April 2019 | Taylors Family by Taylors First Baptist Church

April 2019

APRIL 26, 7 PM - 1 AM Simulcast at Taylors FBC

with David Platt Our culture is cOnstantly telling us that we can achieve anything we set our mind to. sadly, many followers of Christ and many churches have adopted this self-sufficient mindset, relying on their own wisdom and abilities instead of relying on God. But what if we were never intended to be self-sufficient? And what if God has designed us so that our greatest satisfaction is found as we depend on Him fully for everything we need? In Secret Church 19 we’ll take an in-depth look at the Bible’s teaching on prayer and fasting. We’ll see that our inabilities and weaknesses are the very place where God’s meets us with His strength and sufficiency. We’ll also see that faithfulness to the mission of christ requires depending on the spirit of christ. through prayer and fasting, we demonstrate our need for god’s power and our desire for His glory.

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NEXT STEPS

Starting Point Sundays, 9 am May 5 - 26

Learn what we believe and who we are at our class for guests and new members.

Dinner with the Staff Monday, April 29 6 - 8 pm

Join us for a free, casual dinner in a relaxed setting with a group of people who, like you, want to learn more about Taylors. Register at taylorsfbc.org/dinner

HOW TO JOIN Being a part of a local church family is important for every person. At the close of each of our services, we invite you to come forward to apply for church membership with our trained counselors. You may also join at Dinner with the Staff. We accept members by... Public profession of faith and believer’s baptism by immersion. Statement: you have previously made a faith commitment to Christ as Lord and Savior and have already followed Him in baptism by immersion. Statement and pending baptism: you have previously made a faith commitment to Christ as Lord and Savior and now wish to follow Him in baptism by immersion. Letter: a transfer of your membership from a Baptist church of like faith and order. Watchcare: allows college students to come under the spiritual leadership of Taylors FBC while in the area and remain a member at their home church.

Greetings Taylors FBC Family! As I am writing this, I am reflecting on the text from Philippians 1:29—It has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for his sake. Being given the gift of suffering for Christ sounds unusual— and more than a bit disconcerting, doesn’t it? No one likes or willingly chooses to suffer. Yet, we misunderstand the Christian life greatly when we reduce it to merely agreeing with certain beliefs in order to escape hell and get into heaven. When God saved us, He called us into a real relationship with Him— and that real relationship brings real consequences! Our lives as believers are not intended to be lives of leisure spent within the four walls of the church building while we look forward to our eternal reward. We are here on a mission, chosen by God to do His will and His work in this world. This is serious business, and it must be approached with seriousness. The Apostle Paul, who wrote the book of Philippians, makes it clear that living for Christ will be costly. Paul experienced great joy as he served the Lord and shared the gospel, but he also endured painful rejection and physical suffering because of it. We can expect no less if we are truly committed to following Jesus in every place and in everything. The Christian life is a call to obedience; it is a discipleship of duty. It requires serving God in all areas of life, no matter what consequences we might face. This calling applies every moment of every hour of every day. There is no time “off” and there are no circumstances in which we can “opt out.” While this is not easy—and while it may be very costly at times—the good news is that we are called to walk this journey together! We do not do it in isolation, nor do we do it in our own strength. Side by side, as followers of Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we press on in joyful obedience, serving our Lord and making His name great right here where we live—and among the nations! I am incredibly grateful to share a part of this journey with you. Allen McWhite Interim Pastor

Continue to Pray for

OUR PASTOR SEARCH COMMITTEE Anne Alewine Benj Buck Bo Davies (Chair) Missy Edwards Maxie Eskew Bill Gay (Vice-Chair) Paula Prince Kaleb Ross Cathy Schwartz

FIND OUT

What’s Happening!

• Pick up a newsletter in the Connection Center or view online at www.taylorsfbc.org.

• Receive the Midweek Update. Visit taylorsfbc.org and click “Subscribe” to receive our weekly emails. • Call us at 864-244-3535. • Connect on Social Media: Instagram: @taylorsfbc Facebook: taylorsfbc

FULL CHURCH CALENDAR taylorsfbc.org/events/calendar

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Lord's Supper

April 14 | 9 and 10:30 am The Lord’s Supper is a time for believers to remember Jesus’ great sacrifice, to confess sin, and rekindle our love for the One who died for us

WEEKLY AT TAYLORS

LED BY THE TAYLORS WORSHIP MINISTRY “Credo” simply means “I believe...” So much of our theology is remembered and expressed in the songs we sing. We will be “Singing What We Believe" about God, the cross, salvation, grace, and eternity. Childcare Available for Birth through K5

The list below represents our typical schedule.

Sundays

Traditional Worship, 9 am Taylors Worship, 10:30 am Life Groups, 9 and 10:30 am Evening Worship, 6 pm

Wednesdays

Dinner Served, 5:15 pm Parish Nurse Office Open for Health Counseling, 5:15 pm Prayer Ministry Open, 5:30 pm Taylors Children & Kids' Music, 6:15 pm Journey Classes, 6:30 pm Prayer and Bible Study in the Chapel, 6:30 pm Taylors Students: UNITED, 6:30 pm Worship Rehearsals Taylors College: The Gathering, 7:30 pm

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Life Groups & Worship take place at regularly scheduled times on Easter Sunday.

Boston, MA

UPDATE FROM ENCOUNTER CHURCH

Thank you for praying for Encounter Church! Last year, we saw much growth – we averaged fifty more people on a given Sunday in 2018 than in 2017. We had 287 people attend our Easter service and over 3000 people attended a community event. This is only just a glimpse! Praise God with us for what He has done and will continue to do! We have a ton of momentum right now and a lot of community support. We had 215 people attend one Sunday last month and we are planning on baptizing 7 people in April. We are excited and expectant to see continued growth in 2019! Thank you so much for your prayers.

NEMO

UPDATE FROM J&J

After much prayer, we decided to move back to the U.S. for a season and are currently in Raleigh, NC. J is working as an administrative assistant and J will be studying to get his Master’s degree. The plan is to get a secular Master’s degree that will aid us in having a better, more useful platform upon returning to the field. We want to thank you for praying for us, visiting us, and supporting us during our time in NEMO. We would not have been able to do what we did without your help, prayers, and support.

INTRODUCING OUR NEW PARTNERS: R&R

R, R, A & C currently live in the capital city of NEMO and plan to relocate to the target city within the next two years. They are originally from Texas (Dallas-Fort Worth area), but have lived in Arkansas, Florida, and most recently North Carolina for seminary, where R completed his Master’s degree. A is their beautiful 14-year-old daughter and C is their sweet 11-year-old son. They own a business that imports specialty coffee and distributes to restaurants, cafés, and individuals in their region. They also manufacture and sell handmade camel milk soap and other frankincense infused body care products, using ingredients mostly native to the region. “We look forward to partnering with you and we are grateful for your support! We couldn’t do what we do without folks like you!” – R&R

Life Groups

SERVING TOGETHER

The Caskey/Lee Life Group has a heart for serving our community together, so in February they hosted a Valentine’s Party for residents at The Carriage House, an assisted living facility down the street from Taylors FBC. “As always, we were the ones blessed and moved beyond words at the joy in the room. There were an amazing 17 people from our class that participated. To make it even more special, there is a Taylors FBC member who resides at Carriage House, Doris Burrell, and she was excited to share her memories of the church!” – Patty Byars, Missions Coordinator for the Caskey/Lee Life Group TAYLORSFBC.ORG | 5

Good News Club Woodland BELLA'S BAGS

The Good News Club at Woodland Elementary has been blessed with the opportunity to provide some children with much needed food for the weekends. We currently deliver twentyeight bags each week to help these children and their families.

WHAT WE DO FOR OUR COMMUNITY ____ we serve our neighbors, ____ build on-going relationships, ____ and share the love of Jesus.

The bags are called Bella's Bags. They are in memory of a former Woodland Elementary student who lost her battle with cancer last year. God has provided the funds for Bella's Bags through friends at Taylors FBC, Woodland Elementary PTA, school business partners and local grocery stores. Donations to help purchase food may be given to Taylors FBC, designated to Woodland Food Ministry. For more information, please contact Linda Fultz at fultz629@yahoo.com.

Work Life

SERVING OUR COMMUNITY By Steve and Susan Bright

Susan and I began mentoring at Taylors Elementary five years ago. Over the years of building relationships with numerous students, we repeatedly saw how unemployment and poverty had negative impacts on their lives. We recognized the need for meaningful employment for many people in Steve and Susan Bright, Work Life Allies the community, but felt helpless Spantana and Lawreese, Participants to do anything about it. Then, by God’s providence, we met Ed Rambo when he was leading a book study at Taylors FBC on “When Helping Hurts.” In addition to learning what the Bible teaches about poverty and how to address it from a gospel perspective, we also were asked by Ed to join him and help start the Work Life ministry. We prayed about it and felt a clear leading from God to join. Our desire is that we can be used by God to help others repair the broken relationships in their lives, learn how work plays a part in God’s design for them as an image bearer, and discover how work plays a part in God’s redemptive plan for all of creation.

BECOME AN ALLY!

Lives are most often changed in the context of community, and breaking the cycle of generational poverty is no exception. Work Life is a gospel-centered job readiness program for people stuck in generational poverty. Will you consider becoming a Work Life Ally - being a friend, mentor, encourager - and walking alongside someone to help them break this cycle? For more information on the principles behind Work Life, contact Ed Rambo at 864-834-0390 or ewrambo@att.net, or visit www.chalmers.org/our-approach. 6 | TAYLORSFBC.ORG

Mission 1:27

A HEART OF SERVICE

Ministry Partners

“Serving the Mission 1:27 effort is such a blessing. Before moving here in 2017, I worked for two years with a group of fellow retirees to provide quilts, Bible story books, toys and other necessary items for foster care children and families in our county. The social worker who coordinated taking the items to the families told us many times how welcomed and needed these services and personal items were. I have missed sewing quilts with that crew, but I am delighted to work behind the scenes and do whatever I can to support those who work so lovingly and diligently with the foster care community here at Taylors FBC.” – Donna Harbour

Support Ministries

Donna Harbor recently took the initiative to stop by the Wednesday night group to see about ways to help and serve.

Taylors First Pre-Academy teachers donated sixteen filled Easter baskets to Mission 1:27 to provide for the Miracle Hill Children’s Home. There are many ways to serve foster and adoptive families through Mission 1:27 – see the diagram below. For more information about ways to serve, contact Christiana Wenning at 864-918-7089 or christiana76@bellsouth.net.

Child Evangelism Fellowship Greer Christian Learning Center Greer Community Ministries Miracle Hill Piedmont Women’s Center Salvation Army Taylors Free Medical Clinic

Cancer Support Employment Coaching Ministry Family to Family Firstline Grief Support Healing Prayer Ministry Marriage Ministry Mercy Team Parish Nurse Ministry Praying for Prodigals Special Needs & Disabilities Ministry

Serving Ministries

Christmas Store Home Repairs Just for Today Mission 1:27 Refuge Sports Single Mom’s Oil Change Village Wrench Work Life WIN Learning

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WEDNESDAY NIGHTS Pastor’s Study

Armor of God for Elementary, 6:15 pm

6:30 pm, Fellowship Hall

“Foundations" for Men Firstline

Women on Wednesday

Preschool Music & Children's Choirs for Elementary, 6:15 pm

6:30 pm, Room B232

Mom to Mom for Working Moms 6:30 pm, Room C126

UNITED, 6:30 pm

Families by Grace / Mission 1:27

6:30 pm

APRIL 3 Taco Soup, Chicken & Rice Soup and Salad or Chick-fil-A; Children – Tacos or Chick-fil-A APRIL 10 Chicken fried steak or Atlanta Bread Co.; Children – Chicken strips APRIL 17 No Wednesday Night Dinner or Activities

6:30 pm, Room B129

Prayer & Bible Study in the Chapel

$8 Adults | $5 Children $23 Family Maximum*

In addition to our home-cooked menus, we offer Chick-fil-A or Atlanta Bread Company

6:30 pm, Room B234 6:30 pm, Room B231

DINNER SERVED 5:15 - 6:00 PM

The Gathering, 7:30 pm

Prayer Room, C119

Someone will pray with you. 6:30 - 7:30 pm

Soaking Prayer Room, C117

APRIL 24 Chicken Alfredo Pasta or Chick-fil-A; Children – Pizza or Chick-fil-A. * The family maximum does not apply when purchasing Chick-fil-A or Atlanta Bread Company. No reservation required.

Pray quietly with no interaction. 5:30 - 7:30 pm

Bible Studies

Beginning April 3 Courageous Women of the Bible by LaTan Murphy Wednesdays, 9 am Room: B132

Women on Wednesday: Take Heart for the Journey Wednesdays, 6:30 pm Room B232 No Cost | Registration Not Required 8 | TAYLORSFBC.ORG

Everybody Serves! Every Sunday, we have two teams of volunteers who serve behind the Coffee Bar. These volunteers greet members and guests with a smile and pour coffee – such a simple act of service, but one of the many ways our amazing Guest Services teams serve. Thank you for serving so well! Top Photo: Ryan Holder, Scott and Leann Barnes Bottom Photo: Rudy Hughes and David Thompson work behind the scenes preparing the coffee each week

Armor of God

Summer Spectacular

Camp in the City

Wednesday Nights, 6:15 pm For Elementary Children

June 24-28

July 22-26 | 9 am - 4 pm

Volunteers can register themselves and their children beginning April 1: taylorsfbc.org/children

For Completed K5-5th Grade

April 2-May 22

Study a different piece of the Armor of God each week.

Participant Registration opens May 1.

*Scholarships Available

Thank you to all of you who served as a leader, host home, or volunteer during DNow weekend. This weekend would not have been possible without you!

UNITED Series

Good Story Wednesdays at 6:30 pm Series begins April 3 For some of us, the Easter story is a little unclear (it has something to do with Jesus coloring Easter eggs with a rabbit, right?). Others of us have heard the Easter story, seen the plays, and attended Easter services so many times that it has almost become white noise. In this series, we will challenge students' assumptions and attitudes about the Easter story as we help them see Jesus' death and resurrection is more than just a story—it is true! And that is good news for the entire world.

Greenville Drive Game

Graduation Sunday Sunday, May 19 Sign your student up to reserve a spot for you and your family to join us for lunch and a time of celebration following the service. Registration opens April 1. taylorsfbc.org/students

Friday, April 5 | 7:05 pm | Tickets $5

Watch the Greenville Drive take on West Virginia Power and enjoy the “Light It Up” Friday night fireworks. Contact Nancy Clayton at 864-678-8827 or nancyc@taylorsfbc.org to reserve your ticket. TAYLORSFBC.ORG | 9

Welcome Our New Members

Nate, Tommy, and Annie Doney

Larry & BJ Bateman

John & Connie Ross

Joined January 20 by Baptism

Joined January 29 by Letter

Elizabeth Fox

Luke & Meghan Simmons

Brian & Cheryl Scoles, Reagan, and Joshua

Joined January 29 by Letter

Clayton Perry

Joined January 29 by Letter (also pictured, Hannah Perry)

Joined January 29 by Letter

Bill & Liza LaCasse Joined January 29 by Statement

Joined January 29 by Letter

Bill & Vicky Holt Joined January 29 by Letter

Donna Joyner

Joined January 29 by Letter

Vanessa Cole

Carry Ann Compton

Joined January 29 by Statement

Joined January 29 by Watchcare

Photos Not Available Mark & Gina Powell

Joined January 29 by Letter

Joan Davis

Joined February 3 by Letter

Will Emory

Joined January 29 by Watchcare

Addie Hampton Joined March 10 by Statement

Patricia Selvey

Joined February 17 by Statement

Lance Sheek

Joined March 10 by Letter

Sandra Watson

Joined February 17 by Letter

Our Church Family

Highlights in our Library

We welcome the to the Body of Christ through believer’s baptism: Nate, Tommy, and Annie Doney

by Wayne Grudem “Grudem has opened the windows to let fresh air blow away mustiness and permit the Holy Spirit to infuse soundly biblical, clearheaded evangelical theology with new life and power,” says Jack Hayford. This book is a “must read” for Life Group Leaders.

Baptisms

In Memoriam

Mrs. Doris Brown February 21, 1927 – January 31, 2019 Mr. Otis D. (Don) Crawford December 22, 1926 – February 4, 2019 Mrs. Nancy Dillard May 23, 1935 – March 5, 2019 Mrs. Ruby Lewis July 11, 1920 – February 5, 2019 Ms. Mary Kay Yeager June 2, 1923 – February 1, 2019 Mrs. Otelia Tillery Augsut 31, 1935 – March 11, 2019 Mr. Bruce Ogletree November 13, 1936 – March 15, 2019 Mrs. Nancy Sumner September 27, 1941 – March 18, 2019 Ms. Donna Pannell October 6, 1962 – March 25, 2019 Mrs. Helen Moon October 17, 1932 – March 26, 2019

Congratulations to...

... Brooke Scott and MJ Suber, Jr., who were married February 23, 2019 ... Hunter Merck and Mason Freitas, who were married March 9, 2019

Stewardship Report

JANUARY Budget Needs................... $381,701.76 Budget Receipts................ $296,327.53 Other Receipts..................... $21,095.23 Total January Receipts........ $317,422.76 YTD Budget Needs............. $381,701.76 YTD Budget Receipts......... $296,327.53 FEBRUARY Budget Needs................... $381,701.76 Budget Receipts................ $340,541.67 Other Receipts..................... $13,053.82 Total February Receipts...... $353,595.49 YTD Budget Needs............. $763,403.52 YTD Budget Receipts......... $636,869.20

Thank You “Dear Taylors FBC Staff & Members, John and I want to thank you for your prayers, many cards, and phone calls concerning his lung surgery on January 25. We are blessed that he does not need further treatment. To God be the Glory! This experience has strengthened our walk with Jesus. Love, Jane & John Lippard”

April Staff Anniversaries Renee Morton................ Twenty-nine years of service Travis Crain..................Two years of service Mason Freitas...............One year of service

Sunday Statistics 2/3 2/10 2/17 2/24 3/3 3/10 3/17 3/24 Preschool..................... 159......... 147......... 149......... 160......... 149......... 137......... 172.........153 Elementary......................96......... 101......... 109......... 103........... 96......... 104......... 117.........108 Students....................... 116......... 112......... 118......... 106......... 132......... 129......... 102.........203 College............................15............11..............9........... 18........... 11........... 10........... 11........... 11 Adults........................... 755......... 768......... 724......... 754......... 733......... 626......... 709.........672 Life Group Total........ 1,141...... 1,139...... 1,109...... 1,141......1,121......1,006......1,111......1,147 Morning Worship..... 1,161...... 1,084...... 1,124...... 1,107......1,117......... 968......1,136..... 1,083 Evening Worship......... 132......... 102......... 109......... 106........... 68......... 129......... 126........... 58 Betania............................75............70............63........... 60........... 70........... 66........... 64........... 65

ENCOUNTER GOD. EQUIP BELIEVERS. ENGAGE THE WORLD.

Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine

Recommended by Jeremy Thompson, Life Group and REACH Pastor

What If It’s True? A Storyteller’s Journey with Jesus

by Charles Martin Martin uses a storyteller’s imagination to illuminate key moments from the scriptures, primarily from the life of Jesus. Additionally, Martin shares key moments from his own journey as a disciple – and bondservant – of Christ and a mentor to others. The result is a striking exploration of truth that helps us think and live differently today.

In You God Trusts: The Five

Domains of Personal Responsibility by Darren Shearer This book teaches that holistic, Bible-based, self-government causes people to reach their highest potential in all aspects of life: vocationally, mentally, relationally, physically, and financially. As we take charge of our personal lives in accordance with our Creator’s perfect plan and power, the world will follow. Get ready to be challenged and inspired!

God’s Good News

by Billy Graham Using Bible stories told with actual Bible text, this book invites children to imagine the walls of water in the parted Red Sea, read about a paralyzed man Jesus healed from a distance, and discover God’s exciting plan for their lives. TAYLORSFBC.ORG | 11

Have Questions? Receptionist | 244-3535

Administration | 678-8823 Building/Grounds | 678-8807

Journey to EASTER

Perimeter Walk Enjoy the outdoors and try a Perimeter Walk around the Taylors FBC Campus. Pick up a perimeter map at the Rec Center. Whether you want a short walk or a long walk, we’ve marked different paths for you. Membership not required.

Challenge Runs Through April 20

YMCA T-Ball

The journey from the Sea of Galilee to Jerusalem is 125 miles. We challenge you to complete your own “journey” this Spring. Come to Taylors Rec Center to learn more and to pick up a chart, complete your journey, and win a free t-shirt! Membership required.

The Eastside YMCA is offering T-Ball registration to Taylors FBC members at a discounted rate of $60.

Luke 24:6-7

Visit the Eastside Y on Taylors Road to register and mention you’re a Taylors member. Ages 3 – 9 Registration deadline April 7 Practice begins April 29

Summer Camps Registration Open May 1! Check www.taylorsrec.com for more details on camps. We'll offer basketball, tumble, jazz and ballet, and cheer

Single Adults of all generations — join us for upcoming events!

Sunday Lunch

Greenville Drive Game

April 14, 11:45 am

Friday, May 3, 7:05 pm Tickets $10

Cost is $5 Building C Welcome Area

Watch the Greenville Drive take on the Charleston Riverdogs and enjoy the “Light It Up” Friday night fireworks. Contact Nancy Clayton at 864.678.8827 to reserve your ticket.

Classes are Filling Quickly, So Register Today! Register for 2019-2020 School Year Kindergarten: Kay Lumpkin at kayl@taylorsfbc.org Parent's Day Out: Lisa McGill at lisam@taylorsfbc.org www.taylorsfirstpreacademy.com

April 2019 | Taylors Family

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April 2019 | Taylors Family