Weekly Update for January 10, 2020

This Sunday we will ordain and install deacons and elders who will serve and lead our congregation over the next three years. Join us in celebrating their calling and faithful response in the 11am Sanctuary Worship Service.

As you begin the year, we invite you to find new ways to serve our Lord and our neighbors. Prayerfully consider the opportunities found in Ministry Finder and the others listed under “Service Opportunities” below, for it is often in service to others that we experience God’s presence most clearly!

We also invite you to continue the pattern of Bible reading that many of you began during Advent (or start a new discipline now!) as you read through the New Testament and Psalms, the Old Testament, or both during 2020. See www.fpcspartanburg.org/Bible for more information.

THIS SUNDAY
8:45am MorningSong* and Chapel Worship Services
9:45am Sunday School for All Ages
11:00am Sanctuary* Worship Service
5:00pm Youth Group

(* Services with asterisks will be livestreamed at www.fpcspartanburg.org/live. Bulletins, scripture readings, manuscripts, and video archives can also be found on that page.)

NEXT WEEK
Young Adults Bowling at Underpin Lanes – Tuesday, January 14
All young adults, age 22-35ish, are invited to go bowling at Underpin Lanes January 14 from 5:30-7:30pm. Invite a friend, and let Leslie Lang ( llang@fpcspartanburg.org) know if you plan to attend!

WAF Dinner – Wednesday, January 15
5:00-6:15pm in Fogartie Hall
This week we will enjoy pork tenderloin, roasted potatoes, and squash casserole at Wednesdays at First. No reservations are necessary, and most forms of payment are accepted at the door. Meal costs are: $8 for adults and youth (12 and older), $7 for seniors (55 and over), and $5 for children, with a limit of $25 per family.

WAF Program: Brain Hacking – Rescuing our Teens and Ourselves From Social Media Addiction
6:30pm in the Sanctuary
Join us for a two-part health series on social media addiction with Jimmy Deal, Director of SC Occupational Information Center. All adults, especially adults with tweens/teens, should attend.

WAF Program: Weekly Sermon Bible Study
6:30-7:15pm in The Perrin Room
Led by Tom Evans
This is a time of prayer and fellowship before we dive into the text (based on the sermon 10 days from the study date). Together, we explore the passage and wrestle over what it means for our lives today.

Other After-Dinner WAF Programming
Christian Recreation for Children (Gym and Activity Room)
Youth Wednesday Night Fellowship (Middle School Room)
Sit ‘n Stitch (FLC Lobby)
Wednesday Walkers (Walking Track)

JOY Fellowship Exhibit Tour – Thursday, January 16
Join the JOY (Just Older Youth) Fellowship group as they visit The Johnson Collection to view its current exhibit Virtues & Vices January 16 at 11am. Enjoy lunch in downtown Spartanburg following the gallery tour. RSVP to Joanie Shackleton ( jshackleton@fpcspartanburg.org / 864-208-2132).

MLK WEEKEND EVENTS
Walk As One – Saturday, January 18
9 am at Wofford College (starting point)
The City's annual Walk As One event gives members of our diverse community a chance to join together in fellowship to walk together in unity, both in reflection on the legacy of Dr. King and in support of the continuing work to realize his dream of unity and equity. This year, the walk will begin at 9am on the campus of Wofford College at the Burwell Building. We will plan to meet there and walk as a group.

Day of Service – Monday, January 20
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day has become an occasion to offer ourselves in service to humanity and our community. The United Way of the Piedmont has collected a variety of ways that you can serve in the community. See the list and sign up at https://uwpiedmont.galaxydigital.com/aem/general/event/?doc_id=5701.

Poverty Simulation – Monday, January 20
The United Way will also be hosting a poverty simulation at our church. This event is open to the community. So spread the word! If you have participated in a poverty simulation like this, you know how powerful and eye-opening is can be, and we encourage you to invite your friends. If you have never been part of a poverty simulation, you won’t regret it! For more information or to sign up: https://uwpiedmont.galaxydigital.com/aem/general/need/?doc_id=5701&need_id=477057

They also need volunteers to help run the event. To volunteer, please contact Hannah Jarrett ( hannah.jarrett@uwpiedmont.org) at the United Way or the Piedmont.

Unity Celebration – Monday, January 20
6:30pm at Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium
Bus from FPC departs at 6pm
The City's Annual Unity Celebration will be held at 6:30pm at the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium. Music will be provided by the Sounds of Diversity Choir and Orchestra. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Gail Christopher, an award-winning social change agent and former Senior Advisor and Vice President of the W. K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF). Transportation will be provided from the church parking lot. Our bus will be located outside of the Family Life Center at 5:45pm, and we will leave promptly at 6pm. Please call Caroline Goodman ( cgoodman@fpcspartanburg.org) to reserve your place. We look forward to seeing you there!

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Find all sorts of ways that you can serve in the Ministry Finder section of the website (under the “Serve” menu). There you can search for service opportunities that match your interests and schedule, and with one tap, make contact with someone who can tell you more and/or help you to get involved.

SPIHN – January 26-February 2, 2020
Our next opportunity to host Spartanburg Interfaith Opportunity Network children and their families is coming up at the end of January. For more information or to sign up to volunteer to prepare a meal, visit with families for an evening, provide snacks, or help set up or clean up, please visit www.fpcspartanburg.org/spihn.

Nap Boule! Hot Sauce – It’s Not Just for Christmas!
We are partnering with a sister church to raise money for Haitian Missions. The Vienna Presbyterian Church (Vienna, VA) began this project by purchasing peppers grown in Haiti, and using their own recipe, bottled hot sauce for sale. There are four different flavors, and the bottles are $7 each. Please see Caroline Goodman at the church if you would like to purchase a bottle (or a case!)

LOOKING AHEAD
January 12 – Officer Ordination and Installation
January 14 – Young Adult Bowling at Underpin Lanes
January 16 – JOY Fellowship Exhibit Tour (The Johnson Collection)
January 18 – MLK Walk as One (Wofford College)
January 20 – MLK Day of Service & Poverty Simulation
January 20 – Church Closed for MLK Day
January 21 – Tickled Pink Resumes
January 26 – SPIHN Guests Arrive
January 29 – Celebration of Ministry for Jane Mullins
February 1-8 – Dominican Republic Mission Trip

Find out more in First News: www.fpcspartanburg.org/firstnews