IN THIS ISSUE

Christ in Christmas Page 2

Dealing with DistractionsPage 2

Thankfulness!Page 5

First Baptist sevierville | decemBer 2014

Volume 95 , No. 6

First Baptist Church of Sevierville’s Monthly Newsletter

Dealing with Distractions

A restaurant owner in the village of Abu Ghosh, just outside Jerusalem, offered a 50-percent discount for patrons who turned off their cell phones. Jawdat Ibrahim believes that smartphones have shifted the focus of meals from companionship and conversation to surfing, texting, and business calls. “Technology is very good,” Ibrahim says. “But . . . when you are with your family and your friends, you can just wait for half an hour and enjoy the food and enjoy the company.”

How easily we can be distracted by many things, whether in our relationship with others or with the Lord.

Jesus told His followers that spiritual distraction begins with hearts that have grown dull, ears that are hard of hearing, and eyes that are closed (Matt. 13:15). Using the illustration of a farmer scattering seed, Jesus compared the seed that fell among thorns to a person who hears God’s Word but whose heart is focused on other things. “The cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful” (v.22).

There is great value in having times throughout each day when we turn off the distractions of mind and heart and focus on the Lord.

O Lord, help me to turn off all the distractions around me and focus on You. May my heart be good soil for the seed of Your Word today.

Focusing on Christ puts everything else in perspective.

Page 2 | First Baptist Church of Sevierville

Dear First Baptist Family,

The Holiday Season is upon us, so cue the perennial parade of news stories about the “War on Christmas”:

Stores that won’t allow employees to say “Merry Christmas”

Municipalities that won’t allow traditional manger scenes in the public square – unless accompanied by a menorah, a star and crescent, a Kwanza symbol, a pagan symbol, and even a sign proclaiming the atheist position

Schools that won’t allow students to sing Christmas carols or put up Christmas decorations

A few years ago, Florida Gulf Coast University in Ft. Myers banned all Christmas decorations. For many years they displayed a Christmas tree for collection of gifts for needy children in the community. Now the tree is gone and in its place is a “Giving Garden”, whatever that is.

What we are seeing is a progressive secularization of Christmas. Why? You will hear that it is about sensitivity to people of other religions (or no religion). But the truth is that people have a problem with Christmas because of Christ. The birth of Jesus is offensive to the world. It is a reminder that we are all sinners in need of a Savior -- so Jesus came. People in the world are smart enough to put the two ends of the story of Jesus together: the cradle and the cross, the swaddled baby and the slain Lamb. Christmas is a reminder that “We are not OK. We are sinners in need of forgiveness. We desperately need God.”

You probably won’t hear this on any news broadcast, but 1 Peter 2:7-8 gives us the real reason people keep stumbling over Christ, the Rock of our salvation. Christmas is precious to us because Christ is precious to us:

Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and, “A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they disobey the message--which is also what they were destined for. (1 Peter 2:7-8, NIV)

So our mission in the “War on Christmas” is twofold. First, we should do all we can to proclaim the Christ of Christmas. The way I celebrate, the words I say, and my personal resistance to materialism and secularization ought to glorify God and set me apart. Second, we should be loving and gracious to those who are stumbling over Christ. To be honest, many unbelievers stumble over Jesus because of the behavior of His disciples. Remember: the love of Jesus, given through you, is a powerful force for the gospel. Show love this Christmas.

To God be the glory, Dan Spencer, Senior Pastor

UP 6th Grade WeekendApril 30th and May 1st

Sign up in Sunday Schoolor call the church office

Acts 1:8

International Mission ProgramDecember 1; 11:30am/ParlorGuest; Cyndy Waters. Please bring a covered dish. Everyone invited

Sonrise SeniorsTuesday, December 2; 9:00am/Parlor

PEP MomsFriday, December 5; 9:15am/Parlor

2014 Singing Christmas TreeDecember 7 & 8; 6:30pm

Triple L LuncheonTuesday, December 9; Noon/FLC

Royal Ambassador’s Lineglider RacesWednesday, December 10; 6:30pm/FLC Grades 1-6

4th Grade NativitySunday, December 14 on the track of the Family Life Center beginning at 9:30 AM and will end at 10:30 AM. 

Children’s Christmas Worship Sunday, December 21Grades K-6; 11:00am in the Chapel

Youth Christmas PartyDecember 15; 6:30pm/Hidden Mtn.Grades 7-10; bring a vegetableGrades 11 & 12; bring a dessert

Men’s Ministry Wild Game SupperFebruary 21, 2015; Music Road HotelTickets will go on sale January 2015

5-5-5 Quilting ClassTuesdays; 4:30pm/Good News Building For more info or to sign up for the class please call Lori Mahaffey at 932-1343.

Save the Date!Regional Conference at FBC, equipping small group leaders. March 13 and 14, 2015. For more information contact Steve Brewer or Karen Price at 453-9001.

Church Office Holiday HoursChristmasClosed December 24, 25, 26New Year’s Closed January 1

Upcoming Events

Special AnnouncementsBible Drill - Sundays at 5:30pmBible Buddies (Grades 1-3) in C-220. Children’s Bible Drill (Grades 4-6) in C-212.

Youth Bible Drill-Grades 7-9Sundays at 5:30pm in the 6th grade Sunday School room. Remembering Our Loved OnesAs part of the 2014 Singing Christmas Tree we will be remembering those that have gone on to their Heavenly home since last Christmas.  If you’d like to honor your loved one during

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this year’s SCT presentation would you be so kind as to share their picture. We will need it by December 4. You can bring it by the church office or email to us at escott@fbcsev.org.

Year-End GivingContributions made to the church must be received in the church office by Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at 5:00 pm, or postmarked no later than Wednesday, December 31, 2014, in order to receive contribution credit for 2014. Contributions may also be made online at www.fbcsev.org.

Christmas Store Project 2014We are collecting new and unwrapped toys. We have a need for small items, baby and toddler items. Collection bins are throughout the church. Monetary donations are welcomed, designated to the Christmas Store. We need volunteers to help set up December 12  and the store December 13.  No sign-ups needed to volunteer, come and help when you can!  For more info contact Kristie at 429-6303. 429-6303.

Dec.2014

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Mike & Mary Lee Jim & Kitty Coykendall George & Anita

Valentine Christie Nell Jordan Greg & Diane Ward Lyle & Judy Pat Overbay Mike, Linda, Brandon

Berrier & Beulah McMahan

Grayden & Addi Wear Tommy & Jennifer Bush James & Martha Clinton Mr. & Mrs. Richard

Montgomery Bob & Diane McFarland Portia Ramsey Mr. & Mrs. Leroy Helton Curtis & Pansy Clabo Pigeon Forge

High School Summitt Properties Jimmie Faye Trotter Mr. & Mrs. Danny King Wayne & Sally Kirby Joseph Construction

Co. ,Inc. Richard & Deanna Hill Bud & Cindy

Cameron Ogle Trotter & Associates

Architects. LLC James Gary &

Rowena Maples Pigeon Forge

Primary School Linda Rolen Janice Bettis John M. & S.E. Joy Joneida & Sid Blalock Tommie, Traci, Rocky

& Mary Smith & Josh Sanderson

The Wakefield Corporation

Charles Bozeman, II MD Volunteer Chevrolet Harry & Sara Valentine Lee & Kristin Lewis Doris Phelps Assistant Principals’

Associates of Sev. Co. Paul & Vicki Bennett Kenneth & Freda

Hodges Doran & Mary Hodges Citizens National Bank Sevier County

Animal Clinic Robbie & Sandy Fox

Conley & Carolyn Murrell Lary & Teresa McCroskey Brent & Sherry Blalock Col. & Mrs. GW McIntosh Garry & Margurite Sims Jack & Elizabeth Denton Bill Joe & Brenda Baker Janet King Georgia McNabb Al & Mary Nell Blanton Chesta Hammontree Mtn. Star Lodge #197 Buddy & Carolyn Glenn Marie Temple Pi Beta Phi Elementary

School Ann Kelch, Heather,

Ashley, Reagan & Charleston Johnson

Jones Cove Elementary School

Ben & Connie OgleTed Blalock TN. Rd. Builders

Association David DonohoJohnny KingTed BlalockRalph RobertsonDot TinkerMelvin CarrEunice Carr Jerry & Sharon LovedayJohnny KingTed Blalock Dwight & Elaine StokesBuILDING fuNDJohnny King George & Peggy Seaton Adult IV/Wallace SS ClassRalph RobertsonJohnny King Charles & Gail FancherCarl Headrick Adult IV/Wallace SS ClassCHRISTMAS STOREPaul E. Whaley Thomas & Carolyn

McMahanEmily Delozier StoneTed BlalockJohnny King Aileen Boruff & familyMary Kathryn Thomas New Horizon SS ClassRuth MurrellJohnny King Dale Murrell

TribuTedGivinG

Attendance Report 10/5/2014 10/12/2014 10/19/2014 10/26/2014 8:15am Worship 555 581 572 513 9:30am SS 1322 1316 1174 1266 10:45am Worship 1036 1200 1114 1221 6:30pm Worship 620 315 278 293

Biblical Stewardship 10/5/2014 10/12/2014 10/19/2014 10/26/2014 Total Weekly Needs $ 97,265.00 $ 97,265.00 $ 97,265.00 $ 97,265.00 Tithes & Offerings 96,939.84 94,188.77 84,007.48 91,381.59 Building Fund 987.00 411.00 671.00 1,700.00 Designated Fund 4,902.16 5,886.71 22,698.47 9,279.00

New MembersKristen BurrellJustin BurrellRhett MarshallMark & Lauren EstesMacy OsctoodTiffany DavisCharity UlmerPhoebe UlmerBeth LambottVictoria DavisAlex GoetzHannah WashamNathan BartelsRoger & Sherry Moore

Recently HospitalizedScott KopachRonnie AllenJudy RuckmanMarcie GrayDavid BennettKathy StowellWayne TrimSue SmithNancy MountEllis AdamsBob StolzChris CarterTruett FrazierAshley McCarterHazel RolenMilford BlairEverette BleichrothShirley MatthewsPam GlennBobbie BoyleRebecca Cusick

• Dick Loveday & family in the passing of his brother, Jeffrey Loveday

• Bob Moncrief & family in the passing of his father

• Amanda Sweat in the passing of her father, Terry Sweat

• Mary Ann Trentham & family in the passing of her father, Carl Headrick

• Saundra Sauls in the passing of her brother, Colonel Ronald Byrd

• Lee Kenna in the passing of his nephew, Dennis Kenna

• Sandra Humphrey in the passing of her mother, Hazel McCoig

• Ray Henderson & family in the passing of his wife, Wanda

Sympathy to

Lon Sutton Beulah SuttonJohnny King Curtis & Shirley KingHELPING HANDSJohnny King Billy & Lucy MaplesJohnny KingClyde Trentham Kay & Jim TarwaterPARK ROAD PROJECTJohnny King Jo Blalock

IN HONORBuILDINGOur granddaughter’s

birthday Rachel Kinsey &

Leslie DurstMISSIONSPastor Dan Mack & Carol CaylorCHRISTMAS STOREOur grandson, Gage

McMahan Thomas & Carolyn

McMahan

IN MEMORYBuDGETHoney Gregg & Tracy PriceRalph RobertsonTed Blalock Bill & Clara CarrollJohnny King Herman & Janice Wilson Metropolitan Area

School System Mr. & Mrs. Leon RashLon Sutton Beulah SuttonGeorge Headrick Barbara HeadrickKatherine WelchRuth MurrellJim AtchleyHarold HeltonDot TinkerJimmie TempleJohnny KingRalph RobertsonRichard Reagan Bill & Marilyn DavenportMy father Alton

Allen’s birthday Beulah SuttonRuth McCoigTv MINISTRYJohnny King Donald & Gladys Burney Catons Chapel

Elementary School Bill & Nancy Hatcher Leah Brackins Rex & Louise Delozier Larry & Lou Lafollette Donald Brackins Barnes Insurance Agency Andrew & Patti Bush David & Margaret Goode Wilma Helton Glen & Laura Turner

A Group of Folks vs. A Community of Connected FolksJared OwnbyCollege & Young Adult Ministry Assistant

There’s something Seth Godin wrote in his book Tribes that has stirred my thinking and I think it’s worth sharing.

Have you ever been to an event or social gathering where people awkwardly stand around waiting for someone to engage them in conversation? Sure there are a few smaller cliques in the room where people with established relationships are talking, but for the most part everyone is waiting for “someone other than me” to take the initiative. They could even be at the event for the same reasons, but aren’t comfortable connecting themselves to others. And I’m not sure that is their responsibility, but that’s not my point.

So what’s wrong and how can it be fixed? Here’s what doesn’t need to be fixed: the individuals are gathered for some purpose and are waiting to be connected. But if that’s as far as you get, the people won’t come back because they haven’t experienced the connection to a community.

Here’s where Seth Godin has inspired me:

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Send questions or comments to newsletter@fbcsev.org

so blessed, not only because I got Thanks-giving lunch (dinner for us southerners), but supper too. We’d go to my Ma and Pa’s for dinner. I really loved going there, because we’d always go early and squirrel hunt before dinner. Then we would go to my Memaw and Pepaw’s for supper. We’d laugh, play, sing, listen to stories (many I’m sure were not true but they sure were fun to listen to), and yes we would eat. But the main thing I remember was that before any eating took place, my grandparents and my parents made sure that all things stopped and there was a time of prayer and thanksgiving.

During this Thanksgiving and Christmas season, let’s plan to take time with our families to ensure some things worth keeping alive are indeed kept alive. Let’s get together with family. Let’s laugh, play, sing, listen to stories, and, yes, let’s eat!

good leaders know how to take a group of folks who are in the same place for similar reasons and they lead them to build a community by connecting them. The focal point is not the leader—it can’t be or it will fall apart. It’s all about where he or she is leading them–hopefully into a community gathered around the common interest that brought them to the same place in the first place.

And…this relates to church and small groups…how?

Sometimes you just need something to talk about. It’s not the purpose for the gathering. It’s not the glue for the connections. But, if it’s remarkable, it gives you a reason to small talk—then it’s up to you to make the deeper connection. And that’s the goal: connection. And we need some good leaders who know how to do this.

It may looks like this: a good leader might provide something remarkable that can act as the conduit for small talk in the beginning. I think good food or good coffee can be that remarkable thing—that tool in the leader’s belt—about which people can small talk and make initial connections. Perhaps it’s a point of interest in the news or sports or kids. The point is, a good leader can take that loosely collected group and can begin to

draw connections—connect the dots, if you will—between people in order to facilitate growing trust and deepening relationship.

Then that leader would show them the way into unity and peace. In the church, our small groups will hopefully be led to deeper faith and unity so that the “one another” passages of Scripture are lived out.

I do believe in “developing leaders;” some people are naturally gifted as leaders and they should be guided and molded. But I also believe in “leadership development” in a sense that helps every person have the eyes and ears to recognize opportunities to lead; all people are called to lead at various times.

Who will you lead? Your kids? Your wife? Your employees? Your church? Follow Christ and lead others to follow Him with you!

We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (I Thessalonians 5:14-18 NASV)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING AND MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Thankfulness!Royce BaileyAssociate Pastor of Children

In our world today there are so many offers to tie up our thoughts and actions. If not careful, we will get so busy that we fail to take time to simply pause and say thanks.

Many families don’t even take time to sit at the dinner table anymore. We are in such frenzies, we eat standing up, at the couch or somewhere other than home. Again, may we be reminded that the Lord has given us everything we enjoy under the sun. If He lives in our hearts, we have the reminder to give Him thanks whether we feel like it or not. He is most worthy of our thanks!

I’m so grateful that I have great memories of going to my grandparents for Thanksgiving and Christmas for many years as a child. I was

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

Royce BaileyAssoc. Pastor of Children

Steve BrewerAssoc. Pastor of Discipleship

Clark ByramAssoc. Pastor of Stewardship/Administration Contact UsSenior Staff

fbcsev.org

info@fbcsev.org

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Pastor on Call(865) 453-9257

Prayer Line(865) 429-PRAY