April 2021 | Taylors Family

April 2021

Dear Church Family, I love Easter, or maybe better understood as Resurrection Sunday. A day on our calendar set aside to particularly celebrate the Resurrection of our Savior who died for us. There is so much joy and hope in that day. I remember from a young age screaming out the line “Up from the Grave he Arose, with a mighty triumph o’er his foes!,” and feeling as if there is nothing that could take away my joy. I cannot tell you how much I look forward to Easter this year; this year feels just a little different.

Last year Easter Sunday was celebrated in exile. It was a Sunday that I will never forget, and really one that I will cherish in many ways. I had already recorded my sermon and did not have to rush to get ready. My family and I gathered together on the couch in our living room. We talked about the meaning of the resurrection and put a positive spin on the situation. It was a sweet time in the midst of a difficult season. I will cherish that memory, but I do not want to repeat it.

I love being together with my church family on Easter and worshipping our resurrected King! I love being able to sing together at the top of our lungs. I love getting dressed up to see everyone as they come in to worship. The expectation, the joy, the excitement, all there for everyone to feel and experience. I cannot wait! But having Easter in exile last year has taught me a few lessons that I should have already known. Every Sunday that we gather as a church is a celebration of the Resurrection of our Savior! That is why we worship on the first day of the week, because it was on a Sunday morning that Jesus rose from the grave! The joy and hope we have is not found in one particular day, it is found in one Person, Jesus Christ! I love celebrating Jesus!

Your pastor, Josh

JOIN US FOR EASTER!

Sunday, April 4, identical services at 9:00 & 10:30 am. Childcare is available for birth through age five at both services. There will be no Life Groups for elementary, students, college, or adults during either hour. We encourage you to come at 9:00 am to make room at 10:30 am for guests.

REMEMBERING!

Friday, April 2, service at noon in the Worship Center. We will reflect on the death of Christ on the cross and take the Lord’s Supper together.

BRING FLOWERS FOR THE CROSS ON SUNDAY MORNING! TAYLORSFBC.ORG | 3

SUNDAYS

www.taylorsfbc.org/worship/services

WEDNESDAYS

www.taylorsfbc.org/Wednesday

No Activities on April 7 due to Spring Break Family Dinner — See details below Worship Rehearsals Traditional Worship

Taylors Worship

9:00 am

10:30 am

New Sermon Series Begins April 18 The Ten Commandments and Jesus

Taylors Worship Choir, 6:15 pm Orchestra, 6:30 pm Traditional Worship Choir, 7:20 pm

Parish Nurse Office Open Health Counseling and Blood Pressure Monitoring

Prayer Rooms Open The Prayer Soaking Room: 5:30 - 7:30 pm, Room C117 Come for Prayer: 6:00- 7:30 pm, Room C119

Pastor's Bible Study 6:30 - 7:30 pm | Fellowship Hall

Mom to Mom at Night

Morning

Preschool and Adult Classes, 9:00 and 10:30 am Elementary, Middle, High and College Students and Young Professionals, 9:00 am

Evening

Adult Classes, 5:15 and 6:00 pm

6:30 - 7:30 pm | Room C126

Grief Support for Spouses 6:15 - 7:45 pm | B132-133 | See Page 7

Taylors Children: Konnect 6:30 - 7:30 pm | Doors Open at 6:15 pm

Taylors Students: Rise for Middle School 6:30 - 7:45 pm | Cafe Opens at 6:15 pm

STAY CONNECTED What’s Happening at Taylors

Taylors College: The Gathering 7:30 - 9:00 pm ———————————

Family Dinner, 5:15 - 6:15 pm

Reservations are required by the Tuesday prior and are non-refundable.

Subscribe to Taylors FBC Emails Visit taylorsfbc.org and click “Subscribe” near the bottom of the homepage.

APRIL 7

No meal or activities

APRIL 14

Hot Dogs or Chick-fil-A

APRIL 21

Barbeque Chicken or Chick-fil-A

Download Our App See page 10 for details.

APRIL 28

Beef Tips over Rice or Chick-fil-A

Connect on Social Media @taylorsfbc @taylorsstudents @taylorsclg @taylorsrec @taylorswomen

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• Home-Cooked Meal: $7 for Adults / $5 for Children

• Chick-fil-A Meals: Price varies • Children five and under eat free • Family Discount - Pay full price for the first 3 meals. Receive $5 off each of the following meals.

www.taylorsfbc.org/events

EVENTS AT TAYLORS

Register at www.taylorsfbc.org/events

EVENING WITH THE BODOS Saturday, May 8, 7:00 – 8:30 pm Join us for coffee and dessert in the Fellowship Hallas we hear what God has done through the Bodolosky family, our REACH partners serving in Eagle River, Alaska.

Register: www.taylorsfbc.org/events

Registration is open at www.taylorsfbc.org/events Space is limited to allow for social distancing.

XYZ FELLOWSHIP Monday, April 12, 11:15 am Taylors FBC Fellowship Hall | Meal is $7 Programs consist of entertainment followed by a hot lunch. New for 2021: pre-registration and payment are required

SPRING FLING Thursday, April 29, 5:30 - 7:30 pm Taylors FBC Fellowship Hall | Cost $10 - Quartet Featuring Stepl Bring your leis and hula skirts to our annual Spring Fling! Join this Hawaiian themed night of good food and fun entertainment!

BIBLE STUDY

SUMMER CAMPS

Elijah by Pricilla Shirer Begins April 13 and 14

Intro to Jazz and Ballet: Tuesdays, June and July ($25) Tumble: June 11 and August 11 ($25) Dance: June 17, July 8, and August 5 ($25) Cheer: June 25 and July 21 ($25) Weekly Tumbling: Fridays in July ($25) Grant Harrelson Basketball Camp: July 12-15 ($90)

Tuesday Evenings and Wednesday Mornings Childcare is available on Wednesday mornings.

Participants will purchase their own books.

Register: www.taylorsfbc.org/events

Register: www.taylorsfbc.org/events TAYLORSFBC.ORG | 5

GRADUATES Banquet: May 22, 6:00 - 8:00 pm Graduates, Parents and Leaders Only

Recognition: May 23, 9:00 & 10:30 am Celebrating our Senior Class of 2021!

Register: www.taylorsfbc.org/events

FUGE CAMP July 19-23 Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia Cost: $359 | $100 Deposit A week-long camp for middle and high school students that will lead to life change and intentional growth in their walk with Christ. Fun, loud and sometimes even messy.

SINGLE MOMS' OIL CHANGE Single moms can stop by the Taylors Ministry Center Saturday, April 17, 9:00 - 11:00 am, to pick up a voucher for a free oil change. The Giving Closet will also be open.

YMCA FOOD RELIEF The Eastside YMCA delivers 60+ bags of food each week to families in the Taylors and Greer area. You can support with donations or volunteering to pack and/or deliver food bags.

GIVING CLOSET Volunteers are needed on a weekly basis to help sort donated clothing and items as well as work during open hours to help families that come.

SUNDAY LUNCH Sunday, April 11, 11:45 am Fellowship Hall | Cost $5 Join other single adults for a delicious lunch and a time of fellowship. Pay $5 per person at the door.

Menu: Meatloaf, Potatoes, Steamed vegetables, Rolls and Dessert No need to register.

MOVIE NIGHT Saturday, May 1, 6:30 - 9:30 pm Taylors Park Picnic Shelter Join us for a movie night at the park. Bring a chair!

Register: www.taylorsfbc.org/events

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MEALS ON WHEELS Volunteers Needed for Greer Community Ministries Deliver food to those in need by driving a Taylors Meals on Wheels route. This commitment is approximately one hour and a half, once a month or once a quarter. Due to Covid guidelines, delivery does not require contact.

Contact lovetaylors@taylorsfbc.org to learn more or sign up for these ministries!

VERY BEST SUMMER (VBS) June 6 - 9, 6:00 - 8:15 pm Age Three, by 9/1/20, through Completed 5th Grade It's going to be the Very Best Summer learning about the King of Kings!

VBS will include a rotation of large group, Bible story, craft, gym, music and missions. Each rotation will point children to the one true King, Jesus.

Volunteer!

One of our values at Taylors is "Everybody Serves." Everybody (those who have completed 6th grade through adults) is invited to serve at Very Best Summer!

Register at www.taylorsfbc.org/events

SECRET CHURCH Friday, April 23 | 6:00 pm - 1:00 am | Fellowship Hall Secret Church is one of the highlights of my year. It is a one-night event that replicates what a church service looks like in places where Christian gatherings are done in secret due to persecution. You can expect to hear Scripture saturated preaching from David Platt and heart wrenching stories of persecution of our brothers and sisters across the world. Times of prayer for the persecuted church are always convicting of how many blessings we have here in the States. Last year’s theme was God, Government, and the Gospel, which was very helpful as I prayed through what decisions I would be making at the polls in November. This year’s theme is The Great Imbalance and it is one I don’t want to miss. Why are there still so many people groups across the globe with little to no access to the gospel and what is God asking me to do about it?

— 2020 Participant

The Great Imbalance Go and make disciples of all nations. A clear command and monumental charge from Jesus. Yet what if, despite our best intentions and sincerest efforts as the church to obey Jesus, we are actually ignoring what He said? At best, what if we have misunderstood Him? And what if much of our efforts are unknowingly keeping millions upon millions of people around the world from eternal life? Further, what if much of our efforts are keeping you and me from experiencing God’s purpose for our lives? Unlike any Secret Church we have ever done, Secret Church 21 is designed to be a ground-breaking journey through God’s Word and around the world that leads to a tectonic shift in the way you view your life, your family, and God’s design for the church. For your eyes will be open not only to a great imbalance that is affecting countless people for eternity, but also to the bold opportunity you have to change it with your time on this earth.

Register: www.taylorsfbc.org/events

TAYLORSFBC.ORG | 7

OUR CHURCH FAMILY

Celebrate baptisms, new members, anniversaries and more.

STAFF UPDATES

IN MEMORIAM

Donna Thackston January 17, 1956 - March 2, 2021

BAPTISMS We welcome to the Body of Christ, through believer's baptism... Bennett Candler, Megan Cothran, Blake Davis, Jennah Lawrence, Elizabeth Leppard, Andrew Philpott, James Slama, Shepard Stapleton, Parker Sullivan, and Campbell Thompson.

STEWARDSHIP REPORT February Budget Receipts $425,830 Actual Receipts $297,841 Actual Spent $408,044

Year to Date Budget Receipts $851,660 Actual Receipts $579,920 Actual Spent $793,576

THANK YOU Thank you so much for all the prayers, love and support during the difficult time of my daughter, Frankie Ragsdale's, passing. I am truly blessed to have a loving, caring church family. Thank you for the phone calls, flowers, food, cards and especially the prayers and love. — Ella Mae McCoy and Family

GIVING IN THE CHURCH CENTER APP! Easily give to the general budget, REACH, and special offerings!

Give using credit, debit, or an ACH bank transfer.

Select your preferred frequency, "one time" or recurring gift.

You can also select to cover the processing fees on behalf of the church. Fees for ACH Bank Transfers are only 25 cents.

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Farewell Phil!

Phil Crain has faithfully served our Facilities Team for 13 years as Superintendent of Building and Grounds. Over the last two months, Phil has been very intentional to transition his knowledge of our facilities to his successor, Kevin Donahoo. Phil is looking forward to spending more time with family and celebrating his recent engagement to Connie Kemp. Congratulations Phil, you will be missed!

Welcome Levi Ramsey Levi joined our Facilities Team part time in March. When Levi is not working here, he also serves as the Youth Minister at White Pines Baptist Church in Gaffney, SC. We are excited to have Levi aboard!

SUNDAY STATISTICS

3/7 3/14 3/21 3/28 Preschool..................... 100...........102...........103.......... 111 Elementary.................... 51.............89.............90............ 94 Students........................ 89.............75...........117............ 93 College.......................... 10.............12...............7............ 15 Adults.......................... 492...........461...........415.......... 411 Life Group Total........... 829...........823...........825.......... 830 Morning Worship...... 1,219........1,138........1,258....... 1,222

STAFF ANNIVERSARIES APRIL Mason Freitas — 3 years of service Anita Tolliver — 5 years of service Renee Morton — 31 years of service

WELCOME OUR NEW MEMBERS

Ray and Ruby Lee Banister Joined March 21, 2021,

by Letter

Maddie Candler

Joined March 21, 2021,

by Statement

John Gauthier

Ryan and Jessica Bobbie Tessa

Kyle and Jana Candler

Megan Cothran

Ron and Linda Cowley

Joined March 7, 2021,

by Letter. Pictured: Jack Ryan

Joined March 21, 2021,

by Baptism

Jennah Lawrence,

Joined March 14, 2021,

by Baptism

Joined March 21, 2021,

by Baptism

Parker Sullivan

Campbell Thompson

Joined March 21, 2021,

by Baptism

Joined March 21, 2021,

by Baptism

Joined March 21, 2021,

by Statement

Joined March 21, 2021,

by Statement

James Slama

Joined March 21, 2021,

by Baptism

Andrew Philpott

Joined March 28, 2021,

by Baptism

Bennett Candler

Joined March 21, 2021,

by Baptism

Blake Davis

Joined March 21, 2021,

by Baptism

Shepard Stapleton

Joined March 21, 2021,

by Baptism

Elizabeth Leppard

Joined March 28, 2021,

by Baptism

Photos Not Available Dale Nash

Joined March 14, 2021, by Letter

David Petz

Joined March 17, 2021, by Statement

Steven and Amber Wickers

Joined March 28, 2021, by Letter

TAYLORSFBC.ORG | 9

HOW TO JOIN TAYLORS

LUNCH WITH THE STAFF

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 Lunch with the Staff.

Sunday, May 2, 12:00 - 1:30 pm Join us for a free, casual lunch in a relaxed setting with a group of people who, just like you, want to learn more about Taylors.

We accept members by...

• Public profession of faith and believer’s baptism by immersion • Statement • Statement, pending baptism • Letter • Watchcare

Register: www.taylorsfbc.org/events

STARTING POINT Sundays at 9:00 am, May 9 - 30 Learn what we believe and who we are at our class for guests and new members.

Register: www.taylorsfbc.org/events

Contact Kathy Dority, Minister of Connections, with questions at 864-678-8822 or kathyd@taylorsfbc.org.

CHURCH DIRECTORY

Join the church directory and add your family's photos.

Download the Church Center App! Text "taylors" to 313131 for the links. You can register for events, give, keep your information current, and see the church directory!

Opt-in to our Church Directory!

Just as we’ve had a pictorial directory in the past, we want to build a digital pictorial directory that can be accessed on the app or computer. Only Church Members can view the directory!

Add Your Family's Photos to Your Profile!

1. Click on the circle, top right, to access your Profile.

2. Click on your name and then click “update photo.” You can use a photo on your device or take a new photo. Do the same for each person in your “household.”

3. Also under your Profile, click on “My Directory Settings” to allow specific information to show in the directory and add a household photo. Follow the instructions to opt in. Do the same for each person in your "household."

We want to help you add your individual or family photos so that our directory is complete. If you need help, call or stop by the Church Office during the week.

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REACH PARTNER HIGHLIGHT

Encounter Church in Dedham, Massachusetts Encounter Church in Dedham, Massachusetts, was planted by two former Taylors FBC ministers, Jason Hodges and Chris Causey, in September of 2015. We continue to support Encounter Church as one of our REACH Partners. Below is an excerpt from one of their most recent updates.

I write this email to you with a tremendous amount of joy in my heart. The Lord really has been good to me and my family. I’m overwhelmed in this very moment as I reflect on who God is and how He has made himself known in many ways to the ministry of Encounter Church. We have seen the hand of the Lord powerfully. We have witnessed salvation for the lost, hope for the hopeless, healing for the hurt, and many miracles along the way.

Left to Right: Jason Hodges, Executive Pastor, and Chris Causey, Lead Pastor, of Encounter Church

I also thank God for you. You have chosen to pray fervently and give generously. As one of our supporters, you have blessed and sustained our ministry at critical points over the last 7 years. As of today, we are 75% self-sustainable and are projecting to be self-sustainable in the next 12 months.

I’m writing to share one of the major factors that will help us reach this critical sustaining point.

While this has been in the works for years, we are excited to announce that we are launching The Encounter Learning Center Preschool in the fall of this year. We believe the preschool will serve as a tremendous extension of our ministry and a blessing to our community. The school will also generate enough revenue to sustain Encounter Church and put us in a position of starting more churches. With an annual projected net revenue of 150k, every single dollar will go towards starting more churches in the Greater Boston area.

Pray for us as we launch the Encounter Learning Center this fall. We are working towards this end and are excited to see how God uses the school to bless the community and advance the kingdom!

Thank you for the continual support you provide for Encounter Church. We are very excited about getting to the point of planting other churches from within! Without your past prayers and support this would not be possible.

Jason Hodges

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DAY Please join our Taylors FBC Staff in thanking the Lord for graciously providing beautiful weather, watching over those who served, and blessing our neighborhood with the love of Christ through acts of service!

Almost 400 volunteers served in 30 locations and reflected the heart of Jesus to care for those around us. We served refugee families, school children and teachers, women in recovery, first responders, foster families, and many individual neighbors in need.

Thank you to all who joined to serve and love our neighbors!

Continue to pray with us for the seeds that were planted to lead to on-going relationships, gospel conversations, and lives transformed through a relationship with Christ. Ask the Lord to give us a passion for those in our neighborhood that don’t know Christ and greater boldness in sharing the gospel.

Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.

Matthew 25:40 Kathy Dority Minister of Connections