IN THIS ISSUE

Christmas & Year End Page 2

Hes HerePage 5

A Priceless GiftPage 5

First Baptist sevierville | decemBer 2015

Volume 107 , No. 6

First Baptist Church of Seviervilles Monthly Newsletter

In the book of Mark we read about a terrible storm. The disciples were with Jesus on a boat crossing the Sea of Galilee. When a furious squall came up, the disciples, among them some seasoned fishermen, were afraid for their lives (4:37-38).

Did God not care? Werent they handpicked by Jesus and closest to Him? Werent they obeying Jesus who told them to go over to the other side? Why, then, were they going through such a turbulent time?

No one is exempt from the storms of life. But just as the disciples who initially feared the storm later came to revere Christ more, so the storms we face can bring us to a deeper knowledge of God. Who is this, the disciples pondered, even the wind and the waves obey him! (v. 41). Through our trials we can learn that no storm is big enough to prevent God from accomplishing His will (5:1).

While we may not understand why God allows trials to enter our lives, we thank Him that through them we can come to know who He is. We live to serve Him because He has preserved our lives.

Lord, I know I dont need to fear the storms of life around me. Help me to be calm because I stand secure in You.

The storms of life prove the strength of our anchor.

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DECEMBER AT FBCS It is hard for me to believe that this month I will have completed my fourth year as your pastor. I have loved getting to know you, watching our church grow and Loving Loud on our community as we serve Jesus together! December is always a special time around FBCS. Join us on December 6 at 6:30 pm in the Worship Center for the First Family Christmas Celebration. The Celebration Choir and Orchestra will lead us as we worship our Lord through music. One of my favorite services of the year will be held on December 24 at 5:00 pm in the Worship Center when we once again have our Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service. Knowing that each person attending is focused on the real meaning of the season is a thrill for this pastors heart. Before the gifts, before the family time, before the foodJesus! This past year has brought challenges but it has also brought huge blessings. As we come to the close of 2015, let us all pray that our Heavenly Father will use us to bring many more souls to a saving knowledge of Him in 2016. Something incredible is in store for First Baptist Church! I look forward to seeing what the Lord has in store for us as we serve Him with our whole hearts.

I love being your pastor.Dan Spencer____________________________________________________________________________

YEAR-END As the year comes to a close, we must each sit back and take a hard look at our service to the Lord by asking some difficult questions that we would prefer to ignore, Have the tithes and offerings Ive given in 2015 honored God? Have I given at least the first 10% to my local church to be used in His service? FBCS is blessed to have many who are faithful in this area. Because of your giving, we have been able to reach others in our community, our state, our nation, and around the world. However, ministries flourish when strong financial support is provided. Believe it or not, giving actually frees the giver. It teaches us to put God first in our lives in one of our most challenging areasour wallet. It teaches us to be unselfish with others as we contribute to the advancement of our Lords Kingdom. It draws us closer to the Lord as we watch the way He blesses us as we bless others. Tithing was not created for Gods benefit. It was created for ours. Ponder the questions. Ask the Lord for guidance. Finish strong this year as you take Malachi 3:8-10 to heart.

Clark ByramAssociate Pastor/Stewardship & Administration

UP 6th Grade WeekendApril 30th and May 1st

Sign up in Sunday Schoolor call the church office

Isaiah 7:14

PEP MomsFriday, December 4; 9:15am/ParlorSpeakers; Craig & Jessica Mintz. You can register online. Email Tammy Rice at trice@fbcsev.org if childcare is needed.

A First Family ChristmasSunday, December 6; 6:30pmThe Celebration Choir and Orchestra will lead us in worship as we celebrate our Saviors birth.

Triple L LuncheonTuesday, December 8; Noon/FLCSpecial guest; Jarrod Wilson. Please bring a side dish or dessert.

Prayers for CureTuesday, December 8; 6:00pm/ParlorTime of fun and fellowship. There will be a few doctors there to answer questions. Light refreshments will be provided. Contact Carlene Maples for more information, 603-1223.

HIS KIDSSunday, December 13; 6:30pmOur 5th and 6th graders will be presenting Wrapping All the Way

Youth Christmas PartyMonday, December 14; 6:30pm/Hidden Mtn.Grades 7-10 bring a side dish, grades 11 & 12 bring a dessert.

Singles of FaithFriday, December 15; 6:00pm/ParlorSingle and 35 or older? Please join us for our Thanksgiving Fellowship, bring a side dish or dessert. Special guest; Donny Richmond.

RA Line Glider RacesDecember 16; 6:30pm/FLC Grades 4th-6th

College Christmas PartyThursday, December 17; 7:30pm/Hidden Mtn.Make sure to wear your tackiest Christmas sweater!

Christmas Eve Candlelight ServiceThursday, December 24; 5:00pm

Passion 2016January 2-4Cost is $250. You must have a deposit of $50 turned in to reserve a spot and the trip must be paid in full by December 18. Cost includes transportation, lodging, and tickets. You can sign up at Journey, Life Group or online at www.fbcsev.org

Upcoming Events

Special AnnouncementsChurch Office Holiday HoursChristmas - December 24 & 25New Years - January 1

Text Giving is Now AvailableRegister through the church website; https://e-giving.org/fbcsevFollow prompts in the Texting tab of the Member Profile section to register.

Serve at The BridgeVolunteers needed to help provide excellent environments. If you are interested in serving please contact nmiller@fbcsev.org

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Missions Basic Training ClassesIf you plan to participate in a future FBC mission project, youll need to attend this training. Below are two different options: December 1, 8, & 15; 7:15pm-8:15pm or December 2, 9, & 16; 10:30am-11:30am; both options in E-220.

A Common ThreadOur churchs sewing ministry, A Common Thread, creates items for missions work worldwide. It is looking for donation supplies including various types of batting, cotton material, thread, and blades. For more details, please contact Lori at 659-4132.

Christmas Store Volunteers NeededStore setup will be Friday, December 11 at 8:00am om the FLC. The store will be Saturday, December 12 beginning at 7:30am in the FLC. Volunteers are needed in all areas; gift wrapping, host/hostesses, prayer partners, loading and tearing down. No need to sign up, just show up.

Dec. 2015

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John Edd BlalockJohn Edd Blalock, II Katie BlalockCHRISTMAS STOREJimmie Temple Pat Holt-MyersCharles Hodges Robert & Connie AlewineHelen HendersonFrancis WatsonLucille Watson Mike, Linda, Brandon

Berrier & Beulah McMahanSharon Duncan Curtis & Shirley KingLon Sutton Beulah SuttonSteve DixonBrents MathisFred CochranFreeland Dood BrownDale ProffittBobby Moore Frank & Barbara PartonDorothy Coker Charlie Ownbys SS ClassBuddy Glenn Roger & Jill AllenJim Miller Theresa MillerMuSIC MINISTRYCindy TownsendDorothy Coker Rex & Louise DelozierCindy Townsend Dwight & Elaine Stokes Virginia Shubert Katie Blalock Ola Mae Roberts

& Villie Frank Marie Temple Matt & Melanie Ownby Marie Temples SS Class Frank & Barbara PartonJohn Edd BlalockJohn Edd Blalock, II Katie BlalockDude JohnsonCindy Townsend Jack & Polly TeagueCORN MAzEJohnny King Pat Holt-Myers

HELPING HANDSDude JohnsonShirley BreedenCindy Townsend Dot LaddRay Henderson Joe & Libby WilliamsPARK ROAD PROJECTJackie Curry HatcherBilly AllenCharles Ray LafolletteShirley Romines BreedenDude Johnson Jo BlalockWORLD HuNGERBill Holt Pat Holt-MyersNelle HardinTed Latham Ben & Connie OgleLOTTIE MOONHilda Caruthers Pat Holt-Myers

IN HONORCHRISTMAS STOREJerica Kings Birthday Curtis & Shirley KingWORLD HuNGERMy mom, Lana Ogle Caleb Scott OgleMuSIC MINISTRYHelen OwnbyScott Andrews Steve & Vickie Ownby

TribuTedGivinG

Attendance Report 10/25/2015 11/1/2015 11/8/2015 11/15/2015 8:00am Worship 477 477 509 416 9:30am The Bridge 524 553 531 587 11:00am Worship 714 695 746 698 11:00am Bridge Kids 164 167 167 142 6:30pm Worship 254 298 221 202 Life Groups 1244 1251 1262 1241

Biblical Stewardship 10/25/2015 11/1/2015 11/8/2015 11/15/2015 Total Weekly Needs $ 99,870.00 $ 99,870.00 $ 99,870.00 $ 99,870.00 Tithes & Offerings 96,046.21 124,977.87 83,176.47 102,945.12 Building Fund 1,786.00 1,271.00 881.00 481.00 Designated Fund 2,674.00 3,339.00 2,151.00 1,890.00

New MembersJake Lane

Preslee Cubberley

Recently HospitalizedJames McCann

Joan McMahan

Helen Ownby

Michael Clabo

Susan Beebe

Shelley Arnett

Ina Weeks

Lee Watkins

Larry Lafollette

Mary Wardlow

Lynda Pooser

Bill Williams

Shirley Branham

Carolyn Powell

Lori Mahaffey

Annette Johnson

Kara Burkett

Rex Delozier

Carol Anne Finley

Shirley Craig

Ron Russell

Gene Henderson

Maggie Fox

Faye Ogle

Walter Barth

Ginny Davidson

Nelson Gurdiel

Don Brackins

Clara Frazier in the passing of her daughter, Cindy Townsend

Emily Simpson in the passing of her father, Robert Simpson

Family and friends in the passing of Lucille Watson

Family and freinds in the passing of Betty Ogle

Anita Bailey in the passing of her mother, Dorothy Coker

Laura Turner in the passing of her uncle, Harold Headrick

Linda Rolen in the passing of her father, Ray Henderson

Cheryl Brackins in the passing of her mother-in-law, Charetza Brackins

Ashley Bergman in the passing of her brother-in-law, Josh Bergman

Danny Maxwell in the passing of his aunt, Minnie Flynn

Ron Franklin in the passing of his wife, BJ Franklin

Debbie Hill in the passing of her brother, Ken Taylor

Sympathy to

BIBLICAL STEWARDSHIP Weekly Needs Tithes & Offerings Building Fund Designated Fund

9/13/15 $97,265.00 $97,682.77 $946.00 $8,183.71

9/20/15 $97,265.00 $86,008.35 $835.00 $12,333.80

9/27/15 $97,265.00 $106,447.91 $1,056.00 $5,031.00

10/4/15 $99,870.00 $112,453.00 $691.00 $5,038.47

10/11/15 $99,870.00 $78,551.70 $541.00 $5,129.00

10/18/15 $99,870.00 $84,832.53 $1,206.00 $7,079.50

IN MEMORYBuDGETHoneyCindy Whaley Townsend Gregg & Tracy PriceFrancis Watson Elsie TarwaterLucille Watson Wilma HeltonAilene WhiteNell HardinEarle StairFrancis WatsonBetty DavisIlene H MartinRay Henderson, JrLuella Johnson Mike & Beverly OwnbyTV MINISTRYLon Sutton Beulah SuttonClyde & Beuena OwnbyIlene Pobie Martin Steve & Vickie OwnbyBuILDING FuNDIlene Martin Phil & Karen OwnbyGOLDEN STATETim Holt Pat Holt-MyersCindy TownsendRay Henderson Ben & Connie OgleMuSIC MINISTRYCindy TownsendDorothy Coker Rex & Louise DelozierCindy Townsend Dwight & Elaine Stokes Virginia Shubert Katie Blalock Ola Mae Roberts

& Villie Frank Marie Temple Matt & Melanie Ownby Marie Temples SS Class Frank & Barbara Parton

Hes HereMisty Hedrick God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.CS Lewis

Do you ever feel like God is not with you? Youve read the verses that say He is with you, but it just doesnt feel like He is. We cant count on our fickle feelings to be truthful. Dont follow them or youll be led astray. Thankfully, God has given us something that is true: His Word. His Son. Himself. From Genesis to Revelation, from the Garden to the New Jerusalem, His plan was and is to be with us. He showed this through the tabernacle, where God lived right in the center of His people, through the temple filled with His glory, all the way through to eternity, where He is the temple in our midst. He spoke with Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. God was literally with all His people. He saw everything. He knew every heart.

Throughout history, God never left His people, regardless of their faithfulness to Himeven during His judgment on them. Ironically, in Daniel 2:11, the wise men of Babylon told Nebuchadnezzar no one could tell him what he had dreamed except the gods, and they do not dwell among men. But Daniel knew God was dwelling with him. And God revealed the dream.

In John 1:14, He became flesh and dwelt

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Send questions ormments to newsletter@fbcsev.org

and find a place where we know we can achieve, accomplish, or even just cope.

However, this statement does not apply in spiritual matters. From a spiritual standpoint, we need to try harder, aim higher, believe stronger, walk bolder, listen more intently and become more intimate with God. If anything, we need to raise our standards. God stands ready and waiting for spiritual dialogue from each of us each day. It is free, truthful, valuable and eternal. That sure beats lowering your standards.

Left alone with our own thoughts and dreams we will miss what God has planned for us. He says it like this in 1 Corinthians 2:9, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things that God has prepared for those who love Him.

Too many times we try to control every aspect of our lives. We take God out of the equation. Our Heavenly Father has known about us from the beginning. He has a plan for our lives. He knows where we will be and what we will be doing.

among us. He was always there, but now He came wrapped in skin. The invisible, intangible God became both visible and tangible! And Jesus said, Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. John 20:29

Its not easy to have faith in an invisible God. Hebrews 11:1 says, Now we know faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. And we really want to believe God. But not being able to physically see Him throws us. 1 Peter 1:8-9 says, Though you have not seen Him, you love Him. Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

On my last trip to Africa, I spoke with a young girl chosen by her teachers to sing a solo. But she was scared. I asked her if she could sing if I stood beside her. Yes, she replied. I asked, What if I am back in Tennesseecan you pretend Im standing beside you? Yes, I think so. Why? Because I know you. I can remember what you look like. I love you and I know you love me. And you said you knew I could do it, so I have confidence. I will practice pretending youre here with me. Oh, sweet girl. The One who stands beside you is so much better than me! Picture me if it helps, but know that it is He who stands beside you. Know that it is He who loves you. Know that it is He who has chosen you because He has confidence in you. He will never leave you. Even as I spoke the words, my own heart was

comforted by the reminder that right there, in the heart of Kenya, God was with us.

Even if you dont feel God with you now, He is. Read Psalm 139. There is nowhere you can go out of His Presence. He lives in believers now, and one day He will reveal Himself to you. As 1 John 3:2 tells us we shall see Him as He is. CS Lewis explained that day as a time when the anaesthetic fog which we call nature or the real world fades away and the Presence in which you have always stood becomes palpable, immediate, and unavoidable.

This is the message of the Gospel: God, stepping out of glory, into flesh, walking among us, Emanuel. Jesus healing, teaching, preaching. Crucified, buried, risen, ascended. The Holy Spirit poured out on us, living in us, loving through us. Empowering, comforting, teaching, healing, freeing, serving through us. Thats Good News!

Our God is not some distant, impersonal being. Hes with us. This is the message of Christmas: Hes here!

Putting God in the equation as the first variable eliminates the need for any more variables in the equation. It simplifies things. After all, God wants the very best for His children!

I still like the Bug on the Windshield statement, but it is too much like giving in or lowering our standards or being underwhelmed. It is time to reach higher by letting God be in control. It is time to let God clean your windshield and give you a new perspective of the things that He has planned for you.

A Priceless GiftA while back, a dear friend and former co-worker here at FBCS gave me a treasure. He handed me a book of devotionals he had written. My heart was deeply touched. But at that point I had no idea how God was going to use those devotionals in my life, bringing each one to me at just the right time. Below is November 28, 2007. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. (David Goode, I am thankful and will love you forever! -Jana Chapman)

JUST ANOTHER BUG ON THE WINDSHIELD OF LIFEThat particular statement is my all-time favorite. It bothers me when I am driving and a bug hits my windshield when I am out of window washing fluid. I like this statement because everyone has experienced something coming into their lives that just messed things up and distorted their vision.I asked a friend, What do you do when everything you do does not work out the way it was intended? How do you handle it? His reply was, When I have tried everything I know and things still dont work out, I lower my standards and just go on. We both laughed, but there is some of that in all of us whether we know it or not. We refocus, aim lower,

Published monthly by First Baptist Church of Sevierville.Periodical postage paid at Sevierville, TN | 317 Parkway, TN 37862RETURN POSTAGE REQUESTEDPostmaster send form 3579 to First Word, 317 Parkway, Sevierville, TN 37862(865) 453-9001 | FAX (865) 428-3920 | fbcsev.org

(USPS 661-090)

Rev. Dan Spencer Senior Pastor

Scott AndrewsAssoc. Pastor of Worship

Jerry HyderAssoc. Pastor of Adults

Scott CarterAssoc. Pastor of Youth

Address317 Parkway Sevierville, TN 37862

Office HoursMonday- Friday8:00am - 5:00pm

Office Phone(865) 453-9001(865) 429-6309 (fax)

Craig MintzAssoc. Pastor of Equipping

Steve BrewerAssoc. Pastor of Discipleship

Clark ByramAssoc. Pastor of Stewardship/Administration Contact UsSenior Staff

fbcsev.org

info@fbcsev.org

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twitter.com/fbcsev

Pastor on Call(865) 453-9257

Prayer Line(865) 429-PRAY