Weekly eNews
August 18, 2023
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Did you know that the First Presbyterian Weekday School provides learning, laughter, and love to nearly one hundred students from across our community each school year? This longstanding ministry of the church is gearing up for another semester beginning this coming Monday. Our teachers, pastors, and staff all gathered in the Chapel earlier this week to pray for the year ahead and to ask God’s blessings upon the students who will fill the classrooms and the teachers who will guide them.
Those prayers extend too to all the teachers and students who have (or soon will) return to school in these weeks. The psalmist writes, “I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” (Psalm 32:8) We give thanks to God for all the ways God’s instruction and counsel are showered upon us through the love and dedication of educators and those who support them.
Changing gears to a slightly more somber note, I am sad to report that the main campus of the church was broken into in the early morning hours this past Wednesday. The burglar gained entry by breaking through the window of an exterior door near the pastors' offices. No serious property damage inside or outside the church was incurred, however, the individual did force their way into the church financial office and took a small desktop safe containing loose cash awaiting deposit as well as several checks that had already been scanned and deposited.
We do not believe any other sensitive information – financial or otherwise – was compromised and those with affected checks have already been notified. That said, if you have made a recent financial contribution(s) to the church by check we encourage you to monitor your bank activity for any potential fraudulent activity. The church’s bank, First Horizon, is also closely monitoring our accounts. We are grateful to our church facilities administrator, Lee Raines, as well as to the City of Spartanburg Police Department for responding to and investigating this incident.
Blessings to you all. See you at church. Invite a friend.
Peace,
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Rev. Alan F. Dyer
Senior Pastor
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August Sermon Series
Paul’s Letter to the Romans provides one of the most concise, clear, and beautiful presentations of Christian doctrine in all the Bible. It is a letter that gets to the “heart of the matter” when it comes to crucial questions about sin, redemption, grace, and the life of faith for believers.
This four-week series during the month of August is an invitation for us to know Paul better and to understand how this ancient letter continues to shape our faith in Christ today.
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August Combined Adult Sunday School
Sundays, 10:00am in Fogartie Hall
This four-week study explores the historical context, structure, vocabulary, themes, and influence of Paul’s magnum opus Letter to the Romans. Come learn why this single book of the Bible has been so influential to Christians throughout history and how we can fruitfully read Romans today.
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APNC Recommendations
Due This Sunday, August 20
The Congregational Nominating Committee (CNC) needs the help of First Presbyterian Church congregants in nominating members of the church to serve on an Associate Pastor Nominating Committee. This committee will be charged with searching for our next.
The CNC is especially searching for nominees who have past or present experience serving in the areas of congregational care, older adult ministry, or other Diaconate related ministries.
Please click the button below to be directed to a form for your recommendation* – you may suggest any member of First Presbyterian Church, including yourself. Submissions are due prior to Sunday, August 20.
*You may offer additional nominations by submitting another form.
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Thornwell Tidbits & FPC Lunch
Register by This Sunday, August 20
Register by August 20! Come enjoy a great lunch, fellowship, and learning time all about Thornwell. Come hear about how to join our upcoming site visit to see Thornwell up close, tour the campus, and the working Lush Acres Farm.
Thornwell will celebrate 150 years of service to children and families in 2025.
Make reservations for our Thornwell luncheon at First Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, August 29 at noon. We will meet in the Large Private Dining Room. There is no cost, but we need your reservations by August 20. Click the button below to register, or contact Ian Ritchings (iritchings@fpcspartanburg.org / (864) 208-2139) with your name and how many will be attending.
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Weekday School Moe's Taco Kit Fundraiser
August 24, 2023
It's time once again to support the Weekday School, and get a wonderful dinner in return!
The WDS will be holding a Moe's Taco Kit Fundraiser on Thursday, August 24. The Taco Kits cost $39.99 (plus tax) and feed 4-6 people. Each kit will provide chicken & ground beef, black beans, rice, queso, shredded cheese, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, salsa, chips and 12 flour tortillas.
Click the button below to order your kit, drive up to the Family Life Center parking lot on August 24th between 12:00-1:00pm and we will place your taco kit in your car.
Thank you for supporting the Weekday School!
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Lemonade on the Lawn
Sunday, August 27
After Traditional Worship (11:00am) on August 27, come out to the front lawn to enjoy lemonade and refreshments as a church family!
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Church Family Trivia
Wednesday, August 30
Thank you to everyone who attended our Church Family Bingo Night! We had an incredible time of food, laughs, fellowship, and prizes!
We encourage you to join us for even more fun on Wednesday, August 30 for our Church Family Trivia Night (and Kid Game Night)! WAF pricing applies for this event as well, so click the button below to make your reservation by Monday, August 28!
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Children's Choirs
Registration Now Open
Get your shine on with this year's Children's Choirs! Kids from 4K to 5th Grade will be the stars of Wednesday evenings as they burst into song!
The children's choir lineup will be different this year, but they'll be shining brighter than ever:
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Joyful Sound (4K) - Taught by Debbie Keiser
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Angel Chatter (5K-Grade 1) - Taught by Martha Bean
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LightShine (Grades 2-5) - Taught by Marcia Andrews & March Moody
Registration is open now. The fun will begin on September 13 at 5:00pm! Click the button below to sign up!
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First Steps in Music
Registration Now Open
It's never too early to teach your babies to make a joyful noise for the Lord! Our First Steps in Music program allows newborns through age 3 (and their parents) to experience music and movement together!
Registration is open now. Classes will begin in mid-September. Click the button below to sign up.
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JustFaith: Faith and Racial Justice
Begins September 13
Want to learn more about how to put your faith into action? JustFaith: Faith and Racial Justice will begin on September 13th, and it will run for 9 weeks on Wednesday nights (6:15-8:15pm). This program combines reading, videos, discussion, and prayer in a small group context.
If you are interested in learning more or want to sign-up, please contact Leslie Lang (llang@fpcspartanburg.org). Space is limited.
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Winter Warmth 2023
Do You Knit or Crochet? We Need You!
Although the weather is far from being chilly, we’re already preparing for FPC’s largest annual mission project, Winter Warmth, where we distribute brand-new coats to children in need across Spartanburg County.
In addition to coats, children will also be receiving hats and scarves, handmade by members of the church. That’s where you come in! If you’re able to knit or crochet, we could really use your help in making it happen!
Winter Warmth will take place on November 11th this year. It’s never too early to start! If you have questions, please email them to winterwarmth@gmail.com.
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Weekday School
Substitute Teachers Needed!
The Weekday School at FPC is looking for a few more substitute teachers for the 2023-2024 school year.
If you are interested in being a substitute at our wonderful Weekday School, or know someone who would be great, please contact Kris Graham at (kgraham@fpcspartanburg.org / 864-706-0460).
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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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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. | |
Summer Sizzle: Rally Day
Sunday, September 10
It's almost time to ring in the start of new Sunday School classes with our annual Rally Day celebration!
This year's Rally Day will feature music, sprinklers, and the return of last year's foam party! Children and adults of all ages are encouraged to bring their towels and swimsuits and join the fun!
We'll be having a BBQ buffet line for lunch with slaw, beans, chips...the works! WAF pricing applies, and reservations are due by September 5. Click the button below to make yours today! We can't wait to celebrate with you soon!
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JOY Fellowship Ladies' Tea
Wednesday, September 6 at 3:00 pm
Join the ladies of the church for tea and scones in the Perrin Room and courtyard. Hats and white gloves optional.
RSVP by clicking the button below, calling (864) 208-2132 or emailing Joanie Shackleton (jshackleton@fpcspartanburg.org).
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Welcome Class
Sunday, September 17
On Sunday, September 17, we will have a special Welcome Class, 12:00-2:00pm in the Large Private Dining Room. Lunch will be included. If you are interested in joining or learning more about First Presbyterian Church, please RSVP to Joanie Shackleton (jshackleton@fpcspartanburg.org / 864-208-2132); this will help us with planning.
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"This Is My Story"
What's your funniest FPC memory?
On Pentecost, we as a church said thanks to Winnie Walsh for her many years of work as our church archivist. Winnie said that the hardest part of her job was convincing people that they could be part of telling the history of our church. You have stories to tell, and we want to hear them!
In the coming months, we'll be asking you, our church family, to share your favorite FPC stories, under a certain theme.
The first story we received was from Anne Cecil: One Sunday when Bill Arthur was preaching, my 3 year old grandson (James) was visiting. James sat quietly in the pew drawing, coloring, and just doing what little 3-year-olds do. When Bill began to speak in his magnificent voice, James suddenly came to full attention, and with a voice of complete awe, said right out loud “Is that GOD?” The congregation erupted in laughter.
Submit your story (in as much detail as possible) one of the following ways:
- Email it to archivist@fpcspartanburg.org
- Write it down, label it "archive story," and drop it off in the church office
- Tell it to Cesily or Tom King in person
We look forward to hearing all of your precious church memories!
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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!
All of it is 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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August 27 - Lemonade on the Lawn
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August 29 - Thornwell Informational Luncheon
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August 30 - Church Family Dinner & Trivia
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September 3 - ONE Worship Service @ 11:00am
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September 10 - Rally Day
More activities and events can be found in First News.
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