Weekly eNews
March 15, 2024
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Dear Church family,
My note today is one of celebration and invitation. First of all, I am very excited and humbled to say that we exceeded our Witness Season goal for the Bethlehem Center, raising over $41,000 for their Outdoor Learning Lab! It is a wonderful example of God’s abundance and how God works through this church to serve others. Thank you to all who contributed!
Secondly, I am writing to invite you to a couple of different mission and service opportunities coming up soon. Just around the corner on Monday, March 25 is the Cleveland First Grade Literacy Day. This will be a day full of joy and energy, and volunteers are necessary to make it a success! You can click here to sign-up.
Another opportunity that is just around the corner is our Second Annual Churchwide Day of Service on Saturday, April 13 from 9:00am-1:00pm. This day is open to all ages, and there are places to serve all around Spartanburg. We hope that you and your family will consider joining in the fun! The deadline to register is March 30. Click here to register!
Finally, please keep Haiti and our mission partners at Haiti Outreach Ministries in your prayers. Their prime minister has resigned, and a state of emergency has been declared due to increasing violence and attacks. Oh Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers for peace and for order in the midst of chaos.
Peace,
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Rev. Leslie A. Lang
Associate Pastor to Young Adults and MIssions
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Why Jesus?
A Lent Sermon Series
Lent is a time each year for prayer, fasting and self-examination as we follow Jesus towards the cross and empty tomb. But when was the last time we asked ourselves whether or not we truly knew just who it is we are following?! Are we actually ready to walk in the footsteps of someone who invites us to find our lives by giving our lives away in service to God and others?
Our Lenten Sermon Series is an invitation to better understand who Jesus is, and in so doing, begin to learn why following him is the only way to discover the true meaning and purpose of our own lives.
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First Grade Literacy Day
Volunteers Needed
The Cleveland Opportunity Foundation will be funding a First Grade Literacy Day on Monday, March 25, and they're in need of volunteers!
This will be a fun day of directly engaging with the students and igniting their excitement for reading through fun activities - no prep needed! Click here to sign up to help with this exciting day!
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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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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.
We will continue our Lenten study of Why Jesus? in Fogartie Hall. Children are invited to join in on an Easter Egg Hunt in the Gym at 6:15pm!
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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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Senior Parent Night
March 20
Parents of high school seniors are invited to join Pastor Ansley Page (and others with recent HS grads) on Wednesday, March 20 for a night of encouragement, wisdom and prayers for the transition you and your child are about to experience. We'll check in with each other, have a brief devotion, share resources that might be helpful and pray.
Gathering will take place in the Perrin Room from 6:15-7:15pm with sips and chips to stave off hunger! RSVP to apage@fpcspartanburg.org.
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Holy Week Volunteers
We are in need of volunteers to hand out palm crosses and branches on Palm Sunday (March 24), and help with the Flower Cross on Easter Sunday (March 31).
There are opportunities available for all three services, and for all ages (bring your family to help)! Click here to sign up for Palm Sunday, and click here to sign up for Easter Sunday.
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CAST Informational Session
Thursday, March 21
CAST - Care, Accept, Share, Teach - A Ministry for God’s Homeless Children has been part of the life of First Presbyterian Church for 10 years.
If you want to learn about the ministry, join us for an informational session on March 21 at 5:30pm in the Large Private Dining Room. Please contact Gloria Close at closely@bellsouth.net with questions.
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At the Well: Congregational Retreat
Register by April 1
Join your church family on May 3-5 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. Scholarships are also available.
For complete information and to register by April 1, visit fpcspartanburg.org/retreat.
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VBS Registration
Camp Firelight
It’s time for a summer camp adventure with God! Campers will explore timeless Bible stories that demonstrate how people trusted God in the face of their own fears and went on to do great things in God’s name. Click the button b elow to register..
If you would like to volunteer for VBS, please reach out to Kara Clark.
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Montreat Women's Conference
August 9-11
Women’s Connection 2024 will be a time for women to connect with old and new friends, a time to care for yourself; a time for space and Sabbath. Our hope is you will experience spiritual nourishment, inspiration, and discernment.
This year's keynote speaker is Becca Stevens, a nonprofit leader, entrepreneur and priest, as well as the founder and President of Thistle Farms. She has founded 13 nonprofits and justice enterprises, mentored another 70, and has raised over $75 million to support them. Becca has also authored 12 books with over 300,000 copies sold.
Cost: $425 (includes housing and conference registration)
Registration opens soon! Please make plans to join us!
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Winter Warmth Donations
Preparations have begun 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 October 26 this year. It’s never too early to start! If you have questions, please email them to winterwarmth@gmail.com.
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AVL Team
Volunteers Needed
The Audio/Video Team is a way to be involved in worship and special events behind the scenes. We currently need camera operators, and training will be provided! Most A/V team members serve one Sunday per month and an occasional special event such as a WAF program or concert.
Contact Caroline Goodman, Communications Director, at cgoodman@fpcspartanburg.org if you are interested in this exciting opportunity!
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Church Opportunities
Sunday Morning Greeters
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Sunday School Greeter (9:30-9:55am in Fogartie Hall)
- Sanctuary Greeters (10:30-11:00am in the Sanctuary)
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March 20 - Easter Egg Hunt / Senior Parent Night
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March 24 - Palm Sunday
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March 28 - Maundy Thursday (RSVP for Dinner)
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March 29 - Good Friday
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March 31 - Easter
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April 13 - Churchwide Day of Service
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April 21 - Confirmation Sunday
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May 2 - Chamber Singers Concert
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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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