Weekly eNews
February 9, 2024
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Happy leap year to all, but especially those who have a February 29 birthday – we’re glad to be able to celebrate you this year. This Sunday, February 11, we celebrate the gifts and talents that God has given the youth in our congregation. Our 6th-12th grade youth will lead us in all of our worship services that morning. We are thankful for Foster Neely (12th grade) and Elise Deberry (11th grade), our preachers for Youth Sunday, as well as all of our liturgists, musicians, ushers, and support crew!
Some churches don’t have a Youth Sunday. We are incredibly lucky to have a community of young people who are curious and enthusiastic about the church and the faith. It is a gift and privilege that we get to have an entire Sunday morning dedicated to creating intentional space for our youth to take the reins of worship leadership. This isn’t a time where we should focus on the future of the church. Rather, this Sunday is a reminder of the powerful ways God is working in and through our youth – here, today, right this moment.
Every conversation, every moment in fellowship, and every encounter with our youth opens my eyes to God’s grace and creativity. I mean it when I say that in this call, I minister alongside this crew. They are constantly teaching me what it means to live with gratitude and determination. I hope that this truth shines through to each of you who join us for worship this week!
On another note, February is Witness Season at FPC. Be on the lookout for plenty of information about the ways God is moving with an ambition for mission in our midst.
On Wednesday, February 14, we hope you'll join us as we gather for Ash Wednesday – marking the beginning of the Lenten season. I look forward, with anticipation, to witnessing Christ’s reckless love in this world alongside you all.
Peace be with you,
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Rev. John Daniel DeBevoise
Associate Pastor to Youth and Campus Ministries
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Youth Sunday
This Sunday, our youth will lead us in worship at all three services. They are excited to share their talents and perspectives as we all worship God together.
Additionally, we have the opportunity to support TOTAL Ministries through the Souper Bowl of Caring. Our youth will be collecting monetary donations in large soup pots following all three services.
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This year's Witness Season project will fund an outdoor play space with a natural playground to be built at The Bethlehem Center, a hub of positive activity in the Highland community. This space would include a gardening area, amphitheater, and water play areas. Visit fpcspartanburg.org/witnessseason to read more about this incredible project.
Visit our church giving site to give toward the new natural playground to be built at The Bethlehem Center, benefitting our friends in the Highland community. Once on the page, click on the drop-down menu under "Fund" and choose "Witness Season."
There are also several other ways to give this Witness Season! Stay tuned to learn more throughout the month of February!
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Witness Season Lunch 'N Learn
Monday, February 19
If you would like to sign-up to attend a Lunch 'n Learn with more information about our Witness Season project, join us on on February 19 from 11:30am-1:00pm. You can register by clicking here. The deadline is February 13th.
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Art Supplies & Snack Drive
Throughout February
For Witness Season, the FPC Children's Ministry will be gathering arts & crafts supplies and snacks for the Bethlehem Center all throughout February. Drop off donations to Kara Clark's office, or look for baskets in the Tower Room and Family Life Center.
Suggested donations include:
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ARTS/CRAFTS: Play-Doh, markers, paint, glue, etc.
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SNACKS: chips, crackers, cereal, juice boxes, etc.
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BOOKS: 5th Grade is also working on a special service project of a "Free Little Library" to go in the garden, so if you have any children/YA books (new or gently used), feel free to drop those off, as well!
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16)
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Acts 2 Fellowship
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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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.
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Ash Wednesday
This Wednesday, February 14
Ash Wednesday is this coming week, marking the first day of the Lenten season. The Chapel will be open from 8:00am-1:00pm. A pastor will be present for you to receive the imposition of ashes and for prayer.
The family-friendly Ash Wednesday Service will be held in the Sanctuary from 6:30-7:15pm and will include the imposition of ashes. Nursery will be provided for infants through age three. The service will also be livestreamed.
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Lent Devotional Signups
For this year's Lent Devotional, we will be navigating The Presbyterian Outlook's Local Pilgrim: A Wandering, Wondering Daily Devotional.
The devotional books will be available throughout the church. You can also click the button below to receive email devotionals throughout the season of Lent!
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Free Gym Play Date
February 16, 10:00am-Noon
Public schools may be closed on February 16, but we're not! Your kids are invited to join Mrs. Colleen on a play date from 10:00am-noon in the gym!
Come start your weekend off with some fun and games!
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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.
There are limited tickets available! Tickets are $50 and can be purchased by clicking the button below.
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Discover FPC
Beginning February 18
Discover FPC is an opportunity for you to learn more about Presbyterianism as well as explore the life and ministry of First Presbyterian Church: who we are, how we are organized and how you can be a part. We are a church seeking to live out our faith in Jesus Christ!
When are the classes? What can I expect?
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February 18 at 10:00am - Explore what it means to be Presbyterian.
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February 25 at 10:00am - Discover more about the values, mission, and opportunities at FPC.
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March 3 at 9:45am - Enjoy a light breakfast, complete your membership with Session, and take a tour of church facililties.
All classes will take place in the Large Private Dining Room. Click here to learn more. You can RSVP to Cathy Bagwell at cbagwell@fpcspartanburg.org.
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Will Willimon at FPC
In February & March
Throughout Lent, we will be embarking on a sermon series called Why Jesus?, based on the book of the same title by leading pastor, author, professor, and UMC bishop Will Willimon.
On two occasions, Will Willimon will be here in person as our special guest! Mark your calendars for the following dates:
- February 21 - Will Willimon will be teaching at WAF (6:30pm in Fogartie Hall)
- March 10 - Will Willimon will be preaching at all three services, and teaching Sunday School.
We are also studying Why Jesus? on Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon in the Purnell Room and via Zoom. We encourage you to join us!
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Easter Eggs Needed
by March 17
Bring on the eggs! Our Children's Ministry is in need of pre-filled plastic eggs for their Easter Egg Hunt on March 20! Eggs can be filled with stickers, small toys, or candy.
Drop your egg donations off at the church office, or to Kara Clark by March 17.
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FPC Columbarium on Chronicle
First Presbyterian Church is the only columbarium on Chronicle, an innovative online tool that provides up-to-date information on our available, reserved, and occupied niches. The interactive map allows you to visualize the Columbarium in a unique way.
Memorials for those who are already inurned can be purchased and placed on our Chronicle site for all to view. A portion of your memorial purchase will directly benefit the church.
Click the button to view First Presbyterian's Columbarium on Chronicle.
Choose First Presbyterian Church Columbarium and zoom in to see the sections of the Columbarium.
If you would like to search available niches or memorial plaques, please click Advanced Search, Plot, and choose the status "Vacant". Zoom in on the interactive map and click the area of interest.
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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, go to fpcspartanburg.org/retreat.
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Processing Fees on Contribution Statements
Some of you may have noticed Processing Fees on your contribution statement. These are fees that you paid the church to help cover credit card fees (Thank you!). Since you chose to include these fees in your payment, they are considered a contribution to the church.
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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.
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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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Church Opportunities
- Sunday Morning Greeters
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Sunday School Greeter (9:30-9:55am in Fogartie Hall)
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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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February 11 - Youth Sunday
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February 14 - Ash Wednesday
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February 19 - Witness Season Lunch 'N Learn
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February 25 - Witness Season Sunday
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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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