THE ENCOURAGER   "…to prepare all God’s people for the work of Christian Service to build up the body of Christ.”

             First Baptist Church * Woodruff, South Carolina

January 28, 2009

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                                                                                       C. Andrew Shull, Pastor

Kelly R. Smith, Youth & Children’s Director                                                                 Robert L. Blanton, Jr., Music Director

Debra J. Fortner, Secretary                                                                                                                          Kay M. Young, Pianist

James R. Skinner, Custodian                                                                                                         Thomasene Owensby, Organist

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PREPARING FOR SUNDAY!

Sunday School

PRAY CONFIDENTLY

Psalms 86:1-13

Morning Worship Service

Love as a Way of Life

KINDNESS

Discovering the Joy of Helping Others

1 Corinthians 13:4

Evening Worship Service

Love as a Way of Life

PATIENCE

Accepting the Imperfections of Others

1 Corinthians 13:4

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

                                Barbara Casey, 2-2 Bobby Blanton, 2-5

                                Lee Watson, 2-3 Phil Wood, 2-6

                                Tyler Mason, 2-3 Brad Harrison, 2-7

                                Adam Rogers, 2-5

CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY

We express our love and prayerful support to:

Rodney Weaver and family

in the death of his grandmother, Nancy Plyler;

Jean Harrill and family

in the death of her uncle, Phil LeRoy;

The Family of Coach W L Varner.

WORLD CHANGERS MISSION TRIP

July 10 – 19 * Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

We will be doing construction projects that may include roofing, painting, deck building and more for those in the Philadelphia area who are in need. See Kelly Smith for details.

HELPING HANDS MEET AND GREET

This Sunday, February 1 * 2:30 – 4:30 pm

First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall

Come by and meet Dave Wilmer who is the new director of Helping Hands Ministries.

COUNSELOR TRAINING

Plans are underway for a Youth Evangelism Event in Woodruff, March 15-18, featuring Ken Freeman and The Big God Praise Band. Training to prepare for the event will be offered at 7:00 pm this Thursday, January 29, in the Prayer Meeting Room.

CHESS CLUB

Each Tuesday * 6:30 pm

Come learn how to play chess or just enjoy some healthy competition. Contact Phil Wood for more information.

LOVE AS A WAY OF LIFE

“Love is multifaceted. It is like a diamond with many surfaces yet one display of beauty.” - Dr. Gary Chapman, Love as a Way of Life. Join with us this Sunday and in the coming weeks as we explore key characteristics of people who put love into action. With God’s help we will seek to move beyond vague feelings and good intentions to develop basic, practical traits that are doable in everyday life. Dr. Chapman states, “I believe these traits are the keys not only to successful relationships but to success in all of life.”

Kindness: Discovering the Joy of Helping Others

Patience: Accepting the Imperfections of Others

Forgiveness: Finding Freedom from the Grip of Anger

Generosity: Giving Yourself to Others

Courtesy: Treating Others as Friends

Honesty: Revealing Who You Really Are

Humility: Stepping Down so Someone Else can Step Up

LOTTIE MOON OFFERING

Goal: $5,500.00 * Received: $4,056.53

OVER AND ABOVE OFFERING

Sanctuary Heating and Air Balance: $ 37,793.86

GIFTS TO THE GLORY OF GOD!

For the Work of the Church

In Honor of Keith & Faye Weaver’s 50^th Anniversary

In Memory of Elaine Huckaby

Perry & Sara Ouzts

Over & Above Offering

In Memory of Elaine Huckaby

Jessie Smith

In Memory of W L Varner

Arthur & Marie Wood

Lottie Moon Offering

In Memory of Elaine Huckaby

In Memory of W L Varner

BIBLE STUDY & STEWARDSHIP:

SUNDAY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

Preschool 5

Children 23

Youth 14

Adults 126

Total Attendance 168

BUDGET January 25 2009

Needs $ 8,140.00 $ 32,560.00

Offering $ 9,128.44 $ 29,811.43

Over/(Under) $ 988.44 ($ 2,748.57)

DESIGNATED FUNDS January 25

Over and Above Offering $ 261.00

Lottie Moon Offering $ 205.00

Designated Offering $ 265.45

Total Designated $ 731.45

TOTAL $ 9,859.89

THE LOVE DARE BIBLE STUDY

February 15 – April 5 * Fellowship Hall

Refreshments at 9:30 am

Bible Study to begin at 9:45 am

The Love Dare Bible Study creates a marriage-centered experience for individuals & couples. Sessions include movie clips from the motion picture FIREPROOF and connect couples to The Love Dare both during the session and throughout the week. Each person participating will need a copy of The Love Dare. The books are available in the church office for $8.00. Lottie Caldwell, Mike Elliott, Peggy Gilliland, and Kris Simpkins will be leading the sessions. Consider taking part in this special study.

THE LOVE DARE

A #1 New York Times Best Seller

Unconditional love is eagerly promised at weddings, but rarely practiced in real life. As a result, romantic hopes are often replaced with disappointments in the home. But it doesn’t have to stay that way. The Love Dare is a 40-Day challenge for husbands and wives to understand and practice unconditional love. Whether your marriage is hanging by a thread or healthy and strong, The Love Dare is a journey that will enrich your life. Take the dare! Copies of The Love Dare are available in the church office for $8.00. Each person participating in The Love Dare Bible Study that begins February 15 will need a copy.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Helping Hands Ministries has an urgent need for volunteers. If you would be willing to serve one morning a month, please contact our pastor.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Cards are available in the pews, foyers, and Sunday School boxes to write down requests for prayer. There is a place to check if you would like the request included on our printed weekly prayer sheet and if you would like our prayer groups to send cards of encouragement.

WHEN WALLFLOWERS DANCE

Becoming a Woman of Righteous Confidence

Saturday, February 21 * Bellview Baptist Church

The day starts with breakfast at 8:00 am and ends around 4:00 pm. $20.00 includes all meals and materials. The deadline to sign up is February 16. The study book is by Angela Thomas. Sessions will be facilitated by Vicki Montjoy with Praise & Worship led by Dana Stout.

CHURCH NURSERY

Your help is needed in the church nursery. If you would be willing to serve, please contact Iris Elliott or the church office.

FIREPROOF

Never Leave Your Partner Behind

Next Sunday, February 8 * 6:00 pm

The story centers around a firefighter and his wife who are having trouble with their marriage. Pray that God will use this movie in an incredible way in the lives of families everywhere. Fireproof is the third feature film from the ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. This is the church that brought us Flywheel and Facing the Giants. Resources to “fireproof your marriage” are available through the movie’s website: www.fireproofthemovie.com. Invite friends, neighbors and co-workers to come with you.

WINTER WEATHER POLICY

If weather conditions cause District 4 Schools to cancel classes, then activities & services here at the church will also be cancelled and the church office will be closed. If weather conditions deteriorate during school, please call the church office for information. On the weekends if a decision is made to cancel services, your Sunday School teacher & your deacon will be called and the answering machine at the church will be updated.

Church Family

VALENTINE BANQUET

Sunday, February 15 * 6:00 pm

Join us for great food, fellowship & entertainment. Our youth will present the musical drama Waiters. Donations beyond the cost of the meal will go toward the Youth Mission Trip. Mark your calendars and plan to take part.

GOLDEN AGE FELLOWSHIP

Wednesday, February 4 * 11:45 am

Join us for great food and fellowship! All are welcome! Our program guests will be:

The Faith Trio:

Nolan & Barbara Suddeth, Sarah Bryant

Hosts & Hostesses: Anne Williams,

Jean Bonds, Priscilla Miller, Gary & Jan Schmatt

Devotional: Evelyn Bryson

EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN

Friday Evening, March 27 & Saturday, March 28

Take part in this time of renewal, inspiration, & fellowship held at the Bi-Lo Center. Program guests include: New Song, Chonda Pierce, Angela Thomas, Kathy Troccoli and Charles Billingsley. Registration is $49 if you register before February 20. Contact the church office if you are interested in taking part.

YOUTH SUMMER BEACH RETREAT

June 5 - 10 * Garden City Chapel

Join us for a great week of Bible Study and fun in the sun. See Kelly Smith for details.

Regular Office Hours:

Mon. - Thurs. 8:00 am – 5:00 pm * Fri. 8:00 am - 12:30 pm

Email: office@woodruff1st.org

Web site: www.woodruff1st.org

Telephone: (864) 476-8171 Fax: (864) 476-3141

THE ENCOURAGER

If you are not receiving a newsletter and would like to start receiving one each week, please call our church office, 476-8171. Every Tuesday the newsletter is added to our church web site – www.woodruff1st.org

2009 DEACON BANQUET

For current and past deacons and spouses

Thursday, March 5 * 6:30 pm

First Baptist Church, North Spartanburg

The guest speaker is Eddie Hammett author of Strengthening Deacon Ministry for the 21^st Century and Reaching People Under 40 While Keeping People Over 60. Tickets are $9.00 per person. Sign up through the church office by Sunday, February 22.

ASH WEDNESDAY

COMMUNITY WORSHIP SERVICE

February 25 * 7:00 pm

Emma Gray Memorial United Methodist Church

Bring your friends to this special service of worship as we focus on what it means to die to self and live for God. The Emma Gray congregation will be hosting this service for our congregation and the congregation of First Presbyterian. Supper, Choirs, Lighthouse & Mission Groups will meet at First Baptist that night on an adjusted schedule.

DAY BY DAY

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28

5:15 pm Fellowship Supper

5:40 pm Preschool & Children’s Choirs, Youth Lighthouse

6:30 pm Mission Friends, GA’s, RA’s, Acteens, Challengers

Adult Choir Rehearsal, Mid-Week Service – Proverbs

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29

7:00 pm Counselor Training – FBC Prayer Meeting Room

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1

9:00 am Handbell Practice

9:45 am Bible Study for All Ages

11:00 am Morning Worship Service

2:30 pm Helping Hands Meet & Greet w/Dave Wilmer

4:30 pm Diaconate Meeting

4:30 pm First Place 4 Health Bible Study

6:00 pm Evening Worship Service

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3

7:00 am Prayer Meeting

6:30 pm Chess Club

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4

11:45 am Golden Age Fellowship

5:15 pm Fellowship Supper

5:40 pm Preschool & Children’s Choirs, Youth Lighthouse

6:30 pm Mission Friends, GA’s, RA’s, Acteens, Challengers

Adult Choir Rehearsal, Mid-Week Service – Proverbs

SHARING THE MINISTRY

Sunday, February 1

Greeters: C Walker, S Rogers (f), K Reynolds (o), T Culbreath (p)

Counting Team: J McAbee, B & G Hix

Sound Booth: S Scott B P Screening: L Turner

Nursery: T & V Bailey pm: R Smith, S Lloyd

Welcome Center: T & T Sumner

Ushers: S Rogers, K Schlock (f), C Simpkins, Jr (o), B Scott (p)

pm – S & B Scott

Children’s Worship: K Smith, G Lawson, C Reynolds

Outreach Notes: D Chumley Outreach Packets: T Westmoreland

Outreach Calls: P Scott Outreach Visits: C Culbreath & B Hix

WOODRUFF CLOTHES CLOSET

May is our church’s month to staff the Clothes Closet. Please talk in your Sunday School classes and mission groups about which Saturday in May your group would like to volunteer.

DO YOU NEED A RIDE?

If you need transportation to the worship services or activities at the church, please call Bob Hix, Linda Rhodes or the church office.

NEED WISDOM?

Studies in Proverbs * Each Wednesday * 6:30 pm

FELLOWSHIP SUPPER

Wednesday, January 28

Pizza, Corn, Cookies, Tea Cost: $2.00