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 14, 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 TAKES CARE OF US

John 10:1-21

Morning Worship Service

WHY IS IT HARD TO FORGIVE?

Luke 17:3-5

Evening Worship Service

Mid-Lent Fellowship Meal & Service

First Presbyterian Church

 

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

     Ronnie Godfrey, 3-18           Grace Cooper, 3-21

     Johnny Osborne, 3-19          Ben Bailey, 3-22

     Dr Bud Workman, 3-20        Ruby Rhodes, 3-22

     Priscilla Miller, 3-20            Dot Tucker, 3-23

     Megan Robertson, 3-21        Rayni Wilson, 3-23

 

CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY

We extend our love and prayerful support to

The Family of Kathy James.

 

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 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 this Sunday night at First Baptist.

 

PRAYER MEETING

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

 

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:  $2,170.00

 

GIFTS TO THE GLORY OF GOD!

 

In Memory of Lucile Cook

Doris Anderson

 

Over & Above Offering

 

In Honor of the Parking Lot Committee

Jack & Ruby Rhodes

 

In Memory of Steve Stephens

 

Annie Armstrong Offering

 

In Honor of Tommie Jo McAbee

In Honor of Tommy & JoAnne Westmoreland

Sara Mudge

 

In Memory of Willie Mae Roper

Joann Laster & Isabel Lanford

 

ATTENDANCE AND OFFERING:

Sunday School Attendance for March 11

Preschool                                      5

Children                                       23

Youth                                          11

Adults                                        113

Total Attendance                       152

BUDGET                               March 11                   2007

  Needs                                $   7,969.00           $   79,690.00

  Offering                             $   8,382.61           $   80,331.82

 Over/(Under)                      $      413.61           $        641.82

DESIGNATED FUNDS                 

  Over and Above Offering      $   672.00

  Annie Armstrong Offering     $   635.00

  Designated Offering               $1,045.75

  Total Designated                    $2,352.75

TOTAL                                                          $ 10,735.36

OVER AND ABOVE OFFERING

“I believe something extra-ordinary is possible!”

Project #5 – Back Parking Lot Construction

Estimated Cost:  $ 254,661.75

Fund Balance:   $ 73,567.12

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 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!

 

PARKING LOT UPDATE

We are waiting for Duke Energy to disconnect power from our existing lights in the parking lot before the work can proceed.  Once we lose the use of the back parking lot, 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 will be left for visitors, the elderly and the handicapped.

 

MID WEEK SERVICE

Wednesday, March 7  *  6:30 pm

This Wednesday, we continue our study in 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.

 

PROMISE KEEPERS

August 3-4 * Columbia, SC

Flood:  Energizing Men of Integrity!

Registration is $59.00 (until March 15).

 

 

THE ULTIMATE GIFT

Our youth will be participating in special Bible study series during Youth Lighthouse on Wednesday nights that will feature clips from the movie, The Ultimate Gift, currently playing in theatres.  The story is about a billionaire grandfather who sets up a series of tasks that must be completed before his grandson can receive his inheritance.  The Bible study will give us the opportunity to discuss the relationship of money to happiness, the significance of a good work ethic, the meaning of true friendship, the gift of another day, life dreams and the gift of faith.  Please pray that God will use this study in a powerful way in the lives of our young people.

 

MARCH CHURCH CONFERENCE

Sunday, March 25 * After the Evening Service

If your group or committee would like to be included in the printed reports, please turn your information in to Debra before Wednesday, March 21.

 

HEALING HEART SUPPORT GROUP

3rd Thursday of each month * Church Library * 7:00 pm.  The group is open to all who have suffered a loss.

 

THE TRIVIA QUESTION

This week’s question:  What was the name of the first mission group for young people at our church?

Last week’s question:  Which of our former pastors was instrumental in the formation of both First Baptist Church, Greenville, and First Baptist Church, Spartanburg?  The Reverend Samuel Gibson served as our pastor from 1836-1838.  He was born in Woolrich, England in 1779 and landed with his wife, two small boys, a baby and his wife’s sisters in Charleston in 1817.  He played a part in the constitution of the First Baptist Church of Greenville in 1831 and went on to be their semi-monthly supply.  He was appointed ‘clerk pro tem’ of the presbytery when First Baptist Church, Spartanburg was constituted in 1839 and was the first to sign the certificate of constitution.

 

 

DAY BY DAY

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 15

  7:00 pm   Healing Heart Support Group – Library

  7:00 pm   Team Impact Counselor Training - Bellview

SUNDAY, MARCH 18

  9:00 am   Handbell Practice

  9:45 am   Sunday School

11:00 am   Morning Worship Service

  6:00 pm   Mid-Lent Fellowship Supper – 1st Presbyterian

MONDAY, MARCH 19

  7:00 pm   Martha Lewis Mission Group

TUESDAY, MARCH 20

  7:00 am   Prayer Meeting

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21

  9:00 am   MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)

  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 22

  7:00 pm   Team Impact Planning Meeting – Cornerstone

SATURDAY, MARCH 24

  6:00 pm   Saturday Supper and Singing

 

THANK YOU!

Thank you all for praying for Garrett and sending the cards.  Garrett is doing well.  2 Thessalonians 1:3

 God Bless you all,  Jayme, Erica, Dalton & Garrett Sparks

 

 

The Habitat Board joins with me in thanking First Baptist Church for the $100 donation.  Habitat for Humanity empowers low-income families by partnering with them to build decent, affordable housing.  Habitat does not give the houses away, but rather sells them to families in need through no-profit loans.  The majority of family members whose lives improve through Habitat housing are children.  For them, a decent place to live makes all the difference in the world.  Gifts such as yours help us with our goal of providing these houses.  Thank you again for your kindness. 

                                                        Sincerely, Marcella Page

 

 

THE LANGUAGE OF THE PENITENT

In the days before Easter our services continue to focus on humility and sincerity before God as we seek forgiveness.

Expressing Regret

“I am sorry!”

Accepting Responsibility

“I was wrong!”

Making Restitution

“What can I do to make it right?”

Genuinely Repenting

“I won’t do that again!”

Requesting Forgiveness

“Will you please forgive me?”

 

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 18

Greeters

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

                  Counting Team                         Sound Booth  

         R Tipton, C & S Walker                      S Scott

Nursery

J Waddell, K Soza

Ushers

K Schlock, S Stribling (f), M Green (o), D Bailey (p)

Welcome Center                      Blood Pressure Screening

     T & L Morgan                                   J Cooper

Children’s Worship

L Orias, L Craig, S Hix

 

FELLOWSHIP SUPPER

Wednesday, March 14

Pizza, Corn, 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.