Back to Listing

Next Week at FPC (November 19, 2021)

Dear Friends in Christ,

Even though Thanksgiving is not a liturgical holiday, the idea of gratitude is at the very heart of Christianity. We follow God’s ways not to earn God’s favor, but out of thanksgiving for God’s unending grace toward us. However, you celebrate Thanksgiving this year, please take some time to give thanks to the God “from whom all blessings flow” with the reading of Psalm 100, the singing of the Doxology, a prayer, or whatever will remind you and those around you of God’s generosity. Please note that the church will be closed on Thursday and Friday in observance of Thanksgiving, but join us the Sunday after Thanksgiving as we enter into Advent.

Craig Foster
Associate Pastor for Discipleship and Communications

THIS SUNDAY – NOVEMBER 21
8:45am MorningSong (Fogartie Hall)
8:45am Traditional Worship (Sanctuary)
9:45am Sunday School
11:00am Traditional Worship (Sanctuary)
5:00PM Youth Thanksgiving Feast

Stream our MorningSong and 11am Sanctuary services live on FPCSpartanburg.org/worship, YouTube, or Facebook.

9:45am Sunday School for All Ages

5pm Youth Thanksgiving Feast at the home of Dan and Jane Breeden
Join us for games, s’mores around the firepit, and one of our final lessons on “The Mind of Christ” with Scott! Be sure to bring some of the non-perishable items requested for TOTAL Ministries (check your Youth Weekly Email from Carrie for items needed).

NEXT WEEK
Deck the Halls with the Sanctuary Guild!
The Sanctuary Guild will begin decorating our church for the first Sunday of Advent next week. Join us on Monday, November 22 and Tuesday, November 23 at 1:00 pm in Room 2213, across from the Heritage Chapel, to prepare wreaths and other decorations we will use to Deck the Church Halls. On Wednesday, November 24 at 1:00 pm, meet at the Sanctuary to hang wreaths there and at other locations throughout the Church and to decorate the Tower and Perrin Rooms. Poinsettias and wreaths will be delivered on Saturday, November 27 at 9:00am. Help us build the poinsettia trees in Fogartie Hall and hang wreaths on the outside doors of our Sanctuary. Chrismon Trees will be decorated on Tuesday, November 30 in the Tower Room and the FLC Lobby. Meet at 10:00am to add the Chrismon ornaments to our big, beautiful trees. Contact LeAnne Thurmond at leanne.thurmond@gmail.com for more details and to sign up.

Spartanburg Community Thanksgiving Service – Tuesday, November 23 at 7pm (Temple B’nai Israel)
Each year, The Spartanburg County Foundation partners with area clergy to host the Spartanburg Community Thanksgiving Service, an annual ecumenical service that provides an opportunity for clergy members from various faith groups, as well as members of the community, to worship together and give thanks. A committee of local clergy selects a nonprofit organization each year to receive the offering. This year, Brothers Restoring Urban Hope will be the recipient of the offering. As a sponsor of this event, The Spartanburg County Foundation matches the plated offering from the night of the service dollar-for-dollar up to $5,000. Fully vaccinated community members wearing masks are invited to join in person at Temple B’nai Israel located at 146 Heywood Avenue, Spartanburg, SC 29302. You may also view the service virtually at facebook.com/ourtemple29302.

Family Advent Workshop – Register for Lunch by Tuesday, November 23!
Let’s get ready for Christmas together! On Sunday, Dec. 5 from 12-1:30, join other families to create live Advent wreaths and age-appropriate crafts (e.g., Nativity story wheels, “Jesus” wreaths, crystal icicle ornaments, and more). Special projects for tweens and teens. We’ll gather under the tent and in the gym. To prevent the “hangry”, there’s a light lunch. If you’d like a Chicken tenders and Mac & Cheese lunch for $6.00. Register on the website by Tue, Nov. 23. Contact Pastor Ansley or Beth Burris with your questions or if you’d like to help. The more the merrier!

Sign up to Receive Electronic Advent Devotions!
“Prepare the Way for the Messiah,” FPC’s 2021 Advent Devotion booklets will be placed around the church this Sunday. Please feel free to take a paper copy and/or sign up for electronic delivery! If you would like to receive the devotions each morning during Advent, please sign up here: http://eepurl.com/bqtMS9.

Weekday Bible Studies and Groups Next Week

Wednesday Men’s Bible Study: Wednesdays at noon, in person and on Zoom (Join in)
Christians in the Making Women’s Group: Wednesdays at 10am in the Purnell Room
Bootcamp – Monday and Wednesday at 7:15 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. (Email Colleen)

Order Your Poinsettias
Would you like to order poinsettias in memory of or in honor of loved ones? Fill out the form available at the church or online. The cost per plant is $20.00 and orders are due by Friday, December 10. You may pick up your plants in Fogartie Hall any time after MorningSong on Sunday morning, December 19. If you do not plan to do so, we would appreciate your giving us permission to use your gift for cut flowers or greenery to enhance our Christmas arrangement. Contact Lynise Clarke if you have questions.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Ushers Needed for December
We are seeking additional ushers willing to help pass out bulletins and assist seating during the 8:45am Traditional Service. Our immediate need is for December, but there are openings for other months as well. Please contact Joanie in the church office and let her know when you are available to help (Joanie Shackleton; jshackleton@fpcspartanburg.org; 864-208-2132).

DR Mission Trip Registration Extended (More Information)
We are looking forward to serving in the Dominican Republic February 5-12, 2022. Our team is in need of registered nurses, scrub techs, and an anesthesiologist. If you, or someone you know, is interested, please click the link above to learn more.

Other Opportunities in Ministry Finder

OTHER NEWS

Giving Tuesday - November 30 (Give Now)

Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. This idea has grown into a global movement that inspires people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. This is a day when non-profits give people the opportunity to improve the world around them.

This year, we are inviting members of our congregation and community to support specific areas of the Church Operating Budget. Your gifts will be included in your gifts to the church. We would like for you to consider this as over and above your regular giving to FPC Spartanburg. We tried to have fun with this - hope you do, too. Additionally, we welcome you to serve through one of the opportunities listed on the form. (Give Now)

WAF returns Wednesday, December 1! (Register Now)
Wednesdays at First will return December 1. Pano and the team will be cooking up hot chicken salad casserole, sauteed carrots, fruit salad, and a yummy dessert. There will also be a separate kid’s menu. Sign up is available now and will close Monday, November 29 at 4:30pm. You may also register for dinner on December 8. We will have our annual White Gifts service that evening!

JOY Fellowship Christmas Luncheon – Thursday, December 2
Join the JOY (Just Older Youth) Fellowship Christmas Luncheon Thursday, December 2 at 11:30am in Fogartie Hall. Please RSVP to Joanie Shackleton at jshackleton@fpcspartanburg.org by Monday, November 29.

Youth Christmas Party – Sunday, December 5 (5:00-7:00pm)
All Youth are invited to join us for a Progressive Dinner in Andrews Farm. We’ll have an Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest with prizes and a TACKY Gift Exchange. Mark your calendars now and stay tuned for more details!

Annual White Gifts Service: Who is my Neighbor?– Wednesday, December 8 at 6:30pm
First Presbyterian Church will collect gifts for four identified nonprofit organizations during the Annual White Gifts Service, December 8 at 6:30pm in the Sanctuary. Visit www.fpcspartanburg.org/whitegifts to access a wish list for each organization. Please bring your gifts wrapped in white to the service.

Service of Comfort and Light – Wednesday, December 15 at 6pm in the Sanctuary
Are the holidays made more difficult this year because of a loss or sadness in your life? You are invited to join us for an intimate time of worship. Including communion and candle lighting, this "Service of Comfort & Light" is especially for those who struggle during the Christmas season.

Recommendations for CNC
The Congregational Nominating Committee is seeking a slate of nine members from the congregation to replace members who will rotate off the CNC. Members will serve for one year and will be charged with the nomination of Church officers. Please SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATION(S) HERE. Deadline is Friday, December 31, 2021.

The Peace and Justice Task Force Spotlight: Isaiah 58:6-10
During this month, the Peace & Justice Task Force is focusing on Isaiah 58: 6-10, helping those who have been affected by incarceration, injustice, and poverty. This week’s spotlight is on poverty and affordable housing. This is a serious issue all over our country including Spartanburg. People who don’t make a self-sufficient wage have a difficult time finding safe, affordable housing. Even those who qualify for Section 8 housing have trouble finding a place that will accept their voucher, and, if you have an offense on record, it becomes almost impossible. Spartanburg is trying to address these issues and you can learn more by reading “The Myth of Affordable Housing” and “Affordable Housing Efforts in Spartanburg.”

LOOKING AHEAD

November 28 – First Sunday of Advent
November 30 – Giving Tuesday
December 2 – JOY Fellowship Luncheon
December 5 – Advent Workshop
December 8 – White Gifts Service/Final WAF for 2021
December 19 – Moravian Love Feast
December 24 – Christmas Eve Services
December 26 – One Worship Service
January 2, 2022 – One Worship Service
January 12 – WAF Resumes

More activities and events can be found in First News.