Weekly eNews
June 30, 2023
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When it comes to church polity and governance, a close mentor and friend in ministry of mine is always fond of saying, “No lone rangers allowed.” Indeed, Presbyterians have always placed a high priority on empowering groups over individuals when it comes to decision making. This aspect of our theological makeup tends to make us the butt of many jokes – e.g., How many Presbyterians does it take to change a light bulb?* – but it also highlights why we pour so much energy into discerning and calling church officers.
This annual process is now getting underway with the leadership of our Congregational Nominating Committee (CNC). The CNC’s task is to prayerfully consider the names of women and men who God may be calling to serve as Deacons and Elders of First Presbyterian. To do that work well, however, we need the input and wisdom of the congregation. You can find more detailed information about each of these roles and nominate an individual(s) by clicking here. The CNC will include all submitted names in their discernment process as they go about selecting the final slate of nominees who will be presented for congregational approval in September.
As we move into July, please remember that throughout this month there is only one worship service at 11:00am each Sunday of this month. We will still gather for Sunday School at 10:00am in Fogartie Hall, except for this Sunday, July 2. See below for more details on Worship in July, as well as information about the special music that will be featured each week.
Happy July 4th to you all (albeit a little early)! See you Sunday. Invite a friend.
Peace,
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Rev. Alan F. Dyer
Senior Pastor
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* One to change it. Another to reprimand the first for changing on the theological grounds that lightbulbs are predestined to go on and off and humans should not interfere with providence. A third to bring the issue to the session. The session to divide and bring it to presbytery. And on and on… | |
During the month of July (beginning this 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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TOTAL Ministries Food Drive
This 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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Independence Day
This Tuesday
Independence Day (colloquially the Fourth of July or July 4th) is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence of the United States, on July 4, 1776. The Continental Congress declared that the thirteen American colonies were no longer subject (and subordinate) to the monarch of Britain, King George III, and were now united, free, and independent states.
As instructed by scripture (I Timothy 2:1-3), we are to pray for our leaders and be good citizens of our country. Many people died to insure that we have the freedom to do this in our sanctuaries, too, and we do not want to minimize the sacrifices that have enabled our freedom.
In Observance of this holiday, the Church Office will be closed on Tuesday, July 4.
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Wired Wednesdays
Continues Wednesday, July 12
Due to staff meetings and the Fourth of July, the next Wired Wednesday will be on July 12. The Young Adult Committee will be at Fretwell Wednesday morning beginning at 9:30am. 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.
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Godspeed Sunday School
Continues Next Sunday, July 9
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 this Sunday, 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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Thursday Morning P.A.L. Trail Days
Continues this Thursday, 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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Green River Adventure
Saturday, July 8 (Register by Monday!)
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)!
Registration is required. Click the button below to sign up by Monday, July 3!
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Gym Hours (Facilities CLOSED Tuesday, July 4) | |
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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C.S. Lewis Summer Book Study
Thursday Mornings, through 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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Tuesday/Thursday Adult Study
Led by Tom and Nan McDaniel
From now until 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, through July 26
Join Ansley Page in the Arthur Center, Wednesdays, June 21 – July 26, 6:00pm 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
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 the book discussion of 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. This study will have one more meeting on Tuesday, July 18, 5:30-6:45 pm in the Arthur Center.
RSVP to apage@fpcspartanburg.org if you are interested.
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C.A.S.T. Camp Update
(Care, Accept, Serve, Teach)
Our June CAST Camp had 23 children in attendance representing 10 families, with 15 volunteers from First Presbyterian offering their expertise, love and care for these special young people! The FPC staff also worked together to provide two nutritious meals a day, create a great welcome banner, schedule spaces, prepare buses, and create a warm, inviting experience for the children.
Our scripture was Romans 14:19 - ”so let’s strive for the things that bring peace, and the things that build each other up.” The worship service focused on prayer, and was led by Marcia and Holt Andrews and Ansley Page.
The next weeks of CAST Camp will be on July 17-20 and August 7-10. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Gloria Close (closely@bellsouth.net).
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Ferncliff Educational Mission Trip
September 9-16, 2023
Join Foothills Presbytery for an educational mission trip to the Ferncliff Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) in Little Rock, Arkansas. Ferncliff is home to a 10,000 sq ft Disaster Assistance Center, which is in partnership with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and Church World Service.
The DAC serves as a site for the CWS Gifts of the Heart kits, as well as the national warehouse for tools and equipment used in the PDA volunteer sites around the country. Along the way, we'll stop in Birmingham Alabama to explore historical aspects of the Civil Rights Movement and attend worship on Sunday.
The cost is $754, includes travel, overnight stay in Birmingham (coming and going), lodging at Ferncliff, all breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners. Some excursions and meals on the road will be an additional expense.
Click here to learn more, and click the button below to register! Registration deadline is August 1.
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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. | |
Thank You for a Successful Blood Drive!
A big "thank you" to the 40+ church members that donated blood this past Sunday. As a result of their gift, more than 120 lives will be changed for the better!
Our next Blood Drive is November 5. We hope to see you there!
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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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Church Facilities Closed
July 12 | 12:00-2:00pm
On Wednesday, July 12, all Church Facilities will close by 12:00pm for a Staff Appreciation Luncheon. The Church will reopen after 2:00pm. Thank you.
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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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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 10-13 - Middle School Mission Week
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July 15 - Family Day at Montreat
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July 17-21 - CAST Camp
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July 22-28 - Montreat Youth Conference
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August 2 - Dinner and Bingo
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August 7-10 - CAST Camp
More activities and events can be found in First News.
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