June 6, 2024 | Issue 406

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Dear Britt,

What a week! VBS has been in full effect, and we have loved all the energy on campus as hundreds of students have been here all week learning about Jesus and having a lot of fun. I am grateful our church loves children and helps them connect with Jesus. Be praying the gospel conversations that happened this week will change lives forever. Next week our middle school and high school camps will begin. Be praying for our student team as they prepare to host an unforgettable week at the beach for these students. We hope that our young men and women will make decisions this week that will set the trajectory of their lives.

This week I am continuing our series on Elijah. If you missed this past week, you can watch it right here. This Sunday we will be studying the epic showdown between Elijah and the prophets of Baal. I know it will challenge and bless you.

On Sunday I shared that we are creating an opportunity for a special love offering for the ministers that have retired this year. If you want to give a gift you can do it here online.

See you Sunday!

June Prayer Focus

Pray for Marie P. and Elizabeth C. with El Shaddai Central Ministries in Dessources, Haiti.

◊  Praise that in the midst of Haiti experiencing violence and chaos at the hands of gangs who have overrunn their country, El Shaddai Church came together to celebrate 17 years of faithful serving in their community.   Pray for their protection.

◊ Pray that the church at El Shaddai will remain strong and that the people would remain faithful, continue to draw closer to the Lord, and share His love and Word with those who do not know Him

◊ Pray for the violence to end by gangs terrorizing the people, and peace for Haiti with a new government established to restore the country.

The Bridge is a great place to serve! 

Visit our website at www.thebridgeatgreenstreet.org and look for the Orientation video to learn how you can join The Bridge Volunteer Team.

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 some 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.

·   While many of you bring your tithes to church on Sunday or give online, many others still send their personal or bank checks through the mail. If you use this method, please send it to the Business Office at First Baptist Church 250 East Main St. Spartanburg, SC 29306. 

·   Did you know you can also 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. 

Watch and Share!

GENESIS LIVE STREAM

Invite a friend to watch the Genesis Service online, or live in theHangar this Sunday



As you head into your weekend, click the photo below for an encouraging word from Pastor Mike.

HEARING AID USERS

If you use a hearing aid manufactured in the last 10 years, you have a built in feature allowing you a direct connection to our sound system in the Sanctuary!

It is called the T-Coil hearing loop. Our Sanctuary has this installed on the main floor only, not the balcony, and is typically "channel 2" on your Hearing Aid. Your audiologist can give you more information or feel free to email info@fbs.org or text us at 877-443-2273 and we will be glad to help!

"Whoever has ears let them hear"

Matthew 11:15

EDUCATIONAL TRUST FUND

If you are pursuing a degree in ministry and need financial assistance, our church has an educational grant program that could help you along the way. CLICK here to apply!

Spaces available - Sign up now!

In June of 1974 FBS Minister of Education George Schrieffer at the last minute was unable to do his annual chalk drawings as part of the Kentucky youth mission trip due to a death in his family. Minister of youth Bobby Haley agreed to let Bill Cox, who was serving as his assistant, try to fill in for George in spite of the fact that Bill had never done a chalk drawing in his life. After an all-night marathon to get ready, Bill did chalk drawings at 10 different churches over the next two days and, as they say, the rest is history. At 5pm on June 23 we will be celebrating that 50-year history that has seen Bill do hundreds of chalk drawings, now known as “Art to Heart” all across the country and beyond. Members of the Schrieffer and Haley families will be among the special guests for this service which will include music, dramatic monologues, and a special effects chalk drawing. Everyone is welcome so plan to be there and invite others to come to this one-of-a kind evening of ministry and celebration.

Praising God for Salvations!

Already this year over 2900 people have called, texted or emailed for prayer and 63 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 ALIGHT:

www.AlightMinistry.org

CLICK HERE to request a FREE copy of The Daily Encouraging Word quarterly devotional, or to request a copy by phone, call 864-699-1750 and for prayer 24/7 call1-877-443-CARE (2273) Also, you can listen to a daily recorded reading Monday through Friday by dialing 864-764-1462.

Take a moment to pray for these church members

Members in the Hospital

Mary Black Mem. Hospital

Harold Culberson (Kathy)  

Lake Emory Post Acute Care

Mary Pearman     

REHAB

Golden Age

Larry Gowan

Sptbg Restorative

(Henry) Glen Hartis

Spartanburg Rehab Institute (SRI)

Billy Campbell

Valley Falls Terrace

Jim Trammell

Members in Hospice Care 

Mannie Horton—At Home

Peggy Biggerstaff—Eden Terrace

Kay Herd—Landrum Hospice House

Jenny Johnson—Wellmore of Daniel Island

Barry Jennings—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)

Katie Monroe (George Marett’s Daughter), Kasey Redfern (Lauryl), Elda Webber, Mitzi Bragg (Kevin), Lewis Stroupe, Diane Skinner, Tony McMillan (Kathryn) Raven (Friend of Billy Campbell), Marge Haas (Ray), George Springs (Friend of Eddie Tallon), Rylee Blair (Barbara Vess’ Great Granddaughter), Robert Webber (Elda Webber’s Father), Diane Lawson (Wendell), Eddie Dutton (Darlene), (Marion) Wayne Tweed (Nellie Ruth), Dianne Smith (Earl), Vivian McAbee, Emmett and Sheppard Williams (Sons of Todd and Katelyn), Elaine Bond, Sam Taylor (Doris), Miller Jo Putnam (Daughter of Justin and Cydney), Don Patterson, Robby Gossett (Kim), Bill Eason (Diane), Dot Burns (Anna Nicholls’ Aunt), Pat Clark (J T), Barbara Ray, Blake Kendrick (Son of Darrell and Vick Kendrick), Brian Padilla (Kathy), Lydia Jewell (Debra Key’s Cousin), Jerry Riggins (Joanne Carter’s Cousin), Pat Moore, Jessica Wise (Cassie Dorsey’s Cousin), Lynn and Charlie Lowery (Jean Lowery’s Son and Daughter), John Delcalzo (Frances), Betty Roberson, Lisa Shorter (Mother of Friend of Nate Mimms’ Sister), Barbara Braley (Bonnie Tubb’s Sister), Patricia Patton (Bonnie Tubb’s Friend), Coleman Taylor (Shelly Mabry’s Father), Sam Davis (Jimmie), Mike Brooks (Marlaina), Jim and Elaine Mann, Lula Armstrong (Johnny McCraw’s Granddaughter), Audrey Hampton, Terry Phillips (Harriett), Cynthia (Cindy) Richardson, Maria Pelletier (Hospital, Augusta), Riggins Family (Central, SC), Gayle Crabtree (Tom Crabtree’s wife), Tommy Allison (Reba), Becky Morris (Tim), Sabrinia Booker (Betty Earle’s Daughter), Nancy Osborne, Mary Katherine Gibbs (Taylor and Corinna Gibb’s Daughter), Mason Cook (Kelly Gaston’s Great Nephew), Richard Messer (Kim Messer’s Son), Peggy Pitts (David)

Christian Sympathy is extended to:

Family of Grady Stewart who passed away 5-9

Family of Rodney Dais who passed away on 5-10

Family of Laura Gray (Ann Gray’s daughter) who passed away 5-11

Family of John Wilson (Jenni Young’s Father) who passed away 5-11

Family of Howard Prince (Alice) who passed away 5-25

Family of Rita Chapman who passed away 5-30

Family of Philip Nelson (Brad Nelson’s Dad) who passed away 6-2

At Home Neighborhoods

Care-Pray-Visit 

Ashlan Village

Miriam Vickery

Betty McMillan

Brushy Creek Cottages—Greer

Martha Turner

Chandler Creek Village

Norma Jean Lagerholm

Eden Terrace

Peggy Biggerstaff

Jim & Elaine Mann

Barbara Shepherd

Suzanne (Suzi) Smith

Billy Campbell

Alice Prince

Easley Nursing Home

Carolyn Crowe

Fairhaven—Forest City

Carolyn Morgan

Lakewood Senior Living—Assisted Living

Betty Heatherly

Met Schrieffer

Lakewood Senior Living—Independent Living

Betty Medford

Magnolia Manor—Inman

Samuel Lee Perry

Pacifica

Donna Garrison

Palmetto Patriots Home

Howard Miller

Physical Rehabilitation & Wellness (PRW)

Rhonda Fisher

Restoration Senior Living at Westgate

(George) Eddie Robertson

Rolling Greene—Greenville

Sally Hutcheson

Rosecrest

Betty Toney

Rosecrest—Independent Living

Loretta Cassell

Summit Hills—Independent Living   

Linda Arnold

Henry H. Hamilton

Peggy Wakefield

Summit Hills—Memory Care

Martha Hines

Terra Bella

Mary Alice Wingo

Jean Lowery

The Waterford—Columbia

Jane Littlejohn

The Blake @ Hollingsworth Park

Len Carroll—Assisted Living

Kay Carroll—Skilled Nursing 

The Blake @ Carnes Crossroads, Summerville, SC

Pat Tate

Wesley Court Assisted Living—Boiling Springs, SC

Helen Young

Bobby Martin

White Oak Asst. Living—Webber Rd

Jo Ann Adams

White Oak—Skilled Nursing

Shirley Allen

White Oak—Independent Living

Harriet Baughman

Sara Hall

Jim Miller

Lou Ann Walker

Eula Williams

Vivian Funk

Sue Anthony

White Oak—North Grove

Mirth Bolton

Elaine Dunger

Ann Taylor

Pray for our missionaries who have birthdays or anniversaries in June

Sieberhagen’s                             June  8

Kristopher (Canada)                 June 19

Holliday’s                                   June 22

Pray for our ladies and gentlemen serving in our military

Lt. Caleb Robinson, US Navy

Brandon Easler, US Navy - Jacksonville, FL

Brandon Duke, US Air Force - Reserves USA

Captain Timothy E. Edge, U.S. Army—Ft Drum, NY

Dakota Biggerstaff, Air Force Academy - CO

Harrison Roberts, US Marines - Camp Lejeune, NC

Matthew Smith -US Military Academy at West Point

Cameron Dorsey – Fort Leonard Wood, MO

Joshua Land, Army - Overseas

To add an active duty service lady or gentleman please contact kedwards@fbs.org

Our Bless This Home

Prayer Ministry is growing!

Join us in this easy and unique way to pray for our neighbors.

Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in darkness but have the light of life."

The Lord planted our church where we are to help our neighbors discover the light of life. So, as we continue in our 90 days of prayer, consider joining hundreds of FBS members in this prayer outreach by becoming a Light to your neighbors and living intentional pray-care-share lifestyles.

Becoming a Light is free and confidential. You'll receive a map and list of your closest neighbors, along with emails at the frequency of your choice to pray for your next five neighbors that day. When you get a chance, walk or drive by those homes as you pray for them.

To learn more about this opportunity visit VISIT THIS LINK to sign up on the website!

May God bless you as you bless your neighbors!