April 11, 2024 | Issue 399

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Dear Britt,

A year ago Tabitha and I visited Spartanburg for the first time. We snuck in the back door and tried to act as inconspicuous as possible as we prayed over God’s will for our life. We left church that day saying, I think God may be calling us to Spartanburg! It’s amazing what can happen in a year! The people we met that weekend are now some of our closest friends. We have found a new church family. And God has been moving in powerful ways in our church. I am so excited to see what He will do next.

This Sunday I am beginning a new series, “Meet with Me” from the book of Exodus. The most incredible claim of scripture is that God wants to know us and be in a relationship with us. My hope is that God will still our hearts to a greater desire for him through this series. I will see you Sunday!

April Prayer Focus

Pray for Jim and Nancy Gardner as they return to the Middle East with their photographty ministry April 11 through May 8.  

◊ Pray for travel and safety as they and their team serve in a part of the world that is in the midst of unrest and political turmoil.  

◊ Pray for the 32 plus students who will be in the photography classes and that relationships will be developed.  

◊ Pray for opportunities to visit in homes of the students to meet family members and share the Good News.  

◊ Pray for opportunities to reconnect with past students, and especially new believers.  

◊ Pray for Jim as he teaches and for their translator and class assistant.  

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. 

It is time again, for our church body to nominate individuals who will serve our church in two different areas: The Board of Deacons and the Church Council. We would like for every member of the church to assist us in the selection process. Starting this Sunday April 14^th to May 5^th, we will have collection boxes around campus for everyone to place your ballot of nominees. Letters have been mailed with more info or you can check out this link. Thank you for pray-fully considering who would be a great fit to serve out church in these roles.

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

Stay informed via Text

For general TKD reminders text @tkdupdates to 81010 

For Wednesday night reminders text @tkdnight to 81010



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!

Praising God for Salvations!

Already this year over 2100 people have called, texted or emailed for prayer and 60 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

Sptbg. Regional Med. Ctr.

Rich Berkland (Procedure, 4-10)

Harold Culberson (Kathy)

Rodney Dais

Robert Webber (Elda Webber’s Father)

Greenville Mem. Hosp.

Kasey Redfern (Lauryl)

Medical University of South Carolina (Charleston)

Rylee Blair (Barbara Vess’ Great Granddaughter)

Lake Emory Post Acute Care

Mary Pearman

Self Regional Medical Center, Greenwood, SC

Delilah Larimer (Cassie Dorsey’s Granddaughter) (OP, 4-11)

REHAB

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Greenville 

Tony McMillan (Kathryn)

Golden Age

(Ernest) Larry Gowan

Rosecrest Retirement Community

Pat Clark

Spartanburg Rehabilitation Institute

Lewis Stroupe  

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

Shirley Crook - Eden Terrace

Rita Chapman—At Home

Wayne Grigg (Martha)—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)

Wanda Key (Linda McClure’s Sister), Linda Lewis (Harry), Mike Epperly (Claudia Barone’s Brother-in-law), Brent Bishop (Vicki), Becky Morris (Tim), Chaplain Danny (Prison Ministry Chaplain), Beth Miller (Marion), Peter Fenn (Carol), Allison Jeffcoat (Annette Miller’s Niece), Larry Morgan (John Gilden’s Neighbor), Kristen Madliak (Brian Redding’s Friend), Jerry Meeks (Jo), Carol Fenn (Peter), Diane Skinner, Andrea McMinn (Annette Miller’s Sister), Marge Haas (Ray), Barbara Braley (Bonnie Tubb’s sister), Patricia Patton (Bonnie Tubb’s friend), Becky Walters (Stan), Bobby Dover (Anne), Bryan Hines (Dale Hines’ Brother), Eddie Dutton (Darlene), Lucy McRoberts (Davin and Christina McRoberts’ Daughter), Robert (Rock) Greene (Lauren Greene’s Son), Jessica (Friend of Ken Janecek), Don Patterson, Sharon Woodruff (Vincent), Bella Greene (Lauren Greene’s Granddaughter), Beth Miller (Marion), Fred and Mavene McCray, Wayne Crocker (Carol), Mary Ann Hall, Betty Medford (Debbie Anderson’s Mother), Frances Delcalzo (John), Lydia Jewell (Debra Key’s Cousin), Ralph Voyles, Pat Moore, Jessica Wise (Cassie Dorsey’s Cousin), JT Clark (Pat), Billy Campbell, Kaylee Johnson (Ben), Lynn and Charlie Lowery (Jean Lowery’s Son and Daughter), Adele Dixon (Linda Eshleman’s Niece), Carol Fisher (Friend of Ben and Wanda Babb), Justin, Cydney, and Baby Miller Jo Putnam, Jason Dorris (Father of Diane & Bill Eason’s Grandchildren), Anita Hammett (Chris Hammett’s Mother), Jim and Elaine Mann, John Hall (Marie Lipscomb’s Brother), Lula Armstrong (Johnny McCraw’s Granddaughter), Family of Michael Vinson (Fallen Firefighter), Nathan Hall (Firefighter), Deborah Bell, Howard Prince (Alice), Danny Coffey (Rhonda), Brad Nelson (Sandra)

Christian Sympathy is extended to:

Family of Juanita Wells (Jan Fortune’s Mother) who passed away 3-14

Family of Janice Newlin who passed away 3-19

Family of Ernie Mazzella (Sylvia Sandolo’s Brother and Suzanne Page’s (Ken) Uncle) who passed away 3-23

Family of Reed Rohlman who passed away 3-27

Family of Janie Eubanks (Yancy Eubank’s sister) who passed away 3-28

Family of Rufus West (Gloria) who passed away 4-1

Family of Bobbie Wilson (Chris Wilson’s Mother) who passed away 4-4

Family of Boyce Grindstaff (Sonjia Brand’s Father and Russ Easler’s Father-in-Law) who passed away 4-5

Family of Joy Downing who passed away 4-6

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

Grady Stewart

Billy Campbell

Howard & 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

The Waterford—Columbia

Jane Littlejohn

The Blake @ Hollingsworth Park

Len Carroll—Assisted Living

Kay Carroll—Skilled Nursing 

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

Pat Tate

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 April

  Ron (CA)                         April 17

Drew (CA)                        April 9

Ethan (SIL)                      April 1

Daughter (Alaska)           April 4

Rob (Charlotte)               April 16

Pray for our ladies and gentlemen serving in our military

Lt. Caleb Robinson, US Navy - Guam

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!