Connections NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2017
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FBT.ORG
FBT Sports provides a fun, Christ-centered, athletic experience that is family-friendly. We teach the fundamentals of the sport, share the Gospel of Jesus, and encourage sportsmanship to boys and girls from 4K through 7th Grade.
VISIT WWW.FBTSPORTS.ORG FOR MORE INFO
FBT Preschool loves the little children, from newborns through age 3, and provides a safe, secure and happy place to come and learn about God.
“Grieving Through the Holidays” is a 2-day seminar for those who have lost a loved one this past year. Enduring the holidays can be an extremely difficult and emotional time. We want you to experience God’s help and hope by contacting Kent to reserve yourself a place at kkendall@fbt.org or 843-661-4321.
There is no charge for this event. Dates: Saturday, November 11 & 18 Time: 10:00 - 11:00 AM Location: Florence Baptist Temple, room D-201 2
The light still shines 48 years of timeless truth and enduring love
The lighthouse has long been a symbol of hope for those navigating treacherous waters. Likewise, for 48 years, Florence Baptist Temple has been a source of light, offering the hope of Christ to people in the Pee Dee area of South Carolina. The church began as a burden in the heart of Pastor Bill Monroe and has grown to impact thousands. Bill Monroe spent his youth in Sumter, but after college moved to Texas, married and eventually served on a church staff in Indianapolis. He has always considered South Carolina his home. The vibrant church in Indianapolis cared deeply for people and God used it to plant a vision in Bill’s heart. He dreamed of returning to S.C. and establishing a church like the one he had experienced in Indianapolis. Under the Lord’s leadership, Bill and his wife, Norma, moved to Florence and established the Florence Baptist Temple. Fortyeight years later, the vision continues to unfold. The only place he could find available to rent was an abandoned movie theatre at the Florence Airport. Pastor Monroe went door to door inviting residents to attend the first service in November, 1969. Eighteen people responded. The next week only eight were in attendance and Bill Monroe remembers well those fledgling days, but he also has experienced the faithfulness of God.
Two and a half years later, the growing band of believers purchased property and moved into their first permanent building on South Irby Street. Today, the church sits on 52 acres and has had nine major building programs. The main worship facility is a beautiful 1900-seat auditorium, with educational facilities to accommodate both the church and the Florence Christian School (K-12) with its 610 students. However, Pastor Monroe insists, “Our vision is not ever-expanding buildings, they are merely a tool.” The Addiction Ministry (Reformers Unanimous, www.ruatfbt.org), Christian School (www.fcseagles.org), Television Ministry, Sports Ministry (www.fbtsports.org), the Sunday School – all the ministries of the church are focused on seeing people transformed through knowing Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and knowing God’s Word. Today in the sanctuary, a replica of a lighthouse stands to the side of the platform. It is a constant reminder of the pure light of the gospel and the hope Christ offers. It also visually confirms that God will guide the future of Florence Baptist Temple as He has in the past. And thankfully, the vision which was ignited 48 years ago --- still continues. Come be a part of what is happening this Sunday. At FBT, you’re more than welcome, you’re wanted!
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And the gift continues... The Living Christmas is a springboard for yet another gift to the Pee Dee area. Attendees to the musical presentation are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items as their ticket for admission. These food items are collected, sorted, and boxed on the same night they are donated. The boxes are joined with hundreds of other food boxes which have been collected by Florence Christian School and the church congregation. Last year, in the weeks surrounding the Living Christmas Tree, ten tons of food were collected and distributed to area food banks and ministries. Additionally, 150 families in the Pee Dee area received a box of food for the holidays. Under the direction of Assoc. Pastor Kent Kendall and with an army of volunteers, the food drive meets a multiplicity of needs in the community. Coinciding with the Living Christmas Tree, the Florence Baptist Temple food drive is another gift of love.
2016 results: • 10 tons of food collected (20,000 lbs) • 92 volunteers involved in food collection • 11 organizations received food • 150 families received a box of food
2017 Donation Opportunities:
• Each Presentation of the Living Christmas Tree • Sundays at FBT, November 19 & 26 4
The Living Christmas Tree: To Florence with Love
Friday Dec 1, 7:00 pm • Saturday Dec 2, 3:00 pm • Sunday Dec 3, 7:00 pm The air is sizzling with excitement! The singers and instrumentalists are in place. The children are wiggling and the pageantry is waiting. The lights finally come up revealing months of prayer and preparation joyfully coming together, celebrating the birth of the Savior. The Living Christmas Tree has been a part of Florence Baptist Temple for 24 years. It began under the leadership of Mike Coker and has continued for the past 16 years under Jim Symons. From its inception, the Living Christmas Tree has been a gift from the church to the community. Traditionally, the first weekend of December is designated for three Christmas Tree presentations. Twenty-five thousand personal invitations are distributed by members of Florence Baptist Temple. Additionally, television spots and billboard advertisements extend the invitation even further. At any given presentation, nearly fifty percent of the audience is first time attendees. They will not only enjoy the beauty of traditional Christmas music, they will also hear the good news of Christ’s birth.
Preparing for the Living Christmas Tree begins in early May when musical selections are chosen. Layers of preparation continue for the next six months. The choir and instrumentalists rehearse countless hours. The children’s choir is added. The drama and pageantry is mapped out. The tech and lighting crew weigh in on possibilities. Dozens of behind the scenes volunteers manage a myriad of details. The week before the presentation, the massive steel tree is assembled and decorated. The auditorium is readied to welcome the congregation and community with the warmth of Christmas. The “predress rehearsal” is a huge technical event, making the final adjustments and preparation for dress rehearsal. And then it arrives. Opening night. For Jim Symons and all those who have labored with him, opening night brings a deep sense of satisfaction and joy. Ideas which have been nurtured for months finally bloom. For the audience as well as the participants, the Living Christmas Tree is not just another Christmas show; it is the melding of God-given creativity with divine inspiration. The result is a Christ-centered gift of extraordinary music given to a much loved community.
Celebrate the Reason for the Season! 5
CHRISTMAS SUNDAY FLORENCE BAPTIST TEMPLE DECEMBER 24
MORNING SERVICE AT 10:30 EVENING SERVICE AT 6:00
Lights, decorations, gifts and meals together – these things often define Christmas. Isn’t there more to it? While we all want to find that special gift for the ones we love, shouldn’t we stop to focus on the greatest gift? Jesus Christ is that Gift. People across the world will take time to stop and reflect on the birth of Christ - the true meaning of the Christmas season. Bring your family and celebrate with us at Florence Baptist Temple on December 24.
10:30 AM •
150-voice Adult Choir & Orchestra
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100 Youth Choir will combine with the Adult Choir!
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Bible-based message from Pastor Monroe
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Backdrops setup for Family Photos
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Children through 6th grade receive a special gift!
6:00 PM
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1-hour service.
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Christmas carols!
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Christmas message from Pastor Monroe
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Christmas story from the Bible read to the children
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Family Photo Opportunities
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Children through 6th grade receive a special gift!
Do you have a loved one that needs victory over their addiction? Every Friday night @ 7:00. Bible Based, Christ-centered curriculum. Kid’s Club & Teen Program included. 85% success rate without relapse. TESTIMONIAL
“There was a time when I used alcohol and opiates to get out of bed in the morning –to have some sense of what I thought was happiness. In reality, I was miserable. I knew there had to be something better. On August 24, 2014, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior. From that moment my life has been changed! Through Reformers Unanimous I have learned how to have a personal relationship with Jesus that gives me true joy and fulfillment every day." – Justin Lantrip pictured with his wife Jodi
Learn more at FBT.org
SUNDAY
Sunday School 9 a.m. Morning Worship Service 10:30 a.m. Evening Worship Service 6 p.m.
SATURDAY 7 P.M. WFXB THIS TV
WEDNESDAY Evening Service 7 p.m.
SUNDAY 7 A.M. WFXB
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SUNDAY 11 A.M. WMBF
843-662-0453
FLORENCE BAPTIST TEMPLE 2308 S IRBY ST. FLORENCE
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Florence Baptist Temple 2308 South Irby Street Florence, SC 29504 843.662.0453 www.FBT.org
LIVING CHRISTMAS TREE December 1 — 7:00 PM December 2 — 3:00 PM December 3 — 7:00 PM
Florence Baptist Temple 2308 S. Irby Street
fbt.org