Weekly eNews
January 19, 2024
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Last Sunday, we were delighted to welcome six new members into the life and faith of First Presbyterian. Joining the church does not come with any special benefits or perks – you don’t suddenly get to skip to the front of the serving line on Wednesdays or gain access to special VIP seating on Sunday mornings. It is simply a commitment to saying “Yes” to participate in Christ’s mission through the life of this community of believers. What a rich joy and blessing it is be part of a church that is growing and alive with the Spirit!
On a related note, we are thrilled to have church member Cathy Bagwell stepping into a newly created Visitor and New Member Coordinator position. In this part-time volunteer role Cathy is serving as a chief welcoming presence and key point of contact for visitors and new members of First Presbyterian Church. Additionally, she is liaising with pastors and staff to help organize and connect visitors and new members into the broader life and faith of the church. Thank you, Cathy!
Finally, I hope you will mark your calendars and plan to join us on Wednesday, January 31 for a “Year in Review” presentation at WAF. Along with some of our key lay-leadership, I will be leading this state-of-the-union type presentation sharing ministry highlights from 2023, updating the congregation on finances, membership, and spotlighting some of the things we are looking forward to in the year ahead. Even if you are not a frequent Wednesday night attender, I hope you will make an effort to come on January 31.
Blessings to you all. See you at church. All are welcome.
Peace,
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Rev. Alan F. Dyer
Senior Pastor
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Sunday Night Youth
Is Back!
5:30-6:30pm – Middle School Youth
6:30-8:00pm – High School Youth
All Youth will be meeting in the Family Life Center.
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Tickled Pink Returns January 23!
Tuesdays, 9:15-am or 5:30pm
Our 2024 study Better Together: Jesus Leads the Way will explore how Jesus teaches us to strengthen our ties with one another whether family, friend, or unlikely stranger, and how our faith grows in the process. Come for fun and faith!
New Evening Option!
Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 pm, Middle School Room (#F201)
Questions? Contact Rev. Ansley Page!
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Wednesdays at First
Faith, Food, & Fellowship!
Come enjoy good food and fellowship time. Please sign up for dinner before 4:00pm Monday. Reservations required for dinner.
Health Series: Financial Health Through the Ages
6:30pm in Fogartie Hall
More things can affect your health than diseases. Our after-dinner program on January 24 will feature a panel of experts who will teach us how to fine-tune our financial health. This week, Teri Mooris, Michael Pack, and Reel Robertson will give us advice on smart investments and planning for retirement.
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New Year, New Studies
If you are looking for a Bible or book study group, First Presbyterian offers something for everyone. There are several weekday studies for people of all ages. For a complete list, please visit fpcspartanburg.org/discipleship-groups.
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First Steps in Music
Sunday Classes Available
There are still some spots open for our free Sunday First Steps in Music classes!
Click the button below to register your child for our 4:30pm (non-walkers; newborn to about a year old) or 5:15pm (walking toddlers; 1-3 years old) music classes!
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Intro to Pickleball
Tuesdays, 12:00-1:00pm
Starting January 23, come visit the gym courts for an Intro to Pickleball!
This time is a great way for brand new players to learn the sport of Pickleball. Players will learn all the basics to be able to play. We will cover unique lingo, score keeping, court position, and the fundamentals of serve, return, and the volley.
We will be meeting on Tuesdays, 12:00-1:00pm. Pickleball paddles are provided; come and try it out!
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Joint Sunday School with Pastor Leon
January 28
On Sunday, January 28, join us for a special joint Sunday School class with Pastor Leon Dorleans, founder and director of Haiti Outreach Ministries.
The class will take place in Fogartie Hall at 10:00am. We hope to have you join us!
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Celebrating 100 Years of Scouting
Sunday, February 4
We are collecting photos of Troop 2 scouting through the years. Please click this link to upload photos from your favorite scouting memories or events. We are creating a slide show. Deadline is Wednesday, January 31st.
Troop 2 would like to recognize all Eagle Scouts (earned with any Troop) on Scout Sunday. Please click this link to provide us with your contact information and stop by the Tower Room before the 11:00 Worship Service to pick up your Eagle Scout nametag.
Questions: Contact Ashley (She) Millinor at agmillinor@gmail.com / (864) 706-5412.
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Acts 2 Dinners
Register by February 12
Spend time around the table, breaking bread with friends to strengthen your faith family ties through conversation and serving others! Acts 2 Dinners are for adults ages 22-102.
The February 25 Acts 2 Dinners will include a service project along with dinner to honor Witness Season and to serve The Bethlehem Center.
Visit fpcspartanburg.org/acts2 to register by February 12, or let us know if you’d like to host a group in your home.
Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts. Acts 2:46 (NRSV)
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God's Trombones: Seven Services in Verse
February 17, 2024 at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church
Sweet Gilliard Productions and New Day Baptist Church proudly present James Weldon Johnson's God's Trombones: Seven Sermons in Verse on February 17 at 6:00pm at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. James Weldon Johnson was a noted author, educator, lawyer, civil rights activist, and a leading figure in the creation and development of the Harlem Renaissance.
His work God's Trombones was published in 1927 and is seven sermons, written in verse, inspired by the memories of sermons by black preachers heard by Johnson in childhood.
We invite you to this production of James Weldon Johnson's iconic work, which will include eight local pastors preaching through each of the seven sermons.
Tickets are $50 and can be purchased by clicking the button below.
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Congregational Retreat
May 3-5, 2024
Join your church family in beautiful Montreat, NC, for a weekend of relaxation, fun, and spiritual growth. There will be programming for all ages (including nursery) and plenty of free time to hike and explore Black Mountain, play games, or take a nap.
Accommodations will be in Assembly Inn and Winsborough, with single rooms and two-room suites available in each.
Visit montreat.org/accommodations to get information on each lodge and choose the right one for you and your family. Please note that room sharing is possible and scholarships are available.
For complete information and to register by March 15, click the button below.
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DR Wish List
As the DR Mission Trip approaches, we will be collecting "wish list" items for the Guest House in the DR. The full list of requested items can be found here.
Please bring donations to the mission closet across from the library.
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2nd Annual Churchwide Day of Service
Saturday, April 13 from 9:00am-1:00pm
Join church members of all ages and volunteer at one of many different ministry partner locations in Spartanburg! We will gather in the morning for prayer, work throughout the day at ministry partner sites, and reconvene at the church for a Chick-fil-A lunch and debrief. Register by March 30 at fpcspartanburg.org/dayofservice.
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Free Flu Shots
January 24-26
Wednesday-Friday of this coming week, DHEC will be giving free flu shots in the FLC Parking Lot, 10:00am-3:00pm. Come out and get yours!
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Exciting News from the Shepherd's Center!
Starting this month, the Shepherd's Center of Spartanburg is partnering with Medicare Advantage plans; Silver Sneakers, Renew Active, Active & Fit, and Silver & Fit! If you have any of these plans available to you, you can now sign up at the Shepherd's Center and your monthly membership fee will be paid by insurance!
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January 21 - A Conversation with Jeffrey Blount
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January 28 - Congregational Meeting and the Meeting of First
Presbyterian, Spartanburg Church Corporation
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January 31 - Our Year in Review
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May 3-5 - Congregational Retreat in Montreat
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June 3-6 - Vacation Bible School
More activities and events can be found in First News.
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