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

March 7, 2007

___________________________________________________________________

 

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

JESUS OPENS OUR EYES

John 9:1-41

Morning Worship Service

WADING IN THE RIVER OF GRACE

Teaching Your Child to Apologize

Evening Worship Service

MAKING RESTITUTION

What Can I Do to Make it Right?

 

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

     Mattie Sue Pugh, 3-11        Keith Weaver, 3-15

     Sheila Stribling, 3-11         Adam Hix, 3-15

     Emma Hughes, 3-12           Jimmy Godfrey, 3-16

     Trey Richards, 3-13           Steven Teague, 3-16

     Kristin Lanford, 3-13        Christopher Blanton, 3-16

     Ken Robertson, 3-14           

CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY

We extend our love and prayerful support to

Altonia Skinner in the death of her sister.

 

TEAM IMPACT

Community Evangelistic Services * April 11-13

This spring a group of “strong” people will be in our community performing incredible feats of strength.  They will conduct “Character Building” assemblies at the schools & evangelistic services in the evening.  The services will be held at Woodruff High School.  We are looking for God to do great things.  Listed below are some of the preparation meetings.  All of these begin at 7:00 pm.  Ushers, Counselors, and folks willing to provide Hospitability are needed.  Join in these efforts as we seek to reach the lost in our community.

March 8 - Community Prayer Meeting, FBC, Switzer

March 15 – Counselor Training, Bellview Baptist Church

March 22 – Planning, Cornerstone Baptist Church

March 29 – Counselor Training, FBC, Switzer

April 9 – Community Prayer Meeting, Cornerstone Baptist

 

American Cancer Society

RELAY FOR LIFE

Would you like to be part of the team from our church that works to raise funds to fight cancer?  Information packets are available in the church office.  This year’s Relay will begin on June 8 and will be held at Woodruff Middle School.

 

 

MEN’S MINISTRY PROJECT

A group of men from our church plan to go to Camp McCall on a Friday and Saturday in mid to late April to help with repairs for the camping season.  If you would like to be part of this group, please contact Tony Brown.

 

 

                                  

LENTEN MEAL

Sunday, March 18  *  6:00 pm

First Presbyterian Church

Bring a covered-dish as we enjoy worship, fellowship, and good food with our friends from Emma Gray Memorial United Methodist Church and First Presbyterian Church.  This will take the place of our regular activities that night at First Baptist.

 

PRAYER MEETING

Each Tuesday * 7:00 – 7:30 am * All are welcome!

 

GOLDEN AGE FELLOWSHIP

Wednesday, March 7 * 11:45 am

Program Guest:  Lindsey O’Rear

Join with us for great food and fellowship!

 

PROMISE KEEPERS

August 3-4 * Columbia, SC

Flood:  Energizing Men of Integrity!

Registration is $59.00 (until March 15).

 

OVER AND ABOVE OFFERING

“I believe something extra-ordinary is possible!”

Project #5 – Back Parking Lot Construction

Estimated Cost:  $254,661.75

Fund Balance:   $72,783.79

 

Answer His Call!

Tell His Story!

Change Your World!

The Annie Armstrong offering goes to support missionaries throughout North America.  Why do we have a North American Missions Emphasis?  Because 7 out of every 10 people in North America do not have a saving relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Church Goal:  $3,600.00 * Received to Date:  $1,535.00

 

ATTENDANCE AND OFFERING:

                Sunday School Attendance for March 4

Preschool                                      5

Children                                       26

Youth                                          25

Adults                                        135

Total Attendance                       191

BUDGET                                    March 4                   2007

  Needs                                     $   7,969.00           $   71,721.00

  Offering                                 $ 13,920.70           $   71,949.21

 Over/(Under)                          $   5,951.70           $        228.21

DESIGNATED FUNDS                 

  Over and Above Offering      $   1,352.70

  Annie Armstrong Offering    $      845.00

  Designated Offering              $      742.80

  Total Designated                    $   2,940.50

TOTAL                                                                 $ 16,861.20

  

Over and Above

“I believe something extra-ordinary is possible!”

          At our church conference this past Sunday morning, the church voted to proceed with recommendations for the demolition and re-construction of our back parking lot.  Joe Vaughn of Vaughn Curbing Company, LLC will oversee each aspect of the project.  Work will begin as soon as possible.  If the weather is good, the project is estimated to take between 6 to 8 weeks.  We will not have the use of our back parking lot during that time.  We will use the entry way on the S. J. Workman side of the building during the week and for drop off and pick up on Wednesday nights.  On Sundays, we encourage everyone who is able to do so to park at the High School so that our front parking spaces would be left for visitors, the elderly and the handicapped.

          The costs of this project challenge us to “dig deep” in our “over and above” giving.  If we can help it, we do not want to borrow money or deplete funds that may be needed in an emergency.  We have a window between now and when the project is complete.  To strengthen our enthusiasm, the deacons are encouraging Sunday School classes and groups within the church to plan projects that will provide opportunities for fellowship and involvement as we seek “tackle” this opportunity together.  In that spirit, the deacons will be hosting a supper and entertainment on Saturday night, March 24 beginning at 6:00 pm to encourage donations to the parking lot project.  It is our prayer that this effort and the efforts of each class and group will pull us even closer together as we work to see great things accomplished.  To God be the glory!

 

SATURDAY SUPPER AND SINGING

Saturday, March 24 * 6:00 pm

Join us for a great time of food, fellowship, inspiration and entertainment.  Sponsored by our deacons, donations will go toward the Back Parking Lot project.  A good time will be had by all.  Mark your calendar and plan to be with us!

 

MID WEEK SERVICE

Wednesday, March 7  *  6:30 pm

This Wednesday, we begin a study of the Book of Nehemiah.  Themes include spiritual renewal, perseverance, overcoming obstacles, teamwork, the power of prayer and Christian leadership.  Please join with us for fellowship, Bible study and prayer.

 

PAUL BROWN

To serve on the World Changers Summer Staff

Paul Brown will be serving with the North American Mission Board this summer as the Media Person on one of the teams of Summer Staff that manage the World Changer mission projects.  He will be traveling to different projects throughout the summer.  We give thanks for Paul’s desire to use his gifts to reach people for Christ.  Pray for Paul as he prepares for the way God will work this summer.

 

 

LOOKING AHEAD – SUMMER 2007

May 28 – June 1  *  Youth Beach Retreat

June 11 – 15  *  Vacation Bible School

June 23 – 30  *  World Changers Mission Trip

July 9 – 14  *  National Acteens Convention

August 3 - 4  *  Promise Keepers Conference

 

 

NEWSLETTER ON THE WEB

Our newsletter is posted on our church web site.  Send us an email if you would like to be notified each week when the newsletter is updated. 

 

GIFTS TO THE GLORY OF GOD!

Over & Above Offering

 

In Honor of My Church

Thelma Patton

 

In Memory of John & Olive Stribling

Rex & Jan Skinner

 

In Memory of Steve Stephens

Telewene, Tom & Lewis Stephens

Wallace & Cathy Grubbs

Hugh & Margaret Murphy

 

In Memory of Lois Sumner

CN & Liz Mason

 

In Memory of Jackie Turner

Tommy & JoAnne Westmoreland

 

In Memory of Alton Skinner

In Memory of Charlie & Mary Lee Skinner

In Memory of Rex Skinner & Drucilla Skinner Rogers

Hugh & Margaret Murphy

 

In Memory of Sylvia Flynn

The Sumner Family

 

Annie Armstrong Offering

 

In Honor of Docia Sloan

Gleaners Sunday School Class

 

In Memory of Steve Stephens

Bud & Emmie Workman

 

In Memory of Willie Mae Roper

Ginny Suggs       Rebecca Lanford

Anne Williams             Jessie Smith

Tommy & JoAnne Westmoreland

Henry & Jean Casey

Bobby & Cheryl Dover

Mark & Kathleen Soza

Billy & Martha Jean Lanford

Morning Mission Group

Joann Laster & Isabel Lanford

Daylight Saving Time

comes early this year!

Set your clocks ahead 1 hour this Saturday!

 

 

Daylight Saving Time

comes early this year!

Set your clocks ahead 1 hour

this Saturday!

 

 

DAY BY DAY

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7

  9:00 am   MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)

11:45 am   Golden Age Fellowship

  5:15 pm   Fellowship Supper

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

  6:30 pm   Mid-Week Service, Adult Choir Rehearsal

Mission Friends, GA’s, RA’s, Acteens, Challengers

THURSDAY, MARCH 8

  7:00 pm  Community Prayer Meeting – First Baptist, Switzer

SUNDAY, MARCH 11 (Daylight Saving Time Begins)

  9:00 am   Handbell Practice

  9:45 am   Sunday School

11:00 am   Morning Worship Service

  6:00 pm   Evening Worship Service

  7:00 pm   Youth SNAC

MONDAY, MARCH 12

10:00 am   Morning Mission Group

TUESDAY, MARCH 13

  7:00 am   Prayer Meeting

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14

  5:15 pm   Fellowship Supper

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

  6:30 pm   Mid-Week Service, Adult Choir Rehearsal

Mission Friends, GA’s, RA’s, Acteens, Challengers

THANK YOU!

Dear Church Family, Thank you for making the Soup & Sandwich Luncheon a success.  Your generous donations helped us raise $656.  We are grateful for your monetary support, but most of all your continued prayers as we prepare for our trip to Kansas City this summer.  NAC Acteens and Parents

To My Kind Friends at First Baptist Church,  Your kindness and thoughtfulness to my family during the homegoing of my precious mama will always be a treasure.  Your many acts of love reminded us how very much you all cared.  A special thanks to our FBC ladies who prepared a delightful meal.  So many treasures expressed to our family – we will keep them close to our hearts!  The Family of Willie Mae Roper,

                     Ginny Suggs, Pinkie Frady, & Frances Knight

 

THE TRIVIA QUESTION

This week’s question:  Which of our former pastors was instrumental in the formation of both First Baptist Church, Greenville, and First Baptist Church, Spartanburg?

Last week’s question:  In 1926, Vacation Bible School is mentioned for the first time in our church records.  That year we had more students enrolled in VBS than any other time in church history.  How many students were enrolled?  Approximately 525 students were enrolled.  It was thought to be the largest Bible School that year in South Carolina.

  

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

 

SHARING THE MINISTRY

Sunday, March 11

Greeters

L Turner, S Scott (f), P Elliott (o), R Rhodes (p)

                       Counting Team                         Sound Booth  

             R Tipton, C & S Walker                     S Rogers

Nursery – J Bonds, C Culbreath     pm – N Skinner

Ushers

T Culbreath, T Foster (f), L Craig (o), K Reynolds (p)

pm –  K Smith, M Orias

      Welcome Center                      Blood Pressure Screening

                 J Granger, J Harrill                            C Schlock

Children’s Worship

K Smith, C Fortner, P Sumner

 

 

FELLOWSHIP SUPPER

Wednesday, March 7

Hot Dogs, Chips, Cookies, Tea               Cost:  $1.50

 

A PLACE TO GROW AND BELONG!

Join us this Sunday for Bible Study!  There is a small group for everybody.  Contact the church office or stop by the Welcome Center if you need help knowing which class would best meet your needs.