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

May 24, 2006

"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!

Sunday School

MARY: UNWAVERING FOCUS

Luke 10:38-42; John 12:1-8

Morning Worship Service

Memorial Day Observance

LIFE AND DEATH

Philippians 1:21

Evening Worship Service

FACT OR FICTION

Navigating the Claims of Truth in Religion

A Case study Comparing Christianity and

Jehovah’s Witnesses

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

                    Skip Scott, 5-28 Kemp Smith, 5-31

Liz Tipton. 5-29 Mike Elliott, 5-31

                    Nathan Craig, 5-29 Scott Lawson, 6-1

                    Alison Patton, 5-30 Tara Godfrey, 6-1

Ethel Chumley, 5-30 Devin Osborne, 6-2

                    Jolene Brown, 5-31 Milton Smith, 6-3

CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY

We express our love and prayerful support to:

Sara Mudge and Family

in the death of her son, Gerald Gregory;

Genia Sumner and Family

in the death of her nephew, Johnny Frey;

Mary Wall and Family

in the death of her aunt, Hattie Loftis.

40 DAYS OF COMMUNITY

September 24 – November 11, 2006

Back in 2004, our church family was blessed as we participated together in 40 Days of Purpose. This fall we will take the next step. 40 Days of Community focuses on how we can help one another. The devotionals, Bible studies, Scripture memory, and worship services will respond to the question, “What on earth are we here for?” Please be praying that the Lord will use this emphasis in a powerful way.

Everyone will need a copy of the 40 Days of Community Workbook: Better Together. The workbook includes 40 Days of Devotions, 40 Days of Journaling, and the Small Group Study Guide. These may be purchased in the church office at a cost of $7.00. We encourage you, if you are able, to purchase one for yourself and one for a friend. Different workbooks for youth and children will be provided. We can also order copies of The Purpose Driven Life (The devotional guide for 40 Days of Purpose) at a cost of $7.00. You may want to consider using it in your devotions this summer as we prepare for what God will do this fall.

GIFTS TO THE GLORY OF GOD!

In Honor of Hattie Pattillo’s 95^th Birthday

Ed & Dixie Smith

Bob & Julia Howard

Loree C Anderson

Ronald & Wylene Bailey

Holli Findt

Over & Above Offering

In Memory of Sarah Willard

Anne Williams

In Memory of Jake Hames

Rick & Sadie Norwood

Mrs William Elliott

Earl, Rossie & Harold Sherbert

Mr & Mrs James R Thompson

Jeanne S Mulvaney

Vahl, Betty & Laurie Wilson

John & Mary Ann Murphy

Spartanburg County School District #1

Annie Armstrong Offering

In Honor of the Class of 2006:

May the World be their Mission Field!

Randy & Linda Rhodes

In Honor of Jo Granger

Thelma Patton

In Memory of Jake Hames

Richard & Mary Ruth McAbee

Choir Robe Fund In Memory of Elynor Bryson

Robert & Evelyn Bryson

Jim & Kay Young

ANNIE ARMSTRONG OFFERING

Church Goal: $3,200.00 Given to Date: $3,546.95

OVER AND ABOVE OFFERING

For the Paving of the Church Parking Lots

Given to date: $28,577.86

TITHES, OFFERINGS AND S. S. ATTENDANCE

Preschool 9

Children 26

Youth 40

Ext SS 5

Adults 124

Total Attendance 204

BUDGET May 21 Year to Date

    Needs $ 7,555.00 $ 158,655.00

    Offering $ 6,640.56 $ 158,866.11

    Over/(Under) ($ 914.44) $ 211.11

DESIGNATED FUNDS

    Over and Above Offering $ 536.00

    Annie Armstrong Offering $ 460.00

    Designated Offerings $ 621.15

      Total Designated $1,617.15

TOTAL $ 8,257.71

End of the School Year Celebration

FAMILY FUN NIGHT!

This Wednesday, May 24 * 5:30 – 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. All are welcome! This year’s event features: The Moon Walk, The Water Slide*, The Dunking Booth, The Giant Slide, Corn Dogs, Chips, Sweets, and Drinks.

*Bring a towel and a change of clothes.

NUTS ABOUT CHILDREN

Friday, June 2 * 5:00 – 10:00 pm

In an effort to raise money for the National Acteens Convention, the Acteens are offering a Parents Night Out. Bring your children, ages 2 through 5^th grade, to the church for pizza, a movie and crafts. Donna Hembree and a team of Acteens will be here to care for the children. The cost is $20 for one child and $5 for each additional child. If you have any questions, please call Donna Hembree or the church office. If you would like to take advantage of this service, please call the church office to sign up by Wednesday, May 31.

Spartanburg County Baptist Network’s

EVELYN HENDERSON OFFERING

During May & June, our Network will be receiving a special offering to provide honorariums to summer missionaries, pay expenses from the On Mission Celebration, & to strengthen our Network’s ability to meet regular ministry needs. Please consider what you can do to help with mission work here in our county.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Artic Edge: Where Adventure Meets Courage

June 26 – 30 * 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

We are preparing for an incredible week!

Parents: Please call the church office if your child will need transportation to or from the day care centers.

JUNE CLEAN UP PROJECT

The Morning Mission Group, along with the Spartanburg Baptist Network, is sponsoring a collection project. The following items will be used for local ministries and for the Fair Ministry: bars of soap, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, razors, brushes, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, wash clothes, towels and band-aids. Collection boxes will be placed in the foyers through June 25.

CASUAL SUMMER

Memorial Day to Labor Day

Casual Summer begins this Sunday. Please feel free to dress comfortably. We want everyone to feel welcome and at ease.

With Love and Appreciation For

KELLY SMITH!

We give thanks to God for Kelly and for her ministry to our church and with our children, youth, and senior adults. The Lord has richly blessed Kelly’s work and we have seen tremendous numerical and spiritual growth under her faithful leadership. Kelly joined our church staff on May 27, 2001 and will begin her 6th year of service this week. We are so grateful for the way that God has been at work through her. Pray for her daily as she seeks to reflect Christ’s love and to make a difference in hearts and lives.

WELCOME HEATHER ELLIOTT!

As Our Summer Worker

The Personnel Committee is pleased to announce that Heather Elliott will join our church staff in June as our Summer Worker. This will be Heather’s second summer to serve in this position. Heather is married to Patrick Elliott. Her father, Rev. Lee Fix, is the Children’s Minister at Evangel Cathedral. The Summer Worker position is an eight week commitment designed to enhance our ministry to preschoolers, children, & youth. Please be praying for Heather as she serves this summer.

GARDEN CITY YOUTH RETREAT

Monday – Friday, May 29 – June 2

Please be in prayer for the youth and adults who will be part of this retreat. Pray for their spiritual growth & safety as they take part in Bible Study, spiritual challenges, & recreation. They will leave at 12:00 pm on Monday and return around 4:00 pm on Friday.

IMPROVING MEMORY

Tuesday, June 6 * 9:00 -11:00 am * Fellowship Hall

Our church will host a community event sponsored by Regional Community Services. Dr. Al Norwood, CEO of Behavior Science in Rochester, New York, will be the guest speaker. The cost of $10.00 will help cover expenses. Refreshments will be served. Call 577-4068 to register for this event.

HELP FOR CAREGIVERS

Whose Love Ones Are Suffering from Memory Impairment

Thursday, June 8 * 10:00 am – 12:00 pm * F. Hall

Dr. Al Norwood, CEO of Behavior Science in Rochester, New York, will be the guest speaker. There is no charge for this conference but you must register by calling 577-4068. Adult Care can be provided.

MID WEEK SERVICE

Wednesday, May 31 * 6:30 -7:30 pm

Rev. Robert Boggs, pastor at Emma Gray, will be our special guest and will be leading our Bible Study.

DAY BY DAY

WEDNESDAY, MAY 24

5:30 pm Family Fun Night begins

7:00 pm Family Fun Night ends

THURSDAY, MAY 25

8:00 am Aerobics

FRIDAY, MAY 26

8:00 am Aerobics

SUNDAY, MAY 28

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, MAY 29

Church Office Closed

12:00 pm Youth depart for Garden City

TUESDAY, MAY 30

7:00 am Prayer Meeting

8:00 am Aerobics

WEDNESDAY, MAY 31

6:30 pm Mid Week Service with Rev. Robert Boggs

THURSDAY, JUNE 1

8:00 am Aerobics

FRIDAY, JUNE 2

8:00 am Aerobics

4:00 pm Youth return from Garden City

5:00 pm Nuts About Children

FAITH FINDERS

For Age 3 to 5^th Grade * Beginning June 7

Summer Wednesday Nights * 6:30 – 7:30 pm

There will be games, crafts and discipleship! Please call the church office if you are interested in helping.

Be praying now for the

WOODRUFF COMMUNITY REVIVAL

September 17 – 21, 2006 * First Baptist Church

THANK YOU!

To Preacher Andrew, Ms Kelly and all of First Baptist Church, I would like to thank each of you for your support, phone calls, flowers and most of all, your prayers during my daughter’s, Amanda Tinker, recent knee surgery. We are extremely comforted to know that Amanda has such a loving and caring church family. She is truly blessed! Again, thank you so much! Sandy & Danny Simmons

Great appreciation is expressed to Skip, Pam & Bobby Scott, Randy & Linda Rhodes, Milton & Vicki Rae Smith for their work in preparing lunch for the graduates & their families. Because it was such a large gathering it would have been nearly impossible for them to have been served at a restaurant. Thank you so much for your efforts that provided great food & fellowship!

Many, many thanks to Milton, Vickie Rae, Morgan and Rae Smith for hosting the graduates at their home for breakfast. A great time was had by all!

Regular Office Hours:

Monday – Thursday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Friday 8:00 am – 12:30 pm

The Church Office will be closed on Memorial Day, Monday, May 29.

Email: office@woodruff1st.org

Web site: www.woodruff1st.org

Telephone: (864) 476-8171 Fax: (864) 476-3141

SHARING THE MINISTRY

Sunday, May 28

Greeters

J Young, Z Orias (f), R Tipton (o), S Ramey (p)

Counting Team Sound Booth

L Harrill, K & C Reynolds J Young

Nursery

S Lloyd, CA McAbee, J Yarbray

pm – A Smith

Ushers

L Robertson, L Fowler (f), C Willard (o), M Langdon (p)

pm – DJ O’Hara, D Craig

Welcome Center Blood Pressure Screening

A Henson, C Culbreath C Schlock, S Clark

Children’s Worship

W Lawson, R & T Anderson, D Langdon

PRAYER MEETING

Each Tuesday * 7:00 am * All are Welcome!