Weekly Update for November 1, 2019

Last Sunday was truly amazing! The Kirkin’ services were as stirring as ever, and the Concert of Hope was a powerful and eye-opening experience that raised $6,898.42 to go to the Faith Initiative to End Child Poverty. If you missed morning worship or the concert, be sure to check out the videos at www.fpcspartanburg.org/live.

This Sunday we will observe All Saints' Sunday. During worship, we will read the names of each church member who died in the last year. As we recall their witness, let us also pray for those who love and miss them. In the Chapel and Sanctuary, we will recess to the Columbarium at the close of each service.

Daylight Savings Time ends this weekend. So don’t forget to “fall back” this Saturday before going to bed so that you can enjoy an extra hour of sleep before church on Sunday, and take note of the blood drive, food collection, and other things happening this Sunday.

THIS SUNDAY
7:30am Blood Drive Begins
8:45am MorningSong* and Chapel Worship Services
9:45am Sunday School for All Ages
11:00am Sanctuary* Worship Service
1:30pm Blood Drive Ends
5:00pm Sunday Night 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.)

Food Collection Sunday
We ask that you bring donations of food next week to help relieve hunger in Spartanburg. The Local Missions Committee is collecting for Total Ministries in the wooden crates outside the entrances to all services on Sunday.

Ecumenical Blood Drive
7:30am-1:30pm in the Gym and FLC Parking Lot
Our next Blood Drive is scheduled for Sunday, November 3, 7:30am-1:30pm. For an appointment, please contact Beth Cecil (bcecil@fpcspartanburg.org / 864-208-2136).

Monthly Fellowship Time
Starting at 10:30am in the Perrin Room
Drop in to enjoy doughnuts, coffee, and fellowship with your church family!

Reforesting Faith in Christian Perspectives Class
Sundays, Nov. 3, 10, and Dec. 1
9:45am in Room C212
Join the Christian Perspectives Sunday School Class as Peter Neidenbach leads them in exploring “Reforesting Faith: What trees teach us about the nature of God and His love for us” by Dr. Matthew Sleeth.

NEXT WEEK
Holt and Marcia’s Sabbatical – November 4 – February 2
After 30 years of faithful service to this church, the Session has granted Holt and Marcia Andrews a three month sabbatical. During this time, they will tour the country (and beyond!) to see what is happening in some of the best church and school music programs around. In Holt’s own words, they will likely be “insufferable” when they return, but we will all benefit from their experiences and learnings, which will no doubt enrich our music program for years to come! During their absence we will continue to have outstanding musical leadership:

Janet Kuntz—Chancel Choir
Erica Pauly—Organist
Martha Bean—Children’s Choirs and First Steps coordinator
Adena McDaniel—Senior Choristers
Lisa Cunningham—Chamber Singers
Kay Maddox—Handbell Choir

To reach the music department please contact Didi Terry or Monteigne Campbell. The Andrews will be back in the office on February 3. Please note that they will not have access to their email or voicemail over their sabbatical, and will not receive messages during that time, even after they return.

List of Veterans and Active Service Personnel Needed by Monday, November 4
In honor of Veterans Day, on Sunday, November 10, we would like to recognize church members who have served OR are currently serving in the military. Please submit church members’ names and branch of military service by Monday, November 4 to Joanie Shackleton (jshackleton@fpcspartanburg.org / 208-2132).

WAF Dinner – Wednesday, November 6
5:00-6:15pm in Fogartie Hall
This week we will enjoy Chicken casserole together 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: Northside Redevelopment Update w/ Bill Barnet
6:30pm in the Sanctuary.
The Northside Initiative has transformed a section of Spartanburg over the past decade. Join Bill Barnet, CEO and Board Chair of Northside Development Group, to learn about the progress and future plans of the Northside.

WAF Program: Weekly Sermon Bible Study
6:30-7:15pm in the Parlor
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)

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.

Winter Warmth needs Volunteers
On the morning of Saturday, November 16, our congregation will distribute winter coats to children in Spartanburg County during our Winter Warmth Mission. It takes many people to lead this event, and we need your help with registration, fitting children with coats, and managing traffic. To volunteer, please visit www.fpcspartanburg.org/winter-warmth or contact Caroline Goodman (cgoodman@fpcspartanburg.org) in the church office.

Choir Members and Greeters Needed for the Community Thanksgiving Service
Tuesday, November 26 at Central United Methodist Church
If you would like to participate in the Interdenominational Choir at the Community Thanksgiving Service, please contact Dr. Keith Jones; keith.jones@converse.edu. If you would like to be a Greeters/Passing out of Programs, please contact Jasmine Guest (jguest@spcf.org / 864-582-0138).

Neighborhood Meal Ministry Thanksgiving Meal – Tuesday, November 26
With the coming of Thanksgiving and National Hunger and Homelessness Week, now is a time be thankful and generous. God has blessed us tremendously with friendships we have formed with our homeless friends. We are thankful to do as we are called to help our neighbor and be there for each other. Humbly, we will serve a traditional Thanksgiving meal on Tuesday, November 26th at the 4th Tuesday Soup Kitchen. Food donations and volunteers are still needed. In particular, we need the following donations:
Thanksgiving meal: turkey, ham, stuffing, macaroni and cheese, corn, peas, sweet potatoes, rolls, pies, sweet tea.
Food: any take home food items such as juice pouches, water bottles, individually wrapped food items, granola bars, and crackers
Hygiene: shampoo, soap, tooth paste, deodorant, combs, razors, shaving cream, baby wipes, toilet paper, hand warmers
Clothing for men, women, and children: clothes, gloves, hats, socks, shoes, coats, and scarves
Other items: blankets, sleeping bags, back packs, and flashlights with batteries.
For more information and to donate or volunteer, please contact Will DeLaney, Beth Perry, and Tina Hamilton (4thTuesdaySoupKitchen@gmail.com)

OTHER NEWS
Search for Director of Hospitality
The Director of Hospitality Search Committee needs your help to find our next “Jane Mullins”. So many of you have contacts throughout the community and we value your input and want to hear from you. Please talk to people or email them, and let them know FPC is looking for a full-time Director of Hospitality. People can find the job description at www.fpcspartanburg.org/hospitality. Resumes and cover letters may be sent to Monteigne Campbell at mcampbell@fpcspartanburg.org. Questions? Contact one of the Committee Members: Jane Breeden (chair), Grier Bomar, John Faris, Joanne Hull, Andy Lancaster, Kay McClure, Richard Strasburger, and Sally White.

Diabetes Expo – Monday, November 11
10am-noon in the Arthur Center
Questions about diabetes? We have answers! Everyone is invited to this free community event featuring a comprehensive look at diabetes prevention, general wellness, and nutrition. Taste chef-inspired snacks, talk to a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator, learn new recipes, and meet community resources that can help you reach your health and wellness goals. Drop in anytime between 10 am and noon. We look forward to seeing you there!

Community Thanksgiving Service – Tuesday, November 26
6:30-8pm at Central United Methodist Church (233 N Church Street)
The Spartanburg Community Thanksgiving Service is an annual ecumenical service that provides an opportunity for 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, which the Spartanburg County Foundation will match up to $5,000. This year’s offering will go to P.S. I Love You Ministries, a faith-based organization whose mission is to support the foster family.

JOY Fellowship Christmas Luncheon – Tuesday, December 3
11:30am in Fogartie Hall
We welcome back Dr. Kirk Neely as our featured storyteller. Please RSVP to Joanie Shackleton (jshackleton@fpcspartanburg.org) by Wednesday, November 27.

New Gym Hours
Monday-Thursday: 7am-9pm
Friday: 7am-5pm
Saturday: 8am-Noon
Sunday: 2pm-6pm

Sunday Security Changes
All entrances to the Clark Building now require key card access on Sundays. The Family Life Center doors will be locked at 10:30am. In the Main Building, all doors will require key cards except for the Tower Room and Narthex's Main Street facing door. The Narthex side doors will lock at 11:15am. On Wednesday evenings, the monitored front doors of the Family Life Center are unlocked, but for other unmonitored doors around campus, including the Tower Room, Clark Building, and Chestnut Street doors, you will need your key card. This is for the protection of all of us, but especially for the protection of the children. Key cards can now be made on-site for a cost of $10.To sum up: All entrance doors are accessible with a member key card. To obtain a key card, see Didi Terry in the church office during the week.

LOOKING AHEAD
(Full Calendar)
Oct. 27-Nov. 3 – SPIHN
November 3 – Daylight Savings Time Ends
November 3 – All Saints’ Sunday
November 3 – Ecumenical Blood Drive
November 10 – Courtyard Dedication
November 15 – Winter Warmth Setup
November 16 – Winter Warmth Distribution
November 17 – Ordination of J. Robert Bannan, Jr. (One Worship Service at 11am)
November 26 – Community Thanksgiving Service (Central Methodist)
December 1 – First Sunday of Advent
December 1 – 8:45 Traditional Service Moves to the Sanctuary for Advent
December 3 – Joint Meeting of the Session and the Diaconate
December 8 – Handel’s Messiah in Both Sanctuary Services
December 8 – Family Advent Celebration
December 11 – White Gifts Service
December 15 – Moravian Love Feast
December 18 – Service of Comfort and Light
December 22 – MorningSong Lessons & Carols
December 24 – Angel Tree Distribution
December 24 – Christmas Eve Services (4pm, 6pm, 11pm)
December 29 – One Worship Service (No Sunday School)
February 1-8 – Dominican Republic Mission Trip

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