive, look for ways to leave them behind anonymously. You can even include an encouraging word to help nourish their spiritual needs!
Give a book away and encourage: Loved Ones, Neighbors, Postman, Caregivers, Colleagues, Physicians, Drive-through Servers, Restaurant Server, Landscaper, Mechanic, and Someone in Prison. Everyone deserves to hear about the saving grace of Jesus Christ! – Dr. Don Wilton
MEMBERS WHO NEED YOUR PRAYER

Spartanburg Regional Hospital
Billy Hoyle
Donnie Solesbee
Greg Gilliland (Sondra Biggerstaff’s brother) (surg 9/16)
           
SRH - Restorative Care
Mitch Byers (Susi Smith’s father)

Pelham Medical
Brenda Mullinax (surg 9/29)
 
Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital
Christine Woodsby        
                                                                        
MUSC - Charleston, SC
Sheila Colley Keith (Janice Jefferies’ sister) (surg 8/11)

August, GA Hospital
Knox Painter - 3 mos (Bud & Sandy Griffin’s great grandson)

St. Francis Hospital - Richmond, Va.
Rusty McDowell (Phyllis Ebert-Case’s son)


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


SRI—Northgrove
Bob Pall                                                 
White Oak - Northgrove
Bryan Hines (Dale Hines’ brother)
Merle Parnell
White Oak - Webber Rd.
Sandra Anders (Debra Key’s mother)
Physical Rehab & Wellness Center of Spartanburg
Stanley Humphries (Judy Humphries’ brother)
Lake Emory Post Acute Care - Inman
Tom Boyter
Summit Hills
Molene Childers


MEMBERS IN HOSPICE CARE   

Mannie Horton - Agape Hospice House in Landrum
CR Rhinehart - Hospice Care at Home
Bill Woodard - Hospice Care at Home
Christine Woodsby - Windsor House, Greenville


CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY IS EXTENDED TO:
  
Family of Raymond Hill who passed away 8/15
Family of Carolyn Hatcher (Julie Folk’s mother) who passed away 8/21
Family of Brian Spears (Diana Latzka’s brother-in-law) who passed 8/21
Family of Tom Latzka (Michael Latzka’s father) who passed 8/22 in Mn.
Family of Bobbie Hatchett (Betty McGraw’s daughter) who passed away 8/29
Family of Ruth Reynolds Brannon who passed away 8/28 in NC
Family of Bob Poteat who passed away 9/4
Family of Clarence Johnson (Terri Lancaster’s father) who passed away 9/4
Family of Ozelle Roddy Stewart (Jacob Comer’s grandmother) 9/6
Family of Willard Hall (Bonnie Hammond’s brother) who passed away 9/7
Family of Joe Jones (Beverly Bentley’s father) who passed away 9/8
Family of Richard Harvey (Tommy Jefferies’ family) who passed away 9/15


SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST

Patsy Finley (Ken Finley’s mother), Pat Tate, Diane Eason, Alan Meyers (Charlie Miller’s Friend), Adam & Connor Conley (Marilyn Conley’s son & grandson), Trish Vander Meulen, Jenny Johnson, Diann Payne, Teresa Clark, Frank Walters (Stan Walters’ brother), Ken Kelly (Stan Walters’ friend), Royce Camp, Jeff Nichols, Mac Walters (Stan Walters’ brother), Ray Cazalis (Howard & Annette Miller’s friend), Bill Adams, Renee Crocker (Jack & Brenda Mullinax’s daughter), Chip Edge & Larry Turner (Billy McCraw’s family), Connor Williams & family (Steven & Darlene Williams’ family), Tony Wright, Joanne Fogle (Rhonda Lanford’s mother), Kathy Meador, Deneen Griffin, Roy Lee Parker, Jean Lowery, Pennie Wood (Dianne Smith’s sister), Marge Woodruff, Miriam Vickery, Jim and Elaine Mann, Sally Ashley, Belinda Wade, Edie Searcy, Josh Searcy, Gerri Arthur, Billy Stamey, Norm Burleson, Pat Tate, Jolene Coyle, Brenda Mullinax, Sheila (friend of a member), Danny & Jean Allison, Rhonda & Larry Gable (Anna Nicholls’ family), James Long (Anna Nicholls’ step-father), Stephanie Wofford (Teresa Brown’s daughter), Patty Hoyle, Charlie Lowery & Lynn Lowery (Jean Lowery’s children), Matt & Dede Bright (Ruby Bright’s family), Mike Epperly (Sal & Claudia Barone’s brother-in-law), Debbie and Roy Smith, Jr.

MPACT Partners with birthdays and
anniversaries in September
Elliot (SIL) 9/16
Ward Anniv. (CA) 9/27


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
Mildred Robertson
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
*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
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
Winsor House - Greenville
Christine Woodsby
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 [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.
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