Weekly eNews
December 15, 2023
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This Sunday, December 17 is not to be missed. Whether in-person or online, I hope you will join us as we celebrate the season in song and give thanks to God for the faithful ministry of Rev. Joanne Hull. Please note that there are only two worship services this week – 9:00am Contemporary and 11:00am Traditional – both featuring Lessons & Carols led by our gifted music ministry. The 11:00am service will also include a special recognition of Rev. Joanne Hull who is concluding forty years of ministry with her retirement at the end of this month. Afterwards, we hope you will join Joanne and Eddie at a reception prepared in their honor that will take place in the Social Hall.
Here in the homestretch to the end of 2023, I want to encourage you to continue to remember the church in your end-of-year giving. It is only by your generosity that the ministry of our congregation is made possible. Feel free to reach out anytime to our Church Financial Officer, Lynise Clarke (lclarke@fpcspartanburg.org), if you have any questions about how to give or fulfill your current year pledge. Looking ahead to 2024, the response to this fall’s stewardship campaign has been outstanding. So far, we have received more than 420 pledges totaling over $2.6 million. This total represents a nearly 7% increase over previous year pledging! Please know that it is not too late to add your commitment – click here to make a pledge online.
Friends, December is a full but joyous month in the life of the church. As you peruse this week’s eNews, please note all the other good ministry opportunities happening in the days and weeks ahead. Bring yourself, invite a friend, and jump in feet first to the good work that God is up to in our midst. Advent blessings!
Peace,
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Rev. Alan F. Dyer
Senior Pastor
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Order a Christmas Poinsettia
LAST DAY TO ORDER
Would you like to order poinsettias in memory of or in honor of loved ones? Click the button below to order yours!
The names of those honored/memorialized will be listed in a commemorative booklet. You may also request that an acknowledgement card be sent to the person or family of those being honored/memorialized.
The cost per plant is $25 and must be ordered by Friday, December 15.
You may pick up your plants in Fogartie Hall or the Tower Room any time after the 11:00 service on Sunday, December 24.
For questions, please contact Lynise Clarke at lclarke@fpcspartanburg.org.
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Lessons and Carols
This Sunday, December 17
Lessons and Carols will be a part of both Worship Services on December 17.
At the 9:00am Contemporary Service, the Music Team will offer their distinct take on carols of the season, while the 11:00am Traditional Service will feature five lessons from the traditional King’s College liturgy with music led by the Chancel Choir. There will be no 8:30am service that day.
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Celebration of the Ministry of Joanne R. Hull
This Sunday, December 17
On Sunday, December 17, we will celebrate the 40+ year ministry of The Reverend Joanne Ruth Hull. There will be a special presentation during the 11:00am Traditional Worship Service and, afterward, a time of fellowship in the Social Hall.
Leading up to December 17, we invite you to write words of well wishes, what she’s meant to you, and perhaps some retirement advice. Joanne and Eddie plan to get out of town whenever they can, so travel tips are appreciated!
You may place your cards in the designated baskets located in the Perrin Room, FLC Lobby, and the Tower Room.
Please join us in showing Joanne how much we care for her at First Pres and that our prayers are with her as she navigates through the unknown of retirement life.
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Congregational Meeting
This Sunday, December 17
Approval of a Congregational Meeting on Sunday, December 17, 2023, for the purpose of requesting Foothills Presbytery to dissolve the Pastoral Relationship between Rev. Joanne R. Hull and First Presbyterian Church, Spartanburg, effective December 31, 2023.
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Reverse Advent Calendar
Bring Finished Boxes This Sunday
We invite you to participate in Reverse Advent. Start with an empty box and, each day, add the designated item in your box. On December 17, bring your full box to the church. All donations will go to TOTAL Ministries. Feel free to decorate your box!
To see the full list of items, go to fpcspartanburg.org/reverseadvent.
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Middle School Youth Christmas Party
This Sunday
This Sunday is the Youth Middle School Christmas party (6:30-8:00pm) Drop off and pick up from the Family Life Center.
Don’t forget to RSVP to Mrs. Carrie (ccoleman@fpcspartanburg.org).
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Do You Hear What I Hear?
An Advent Sermon Series
Down through the ages – from the prophets to the gospel writers – people have heard and told the good news of the Messiah’s birth in slightly different ways. Join us this Advent as we are invited again to listen for where and how God is calling us to tell the story of the incarnation for our world today.
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Christmas Eve Choir
Open to All!
Anyone high school age and above is warmly invited to be a part of the Christmas Eve Choir, which sings for the 6:00pm and 10:00pm Candlelight Services. Rehearsals are Wednesday, December 20 at 7:00pm and Christmas Eve morning at 9:00am.
Want to sign up, or have questions? Contact Holt Andrews.
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Service of Comfort & Light
Thursday, December 21
Are the holidays made more difficult this year because of a loss or sadness in your life? Join us for an intimate time of worship, including communion and candle lighting, on Thursday, December 21, at 6:00pm in the Chapel. This service is especially for those who struggle during the Christmas season.
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Christmas Eve Services
Sunday, December 24
11:00am - ONE Worship Service
4:00pm - Family Service (with a children's Christmas Pageant)
6:00pm & 10:00pm - Candlelight Services (featuring our Christmas Eve Choir)
All services will be in the Sanctuary. Nursery will only be available for the 11:00am and 6:00pm services.
All non-designated gifts placed in the offering plate during the Family and Candlelight services will be used to support the Neighborhood Meal Ministry. This ministry provides hospitality and a weekly hot meal for community members in need.
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Give to Hand in Hand
This Advent Season
When you give to Hand in Hand, you provide fundamental essentials to children and families throughout Spartanburg County. This Christmas, give a gift to this ministry in honor of a loved one. Holiday cards are available upon request so you may let the recipient know a gift has been made in their honor.
Please contact Lynn Long at (864) 913-2179 or handinhandspartanburg@gmail.com to give your gift and receive your special Christmas cards.
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YEAR-END CONTRIBUTION DEADLINES
- For credit as 2023 contributions, donations must be received in the church financial office by December 31, 2023, or postmarked by December 31, 2023. Any contributions received or postmarked on or after January 1, 2024, will be considered as 2024 contributions.
- If you make a pre-payment in 2023 toward your 2024 giving, please make certain to write 2024 in the “memo” section of your check.
YEAR-END STOCK CONTRIBUTIONS
By giving appreciated stock to the church for your pledge, you can receive a tax advantage.
Please notify Lynise Clarke in the church financial office at the time you notify your broker with the following information:
- Name of your broker and the stock that is involved.
- Year (or years) in which to apply your gift and/or whether any special funds are involved.
Please allow 1-2 weeks for completion of any stock transactions.
IRA CONTRIBUTIONS
For those of you with Traditional Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), Required Minimum Distributions paid to a qualified charity, such as First Presbyterian Church, can help avoid taxes.
As with any giving, please consult your financial advisor and/or IRA custodian for specific information and legal/financial advice.
Contact Lynise Clarke (208-2130 / lclarke@fpcspartanburg.org) if you have questions or need additional information.
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Ways to Give
We offer a variety of ways to give your financial contributions to the church, including giving through the church website, Venmo, texting, and more!
Visit fpcspartanburg.org/give/ways-to-give to see all the ways you can steward your finances to support the mission of First Presbyterian Church.
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Church Opportunities
- Sunday Morning Greeters
- Sunday School Greeter (9:30-9:55am in Fogartie Hall)
- Sanctuary Greeters (10:30-11:00am in the Sanctuary)
- Hospitality Golf Cart Drivers
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8-10 Volunteers Needed (Men and Women, Ages 25+)
- Volunteers can expect to work no more than once every two months (depending on number of drivers).
- All drivers will go through a background check (for insurance purposes), along with basic golf cart training.
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Cleveland Academy of Leadership
Kindergarten Tutors Needed!
Are you able to commit to one hour a week to help end child poverty through the gift of literacy?
Kindergarten Tutors are needed every day from 9:00-10:00am at Cleveland Academy to work in small groups with students. Please contact Mary Elizabeth Evans (mewevan@gmail.com) if you are interested and able to help.
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The Stories That Shape Us
2023 Advent Devotional
The season of Advent is upon us. And with it - a new advent devotional series! The Stories That Shape Us takes us on a journey throughout scripture, sharing the favorite Bible stories from you, the members of First Presbyterian.
Printed booklets are now available at the church. You can also click the button below to sign up for email devotionals throughout this Advent season!
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Congregational Nominating Committee
The Congregational Nominating Committee is seeking a slate of nine members (non-officers) from the congregation to replace those who will rotate off at the end of 2023. Members will serve for one year and will be charged with the nomination of Church officers. Please go to fpcspartanburg.org/cnc and complete the form. Deadline is December 31, 2023.
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December 17 - Celebration of the Ministry of Joanne R. Hull
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December 24 - Christmas Eve Services
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December 25-26 - Church Facilities Closed
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December 31 - ONE Worship Service
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January 1 - Church Facilities Closed
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May 3-5 2024 - Congregational Retreat in Montreat
More activities and events can be found in First News.
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