Weekly eNews

January 13, 2023

This Monday, our nation will remember and celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King was a prophetic voice who committed his life to witnessing to that basic truth of the Christian faith: that in Jesus Christ, God’s love and mercy is extended to all of God’s children. I pray that this weekend will be for each of us a reminder of our own call to recognize the image of God in all our neighbors regardless of race, age, gender, creed, or any other dividing line we might draw. I am especially excited for our worship and learning opportunities that will build on those themes this Sunday including a joint Sunday school class at 10am in Fogartie Hall led by former state representative and community leader, Brenda Lee Pryce – information below.


Changing gears slightly… it was a great joy to get back in the swing of Wednesdays at First (WAF) this past Wednesday. The FLC was overflowing with good food, fellowship, and fun this week. Truly, all you have to do is look around the room on a Wednesday night to know that God’s presence is alive and on the move at First Presbyterian! Throughout the month of January, the after-dinner WAF programming is focusing on mental health among children and teens. Sponsored by the Health Committee, this three-part series covers a variety of topics and is being led by medical experts from our congregation and community. You can learn more and see recordings of each presentation by clicking here


Finally, I am thrilled to share some exciting news regarding our congregation’s financial health, which is that we ended 2022 with a $175,000 giving surplus. Not only does this surplus give us added confidence in our ability to plan and do ministry for the year ahead, but it also serves as a reflection of the incredible generosity of this congregation. Our gifts of time, talent, and treasure translate into tangible ministry that impacts the lives of countless people both within and outside the walls of the church. Because of your generosity – both past and present – FPC can continue growing in its call to share the love and grace of Jesus Christ with neighbors near and far. Thank you!


Peace, 

Rev. Alan F. Dyer

Senior Pastor

This Sunday

8:45am - Traditional Worship Service (Chapel)

8:45am - MorningSong Worship Service (Fogartie Hall)

9:45am - Combined Sunday School with Brenda Lee Pryce (Fogartie Hall)

11:00am - Traditional Worship Service (Sanctuary)


Stream our services live on FPCSpartanburg.org/worship, YouTube, or Facebook.

This Week

Church Facilities Closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Monday, January 16


We will resume regular business hours the next day on Tuesday, January 17.

Younger Women's Bible Study

Wednesdays & Thursdays


Beginning January 18, a Bible study geared towards younger women will meet on Wednesday nights, 6:15 7:15pm, and Thursday mornings, 9:15-10:15am.


For more information, please reach out to Rev. Leslie A. Lang (llang@fpcspartanburg.org).

Girl Talk

with Dr. Dawn Bingham


Sunday, January 15 |

1:00-3:00 at the William L. Arthur Center

Boy Talk

with Dr. Jack Cleland


Sunday, January 15 |

1:00-3:00 in the Large Private Dining Room

Cost for each course is $5.00 per child. We encourage moms and dads to attend with their daughters and sons, respectively.


Registration required: Contact Joanie Shackleton (jshackleton@fpcspartanburg.org | 864-208-2132)

"Life After Perfect"

Lecture with Kate Bowler


New York Times bestselling author, Duke University professor, and incurable optimist Kate Bowler, Ph.D., will illustrate her take on the theme of Courage and Belonging in her talk as a cancer survivor. Her latest memoir, No Cure For Being Human (and Other Truths I Need to Hear), grapples with her diagnosis, her ambition and her faith as she tries to come to terms with limitations in a culture that promises anything is possible. She focuses her studies on the cultural stories we tell ourselves about success, suffering and whether (or not) we’re capable of change.

 

Join us at 7:00pm this Thursday, January 19 at Westminster Presbyterian Church (2310 Augusta Street, Greenville, SC 29605) for this event! Seating is first come, first served. The Westminster Sanctuary holds 840 and the Sanctuary Atrium (overflow) holds 140. Click the button below to reserve your spot! There is no charge for this event.

Reserve Your Spot

Also, look for your opportunity to join your church friends old and new to hear Kate Bowler in Montreat at the Women's Connection Conference, August 11-13. More details coming soon!

Tuesday/Thursday Bible Study


Join Nan and Tom McDaniel via Zoom for their next book study. They will be studying Tom Evan’s book, “This Way Forward: Sermons that Matter”. 


Please contact Shannon at shutcheson@fpcspartanburg.org for the Zoom link, and information on picking up the book.

WAF Health Series

Continues this Wednesday


Join us us for our January Health Series, entitled "ADHD, Anxiety and Depression in Children and Adolescents." There will be three programs on January 18 & 25, 6:30-7:15pm during WAF. Each week will feature special guests, offering their expertise on mental health.


Our next guest this Wednesday will be Drs. Jeff and Ann Marie Edwards, whose discussion will include cognitive behavioral therapy and counseling.

First Steps in Music

Resumes this Wednesday, January 18


First Steps in Music Classes resume Wednesday, January 18 and Sunday, January 22.


We can’t wait to see everyone again and make a joyful noise!

REMINDER:

Don't forget to make your WAF Dinner Reservation


Click below to make your reservation by Monday!

WAF Reservations

Service Opportunities

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.

Click Here to Sign Up!

Be the Church - Bring the Doughnuts!

Volunteers Needed!


We need volunteers to pick up Doughnut Holes at the Krispy Kreme on North Church Street on Sunday mornings for the FLC Lobby. There is no cost to you. You will need to pick these up and have them at the church by 8:15am. Click the button below to sign up. Once you click “Submit” you will be emailed instructions. Thank you for your service!

Click to Volunteer!

There are many more opportunities for service available in our Ministry Finder!

Other News

Tickled Pink Women's Bible Study

Tuesdays, beginning January 24


Jesus Connection & One Another-ing: Jesus calls us friends and shows us the way to a life of love and faith. Come explore Gospel accounts of Jesus loving others and teaching us how to build strong faith and friend connections through Him.


Tickled Pink is an intergenerational group of women gathered to study the Bible and to grow in faith and friendship through laughter, reflection, and conversation. We will be meeting Tuesdays, January 24-March 28, 9:15-10:30am in Fogartie Hall. All are invited – bring a friend! Wear pink for fun! The more the merrier! Questions? Contact Ansley Page, Susan Oldham, Kathryn Bridges, Scottie Lummus or Jean Palmer

Upcoming Book Study

Select Thursdays, beginning January 26


In today’s late modern world, Christianity is often questioned and sometimes dismissed by society. Maybe your friends, adult children, or teens are asking questions about faith as they encounter such doubts. The old ways of engaging doubters and non-believers don’t seem to resonate any longer.


In his book Telling a Better Story: How to Talk About God in a Skeptical Age, Joshua D. Chatraw presents careful analysis of our culture and offers “inside out” apologetics to engage the new questions respectfully. Join Ansley Page and faith friends to discuss Chatraw’s ideas learning how to speak love and faith to our culture’s deepest aspirations. We will be meeting January 26, February 9 & 23, 5:30–6:30 in the Small Private Dining Room. Interested? Contact Rev. Ansley Page.

New Stickers Available!


We have new sticker designs available around the church! It's a square design with a blue background, featuring our church name and cross symbol.


Get yours from the tables outside of Fogartie Hall or the Perrin Room!

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!


Our sermons are now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you find your podcasts!

Gym Hours

Facilities Closed on MLK Jr. Day (Monday, January 16)

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.

Looking Ahead

  • January 12-16 - MLK Unity Week Events
  • January 16 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day (CHURCH FACILITIES CLOSED)
  • January 29 - Annual Meeting
  • February 22 - Ash Wednesday
  • March 21 - Endowment Dinner
  • April 9 - Easter
  • April 30 - FPC Homecoming
  • June 5-8 - VBS


More activities and events can be found in First News.

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