Weekly eNews
December 1, 2023
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This Sunday marks the beginning of the Advent. As you will find in this week’s eNews there is a plethora of opportunities to join your church family in worship, service, and fellowship during this season of expectant waiting. I especially want to draw your attention to our Chamber Singers Concert happening this Sunday at 4:00pm in the Sanctuary, featuring J. S. Bach’s Magnificat. And mark your calendars for the Advent Family Workshop and White Gifts Service happening over the next two Wednesdays – Dec. 6 and 13 respectively.
Our preaching throughout December will include a sermon series we are calling, “Do You Hear What I Hear?” Be sure to pickup either a print or digital copy of our 2023 FPC Advent Devotionals – a big thank you to all those who contributed to this year’s devotional. I pray that these reflections will help each of us to center our hearts and minds as we seek to listen for where and how God is calling us to share the good news of God’s love made incarnate in Jesus Christ.
And, finally, whether in-person or online, be sure to join us for worship on December 17. That Sunday’s Lessons and Carols worship services will be led by our music ministry, and we will also honor and give thanks for the faithful ministry of Rev. Joanne Hull. We will have a time of thanksgiving and celebration for Joanne during the 11:00am Traditional Service followed by a reception in the Social Hall.
Advent 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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D.R. Mission Trip
DEADLINE TODAY
We are building a team of doctors, dentists, nurses, and just regular people to provide medical, dental services as well as build construction projects and sponsor children in the Solid Rock International schools. The trip will be on February 3-10 - cost is $1700 per person, with a $500 deposit. (Scholarships available - contact Leslie Lang for more info)
Registration deadline is today. To sign up or learn more, click the button below, or visit fpcspartanburg.org/DR.
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Early Worship in Sanctuary
This Sunday
This Sunday only: The 8:30am Early Worship Service will be taking place in the Sanctuary, instead of the Chapel. To accommodate for the larger space, we encourage you to sit closer to the front during the service.
We look forward to worshipping with you!
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Chamber Singers Concert
This Sunday | 4:00pm
Begin your Advent on a positive note by joining the Chamber Singers, along with orchestra and soloists, for a seasonal concert.
The program will open with three a cappella pieces and then transition to J. S. Bach’s masterpiece, Magnificat, a musical setting of 1:46-55. The concert will last around an hour and all are welcome!
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TOTAL Ministries Food Drive
This Sunday
Please drop off non-perishable donations for TOTAL Ministries in the marked bins in the Tower Room, Narthex, or the Family Life Center Lobby.
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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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Wednesdays at First
Good Food & Fellowship!
Come enjoy good food and fellowship time at WAF. Reservations are required for dinner.
Click the button below to make your dinner reservation before 4:00pm Monday.
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Advent Workshop
Wednesday, December 6
Following WAF dinner, join us in the Gym for our annual Advent Family Workshop. With 14 different crafts, live Christmas music, and lots of holiday cheer, there is something for everyone! Crafting will start around 6:15pm and wrap up around 7:30pm.
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Columbarium Memorial Wreaths
Order by December 8
This Advent season, we are offering the opportunity to purchase wreaths in memory of those inurned in the Columbarium.
The cost of a memorial wreath is $35. Memorial names will be listed in the bulletin on Sunday, December 17. The deadline for wreath orders is Friday, December 8.
Click the button below to order yours. For questions, please contact Lynise Clarke at lclarke@fpcspartanburg.org.
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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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J.O.Y. Fellowship Christmas Luncheon
Tuesday, December 12
Join your First Presbyterian friends for food and fellowship in celebration of the season, as well as stories from Dr. Kirk Neely! The J.O.Y. Fellowship will be holding their Christmas Luncheon on Tuesday, December 12 at 11:30am in Fogartie Hall.
Click the button below to save your spot!
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White Gift Service
Wednesday, December 13
Please join us for our annual White Gift Service on Wednesday, December 13, at 6:30pm in the Sanctuary. The service features our children's choir, youth, and handbells presenting The Bells of Christmas and culminates in the giving of gifts, wrapped in white, for local missions.
Visit fpcspartanburg.org/whitegifts for gift ideas! This will also mark the last WAF for December; WAF resumes January 10.
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Order a Christmas Poinsettia
by December 15
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
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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Service of Comfort and 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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Reverse Advent Calendar
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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Angel Tree Ministry
As part of our Angel Tree Ministry, First Presbyterian is providing gifts to 124 local children on behalf of an incarcerated parent.
Angel Tree tags are hanging on the small Christmas trees in the Tower Room and in the Family Life Center. Wrapped gifts - with the affixed Angel Tree tags - are due back to the Perrin Room by Sunday, December 17.
If you have any questions, or if you would like to deliver gifts on Saturday, December 23 at 9:00am, contact Brandt Goodwin (brandtgoodwin@gmail.com / 864-542-4764)
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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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Love Letters for Joanne
Send Your Well Wishes!
At the end of this year, Rev. Joanne Hull will retire after 40+ years of ministry with 10 of those years as Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian Church.
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! Place your cards in the designated baskets located in the Perrin Room, FLC Lobby, and the Tower Room. Love Letters can also be submitted on Sunday, December 17 during Joanne's Celebration of Ministry in the Social Hall, following the 11:00am Worship Service.
You can also make a financial contribution to Joanne and Eddie through the church giving site (just select Joanne Love Gift in the dropdown), or by submitting a check to Lynise in the financial office.
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 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 3 - Chamber Singers Concert
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December 6 - Advent Workshop
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December 12 - JOY Christmas Luncheon
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December 13 - White Gift Service
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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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