Weekly eNews

February 16, 2024

On Wednesday, we began the season of Lent and marked the beginning of the season with the imposition of ashes in the shape of the cross, reminding us of our mortality. And the cross reminds of the resurrection and that whether we live or whether we die, we are marked as God’s beloved children.

Our church has put together a number of ways to enrich and deepen your faith and discipleship this Lent. First, of course, is worship. We began Lent with the Ash Wednesday Service, and in worship each Sunday during Lent we will look at the person of Jesus through the lens of one of the 12 depictions of Jesus found in Will Willimon’s book Why Jesus?. We will also explore more of those depictions of Jesus through our Wednesdays at First Programs on February 21 & 28 and March 6 & 20. Will Willimon himself will be with us this coming Wednesday to kick off that WAF series. Our study group that is studying the book just had a delightful conversation with Will, and you are in for a treat next Wednesday! Dr. Willimon will also be preaching and teaching a combined Sunday School on March 10. Please note that we will only have two services at 9am and 11am that Sunday.

If you would like to read the Why Jesus? book during this sermon and WAF series, copies of the book are available at cost near the staff and officer mailboxes.

Additionally, we have printed copies of the Lenten devotional entitled Local Pilgrims produced by the Presbyterian Outlook. These daily scripture, reflections, and prayer invite us to explore where God may be present and at work in the everyday (and not so everyday) places we find ourselves. This series is also available by daily email. See the information below to sign up.

Of course, there are many other ways to deepen your faith and discipleship this Lent. For instance, our church library has a wealth of Lenten resources to check out. Simply search for “Lent” in the online catalog. And, in fact, any way that you engage in the life and ministry of the church can help you to deepen your faith and discipleship this Lent. So whether you give something up and/or take something on during Lent, let us walk this journey to the cross with deepening faith and faithfulness this Lenten season.

Shalom,

Rev. L. Craig Foster

Associate Pastor for Discipleship

This Sunday

8:30am - Early Worship Service (Chapel)

9:00am - Contemporary Worship Service (Fogartie Hall)

10:00am - Sunday School for All Ages

11:00am - Traditional Worship Service (Sanctuary)

Stream our services live on FPCSpartanburg.org/worship, YouTube, or Facebook.

Want to re-visit sermons on the go? Listen to our Sermoncast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and wherever you find your podcasts.

Why Jesus?

A Lent Sermon Series

Will Willimon’s book Why Jesus? explores the life of the fascinating preacher from Nazareth and how He continues to challenge us, invite us into service for God, and shows us the true meaning of our lives.

Join us as we explore the themes and message of Willimon's book during this Lent sermon series.

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. We also have a video showcasing the project that you can watch here.

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!

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:

• ARTS/CRAFTS: Play-Doh, markers, paint, glue, etc. 
• SNACKS: chips, crackers, cereal, juice boxes, etc. 
• 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)

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 calling 864-573-9754 or emailing newdaybaptist@gmail.com.

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?

• February 18 at 10:00am - Explore what it means to be Presbyterian.
• February 25 at 10:00am - Discover more about the values, mission, and opportunities at FPC.
• 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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

More opportunities for service are available in our Ministry Finder.



• February 25 - Witness Season Sunday
• March 13 - Children's Choir Closing Program
• March 24 - Palm Sunday
• March 28 - Maundy Thursday
• March 31 - Easter
• April 13 - Churchwide Day of Service
• April 21 - Confirmation Sunday
• May 3-5 - Congregational Retreat in Montreat
• June 3-6 - Vacation Bible School

More activities and events can be found in First News.