THE  ENCOURAGER                    “…to prepare all God’s people for the work of Christian Service to build up the body of Christ.”  www.woodruff1st.org

                                First Baptist Church * Woodruff, South Carolina

                                                            April 9, 2008

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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

PREPARING FOR SUNDAY!

Sunday School

EXPLORING DEVOTION

Genesis 22:1-14, 17-18

Morning Worship Service

A Heart for Missions

BRAD STAMEY, MISSIONARY TO MOSCOW

Guest Speaker

Evening Worship Service

ANSWERING WITH HOPE

If there is a loving God, why is there so much

pain and suffering in the world?

Called Church Conference

To consider bids from

the Property Committee & the Grounds Committee

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Kent McAbee, 4-13 Betty Simpkins, 4-15

Ruby Waddell, 4-14 Myra Wood, 4-16

Adam Watson, 4-14 Jonathan Cooper, 4-18

Hannah Orias, 4-14 Noelle Suggs, 4-19

Carolyn Osborne, 4-15        Grant Foster, 4-19

CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY

We extend our love and prayerful support to

Norma Meadows and family in the death of her mother, Lillie Mae Brown Smith.

Spartanburg County Baptist Network

SILVER ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Sunday, May 4 * 6:00 pm

Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

Be part of this time of celebration & worship as the churches of our network come together. News Anchor Tom Crabtree will serve as host. Dr. Frank Page, President of the Southern Baptist Convention, will be preaching. Call the church office to reserve a seat on the church bus.

ANNIE ARMSTRONG OFFERING

For North American Missions

Goal: $3,750.00 * Received: $4,302.85

OVER AND ABOVE OFFERING

For Sanctuary Heating and Air

Over and Above Fund Balance: $17,634.28

A PLACE TO GROW AND BELONG!

Join us this Sunday for Bible Study! There is a small group for everyone. Stop by the Welcome Center if you need help knowing which class would best meet your needs.

CHURCH PLANTING IN MOSCOW

Brad Stamey, who was featured in the Week of Prayer materials this past December, will be our guest speaker this Sunday morning, April 13. Brad and his wife Lori have three children and are on stateside assignment in NC. They have served for the past 10 years as missionaries in Moscow and will be returning to Moscow in August. Brad and Lori are friends of our pastor from when they studied together at Southern Seminary.

ANSWERING WITH HOPE

This Sunday night will be the second service in a series of services scattered throughout the year that focus on common questions and objections to the Christian faith. Many people look at the world and decide that they cannot believe in a powerful God of love when there is so much heartache, hurt and hatred. Where is God when terrible things happen? Join us as we look together at the problem of evil. “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” 1 Peter 3:15

CALLED CHURCH CONFERENCE

For the purpose of considering bids received by the Property Committee and the Grounds Committee

Sunday, April 13 * After the Evening Service

GIFTS TO THE GLORY OF GOD!

Over & Above Offering

In Memory of Mason Wofford

Kent & Tommie Jo McAbee

Annie Armstrong Offering

In Memory of Mae Craig

Ted & Susan Culbreath

Perry & Sara Ouzts

In Memory of Ginny Suggs

Ted & Susan Culbreath

BIBLE STUDY & STEWARDSHIP:

SUNDAY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE April 6

Preschool 6

Children 21

Youth 17

Adults 124

Total Attendance 168

BUDGET April 6 2008

Needs $ 8,280.00 $115,920.00

Offering $10,545.76 $106,822.96

Over/(Under) $ 2,265.76 ($ 9,097.04)

DESIGNATED FUNDS

Over and Above Offering $ 116.00

Annie Armstrong Offering $ 225.00

Designated Offering $ 161.00

Total Designated $ 502.00

TOTAL $ 11,047.76

THE CASE FOR CHRIST

Sunday, April 20 * 6:00 pm

When investigative journalist Lee Strobel set out on a journey to de-bunk the claims of Christ, he instead uncovered something wonderful... a life-changing faith. Join us and invite friends who have questions about Christianity for the film presentation of the best-selling book, The Case for Christ.

POWER PLAY

Presented by The Young Musicians

Sunday, April 27 * 6:00 pm

Join us as the children present the truths of God’s word through music and drama. Power Play tells the story of a young hockey team as they learn to trust God even in difficult circumstances.

SENIOR ADULT DAY LUNCHEON

Sunday, May 4

All Senior Adults are invited to a special luncheon that will be prepared in your honor. Simply let us know if you are coming so that we will know how much food to prepare. Please call to sign up through the Church Office. We look forward to a great time together.

GRADUATE RECOGNITION

We are preparing for Graduate Recognition Day on Sunday, May 25. If you know of someone who could be included in this service, please contact the church office.

MID-WEEK SERVICE

This Wednesday, April 9 * 6:30 pm

We will be studying Psalm 83!

PRAYER MEETING

We meet for prayer each Tuesday morning from

7:00 – 7:30 am. All are welcome!

CREATIVE ARTS MINISTRY

Children & Youth * This Sunday * 5:00 pm

Join us in the Youth Room each Sunday afternoon for fun with Sign Language, Puppets, Drama, and Interpretive Movement.

YOUTH GIRLS ENSEMBLE

This Sunday, April 13 * 5:00 pm

Youth that are interested in singing for the worship services are invited to come be part of this new group that is being formed. Marcia Ward will serve as the group’s director. This will take place as part of the Creative Arts Ministry offered each Sunday afternoon.

PROPERTY COMMITTEE

Wednesday, April 9 * 7:40 pm * Pastor’s Study

NEIGHBORHOOD WORK DAY

Saturday, April 26 * 8:00 am – 12:30 pm

We will meet at the church and divide into teams to do yard work and other household tasks for those in our church and community who need some assistance. We will conclude with lunch together at the church. Please sign up in advance if you will be able to take part so we will have an idea how many projects we can take on.

SOLDIER CARE BOXES

Items needed: Batteries (AA & AAA), Beef Jerky, Gallon Zip Lock Bags, Kool-Aid Singles, Cereal Bars/Granola Bars, Chewing Gum, Pocket Size Hand Wipes, Air Fresheners (no sprays), Funds for Shipping. Items will be shipped in June so that the soldiers can receive them the week of July 4^th. A collection box has been placed across from the Welcome Center.

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.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Outrigger Island: Living God’s Unshakeable Truth

June 9 - 13 * 9:00 am – 12:00 pm * Age 3 – Grade 5

Parents please mark your calendars and get ready for an incredible week! Contact the church office if you would like to help in this year’s VBS.

A Great Spiritual Awakening

PRAYER MEETING

Wednesday, April 9 * 12:00 Noon

At the corner of Hayne Street and Main Street

All women are invited to come and share in this time of prayer. Contact Dr. James Sloan, 476-2897, for more information.

GOLDEN AGE FELLOWSHIP

Wednesday, May 7 * 11:45 am

Our May program guest is Tom Crabtree from WSPA News 7. Join us for a great time of food, fellowship, and entertainment.

2^ND ANNUAL LADIES CONFERENCE

Saturday, May 3 * Brunch * 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Selma Baptist Church * Speaker: Kyla Rowland

Sign up through our church office before April 25.

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

Thursday, May 1

PRAYER! AMERICA’S STRENGTH & SHIELD

The LORD is my strength and my shield;

my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. Psalm 28:7

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.

OUTREACH MEETING

Wednesday, April 9 * 7:40 pm * Prayer Mtg. Room

THANKS!

Dear Church Family, Thank you so very much for the cards and prayers. My surgery went well. It is wonderful to be remembered. Thank you! Love, Madeline Garner

Dear First Baptist, Thank you for all your love and support during our difficult time. The meal you provided was delicious and a great help for our family. We feel so blessed to be part of this church family. Love, The Reynolds Family

Dear Church Family, Thank you for your prayers and for the cards that you sent from our church while I was in the hospital. I greatly appreciated all the names signed on the cards. May God bless you, Aurelia Brock

DAY BY DAY

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9

Life Walk - 2 Kings 4-8

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, Mid-Week Service – Psalm 83

7:40 pm Outreach Coordination Meeting

Property Committee Meeting

THURSDAY, APRIL 10

Life Walk – 2 Kings 9-12

7:00 pm Quilting Class

FRIDAY APRIL 11

Life Walk - 2 Kings 13-17

SATURDAY, APRIL 12

Life Walk – 2 Kings 18-21

SUNDAY, APRIL 13

9:00 am Handbell Practice

9:45 am Bible Study for All Ages

11:00 am Morning Worship Service

4:30 pm Diaconate Meeting

5:00 pm Creative Arts Ministry & Youth Girls Ensemble

6:00 pm Evening Worship Service

7:00 pm Called Church Conference

MONDAY, APRIL 14

Life Walk – 2 Kings 22-25

10:00 am Morning Mission Group

TUESDAY, APRIL 15

Life Walk – 1 Chronicles 1-9

7:00 am Prayer Meeting

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16

Life Walk - 1 Chronicles 10-16

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, Mid-Week Service

THURSDAY, APRIL 17

Life Walk – 1 Chronicles 17-21

7:00 pm Healing Heart Grief Support Group

FRIDAY APRIL 18

Life Walk - 1 Chronicles 22-27

SATURDAY, APRIL 19

Life Walk – 1 Chronicles 28-29

SHARING THE MINISTRY

Sunday, April 13

Greeters: S Scott, C Walker (f) M Elliott (o) L Harrill (p)

Counting Team: C Simpkins, Jr, J Bowie, K Brown

Sound Booth: S Rogers

Nursery: B Westmoreland B P Screening: L Turner

Ushers: T Culbreath, T Foster (f) M Green (o) L Fowler (p)

pm – M Elliott, P Elliott

Welcome Center: J Granger, J Harrill

Children’s Worship: K Smith, J McAbee, D Wash

FELLOWSHIP SUPPER

Wednesday, April 9

Pizza, Corn, Cookies, Tea Cost: $1.50