Weekly eNews
May 26, 2023
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This week marks the end of the school year in the Dyer House which can only mean one thing: summer is here! For many of us the next few months will be full of activity, travel, pool time, hot temperatures, and (hopefully) a little rest. Amid all of that though, I hope that you will continue to find ways to connect with your church family by joining us for any of the myriad ministry opportunities that are on the horizon here at FPC.
I am especially excited for our upcoming Godspeed series that will be happening in June and July. Our worship and Sunday school during those months will focus on striving to understand better what it means to slow down and go Godspeed. This series is inspired and guided by a video that I came across several years ago put together by an American pastor who was serving a small Church of Scotland parish in Methlick, Scotland. We will watch this video during our first joint Sunday school class on June 4, but you are welcome to take a sneak peek by clicking here.
Also, don’t forget that this Sunday is Pentecost Sunday. In addition to marking the birth of the church as told in the Book of Acts, we will also recognize a very special servant leader in our congregation as part of our worship. For several decades now, Winnie Walsh has faithfully served as the official historian and archivist of First Presbyterian. As she now steps back from that role we will take an opportunity to say thank you to her for her years of dedicated and immensely effective service.
Blessings to you all this Memorial Day Weekend!
Peace,
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Rev. Alan F. Dyer
Senior Pastor
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Pentecost Worship
Sunday, May 28
On Sunday, May 28, we will celebrate the birthday of the Christian Church and the power of the Holy Spirit with ONE Worship service at 11:00am in the Sanctuary. This service will be a time to open ourselves to God’s creative new future.
Remember to wear red, which symbolizes the work of the Holy Spirit.
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CHURCH FACILITIES CLOSED
Monday, May 29
In recognition of the Memorial Day holiday, all church facilities will be closed on Monday, May 29. Facilities will re-open the following day. Thank you to all those who have served, and our prayers go to the families who have lost loved ones who have served!
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Godspeed Sunday School
Begins Sunday, June 4
Th is 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!
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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 20.
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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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
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 so we can find dates and times that suit you.
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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.
RSVP to apage@fpcspartanburg.org if you are curious or interested so we can find dates and times that suit you.
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Thursday Morning P.A.L. Trail Days
Begins This Thursday
Bring a buddy, and walk a P.A.L.! Come join Colleen Darrall in exploring a new P.A.L. (Play. Advocate. Live Well.) trail on select Thursdays throughout the summer!
The first P.A.L. day will be this Thursday, June 1. 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 other trail days on June 15, July 6, and July 20!
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Zipline Adventure at the Gorge
Saturday, June 10
Join us for an exhilarating canopy tour in Saluda, NC with epic views, three rappels and an awesome sky bridge! The Gorge is a fun event for families, including children that are at least 10 years of age.
Group rate, reservation required. Contact Colleen Darrall for more information and to sign up!
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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! We will meet at 6:00pm at the Henry Street trail head, and ride the almost four miles total down and back on the Rail Trail. On the way back, if there are those who want to push a little harder, Craig will take a group around the hills of Duncan Park while the rest of the group proceeds back to the Henry St. parking area. Participants will also learn and practice some basic bike safety skills along the way. Helmets are required of all riders, and blinky lights are recommended.
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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. | |
JOY Fellowship Trip to Lake Lure
Thursday, June 8
Get ready for another fun JOY (Just Older Youth) Fellowship trip! On Thursday, June 8, we’ll be visiting Lake Lure for a boat tour and lunch at LaStrada. Ticket price for the tour is $18/person.
Space is limited, so click the button below to sign up today!
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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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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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Presbyterian Promise Scholarship
The Presbyterian Promise Scholarship is a commitment by Presbyterian College (PC) to recognize students for their merit and affiliation with the Presbyterian Church. PC seeks to develop students academically and spiritually in this signature scholarship. Students who are members of Presbyterian churches will receive a scholarship for a minimum of $20,000 per year for up to four years—that’s an $80,000 commitment.
For more information visit presby.edu/admissions/tuition-aid/presbyterian-promise/.
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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. If you donated during the February 12 blood drive, you will be eligible to donate again on Tuesday, April 11, 2023. By using code 9BBW, First Presbyterian Church will be credited with your donation.
To donate during the June 25, 2023 blood drive, please refrain from donating after Friday, April 28, 2023.
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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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May 28 - Day of Pentecost
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May 29 - Memorial Day (CHURCH FACILITIES CLOSED)
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May 31 - J.O.Y. Spring Luncheon
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June 5-8 - VBS
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Sundays in July - ONE Worship Service @ 11:00am (with a Special Music Focus Each Week)
More activities and events can be found in First News.
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