first word october

FIRST BAPTIST SEVIERVILLE | OCTOBER 2012

Volume 69, No. 6

IN THIS ISSUE

From the Pastor’s HeartBro Dan shares his excitement about his father coming to FBC for the Senior Adult Revival .

Page 2

Reflection Jerry Bear reflects about his past 20 years at FBC.

Page 5

A New Life One of our interns shares his testimony.

Page 5

First Baptist Church of Sevierville’s Monthly Newsletter

Fall Festival Royce Bailey Associate Pastor of Children

Fall Festival happens to be one of my favorite events to do at FBC Sevierville. It’s a wonderful opportunity for us as a church to open our facilities to the community and offer the world an alternative for Halloween.

As with any event at First Baptist, our annual Fall Festival could not go on without the hard work and efforts of God’s people. The festival team does a fabulous job of loving Jesus, loving each other and loving the community through praying and planning for this event.

As we near October 31, I would like to encourage you to consider offering your service to help out that night. The festival will begin at 5:30pm and end at 8:00pm. It’s a fabulous opportunity for you or perhaps your Sunday School class to operate a booth, game, be a greeter or help with clean up. No matter what, there’s a place for service for those who choose to help.

Most importantly, you who attend and who belong to Jesus Christ, I want to encourage you to be in attendance. Please look for opportunities to share the good news that Jesus saves!!

Dear First Baptist Family,

One of the greatest blessings of my life is having been born into a family with a rich heritage of ministry. On my mother’s side, there are many pastors, missionaries, and Bible scholars who have had wonderful ministries. Family reunions with that side of the family are like spiritual retreats, with lots of singing, sharing, and praying.

My father’s side of the family is different. Although a number of his forebears were dedicated Christians, he was the first preacher in generations. And yet my dad has had a ministry that is uncommonly special in terms of its scope and effectiveness. That is why I am excited for you to hear him this month.

In my previous pastorate, I had the privilege of having my dad preach several times. I have asked him to come to First Baptist Church to preach on Sunday, October 21, and then to preach a special Senior Adult Revival Monday-Wednesday, October 22-24.

Jerry Spencer comes to us with 55 years of ministry that has included several pastorates, over 1,500 revival meetings, and over 100 area-wide crusades in more than 20 countries. In India alone, he has seen God save 250,000 souls through the power of the Gospel.

Dad has preached in many of the leading churches of America: First Baptist Dallas, First Baptist Jacksonville, First Baptist Orlando, Bellevue Baptist in Memphis, Thomas

| First Baptist Church of Sevierville

From the Pastor’s Heart...Road Baptist, First Baptist Woodstock, and Prestonwood Baptist in Dallas.

He has served the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) as the Vice President of the SBC, President of the SBC Pastors Conference, President of the Conference of SBC Evangelists, and member of the SBC Executive Committee for 11 years.

Of all my dad’s accomplishments, I am most proud that he was a faithful husband to my mom for 50 years, a loving father, and a faithful minister of the gospel without a single blemish on his record morally or ethically. I am extremely proud of my dad (can you tell?) and how God has used him through the years. I hope you will be here to meet him and to hear him later this month - I can’t wait for him to meet you!

I love being your pastor! Dan Spencer

UP 6th Grade WeekendApril 30th and May 1st

Sign up in Sunday Schoolor call the church office

Deut. 31:6

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

Senior Adult One Day Trip Cumberland County PlayhouseThursday, October 4$40 per person (includes transportation and show ticket). Lunch will be at Wright’s Cafeteria (on your own). Sign up at Welcome Center.

Men’s Ministry-Wild Game SupperSaturday, October 6; 6:00pm/FLCCost is $10 per person, sign up at the Welcome Center or by calling 453-9001. Judgement House 2012 - “Unexpected”October 17, 18, 21, 22 & 23; Tours begin at 6:00pmCall Monica in the church office, 453-9001 to make your reservation.

Children’s ChurchSunday, October 211st Service: K-6th grade/Chapel2nd Service: K-3rd grade/Chapel2nd Service: 4th-6th grade/FH

Senior Adult RevivalOctober 22-24; 10:00am/ChapelSpecial Guest: Dr. Jerry Spencer. Lunch will be provided each day after the service.

PEP Moms Friday, October 19; 9:15am/ParlorJoin us for this time of food, fellowship and devotion. Registration begins Sunday, September. Cost is $15 (this covers September and April luncheons). Speaker TBA

6th Annual Festival of HolidaysNovember 12; 6:30pm (doors open at 6:00)Featuring Kay DeKalb Smith, gifted singer and speaker. Kay has been called the Carol Burnett of Christian entertainment. She will tickle your funny bone while immersing your heart and mind in the important claims of the Gospel. Cost is $20. Hostess registration begins October 14. Open registration begins October 21.

Passion 2013 January 1-4There will be around 70,000 college students in the Georgia Dome worshiping with folks like Chris Tomlin, LeCrae, Francis Chan, Louie Giglio, Matt Redman, Beth Moore and John Piper. Cost is $250, get your money to Amanda in the church office soon!

Upcoming Events

Special AnnouncementsOnline GivingContributions may be made online by visiting the church website at www.fbcsev.org. Giving is simple, easy and secure.

Contribution StatementsWe are updating our contact information so that we may email your Contribution Statements to you. Please email the church at [email protected] and provide your name, primary email address, home address, and cell phone #. We would love to hear from you!

Ministry OpportunityRA’s need your help! Calling all men who would be willing to serve the Lord each Wednesday night. Join the fellowship and fun of serving God and helping boys in 1st through 6th grade learn how to be “Ambassadors for Christ”. Please call the church office or Jeff Johnson (428-8890) if you would like to help out!

Hearts on Fire - Volunteers NeededWe are in need of help for the Gatlinburg HOF, November 2 & 3. For more information or to sign up visit us in the Foyer.

Adopt-a-scholarIf you would be interested in helping encourage one of our college students by sending him or her a few notes and a small goodie bag once or twice a semester, please pray about signing up for this opportunity. You can sign up by calling Amanda in the church office, 453-9001.

You’re Invited...To a reception honoring Norma Headrick for her many years of leadership and service in our church. It will be Sunday, October 21 from 2-4pm in the Parlor.

Oct.2012

Janelle NevinsJulia Lowe Mike & Beverly OwnbyClaude Ownby Linda RolenGOLDEN STATEHoney Gregg & Tracy PriceJohnny Watson Dale & Ruth MurrellEd Glaspie Belva GlaspieBryan Blalock Jo BlalockMy Parent’s Birthdays Mrs. Robert DelozierLIBRARYLon Sutton Beulah SuttonAnn CoxJames CookJames WhaleyCarol MillerHerbert ChristianEvelyn CulvahouseAmanda GunninghamJulia Lowe First Baptist ChurchTV MINISTRYDoris Ann Rolen

Thurman Hazel RolenJames Catlett Dorothy JohnsonCHILDREN’S MUSIC Paul & Ruth Galyon Robert & Sandy FoxCARE MINISTRYEmily Cantwell Floy Headrick Mrs. Kathy Wade Phil Cantwell, Greg

& Becky CorumEmily CantwellJames Catlett

Ruth & Henry Lawson Richard & Carol AtchleyLOTTIE MOONMae Ownby KeenerCHILDREN’S MINISTRYEmily Cantwell Barbara PatrickMae Ownby Keener Bob & Becky Barnes

& FamilyEmily Cantwell Cathy RainesAnn Cox Thursday Afternoon

Bible Study Group Linda RolenEDUCATION EQUIP.Mae Ownby KeenerRobert Thurman Ownby Chuck & Kathy SextonCHRISTMAS STORELennis WilliamsMae Ownby KeenerClaude Ownby, Jr James, Marty &

Andrew TemplePARK ROAD PROJECTJanelle NevinsLuke SparksWayne GrantJack Fitzpatrick Jo BlalockMISSIONSClaude Ownby Patricia Holt Myers

IN HONORBUDGETOur Daughter’s Birthday Conley & Carolyn MurrellRita Flynn Elizabeth McCarterCHILDREN’SAlicia McCollister Bob & Becky Barnes

& FamilyBUILDINGOur Daughter Freda

Meade’s Birthday Rex & Louise DelozierFreda & Ray Meade’s

Anniversary Rex & Louise Delozier

TRIBUTEDGIVING

Attendance Report 9/2/2012 9/9/2012 9/16/2012 9/23/2012 8:15am Worship 620 549 583 542 9:30am SS 1240 1332 1239 1285 10:45am Worship 1146 1322 1139 1261 6:30pm Worship 528 439 435 442

Biblical Stewardship 9/2/2012 9/9/2012 9/16/2012 9/23/2012 Total Weekly Needs $ 92,822.23 $ 92,822.23 $ 92,822.23 $ 92,822.23 Tithes & Offerings 71,864.64 78,504.20 91,203.15 78,178.24 Building Fund 501.00 1,441.00 771.00 906.00 Designated Fund 6,483.00 5,750.30 3,541.98 5,137.56

New MembersDebra Roecker Debra Lynn MimsRobert & Leslie BlaesingJennifer, Erika & Jennalyn BallChristina RagerFred & Donna RiedelRussell & Linda SmithKatie RamseyRenee WhaleyBrian, Stacie & Emma McCarterJacob LeeSarah Ann CroleyRicky & Phyllis BottomsMs. Kathy MillerJessica RatcliffWayne & Sherry HawkinsRyan Millikin

Recently HospitalizedDon OgleNancy FernanderHeather burgessJack DentonKelsey WatersBobie JeanMary Gibson McCarterDorothy “Dottie” Simpson

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

Family of Evelyn Culvahouse Family of Walter Adams Family of Eual Noah

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

Appalachia Service Project Jane Lambert

• Deborah McMahan and Logan Shults in the passing of their father/grandfather, Reece Helton

• Art & Alysa Stump in the passing of their father/grandfather, Arthur Stump, Sr.

• TJ Cantwell in the passing of his wife Emily

• Whitney Owen in the passing of her grandfather, Eual Noah

• Jeremy Atchley & Shannon White in the passing of their grandmother, Lillie LaFollette

• Ryan Millikin in the passing of his newborn daughter, Cora

• Susan McCarter in the passing of her father, Taylor Rimer

• Family & friends in the passing of Leoda WhaleyThank You Notes

Sympathy to

PRESCHOOLGabrielle Grooms Lewis & Betty Grooms

IN MEMORYBUDGETHoney Gregg & Tracy PriceJames David Whaley Melba DelozierGeorge Headrick Barbara HeadrickMaude McCarterRex Sutton Shirley KingJanelle Nevins Herman & Jean Huff and

Brenda TestermanBUILDING FUNDMae Ownby Keener Sev Chapter #138 Order

of the Eastern Star Daniel King Bill & Clara CarrollEvelyn Culvahouse Leah BrackinsGene DouglassThomas BoyentonRandy McCloudWalter Adams, IIIClaude OwnbyJake MooreRonnie McCroskeyMae Ownby KeenerMarie Elkins

Reflecting on the Past 20 years Jerry “Bear” Hyder Associate Pastor of Adults

It doesn’t seem that long, but I have been here 20 years! During my sabbatical last month, I traveled some, rested, hiked, studied, visited churches, friends and family. I am very thankful to have had that time to rest, reflect, and recharge. I reflected a lot on how God has been so gracious to Linda, Courtney, and me in allowing us to serve the Lord with you at First Baptist Church.

I thought about how, just like the beautiful area we live in, there have been mountain tops and valleys we have walked through together as a church family. We have laughed, cried, worshiped, witnessed to others, studied God’s Word and smiled a lot along the way.

You have been very patient and loving to put up with an old “Bear” like me, especially in some of my funny moments like when I dressed up in a Spiderman costume for a children’s message at church and put the costume on backwards by mistake. Then

Send questions or comments to [email protected]

the world. When I was in New Zealand, I had a chance to share the truth and help a local church. It was amazing. However, what I learned most on that trip was all about other work yet to do around the world and about laborers that gave up everything to make the name of the Son known all around the world.

A New Opportunity Consequently, this past December I decided to attend a believer’s conference. One night one of the speakers talked about his experience overseas after college. He said that it was one of the most valuable choices he had ever made.

He then turned his story into a challenge to all of the students to pray and think about committing one to two years to an overseas service after college graduation. In response, I asked myself if I was willing to go and began

there was the Sunday the power went out during the worship service as I stood there with a flashlight to inform everyone “the lights are not working.” Of course, who can forget the Sunday I dressed up as Elvis for the children’s message. While I was waiting outside the worship center, a man walked up and asked to speak to a minister. I told him I was a minister. I helped him but when he left I think he was “all shook up” about that experience.

I am also thankful to be a part of a church that reaches out in so many ways to reach people for Christ locally and globally. Our Christmas Store provides Christmas for more than 2,000 local people each year. Our Helping Hands Food Ministry and Benevolence Ministry reaches out locally every week. Our CARE and First Reach Ministries, Prayer Ministry, and our support groups such as Care Giver Friends, Grief Share and DivorceCare provide a valuable connection while meeting needs. Our volunteer Mission Teams are sharing the Good News around the world. I also really enjoy working with our older youth group, also knows as the Senior Adults.

I am thankful for a friendly church. From the parking lot to the pew, our members and guests alike are greeted warmly and sincerely. I like to say that we are a “small church where a lot of people go.” Our Sunday School classes and other small groups offer genuine fellowship and friendship. I am thankful to work with such a great staff, deacons and other ministry leaders. I am excited about the future as the Lord and Pastor Dan lead us to be the church God wants us to be as we serve the Lord together.

to ask the Father to show me if that was what He wanted for me. A day later I think the Father answered clearly when I was approached by one of my leaders who asked me if I would like to go to another country to help impact the Kingdom of the Father.

So, I have been given another opportunity to share my passion and be a light for the Father in another country. This time it’s China! I will be leaving for China in January and I will be serving with an organization called ELIC (English Language Institute/China). I will be serving for 18 months, teaching English and sharing the gospel with the local community. I am excited about this opportunity and can’t wait to get started so that God can use me to help impact His kingdom for eternity!

A New LifeCorey Watson

Four years ago, I surrendered my life to the Fa-ther and made Him the master of my life. Soon after giving my life to Him I realized that my passions and desires had changed. That’s when I knew the Son had come into my heart. For the past four years, I have been growing in my walk with Him and have the joy and fulfillment in my life that I never had before. I have been involved in a campus ministry and have attended three summer mission projects where I grew in my walk with the Father greater than other time in these past four years.

A New Mission Last year, I had the opportunity to take an overseas trip to New Zealand for four weeks. It was there that I began to learn about and grow a passion for the Son’s work in other parts of

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

Roland MaddoxExec. Associate 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 Young Adults and Discipleship

Royce BaileyAssoc. Pastor of Children

Clark ByramBusiness Administrator Contact UsSenior Staff

fbcsev.org

[email protected]

facebook.com/fbcsev

twitter.com/fbcsev

Pastor on Call(865) 453-9257

Prayer Line(865) 429-PRAY

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