March 2021
Dear Taylors FBC Church Family, As the Apostle Paul was closing out his first letter to the Thessalonians, he encourages them to do these things, “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything” (I Thessalonians 5:16-18). He says that these things are “God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” As I have been your Pastor for just one month, I find it quite easy to do all of these. I “rejoice always” for the opportunity that the Lord has placed in front of us to do great things for Him. I “pray constantly” because I am ever more aware of my absolute need of Him. And I find myself having no trouble to “give thanks." I am astounded by God’s goodness in bringing my family to Taylors and the overwhelming hospitality that each of you has shown to my family. In this, I am grateful that you have helped me in my own walk with the Lord, to pursue His will. My desire is for each of you to pursue after Him as well. I am glad we can all do this together! Your Pastor, Josh Powell
But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24
SUNDAYS
www.taylorsfbc.org/worship/services
WEDNESDAYS
www.taylorsfbc.org/Wednesday Family Dinner — See details below Worship Rehearsals
Traditional Worship 9:00 am
Taylors Worship 10:30 am
Taylors Worship Choir, 6:15 pm Orchestra, 6:30 pm Combined Choir for Easter, 6:50 pm Traditional Worship Choir, 7:20 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
Pastor's Bible Study 6:30 - 7:30 pm | Fellowship Hall
New Sermon Series Begins March 14
Mom to Mom at Night 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
Taylors College: The Gathering With bold declarations of his identity, Jesus makes “I AM” statements that explain his mission to bring us from death to life. Join us as we look at the Gospel of John in this Easter Series!
7:30 - 9:00 pm
Family Dinner, 5:15 - 6:15 pm
Reservations are required by the Tuesday prior and are non-refundable.
MARCH 3 Taco Soup / Chicken & Rice Soup or Chick-fil-A MARCH 10 Chicken Casserole or Chick-fil-A MARCH 17 Meatloaf or Chick-fil-A MARCH 24 Breakfast with Sausage/Bacon
or Chick-fil-A
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
MARCH 31 Chicken Fillets or Chick-fil-A 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 TAYLORSFBC.ORG | 3
GOD DID IT
The Unexpected Call To Chaplaincy
The best way James Beard can describe how he got into chaplaincy is three words. "God did it," he said, twice actually, the second time with a slight smile and a chuckle. When James retired, he was satisfied with the notion of settling into a life of limited responsibilities-serving as a deacon at his church and enjoying uninterrupted time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. But five years ago, his wife went to be with the Lord, and he needed to constructively occupy his time and maintain hope. That doesn't mean chaplaincy was on his radar. It wasn't. Not even close. But his path toward becoming a volunteer Southern Baptist chaplain was its own proof this was a God-ordained next step for James's life. "I got an email at my church that said we had a church member in assisted living, and we want to start a Bible study," James said. "The email got sent to me. I don't know how it did. God did it. I went over to the facility and spent time in the car praying, and it was like this voice said, 'You're going to be the chaplain here."' James wasn't really trying to hear that. "God, I don't know what I'm doing," was his response. "I could hear God say, 'I've got you,' and the rest is history." James started teaching a Bible study at the Windsor House Assisted Living center in Greenville, South Carolina, and he applied to become an endorsed Southern Baptist chaplain. James is the lone chaplain at the facility. He is supported and encouraged by his church, and he's only ever missed two weeks-both because of the facility's pandemic restrictions. But even with that, James found a work-around. "I asked them, 'What if I just come in and pray for the
James Beard (right) with a resident of the assisted-living facility he serves as chaplain
staff and pray for the residents and then leave from there?' They told me that would be great, so ever since that adjustment, I haven't missed since." Before the pandemic completely cut off his direct interaction with the residents, James would stand in a doorway more than six feet away from the residents and teach his Bible study to respect social distancing guidelines. "It's gotten tough for a lot of these residents who had been used to having people come visit them, and then all of a sudden, COVID-19 stopped that," James said. "Still being able to show up and have a presence there was so important to me because I knew it was important to them." James believes he'll be able to start gathering with the residents at the Windsor House again someday, just as before C0VID-19 came. But until then, he's doing whatever he can to serve faithfully. "That's the call to ministry we have as chaplains," he said. "We do whatever we need to do to make sure we're still sharing the love of Jesus with the people we serve."
Gabriel Stovall, 2021. Copyright 2021 by Missions Mosaic, North American Mission Board. Reprinted with permission. 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 @taylorsstudents @taylorsclg @taylorsrec @taylorswomen
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. New for 2021: online 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
DEDICATION March 14, 9:00 and 10:30 am 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.
Bring your leis and hula skirts to our annual Spring Fling! Join this Hawaiian themed night of good food and fun entertainment! Space is limited to allow for social distancing. Registration opens online or by bringing payment to the Church office on Monday, March 29.
VERY BEST SUMMER (VBS) June 6 - 9, 5:45 - 8:00 pm Volunteer registration opens mid March. Participant registration opens April 1. Register at www.taylorsfbc.org/events
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D-NOW March 19-21 at Taylors FBC
STARTING POINT
Taylors FBC | Cost: $80
Sundays at 9:00 am | March 7 - 28
In-town weekend retreat for middle and high school students. Cost increases to $100 March 8 - 14.
Starting Point provides a basic introduction to Taylors FBC and will help broaden your understanding of who we are and what we believe. All new and prospective members are encouraged to participate in Starting Point to better understand our mission and values as well as our view on what it means to know Christ and follow Him.
FUGE CAMP July 19-23 Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia Cost: $349 | $100 Deposit
Register at www.taylorsfbc.org/events
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.
BLOOD DRIVE March 17, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm Taylors Ministry Center Parking Lot Register at www.taylorsfbc.org/events
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.
SOUP/GAME NIGHT Friday, March 26, 6:00 pm Fellowship Hall Bring individually wrapped desserts, chips, or canned drinks. No need to register.
KINDERGARTEN AND PARENT’S DAY OUT Registration is Open for the 2021-2022 school year! Visit www.taylorsfirstpreacademy.com for more information.
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GOOD FRIDAY WORSHIP Friday, April 2 | Service at Noon Worship Center Lord's Supper observed with pre-packaged elements.
LOVE TAYLORS DAY Saturday, March 27 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Register at www.taylorsfbc.org
FAMILY TO FAMILY March 30 - May 25
EASTER SUNDAY Sunday, April 4 Identical Services at 9:00 and 10:30 am Childcare available for birth through age five at 9:00 and 10:30 am. No elementary, student, college, or adult Life Groups.
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 March 19 - 20 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
BIBLE STUDY Elijah by Pricilla Shirer Begins April 13 and 14 Tuesday Evenings and Wednesday Mornings Childcare is available on Wednesday mornings. Registration opens March 21. Participants will purchase their own books. Register at www.taylorsfbc.org/events
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
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OUR CHURCH FAMILY
Celebrate baptisms, new members, anniversaries and more.
BAPTISMS We welcome to the Body of Christ, through believer's baptism... Sobie Bookter, Emma Ogden, and William Tonnsen
STEWARDSHIP REPORT January Budget Receipts $425,830 Actual Receipts $282,080 Actual Spent $385,532 Year to Date Budget Receipts $425,830 Actual Receipts $282,080 Actual Spent $385,532
STAFF ANNIVERSARIES FEBRUARY Diann Greer — 17 Years of Service Kristin Evans — 5 Years of Service
STAFF UPDATE Mario Saavedra joined our Facilities Team in early February. Mario moved to the Greenville Area about three years ago from Chantilly, Virginia and is related by marriage to David Plumblee who serves on our Facilities Team. His previous work experience in the Construction Industry will be very valuable to our team. Welcome Mario!
IN MEMORIAM Mike Farley
SUNDAY STATISTICS
1/31 2/7 2/14 2/21 2/28 Preschool................... 69..........53......... 93......... 98........108 Elementary................ 70..........27......... 79......... 93........110 Students.................... 67..........49......... 74......... 83........104 College...................... 14..........24......... 21......... 24..........14 Adults...................... 353........328....... 460....... 447........486 Life Group Total....... 669........544....... 802....... 829........925 Morning Worship .... 913........956.... 1,350.... 1,173.....1,201
THANK YOU Dear Church Family, Thank you so much for your generosity to our family during our transition to Taylors FBC. All of the food, gift cards, gifts, and acts of kindness have been such a blessing to us. We are excited for our new journey here with you and look forward to partnering with you in what God is doing here in our community and throughout the world. Love in Christ, Josh, Allison, Wilds, Levi, Macy Grace, Paton
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November 2, 1966 - February 6, 2021
HOW TO JOIN TAYLORS 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. 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.
WELCOME OUR NEW MEMBERS
Sobie Bookter
Joined February 7, 2021, by Baptism
Ashlyn Belcher
Joined February 21, 2021, by Watchcare
Melody Herring
Joined February 21, 2021, by Statement
Josh & Allison Powell Wilds, Levi, Macy Grace Joined February 14, 2021, by Letter
Sandy & Sandy Godfrey, Joined February 28, 2021, by Letter
William Tonnsen
Joined February 7, 2021, by Baptism
Martin Countryman
Joined February 21, 2021, by Watchcare
Hannah Staubs
Joined February 21, 2021, by Watchcare
Katelyn Landkrohn
Joined February 21, 2021, by Watchcare
Tom & Tena Hellams
Joined February 28, 2021, by Letter
Mark & Linda O'Leary Riesch Joined February 14, 2021, by Letter
David & Tiffany Deighton McKenzie, Alexa, Josiah, Kezia Joined February 21, 2021, by Statement
Billy & Michelle Lee Madeline Baker-Russell
Wayne & Traci Batson Joined February 21, 2021, by Letter
Trevor Hasse
Joined February 21, 2021, by Watchcare
Michael Phelps & Madison Bennett
Joined February 21, 2021, Michelle and Madeline by Letter; Billy by Statement
Joined February 21, 2021, by Letter
Dale & John King
Charles & Melanie Ashmore
February 21, 2021, by Letter
Joined February 28, 2021, by Letter
Alan Hilliard
Joined February 28, 2021, by Statement. Also Pictured: Karen Hilliard, Joining Pending Baptism
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REACH - OUR NATION AND ALL NATIONS One of the strategies of our REACH Ministry is to equip and send REACH teams who will, through short term visits, come alongside our partners to proclaim the gospel, pray, teach, and encourage. Our faithfulness to do this over the last several years is evident in the following testimony:
A POWERFUL TESTIMONY ...of a 24-year-old lady from Araças, the community of the Davis Lar Orphanage, one of our REACH partners. The Lord used different people across different generations to penetrate her heart, it is amazing! She is currently in another region of Brazil serving as a missionary intern. I came to know Christ at nine-years-old. In my community, there was a local church that I went to with my friend. I loved to participate in the Vacation Bible School that the church had every summer. Each year, a group of Americans always came, I was simply passionate about the way they would talk about Jesus Christ. This is how I started to be involved in that local church and I carried Christ to my parents and this is how me and all of my family became part of the church for almost fourteen years now. There were so many people that were contributors in my Christian walk. One of them was Paige Anderson. She was the one that presented Christ to me when I was a child and afterwards, there were numerous people that helped me grow after that. Many Brazilians, many of the individual Americans that came to serve. Then I had the opportunity to grow very close as a young adult with some missionaries that came to live in my community. They taught me so much and I would go and do outreach with them. They helped me to understand a deeper meaning of God’s character. I now have the calling on my life to be a missionary, and I think it is incredible to do something one day that someone did to me. That person believed, came from so far and presented Christ Jesus and that seed sown when I was a child. It grew here inside of me, and now I feel that it is my turn to plant seeds of the hearts of the little ones!!! We praise God that we are seeing God move people from the harvest field to the harvest field!
ANNIE ARMSTRONG EASTER OFFERING
As Southern Baptists, we are committed to supporting missionaries sent by the North American Mission Board through the annual Annie Armstrong Easter Offering and week of dedicated prayer. You will find prayer guides at the REACH desk and giving envelopes in the pews. You can also give in the app!
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CHURCH CENTER APP
Register for events, give, and see the church directory 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!
Download the Church Center App! Text "taylors" to 313131 for the links.
Opt-in to our Church Directory! Church members received an invitation email.
Add Your Family's Photos to Your Profile! Click the circle on the top right in the app, select each family member's name, and then Update Photo. Once you have added individual photos in your Profile, you can add a family photo to your Directory settings. We want to help you add your individual or family photos so that our directory is complete. If you need help, stop by the Church Office during the week; come see us in the Fellowship Hall on Wednesday nights for the next couple of weeks; or ask your Life Group leader for help on Sunday mornings.
YMCA Food Relief Outreach | Hosted by Taylors FBC The YMCA of Greenville has expanded its food relief outreach program — born from the critical need exacerbated by COVID-19 and job loss in 2020 — in the Taylors/Greer communities; planning to deliver 60+ bags of food/week to families. Taylors FBC members can support via donations or volunteering to pack and/or deliver food bags. Email William Coates at wcoates@ymcagreenville.org to get involved
Mission 1:27 Giving Closet Volunteers needed on a weekly basis to help sort donated clothing and items as well as work during open hours to help families that come. Contact us at lovetaylors@taylorsfbc.org to help.
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PRAISE GOD
Adrian Coponen Jennah Lawrence with Josh Duncan, Minister of Students
Two middle school students came to know Jesus for the first time at Rise in February! We celebrated their commitment to follow Christ and we cannot wait to see how God is going to use them for His Kingdom. The Lord is at work and we are seeing spiritual growth in our students in amazing ways since we decided to split middle and high school. We are grateful to have a front row seat to watching Him work.
TAYLORS REC Looking for a safe place to keep moving and working out? THANK YOU COMING SOON! Monday night pickup basketball resumes on April 5 at 7:00 pm. Watch for information on our summer camps — Basketball, tumbling, dance, cheerleading, and more.
WE HAVE GROUP FITNESS CLASSES AVAILABLE FOR ALL