FIRST BAPTIST SEVIERVILLE | NOVEMBER 2013

Volume 82, No. 6

IN THIS ISSUE

ThanksgivingBro. Dan points out the importance of giving thanks to God.

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Every Member on MissionCraig shares of the upcoming mission opportunities for church members.

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Forgiven and Free Renee Kohagen shares her testimony. Page 5

First Baptist Church of Sevierville’s Monthly Newsletter

Mission KidsDebbie Lequire

This past August, Mike and I had the privilege of going on our first mission trip. We went to Manhattan, MT., to work along side Pastor William Johnson and his lovely wife, Teresa, from Gallatin Valley Baptist Fellowship (one of FBC’s sponsored churches) and members from NorthSide Community Church from Rocky Mount, NC. We helped them with their annual School Supply Distribution and Potato Festival/Manhattan Fire Dept. Pancake Breakfast. These are community outreach programs that provide an excellent opportunity to be His servants to this wonderful community.

While volunteering with GA/RA’s this fall, we discovered that one of the featured “MK” (Mission Kids) is 9-year-old Corban Johnson, who is one of the Johnson’s sons. They also have a 12-year-old son named Quinton. These are two very wonderful kids, who follow in their parents footsteps of serving the Lord. Corban was highlighted in September for his birthday and since he is connected to our church, I wanted to let everyone know who he is.

In Corban’s profile, he explains how his parents start churches and tell about Jesus. He explains how he likes being a “MK” because he gets to go to many different places with his family and has fun meeting new people. He also likes getting to know the people from the mission teams who come to help them.

I hope this might inspire you to get to know our “MK’s” out there. Send them a letter of encouragement and/or a gift card. Pray for them. Get yourselves and your kids involved with missions. You will find it to be a blessing!

Page 2 | First Baptist Church of Sevierville

From the Pastor’s Heart...This month we will celebrate Thanksgiving Day. When I think of Thanksgiving, I think of a leprous man who was healed by Jesus and returned to give thanks. In Luke Chapter 10 we read about the Good Samaritan, but in Luke Chapter 17 we read about this Grateful Samaritan who was healed. We learn something about gratitude from him, some principles of thanksgiving and the process of giving thanks.

First, thanksgiving is not thanksgiving until it is expressed. Thanksgiving is not an attitude or a feeling, it is an action. There is a difference in feeling thankful and giving thanks. I am sure that all ten of the lepers Jesus healed felt thankful, but only one gave thanks.

Second, thanksgiving is very meaningful to Jesus. Think about what it must have meant to Jesus for this leper to return and express thanksgiving:

He acknowledged the giver, Jesus. You know what it feels like to do something for someone or to give a gift and receive no acknowledgement of it. That hurts. But a part of giving thanks is giving credit to the giver.

His thanksgiving was proof of the sincerity of his prayer. These ten men together prayed a group prayer in which they acknowledged Jesus as “Master” (Luke 17:13). This one Samaritan’s gratitude proved the sincerity of that prayer. Our prayers must sound hollow when we ask and ask and ask and yet we do not give thanks for the answers.

It was an expression of humility. The man returned and fell down before Jesus using the body language of humility. We know that God takes notice of humility.

Third, failure to give thanks grieves the heart of God. Jesus asked, “Where are the other nine?” He was grieved by their ingratitude. Too often we take our blessings for granted and fail to thank God. We get so busy enjoying the gifts that we forget to thank the Giver. Too often we are quick to ask God for something but slow to thank Him when He gives it.

I’m glad Thanksgiving Day is built into our calendar! Let’s give God thanks on that day and every day. “Enter His gates with thanksgiving!”

Dan Spencer

UP 6th Grade WeekendApril 30th and May 1st

Sign up in Sunday Schoolor call the church office

Psalm

107:1

Sonrise SeniorsTuesday, November 5; 9:00am/Parlor

GRIEF Share - Surviving the HolidaysTuesday, November 5; 7:00pm/ParlorAn encouraging seminar that will help you survive the holidays and discover new reasons to enjoy them again. Sign up by calling Lisa in the church office at 286-6980.

Celebration CraftersThursday, November 7; 10:00am/E-218We will be making a Christmas craft.

Triple L LuncheonTuesday, November 12; Noon/FLCSpecial guests: Senior Center Singers, conducted by Alice Grady.

Senior Adult One Day Trip - Farmer’s Daughter RestaurantFriday, November 15$30 per person, due at sign up. You can sign up at the Welcome Center or call the church office, deadline to sign up is November 8.

PEP MomsFriday, November 15; 9:15am /ParlorGuest speaker; Lindsey Isham speaking about party planning on a budget.

Children’s ChurchSunday, November 178:15am– Grades K-6 will meet in the Chapel10:45am– Grades K-3 will meet in the Chapel,Grades 4-6 will meet in the FH

College Thanksgiving BanquetThursday, November 21; 7:00pm/FHBring a side dish or dessert.

Hearts on Fire GatlinburgNovember 22 & 23Cost is $35 (includes transportation, lodging, meals and tshirt). Sign up at Youth Night or in Sunday School.

Youth Thanksgiving BanquetMonday, November 25; 6:30pm/FLCGrades 7-10 bring a vegetableGrades 11 & 12 bring a dessert

Passion 2014January 17 & 18There will be thousands of college students and young adults in Phillips Arena worshiping with folks like Chris Tomlin, LeCrae, Francis Chan, Louie Giglio, Matt Redman and John Piper. Cost is $225 (includes transportation, lodging, ticket). Sign up in Sunday School or at Journey.

Upcoming Events

Special AnnouncementsEveryday in the WordReading God’s Word in 2013 with the Church family. Sign up at www.fbcsev.org to receive Brother Dan’s daily blog.

Youth Bible Drill 7th-9th GradeSundays; 5:30pmMeet in the 6th Grade Sunday School area.

Bible DrillSundays; 5:30pmBible Buddies; Grades 1-3/C-220Children’s Bible Drill; Grades 4-6/C-212

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Church Office Holiday HoursThanksgivingClosed November 27, 28 & 29ChristmasClosed December 24 & 25New YearsClosed January 1

Special ThanksThe family of Regenia White would like to thank everyone that showed kindness to them during this difficult time. Thank you so very much!

Operation Christmas ChildIt’s time to pack your shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child! Our collection dates are October 27-November 17. Pick up your supplies, including the shoeboxes, at the Welcome Center. Please use plastic, regular size shoe boxes only. Please do not use oversized shoeboxes as this causes each family to get the box and not each child. Our goal this year is 1,200 boxes.

Nov.2013

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Jim CatlettLois ShultsJerry SmithHelen AllenJunior EvansLaron AbbottKelly ReaganRuby WhaleyJohn FordOur mother’s birthdays,

Pearl Gardner & Estelle Parton

Frank & Barbara PartonTV MINISTRYRuby WhaleyCharlie Ogle Linda Henderson RolenRegenia WhiteRuby WhaleyAnna Kate Walker Jimmie & Marie TempleLIBRARYRuby WhaleyRusty WallaceJimmy Ernest WatsonCharlie OgleLuke DonnellRuby BrownleeLou BrothersLeslie WhaleyLinda RuppDoug WorshamJohn AndersonJohn Alf Ford First Baptist ChurchCHRISTMAS STORE Lon Sutton Beulah SuttonCharlie OgleSharan Duncan’s

Birthday Curtis & Shirley KingRuby Whaley Don & Evelyn Howard

Charles OgleGene Catlett Bascom & Irene FoxWORLD HUNGERHoney Gregg & Tracy PriceBryan Blalock Jo BlalockGlenn Murrell’s BirthdayAnna Kate Walker Dale & Ruth MurrellCarl McCarter Bob & Susan BeebeHELPING HANDSCarl McCarterGary Lawson Kay & Jim TarwaterJimmy Watson Dot LaddCHILDREN’S MUSICPaul & Ruth Galyon Robert & Sandra FoxPARK ROAD PROJECTEverett SmelcerKen Treece Jo BlalockCHILDREN’S DEPTRegenia White Rex & Louise Delozier Bill & Barbara McClure JB & Shirley MatthewsNURSERY/PRESCHOOLRegenia White Portia Ramsey Carolyn & Thomas

McMahan Lonas & Jana Hillard Marlene Layman Anita & Frank

Maples & family Howard & Darlene Murrell Phil & Karen Ownby Sherry Myers Will & Janet Johnson Paul & Janie Waite Ted & Frances Neff Vickie Helms Tennessee State Bank Kelly Layman Howard

& Stanley Howard Steve & Alice Bice Larry & Melinda StinsonBUILDING FUNDAnnie Stokes Rex & Louise Delozier

TRIBUTEDGIVING

Attendance Report 9/8/2013 9/15/2013 9/22/2013 9/29/2013 8:15am Worship 673 576 522 604 9:30am SS 1336 1298 1342 1269 10:45am Worship 1197 1111 1347 1308 6:30pm Worship 416 440 365 400

Biblical Stewardship 9/8/2013 9/15/2013 9/22/2013 9/29/2013 Total Weekly Needs $ 86,177.00 $ 86,177.00 $ 86,177.00 $ 86,177.00 Tithes & Offerings 91,301.40 90,403.84 80,310.76 83,558.98 Building Fund 421.00 1,370.00 2,312.00 361.00 Designated Fund 6,649.00 3,071.00 2,860.50 7,511.00

New MembersBobby BradleyNoah McGinnisAvery JordanMartha GaddisMax & Linda LindseyBilly LaneWilliam & Diane CassThomas, Christina, Victoria & Lauren BassfordKen Latham

Recently HospitalizedVeanna AdamsElmer “Lou” BrothersLinda HubbardKern HendersonJames “Jim” AtchleyRonald ByarsLawrence FrommJerry GibsonFaye McGinnisHolly LaginessRalph DavisRon NicholsJoan McMahanRuth Heidt

• The following families wish to express their deep appreciation to the church for kindness shown during their recent loss:

• The following families wish to express their appreciation for support from the church:

• Johnny Ownby and Roger Ownby in the passing of their wife/mother, Elizabeth

• Cora Sisco in the passing of her brother, Horace Jennings

• Sharon Loveday & Phil Whaley in the passing of their mother, Ruby Whaley

• Tim Wallace in the passing of his brother, Rusty

• Jordan Chapman in the passing of her grandfather, Wave Owens

• Brian Wilhoit in the passing of his grandmother, Ettie Pope

• Walter Donnell in the passing of his brother, Luke

• Teresa Rae in the passing of her aunt, Mattie Collins

• Phil Ford in the passing of his father, John Ford

• Linda Womack in the passing of her mother, Ruby Brownlee

• Ashley Maultsby in the passing of her uncle

• Dan Spencer in the passing of his cousin

Thank You Notes

Sympathy to

IN HONORBUILDINGOur grandson, Brent

Delozier entering the Navy

Rex & Louise Delozier Mr. Edd McCarter Senior Group at

Fountain City United Methodist Church

WORLD HUNGEROur Grandchildren Terry & Wendy Bryan

IN MEMORYBUDGETHoney Gregg & Tracy PriceLou Brothers Conley & Carolyn MurrellRegenia White Jack & Patricia Palmer Belva Glaspie Melba Delozier Harold & Wilma Helton D.R. & Mary E. Large Donnie WhiteGeorge Headrick’s

Birthday Barbara HeadrickMalcolm Smith Frances SmithKatie Marshall WalkerRegenia White Herman & Jean HuffAnna Kate Walker Melba DelozierCHRISTMAS STORERegenia White Curtis & Shirley KingBob Rose Mary Rose

Every Member on MissionCraig MintzAssociate Pastor of Equipping

Check out these missions opportunities coming up in 2014. For more information about serving, watch for dates and times of interest meetings for each trip.

Sevierville, TNIn the spring of 2014, our church’s Sunday School classes will be leading a mission trip to our own city called LoveLoud 2014. Each class will find a way to serve the community in a practical way with the love of Christ.

Cleveland, OHWe are beginning a work this year with church planter Steve Owens, of Triumphant Assembly. We plan to assist his new church with a basketball tournament, community festival and prayerwalking.

Bethany Beach, DEOur worship ministry will once again be helping High Tide Church host a children’s music camp next summer.

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Send questions or comments to newsletter@fbcsev.org

I controlled people and circumstances with anger and rage.

In my early twenties, I became more aware of the Lord drawing me. I tried to manage my sin, but it became apparent that God would have to do it. I was hopelessly a mess. He started speaking to my heart about my anger and fears. He asked me to live differently, though I had no idea what that looked like or meant.

He began radically changing my life through the pages of His Word. He set me free in so many areas; however, I recognize my whole life will be a series of learning to live free despite the truth that I have been set free.

Since the Lord saved me, my life is much different. He has continued to draw me to

GuatemalaNext Spring, a team will go to work with Camino Global for a comprehensive missions experience.

ItalyIn 2014, we will take at least one team to assist IMB missionaries and national pastors who are starting new churches and training future church planters. Possibilities include ESL camps, a softball camp and construction.

ThailandWe plan to take a vision trip in 2014 to look at reaching villages there. We will explore possibilities with agriculture, medical help, family counseling and more.

KenyaOur worship ministry will once again do a summer Music Camp with the children of Orbit Village Project. There are also plans for a possible evangelism and construction trip in the Spring.

Rio de JaineroA church in Rio that we formed a relationship with during our partnership has asked our church to return and help them as they reach their neighborhood.

HaitiIn January, a team will do construction work and orphan ministry there.

Disaster Relief TrainingFor anyone considering serving as a disaster relief volunteer, we will be offering mandatory training at our church beginning in January. This training will also be available to those who have been trained before but their certification has run out.

Him and never gives up on me, despite all the times I turn and walk in my own ways. He teaches me that man’s anger does not produce God’s righteousness. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He reminds me I have been not been given a spirit of fear but one of love, power and a sound mind.

This has been a whole new way of looking at life. He met me where I was. He is still faithful to walk with me, teach me and love me in spite of my present sin, because He sees me the way I really am: covered, pure, forgiven, healed and free.

May I spend the rest of my life loving Him half as much as He loves me.

Forgiven and FreeRenee Kohagen

My spiritual background includes Catholic school, Presbyterian church, Methodist church, then the majority of my life unchurched. I always knew Who God and Jesus were. I knew they loved me in a general way and I loved them as well as I knew how.

For most of my life until I was in my early twenties, I lived in what I refer to as the Far Country, far from God. I wasted time, engaged in dangerous activities, had things taken from me that destroyed me, lived in fear of everything and everybody. I carried deep shame, regret, pain and hurt from so much sin, sin I actually committed and sin committed against me. Out of this pain,

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

Address317 Parkway Sevierville, TN 37862

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

Office Phone(865) 453-9001(865) 428-3920 (fax)

Scott CarterAssoc. Pastor of Youth

Craig MintzAssoc. Pastor of Equipping

Royce BaileyAssoc. Pastor of Children

Clark ByramBusiness Administrator Contact UsSenior Staff

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Pastor on Call(865) 453-9257

Prayer Line(865) 429-PRAY