February 2021
Taylors FBC Calls Josh Powell as Lead Pastor
Dear Taylors FBC Church Family, As I stepped up to preach on Sunday, January 24, there was an overwhelming sense that I was in the right place at the right time. I cannot express how much of a relief and joy that feeling was to me. Over the last ten months, that was the question that kept troubling me, “Where am I to pastor next? Should I stay or go? How would my family deal with a move?" All of these questions rolled around constantly in my head. Then, you can add the question of timing. With the pandemic and so much uncertainty, it just did not seem like the right time. Added to all of that, were the personal responsibilities that I had as well. Throughout the year, I wrestled with these questions. Where? When? As Allison and I prayed through the opportunity and considered everything involved in making the decision, we became confident that the Lord was calling us to Taylors FBC, even if some of the questions weren’t fully answered. But then on Sunday morning, as I preached, there was a sure peace that I am in exactly the right place at exactly the right time! Taylors FBC family, I am thrilled to be your pastor! I cannot wait to see what God is going to do in us, among us, and with us. As we begin this journey together, let us trust the Lord knowing Taylors FBC is the place and now is the time! Your Pastor, Josh
TAYLORS FBC CALLS JOSH POWELL Welcome Josh, Allison, Wilds, Levi, Macy Grace and Paton!
RECEPTION FOR THE POWELL FAMILY
Join us for a reception honoring the Powell family the afternoon of February 14. In order to maintain our COVID-19 protocols, please join us at the times listed below based on your last name.
A - F: 2:00 – 3:00 pm G – N: 3:00 – 4:00 pm O – Z: 4:00 – 5:00 pm Masks are highly encouraged. Light refreshments will be served. Please enter through the Welcome Center.
TAYLORSFBC.ORG | 3
THANK YOU ALLEN AND RUTH MCWHITE We appreciate your leadership!
Sunday, February 7, 2021, is Dr. Allen McWhite’s last day with us as Interim Pastor. We appreciate his leadership during our interim time and his powerful messages! Please consider bringing a card as an encouragement to him and Ruth on February 7. Place your cards in the baskets as you enter or exit the Worship Center.
4 | TAYLORSFBC.ORG
EVENTS AT TAYLORS
Register at www.taylorsfbc.org/events
KEEP UP WITH WHAT’S HAPPENING AT TAYLORS! Subscribe to Taylors FBC Emails Visit taylorsfbc.org and click “Subscribe” near the bottom of the homepage. Download Our App See page 11 for details. Connect on Social Media @taylorsfbc @taylorschildren @taylorsstudents @taylorsclg @taylorsrec
XYZ FELLOWSHIP Monday, April 12, 11:15 am Taylors FBC Fellowship Hall | Meal is $7 Programs consist of entertainment followed by a hot lunch. Space is limited to allow for social distancing. Registration opens online Monday, March 19.
SPRING FLING Thursday, April 29, 5:30 - 7:30 pm Taylors FBC Fellowship Hall | Cost $10 - Quartet Featuring Stepl Space is limited to allow for social distancing. Registration opens online or by bringing payment to the Church office on Monday, March 29.
THE BIG GAME Sunday, February 7, 5:30 pm Taylors Rec Center. Bring your own sandwich, a folding chair, and pre-packaged snacks to share. We will have bottled water and individual canned drinks. No need to register.
SUNDAY LUNCH Sunday, March 14, 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: Lasagna, Tossed Salad, Garlic Toast and Dessert No need to register.
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS New Life Group — Sundays at 9:00 am Join us in the Taylors Rec Center for a new Life Group geared toward those in their 20’s looking to build their relationship with Christ with other young professionals.
TAYLORSFBC.ORG | 5
BIG GAME NIGHT
A TREASURED NIGHT OUT
February 7, 6:00 - 10:00 pm
February 9, 5:45 - 7:00 pm
Taylors Students Worship Room $5 for Pizza and Drinks
A memorable evening for dads and daughters. Dinner and entertainment for young ladies age two through fifth grade. Register by February 4.
High Schoolers, we are pausing Remedy this night to watch the big game. Bring a friend!
D-NOW March 19-21 at Taylors FBC
PARENTS' NIGHT OUT February 13, 5:00 - 8:00 pm
In-town weekend retreat for middle and high school students. Cost increases to $100 March 8 - 14.
Enjoy an evening out! This event is for children birth through fifth grade. We will provide dinner and a safe, fun environment for your children. Limited space is available! Register by February 5.
FUGE CAMP
DEDICATION
July 19-23
March 14, 9:00 and 10:30 am
Liberty University in Lynchberg, Virginia Cost: $349 | $100 Deposit
Parent/Child Dedication is a time for parents to commit to follow God’s direction and plan for their family by making a public commitment before the church body, allowing the body to support their family through prayer, wisdom, and encouragement. Register by February 4.
Taylors FBC | Cost: $80
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.
BIBLE STUDY Sundays, 6:30 – 7:30 pm Join us as we study God's Word in guys and girls small groups.
SNOW TUBING Saturday, February 27, 9:00 am Cost: $30 Transportation provided. Bring money for eating lunch out. Limited space available! Deadline to register is February 24. 6 | TAYLORSFBC.ORG
KINDERGARTEN AND PARENT’S DAY OUT Registration is Open for the 2021-2022 school year! Visit www.taylorsfirstpreacademy.com for more information.
WEDNESDAYS
www.taylorsfbc.org/wednesday
FAMILY TO FAMILY March 30-May 25 6:30 – 9:00 pm | Meets Virtual Designed specifically for families with a loved one suffering from mental illness, Family to Family is a course developed by National Alliance on Mental Illness. Discover that you’re not alone, receive encouragement from compassionate leaders, and gain valuable insight along with survival skills for the journey with your loved one. Register: www.namigreenvillesc.org/family-to-family or 864-331-3300.
REBOOT RECOVERY February 26-27 and March 19-20 8:30 am – 4:30 pm REBOOT First Responders course is designed to address the spiritual and moral toll that critical incidents take on those within the law enforcement, fire, EMS, emergency communications, hospital emergency department and corrections communities. Register: www.rebootrecovery.com/locations
GRIEF SUPPORT Wednesdays, March 3 - April 28 6:15-7:45 pm The loss of a spouse is one of the most difficult life changes to experience. Our lives are turned upside down. You may feel numb, lost, and stuck. Even making the simplest decisions is stressful. Our Grief Support Ministry is designed to help you navigate the process of grieving. Register: www.taylorsfbc.org/events
Family Dinner — See Details, Below Worship Rehearsals Worship Choir Rehearsal, 6:15 pm Worship Orchestra Rehearsal, 6:30 pm Traditional Choir Rehearsal, 7:15 pm
Prayer Rooms Open The Prayer Soaking Room 5:30 - 7:30 pm | Room C117 Come for Prayer 6:00- 7:30 pm | Room C119
Adult Classes 6:30 - 7:30 pm Mom to Mom at Night | Room C126 Resolving Everyday Conflict | Fellowship Hall
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
Taylors College: The Gathering 7:30 - 9:00 pm
FAMILY DINNER
Served: 5:15 - 6:15 pm Home-Cooked Meal: $8 for Adults $5 for Children, Ages 6 -12 Chick-fil-A Meals: Price varies FEBRUARY 3 Breakfast with Sausage/Chicken or Chick-fil-A FEBRUARY 10
Turkey and Dressing or Chick-fil-A FEBRUARY 17
Hamburgers or Chick-fil-A FEBRUARY 25
Ham or Chick-fil-A Reservations are required by the Tuesday prior and non-refundable. Family Discount - Pay full price for the first 3 meals. Receive $5 off each of the following meals. Children five and under eat free.
www.taylorsfbc.org/events TAYLORSFBC.ORG | 7
OUR CHURCH FAMILY
Celebrate baptisms, new members, anniversaries and more.
BAPTISMS
STAFF ANNIVERSARIES
We welcome to the Body of Christ, through believer's baptism... Amanda Bishop, David Bishop, Andrew Gandy, Anna Griggs, Lillian Griggs, Ella Pearce, Mary Catherine Pearce, Maddison Rainey, and Ruth Thompson
JANUARY Doris Avery — 22 Years of Service Delores Stansell — 20 Years of Service Randall Eskew — 16 Years of Service Kathy Tankersley — 16 Years of Service David Cline — 7 Years of Service Jerry Long — 3 Years of Service Haley D. — 2 Years of Service
STEWARDSHIP REPORT December Budget Receipts: $428,626 Actual Receipts: $655,709 Actual Spent: $468,586 Year to Date Budget Receipts: $5,143,517 Actual Receipts: $4,546,946 Actual Spent: $4,512,125
2020 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS • Your giving over the last five weeks of 2020 was $718,000 which exceeded the last five weeks of the previous 3 years, • Annual contributions for 2020 were $4,543,000, only 5.3% below 2019, • Our ministry teams controlled and reduced actual spending for 2020 vs. 2019 by $270,000, • As a result, our surplus for 2020 was $34,000 compared to our surplus for 2019 of $20,000, and the Finance Committee has allocated the surplus to help replenish our deferred maintenance fund.
2021 SUNDAY STATISTICS
1/3 1/10 1/17 1/24 Preschool........................ 57............ 68............ 79............ 95 Elementary..................... 27............ 21............ 66............ 74 Students......................... 53............ 89............ 64............ 73 College............................. 7............ 13.............. 7............ 15 Adults........................... 356.......... 445.......... 425.......... 352 Life Groups................... 574.......... 767.......... 721.......... 713 Morning Worship.......... 746.......... 851....... 1,053....... 1,476 8 | TAYLORSFBC.ORG
STAFF UPDATE Kevin Donahoo will be joining us on February 15 as our new Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds. Phil Crain, our current Superintendent, will be transitioning his role to Kevin in late March when he plans to retire. Kevin is married to Emily Donahoo, and they are expecting their first child in early February. Kevin previously worked on our Facilities Team before accepting a Facilities Maintenance Supervising position at Church at The Mill in Spartanburg. We are excited to welcome Kevin back to our team!
Thank You ...to Danny Ader, who has faithfully served our Facilities Team since 2019. Danny has always met every task with a smile. We wish him well as he begins his new job at Professional Builders Supply. ...to Doris Avery, who has faithfully served on our Custodial Team for the last 22 years. Her quiet and sweet spirit will be missed. We congratulate her on her retirement and wish her and her family the very best in this new season. …and to Fred Leitz, who has faithfully served our Facilities Team since October 2019. Fred came out of retirement to help with maintaining our grounds and now will be moving back into a “second retirement.” We wish him the best!
WELCOME OUR NEW MEMBERS
Cameron Burroughs
Chad & Tammie Lingerfelt
Bonnie Powell
Jimmy & Jennifer Robinson
Joined by October 25, 2020 Statement
Joined October 25, 2020 by Letter
Joined October 25, 2020 by Statement
Joined October 25, 2020 by Letter
Warren and Tracy Rowe
Maddison Rainey
Ruth Thompson
Joined January 10, 2021 by Statement
Joined January 17, 2021 by Baptism
Joined January 17, 2021 by Baptism
NOT PICTURED Ella Pearce
Mary Catherine Pearce
Jacob Adels
Amanda Bishop
David Bishop
Joined June 7, 2020 by Baptism
Joined June 7, 2020 by Baptism
Joined October 25, 2020 by Statement
Joined November 15, 2020 by Baptism
Joined November 15, 2020 by Baptism
HOW TO JOIN TAYLORS
NEXT STEPS
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.
Lunch with the Staff
We accept members by Public profession of faith and believer’s baptism by immersion; Statement; Statement, pending baptism; Letter; or Watchcare. Contact Kathy Dority, Minister of Connections, with any questions at 864-678-8822 or kathyd@taylorsfbc.org.
Sunday, February 21, 12:00 - 2:00 pm Join us for a free, casual lunch in a relaxed setting with a group of people who, like you, want to learn more about Taylors. Register: www.taylorsfbc.org/events
Starting Point Sundays at 9:00 am beginning in March Learn what we believe and who we are at our class for guests and new members.
2020 WORSHIP ATTENDANCE - Online and On-Campus J anuary February March April May June July August September October November December 1027 1040 639 441 458 747 694 762 663 772 728 814 Online only began 3/22/20. Worship only on campus resumed 5/31/20. Preschool resumed on campus 7/19/20. Worship and Life Groups resumed 9/20/20. TAYLORSFBC.ORG | 9
IN MEMORIAM
Remembering those who have passed away.
2020 Lee Alewine
April 29, 1922 - November 28, 2020
Joan Bagwell
March 9, 1943 - June 19, 2020
Kelly Ballew
August 15, 1964 - August 8, 2020
Frances Barnette
June 3, 1936 - August 10, 2020
Linda Barton
December 3, 1940 - February 2, 2020
Carol Booth
December 22, 1929 - January 31, 2020
Larry Brewer
December 31, 1949 - April 24, 2020
Harold Canham
March 7, 1938 - April 9, 2020
James Cartner
August 21, 1955 - February 13, 2020
David Claudepierre June 10, 1941 - May 5, 2020
Don Colling
March 17, 1929 - June 6, 2020
Mike Cook
December 5, 1936 - September 11, 2020
Nancy Cook
January 8, 1940 - September 11, 2020
Larry Copeland
June 24, 1936 - May 19, 2020
Duane Coppoc
April 29, 1938 - May 28, 2020
Earl Crumpler
October 28, 1933 - July 27, 2020
James Darby
November 19, 1926 - April 13, 2020
Alonzo Debruhl
October 26, 1940 – December 23, 2020
Doug Durham
September 27, 1953 - July 24, 2020
Barbara Ferguson
September 28, 1936 - May 21, 2020
James Fowler
September 6, 1951 - July 11, 2020
Vernon Garrett
August 21, 1922 - April 9, 2020
Mary Gravely
June 20, 1928 - February 14, 2020
Eli Hall
November 10, 2001 - December 1, 2020
Grant Harrelson
December 5, 2003 - September 16, 2020
Gene Hawkins
January 4, 1944 - May 26, 2020
Lu Hendley
March 30, 1927 - September 25, 2020
Ken Howell
August 27, 1939 - February 1, 2020
Bill Hunter
August 26, 1932 - February 13, 2020
Matt Jolliff
March 18, 1957 - July 21, 2020
Nancy Keesling
January 27, 1941 - October 7, 2020
I. L. Langley, Jr.
June 25, 1928 - February 13, 2020
Evelyn LaPointe
October 14, 1934 - May 25, 2020
Mathias Loewen
November 25, 1967 - April 19, 2020
Barbara Mabry
October 11, 1935 - June 29, 2020
Sybil McBryde
March 8, 1939 - February 7, 2020
Fran McMeekin
September 4, 1941 - October 31, 2020
Dwight Meadows
September 1, 1952 - July 27, 2020
Betty Powell
April 9, 1936 - March 30, 2020
Russell Rowland, Sr.
January 22, 1934 - November 9, 2020
Bob Shearer
May 30, 1943 - December 8, 2020
Van Small
January 8, 1931 - March 16, 2020
Bob Smith
July 7, 1935 - August 15, 2020
Ann Spruell
January 29, 1933 - September 17, 2020
Bill West,
November 6, 1932 - August 12, 2020
Clyde Wright
July 11, 1935 - November 23, 2020
Ben Killingsworth
September 16, 1937 - November 9, 2020
2021 Rick Ashley
October 29, 1951 - January 11, 2021
Doris Burrell
August 1, 1929 - January 7, 2021
Beverly Byram
November 22, 1939 - January 10, 2021 10 | TAYLORSFBC.ORG
Lena Farr
November 4, 1926 - January 7, 2021
Lynn Jordan
January 3, 1935 - January 6, 2021
John Schmitt
November 24, 1933 - January 4, 2021
Wayne West
August 15, 1932 - January 12, 2021
CHURCH CENTER APP
Download the “Church Center” app through Google Play or The App Store Taylors First Baptist Church has our very own personalized app! Register for events, give, keep your information current, and see the church directory all on our app!
Profile in the circle at the top right allows you to add a photo and be sure your information is correct. It’s very helpful to add a photo for your family members.
Home is where the most up-to-date important information will be including: changes to the schedule, special service times, important announcements and quick links to find things that interest you.
Events is where you can see details and register for any event at Taylors. You can pay directly on your device.
Give allows you to easily give to the general budget, REACH, and special offerings! Give using credit, debit, or an ACH bank transfer. You can also select to cover the processing fees on behalf of the church. Fees for ACH Bank Transfers are only 25 cents.
Check-in allows parents to check in children on Sundays and Wednesdays before you arrive. When you arrive, scan the code to print their name tags.
More has two sections...
Groups allows you to see what groups you are assigned and allows you to find other groups. You can see when and where your group is meeting. Text “Taylors” to 313131 for links to download the app.
Directory is our church directory! Church Members will receive an email mid-February allowing you to opt in to our church directory. You can select what you want other members to see and not see – photo, name, email, address, and phone number. Everyone who has opted in will have access to see the directory.
SERVING OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH THE SALVATION ARMY! Praise God for the success of our Taylors Walmart kettle again this year. We raised $16,000 in a very unusual year! Thank you to our amazing leaders — Jim Stovall, Mark Hamelin, Patsy Pickelseimer — and to our many volunteers who stepped up to take a shift ringing the bell. Families throughout Greenville County were blessed because of your faithfulness.
TAYLORSFBC.ORG | 11
RACIAL RECONCILIATION TASK TEAM Our Mission: Pursue racial reconciliation, seek gospel unity, and reflect the diversity of God’s kingdom. The year 2020 will be one remembered by most as a year of turmoil and division in our country. But in the midst of division, it was also a year of invitation – an invitation to examine ourselves as followers of Christ, to turn to the full counsel of scripture, and to seek God’s will for the Body of Christ. As our country celebrates Black History Month, Our Racial Reconciliation Task Team invites you to join us on our journey to understand the history and underpinnings of racial discord in our country and to seek God’s will for you personally as well as for our church body. Christ “himself is our peace…and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.” He has set before us a beautiful picture of the future where “every tribe and tongue and nation is gathered around the throne.” Ephesians 2:14 and Revelation 7:9
Visit www.taylorsfbc.org/racial-reconciliation to Join the Journey and Learn More
SUNDAYS AT TAYLORS Traditional Worship 9:00 am
Taylors Worship 10:30 am
Life Groups 9:00 and 10:30 am
Regeneration Student Choir Rehearsal 5:00 pm
Remedy for High School Students 6:15 pm
THANK YOU
To Our Pastor Search Committee
Pictured left to right: Benj Buck, Maxie Eskew, Paula Prince, Josh Powell, Bo Davies (Chair), Missy Edwards, Cathy Schwartz, Anne Alewine, Bill Gay (Vice-Chair), Kaleb Ross