FIRST BAPTIST SEVIERVILLE | JANUARY 2013

Volume 72, No. 6

IN THIS ISSUE

From the Pastor’s HeartBro Dan shares about his upcoming sermon series for December.

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LCU 2013 A list of upcoming classes.

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First Thursday Reach Jerry Bear shares about a new ministry beginning at our church and how you can be involved.

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First Baptist Church of Sevierville’s Monthly Newsletter

LCU Winter/Spring 2013

Sundays

-Book by Book Through the Bible; 5:15pm/C322

If you’re looking for an in-depth study of Scripture,

this class is for you!

-Christian History Made Easy; 5:15pm/E229

Begins January 13. An entertaining tour through the most

important events in Christian history from the time of the

apostles to today.

Mondays -Precept upon Precept, Jeremiah Part 2 - God’s Certain

Judgment; 6:45pm/E218

Begins January 7. Learn what God’s message was to a

rebellious Judah as Babylonian exile loomed. Open to

newcomers.

Wednesdays -Single & Parenting; 6:00pm/C308 Begins January 9. Being a single parent can often leave

you feeling tired, overwhelmed and a bit under-

appreciated. This study will help you in so many ways plus

you will develop friendships with others in the same

situation.

-Financial Peace University; 6:00pm/E229

Begins January 9. This will set you on a course to financial

freedom. Cost is $45.

-The Easter Experience; 6:00pm/C302

Begins January 9. Experience the Easter story like never

before.

-The Greatest Week in History: Luke’s Account of the

Passion Week; 10:00am/Parlor

Begins January 9. A study of one of the greatest weeks

in history.

-Evangelism Class; 6:00pm/C303

Begins March 6. This class will help you discover the joy of

being equipped to share Jesus with those who

desperately need to hear.

-Becoming a Woman of Simplicity; 5:30pm/E220

Begins January 9. In a culture that pulls women in multiple

directions, is it possible to adjust priorities, reexamine your

time management, and reduce your busyness in exchange

for what is truly important..becoming like Jesus?

Dear First Baptist Family,

If you are reading this, the ancient Mayan calendar was wrong and the world has not ended. Thus God has given us the gift of another New Year and another opportunity to serve Jesus until He comes!

On the last Sunday of 2012, I will issue a new challenge for 2013 in regard to reading God’s Word every day. I want to offer a couple of tools to help you plan your time in the Scripture for the next 365 days.

In my experience, it is difficult to read and process more than one chapter of the Bible in a single sitting. There are benefits to reading large blocks of Scripture, as when one is reading through the Bible in a year, but to really study it for personal application and life-change, a chapter seems to be a good-sized portion.

I am going to provide a pamphlet containing 365 key Bible chapters, one for each day of 2013. The chapters are not presented chronologically, but they are organized by book. Old Testament and New Testament passages alternate, providing a variety of genre, authorship, and perspective. It will be a 365-day journey through God’s Word that will take you from Creation to Calvary, from Passover to Pentecost, and from Eden to Eternity. I am also going to provide a daily blog (via our church website) to offer some helpful questions, observations, and tips for personal application each day.

I hope you will accept the challenge of spending every day in God’s Word in 2013. If you do, you will set a course for spiritual vitality and growth. Decide to make God’s Word a priority and you will be rewarded with life-changing truth and valuable time in God’s presence.

I look forward to growing together with you in 2013 as we spend every day in God’s Word!

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

Proverbs

19:21

Church Office Holiday HoursNew Years - Closed January 1

Grief Share Resumes January 7; 6:00pm/Parlor

Triple L LuncheonTuesday, January 8; Noon/FLCBring a covered dish.

Children’s Choirs & Mission FriendsResumes January 9

Divorce CareResumes January 9; 6:30pm/E-234

Celebration Choir & Orchestra PracticeResumes January 9Orchestra practice; 6:45pmChoir practice; 7:30pm

PEP Moms Friday, January 18; 9:15am/ParlorJoin us for this time of food, fellowship and devotion. Special Guest; Jeanne Davis. We will be making no-sew fleece blankets to donate to East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.

Children’s ChurchSunday, January 208:15am– 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

Upcoming Events

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

Year-End GivingContributions made to the church must be received in the church office by Monday, December 31, 2012 at 5:00pm, or postmarked no later than Monday, December 31, 2012 in order to receive contribution credit for 2012. Contributions may also be made online at www.fbcsev.org.

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Stewardship 2013Beginning in 2013, our church begins a new level of stewardship and communication. Every third month, you will receive a set of offering envelopes in the mail for the next three months. Each envelope will be personalized wth your name, number, and address to assure accurate recording of your contributions. Please mark the amount of your gift clearly on the outside of the envelopes.Online giving is also available as a means of contributing to FBC. This may be done from our church website at www.fbcsev.org. One-time, occasional, or recurring donations may be made

online. Giving is simple and secure. Online donations will also be included on your record of contributions. Regular financial support of your church is part of stewardship. We thank you for your regular giving, regardless of which method you use. Your continued support allows the church to continue and improve existing programs as well as create new ones to minister to our church family, community and the world.

Jan.2013

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Kent ThomasLouise Parrott George & Peggy SeatonClyde & Jane Blalock Dan & Kim BlalockPRAYER ROOMNovie Thomas Milford & Shirley Blair Pat Loepp Robert & Doris Schodt Brenda Phillips Judy Harrell Gene & Annette

Carpenter Tom & Geraldine Jinks Gail Haggard New Horizons SS Class Mary Ownby Mr. & Mrs. Don Hopson Ron & Carolyn

McNeil Carpenter Glenn & Janice Bettis Jack & Polly Teague Thomas & Julie Mitchell Tammy & Ray Johnson Curtis & Shirley Sidden Donna & Jeff RolandMaymie Folden Jack & Polly TeagueNovie ThomasLouise ParrottFrances Bean Clell & Betty Jean KingHollis Hurst Larry & Lou LaFolletteCHRISTMAS STOREOur Dads Carl & Kathy FlynnLouise Parrott Tammy & Ray JohnsonIta BlalockKent ThomasRalph “Tip” Huskey Richard & Carol AtchleyIta BlalockKent ThomasNovie Thomas Jimmie & Marie Temple

Ed Glaspie Belva GlaspieFrances BeanLouise Parrott Joan K SmithIta BlalockBob JustusVelda SeagleJB HodgeLouise ParrottWiley NewmanSue ManningJulia Lowe Mike & Beverly OwnbyOur Parents Curtis & Shirley KingChandler &

Katie McMahan Katie McMahanMy parents; Milo

Connatser & Mable Connatser Lowe

Novie Thomas Ruby MaplesHobart Williams Mary OwnbyJames “Babe” Thurman Kay Atchley & Kristi LacyCharles Hodges Mike & Patsy McQueen,

Houston & Kristen Hodges, Chris & Hilary Ott

Lon Sutton Beulah SuttonBryan Blalock Jo BlalockTOMMY PARROTT

SCHOLARSHIPLouise Parrott Ola Mar Roberts & Family Rex & Louise Delozier Ruby Maples Bob & Diane McFarland Tom & Geraldine Jinks Mountain View

Baptist Church Reaford Terry Alder Branch

Baptist Church Max & Shirley Denton David & MaryAnn Yoakum Jimmy & Sheila Matthews Charles & Gail Fancher Mr. & Mrs. Billy Maples Milford & Shirley Blair Mr. & Mrs. David Goode Rush & Louise

Parrott’s neighbors

TRIBUTEDGIVING

Attendance Report 11/25/2012 12/2/2012 12/9/2012 12/16/2012 8:15am Worship 530 605 494 580 9:30am SS 1162 1308 1250 1122 10:45am Worship 1096 1115 1126 1098 6:30pm Worship 350 1332 307 438

Biblical Stewardship 11/25/2012 12/2/2012 12/9/2012 12/16/2012 Total Weekly Needs $ 86,177.00 $ 86,177.00 $ 86,177.00 $ 86,177.00 Tithes & Offerings 101,934.97 79,565.75 85,300.17 91,791.38 Building Fund 211.00 506.00 1,701.00 796.00 Designated Fund 6,283.55 20,837.61 39,677.75 26,148.74

New MembersElmer TrenthamMarcus WatsonWill ClaboFaith Marie HicksPerry, Valerie, Macye, Dylan & Blayne TurnbullJenna NaveCaleb KnightGinger DixonWhitney DufferTom RagerJasmine NeelyTiffany HodgeSydney FinchumSydney Myers

Recently HospitalizedDavid JohnsonJames “Jim” HatcherGary PerkinsSaundra SaulsBillie AtchleyJohnnie CarverKathryn ‘Katie” HendersonEd BaileyJanice CastleRush ParrottElijah “Regen” MorrisRobin Collins MatyczykEmily Grace McCarter

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

Family of Mike Shultz

• The following families wish to express their appreciation for support from the church: Claire & Phil Morrison

• Cora Terrell in the passing of her son-in-law, Daniel Wilson

• Larry Kelly in the passing of his grandmother

• Jimmy Lee in the passing of his mother, Bobbie Lee

• Bruce Parker in the passing of his step-father

• Donna Justus in the passing of her sister

• Shirley King in the passing of her brother-in-law, Bob Justus

• Whitney Rowell in the passing of her grandfather

• Jennifer Bush in the passing of her brother, Michael Shultz

• Joy Trim in the passing of her mother, Evelyn Collins

• Tina Marshall in the passing of her uncle, Buddy BranamThank You Notes

Sympathy to

Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Chambers

Betty Kyker Rebecca Campell Larry & Charlene Castle Clyde & June Ward Sam & Kay Justus Dwight & Elaine Stokes Leland & Jennifer Bush Joe & Libby Williams Imanelle Hardin Loy & Ronda Whaley Linda MullinsLouise Parrott Lyle & Judy Pat OverbayCARE/FIRST REACH/

PRAYER ROOMLouise Parrott William & Wanda RandlesPARK ROAD PROJECTNovie ThomasLouise Parrott Jo BlalockRalph “Tip” HuskeyNovie Thomas Charles & Gail FancherJB HodgeVelda SeagleEvelyn CulvahouseKent ThomasAudrey SproutIta BlalockBob Dooley Lyle & Judy Pat OverbayLOTTIE MOONHoney Gregg & Tracy PriceFrances BeanLouise Parrott Joan K SmithNancy Palmer’s Birthday Thelma KellyLouise Parrott Don & Marjorie

LeatherwoodBryan Blalock Jo BlalockRev & Mrs. George WatsonBeulah & Amos McCarter Bob & Diane McFarlandOur son-in-law; Lonnie

Galyon & grandson; Lowell Meade

Rex & Louise DelozierMy mother Doris Trentham Carolyn FineCarroll & Faye King Connie King

Our grandmother; Ellen Pace & our parents; Charlie & Grace Justus

Sam & Kay JustusOur fathers; Ben Cusick

& Wallace Layman Brent & Rebecca CusickMy Galyon &

Ownby family Helen OwnbyMr. & Mrs. Lyman

Delozier and Mr. & Mrs. OL Robinson

Melba DelozierBob Dooley Joe Woods SS ClassLIBRARYNovie ThomasLouise ParrottFrances BeanSandra Bell BalesMichael ShultzEvelyn CollinsIta BlalockDanny RawlingsMilford CliffordZina DavisBobby DedmonMaurice JeanMae Ownby KeenerLeoda WhaleyCharles WolfeRobert J RuppZehna Ann PhillipsHollis HurstMartin SwindleKent Thomas First Baptist ChurchMUSIC MINISTRYLouise Parrott Gail HaggardHELPING HANDSSusanne Gilbank Russell Shepherd GroupTV MINISTRYBob Dooley Mr. & Mrs. David GoodeMISSIONSLouise Parrott Harold & Wilma Helton

IN HONORWORLD HUNGERNorma Headrick Pat Holt-Myers

BUDGETVeterans; my brother,

Eddie Allen & husband, Lon Sutton

Beulah SuttonOur Son-in-law’s Birthday Conley & Carolyn MurellCHRISTMAS STOREMarie Temple Her SS classOur Children &

Grandchildren David & Dorothy JohnsonTom & Joyce Morgan Sam & Kay JustusOur Children Curtis & Shirley KingGrandchildren; Lynnzie

McCarter, Addie Cate McCarter, McKenzie Cate Martin, Kelsey Martin

JB & Shirley MatthewsJoe & Libby Williams Ralph & Margaret DavisLOTTIE MOONOur 55th Wedding

Anniversary Larry & Magdalene FoxNorma Headrick Thelma KellyHELPING HANDSBobby & Janice Castle and

Lynn & Charlene Abbott Larry & Charlene CastleBUILDINGOur Children &

Grandchildren Rex & Louise Delozier

IN MEMORYBUDGETHoney Gregg & Tracy PriceJB HodgeMichael Shultz Shirley MatthewsNovie Thomas Dave & Dink Tino Tennessee State BankNovie ThomasLouise Parrott Phil & Karen OwnbyLouise Parrott Melanie Jones Belva Glaspie Katie Blalock Buddy or Carolyn GlennLon Sutton Beulah SuttonGeorge Headrick Barbara HeadrickBob Dooley Joe & Jean WoodsRobert DelozierLouise Parrott Melba DelozierBUILDINGNovie Thomas Leah BrackinsFrank Myers Donald Brackins Leah Brackins

First Thursday Reach Jerry Hyder Associate Pastor of Adults

Years ago as a college student, I had a friend who had a cynical philosophy on dating and relationships. His favorite saying was “love them and leave them.” Unfortunately, that same approach can happen in other relationships today if we aren’t careful. I am so thankful to be a part of a church family that really cares about people. I see it daily as I visit people in the hospital or call to talk and pray with them. Pastor Dan and Scott Andrews shared with me about a recent hospital visit they made with someone new to our church and community. This person shared with them how their Sunday School Class had been so great to check on them and help their family during this difficult time in their lives. I have had medical staff at our area hospitals tell me that they recognize the prayer grams from our church when they enter a patient’s room. Often their comment is that “we are a caring church” and “I know your church is praying for them.”

Did you know we have 335 church members over the age of 75? Have you ever noticed our church Prayer List keeps getting longer and longer with people having difficult health and medical issues? Regardless the age of a church

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Send questions or comments to newsletter@fbcsev.org

There I saw true genuine Christians praising, worshiping, and adoring God, the very same God we know and love here in America. I finally realized that God has never been and will never be contained. He is bigger than America, the World, and even our Universe. As a matter of fact, He is eternal and we should praise Him for it!

What am I trying to say? Here it is...are you ready? God is Good! He is actually so much more and I could go on all day because He is Indescribable. From this, I know that God has called me to go and He has a plan to use me in a mighty way in China. I couldn’t be any more excited about that! As you read this, please know that God not only has a plan for me, but He also has a plan for you. No matter what that plan is, it will always be about making Himself known and Him

member, there are times after a surgery or illness that require a long recovery time before they are able to return to normal activities. It’s so important to stay connected to our church family when for different reasons they’re unable to attend church services. Imagine how you would feel if the joy of attending church was taken away from you because of illness or other issues.

We really want to strive to stay in contact with church family when they’re not able to physically attend church. Our pastors and Sunday school classes make contacts and then our deacons do a great job on Tuesday nights at CARE. However, some of our visits need to take place during daytime hours because of the situation of the church member. In order to meet this need, we are starting once-a-month visitations to make these contacts and visits.

We are calling this new visitation effort First Thursday Reach. This will take place on the first Thursday afternoon of each month except in January and July. We will meet at the church at 1:00 pm, get our assignments, go in teams, make our visits and report back to the church at 3:00 pm. If you’re interested in volunteering,

we’ll be having information and training meetings on January 17, 24, or 31 at 1:00 pm in the Church Parlor. You only need to attend one of these meetings. You will also be able to find out more information at the Welcome Center or by contacting the church office.

This area of ministry has been a great prayer concern of mine for several years. I have communicated with other churches, shared ideas with our church staff, members and have researched options. I’m excited about this unique ministry opportunity. Will you pray with me and consider helping us?

It is a joy to work with you as we serve the Lord together helping people. We are blessed to be a blessing to others!

being glorified through you.

If you think that God can’t use you in another country or even right here in Tennessee, I challenge you to go to our heavenly Father and ask Him to show you how He can use you. As you do that, please keep me in your prayers as I travel to China and spend 18 months living there. I need all the prayers I can get!

Please, please, please join in on God’s work in China and join my team as a prayer warrior. Pray for the Gospel to be shared and understood and for God’s name to be made known and glorified!

The Great CommissionCorey WatsonChildren’s Ministry Intern

I am just about ready to head off to China and it seems like the time for my departure couldn’t have come any quicker. It is funny when I sit back and think about it. If someone would have asked me about going to China a couple years ago as a Christian (let alone as a non-Christian five years ago), I would have said, “Those kind of trips are for more spiritual and stronger Christians. There is no way I could do that.” I was right...we humans can’t do anything on our own, but I was wrong in thinking that our God, our Creator couldn’t use me anywhere else in the world except right here in my own home state and city. I think it really hit me when I was in New Zealand on a mission trip last summer.

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

Roland MaddoxExec. Associate 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 Young Adults and Discipleship

Royce BaileyAssoc. Pastor of Children

Clark ByramBusiness Administrator Contact UsSenior Staff

fbcsev.org

info@fbcsev.org

facebook.com/fbcsev

twitter.com/fbcsev

Pastor on Call(865) 453-9257

Prayer Line(865) 429-PRAY