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

May 27, 2009

We remember the sacrifices made by those who put their lives on the

line for us.  May we never forget their devotion and selfless love.

We remember the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ, who paid a price

He did not owe - to free us from a debt we could not pay.

"Greater love has no one than this,

that he lay down his life for his friends."  John 15:13

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

     _______________________________________________________________________________________________

PREPARING FOR SUNDAY!

Remembering Those Who Served

First Baptist Church Family

Memorial Day Observance

Sunday School

PHILIP: LOVING TO TELL OTHERS

ABOUT JESUS

Acts 6:2-3, 5; 8:4-8, 26-31, 34-35; 21:8-9

Morning Worship Service

Choir Anthem: Blades of Grass

and Pure White Stones

LIVE WORTHY OF THE SACRIFICE

Ephesians 4:1-16

Evening Worship Service

THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD

Philippians 1:20

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

                            Hunter Lee, 5-25        Scott Lawson, 6-1

                            Jolene Brown, 5-31        Devin Osborne, 6-2

                            Mike Elliott, 5-31 Milton Smith, 6-3

                            Kemp Smith, 5-31 Jimmy Fortner, 6-4

                            Tara Basidisserotto, 6-1         Linda Holland, 6-6

MID-WEEK SERVICE

This Wednesday, May 27 * 6:30 pm

Studies in Isaiah

GA & RA MEGA MESSY MANIA

This Wednesday, May 27 * 6:00 pm

RA’s and GA’s are reminded to bring a towel and wear old clothes for the festivities.

EXTENDED SUNDAY SCHOOL

Each month Sunday School Teachers visit in homes, teach the Sunday School lesson and bring materials for Christian Growth to those in our congregation who are not able to attend Sunday School on Sunday mornings. If you or someone you love would like to receive these monthly visits, please call the church office.

HEALING HEART

Grief Support Group

3^RD Thursday * Church Library * 7:00 pm

The group is open to all who have suffered a loss.

American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life

LUMINARY BAGS

The Woodruff Relay for Life is June 5-6. Luminary Bags placed In Honor or In Memory will line the walking path and each name will be called during the Memorial Service. Luminary bags may be purchased in the church office. If you are interested in being part of a team from our church, please contact Mike Elliott.

EVELYN HENDERSON OFFERING

For Missions in Spartanburg County

This year’s offering is designated to help: Hispanic Summer Missionaries, Disaster Relief Call-Out Expenses & Equipment, Collegiate Ministries, Kaleidoscope (a new international church), Network Block Party Trailer, Network Media Technology, and assistance to the Journey Church. Please pray for the work of the Spartanburg County Network and consider giving to this special offering. Envelopes are available in the church office and in the foyers.

HEALTH AND SAFETY KID FAIR

This Saturday, May 30 * 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

137 South Main Street (Above the Turtle Parfait)

Meet the Police Chief & get a free child ID kit. Receive free fire hats & safety tips from the Fire Department. Eat free snacks from the Turtle Parfait and enjoy other give-aways from local businesses.

OVER AND ABOVE OFFERING

Sanctuary Heating and Air Balance: $ 41,457.24

GIFTS TO THE GLORY OF GOD!

Over & Above Offering

In Honor of the 2009 Graduates

Walter & Linda Garrett

In Memory of Gertrude Harrill

Bob & Julia Howard

BIBLE STUDY & STEWARDSHIP:

SUNDAY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

Preschool 5

Children 31

Youth 25

Adults 120

Total Attendance 181

BUDGET May 24 2009

Needs $ 8,140.00 $170,940.00

Offering $ 6,254.25 $163,338.55

Over/(Under) ($ 1,885.75) ($ 7,601.45)

DESIGNATED FUNDS May 24

Over and Above Offering $ 109.50

Designated Offering $ 669.85

Total Designated      $ 779.35

TOTAL $ 7,033.60

End of the School Year Celebration

FAMILY FUN NIGHT!

Next Wednesday, June 3

5:00 – 7:00 pm

Join with us for this great family event! Parents need to be here to enjoy the festivities and to supervise their children. This year’s fun night will feature pony rides, face painting, moon bounce, bungee run, slide, corn dogs and more. All are welcome!

FIRST BAPTIST BLOOD DRIVE

Next Wednesday, June 3 * 3:00 – 7:00 pm

Come and give the gift of life! Our church is part of a donation plan through the Piedmont Blood Center. Once our participation reaches a certain level it allows our members to receive blood without charge. Donations may be credited to our church at any Piedmont Blood Drive.

LAST REGULAR WEDNESDAY

This Wednesday, May 27, is our last Wednesday night of the school year program. Join us on June 3 for Family Fun Night. Our mid-week service will resume on June 10. Dr Jim Goodroe will be our guest Bible study teacher.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT WORKERS

It is hard to believe that another school year has come and is almost gone. We are very grateful for all who have worked in the kitchen, worked with our choir groups, mission groups, and with the Bible studies. Over the years, we have been able to reach many children, young people and families through these efforts. It takes a lot of committed people for our church to be able to provide all of the different ministries that are offered during the school year. We are grateful for each one who has volunteered their time, energy, patience and talent. If you are interested in helping on Wednesday nights for the 2009-2010 school year, please call the church office.

GRADUATE BREAKFAST

Many, many thanks to Skip, Pam and Bobby Scott for hosting the high school graduates at their home for breakfast and to Zane and Lauren Orias for their help. A great time was had by all!

GRADUATE LUNCHEON

Great appreciation is expressed to Tommie Jo McAbee, Cindy Craig, & Elaine O’Hara for their work in preparing lunch for the graduates & their families. Thank you so much for your efforts that provided great food & fellowship!

With Love and Appreciation for

KAY YOUNG

We give thanks to God for Kay and for her ministry through music. Kay not only serves as our Church Pianist but also directs our Handbell Choir. Kay joined our church staff on June 1, 2003 and will complete her 6^th year of service next week. We have been richly blessed through her gifts and abilities. Pray for her daily as she faithfully lives out God’s call in her life through ministry.

FESTIVALS OF MARRIAGE

Get away for a weekend.

Get closer for a lifetime.

Ridgecrest Conference Center

October is a brilliant time to visit Ridgecrest, a beautiful conference center in the NC mountains less than a 2 hour drive from Woodruff. For information go to www.lifeway.com/fom or contact our church office.

October 9-11 with Michael & Amy Smalley

October 16-18 with Rodney & Selma Wilson

October 23-25 with Les & Leslie Parrott

FIRST BAPTIST SUNDAY SCHOOL

A Place to Grow and Belong!

Being part of a weekly Bible study is an important ingredient for spiritual growth for the young and the old and everyone in between. Find a class that is right for you where you can encourage and be encouraged. Here are some choices & topics that are offered:

For Men & Women of Any Age

Isaac Class – How to Land the Job of Your Dreams

from Living on the Edge (Chip Ingram)

Current Events Class – The Bible study responds to a

current news article each week.

Senior Adult Classes

Men’s - Goodwill & Fellowship

Women’s– Gleaners, Friendship, Winsome

Character Studies of Men and Women in the Bible

From Oldest to Youngest…

Age Grouped Adult Classes for Men & Women

Builders – The Book of Micah

Agape – Studies from the Patriarchs (Beth Moore)

Seekers – The Miracle of Life Change:

How God Transforms His Children (Chip Ingram)

Quid est Veritas – The Gospel of John

Age Graded Bible Studies

College & Career,

High School Youth, Middle School Youth,

Grades 3-5, Grades 1 & 2, 4 & 5 Year Olds,

Nursery Department.

For more information about any of these classes,

contact the church office or stop by the Welcome Center.

Regular Office Hours:

Monday – Thursday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Friday 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

THANKS!

Dear Rev. Andrew and Members of First Baptist Church, Thank you for your prayers and cards. I appreciate you praying for me during my surgery and recovery. I am doing fine and the doctor dismissed me on May 11. I didn’t take any treatment as the cancer was found early and removed. Thank God for this. Sam, Susan, Jonathan and Grace enjoy being part of First Baptist Church. Thanks again for your prayers and cards. Sara Cooper

To all our high school and college students: I am very, very proud of each one of you. You are very special to me! I loved making cookies for you. I am thankful you enjoy them. I will continue praying for you. May God watch over you every day! Jo Granger

Dear Friends, Thank you for your many expressions of concern when my mother passed away. We appreciate the numerous cards, visits, and food during this difficult time in our lives. God has certainly provided us with a wonderful church family! God bless you all!    Jean and Lynn Harrill

DAY BY DAY

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27

5:15 pm Fellowship Supper

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

6:00 pm GA & RA Messy Mania

6:30 pm Mission Friends, Acteens, Challengers,

Adult Choir, Mid-Week Service – Isaiah

FRIDAY, MAY 29

8:00 pm WHS Graduation

SATURDAY, MAY 30

9:00 am Community Clothes Closet - Builders

SUNDAY, MAY 31

9:45 am Bible Study for All Ages

11:00 am Morning Worship Service

4:30 pm Diaconate Meeting

6:00 pm Evening Worship Service

TUESDAY, JUNE 2

7:00 am Prayer Meeting

6:30 pm Chess Club

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3

3:00 pm First Baptist Blood Drive

5:00 pm Family Fun Night

FRIDAY, JUNE 5

9:30 am Youth depart for Garden City Retreat

7:00 pm Relay for Life begins at Woodruff High School

SATURDAY, JUNE 6

7:00 am Relay for Life Ends

SHARING THE MINISTRY

Sunday, May 31

Greeters:

T Culbreath, S Rogers (f), K Reynolds (o), R Skinner (p)

Counting Team: L Caldwell, D & T Bailey

Sound Booth: J Young B P Screening: C Schlock

Nursery: L Burdette, G Nash pm: E O’Hara

Welcome Center: A Henson, K Brown

Ushers:

H Woodfin, T Westmoreland (f), R Rhodes (o), T Culbreath (p)

pm: R Bryson, DJ O’Hara

Children’s Worship: K Smith, H Smith, J Westmoreland

Outreach Notes: J Ward

FELLOWSHIP SUPPER

Wednesday, May 27

Hot Dogs, Chips, Cookies, Tea Cost: $2.00

PRAYER MEETING

Each Tuesday morning from 7:00 – 7:30. All are welcome!

CASUAL SUMMER

Memorial Day to Labor Day

Please feel free to dress comfortably.

Invite friends to come with you.

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.