May 30, 2024 | Issue 406

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Dear Britt,

Summer is here! Our summer schedule is in full swing with Camp Voyager kicking off last week and VBS starting this Sunday. You can check out a short video on Camp Voyager right here. My family and I attended Camp Voyager and I was amazed at the quality of the camp and the life change that happened in our students. We are blessed by an incredible staff and volunteers who serve our kids. Greg Springsteen and Cam Stayton did a wonderful job leading and running the camp.

This Sunday we are kicking off VBS. Our campus will be full of students and their families who are joining us for a great week of VBS. Be praying for our team and volunteers as they proclaim Christ and invest in kids.

This Sunday I am beginning a new series in 1 Kings titled, “Courage in Crisis.” focused on the life and ministry of the prophet Elijah. I believe you will be encouraged to trust God in the middle of whatever season of life you are walking in.

See you Sunday!

VBS FAQs

• STARTS THIS SUNDAY MORNING - 9AM to NOON (SUN TO THURS)
• PRESCHOOL - Babies to 5K in the MAIN BUILDING WOODLANDS
• KID DEPOT KIDS - 1st GRADE & UP in the HANGAR
• REGISTRATION PREFERRED BUT YOU CAN SIGN UP SUNDAY
• PARENT BREAKFAST OUTGREW HANGAR NOW IN DINING HALL
• SUNDAY KICK OFF PARTY - NOON in the HANGAR PARKING LOT
• THIS IS FOR ALL PARTICIPATING FAMILIES - WOODLANDS AND KID DEPOT - CHURCH FAMILY YOU ARE WELCOME AS WELL
• INFLATABLES AND RIDES ARE FREE BUT CASH IS NEEDED FOR PURCHASES AT THE FOOD TRUCKS

May Prayer Focus

Pray for the Cogdill Family serving with Wycliff Bible Translators in Cape Town, South Africa. 

◊ Pray for Patrick who, as SIL Director, is over Southern Africa and must travel frequently to other countries. Pray their Visa renewals will be granted soon and not interrupt needed travel.

◊ Pray for Emilee and Elliot as they attend The Bible Institute in Cape Town, and for Evan and Eden as they continue with Cogdill homeschooling.  Pray for Eli and Ethan who are living here and so far from family.

◊ Praise report that two New Testament translations have been completed, one in Madagascar, and one in Tanzania, where they will be dedicated in the near future. Pray for more translations for those who do not have the written Word in their heart language.

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 2800 people have called, texted or emailed for prayer and 62 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)  

Sptbg. Regional Med. Ctr.

Richard Messer

Terry Phillips (Harriett)

Cynthia (Cindy) Richardson

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

White Oak Estate (Webber Rd)

Nancy Osborne    

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

Rita Chapman—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)

Family of Michael Vinson (Fallen Firefighter), Nathan Hall (Firefighter), Deborah Bell, Danny Coffey (Rhonda), Brad Nelson (Sandra), Brent Bishop (Vicki), Becky Morris (Tim), Delilah Larimer (Cassie Dorsey’s Granddaughter), Mike Epperly (Claudia Barone’s Brother-in-law), Rich Berkland (Madlyn), Glennis Neal, Mandy (Sara Beth Settle’s Sister), Anna Shirley (Collins and Abby Shirley’s Daughter), 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

Christian Sympathy is extended to:

Family of Billy Ruppe (Mary Ann Sanford’s Dad) who passed away 4-29

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

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 May

Jonathan (SSA)                               May 31

Stephanie (CA)                                 May 29

Brandy (Canada)                             May 29   

Katie (Alaska)                                  May 14

Primrose                                           May 3

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

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!