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 November 16, 2011

PREPARING FOR SUNDAY!

Sunday School

RESPOND TO DIFFICULT SITUATIONS

Numbers 20:1-13: Psalm 106:32-33

Morning Worship Service

GIVE THANKS!

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Evening Worship Service

COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING SERVICE

First Presbyterian Church

Rev. Amy Bratton, Rev. Beth Hoskins

Rev. Andrew Shull

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

                                Paul Brown, 11-20 John McAbee, 11-20

                                Lee Turner, 11-20       Wendie Lawson, 11-21

                                Katie Lloyd, 11-22 Megan Sumner, 11-22

                                Amanda Abercrombie, 11-23

                                Miriam Patton, 11-24        Jimmy Weaver, 11-24

                                Muriel Haney, 11-25 Annette Craig, 11-26

                                Kaitlin Meadows, 11-26 Tommy Westmoreland, 11-26

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDIES

This Wednesday, November 16 * 6:30 pm

Heaven is for Real!

Join us as we look together at Colton Burpo’s story and carefully explore the Scripture passages about Heaven.

Next Wednesday, November 23

We will not meet for Bible Study.

Wednesday, November 30 * 6:30 pm

The Case for Christmas

Consulting experts on the Bible, archaeology, and messianic prophecy, Lee Strobel searches out the true identity of the Child in the manger. Join us as we look carefully to at the Biblical accounts of Jesus’ birth.

The Eyewitness Evidence:

Can the Biographies of Jesus be trusted?

OPERATION: CHRISTMAS CHILD

Share joy & hope with a needy child in a troubled country this Christmas. Information flyers & boxes are available. A $7.00 donation is requested with each box. The filled shoe boxes need to be brought to the church on or before this Sunday, November 20. Our church is serving this week as a collection site for the Woodruff Community.

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS

You are invited to help decorate our sanctuary during the Christmas Season by placing a poinsettia In Memory of or In Honor of a loved one. The cost is $12.00. Forms are available in the church office. The deadline is this Sunday, November 20.

COMMUNITY

THANKSGIVING SERVICES

First Presbyterian Church

This Sunday, November 20 * 6:00 pm

First Baptist, Emma Gray Methodist, and First Presbyterian have shared together in a service of Thanksgiving for many, many years. Bring your friends and family as we take part in this wonderful time of worship.

Bellview Baptist Church

This Tuesday, November 22 * 7:00 pm

Planned by the Woodruff Baptist Association, the service will be led by individuals from churches across our community. Rev. Michael Owings, pastor of First Baptist Church, Switzer, will be preaching.

MEN’S MONDAY NIGHT MESS

This Monday, November 21 * 7:00 pm

Fellowship Hall

Join us for great food and fellowship!

Speaker: Chief Darrell Dawkins

Musician: Michael Workman

OVER AND ABOVE

Kitchen and Fellowship Hall Renovation

Fund Balance: $17,350.48

GIFTS TO THE GLORY OF GOD!

Over & Above Fund

In Memory of Rita Hunt

Ronnie & Ann Henson

Playground Fund

In Memory of Rita Hunt

Bogie & Liz Mason

BIBLE STUDY & STEWARDSHIP:

SUNDAY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE November 13

Nursery 5

Children 13

Youth 12

Adults 105

Total Attendance 135

BUDGET November 13 2011

Needs $ 8,143.90 $ 374,619.40

Offering $ 6,747.00 $ 343,580.47

Over/(Under) ($ 1,396.90) ($ 31,038.93)

Additional Offerings Given for Special Accounts

Over & Above Fund $ 25.00

Lottie Moon $ 30.00

Playground Fund $ 25.00

Payments Received for Trips, Books, Meals & Activities

Senior Adult Retreat $ 969.00

Wednesday Night Supper $ 22.00

Christmas Poinsettias $ 97.00

Thanksgiving Meal $ 125.00

THANKSGIVING OUTREACH MEAL

Next Wednesday, November 23

Each year we prepare a Thanksgiving Meal for the people of our community. We do this especially for those who are in need. Let us know if you would like to help. Desserts are especially needed and can be brought to the church on Wednesday morning, Nov. 23. If you signed up to bring a turkey, please bring it to the church before this Friday, Nov. 18. Cornbread needs to be brought to the church this Sunday, Nov. 20. Workers need to be at church at 8:30 am on Wednesday morning, Nov. 23. Join in this wonderful ministry.

HANGING OF THE GREENS

Preparing our hearts & church home for Christmas!

Next Sunday, November 27 * 6:00 pm

Join us for this unique, informal and active worship service. Children, youth and adults will be given decorating tasks as we sing the familiar carols of Christmas. The service will conclude with candle lighting on the front steps as we hang Wreaths of Welcome on the front doors of our church. Come and share in this time with your church family.

HIS HEART, HIS HANDS, HIS VOICE

International Missions Night

Sunday, December 4 * 6:00 pm

If you are a follower of Jesus, you are part of the task to fulfill the Great Commission. Paul says, “All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:27. Jesus has commissioned us to be His heart, His hands, and His voice. Join with us as our Mission Friends, GA’s, RA’s, Acteens, Challengers and the Martha Lewis Mission Group present stories of how Christians all over the world are seeking to follow Christ.

CHRISTMAS FELLOWSHIP

Sunday Night, December 4 * After the Service

Family Favorite Christmas Desserts

Join us for a time of joy and celebration. Each family is asked to bring one of their favorite family desserts. We will have a special visitor from the north who will have something to give every child who is present.

GOLDEN AGE FELLOWSHIP

Wednesday, December 7 * 11:45 am

Join us for great food and fellowship! All are welcome!

Our December program guest will be: Bill Drake

Hosts and Hostesses: Carolyn Culbreath,

Peggy Gilliland, Koosje Smith, Ted & Brenda Hayes

Devotional: Molly Love

FIRST BAPTIST BLOOD DRIVE

Wednesday, December 14 * 4:00 – 8:00 pm

Give a gift of life! * Receive a T-Shirt!

SING WE NOW OF CHRISTMAS

Presented by the Preschool and Children’s Choirs

Sunday, December 11 * 11:00 am

                Join us as our preschoolers and children lead us in a wonderful time of worship.

A CAROLINA CHRISTMAS

Sunday, December 11 * 6:00 pm

First Baptist Church

Join us for a wonderful musical presentation of the Christmas story presented by Lockhart First Baptist Church. Skip and Bobby Scott have played with this group the last few years. We are delighted to host the service here in Woodruff. Carolina Christmas will also be presented at Lockhart FBC on Saturday, Nov. 19, at New Life Baptist in Boiling Springs on Sunday, Nov. 27 and at the Saluda Mountain Jamboree on Sunday, Dec. 4.

DOWN FROM HIS GLORY

The Love Story of Christmas

Sunday, December 18 * 11:00 am

Presented by the Adult Choir

Most people can tell you who was born in the manger the first Christmas, but the vast majority of them still miss the meaning of Christmas. The real story of Christmas is why He came. Why did God leave His throne in Heaven and come to earth? Why did He become one of us? When we understand why He came, we realize the Christmas story is the greatest love story of all time.

LIVE OUTDOOR NATIVITY

Sunday, December 18 * 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Presented by the Youth Group

CHRISTMAS EVE

Candlelight Communion Service

Saturday, December 24 * 5:00 pm

CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR CHILDREN

IN THE WOODRUFF COMMUNITY

Evelyn Bryson is coordinating an effort to help provide children’s Christmas gifts for qualifying families. She is accepting financial donations and donations of toys. See Evelyn if you would like to help.

2012 MINISTRY SUPPORT BUDGET

Our church voted this past Sunday to adopt the 2012 Ministry Support Budget as recommended by the Stewardship Committee. Appreciation is expressed to the Stewardship Committee for their many hours of service, prayer, and deliberation. In these difficult economic times, we recognize more than ever the need to put God first. Whether you are a tither, working towards the tithe or giving beyond the tithe, prayerfully seek God’s will with your finances. God’s blessings will be evident as we put our trust in Him.

HEALING HEART

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP

Thursday, Nov. 17 * Church Library * 7:00 pm

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

CHRISTMAS CARDS

Bring your Christmas Cards for people in our fellowship to the Youth Post Boxes. Money saved on postage will go toward the World Changers Mission Trip.

2012 FLOWER CALENDAR

Call or come by the church office to reserve the Sunday you would like to put flowers in the sanctuary in 2012.

JOIN THE CELEBRATION

Please join the 95^th Birthday Celebration of Dr. Lynwood D. Jordan, Sr. with family and friends. There will be a “drop-in” on Sunday December 4 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Emma Gray United Methodist Church. No presents, please. He will turn 95 on December 6^th.

THANKSGIVING UPDATE

A Thanksgiving Update and pictures have been received from the Ronald Vaughn Family and have been placed on the bulletin board outside the office. Please remember Dr. Vaughn in your prayers as he begins ministry as pastor of the St. Andrews Baptist Church in Columbia on December 1.

DAY BY DAY

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16

9:00 am – 4:00 pm Woodruff Community Shoe Box Drop Off

5:15 pm Fellowship Supper

5:40 pm Preschool & Children’s Choirs,

Youth Lighthouse

6:30 pm Wednesday Night Bible Study,

Adult Choir Rehearsal,

Mission Friends, GA’s, RA’s

6:30 pm Fields of Faith – WHS Stadium

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17

9:00 am – 4:00 pm Woodruff Community Shoe Box Drop Off

6:30 pm Chess Club

7:00 pm Healing Heart Grief Support Group

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18

9:00 – 11:00 am Woodruff Community Shoe Box Drop Off

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19

10:00 am – 12:00 pm Woodruff Community Shoe Box Drop Off

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20

8:00 – 10:00 am Woodruff Community Shoe Box Drop Off

9:00 am Handbell Choir Rehearsal

9:30 am Instrumental Ensemble

9:45 am Sunday School

11:00 am Morning Worship Service

5:00 pm Spirit Works (Youth Choir)

6:00 pm Community Thanksgiving Service –

First Presbyterian Church

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21

8:00 – 10:00 am Woodruff Community Shoe Box Drop Off

6:00 pm Martha Lewis Mission Group

7:00 pm Men’s Ministry Monday Night Mess

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22

7:00 am Prayer Meeting

7:00 pm Community Thanksgiving Service –

Bellview Baptist Church

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23

8:30 am Thanksgiving Outreach Meal Preparations

11:30 am Thanksgiving Outreach Meal

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24 (Church Office Closed)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25 (Church Office Closed)

SHARING THE MINISTRY

November 20

Greeters: W Garrett, S Scott (f),

R Weaver (o), C Walker (p)

Counting Team: Z Orias, R & A Henson

Children’s Worship: W Lawson, G Lawson, C Hughes

Nursery: J Waddell, C Osborne

O Notes: B Blanton BP Checks: S Culbreath

Welcome Center: L & R Leake Sound: S Rogers

Ushers: T Westmoreland, R Bryson (f)

B Bailey (o) C Hembree (p)

FELLOWSHIP SUPPER

Wednesday, November 16 * 5:15 pm

Chicken Nuggets, Creamed Potatoes, Green Beans,

Cookies, Tea Cost: $2.00