FIRST BAPTIST SEVIERVILLE | SEPTEMBER 2012

Volume 68, No. 6

IN THIS ISSUE

From the Pastor’s HeartBro Dan encourages everyone to be active in Sunday school.

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On a MissionDominic Kendall emphasizes the importance of sharing the Word.

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LCU Info about some of the upcoming classes.

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First Baptist Church of Sevierville’s Monthly Newsletter

On a Mission Dominic Kendall Youth Intern

When you think “mission field” you may think of China, Nepal, or a similar place like these where Christians are outnumbered and the Gospel is criticized. Students and teachers alike are themselves entering one of the biggest mission fields on earth, school. Classes, homework, sporting events, tests, studying, and the occasional pop quiz are in the foreseeable future for most of us. We can so easily get entangled into the mundane repetitive schedule of going to class going home and not doing anything to impact the Kingdom of Christ. This is the very thing that grieves the heart of God.

We were called in the great commission to, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” ~Matthew 28:19-20

You don’t have to leave the country to fulfill this. Many of us can look around our classrooms and see people who are not believers. Many times in high school I had the opportunity to share the Gospel with someone and didn’t for one reason or another. To this day I can see their faces and regret the fact that because of my own fear or apathy I missed out on sharing the Gospel with them. Thankfully the Lord still opens doors and this year we all have the chance to be and share Jesus with someone who without Him would be eternally separated from Him. #ShareTheGospel

Isn’t it amazing how dependent our society has become on electronics? In many ways our smart phones, laptops, iPads, DVRs, and other devices have been beneficial. But none of those are of much value if you can’t connect. A poor connection on a call is frustrating, as is a lost connection to the Internet in the middle of a download. Connection is the key.

The same can be said for our church family. Statistics show that when a new person comes into the church, they will leave within six months if they don’t make some connections. I have found that the tightest, most lasting connections in our church are made in Sunday School classes. If you are not a part of a Sunday School class, you are missing so much. Here’s why:

Sunday School is the best place to make a connection with BIBLE STUDY. You may ask, “I hear the Bible preached in worship. Isn’t that enough?” Not really. Because of the variety of ages and backgrounds in a worship service, I try to present God’s Word in a general way that everyone can relate to – it is a “shotgun” approach. But Sunday School is more like a laser, focused and specific. We have gifted teachers who study diligently to give the historical backgrounds and practical truth of the Bible. If you have a question about something, you really can’t stop me and ask a question. However, in Sunday School, teachers encourage questions and discussion. Another advantage of is that we are grouped according to age categories. First graders study the Bible in an age appropriate way, and so do adults.

Sunday School is the best way to make a connection with OUTREACH. Sunday School is not just for teaching, it’s also for reaching out to others to join you. Your

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From the Pastor’s Heart...Sunday School class provides the best place for you to bring others to find Jesus. The best way to reach people for Christ is through relationships. And the best place for relationships is a Sunday School class.

Sunday School is the best place to make a connection for FELLOWSHIP. The size of our church makes it difficult to have true fellowship in our worship services, but Sunday School provides an atmosphere where fellowship can happen naturally. Sunday School is a place where you can make lasting friendships. You’ll find people who are really interested in you. It’s a place where single adults can safely build relationships with other singles, where widows can meet women who understand their unique pain, where parents who devote all their time and energy to raising children can find friends going through the same stage of life, and where new residents can come to find a support group to replace the friends they left in another city.

Finally, Sunday School is the best place to plug in to MINISTRY. Every Christian needs a small group that will support them, because at times we all need to receive ministry from others. But every Christian also needs a ministry outlet – a group of people to whom they can give ministry. And the best place for that giving-receiving process to thrive is a Sunday School class.

If you haven’t found your place at First Baptist Church, you probably aren’t involved in a Sunday School class. Go ahead…make the connection!

I love being your pastor! Dan Spencer

UP 6th Grade WeekendApril 30th and May 1st

Sign up in Sunday Schoolor call the church office

Romans

8:2

Sonrise SeniorsTuesday, September 4; 9:00am/Parlor

Triple L LuncheonTuesday, September 11; Noon/FLCBring a covered dish. Guest TBA

Children’s ChurchSunday, September 161st Service: K-6th grade/Chapel2nd Service: K-3rd grade/Chapel2nd Service: 4th-6th grade/FH

Spirited Singles Summer Luncheon September 16; Noon/ParlorRSVP with Lisa in the church office by Sept. 10(Singles age 50+)

Bible DrillSeptember 16; 5:30pmBible Buddies 1st-3rdBible Drill 4th-6th

Save The Date! - Sunday School Summit We are asking Sunday School teachers and leaders from all age divisions to join us in the Chapel from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 16 for a powerful time of training with Allan Taylor, Minister of Education at First Baptist Church Woodstock, GA. Taylor is founder of the annual Sunday School in HD conference. Supper will be provided in the Family Life Center following the workshop at 5 p.m.

PEP Moms Fall LuncheonFriday, September 21; 9:15am/ParlorJoin us for this time of food, fellowship and devotion. Registration begins Sunday, September. Cost is $15 (this covers September and April luncheons). Speaker TBA

Fashion Meets Faith Saturday, September 22; 8:00am-2:00pmJoin us for an interactive and fun women’s conference. Cost is $20 (lunch included). You can register at the Welcome Center.

Bible Drill RecognitionSeptember 23; 10:45 service

Passion 2013 January 1-4There will be around 70,000 college students in the Georgia Dome worshiping with folks like Chris Tomlin, LeCrae, Francis Chan, Louie Giglio, Matt Redman, Beth Moore and John Piper. The cost is $225 if you pay before 10/1. Get your money to Amanda in the church office soon!

Upcoming Events

Special AnnouncementsFall Activities All regular Wednesday night activities will start back September 12. This includes LCU, youth discipleship and children’s activities.

New BiblesThe bibles in the Chapel were given in memory of Robert Thurman Ownby and Mae Ownby Keener by Chuck & Kathy Sexton.

Ministry OpportunityRA’s need your help! Calling all men who would be willing to serve the Lord each

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Wednesday night. Join the fellowship and fun of serving God and helping boys in 1st through 6th grade learn how to be “Ambassadors for Christ”. Please call the church office or Jeff Johnson (428-8890) if you would like to help out!

Contribution StatementsWe are updating our contact information so that we may email your Contribution Statements to you. Please email the church at myinfo@fbcsev.org and provide your name, primary email address, home address, and cell phone #. We would love to hear from you!

Adopt-a-scholarIf you would be interested in helping encourage one of our college students by sending him or her a few notes and a small goodie bag once or twice a semester, please pray about signing up for this opportunity. You can sign up by calling Amanda in the church office, 453-9001.

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

Sept.2012

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Leoda Whaley Richard & Ada IsenbergJohn SellarsClaude OwnbyLeoda Whaley Al SchmutzerClaude OwnbyRonnie McCroskey Bob & Becky BarnesBUILDING FUNDClaude Ownby Donald & Leah BrackinsLon Sutton Beulah SuttonLonnie Galyon Rex & Louise DelozierMae Ownby Keener Dwight & Elaine Stokes Lyle & Judy Pat Overbay Ruby Maples Chuck Sexton SS Class Sally & Robert Chapman Rex & Louise Delozier Beverly D Larue Portia Ramsey JB & Shirley Matthews Gene & Judy Huskey Randy & Joann Watts Linda RolenMae Ownby KeenerReece HeltonEmily Cantwell Mike, Linda &

Brandon Berrier and Beulah McMahan

Mae Ownby KeenerEmily Cantwell Ruth & Dale Murrell Donald & Leah BrackinsJake MooreMaxine Peek Adult 1V/Wallace

SS ClassMildred Sylvia GarciJoseph & Mildred Ganei Howell & Carolanne

Finley

PARK ROAD PROJECTRonnie McCroskeyClaude OwnbyFletcher Breeden Jo BlalockHenry LawsonMae Ownby KeenerLeoda WhaleyClaude Ownby Charles & Gail FancherMae Ownby KeenerLonnie GalyonEmily CantwellWalter AdamsGene Douglass Jo BlalockClaude OwnbyEmily CantwellMae Ownby Keener Anna Kate WalkerJanelle NevinsAnn Cox Charles & Gail FancherHELPING HANDSClaude Ownby Dorothy & David Johnson

and Evelyn Hass Joe & Libby Williams Tommy & Carolyn

McMahanMUSIC MINISTRYClaude Ownby Keith & Melinda Keisling Ray & Tammy Johnson FBC Knoxville

Handbell Choir Richard Isenberg Phil & Joan McMahan Herman & Judy GoddardLarry WilliamsClaude OwnbyLonnie GalyonMaxine PeekMae Ownby KeenerWalter Adams III Gail HaggardMae Ownby Keener Larry & Lou LaFollette Katherine WelchPaul & Ruth Galyon Robbie & Sandy FoxRP & Lennis Williams Terry & Rhonda CarpenterLon Sutton Beulah SuttonClaude OwnbyEmily Cantwell

TRIBUTEDGIVING

Attendance Report 6/17/2012 6/24/2012 7/1/2012 7/8/2012 8:15am Worship 734 675 703 708 9:30am SS 1298 1297 1352 1312 10:45am Worship 1200 1003 1181 1132 6:30pm Worship 465 516 1114 522

Biblical Stewardship 6/17/2012 6/24/2012 7/1/2012 7/8/2012 Total Weekly Needs $ 92,822.23 $ 92,822.23 $ 92,822.23 $ 92,822.23 Tithes & Offerings 81,092.12 78,274.98 77,914.73 89,096.30 Building Fund 882.00 761.00 536.00 355.00 Designated Fund 10,855.01 8,920.88 3,337.00 7,693.00

New MembersDaniel HeltonStevi WhaleyAnna NewtonBlake & Caleb RossCathy WhaleyEvan TarkingtonWayne & Marilyn Johnson

Recently HospitalizedWilliam “David” JenkinsWilliam “Bill” McMahanTempe KellyClyde WardCarole MilamJudy BaldwinJeremy HurstPaul BargerRobert SuttlesBetty Jo ThomasTom BecknerCaleb MarshallMary Louise ParrottRex DelozierMary WardlowMartin Swindle

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

Rager Family

• The following families wish to express their appreciation for support from the church:

Sandy Enloe & Special Ed Department of Sevier County Schools

• Ethel Hollenbaugh in the passing of her mother

• Cheir Czajkowski in the passing of her aunt

• Joe McCarter in the passing of his mother

• Velma Dedmon in the passing of her husband, Bobby

• Alicia McCollister in the passing of her father, Francis Ogle

• Phyllis Weidner in the passing of her mother, Maxine Peek

• Betty Galyon in the passing of her husband, Lonnie

• Tina Thomas in the passing of her step-father

• Jeremy Hurst in the passing of his grandmother, Florence Eldridge

Thank You Notes

Sympathy to

Lennis Williams Jack & Elizabeth DentonLIBRARYEvelyn McCarterLily FarrisMaxine PeekFrancis OgleLonnie GalyonReece HeltonCynthia AndersonArthur Lee Stump SrEmily CantwellCora MilkinTaylor RimerMarie ElkinsBill SchimmelFrances Eaton First Baptist ChurchLily Farris Chuck Sexton SS ClassTV MINISTRYGene DouglassClaude Ownby Harold & Wilma HeltonJanella Roop Mr. & Mrs. Mike CatlettEvelyn McCarter David & Margaret GoodeClaude Ownby Tom & Geraldine JinksLonnie GalyonEmily CantwellMae Ownby Keener Jimmie & Marie TempleLeoda Whaley Jimmie & Marie TempleNina Myers Jim & Jane BrackinsLon Sutton Beulah SuttonGene DouglassEvelyn Connatser Joe & Libby WilliamsLeoda WhaleyZina Davis Jack & Elizabeth DentonMae Ownby KeenerClaude Ownby Imanelle HardinDwain Kelly Thelma KellySR ADULT MINISTRY Triple L Members who

passed away this year Triple LTN ADULT HOMEFelix Ogle

Ben & Connie OgleClaude Ownby Jim & Teresa PullenCHRISTMAS STORERonnie McCroskeyClaude Ownby Curtis & Shirley KingClaude Ownby Richard & Shirley CraigLily Farris Jim & Joan SmithLon Sutton Beulah SuttonMae Ownby Keener Clell & Betty Jean KingClaude Ownby Sam & Kay JustusYOUTH PANAMA CITYBetty Dudley Allen Newton SS ClassCARE MINISTRYEmily Cantwell Jimmie Faye Trotter Lyle & Judy Pat Overbay Carol, Darcey & Lisa Casina Huff Bill & Wanda Randles Jimmy Lee & Edith

McMahanLOTTIE MOONMae Ownby Keener Jim & Joan SmithArthur Lee Stump, Sr Jim & Joan SmithCHILDREN’S MINISTRYMae Ownby Keener Tommy & Carolyn

McMahan Dot Ladd Judy Griffin Jack & Elizabeth Denton Sam & Kay JustusMae Ownby KeenerEmily Cantwell David & Margaret Goode Phil & Joan McMahan Herman & Jean HuffEmily Cantwell Ruby Malpes John C Rader, DDS Polly S Whaley Elsie Huskey Jim & Nillah Cox Mary Cantwell,

Bernice Stevens & Evelyn Grindstaff

Bill, Rose Mary

Lauren Oglesby JB & Shirley Matthews Joe & Libby Williams Linda Rolen Doug & Anne DaltonMichael Williams Birthday Beulah McMahan, Shirley

King and Nell HardinFrancis OgleMae Ownby Keener FBC Children’s

Division TeachersLeoda Whaley Katie BlalockMike Williams Will & Janet JohnsonPaul & Ruth Galyon Robert & Sandy FoxSPECIAL FRIENDSMichael William’s Birthday Joe & Libby WilliamsPRAYER MINISTRYMae Ownby Keener Joe & Libby WilliamsPRESCHOOLMarie Elkins Will & Janet Johnson

IN HONORYOUTH MINISTRYSarah Bryan’s 18th

Birthday Terry & Wendy BryanSR ADULT MINISTRYJerry ‘Bear’ HyderLisa Pickens Triple LTN BAPTIST ADULT HOMEFrank Atchley Sr Ben & Connie OgleBUDGETHeavenboud Singers Al & Elaine PeaseSteve & Uncle Albert AnonymousCHILDREN’S MINISTRYDan & Tresa Spencer Lyle & Judy Pat OverbayMy grandchildren, Layne

& Peyton Latham Dot LaddOur grandchild, Gabrielle Lewis & Betty GroomsIn Honor of my grandson

isaac’s Birthday Terry & Gail Gossett

IN MEMORYBUDGETHoney Gregg & Tracy PriceLon Sutton Beulah SuttonLonnie Galyon Helen & Stephanie

MeehanGeorge Hedrick Barbara HedrickMae Ownby KeenerEmily Cantwell Charles & Jean OwnbyMae Ownby KeenerLonnie GalyonJanelle Nevins Melba DelozierEmily Cantwell Hugh Watkins Sev Chapter #138 Order

of the Eastern StarMae Ownby Keener Rebecca Wynn Brian & Kim WilhoiteKhoda & Haridoma AnonymousMike Williams’ Birthday Harold & Sue Ownby Mary OwnbyJim Lindsey’s Birthday Wilma Ward

Time in Nepal Matt Galyon Youth Intern

This summer I chose to break up my regular routine and spend some time in a different context. I packed up and headed off to Kathmandu, Nepal for 6 weeks with 9 people I had just met. The point of the trip was to experience and engage the people and culture of Nepal and to find ways to be actively involved with various projects around the city.

The trip was divided into two separate sections. We spent the first 3 weeks learning about Nepali culture and seeing the different projects TinyHands International had going. The second 3 weeks was spent being actively involved in a project that was finely tuned to suit our own personal gifts and strengths.

Stepping into a culture that is completely different from my normal context was insane. Almost every aspect of Nepali culture was different than what I had experienced in the 22 years I’ve been alive thus far. From the moment we touched down in Kathmandu it

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Send questions or comments to newsletter@fbcsev.org

to be thoroughly equipped to live a Christ-honoring life? There is one place to go – God’s Word. A great way to be equipped by God’s Word is Life Change University – our church’s offering of mostly short-term discipleship classes. You can study through a whole book of the Bible, learn how to be a disciple maker, find biblical help as a single mom and so much more. Check out the list provided here. For more details, pick up a brochure at the Welcome Center or look on our church Web site at www.fbcsev.org

Sundays - Book by Book Through The Bible led by Rich Wallace; 5:15 pm - 1 Samuel – led by Criag Mintz; 5:15 pm, begins 9/16 Mondays - Precept Upon Precept, Jeremiah Part 1-

was just complete and total culture shock. It was a slow process adjusting to a new culture, but eventually I was able to find some of the things that caught me off guard at first as normal.

One of the biggest things I noticed about Nepal is how everything is sacred, but nothing is sacred. Let me explain what that means. Nepal is a Hindu nation, meaning they place a high value on things that we don’t here in America. For example, they believe that the cow is a sacred animal. In America, if we considered an animal to be sacred we would establish land reserves and do anything to make sure the animal lived like a king. In Nepal, cows just wander the streets and go wherever they want. They eat the trash that lines the sides of the roads. They are revered as a sacred animal, but aren’t treated as a sacred animal.

My trip to Nepal was truly a life-altering experience. Everything about the trip was just so good and lived up to every expectation I had. There is so much more to be said about my summer, but unfortunately I am limited by the confines of a word count.

The main thing I learned this summer was to look beyond the surface of things. Whenever I encounter a problem in the world, I realize that what appears on the surface to be the cause is often times not the only cause. Until we realize what the underlying causes of a problem are, we cannot hope to effect change concerning that problem.

You’ve Forsaken Me: Repent and Return led by Jennifer Finchum; 6:45 pm, begins 9/10

Wednesdays - Through The Bible In A Year led by Dr. Jim Koerten; 6:30 pm -Nehemiah led by Jenny Mattox; 6:00 pm, begins 9/12 -Dynamics of Discipleship led by Phil Clemmons; 6:30 pm, begins 9/12 -Hope and Help for the Single Mom led by Jana Chapman; 6:00 pm, begins 9/12 -Not a Fan led by Blue Smith; 6:00 pm, begins 9/12 -Experiencing God led by Clark Byram; 6:00 pm, begins 9/12 -1 Samuel (Abridged) led by Craig Mintz; 6:00 pm. If you missed the longer more in-depth Sunday night study then join us for this one.

Life Change University – Equipped For Every Good WorkCraig Mintz Assoc. Pastor of Young Adults & Discipleship

A good carpenter doesn’t just bring a hammer to the job site. He brings nails, a saw, a level, and much more. To do the job right, he’s got to be thoroughly equipped with all the tools necessary. A mature Christian operates in much the same way. To obey Christ, we must seek to have a complete set of all the spiritual tools that God offers. Paul tells Timothy, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Do you want

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

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info@fbcsev.org

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Pastor on Call(865) 453-9257

Prayer Line(865) 429-PRAY