Weekly eNews
November 4, 2022
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Dear Friends,
Every year, the first week November brings with it our celebration of All Saints’ Day. In the tradition of the church, All Saints’ provides an opportunity to honor and remember the saints of the church, both known and unknown, who now reside in heaven. The origin of All Saints’ is uncertain but there have been times of recognition and solemn remembrance for those who have died as early as the third century and then more widely observed by the sixth century. So for almost the entire existence of the church, people have found value in this action of celebrating those who have joined the communion of the saints.
On this upcoming first Sunday in November, we will be remembering those in our church family who have died since last year’s All Saints’ Sunday remembrance. Hearing the names of our brothers and sisters who have joined the church triumphant read followed by the tolling of the bell is always very moving for me. I remember each and every one of them with a mixture of a tear and a smile. We will also celebrate Holy Communion around our earthly table just as the saints do around God’s heavenly banquet table.
All Saints can be used by us to remember personal saints, who have impacted our lives and faith. Our families, our teachers, our pastors, and our friends are our saints, who shaped us and loved us into the people we are today. Please take some time to reflect on who the saints are in your life (both the living and the dead) and let us all give thanks!
I hope to see you in worship on this All Saints Sunday!
Blessings and Peace,
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Rev. Joanne R. Hull
Associate Pastor for Congregational Care and Deacons
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All Saints' Day
November 6
All Saints’ Day is a time to give thanks for all those who through the ages have faithfully served the Lord. The day reminds us that we are part of one continuing, living communion of saints. In the knowledge that others have persevered, we are encouraged to endure against all odds (Hebrews 12:1-2). Reminded that God was with the faithful of the past, we are reassured that God is with us today, moving us and all creation toward God’s end in time. Join us next Sunday as we remember and name our members who died in the past year. As we recall their witness, let us also pray for comfort for those who love and miss them.
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Chamber Singers Concert
November 6 at 6:00pm
Join the Chamber Singers, along with special guest speakers Bill Barnet and Marquise Clark, for “Hold On,” a concert to benefit the Cleveland Academy of Leadership. The Chamber Singers will lead us on a musical and spiritual journey through the joys and trials of life, and our speakers will connect us to how the Academy is equipping children from Spartanburg’s North Side to meet those challenges and let us know how we can help. The program will take place in the Sanctuary, and baskets - for donations to Cleveland Academy - will be at the exits.
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REMINDER:
Don't forget to make your WAF Dinner Reservation
Deadline is Monday at 4:00pm
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Veterans Day Service
November 13
In honor of Veterans Day, on Sunday, November 13, we will be recognizing church members who have served OR are currently serving in the military.
Please submit church members’ names and branch of military service by Monday, November 7 to Joanie Shackleton (864-208-2132).
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Help Prepare Advent Decorations!
Spruce up the wreaths and bows to Deck the Halls for Advent!
Where:
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Room 2213 (across from the Heritage Chapel)
When:
- Tuesday afternoons (November 1, 9, & 15) - 2:00-4:00
- Thursday mornings (November 3, 10, & 17) - 10:00-noon
Call LeAnne (864-621-0213) or Charlie (864-542-7007) for details and to let us know you will be coming.
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Winter Warmth 2022
Saturday, November 12
For nearly 30 years, the members of FPC have provided free coats to the children of Spartanburg County, wrapping them in God’s love. We invite you to participate!
Adults may join us on Friday, November 11th for setup and on the morning of Saturday, November 12th as we distribute over 1,000 coats to children in 4K through 8th grades.
The generous donations of FPC members and friends are what make this mission possible. For a donation of $35, you can ensure that one child receives a brand-new, in-style coat to wear during the cold winter months.
For more information, please contact Ian Ritchings.
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Chrismon Ornament Collection
Sundays in November
Chrismons are ornaments made form Christian symbols (Chrismon = Christ monogram). Many of our existing Chrismons are deteriorating with age, and we need more to decorate this season.
The Sanctuary Guild requests that families bring in a white and/or gold ornament that represents one of the "Christ monograms" for the trees of First Pres.
Baskets will be places around the church for collection on the Sundays in November.
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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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Weekday School
Substitute Teachers Needed
The Weekday School is currently looking for anyone who may be interested in being a substitute teacher. Please contact Kris Graham at 864-706-0460 or kgraham@fpcspartanburg.org if you would like more information.
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Cuba Mission Trip
Donations Needed!
The Music Ministry is planning a mission trip to Cuba on November 11-16. The Team is in need of donated items to take to our sister congregation in Santa Clara.
Please place donations in bags labeled “CUBA” and leave in the mission office across from the Library.
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There are many more opportunities for service available in our Ministry Finder! | |
Hurricane Ian Relief
Our hearts are heavy as we hear more about the devastating effects of Hurricane Ian on Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and parts of Cuba. We join together to lift our prayers for those that were impacted by Ian.
Presbyterian Distance Assistance (PDA) partners directly with presbyteries, congregations, and communities to meet immediate and long-term needs for victims of natural disasters. If you would like to donate to support this cause, please give by clicking the button below.
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Recommendation for CNC
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 2022. 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, 2022.
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A Trip to Bostic with JOY Fellowship
Thursday, November 17
Did you know that Abraham Lincoln might have been born in Bostic, NC? Experience a guided tour of The Bostic Lincoln Center to draw your own conclusion.
We’ll stop at Washburn’s General Store, founded in 1831, a fifth-generation business listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Our lunch will be at Copper Penny Grill in Forest City.
Contact Joanie Shackleton (jshackleton@fpcspartanburg.org | 864-208-2132) to reserve your spot
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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!
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FPC Spartanburg Sermoncast
Available on All Podcast Formats!
Weren't able to make it to a 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!
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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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November 6 - All Saints' Day Observed / Chamber Singers' Concert
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November 11-13 - Middle School Fall Retreat
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November 11-16 - Cuba Mission Trip
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November 12 - Winter Warmth
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November 20 - Installation of Rev. John Daniel DeBevoise (One Worship Service)
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April 30 - FPC Homecoming
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June 5-8 - VBS
More activities and events can be found in First News.
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