Dear Church Family, In our home for weeks now, the conversations and planning remind us of the changes summer brings. Talk of camp schedules and graduation ceremonies, the pool and vacations, and visiting the grandkids are part of everyday discussions in homes across our church. But before we leave another spring behind us, it might be helpful to reflect just for a moment on the themes we introduced five months ago: Pray, Pour and Proclaim. These are themes we don’t put on hold, but instead renew for the fresh opportunities ahead this summer. During our 40 Days of Prayer and our sermon series on the Lord’s Prayer, we were reminded of what it means to be in continual conversation with God and how this is to be an ongoing lifestyle of connecting with God (not just a church-wide event) for ourselves, our church, and the lost. What’s been so encouraging is to hear the stories of how prayer and the Holy Spirit have opened eyes to the spiritual needs of others and opened doors to the verbal sharing of the gospel with those for whom we prayed once a day at one o’clock for 40 Days. May the prayers continue. Our Family Series opened up for us the priority and God’s plan for making disciples in our homes. We recognize that the starting point for pouring into our children and grandchildren is allowing the grace and Word of God to be poured into us first. Then, we are able to shepherd and navigate through the daily challenges our families encounter in the push and pull of today’s culture. Summer presents multiple opportunities to pour into others what God is pouring into us. As we learned from Genesis 12:1-9 in our final sermon on the family, God has called everyone to be an extension of His eternal grace to others. The blessing of the gospel isn’t meant to be a secret formula given to make us spiritual giants behind the walls of our church and home, but is meant to be shared with others. We highlight many opportunities through Taylors to proclaim the gospel with others this summer. But take time to look through the calendar at home as well and find those pockets of time to be intentional with your love and God’s grace for the lost. Much love and grace to you in the days ahead.
Paul Jimenez, Pastor
FREEDOM Celebration
Friday, July 3, 7:30 pm TD Stage at the Peace Center Join us in Downtown Greenville for Freedom Celebration. We will have a time of “flag-waving” music as we celebrate our country’s birthday, followed by a time of worship, celebrating our freedom through Christ. Food will be available for purchase from Larkin's on the River. Invite your friends and neighbors, bring a chair, and enjoy a great evening in this beautiful setting. 2 | TAYLORSFBC.ORG
Children's choirs touch many lives. Our most recent event featured entire families. Here are a few of the comments reflecting how this ministry impacts all. Thanks for teaching Taylors children the Word in song. Loved all the Scripture in the music. I loved hearing our ministers sharing with their own children how God had led them at different times in their lives. I just can’t put into words how moved I was by the children’s choir leading in worship. Thank you for teaching them God’s Word. It was great seeing children, moms and dads, brothers and sisters, grandparents... all sharing in one service. Such a special time.
Detroit REACH Trip
July 17-26 “Thank you” to everyone who attended Night of Music on Main to support Regeneration Student Choir, Taylors Student Ministry and our mission trip to Detroit, Michigan. Many of you have asked about other ways to share with us in this mission opportunity. The greatest need for the week is PRAYER!
97 students and leaders will be participating in Community Family Days, backyard
Bible clubs, basketball camps, repairs and cleaning of three churches, prayer stations, homeless outreach, discipleship events for adults, worship rallies, prayerwalking and MORE.
Be a prayer partner for a member of the Detroit REACH Team. Contact Diann at dianng@taylorsfbc.org or call the Worship Ministry Office at 678-8816.
Collection tubs marked DETROIT will be in the Welcome Center, Student Ministry area, and
Taylors Rec Center. We are collecting inexpensive “give-aways” for children attending Community Family Days (new dolls, balls, outdoor toys, etc.) and hygiene bags (zip top bags with toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, shampoo, comb, hand sanitizer) to distribute to TAYLORSFBC.ORG the homeless. | 3
Summer Events FOR CHILDREN & STUDENTS
Summer Spectacular June 22-26 | 9 am-12 pm For Children K3-5th Grade
Take the journey! Summer Spectacular takes your kids to uncharted territory where they will begin to understand that obedience to God can lead them beyond the expected.
REGISTER: www.taylorsfbc.org/summer
Camps TUMBLE WEEK June 16-19
Ages 3-4 1/2:11-11:40 am Ages 4 1/2-5:11:45 am-12:30 pm Ages 6-10:12:30-1:15 pm $20 per camp
CHEER CAMPS August 12 / 1-5 pm
Ages: 5-7 / 8-10 / 11-13 $20 per camp
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR K3, K4, Full-Day K5 Parent’s Day Out
INTRODUCTION TO JAZZ AND BALLET
2015-2016 School Year
Every Monday June 15-July 13 Ages 3-4:1-1:45 pm Ages 4-5:1:45-2:30 pm Ages 6-9:2:30-3:15 pm
www.taylorsfirstpreacademy.com
Every Monday July 20-August 10 Ages 3-4: 1-1:45 pm Ages 4-5:1:45-2:30 pm Ages 6-9:2:30-3:15 pm $20 for 5 week session
JUNE
7 - Pool Party, 8 pm 15-19 - Beach Camp 22-26 - Summer Spectacular
JULY
1 - Outdoor Movie, 8 pm 17-26 - Detriot REACH Trip
AUGUST
9 - Back to School Pool Party, 8 pm 16 - Promotion Sunday 19 - UNITED Resumes
Camp in the City July 27-31, 9 am-4 pm For Children K5-5th Grade
Camp in the City is a day-camp produced by Pine Cove Camps. This five day high-energy camp allows your camper to experience Jesus through Bible study, worship, laser tag, water slides, and so much more alongside college student counselors whose main goal is to show your child how much fun it is to follow Christ!
www.campiscoming.com Cost: $250 Scholarships are Available
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JEFF HARRELSON BASKETBALL CAMP July 13-17
9 am-12 pm: Rising 1st-5th Graders 1-4 pm: Rising Middle & High School Students $73
I CAN BIKE CAMP August 3-7
A camp for children with disabilities sponsored by the Eastside YMCA.
Register: www.taylorsrec.com/summer
At Taylors FBC, we are committed to building strong, healthy marriages by walking alongside couples in a variety of ways. Our Marriage Mentors build relationships with engaged couples prior to their wedding, and provide wise counsel and friendship to those who need enrichment. Our Nearlywed/Newlywed Life Group works through a one-year curriculum on Sunday mornings to equip and prepare couples for a Christ-centered marriage and family. Marriage enrichment Journey courses and events are held every year, the newest being a Couples Date Night that allows couples to schedule a special evening just to grow together in their marriage relationship while children are safely cared for at church.
Nearlywed/Newlywed Life Group Sundays, 9 am, Led by Mike & Sally Holmes This Life Group is specifically designed for couples who are engaged or recently married and want to start off on solid ground. Typically couples attend for eighteen months, during which they walk through a variety of issues that arise in marriage that couples might not be aware of, including communication, money, sex, blended families, inlaws, unmet expectations, etc. The materials used in this class are some of the best on marriage today. This class is also open to couples who need a “tune up” in a specific area of marriage, those who might have missed going through premarital counseling, or those who are in a marriage that has gone stale. There are answers, whether you want to be in a group environment or just want one-on-one time with a Marriage Mentor. Mike and Sally Holmes share from their own experience how God restored their marriage after major difficulty.
Couples Date Night Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting life which [God] has given to you under the sun; for this is your reward in life. Ecclesiastes 9:9 In April our Marriage Mentoring Team, in partnership with Taylors Children, provided an opportunity for parents to drop their children off at Taylors and go out and enjoy a date night together. Couples were given a resource to guide them through the value of a regular date night, as well as a chance to discuss future date night ideas. If you missed this opportunity, look for the next Couples Date Night in the coming months!
Ryan and I feel that the Nearlywed/ Newlywed Life Group showed us the path to a God-centered marriage. Like everyone else we are still sinners with an imperfect marriage, but Mike and Sally gave us the tools to work through conflict in healthy ways. The trust and open discussion in the class made us realize we are not alone, and their leadership showed us that God can strengthen a marriage through thick and thin." — Savannah Tonnsen
Thank you so much for arranging the Couples Date Night! It went really well for our family. The boys had fun and we enjoyed going out for dinner, knowing they were well cared for at church. I really hope there will be more opportunities like this in the future.” – Lucy Reese
Welcome
summer interns For More Information, Contact Nancy 864-678-8827 | nancyc@taylorsfbc.org
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Ashlee Vanasee, Anderson University Kelley Williams, USC Graduate Program
GYM NIGHT
LAKE DAY
Every Tuesday from 7-9 pm Taylors Rec Center Gym Come out for a game of volleyball and fellowship with other single adults.
Saturday, July 18, 10 am-6 pm Lake Keowee Contact Nancy for directions. Bring a side or dessert.
PICNIC
Sunday, July 12 , 11:45 am Singles Welcome Area Cost: $5 per person Join us for a delicious meal and fellowship with other single adults.
Saturday, June 13, 4:30-8:30 pm Taylors FBC Picnic Shelter Fried Chicken Provided Bring a side or dessert.
LUNCH
COLLEGE MINISTRY Kaili Sever, North Greenville University TAYLORSFBC.ORG | 5
You Can Serve
the Bereaved Open your heart to this ministry and the blessing that comes from sharing! For 150 years Taylors First Baptist Church members have supported our brothers and sisters in Christ in good times and in sorrow. When we have a death in our church family, the Bereavement Committee works with our members to provide a meal either before or after the funeral. How the Committee Works: When the church office receives a call from a bereaved family, the church calls the chairman of the committee who then contacts the family. She then plans the menu and committee members, on rotation, begin to call members to ask if they would prepare a dish for the meal. Those preparing food bring it to the church to be taken to the family. Typically, any volunteer is called no more than twice a year. To be called upon to make a dish for a bereaved family, please complete the form at www.taylorsfbc.org/ serve and click "Bereavement Meals" or call Carole Tate at 864-288-6150 or Glenda Stokes at 864-877-4870. A note from a family served by you and the Bereavement Committee… Dear Shelby, In the past I have prepared meals for those in bereavement, but until now, I have not known what it truly means to a family. You allowed me to grieve and visit with loved ones who came from several states. I was amazed at all the preparation you had made to meet our needs. The tables were loaded with a beautiful variety of food. I thank God that I am a member of a church that provides this ministry. Thank you for your loving service. May God bless you. Betty
Our Church Family In Memoriam
Dick Morgan December 4, 1934 – March 16, 2015 Mary Clapp October 14, 1925 – March 24, 2015 Dan Malone December 17, 1942 – March 28, 2015 Fred Radebaugh October 7, 1929 – April 3, 2015 Frank Estep February 16, 1936 – April 6, 2015 Lee Nelson September 24, 1937 – April 24, 2015 Helen Dill April 22, 1929 – May 2, 2015 Earl Anthony May 14, 1929 – May 13, 2015 Fred Brown February 10, 1930 – May 16, 2015 Ron Farley August 19, 1936 – May 16, 2015
Stewardship Report MARCH Budget Needs.......................... $621,454.35 Budget Receipts....................... $541,628.52 Other Receipts........................... $44,192.39 Total March Receipts................ $585,820.91 YTD Budget Needs............... $1,615,781.31 YTD Budget Receipts............ $1,319,390.77 APRIL Budget Needs.......................... $497,163.48 Budget Receipts....................... $440,341.00 Other Receipts........................... $47,026.88 Total April Receipts.................. $487,367.88 YTD Budget Needs............... $2,112,944.79 YTD Budget Receipts............ $1,759,731.77
Baptisms
We welcome the following to the Body of Christ through believer’s baptism: Mario Hernandez, Dawson Wease, Becky Hyman, Halee Bishop, Morgan Madden, Grayson Madden, Adam Frank, Lindsay Vickery, Carter Williams, Sarah Flinkingshelt, Madison Godfrey, and Austin Donahoo.
Congratulations ... to Ansleigh Pack and Timothy Riddle, married April 18, 2015 ... to Emily Griffin and Mitch Daniel, married May 16, 2015 ... to Kristen Dilleshaw and Jared Phillips, married May 23, 2015
Staff Anniversaries
MAY Robin McDonald........... Ten Years of Service JUNE Kevin Batson.............. Seven Years of Service Ken Gilstrap.................... Six Years of Service Lindsay O’Rear............. Five Years of Service JULY Ann Flack............... Thirteen Years of Service Robert Ballew........... Twelve Years of Service John Alexander........ Eleven Years of Service Gerald Caskey.............. Five Years of Service Jeremy Thompson......Three Years of Service Beverly Vest................... One Year of Service
Sunday Statistics
3/22 3/29 4/5 4/12 4/19 4/26 5/3 5/10 LIFE GROUPS Preschool.......... 317........... 298........... 379...........337.......... 325........... 358........... 309...........326 Children............ 200........... 187........... 256...........233.......... 219........... 247........... 238...........217 Youth................ 275........... 127........... 187...........189.......... 167........... 168........... 160...........161 College............... 74............. 70............. 40.............69............ 65............. 60............. 86.............30 Singles................ 77............. 66............. 70.............70............ 55............. 77............. 70.............65 Adults............... 821........... 774........... 811...........839.......... 784........... 814........... 771...........768 Total............... 1,764........ 1,522........ 1,743........1,737....... 1,615........ 1,724........ 1,634........1,567 WORSHIP Morning............ 1,927........ 1,559........ 2,188........1,636....... 1,538........ 1,650........ 1,525........1,676 Evening...............117........... 170.......... N/A...........400.......... 312........... 630........... 102.......... N/A Betania............... 50............. 51............. 50.............76............ 54............. 68............. 54.............85
Park at Taylors Mill Clean Up
Join us Saturday, June 6 at 8 am to help get the park ready for summer! We worked alongside Taylors TownSquare as part of our 150th Anniversary Celebration to help REACH our community through service. Come back to help again! All general maintenance help is needed, including lawn mowing, weed-eating and weeding, raking and more. Contact Diana Holder at dianah@taylorsfbc.org or call 292-4990 with questions!
50 Years Later: Making Then & Making Now
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Friday, June 5, 2015 | 6-10 pm In 1965, the Southern Bleachery closed the doors on its makers. In 2015, we celebrate a new generation of makers, artisans and craftsmen in Taylors. Join us for this special night featuring the grand opening of WRK GRP, and the re-opening of the Savvy Restyle Market. Live music begins at 7 pm.
Calendar of Events
JUNE 2015_____________________________________________ TUESDAY, JUNE 2
Taylors TownSquare, 7 pm
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3
Portuguese Lessons, 2 pm Last Night for Journey Classes
FRIDAY, JUNE 5
Last Day for Greenville County Schools Grand Opening of Taylors Mill, 6 pm Taylors Singles First Friday, 8 pm
SATURDAY, JUNE 6
Park at Taylors Mill Clean Up, 8 am
SUNDAY, JUNE 7
Baptism / REACH Team Commissioning, 9 & 10:30 am Evening Worship, 6 pm Taylors Students Pool Party, 8 pm
MONDAY, JUNE 8
XYZ Lunch and Program, 11:15 am
TUESDAY, JUNE 9
WMU Global Missions Luncheon, 11 am
TUESDAY, JUNE 16
SBC Columbus, Ohio (Through 6/17) Salt Lake City REACH Trip (Through 6/21) Tumbling Week, 11 am (Through 6/19)
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17
Portuguese Lessons, 2 pm Wednesday Night Supper, Devotional and Music Rehearsals (No Children and Student Activities)
THURSDAY, JUNE 18
Taylors Men Golf Outing, 7:15 pm
SUNDAY, JUNE 21
Father’s Day Worship Services, 9 and 10:30 am Summer Spectacular Volunteer Rally, 4 pm No Other Evening Activities
MONDAY, JUNE 22
Summer Spectacular Week (Through 6/26)
TUESDAY, JUNE 23
WMU Bold Missions, 7 pm (At the Home of Sara Cooper)
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24
SATURDAY, JUNE 13
THURSDAY, JUNE 25
SUNDAY, JUNE 14
SATURDAY, JUNE 27
Portuguese Lessons, 2 pm Wednesday Night Supper, Devotional and Music Rehearsals (No Children or Student Activities) Taylors Singles Picnic, 4;30 pm Worship Services, 9 and 10:30 am Alaska REACH Trip (Through 6/21) Evening Worship, 6 pm
MONDAY, JUNE 15
Taylors Students Beach Camp (Through 6/19) Intro to Jazz and Ballet Begins, 1 pm Grief Support for Parents, 6:30 pm
Prayer in the Chapel, 12 pm Portuguese Lessons, 2 pm No Evening Activities (Except Music Rehearsals) Taylors Men Target Shooting, 6:30 pm Taylors Men’s Breakfast, 8:30 am
SUNDAY, JUNE 28
Worship Services, 9 and 10:30 am Evening Worship / Lord’s Supper & Church Conference, 6 pm
TUESDAY, JUNE 30
Taylors Singles Volleyball, 7 pm
JULY 2015 ______________________________________________ WEDNESDAY, JULY 1
Taylors Women Summer Bible Study Begins, 9 am Prayer in the Chapel, 12 pm Portuguese Lessons, 2 pm No Evening Activities Taylors Students Outdoor Movie Night, 8 pm
FRIDAY, JULY 3
Independence Day Weekend Church Office & Taylors Rec Center Closed Freedom Celebration, 7:30 pm, Downtown Greenvillle
SUNDAY, JULY 5
No Evening Activities
MONDAY, JULY 13
Jeff Harrelson Basketball Camp, 9 am and 1 pm (Through 7/17) XYZ Lunch and Program, 11:15 am Taylors Women’s Bible Study, 6:30 pm
WEEKLY AT TAYLORS
Sundays
Traditional Worship/Life Groups for Adults, Children & Students, 9 am College Life Groups/Breakfast, 9:19 am Contemporary Worship/Modern Worship/ Life Groups for Adults, Children & Students/ Kids Worship, 10:30 am Evening Worship, 6 pm (except 6/21 & 7/5)
Mondays
Mission Doll Workshop, 4 pm
Tuesdays
Tuesday Morning Bible Study, 10 am Taylors Singles Volleyball, 7 pm
Wednesdays
AA Meeting, 8 pm JUNE 3 Dinner Served at 5:15 pm: BBQ Pork or Chick-fil-A. Children choose: hamburgers, the home-cooked meal, or Chick-fil-A. Childcare for Birth-Two / Preschoolers Meet in Rooms, 6:15 pm Taylors Children: M & M Presentation "Living in the Light" and Family Fun Night/ UNITED for Students / Prayer in the Chapel, 6:30 pm Music Rehearsals JUNE 10 Dinner Served at 5:15 pm: Fried Chicken or Atlanta Bread Company, Children choose: chicken fingers, the home-cooked meal, or Atlanta Bread Company. Devotional in the Fellowship Hall / Prayer in the Chapel, 6:30 pm Music Rehearsals JUNE 17 Dinner Served at 5:15 pm: Baked Spaghetti or Chick-fil-A, Children may choose: pizza, the home-cooked meal, or Chick-fil-A. Devotional in the Fellowship Hall / Prayer in the Chapel, 6:30 pm Music Rehearsals
TUESDAY, JULY 14
JUNE 24-AUGUST 5 Prayer in the Chapel, 12 pm
WEDNESDAY, JULY 15
JULY 1-AUGUST 5 Taylors Women Summer Bible Study, 9 am
WMU Global Missions Luncheon, 11 am Taylors Women Summer Bible Study, 9 am Prayer in the Chapel, 12 pm Portuguese Lessons, 2 pm No Evening Activities
Saturday
AA Meeting, 8 pm
MONDAY, JULY 6
THURSDAY, JULY 16
TUESDAY, JULY 7
FRIDAY, JULY 17
WEDNESDAY, JULY 8
SUNDAY, JULY 19
SUNDAY, JULY 26
MONDAY, JULY 20
MONDAY, JULY 27
Taylors Women’s Bible Study Begins, 6:30 pm August/September Newsletter Deadline, 5 pm Taylors Women Summer Bible Study, 9 am Prayer in the Chapel, 12 pm Portuguese Lessons, 2 pm No Evening Activities
FRIDAY, JULY 10
Living Proof Live at Bon Secours Wellness Arena (Through 7/11)
SUNDAY, JULY 12
Worship / Baptism / REACH Team Commissioning, 9 & 10:30 am Taylors Singles Lunch, 11:45 am Evening Service, 6 pm
Taylors Men Golf Outing, 7:15 pm REACH Trip to Detroit (Through 7/26) Evening Worship, 6 pm Intro to Jazz and Ballet Begins, 1 pm Grief Support for Parents, 6:30 pm Taylors Women’s Bible Study, 6:30 pm
WEDNESDAY, JULY 22
Taylors Women Summer Bible Study, 9 am Prayer in the Chapel, 12 pm Portuguese Lessons, 2 pm No Evening Activities
THURSDAY, JULY 23
Evening Worship Service & Church Conference, 6 pm Camp in the City Begins (Through 7/31) Taylors Women’s Bible Study, 6:30 pm
TUESDAY, JULY 28
WMU Bold Missions, 7 pm (River Oaks Club House)
WEDNESDAY, JULY 29
Taylors Women Summer Bible Study, 9 am Prayer in the Chapel, 12 pm Portuguese Lessons, 2 pm No Evening Activities
Taylors Men Target Shooting, 6:30 pm
** Newsletter Submissions: Articles/events must be approved by ministerial staff. Submissions are printed at the discretion of the church staff and may be edited. Please e-mail items to kimk@taylorsfbc.org by July 7 for the August/September issue.
TAYLORSFBC.ORG | 7
From Our NEMO Missionaries
We want to start by saying how thankful we are for Taylors and the partnership we have with you in reaching the NEMO people. From the beginning we felt this is exactly how a partnership should work. When we first heard that Taylors was going to adopt and target the NEMO people, we were at the appointment week ceremony for the International Mission Board and felt discouraged because we had just joined a new church and didn’t feel we had a lot of support in the task. The timing was perfect and a huge encouragement. We then moved to the Middle East, but had to study Arabic in a city that is an eleven-hour drive from where the NEMO people live, which delayed our getting to them. The first NEMO team was able to survey the area and meet NEMO people before us. We met and debriefed with the team in the capital before they flew home. It was such an amazing experience hearing what they learned and what they thought we needed to do. Usually it’s the people on the field telling church teams what to do, but we have based all of our follow-up trips to NEMO-land on what we learned from your leadership. Last January you sent a second team to target the NEMO people. We literally drove thousands of kilometers around the desert and into villages, asking around to find out if the NEMO people lived there. The hope was not just to find information, but to be invited into homes where we could share the gospel and form friendships. And this is where the first great part about you coming over here begins. It would be very strange for the two of us to just wander into villages and ask questions. When we are showing tourists around, however, it is completely normal. Thus, your coming allows us to get to these places. But up until the last day and a half, we were all a little discouraged. We had learned a lot about where the NEMO people live, but we did not have an opportunity to share with anyone. It is at this point that the team’s purpose became clear because the mission really took off. The following stories show why your partnership is crucial to reaching the NEMO people. While you may not have seen the effects, we were able to do things after you left that would never have been possible had you not come.
Story One. Randy is a young NEMO
who lives in a village about three hours away from the city that will be our base of operations (where we will eventually live and where teams will stay). The day we met Randy we got up early, went all the way out to this village, drove around, ate lunch, and greeted people hoping to be invited into a home. After no one seemed to show any interest in talking to us, we left to make the long trip back to the hotel. As we were approaching a gas station about an hour outside of town a team member insisted we stop. I am very focused and do not like to stop, but this team member insisted we stop, so I did. While waiting I got out of the car and Randy greeted me and walked over to me. He was from the village we had been visiting that day and had seen us there. Because he saw us there, he decided to ask us what we were doing when he saw us at the gas station. We talked for a few minutes, exchanged phone numbers, and he invited us to visit him in his village. The day after the team left, the two of us drove back to his village. We had lunch with him in his home and met several other people from his village. I was able to share the gospel with him and when we left we had established a contact for the future in this remote village. While the team didn’t get to experience this for themselves, they were the reason it happened, and we never would have had this opportunity if you had not given up your time and money to come.
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Story Two.
On the last day of the REACH trip we had arranged a follow-up visit with a family while the team was here last summer. In August we walked into this village and a certain family invited us in. Some of the kids took my wife around the village for a tour. This left another team member available to go into the house with all of the ladies who didn’t speak English. She showed them such love as she let them dress her up. They absolutely fell in love with her even though they couldn’t verbally communicate. I got the phone number of one of the sons and over the next couple of months continued to text with him; I even flew down for his wedding. When I told him that the same team member was coming again in January, they were all extremely excited to see her again. She was the reason we were invited back into this village. We were able to take the team back and visit in their home. We now have a really good relationship with this son and his new wife. I believe they will be some of our best friends once we move.
Story Three.
The team enabled us visit a NEMO town literally in the middle of the desert. We were heading to the biggest NEMO town to visit a friend. On the way, however, we noticed a town on the map and decided to drop in and see who we could meet, driving twelve kilometers of grated desert road to the village. When we got there we greeted a lady outside a tent and she invited us to sit and have tea with them. We only stayed for about thirty minutes because we had an appointment. My wife got along well with the lady, but we didn’t get a chance to get her number. After the team left the two of us were going down the same road and decided to take a basket of fruit to thank them for their hospitality and try to give my wife’s number to the lady we met. This time there were different people in the tent and I was not just invited, but forced to sit with the men in the tent while my wife was taken inside the house to sit with all of the ladies. During this visit I was able to share the gospel with the guys while my wife shared with the ladies. We also met a NEMO man who invited us to his village that is about and hour away on desert grated road, literally in the middle of the desert. A few days later we visited him and basically met the entire village. I was able to share two different times with the guys of the village. This chain of events following the REACH team visit enabled us to make it into this truly remote village. >>>
God is moving on behalf of His name among the NEMO people. We prayed while on the ground in NEMO in 2014, that God would raise up from Taylors a long term worker in 2015 who would join the work in NEMO. God answered that prayer with *****. She joined the NEMO REACH Team in January, went through the Journeyman application process right afterwards, was accepted, and is now planning to be on the ground in the Fall of 2015. We praise the Lord for how He is working in the lives of our people, for the sake of His Name among the NEMO people! Pray that God would now call the first NEMO believer!
trip testimony: Nemo REACH Team 2015
The NEMO trip was different from any other because we did not hit the ground running, doing ministry. We first had to find those who we were to minister to. Our goal was to survey villages and see where the people lived. My hope is that one day I will be able to go back to one of those villages, sit down with a woman and introduce her to Jesus.
Taylors FBC
missionary homes
Taylors members, your support provides no-cost housing for missionary families for respite and in some cases, physical healing. Eight committee members schedule the three houses, sometimes three to four years in advance, and take care of the homes with our Maintenance staff providing great assistance.
Through this trip the Lord returned to me something I had given to Him in faith. Three years ago I changed my major, and had no earthly clue as to why God was calling me to that degree. While it was something in which I was interested, it wasn’t something about which I was necessarily passionate. On this trip I discovered that I had the education and skills to fulfill a huge need. My educational skill set can put me in unique forms of ministry that very few people can do, particularly with women. My degree can put me in relationships with women that require a deeper amount of intimacy than most. Because of that familiarity, I can gain their trust and potentially have an opportunity to share the gospel.
James Street
I also learned that reaching these people for Christ will be a costly battle. While I know my God has already won the war, He never promised the battles would be without casualty or pain. In order to reach this people group, it is going to take many laborers, years and hours. While it may take years to see the first Christfollower from this people, I know that he or she is going to love Jesus with a fervor that cannot be quenched. I am thankful to my family and my church family, Taylors First Baptist Church for this amazing opportunity to go and be a part of what God is doing among these people.
Edwards Street
***** Name Concealed for Security
Taylors Road Dear Taylors First Baptist Church, Thank you so much for allowing Jack and I to stay in the mission housing. We have more appreciation than words can say. Taylors FBC holds a special place in our hearts now. Your kindness will never be forgotten.
Of the seven days we stayed behind after the team left, five days were spent in homes following up with the contacts made from your two trips. We returned to the city extremely encouraged and excited about your future trips. It has been amazing to experience how God intends His church to work together to reach the NEMO people. There is no doubt in our minds that He wants to do a mighty work among them and that Taylors is going to be a major part of it. Do not be afraid if you don’t speak Arabic or that you may not SEE God at work, because He is clearly at work and He is using you for works that we simply could not do on our own.
Thank you for your thoughtfulness. We are so grateful to you all at Taylors. In gratitude, Jack and Barbara Givens
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Orphan Care: Mission 1:27
In response to God’s clear commands to care for the fatherless, Mission 1:27 provides support and encouragement to those seeking to adopt or foster a child, along with involvement in activities that impact orphans on a local and international level.
Exciting Updates from Mission 1:27! On Saturday, April 25, Mission 1:27 hosted a Foster Care Training sponsored by South Carolina Youth Advocate Program (SCYAP) where over 100 adults and children were able to attend. Not only were they able to support and equip foster families, but it was a great opportunity to reach our community as the majority of those in attendance do not attend Taylors.
Serve Through
Divorce Recovery
Many ministries come into existence through shared experiences, both positive and negative, providing an opportunity for us to glorify Christ through those experiences. Divorce Recovery is an outgrowth of such experiences. The ministry has existed for several years, and like most ministries has changed and grown to better minister to those who are hurting from the pain associated with separation or divorce. Couples are not the only ones affected by divorce. Extended family, friends, and the most innocent of those impacted, children, are also affected by the dissolution of a marriage. Divorce Recovery at Taylors includes DivorceCare, DivorceCare For Kids (DC4K) and Boundaries. Last year we were unable to offer DC4K and Boundaries due to lack of facilitators. We are looking for individuals and couples who have a heart for those hurting from this type of loss. The most critical need is with DC4K. If you are looking for a place to serve, please consider praying about serving with Divorce Recovery. Classes are offered on Wednesday nights as part of Journey. The next session begins August 19. Contact hopenet@taylorsfbc.org for more information.
We truly can’t say thank you enough to everyone who was responsible for making this training happen. Through Mission 1:27, Taylors First Baptist Church has truly helped both South Carolina Youth Advocate Program and Miracle Hill meet the ongoing support and training needs of so many foster and adoptive families. There have been so many lives touched and beautiful relationships formed! - Michelle Wardy, SCYAP Three Taylors families recently finalized adoptions. Join us in celebration!
Baxley Family Elizabeth, age 2 Adopted March 10
Keating Family Nicholas, age 8 Adopted April 27
Brown Family Brandon, age 7 & Destiny, age 5 Adopted May 4
Grief Support for Parents
Designed Specifically for Parents Who Have Lost a Child Third Monday of each Month | 6:30-8:30 pm | Taylors Ministry Center Led by Dale Northridge The purpose of Grief Support for Parents is to point grieving parents to our only true source of comfort, Jesus Christ. Although topics of discussion may be painful, and tears will be inevitable, our desire is to honor God by seeking how we can live well while we are waiting to be reunited with our children some day. The support group is facilitated by me, Dale Northridge. I am a parent who walks this road of grief, a few years ahead of some, and decades behind others. Each meeting is based around Scripture and will address a specific topic faced by grieving parents. Anyone who has lost a child is welcome. We invite you to come if your child has been in Heaven for thirty days or for thirty years. You are welcome if your child was stillborn and never took a single breath, or if your child lived to be an adult and had a family of his or her own. Please come, knowing you will be surrounded by people who care, who understand, and who will pray for you. This is a safe place where we can discuss our struggles, knowing we will not be judged, because every one of us has been there at one time or another. We will share our victories, and rejoice with each other as we move along the road toward healing. "But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance." Romans 8:25
This group has made such a difference in my life because I know others in the group truly understand my pain and I am able to share anything with them. Grief Support Participant 10 | TAYLORSFBC.ORG
Welcome New Members Jamie Lofink
Jimmy & Frances Chambers
Mario Hernandez
Alyssa Burnham
Christopher Chastine
Joined March 15 by Letter
Joined March 29 by Letter
Joined March 29 by Letter
Joined March 29 by Baptism
Joined March 29 by Watchcare
Joined March 29 by Statement
David Lesser
Mitchell McDaniel
Carter Williams
Morgan Madden
Grayson Madden
Halee Bishop
Joined March 29 by Statement
Joined March 29 by Watchcare
Joined April 5 by Baptism
Joined April 5 by Baptism
Joined April 5 by Baptism
Joined April 5 by Baptism
Herb & Cathy Howell
New Items in our Library Saving Hope | Shattered Silence | Scorned Justice | Severed Trust by Margaret Daley Sarah Flinkingshelt
George & Linda Ward
Adam Frank
Hannah Houck
Joined April 5 by Baptism
Joined April 5 by Letter
Joined April 12 by Baptism
Joined April 12 by Watchcare
Each book in the series, Men of the Texas Rangers, is intense, gritty, exciting, and involves a compelling love story.
Chasing Sunsets by Karen Kingsbury
The second book in the Angels Walking Series about divine intervention and the trials and triumphs of life.
A.D. The Bible Continues: The Book of Acts with notes/insights from
Dustin & Lindsay Vickery Madison Godfrey Walter & Melissa Brashier Austin Donahoo Joined April 19 Joined May 3 Hayden* Joined May 3 Joined May 3 Dustin by Letter Lindsay by Baptism
by Baptism
Walter & Melissa by Statement Hayden by Baptism (also pictured: Ella)
by Baptism
David Jeremiah Explore the incredible true story that inspired the NBC television event. This book features the story of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus according to the Gospel of Luke, the entire book of Acts.
A.D. The Bible Continues: The Revolution by David Jeremiah
A narrative exploration of the characters, culture, and conflict that fueled the rise of the early church. This is a riveting, actionpacked read but also an illuminating exploration of one of the most significant chapters in world history. Sarah Jalbert
Sarah Garrett
Phillip Hyman*
Joined May 3 by Watchcare
Joined May 3 by Watchcare
Joined May 17 by Baptism
* New members who have indicated a commitment to follow Christ through believer’s baptism.
Two Builders by Melody Carlson
Based on Luke 6:47-49, children will enjoy this humorous retelling of Jesus’ parable about the wise man and the foolish man as they discover the meaning of building their lives on the One who is strong and true – Jesus Christ. TAYLORSFBC.ORG | 11
Taylors Family (USPS 625-920). published bimonthly by First Baptist Church, 200 West Main Street, Taylors, SC 29687. Periodical postage paid at Taylors, SC 29687. Postmaster: Send address changes to First Baptist Church, 200 West Main Street, Taylors, SC 29687. Editor: Kim Keller, Phone 864-244-3535, Fax 864-244-6067, Email kimk@taylorsfbc.org. Web site http://www.taylorsfbc.org
200 West Main Street . Taylors, SC 29687
Are you moving? Please notify the church office of your address change!
Living Proof Live July 10-11 | Bon Secours Wellness Arena Tickets: www.lproof.org We are praying about the great things God will do in the lives of women in our area. We hope to see you and the women in our communities at Living Proof Live.
Summer Bible Study Wednesdays 9-11 am: July 1-August 5 (childcare provided for birth-5th grade)
Mondays, 6:30-8 pm: July 6-August 10 We are in bondage to busyness. We constantly strive to complete the limitless to-do lists that hinder us from experiencing all that God has for us. We miss the moments because we rush ahead to the next thing. It is time for us to breathe and build margin into our lives for God. Sabbath was intended as a gift, and it still is a gift to us today. If you are weary, worn out, and exhausted, the concept of Sabbath will change your life. Join us for this six-week study by Priscilla Shirer as we learn how to make room for Sabbath amidst the busyness. Register at www.taylorsfbc.org/women
Take Heart Together and our own Take Heart Taylors are excited to be part of the Living Proof Live and YOU Lead conferences in Greenville! We have been invited to provide a resource directory of area ministries and non-profit organizations to assist participants in finding help for women who are hurting. We thank God for the opportunity to touch thousands of women with additional tools for healing and wholeness in Christ.
GREENVILLE, SC
BON Leaders SECOURS WELLNESS ARENA | JUL. 10-11, 2015 YOU Lead A Training Pre-Conference For All in Women’s Ministry
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July 9-10 | Buncombe Street United Methodist | Tickets www.lproof.org RESERVED SEATING $ | 888-695-0888 Whether you are a current leader or desire to serve with lifeway.com/livingproof Taylors Women, YOU Lead is designed to help you effectively reach and disciple women for Christ. Be motivated and encouraged through experienced speakers and a broad range of breakout sessions. Be sure to register on your own in order to join many of our own Taylors Women’s leaders at the pre-conference. Events subject to change without notice. Sales tax and fees may be applied.
SAVE THESE DATES!
Girlfriends & Chocolate Tuesday, September 8, 6-8:30 pm Ladies, put on your favorite team colors and join your girlfriends for a casual, fun, “spirited" night to celebrate God's work and Word! Enjoy coffee and dessert and be challenged and encouraged by Julie Caldwell, Chairman of Taylors Women’s Bible Studies, as we "Kick-off" the fall season of Bible studies!
Fall Bible Study*
September 16-November 9 Wednesdays, 9-11 am & 6:30-7:30 pm Mondays, 7-9 pm
Mom to Mom*(Follows Fall Bible Study) November 11-March 30 Wednesdays, 9-11 am
* Registration Begins August 10 at Taylors
Women’s Desk and taylorsfbc.org/women