Weekly eNews
June 23, 2023
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Last week, the Dyer Family ventured down to the South Carolina coast, enjoying a few days of vacation at Edisto Beach. We had heard that as far as beach towns go, Edisto was about as quiet and low key as they come (“Edislowww,” as one person put it) – and boy did it live up to its reputation! It was a perfect week of beach, ping pong, porch sitting, and exploring God’s beautiful creation.
As it happens, it was also a beautiful opportunity to lean a little further into our summer theme here at First Presbyterian of going Godspeed. Namely, finding moments – whether on vacation, at work, or at home – where we might slow down and be more fully present to who and whose we are. We are off to a great start exploring this theme in our summer Sunday school series happening in Fogartie Hall each week at 10am. Hope you will join us! You can also sign up by clicking here to receive a weekly email with a recap and self-study resources after each lesson.
Looking ahead to July we are going to go one step further in the “practice what you preach” department by moving to a single service at 11A each Sunday. Throughout that month we will continue to have Sunday school each week (except for July 2) in Fogartie Hall followed by a single worship service that will include a special musical focus. You can find more details on our July worship plans below.
Blessings to you all in these summer days. I pray that each of you are finding opportunities big and small to share the gift of Godspeed with yourselves and with others. Please remember that this Sunday morning is our summer Blood Drive as well as our second Summer Sizzle – Undies and Sundaes* – in the Social Hall after our 11:00am Worship Service. Hope to see you there. Invite a friend!
Peace,
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Rev. Alan F. Dyer
Senior Pastor
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*Bring a new pack of underwear to donate (in children's, men's or women's sizes) that will be distributed through our Neighborhood Meal Ministry and other local ministry partners. | |
Summer Sizzle: Undies and Sundaes
This Sunday | Noon in the Social Hall
Your Church Staff’s favorite Summer Sizzle! Bring a new pack of underwear (children’s, men’s, or women’s) to any service and drop them off in the designated boxes! Then, after the 11am Worship Service, head to the Social Hall and cool off with Ice Cream Sundaes. The new packs of underwear will be distributed through our Neighborhood Meal Ministry and other local agencies.
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Blood Drive
Sunday, June 25
Please mark your calendar for the next blood drive that is scheduled for Sunday, June 25, 2023. For every donation, First Presbyterian will receive a $20 charitable donation. PLUS, all donors will receive a $40 e-reward!
Contact Parish Nurse Beth Cecil (bcecil@fpcspartanburg.org or 208-2136) to register and schedule a time to donate.
To donate during the June 25, 2023 blood drive, please refrain from donating after Friday, April 28, 2023.
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Godspeed Sunday School
Continues this Sunday
This summer, through our joint Adult Sunday School class and worship, we will slow down to explore the kind of life and relationships into which God invites us. Join us for this study entitled Godspeed written by Julie and Matt Canlis and featuring videos from N.T. Wright, Eugene Peterson, and others.
Gather in Fogartie Hall at 10:00am each Sunday in June and July (not meeting July 2) as your pastors lead us in seeking to “slow down in order to catch up with God.” Come as often as you are able!
We also encourage you to click the button below to receive weekly updates and discussion questions regarding our Godspeed study.
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Wired Wednesdays
Continues This Week
Join us for a caffeinated boost and great company! The Young Adult Committee will be at Fretwell for "Wired Wednesdays" every Wednesday morning in June and July, 9:30-10:30am(-ish). We invite you to join us for some quality time and conversation! Fretwell is kid-friendly, so bring your little ones to play while you catch up with others. For all teachers and school staff: Take a break from summer break and join us for a latte among friends!
Know someone aged 20ish-40ish who'd enjoy this? Spread the word to friends and family, church members or not! We can't wait to catch up over a cup of coffee. ☕
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TOTAL Ministries Food Drive
Next Sunday, July 2
Drop off non-perishable donations for TOTAL Ministries before or after service in the marked bins in the Tower Room, Narthex, or the Family Life Center Lobby. For a list of items needed, visit fpcspartanburg.org/total-ministries.
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During the month of July (beginning next Sunday) we will worship together as a church family with ONE service at 11:00am in the Sanctuary*. Each Sunday the music will focus on a different genre. Prior to each service, there will be a time of fellowship in The Perrin Room.
The different music genres will be:
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July 2 - Hymns by American Composers
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July 9 - Jazz (with John Moody and Friends)
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July 16 - Acoustic (with a special emphasis on Taize)
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July 23* - Bluegrass (with the MorningSong Worship Team)
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July 30 - Global Music
*Exception: On Sunday, July 23, we will worship together in Fogartie Hall. Fellowship will be in the FLC Lobby.
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C.S. Lewis Summer Book Study
Thursday Mornings, June 1 - July 13
Interested in reading and discussing C.S. Lewis's Mere Christianity with a group? Come join us this summer on Thursday mornings from 10-11am in the Arthur Center! We will start on June 1 and end July 13.
If you'd like to be added to the email list, please contact Leslie Lang: llang@fpcspartanburg.org
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Younger Women's Summer Study
Monday Evenings in June
We will meet on three Monday evenings (June 5, 12, 26) from 6:00-7:30pm on Donna Pulliam's porch and discussing No Cure for Being Human by Kate Bowler. If you would like to be added to the email list, please contact Leslie Lang, Donna Pulliam, or Carter Smith.
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Tuesday/Thursday Adult Study
Led by Tom and Nan McDaniel
From June 13 & 15 to August 22 & 24, Tom and Nan McDaniel will be studying the book by Peter Enns titled The Bible Tells Me So…Why Defending Scripture Has Made Us Unable To Read It.
This study is via Zoom. Please contact Shannon at shutcheson@fpcspartanburg.org for Zoom and book information.
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Summer Women's Bible Study
Wednesdays, June 21 - July 26
Join Ansley Page in the Arthur Center, Wednesdays, June 21 – July 26, 7:00pm for a group study of The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus by Adam Hamilton. A comprehensive and easy-to-read walk through the themes of Jesus’s life and ministry. Each week we will open the Bible and talk through what it means for us today. Perfect time to connect with faith sisters and grow in faith! For the novice and the scripturally well-versed.
Mark your calendars, order your book, and RSVP to apage@fpcspartanburg.org.
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Book Discussion for Parents
June 19 & July 10, 5:30-6:30pm, Arthur Center
Summer is a great time for reflection and for changing things up. Let’s take the opportunity to join other parents to reflect on today’s kid pressures of performance, comparison, and individuation. Join Ansley for a study of Bags: Helping Your Kids Lighten the Load by Chris Sasser. For the parents of older elementary – college age.
RSVP to apage@fpcspartanburg.org if you are curious or interested.
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Calling Readers and Thinkers...
Join Ansley Page for a few summer evenings to discuss No Cure for Being Human (and other truths I need to hear) by Kate Bowler. This church history professor wrestles with cliché and truth as she reflects on the evolution of her faith after her stage 4 cancer diagnosis at 35.
For this study, we will have an afternoon series (Wednesday, June 14 and June 28, 3:00-4:15 pm in the Arthur Center) and an evening series (Monday, June 26 and Tuesday, July 18, 5:30-6:45 pm in the Arthur Center).
RSVP to apage@fpcspartanburg.org if you are curious or interested.
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Thursday Morning P.A.L. Trail Days
Continues July 6
Bring a buddy, and walk a P.A.L.! Join Recreation Director Colleen Darrall in exploring a new P.A.L. (Play. Advocate. Live Well.) trail on select Thursdays throughout the summer!
The next P.A.L. day will be Thursday, July 6. We will be meeting at 9:30am in the FLC Lobby. Friends and children are welcome to join! Can't make it? Come join us for our final trail day on July 20!
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Fellowship on Two Wheels
Thursdays in June
Join Pastor Craig and others for a conversational bike ride down the Mary Black Rail Trail. All ages, abilities, and types of bikes are welcome!
Meet at 6:00pm at the Henry St trail head. Helmets are required of all riders.
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Green River Adventure
Saturday, July 8
Take a guide-assisted river trip down a three-mile section of the Lower Green River in Saluda, SC! This easily navigable rapids are perfect for anyone ages 5 and up (no experience needed)!
Pre-registration is required. Click the button below to sign up by Monday, July 3!
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Sunday | Monday-Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Closed | 7am-8pm | 7am-2pm | 8am-12pm | | |
Please note: You must bring your church card to have access to the fitness center.
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Hand in Hand Ministries
Accepting Food Donations
Our Hand in Hand community ministry is always accepting non-perishable food donations to help support Spartanburg families in need! They also accept monetary donations through the church giving site.
To learn more about the mission of Hand in Hand and see how you can help those who need it most, visit their website at handinhandspartanburg.org.
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Sunday Greeters Needed!
Looking for an easy way to get involved in the church? Come share your smile and help greet on Sunday mornings! We need three greeters each Sunday- one to welcome those coming to Sunday school from 9:30-9:55 and two to welcome Sanctuary worshippers from 10:30 to 11:00. All you have to do is stand outside your assigned door and welcome people as they arrive! (You are welcome to bring your kids to help as well!) We just ask that you bring your warm smile and friendly face.
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There are many more opportunities for service available in our Ministry Finder. | |
These Days Devotional
Now Available
The July-September edition of These Days is out now!
Copies are available for pickup throughout the church.
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College Graduate Recognition
Send Names by July 10
We would like to recognize our members who have graduated from college or graduate school in the August edition of First News. If you or a member of your family graduated this past winter or spring, please contact Ian Ritchings (iritchings@fpcspartanburg.org) by Monday, July 10 with the Graduate’s Name and the University.
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Recommendations for Church Officers
Needed by Friday, July 14
The Congregational Nominating Committee needs your help nominating members of the church to serve as Elders and Deacons. A nomination form can be found HERE. You may submit as many names as you would like, suggesting any member of FPC, including yourself. To see the list of current church officers on the church website, click HERE.
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Order Your Kirkin' Banner
by Friday, July 21
First Presbyterian Church will hold its annual Kirkin' o' the Tartans Worship Service on October 29, 2023. At our Kirkin' service, we remember ancient times, as well as past and present kith and kin, while asking God's help and blessings in the future through special music and a procession of bagpipes and tartans.
The construction of the staffs and stands as well as the sewing of the banners will be performed by volunteers, but we need sponsors to help with the cost of purchasing the tartan fabric and materials. The cost of each banner is $150. The tartan fabrics are ordered from Scotland, so we need your payment no later than Friday, July 21.
Click the button below to order your tartan.
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Beware of Imposters!
Don't Fall for Scam Emails!
There are some cyber criminals out there impersonating our ministers and staff members via email. Please be cautious when receiving these emails! Please note that emails from church staff will only come from emails that end in @fpcspartanburg.org, @shelbynextchms.com, or @ccsend.com.
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FPC Spartanburg Sermoncast
Available on All Podcast Platforms
Missed last week's worship service? Want to revisit your favorite sermons while on the road, at work, or anywhere at all? Now you can! Plus: Listen to Rev. John Daniel's new Confirmation Podcast series!
All of it is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you find your podcasts.
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June 25 - Summer Sizzle: Undies & Sundays / Blood Drive
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Sundays in July - ONE Worship Service @ 11:00am (with a Special Music Focus Each Week)
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July 4 - Independence Day (CHURCH FACILITIES CLOSED)
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July 15 - Family Day at Montreat
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July 22-28 - Montreat Youth Conference
More activities and events can be found in First News.
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