FIRST BAPTIST SEVIERVILLE | MAY 2013

Volume 76, No. 6

IN THIS ISSUE

We Will Understand it Better By and By. Bro Dan encourages us to rely on Christ and the hope He brings.

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Our Littlest MissionariesElaine Cutshaw shares how our 3 year olds share the Gospel.

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Graduating Change Nick Campbell encourages graduates with all the changes that will come their way.

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First Baptist Church of Sevierville’s Monthly Newsletter

Our Littlest MissionariesElaine Cutshaw

Teaching three-year-old Mission Friends is always a learning experience for me. Recently, our lesson plan was taken from an article in the February 20, 2013 Baptist and Reflector. The lesson focused on how “Annie Armstrong believed in Christ with all her heart, but it was her hands that expressed that belief.” The article explained how she spent countless hours typing and writing letters. According to the article, in 1893, she wrote 18,000 letters in support of missions. She used her hands to give loving hugs and to distribute food and clothing to the needy. Her hands, also, held her Bible as she studied, and she folded her hands in prayer for missionaries.

The article reminded me of how the three-year-old Mission Friends have used their hands this year as missionaries. They are too little to write letters, but the children used their hands to create offering envelopes to collect money to support missionaries. In the fall, they used their hands to deliver many cans of food to the church’s food pantry. In February, they used their hands to collect a huge bag of gloves, hats and scarves to distribute to those in need. And of course, each week we folded our hands in prayer for missionaries in class and hopefully, at home as well. The parents are the ones who are growing these littlest missionaries to love the Lord and who are also demonstrating to each of them the desire to serve Him by using their hands.

Thank you Mission Friends’ families for being such an encouragement to me to serve the Lord with my hands.

As I write this article, I have been watching news reports of the Boston Marathon tragedy that happened on April 15. The senseless violence and the loss of life is incomprehensible. We all feel the sadness of those who lost limbs and loved ones. We all pray for the many victims of this act of terror. As a pastor, I feel that my duty in times like this is to point you to a Holy God who cares about you and to the Holy Bible that reveals the truth about every situation.

Two things I know for sure: first, this tragedy was caused by sin, but one day all sin will be eradicated. The Bible teaches that when the first man, Adam, sinned against a holy God in the Garden of Eden, a chain reaction of sin was unleashed on this planet. Until then, there was no death or violence or terror. But that sin spread to all of Adam’s descendants, and it continues to produce terrorists and all kinds of other sinners (Romans 5:12).

The hope of the Gospel is that one day all sin will be eradicated. The Bible teaches that one day God will contain all sin in the darkness of hell. God will compress every particle of sin and evil into the lake of fire where every lost sinner and every demon and Satan himself will be contained forever. We have God’s word on it; that will happen some day. But it has not happened yet. Until that day, there will continue to be bombings and tragedies, but praise God, there will be an ultimate end to the cause of all evil.

Second, I know that true safety can only be found in Jesus Christ. Everyone is talking again about how we can make public places and events safer. I’m 100% for that, but the reality is that we cannot completely insulate ourselves from the effects of sin in this world. There is no guarantee of safety in this life. True safety can only be found in Jesus Christ, who left His place of safety in heaven and entered into this dangerous world of wars and terrorists and bombings. He subjected Himself to violence on the cross. The only innocent man to ever live died the most undeserving death so that He could give us the greatest safety of all – salvation and eternal security in the life to come.

Our Gospel-hope is that one day, God will straighten out everything. There is coming a day for believers when we won’t have to wonder about the mysteries of life and the unanswerable questions of evil. An old song helps to keep it in perspective: “Oft our cherished dreams have failed, disappointments have prevailed, and we’ve wandered in the darkness, heavy-hearted and alone. But we’re trusting in the Lord, and according to His Word, we will understand it better by and by. By and by, when the morning comes, when the saints of God are gathered home, we will tell the story how we’ve overcome; we will understand it better by and by.”

I love being your pastor!

Dan Spencer

Page 2 | First Baptist Church of Sevierville

From the Pastor’s Heart...

UP 6th Grade WeekendApril 30th and May 1st

Sign up in Sunday Schoolor call the church office

Philippians

2:13

Sonrise SeniorsTuesday, May 7; 9:00am/Parlor

Triple L LuncheonTuesday, May 14; Noon/FLCBring a covered dish.

6th Grade Up Weekend RetreatMay 17 & 18Sign up in Sunday School

Children’s ChurchSunday, May 198:15am– Grades K-6 will meet in the Chapel10:45am– Grades K-3 will meet in the Chapel,Grades 4-6 will meet in the FH

Graduate RecognitionSunday, May 19; 10:45 serviceIf you are graduating from high school or college and you would like to have your named called during the recognition please call Amanda in the church office by May 16.

His Kids presents - Blastoff!Sunday, May 19; 6:30pm

College Panama CityMay 20 - 24Cost is $225 per person. You can sign up in Sunday School, at Journey or in the church office.

Pure and Undefiled ReligionThere are 153 million orphans and 27 million slaves in the world. What can our church do? What can you do? Be here June 2.

Bible Land PilgrimageDr. & Mrs. Nelson Price will be leading an 11 day tour of the Holy Land, September 7-17, 2013. For more information email NLPrice@aol.com or call 770-422-2564. Deadline to register is June 1.

Upcoming Events

Special AnnouncementsOnline GivingContributions may be made online by visiting the church website at www.fbcsev.org. Giving is simple, easy and secure. 

Everyday in the WordReading God’s Word in 2013 with the Church family. Sign up at www.fbcsev.org to receive Brother Dan’s daily blog.

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Church Office Holiday HoursMemorial Day - ClosedJuly 4th - Closed

Crossover Houston-June 2-8, 2013This mission trip is part of the evangelistic effort of the Southern Baptist Convention. Possibilities include door to door witnessing, block parties and church community events. Approximate cost of this trip is $1200. If interested, please contact the missions office at 429-6303.

Caregiver Friends Monthly Schedule No Meeting in MayJune 9; Guest speaker: Casey Duncan/Wellington PlaceNo Meetings, July & August

Vacation Bible SchoolIf you have interest in working with VBS June 24-28 from 8:30am-12:30pm, please call Tammy in the church office.

May2013

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Emily CantwellFrank HamJames “Babe” ThurmanRhonda BreedenRush ParrottLouise Parrott Mike & Beverly OwnbyRush Parrott Leah & Donald BrackinsCHRISTMAS STOREAileen Loveday Rhonda Loveday

Breeden Judy BaileyMUSIC MINISTRYAndy Andrews Belva, Lisa &

Matt Glaspie Joe & Libby Williams Dale & Ruth Murrell Willis & Leigh Russell Bill & Clara Carroll Dot LaddBob Loy Marye RoseRush ParrottAndy Andrews Gail HaggardRush Parrott Katherine Welch Ruby MaplesANNIE ARMSTRONGEarl & Trula Lawson Sue LawsonRush & Louise Parrott Ben & Connie OgleRush ParrottPhilip Webb Richard & Carol AtchleyMISSIONSAndy Andrews Norman, Tammy &

Kristin Thomas

HELPING HANDSFrank Ham Helen Black Charles Lester Max & Anna Belle Lawhorn Larry & Melinda Stinson Marvin & Carolyn Fisher Billy & Lucy Maples HC Wilson Michael & Juneil Mathis Ronald & Ruth Houser Ed & Dee Jacquemin, Jr Richard & Patricia White Ira, Wayne & Marilyn

Johnson Gordon & Melanie Stevens William & Wanda Randles Betty George Russell’s Sunshine

Fellowship Group Gail Haggard Jim Karen Koerten Debbie Sims Jim Tarwater Kay Atchley Tommy & Jennifer BushBillie & Wayne McFall Pat LoeppGary Lawson Jim TarwaterRush & Louise Parrott Rowena McFalls Joe & Jean WoodsKathleen Nix David & Dorothy JohnsonCHILDREN’S MUSICPaul & Ruth Galyon Robbie & Sandy FoxPRAYERPat Walker Sue LawsonDorothy Jensen Harold & Sue JensenLIBRARYAileen LovedayRhonda BreedenAndy AndrewsAnn FulcherWillie Mae WalkerCarl WiltEd BarnesFrank HamEunice HaspelEvelyn WhaleyWayne McFallBoyce JonesMary Gibson McCarter

TRIBUTEDGIVING

Attendance Report 3/24/2013 3/31/2013 4/7/2013 4/14/2013 8:15am Worship 565 1134 574 641 9:30am SS 1248 1425 1197 1289 10:45am Worship 1227 1738 1201 1142 6:30pm Worship 325 423 347

Biblical Stewardship 3/24/2013 3/31/2013 4/7/2013 4/14/2013 Total Weekly Needs $ 86,177.00 $ 86,177.00 $ 86,177.00 $ 86,177.00 Tithes & Offerings 78,133.60 74,871.21 95,501.28 99,373.39 Building Fund 621.00 825.00 1,171.00 395.00 Designated Fund 19,849.23 19,650.88 8,192.55 4,866.77

New MembersAndrew ChatrawAnnetta CopasPiper SuttonMeliah Grogan

Recently HospitalizedHugh HeltonTheresa MillerFred FlynnShirley MatthewsSam JustusArt BoyceJosephine KingJack SchneiderHelen FrostJohnny ThompsonGary CutshawMelissa ScholzMargaret “Ellen” DobbsJune WardCarolyn FineMarvin FisherGrady WilsonWillis WhaleyBobby CastleEd White

• The following families wish to express their deep appreciation to the church for kindness shown during their recent loss:

Sue Lawson

• The following families wish to express their appreciation for support from the church: June Ward Shirley Branam Greg Godby & family

• David Johnson & Evelyn Hass in the passing of their brother, Gene Johnson

• Lynn Caylor in the passing of her sister-in-law

• Susan Roberts in the passing of her father, Gustav “Skip” Floodquist

• Rich & Patsy Wallace in the passing of their son-in-law, Greg Hall

• Scott Andrews in the passing of his uncle

• Christie Allen in the passing of her son

• Jana Chapman in the passing of her mother, Leona May

• Mary Phillips in the passing of her aunt, Helen Parton

• Glenn Turner in the passing of his father, Glenn Turner, Jr.

• Family & friends in the passing of Wanda Barker

• Pat Palmer in the passing of her mother, Joan Sink

• Theresa Branham in the passing of her father, Melvin Branham

• Paul Frank in the passing of his grandfather, Audie Osborne

Thank You Notes

Sympathy to

Darold Sailor First Baptist ChurchLilly Farris’ Birthday Gary & Ethel HollenbaughPARK ROAD PROJECTPat WalkerRush ParrottDoyle FlynnAlan DillowBryan Blalock’s

75th Birthday Jo BlalockCARERush Parrott David & Margaret GoodeMOTHER’S DAY OFFERINGGertrude HaleAddie Broughton Kanetha BroughtonHOT MEALS FOR

HUNGRY HEARTSRush Parrott Jim & Joan SmithCHILDREN’S DEPTRush Parrott Ralph & Jenny ChanceTOMMY PARROTT

SCHOLARSHIPRush Parrott Rex & Louise Delozier Dale & Ruth Murrell Bob & Diane McFarland Tommy & Jennifer Bush

IN HONORBUDGETLessie Alderman’s Birthday Cecelia AldermanDavid & Margaret Goode Dan & Kim BlalockTommy McMahan’s

Birthday Thomas & Carolyn

McMahanPRAYER ROOMJohn Mohr’s Birthday Jan MohrMOTHER’S DAY OFFERING Shirley Broughton Kanetha BroughtonPARK ROAD PROJECTHailey Turner’s

100th Birthday Jo Blalock

IN MEMORYBUDGETHoneyAll of our Grandparents Gregg & Tracy PriceClyde & Jane Blalock Dan & Kim BlalockWilliam Glenn HendersonRush Parrott Bill & Clara Carroll Katie Blalock Dwight & Elaine StokesRush Parrott Buddy & Carolyn Glenn Charles & Sara Beth Hardin Mr. & Mrs. Loy Whaley Broadus & Gerri ParrottRush & Louise Parrott William & Janet JohnsonBUILDINGCorbin KingMarjorie MountLeona May Adult IV/Wallace SS ClassMarjorie King Rex & Louise DelozierJewell GlaspieAndy AndrewsDorothy Jensen

Graduating ChangeNick CampbellYouth Ministry Assistant: Middle School Emphasis

Graduation brings about a change in our lives. For most of you graduating from high schools means a continued pursuit of your education at a college or university. It means a little more freedom. No one is watching over you to make sure you do your homework, go to class, eat right, and choose the right friends. It is up to you.

For those graduating from college, it means a start to the rest of your life and independence from your parents. It means that you will, if you haven’t already, begin to pay your own bills, live in your own place, start your career in whatever field you choose, and work hard to provide for yourself, and at some point your family.

Graduation is a huge change in your life. But one thing that is constant and should remain the center of your life through these changes is your relationship with Christ and your commitment to the church. I found when I went to college that is was easy to not go to church, to let my personal relationship slide because I was focused on college and having

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Send questions or comments to newsletter@fbcsev.org

was going to take a miracle from God for me to go home again. People were praying for me…friends, family, coworkers, and people I did not even know. Slowly, things began to improve. The dialysis was working. After 2 weeks, I was taken off the respirator and dialysis stopped. After a month in the hospital, including nine days at Particia Neal Rehabilitation Center, we got our miracle. I was able to go home the day before Thanks-giving. At that point, I still required physical therapy and lots of rest. I was able to return to work at the beginning of February. There is hardly a day goes by that I’m not reminded of what happened and there is never a day goes by that I don’t praise God for what He has done for me. You see, my story doesn’t stop there. Before I got sick people were already praying for my marriage. My marriage of a year and a half was in trouble.

fun. When I graduated, I was almost overwhelmed with finding a job and getting out on my own that I let my relationship with Christ and my involvement with my local church slide.

This is exactly where the Devil wants you. Where your faith slides because you experience these monumental periods of change. He knows how easy it is to distract you with the world, with decisions, new places and new experiences that are readily available to you in your new-found freedom. But stay FAITHFUL. Let Christ be the center of your life, even more so in these periods of change. Draw close to Him!

2 Thessalonians 3:3 says “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.” Paul is telling the people at the church of Thessalonica to pray that the message of the Lord is spread rapidly, and to pray for protection for those spreading it. That is our call. That is our commission. We are to live lives which amplify the love of Jesus Christ to the world. What an amazing opportunity you have to do this during these periods of change in your life.

God will protect you, just be faithful to Him and to your commitment to Him by living out the mission He has given us: to tell the world who Jesus is, what He has done for us and how to follow Him!

I honestly believe that God needed to do something to get my attention…to open my eyes to what I had and what I was about to lose. Through my illness, I have become closer to my family, my husband, and my God. Through my illness, I was able to see just how much my husband really loves me. I wanted to share this story so that maybe someone will read it and come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ because of what He has done in my life. I want everyone to have the assurance of heaven because you never know when He may call you home. I could have very easily died from this experience but God has a bigger plan for me. He healed my body and my marriage and now I want to spend the rest of my days telling people about Him and what He did for me. God truly is the great physician and He is still in the miracle working business.

An Unforgettable JourneyRobin Matyczyk

In October 2012, I began a journey that I will never forget. A trip to the ER showed that I had a kidney stone. I was sent home with an antibiotic and pain medication. Instead of improving, I continued to get sicker. The very next day, I returned to the ER only to find out that the kidney stone had blocked my kidney and I was full of infection. I was diagnosed with sepsis…EColi was present in my system. I was immediately transported to Fort Sanders in Knoxville where a stint was placed in my right kidney. For me, the next two weeks are lost. All I know is what my family and the doctors told me later. I was placed on dialysis 24 hours a day for 9 days. I was also placed on a ventilator for respiratory failure. At this, point my fate was uncertain. Everyone knew it

Published monthly by First Baptist Church of Sevierville.Periodical postage paid at Sevierville, TN | 317 Parkway, TN 37862RETURN POSTAGE REQUESTEDPostmaster send form 3579 to “First Word,” 317 Parkway, Sevierville, TN 37862(865) 453-9001 | FAX (865) 428-3920 | fbcsev.org

(USPS 661-090)

Rev. Dan Spencer Senior Pastor

Scott AndrewsAssoc. Pastor of Worship

Jerry HyderAssoc. Pastor of Adults

Address317 Parkway Sevierville, TN 37862

Office HoursMonday- Friday8:00am - 5:00pm

Office Phone(865) 453-9001(865) 428-3920 (fax)

Scott CarterAssoc. Pastor of Youth

Craig MintzAssoc. Pastor of Discipleship

Royce BaileyAssoc. Pastor of Children

Clark ByramBusiness Administrator Contact UsSenior Staff

fbcsev.org

info@fbcsev.org

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Pastor on Call(865) 453-9257

Prayer Line(865) 429-PRAY