FIRST BAPTIST SEVIERVILLE | NOVEMBER 2012

Volume 70, No. 6

IN THIS ISSUE

From the Pastor’s HeartBro Dan talks about what real thanksgiving is.

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Are you thankful? Do you realize how much you are truly blessed?

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FBC on Mission Scott Andrews shares briefly about this past year’s mission trips and upcoming ones.

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First Baptist Church of Sevierville’s Monthly Newsletter

Are you thankful? Matt Galyon Youth Intern

As a society, we are now entering the time of year when we collectively set aside time to give thanks. For the next few weeks, we will focus on not taking anything for granted, no matter how big or small the blessing is. Over the summer as I served in Nepal, I re-ally learned what it was like to take things for granted. To say I have been fortunate and blessed in my life is a gross understatement. Though I’ll never know the totality of how blessed I am, I was able to understand it a little bit better this summer.

See, we’re all blessed in some way. We may not see it all the time nor do we understand it all the time, but it’s still there. I could go on and on about the material blessings we take for granted on a daily basis, but the thing I think we take for granted most is Christ and the work He did on the cross for us.

We tend to relegate our thoughts of the cross and the resurrection to the Easter season when in reality Christ defeating the grave is always cause for celebration and thanks. Without Christ, our material blessings are meaningless. Jesus infuses everything else we do with purpose and reason.

This Thanksgiving season I encourage you to be thankful. Be thankful for the way God has provided for you with everything good thing that you need. But never let your mind be far from the cross, for it is there that we truly find all that we need.

Dear First Baptist Family,

This month we will celebrate Thanksgiving Day. When I think of Thanksgiving, I think of a leprous man who was healed by Jesus and returned to give thanks. In Luke Chapter 10, we read about the Good Samaritan, but in Luke Chapter 17 we read about this Grateful Samaritan who was healed. We learn something about gratitude from him, some principles of thanksgiving and the process of giving thanks.

First, thanksgiving is not thanksgiving until it is expressed. Thanksgiving is not an attitude or a feeling, it is an action. There is a difference in feeling thankful and giving thanks. I am sure that all ten of the lepers Jesus healed felt thankful, but only one gave thanks.

Second, thanksgiving is very meaningful to Jesus. Think about what it must have meant to Jesus for this leper to return and express thanksgiving:

He acknowledged the giver, Jesus. You know what it feels like to do something for someone or to give a gift and receive no acknowledgement of it? That hurts. But a part of giving thanks is giving credit to the giver.

His thanksgiving was proof of the sincerity of his prayer. These ten men together prayed a group prayer in which they acknowledged Jesus as “Master” (Luke 17:13). This one Samaritan’s gratitude proved the sincerity of that prayer. Our prayers must sound hollow when we ask and ask and ask and yet

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From the Pastor’s Heart...we do not give thanks for the answers.

It was an expression of humility. The man returned and fell down before Jesus using the body language of humility. We know that God takes notice of humility.

Third, failure to give thanks grieves the heart of God. Jesus asked, “Where are the other nine?” He was grieved by their ingratitude. Too often we take our blessings for granted and fail to thank God. We get so busy enjoying the gifts that we forget to thank the Giver. Too often we are so quick to ask God for something but too slow to thank Him when He gives it.

I’m glad Thanksgiving Day is built into our calendar! Let’s give God thanks on that day and every day. “Enter His gates with thanksgiving!”

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

15:13

Sonrise SeniorsTuesday, November 6; 9:00am/Parlor

6th Annual Festival of HolidaysNovember 12; 6:30pm (doors open at 6:00)Featuring Kay DeKalb Smith, gifted singer and speaker. Kay has been called the Carol Burnett of Christian entertainment. She will tickle your funny bone while immersing your heart and mind in the important claims of the Gospel. Cost is $20.

Triple L LuncheonTuesday, November 13; Noon/FLCBring a covered dish. Special guests: Louis Kahl, Amelia Sweeney, Alex Houston & Elmer

Celebration CraftersThursday, November 15; 10:00am/E-218Sign up at the Welcome Center

PEP Moms Friday, November 16; 9:15am/ParlorJoin us for this time of food, fellowship and devotion. Special guest; Jackie Belin

Spirited Singles One Day TripComedy BarnNovember 17; 5:00 pm (meet at the theatre)$13 per person, deadline to sign up is November 9. Sign up at Welcome Center or call Lisa at 286-6980

Children’s ChurchSunday, November 181st Service: K-6th grade/Chapel2nd Service: K-3rd grade/Chapel2nd Service: 4th-6th grade/FH

Youth Thanksgiving BanquetMonday, November 19; 6:30pm/FLCGrades 7-10 bring a vegetableGrades 11 & 12 bring a dessert

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. Cost is $250, will increase after November 1, get your money to Amanda in the church office soon!

Upcoming Events

Special AnnouncementsChurch Office Holiday HoursThanksgivingClosed November 21, 22 & 23ChristmasClosed December 24 & 25New YearsClosed January 1

Christmas Store Host/Hostess TrainingIf you would like to serve as a host or hostess during our Christmas Store this year, please attend our training on Wednesday, December 5th; 6:30pm/Parlor. We have a particular need

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for folks who can speak Spanish. If you have any questions please call Kristie in the church office at 429-6303.

Operation Christmas ChildIt’s time to pack your shoeboxes! Our collection dates are thru November 11. Pick up your supplies at the Welcome Center. Please use regular size shoeboxes. Please do not use oversized as this causes each family to get the box and not each child. Also, the plastic shoeboxes are encouraged because the kids and families can reuse them.

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

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

Nov.2012

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Lonnie GalyonAnn CoxRonnie McCroskeyLeoda WhaleyGene DouglassWalter Adams, IIIClaude Ownby Lyle & Judy Pat OverbayJB HodgeVelda Seagle Jo BlalockElle J. LawsonEmily Cantwell Charles & Gail FancherWORLD HUNGERHoney Gregg & Tracy PriceBryan Blalock Jo BlalockEd Glaspie Belva GlaspieCHRISTMAS STOREGlenda Johnson Tammy JohnsonBill Ownby Mary OwnbyBob Rose Marye RoseCarl & Lois Ownby Bob & Becky BarnesMISSIONSGene Douglass Karl & Denise ReedBUILDINGReece Helton Karl & Denise Reed

IN HONORCHRISTMAS STOREOur Grandchildren Curtis & Shirley KingCHILDREN’SLibby Williams Carlene & Marvin

Maples

BUDGETIn Honor of Norma

Headrick Ruth ChristopherOur granddaughter

Morgan Ramsey’s 3rd Birthday

Terry & Gail GossettBUILDING FUNDIn Honor of Rev. &

Mrs. Dan Spencer Rex & Louise DelozierTRIBUTED

GIVING

Attendance Report 9/30/2012 10/7/2012 10/14/2012 10/21/2012 8:15am Worship 608 549 583 542 9:30am SS 1171 1332 1239 1285 10:45am Worship 1160 1322 1139 1261 6:30pm Worship 359 439 435 442

Biblical Stewardship 9/30/2012 10/7/2012 10/14/2012 10/21/2012 Total Weekly Needs $ 92,822.23 $ 86,177.00 $ 86,177.00 $ 86,177.00 Tithes & Offerings 94, 240.79 81,962.34 82,400.46 69,148.80 Building Fund 340.00 1,281.00 1,281.00 831.00 Designated Fund 11,550.00 10,412.70 3,264.77 7,680.62

New MembersRobby, Sabrina, Tyler & Luke CopasStanley RogersSandra Quijano & Brandon, Tashia & Ashley MoreiraRiley MarshallJoy CoatsJoe MarshallMary PhillipsGary & Ruth PenceChristy NicholsonDonna Gale OwnbyJay BroylesDennis & Candy CurtisJonathan Rager

Recently HospitalizedHeather BurgessDon LeatherwoodJeff JohnsonSue Ann SchneiderClaudia CrainAmanda WilliamsEllen PerkinsLarry ParkerRon NicholsMartin SwindleMarjorie LeatherwoodNancy MountLouise Parrott

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

Aileen Fowler

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

Larry Parker

• Debbie Ratledge in the passing of her mother, Marie Elkins

• Liz Gibson in the passing of her father, Bill Schimmel

• Brenda Bohanan & Janice Zverina in the passing of their mother, Ann Cox

• Lynn Pooser in the passing of her father, James Cook

• Aileen Fowler in the passing of her brother, James David Whaley

• Jane Lambert in the passing of her brother, Herbert Christian

• Dodie Sweat in the passing of her uncle, Bill Starkey

• Connie Alewine in the passing of her mother, Evelyn Culvahouse

Thank You Notes

Sympathy to

IN MEMORYBUDGETHoney Gregg & Tracy PriceLon Sutton Beulah SuttonLennis Williams Donald Babcock Caroline KayeJanelle Nevins Shirley MatthewsMae Ownby Keener Gary & Karen ClaboMalcolm’s Birthday Frances SmithMildred Ganci Ron & Carol FinleyTV MINISTRYLon Sutton Beulah SuttonSandy Webb Robert & Sandy FoxCHILDREN’S MUSIC Paul & Ruth Galyon Robert & Sandy FoxCARE MINISTRYEmily Cantwell Alexis RobertsonPARK ROAD PROJECTMae Ownby KeenerEmily CantwellJanelle Nevins

FBC on Mission Scott Andrews Associate Pastor of Worship

This past year has seen First Baptist Church on

mission all around the globe. We are so grateful

for those who sacrificed time and resources to

serve our Lord as ambassadors for Christ and for

modeling the Great Commission. We are blessed

to be part of a church that has a heart for sending

folks out. None of what has been accomplished

for the glory of the Lord would have happened

without your prayer and financial support. Here is

a recap of all that has gone on since the end of the

2010–11 church year:

Last October we had folks assisting our

partnership in Montana and the Gallatin Valley

Baptist Church. Also, we participated in Global

Evangelical Relations with the Southern Baptist

Convention and Bible Seminar Bonn in Bonn,

Germany. December and January we had folks

serving here in Tennessee with Disaster Relief. In

February, we again participated in a Global

Evangelical Relations event through the Southern

Baptist Convention in Austria conducting Pastor

Encouragement Conferences and holding

seminars. Our Pastor participated in a mission

effort in India. Also in February, we had folks

serving on mission right here in Tennessee.

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Send questions or comments to newsletter@fbcsev.org

each season 6. Our first season we had 240 participants 7. We minister to kids through the week and families on Saturdays 8. We play in 3 gyms each game day 9. Our goals are to build character, improve self-esteem and lead families to Christ 10. Every Child Is A Winner

10 Reasons to Ref 1. Kids see you serving 2. You might lose a few pounds 3. You get to actually make the calls instead of question them 4. You get a free T-shirt 5. You get to high-five a player after a good play 6. Sweat pants are in style 7. You get a free whistle 8. You can prove you still have it 9. It’s fun

During May and June, our church sent college

students on mission here in the states in

Tennessee and Washington and around the world

to Nepal, Ethiopia and Samoa. Our high schools

students served in New Mexico. We had a team go

to the Orbit Village in Nairobi, Kenya and still others

sharing the gospel as part of the Southern Baptist

Convention in New Orleans.

July saw three more teams on mission. One team

went to Delaware to work with High Tide Church.

Another team went on a prayer walking vision

trip to Cincinnati Ohio. A third team of college

students found themselves assisting Pleasant Hill

Baptist Church in South Carolina with VBS. We also

provided resources and material support for a VBS

in Exuma, Bahamas. September found a team in

Manhattan, Montana helping Gallatin Valley Baptist

Fellowship with a community service project.

All in all we had 19 mission trips with 151 people

on mission. The best news is that dozens of people

were saved. To God be all the glory!!!

Now we are looking forward to the opportunities

for this church year. Here they are...details are still

being worked out for some of the trips such as

exact costs, dates and project undertakings. Cost

will range from a few hundred dollars (Cincin-

nati) to nearly three thousand plus (Kenya). In

the next few weeks, we will be making lists of

those who would like to go on which trips. This

will help us in planning and making detailed

travel arrangements. Due to the length of this

article, we are unable to put all the details but

you can get them through the missions office:

Haiti – February 24 – March 9

Guatemala – March

Cincinnati, Ohio – April 14 – 27

Nairobi, Kenya (Orbit Project) – May 31- June 12

Crossover Houston – June 7 – 8

Delaware – July 7 – 12

Italy – Fall 2013

Brazil – Late Summer/Fall 2013

Montana – 2013

Please call our missions office (429-6303) to let

us know of your interest in any of these trips.

Teams will form fast...the sooner we know your

interest the better. Again, thank you, First Baptist

Church, for your heart for missions. Pray about

allowing God to use you. Being part of a short

term mission project will be one of the greatest

blessings of your life.

10. We are all called to serve Christ

10 Reasons to Pray 1. There are hundreds of lost people involved 2. You can make a difference 3. You already pray 4. You get to pray in private 5. You will grow spiritually 6. We make the list for you 7. You get a cool pin 8. You love the Lord 9. You will also be prayed for 10. It doesn’t cost any money

Please come out and support Upward this season!

Upward - 10 Years of Growing the KingdomEddie McCandless

This month marks the beginning of the 10th season of ministering to families through Upward Basketball and Cheerleading! In light of this, I came up with some 10’s you might find interesting:

10 facts: 1. Upward uses balls and pom poms, but it’s a missions program 2. About 40% of our enrollment comes from our church 3. Over 100 local churches have participation in our Upward program 4. Upward is focused on kids, but it is a family ministry 5. We have averaged over 500 participants

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

fbcsev.org

info@fbcsev.org

facebook.com/fbcsev

twitter.com/fbcsev

Pastor on Call(865) 453-9257

Prayer Line(865) 429-PRAY