Connections
SEPTEMBER 2017
FBT.ORG
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Upcoming
A Timeless Connection
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sermon series
! e m o welc
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FRIE
Mark your Calendars!
Friend Day 17
R 16, 20
CTOBE
O NDAY Y | SU ND DA
48 years of timeless truth and enduring love
October 15 @ 10:30
New building for 3k – 5k in the school and church will open August 13! KChurch, Bible Zone 2
building photo here
Pastor Bill Monroe picked up a small printed page from another church. Printed on the back were words that hit home. “Malls are trendy, churches should feel timeless.” Since founding Florence Baptist Temple 48 years ago, Pastor Monroe has witnessed decades of cultural whims and yet has remained dedicated to the timeless truth of Scripture and the enduring love of Christ.
the pastor. Instead, they are caring for one another and looking out for one another’s needs on a daily basis. The members of Florence Baptist Temple are connected to each other with an authentic and purposeful love.
On any given day, a quick glance at the evening news gives the impression culture is coming apart at the seams. “When people come to church,” Pastor Monroe explains, “they don’t need more of the same.” Because Florence Baptist Temple is concerned for the community as well as the entire Pee Dee region, they want people to be connected with something enduring, authentic, caring, and timeless.
Connection also extends beyond the walls of the church building and into the surrounding community. Through an area-wide sports ministry, which engages hundreds of young people, the church has an opportunity to coach kids and ultimately minister to families. Additionally, Florence Christian School reaches out to offer a stellar education for students in the community from preschool through high school. Connection further multiplies as Florence Baptist Temple joins hands with local ministries like House of Hope, Lighthouse, and Mercy Medical Clinic. Through joint ministry efforts, marginalized residents of the Pee Dee area receive the help and care they need.
That genuine connection is seen within the church as members demonstrate concern for one another. During a recent pastoral care visit to the hospital, a nurse stopped Pastor Monroe and remarked, “I can always tell when one of our patients is from your church. People come to visit them.” Church members are not waiting for an official visit from
Certainly culture changes, but Pastor Monroe is thankful for a church that exemplifies timehonored characteristics while ministering to every generation. The vibrancy of Florence Baptist Temple connects people of all ages with enduring truth and authentic Christian love. The connection is real and foundational, never trendy— but always timeless. 3
Laboring in Fruitful Fields
Working together to sharet the love of Christ with Children Jeannie Montrose is familiar with planting and reaping. She grew up in a family of sharecroppers, farming other people’s land. Her home was also filled with fifteen other children. As only the Lord can orchestrate, the concept of planting and reaping, as well as familiarity with children, transcended into Kingdom work for Jeannie. For forty-six years, she has nurtured young lives through the children’s ministry of Florence Baptist Temple.
It was the mailman who first invited Jeannie’s family to attend Florence Baptist Temple. The family accepted the invitation and soon Jeannie came to know Christ in a personal way, receiving salvation by grace through faith. Later, when the pastor approached her about teaching a children’s Sunday School class, Jeannie hesitated. She had no experience.
She wasn’t even sure she liked children after growing up with so many. Encouraged to let the Lord lead, Jeanie cautiously committed to the challenge of teaching first and second grade children. She fervently prayed for God to give her a love and a burden for her students. Decades later, she is still brimming with that love. Not only has Jeannie impacted multiple generations of children, but she is also an encouragement to new teachers and workers in the children’s ministry. New to children’s ministry, Shaun Evans is thankful for Jeannie’s experience and her teamwork mentality. Recently, Shaun made the transition from teaching a men’s class to directing the 5th and 6th grade department. There is mutual admiration and respect as Jeannie is excited to learn from her younger colleague and Shaun is wise enough to appreciate her vast experience. This multigenerational partnership adds even greater depth and vibrancy to the children’s ministry of Florence Baptist Temple. When asked why he made the transition from teaching adults to working with children, Shaun’s enthusiasm is evident. “The Gospel has the power to change lives!” he exclaims. He knows if children can be reached for Christ; their families can be reached as well. He is excited to be on the cutting edge of new ideas that will spur spiritual growth in children, not only through Biblical teaching in Sunday School but also through avenues of service in the community. Working in tandem with children’s minister, Amy Giles, and teachers like Jeannie Montrose, Shaun is certain the good news of Christ is making a difference in the lives of children, their families, and the community. Jesus implored His disciples to look at the fields which are white unto harvest (John 4:36). He also instructed them to pray for laborers to be sent into His harvest (Luke 10:2). Jesus did not, however, specify the age or gender of the laborers. Neither did He qualify them by their training or their tenure in the fields. The laborer simply had to obey His command to go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19). Shaun Evans and Jeannie Montrose have taken on the task of working the harvest in Jesus’ name through children’s ministry. These two workers are very different in their experiences and their tenure. The younger worker may have the privilege of reaping what the older has cultivated for years while the older may be refreshed by new ideas and the fresh energy of the younger. Regardless, they are fulfilling Christ’s commission to make disciples. They are gathering eternal fruit so that “he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together” (John 4:36).
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FBT is the church that reaches the entire family on Wednesday night. During our midweek, we have discipleship opportunities for every age: Kid Xpress is our middle of the week discipleship program for kids in 4K-6th grade. (See next page) Teens are involved in Youth Choir and enjoy their youth service called, Souled Out. Teens participate in music, activities and lead the teaching once a month under the direction of our Youth Pastor, Chris Edwards. Weekly teen services include topics taught Chris Edwards that connect with teens in their daily lives. Souled Out is the service that FBT teens bring their friends and look forward to every week. Adults attend a weekly teacher training meeting to prepare for Sunday School. This is held before the evening service. Our volunteers care enough to give their best each week. Specific discipleship groups meet throughout the year to study topics on finances and dealing with life’s problems from a biblical perspective. These classes are a source of help and growth to those who attend. The midweek service has something for everyone in the family as Pastor Monroe teaches a weekly Bible study. Kids and teens present the special music in the midweek service which is a highlight for parents, grandparents and the entire church. The service ends with Pastor leading our church in prayer which unites us to focus on those in need and reminds us of our dependence upon God. The truth is our spiritual batteries need recharging in a crazy, upside down world we live in. There isn’t a better place to fill that need than Midweek@FBT.
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We have had choirs for years in our Children’s Ministry on Wednesday night but two years ago decided to enhance our program to include opportunities for service and fun activities. We have always valued teaching children music using hymns but this new change allowed us to reach more kids that were interested in other areas. The reason behind naming our midweek program Kid Xpress came from seeing families with very busy schedules which reminded me of a train station with trains coming and going. We want families to partner with us on Sunday and Wednesday night. Kid Xpress fits that niche in midweek. This coming August we will kickoff a new year with another new change by adding an extra focus on discipleship with kids in 3-6 grade called, Xtreme Discipleship or XD for short. Kids in this age group will be challenged to learn how to apply the Biblical truths to their daily lives. XD includes monthly emphasis on taking notes to Pastor’s sermon in Midweek service and sharing what we learned together. Make Me a Difference is our service emphasis in older group. Kids making a personal difference in the lives of someone else because of Jesus Christ. We teach hymns that will instill an appreciation for our Christian heritage. To keep everything moving, we have interactive game time each week that builds relationships. Kids in younger age group enjoy learning about kids around the world, connecting to missionary families and learning the story behind the hymns. Make Me a Blessing is the service emphasis in the younger grades. Younger children learn they can be a blessing to those in need. Kids enjoy fun activities and projects each month. This is why we believe midweek is an important piece of a kids discipleship at FBT.
FBT Kid Express RUNS ON WEDNESDAY NIGHTS FUN STATION Wednesday night begins with fun games and activities for all ages. Kids enjoy being at church with their friends!
MUSIC STATION - KPC 100.1 Music is a great way to learn about God. Kids are divided into three groups: Kindergarten, Younger (1st-3rd) and Older (4th-6th). Kids will learn hymns and songs that teach biblical truths and enjoy singing to the Lord.
SERVICE STATION Kids need to learn to serve the Lord at a young age. Kids will learn about missionaries and great heroes of the faith and will participate in meaningful service activities throughout the year.
PRAYER STATION Kids pray together in groups for the need of others, their church, and their family. Prayer is an important ending to our time at church.
LAUNCHES WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2nd AT 6PM Contact Amy Giles for more information agiles@fbt.org 7
Florence Baptist Temple 2308 South Irby Street Florence, SC 29504 843.662.0453 www.FBT.org
Find help from addictions Every Friday night @ 7:00. Bible Based, Christ-centered curriculum. Kid’s Club & Teen Program inlcuded. 85% success rate without relapse. TESTIMONIAL
“By the age of 21, I was addicted to cocaine. I tried to quit on my own several times with no luck. After hitting rock-bottom, I found the Reforms Unanimous program at Florence Baptist Temple and gave my life to the Lord. I’ve enjoyed three years of victory ofer alcohol and drug addiction. For the first time in a long time I have freedom from the bondage of addiction... and you can too!” Chip - Reformers Unanimous graduate.
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