first word february 2016

IN THIS ISSUE

Thank You Deacons! Page 2

Meals that MatterPage 2

UnshockablePage 5

First Baptist sevierville | FeBruary 2016

Volume 109 , No. 6

First Baptist Church of Sevierville’s Monthly Newsletter

Meals that MatterJerry HyderAssociate Pastor of Adults

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of all mercies and the the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort that we ourselves are comforted by God.” - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.

One of the most important “Behind the Scenes” ministries of our church is when we provide care and a meal for the families of those who have experienced the death of a parent, spouse, or a child. It is such a difficult time emotionally for people. Then dealing with all the details of having a memorial service, family visiting from out of town, etc...It is just a very stressful time.

Our Bereavement Committee, with the help of our Sunday School classes, offer a meal to our church members during this time.

The response we receive from these families is one of thankfulness and gratitude. Comments I have heard include: I didn’t know churches did this for families, we have been so busy, I don’t know what we would have done without your help, this allowed us to spend quality time with our family, which we needed so much.

There are times when we are asked to provide a meal for a family that doesn’t have a connection with one of our Sunday School Classes. If this is something you might like to help with by preparing a dish of food occasionally, please contact Dawn in the church office for more information.

| First Baptist Church of Sevierville

THANK YOU, DEACONS! Acts 6:3 states that we are to find men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over the business of caring for our congregation. First Baptist Church is blessed to have an amazing group of Deacons who devote their time and energy to serving our membership. Their lives exhibit characteristics of faithfulness and loyalty not only to our Lord but also to His church. Each year, after much prayer, our members elect 12 new Deacons to serve a 3-year term, which gives us a total of 36 active deacons at all times. In addition, 16 men have been named Lifetime Deacons for their many years of devotion and service. Below is a list of our Deacons, who are currently led by Chairman Lamar Josey. Please join me in prayer for them, their families and their ministry. And be sure to thank them for their service! I love being your pastor! Dan Spencer

Active & Lifetime Deacons Frank Atchley, Sr. Lamar Josey Joe Williams Bryan Seaton Andy Boling Ray Johnson Brett Maggard George Seaton Gary Roach Jarrod Wilson Ted Jordan Marc Robertson Joe Woods Bing Bridges Marvin Maples Chuck Sexton Terry Bryan Charlie Johnson Randy McClure Phil Simpson Kent Reed James Temple Jack Denton Keith Ratcliff Jeff Mills John Thomas Doug Williams Charles Fancher Jayson Nave Rex Delozier Dave Tino Scott Finchum Ben Mills Bill Nelson Glenn Turner Dwight Stokes Steve Galyon Charles Ownby Steve McFalls Randy Underwood Don Gibson Brent Cusick Harold Ownby Rich Wallace Floyd Smith David Goode Gary Perkins Roger McFalls Brian Wilhoite Kevin Hedrick Sam Burnett

UP 6th Grade WeekendApril 30th and May 1st

Sign up in Sunday Schoolor call the church office

Jeremiah

29:13

IF: Sevier Simulcast FBC Ladies Ministry EventFebruary 5-6 at Hidden Mountain Resort LodgeThere is not a set cost, please give what you can. There will not be childcare for this event. Women coming together to learn what could happen IF we all lived as Jesus lived, encouraging, discipling, teaching the next generation and touching the lives of the lost. Are you in?! For more information please visit the IF table in the foyer.

Triple L LuncheonTuesday, February 9; Noon/FLCSpecial guests; Arthur Rice. Please bring a side dish or dessert.

PEP Moms - Couple’s NightThursday, February 11; 6:00pm/FHGuest speakers; Dan & Tresa Spencer. The cost is $20 per couple. You can register online. If childcare is needed please email Tammy Rice at [email protected] with the names and ages of the children.

Singles of FaithFriday, February 12; 6:00pm/ParlorSingle and 35 or older? Please join us for our monthly fellowship. Special guest; Bill Crowell. Please bring a side dish or dessert.

True Love WaitsWednesday, February 17; 6:30pm/ChapelWorship led by Silencing Stones. Guest Speaker; Nick Swarthout.

Matt Chandler - Marriage SimulcastFebruary 19-20/FBCAll married couples invited to attend. Must register to attend, no registration fee. Register online at www.fbcsev.org

Save the Date - Men’s Wild Game SupperSaturday, April 30More information to come!

Save the Date - VBS 2016June 20-24; family fun night June 26Ages 4 thru completed 6th grade.

Save the Date - Youth Panama CityJuly 10-15Grades 7-12

Save the Date - Music Camp 2016July 18-22; presentation on July 24Completed 1st-6th grade.

Upcoming Events

Special AnnouncementsGrief ShareYou don’t have to go through this valley alone. We have two opportunities for you to attend at 3:00pm or 6:00pm. Please contact Dawn in the church office at 286-6979 with any questions.

Text Giving is Now AvailableRegister through the church website; https://e-giving.org/fbcsevFollow prompts in the “Texting” tab of the Member Profile section to register.

Serve at The BridgeVolunteers needed to help provide excellent environments. If you are interested in serving please contact [email protected]

Bible DrillBible Buddies, Children’s Bible Drill and Youth Bible Drill will resume January 10.

Connections ConferenceApril 15-16. Guest speakers; Johnny Hunt and Eric Geiger. Breakout sessions: preschool, children, youth, adults, & hospitality. $45 per person, register online at www.fbcsev.org

Feb. 2016

Harold Helton Wilma HeltonBuddy Glenn Carolyn GlennMy parents, Lee

& Julia Mize Evelyn PhillipsDorothy CarverBonnie CraftJean WhiteBJ FranklinJuanita BrockBilly JenkinsHarold JensenVerlin Overbay Lyle & Judy Pat OverbayBJ FranklinFreeland BrownOur grandson, Taylor Bush Frank & Barbara PartonMy dad, Del Smith

and grandmother, Ida Alderman

Tammy JohnsonMarshall BohananMalcom “Gil” GilchristTom MorganBetty SextonJean Wheeler Patrick & Anne McCartyTOMMY PArrOTT

SCHOLArSHIPJune Parrott Patsy Parrott Oglerush, Louise &

Tommy Parrott Patsy, Bill & Tonya, Jim &

Angie, James, Sara, Kaylee, Kaden, Lynleigh Parrott

HELPING HANDSSue Marceil reed Phillips New Horizons SS ClassFred & Helen Pierce and

Fred McMahan’s Birthdays Thomas & Carolyn

McMahanLillian LovedayBetty DavisBill Allenruby Whaley Aileen Boruff & familyLorene TrenthamMichael Loy Jimmie Faye TrotterEunice Eledge Marie Temple

PArk rOAD PrOJECTLorene TrenthamMary Louise HaileyEunice Eledge Jo BlalockWOrLD HuNGErAlan Pease Elaine PeasePrAYEr rOOMJuanita Hardeman Clell & Betty Jean KingMuSIC MINISTrYralph Davis Margaret DavisClaude Ownby Maxine OwnbyAl OgdenJoan GreenLorene Trentham Mary Ann & Craig

TrenthamDECOrATIONSBonnie Craft Charlie Ownby’s SS ClassCHILDrEN’S MuSICPaul & ruth Galyon Robert & Sandy FoxCHILDrEN’S DEPTJean WhiteTom Morgan Sam & Kay JustusLIBrArYCharles McGill JrJuanita HardemanEarl Dean ShieldsJohn StrowdWilma WatsonMary Louise Waters HaileyGilbert “Bud” Sneller Lorene TrenthamEunice EledgeMarie ThomasMildred CockrumDonald LesterJoan Greene First Baptist Church

TribuTedGivinG

Attendance report 12/20/2015 12/27/2015 1/3/2016 1/10/2016 8:00am Worship 479 432 460 411 9:30am The Bridge 531 674 680 649 11:00am Worship 700 752 777 631 11:00am Bridge Kids 114 106 127 152 6:30pm Worship 286 - 220 233 Life Groups 1237 1049 1161 1225

Biblical Stewardship 12/20/2015 12/27/2015 1/3/2016 1/10/2016 Total Weekly Needs $ 99,870.00 $ 99,870.00 $ 99,870.00 $ 99,870.00 Tithes & Offerings 136,707.84 449,349.97 97,666.92 76,877.29 Building Fund 322.00 761.00 1,371.00 880.00 Designated Fund 60,728.00 61,165.17 359,769.00 2,354.00

New MembersLawrence & Patricia Fiorini

Don & Joanie Cain

Haleigh Lawson

Whitley Hoffner

Lindsay Oakley

Ron & Emily Herrod

David & Dana Jones

Angie Tinker

Carly Newman

recently HospitalizedMarcia Watson

Charlie Ownby

Angela Reeder

Rex Delozier

April Mills

Peggy Witt

Paula Nichols

Larry Stinson

Elizabeth Haynes

Carlene Maples

Charles Caylor

Debbie Rummel

Phil Simpson

Tyler Chesteen

Charles Humphry

Christa Roach

Lori Mahaffey

Brooke McCoy

Austin Ritts

Gary Cutshaw

Ron Arnsparger

Rebecca Cusick

Ruby Scrivner

• James Vaughan in the passing of his mother, Delia Vaughan

• Skye & Alexis McCarter in the passing of their grandfather, Charles McGill, Jr.

• Family & friends in the passing of, Juanita Hardeman

• Peter Shields in the passing of his father, Dean Shields

• Donna Strowd in the passing of her husband, John Strowd

• Gary Sneller in the passing of his father, Gilbert Sneller

• Craig Mintz in the passing of his grandfather, Jack Mintz

• Bob Trentham in the passing of his mother, Lorene Trentham

• Libby Lawson in the passing of her husband, Dwayne

• Marty Temple in the passing of her mother, Eunice Eledge

• Shirley Broughton in the passing of her sister, Marie Thomas

Sympathy to

IN MEMORYBuDGETHoney Gregg & Tracy PriceDelia Vaughn Chuck Sexton’s SS ClassBonnie Craft Wilma HeltonJean White Joyce MorganTV MINISTrYMy mother, Wanda

Guffey Marie LindseyJohnny king Karen KingBilly Jenkins JB & Shirley MatthewsSandy Webb Robert & Sandy FoxCHrISTMAS STOrEMarshall Bohanan Charlie Ownby’s SS ClassIn memory and honor

of our parents Albert & Kathy ValentineBuddy Glenn John & Teresa AlsupLOTTIE MOONJuanita Hardeman Dave & Dink Tino Clell & Betty Jean KingCharlie & Grace Justice

and Ellen Pace Sam & Kay JustusClyde & Beuena Ownby

and rev. Garth & kathy Swafford

Phil & Karen Ownby

IN HONORCHILDrEN’S DEPTGrandson, Ezra PattersonHelen Ownby Phil & Karen OwnbyLOTTIE MOONOur daughters and

granddaughters; Tammie Sutton, Lynzi Greene, Addie McCarter, Shalea Martin & Mckenzie Martin

JB & Shirley Matthews5th Grade SS teachers;

Susan Howard, Gary kohagen, Nancy Fernander, Donna Justus, Ellen ratcliff, Jerry Gibson & Carolyn Catlett

Jerry & Yvonne Gibson“Megan” who serves

in the Middle East Tabatha & Bobby OgleOur grandchildren Steve & Susan MooreJoe Woods Joe Woods SS ClassTV MINISTrYIsaac Adams Ashley AdamsTOMMY PArrOTT

SCHOLArSHIPPaul Parrott Patsy Parrott Ogle BuDGETJerry & Sharon Loveday Kay Gill

UnshockableMisty Hedrick

We live in a world where it seems everyone is trying to get famous. And there are a million and one ways to do it, whether it’s auditioning for the show that promises everyone will worship you, doing some gross stunt on reality TV, acting out every conceivable kind of insanity on YouTube, even pulling guns in public. The more shock value, the more likely to go viral, get your face on TV, and become a household name.

Surely we know what lies beneath all this showmanship? An innate need to be known. The problem is we think being “known” just means being famous. We’re so desperate to be known that sometimes we forget we also need love & acceptance. Any attention is good attention; any publicity is good publicity. That’s why people go off the deep end of crazy. So for just one shining moment, however brief, others will simply acknowledge their existence.

Just being known is never going to be enough though—it’s all or nothing. Any entertainer can probably tell you there’s a point where, like drug resistance, attention fails to satisfy. If we’re just aiming to be known and the actions we take are only so people will know our name, or face, we will still die empty. We long for someone to know us and love us anyway. So it must be unconditional. We hope for someone to say, “I know you, flaws and all. I love you anyway. And because I love you, you belong with me.” We forget Someone already has. Or we forget we are learning to be like Him, and should love others the way we’ve been loved.

Send questions ormments to [email protected]

had, all she had to live on’” (Mark 12:41-44).

Gordon Cosby, while serving as pastor of the Church of the Saviour in Washington, DC, tells of a widow whose income was barely adequate to feed and clothe her six children. Yet every week she faithfully placed $4 in the offering plate. A deacon suggested that Cosby go to her and assure her that she could use the money instead for her family’s benefit.

Cosby followed the deacon’s advice, to his regret. “You are trying to take away the last thing that gives me dignity and meaning,” she said. She had learned a key to giving: It can benefit the giver more than the receiver. Yes, those in poverty need financial help. But the need to give may be as important as the need to receive.

The act of giving reminds us that we live by the grace of God—like the birds and the flowers. Those creations don’t worry about their future; neither should we. Giving offers

Do you know any hard-core anti-God people? The ones who push everyone away in their quest to rid themselves of God? Yes, those people. Sometimes people are so hardened by sin and blinded by deception that they’re nearly impossible to love. But what if you did love them? Despite their animosity. What if, rather than taking offense at everything said against or about you, or even done to you, you turned the other cheek? As Paul said, “Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded?” 1 Corinthians 6:7

That is, after all, the command of Jesus in Matthew 5:38-47: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you. You have heard it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?”

Here’s something I’ve noticed about Jesus: He is unshockable. There is absolutely nothing you can do, nothing you can admit to or confess, that will

shock Jesus. Have you sunk so low, fallen off the wagon so many times, participated in any and every form of sin? He isn’t surprised. He already knows. Are you certain you’re unforgivable? He will still forgive. Nothing you can say will offend Him. His love is not only unconditional, it’s unshakable. He already knows you better than you do—and He still loves you. He accepts you just as you are. If you want to belong with Him, just agree with Him that your sin is sin, turn to Him, and ask Him to forgive you. He will. It is literally that easy. 1 John 1:9

It’s interesting how people respond to love like that. The Samaritan woman in John 4 ran back to her town—where she had been tangled in sin, rejected, despised. But she went back because she couldn’t believe what had happened. “Come see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?”

What if we were unshockable? What if nothing anyone says or does to us could upset or offend us? What if no matter how much someone hurts us or even tries to destroy us, we still forgive? What if we accept people regardless of how they respond to us—even regardless of their past or present mess? What if we go so far as to love people who hate us? Would we hear people saying to us “Is this for real? How can you love me anyway?” And would we see them going back even to their place of rejection, telling others?

Be unshockable, as Jesus is unshockable. Love like that will shock the world.

us a way to express our confidence that God will care for us just as He cares for the sparrow and lily (Matthew 6:25-34).

Whatever, Lord, we lend to Thee,Repaid a thousand-fold will be;Then gladly will we give to Thee,Who givest all—who givest all. —Wordsworth

The Blessing of GivingIt is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35

It made no sense for a widow to donate her last few coins to a corrupt institution in Jerusalem, where scribes who were dependent on those gifts “devoured widows’ houses” (Mark 12:40). But in that woman’s act, Jesus saw a moving display of the proper attitude toward money.

“And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, ‘Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she

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

Scott AndrewsAssoc. Pastor of Worship

Jerry HyderAssoc. Pastor of Adults

Scott CarterAssoc. Pastor of Youth

Address317 Parkway Sevierville, TN 37862

Office HoursMonday- Friday8:00am - 5:00pm

Office Phone(865) 453-9001(865) 429-6309 (fax)

Craig MintzAssoc. Pastor of Equipping

Steve BrewerAssoc. Pastor of Discipleship

Clark ByramAssoc. Pastor of Stewardship/Administration Contact UsSenior Staff

fbcsev.org

[email protected]

facebook.com/fbcsev

twitter.com/fbcsev

Pastor on Call(865) 453-9257

Prayer Line(865) 429-PRAY

first word february 2016

Documents