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Weekly Update for January 8, 2021

Dear Siblings in Christ,

Though it was overshadowed by the events in Washington this year, Wednesday, January 6 was, in fact, Epiphany, that day when we celebrate not only the revelation of the Messiah to the Magi, but also the light of Christ that radiates into the world. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it!” May the Light of the World shine on you, in you, and through you, to give light to those around you!

Craig Foster
Associate Pastor for Discipleship and Communications

Online Services Only on January 10
Given the current serious spike in COVID-19 case numbers nationally, in South Carolina, and in Spartanburg County, and given the prospect of further increases following the holidays, we feel that the only prudent course of action for First Presbyterian Church, Spartanburg is to worship via livestream only (both MorningSong and Traditional Sanctuary service). These changes were approved after discussion with the Health Cabinet and church staff, and with the support of the Worship Committee.

THIS SUNDAY
8:45am MorningSong (Online Only)
10:00am Combined Adult Sunday School (Join on Zoom)
11:00am Sanctuary Service (Online Only)

We stream our Sanctuary and MorningSong services live each Sunday. Stream on:

FPCSpartanburg.org/LIVE for bulletins, Bible readings, sermon info, and more.
YouTube on your smart TV, streaming device, or almost any other device.
Facebook to join with a community of people worshipping together online.

However you join us, please:

Check in through the ShelbyNext app or sign the online guestbook to let us know you worshipped with us or
Consider giving online or through the ShelbyNext app as a regular act of worship.

Trouble with the livestreams? Check out this information on the church website.

10:00 a.m. Combined Adult Sunday School (Join on Zoom)
This Sunday, Pastor Leslie will explore Epiphany in our combined Zoom adult Sunday School class.

NEXT WEEK
ECHOES on Zoom – Thursday, January 14 at 7:00p.m. (Join on Zoom)
Caring for a loved one who is aging or sick is a special ministry. If you are engaged in this and would appreciate Christian encouragement, please join Rev. Ansley Page, Rev. Joanne Hull, and Parish Nurse Beth Cecil on Thursday, January 14 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. From the comfort of your home, you can enjoy this time of devotion, prayer, and sharing with folks in similar circumstance. Let your church family help you in this sacred work. If you have questions, please contact Joanie Shackleton at jshackleton@fpcspartanburg.org.

City of Spartanburg Unity Week Celebration (All events live streamed here)
The 34^th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Week Celebration, presented by the City of Spartanburg, will feature a series of virtual community conversations on race, equity, and the future of Dr. King’s mission each Tuesday at 7pm on the City’s Facebook Page. The Unity Celebration will also be held virtually on January 18 at 6:30 pm on the City Facebook Page. First Presbyterian Church is honored to support these events.

Workout with FPC in 2021! (Email Colleen)
Zoom Group Classes are free and open to all ages every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (7:15 a.m. and 9:15 a.m.). Each class lasts 30-45 minutes and can be done in your living room utilizing dumbbells and bodyweight exercises. If you are unable to attend during these times, reach out to Colleen Darrall to inquire about private Zoom workouts.

Weekly Zoom Times for Everyone!
See the full list online at: https://fpcspartanburg.org/events/weekly-zoom

Prayer Gathering with Joanne – Tuesdays at Noon (Join in)
Men’s Bible Study – Wednesdays at Noon (Join in)
Adult Sunday School – Sundays at 10am (Join in)

New to Zoom? Having Trouble? Need a Password?
The current password for most church events is “5834531” (which just happens to be the church phone number as well). Please visit www.fpcspartanburg.org/zoom for tips on how to get the most out of your Zoom gatherings.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Financial Opportunity Center – Greeter
The new Financial Opportunity Center is looking for volunteers to help greet clients 2-3 days a week beginning in February. Volunteers would mostly be needed during tax season (February-April) to greet VITA clients, but the opportunity could extend beyond that. The Financial Opportunity Center is open 8am-5pm Monday-Friday. They are flexible to schedule but are looking for someone who can serve consistent hours (2 days a week, every morning, etc.). If you are interested in learning more, please contact Hannah Jarrett at the United Way: hjarrett@uwpiedmont.org

St. Luke’s Free Medical Clinic – Volunteer Physicians Needed

Calling all upstate doctors and medical professionals. A Spartanburg clinic devoted to helping those in need is looking for some help of their own. Appointments are booked out into mid-January at St. Luke’s Free Medical Clinic in Spartanburg. They are looking for more volunteer providers to help. For more information, visit slfmc.org.

Other Opportunities in Ministry Finder

OTHER NEWS
THANK YOU from The Cleveland Academy of Leadership
In 2020, First Presbyterian Church raised over $79,000 during Witness Season to fund a Math Lab for the Cleveland Academy of Leadership. Please enjoy this short video from Marquice Clark, principal of Cleveland Academy, expressing his gratitude and for an update on the positive impact of the Math Lab. (Watch Here)

“These Days” Daily Devotional for January-March 2021
The January-March edition of “These Days” are here! Secure your copy by filling out the form on this link. We will mail you a copy of the devotional book.

FPC Church Office Information
Due to the latest COVID numbers, the staff who can work from will be doing so. The Church Office phone will be answered Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9am-1pm. Outside of these days/hours, please leave a voicemail and we will contact you as soon as possible (most of your staff can access their voicemails from home). And as always, please feel free to contact us via email. Please use our Staff Directory to obtain all staff phone numbers and email addresses. We apologize for any inconvenience. If you need to contact a minister for a Pastoral Concern, please call 864-208-2142, day or night. The minister on-call will answer your call as soon as possible

Pastoral Counseling with Dr. Kirk H. Neely
Pastoral Counseling with Dr. Kirk Neely is available by appointment. Currently all counseling is being done by telephone or by Zoom. Personal Counseling, Marriage and Family Counseling, and Spiritual Direction are available by appointment only. This is not emergency counseling. To make an appointment, please contact Didi Terry at dterry@fpcspartanburg.org or you may contact Dr. Neely directly by email at kirkhneely@fpcspartanburg.org.

LOOKING AHEAD
January 10 – Online Worship Services (fpcspartanburg.org/live)
January 14 – ECHOES
January 18 – Church Facilities Closed (MLK, Jr. Day)
February 17 – Ash Wednesday
March 28 – Palm Sunday
April 1 – Maundy Thursday
April 2 – Good Friday
April 4 – Easter Sunday
August 13-15, 2021 – Women’s Connection at Montreat

More activities and events can be found in First News.