Morningside Baptist Church September 2017 Volume 60 Number 9

The Messenger The Monthly Newsletter of

Morningside Baptist Church Spartanburg, SC

We Seek a personal, life-changing relationship with God through prayer, engaging worship, and Bible teaching. We Serve others by modeling the love of Christ through missions and ministry involvement. We Share God’s grace through genuine, loving fellowship and discipleship.

Calendar of Events

3 Spotlight on Our Missions Partner, St. Luke’s Free Medical Clinic - 9:30 A.M. Donut Fellowship - 10:45 A.M. 4 Labor Day - Church Office Closed Beautiful Hat Group - Home of Janice Parris - 6:30 P.M. 6 Wednesday Fall Activities Resume 5:50 P.M. - Children’s Choir 6:00 P.M. - ESOL 6:00 P.M. - Prayer Meeting 6:00 P.M. - Youth Thrive 6:30 P.M. - Preschoolers/Children’s Missions 7:05 P.M. - Sanctuary Choir 7 ESOL Classes Resume - 9:00 A.M. WMU Facilitators - 9:30 A.M. 10 Membership Matters Class - 10:45 A.M. Clarion Sounds Resumes - 4:30 P.M. Kids Zone Remix Resumes - 6:00 P.M. Adult Bible Studies Begin - 6:00 P.M. Grace Is Greater God’s Healing for Life’s Losses 11 Golden Tones Resumes - 1:30 P.M. Deacons’ Meeting - 6:30 P.M. Orchestra Resumes - 7:00 P.M. 12 Women’s Bible Study Begins - 9:30 A.M. All Things New 14 Keep-in-Touch Meet and Greet - 10:00 A.M. 20 Youth to SPIHN - 5:30 P.M. 21 Prayer Shawl Ministry - 11:00 A.M. 22 Parents’ Night Out - 5:45 P.M. 25 Joy of Missions - 11:00 A.M. 27 Chosen Children Ministries - 6:00 P.M. 28 Hearts and Hands Crafters - 10:00 A.M.

Adult Bible Studies Classes Begin Sunday, September 10

6:00 P.M.

Grace Is Greater Kyle Idleman leads participants toward an understanding of God’s grace that is bigger than mistakes, failures, desire for revenge, and difficult situations. No sin is so great, no bitterness so deep, that God's grace cannot transform the heart. Learn how to truly grasp God's grace in this six-week study. The facilitator is Jack Dodds. The class will meet in the Youth Room. Cost: $10

God’s Healing for Life’s Losses Are you ready for hopeful conversation about life's losses—grief, divorce, the death of a loved one, job loss, or other disappointments—from a Christian perspective? Author Robert Kellemen will help you learn how to cope with suffering, face-to-face with God. The facilitator is Pastor Steven. The class will meet in Room 430. Cost: $10

Women’s Bible Study Class Begins Tuesday, September 12

9:30 A.M.

All Things New Just as Paul challenged and encouraged the church in Corinth to share the message of reconciliation, we, too, must spread the gospel of Jesus Christ with the world. Kelly Minter, author, guides us how to share Jesus’ grace, comfort, and generosity with others, despite the hardships, pains, and struggles we face. The facilitator is Flonnie Shaw. The class will meet in the Youth Room. Cost: $10

You are my place of quiet rest; I wait for your Word

to renew me. Psalm 119:114

Letting the Shepherd Lead Just a few days ago, our country witnessed the amazing transcontinental total eclipse of the sun, an event that will not reoccur in America until the year 2078. The nation had anxiously awaited this event, planning solar eclipse parties, granting a day of vacation, and even shutting down production lines. Unknowingly, these individuals celebrated what we, as Christians, already believe. As I sat with several friends and my family watching the eclipse, I was reminded of the fact that the sun, moon, and nature itself serves our Lord. Psalm 19:1 tells us, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” All Creation serves God. If Creation serves God, how much more compelling is the encouragement for God's people to serve Him? Matthew 10:25 says, "It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master." How much do you resemble your teacher and master, Jesus Christ? After all, the Scriptures tell us that He was always about His Father's business. Can the same be said for you? Discovering God’s FORM for your service involves a few simple biblical steps:

Find your God-given abilities or spiritual gifts. Observe your affinities for how you use those abilities. Recognize opportunities to use your abilities. Measure your impact as you use your abilities.

If you are unsure as to how you can be a servant here at Morningside, it would be my pleasure to assist you. We can discover together how you can serve God. Pastor Steven

Spotlight on Our Missions Partner St. Luke’s Free Medical Clinic

Sunday, September 6 9:30 A.M.

St. Luke’s offers quality health care to uninsured residents in Spartanburg County, providing primary medical care, physician ordered medications, pastor support, and patient education. Morningside gives financial assistance to the Clinic, and members of the church have volunteered countless hours as physicians and counselors for clients who are in crisis situations. We welcome Executive Director Patsy Whitney to our Worship Service. Please take the opportunity to greet her during our Donut Fellowship. Discover how you can volunteer your time to assist this ministry.

mside missions

Annual Fall Bazaar and Bake Sale Saturday, October 14 9:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.

The date is quickly approaching! It’s time to gather supplies and begin creating crafts for our Annual Fall Bazaar and Bake Sale. This year all proceeds will help defray the cost of Morningside’s upcoming mission trip to Nicaragua. We encourage the entire church family—adults, children, and youth—to get involved in making and donating items to sell. Don’t know what to make? The Pinterest website offers an endless inventory of easy-to-make crafts suitable for all ages. Do you have a favorite dessert or casserole that always brings compliments from family and friends? That dish would be perfect to share with the Mside family. Be sure to invite your neighbors and friends to the bazaar. Let’s have an excellent show of support and raise funds for our mission team!

Season of Prayer for State Missions September 10-17

Are you aware that refugees

from Uganda and Tanzania began the Neema Kiswahili Baptist Church last year in Spartanburg? This church, along with other churches and ministries in South Carolina, is supported by the Janie Chapman Missions Offering, received each year in September. Be sure to watch for the prayer brochure included in the September 10 Worship Guide. It provides prayer requests for eight ministries located here in our state. A designated envelope is included in your monthly packet. Prayerfully consider what your family can give over-and-above your tithe to support this mission.

Mission Trip Partner

Wednesday, September 27

6:00 P.M.

Chosen Children Ministries, a faith-based organization located in Inman, SC, is partnering with Morningside for the upcoming mission trip to Nicaragua. Representatives will be with us during Prayer Meeting to describe the ministry and provide helpful information about planning our trip. If you think you may be interested in “going on mission,” be sure to mark your calendar for this presentation.

Keep-in-Touch Volunteers and Potential Volunteers Invited to a Meet-and-Greet Thursday, September 14 10:00 A.M.

Our Keep-in-Touch ministry is a blessing, not only for the members who are no longer able to attend services here, but also for the current volunteers who visit, call, and/or send cards to them. Additional volunteers are needed as the homebound group continues to grow. Both current and potential volunteers are invited to a Meet-and-Greet in the Fellowship Hall. Come learn about this committed effort to keep homebound members connected to our church. Contact Darolyn Barbee for more details. We hope to see you there!

mside kids

KICKOFF (K5-Grade 5) Sunday, September 10

6:00-7:15 P.M.

Activities include games, Bible verse fun, music, and small group

work too! The Prize Basket has been refilled, and it is overflowing with goodies! New adventures await our boys and girls this fall! Call Freida Cole (Ext. 4) for details.

Fall Parent’s Night Out (Preschoolers through Grade 5)

Friday, September 22 5:45 - 8:45 PM.

Together, MSide Kids and our Preschool Partnership are sponsoring a night out for parents!

The cost of $10 per child includes activities and supper. Please sign up in the child care office or with Freida Cole (Ext. 4) by Friday, September 15. Registration cards are available on the MSide Kids lobby desk.

REMIX

“My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.”

Psalm 57: 7

There are many opportunities for YOU to be a part of Mside’s music program. Even though it’s just September, we are already planning and beginning to work on music for the Christmas season!! There is also much music that will fill our worship throughout the fall season, as well. We would love to have YOU be a part of it all.

Rehearsal Schedules for Our Many Groups:

Sanctuary Choir - Wednesdays, beginning August 30 7:05 P.M.

Children’s Choir - Wednesdays, beginning September 6

5:50 P.M.

Clarion Sounds - Sundays, beginning September 10 4:30 P.M.

Golden Tones - Mondays, beginning September 11

1:30 PM

Orchestra - Mondays, beginning September 11 7:00 P.M.

Come join us in praising our

Lord through music!!

mside family

Thrive Youth Bible Study I Timothy 4:12

Begins Wednesday, September 6

Deacon Election We will elect nine individuals to serve on the 2017-2020 Diaconate, beginning October 1. Please prayerfully consider whom you will choose to serve Morningside.

Sunday, September 3 Sample Ballot

Sunday, September 10

Deacon Election

Sunday, September 11 Meeting of Current and Newly-elected Deacons

Date to Be Determined

Deacon Ordination, if necessary

Begins Sunday, September 10 10:45 A.M.

This discussion class is designed to help new, existing, and potential members understand the importance of church membership for a growing relationship with Christ. Sign up by calling Kathy Green (Ext. 2). The facilitator is Pastor Steven.

Please prayerfully consider your spiritual gifts and talents. Then make a committed decision to become more involved in the life of Morningside this year. Remember: you are serving Christ as Lord as you volunteer in your church.

Ministry Team Options: * First Impressions * Worship Support * Fellowship * Bereavement

* Funeral Hosts/Hostesses Sign-up sheets are located in the hallway leading to the Welcome Center.

Youth Volunteer at SPIHN, Dinner Wednesday, September 20th

5:30 - 7:45 P.M. Bring money for food.

mside youth

Morningside Website Our monthly newsletter and our weekly worship bulletin can be found on our website at www.msidechurch.org under the Resource tab. You may also stream, download, and/or subscribe to our weekly podcast under the Sermon tab.

MORNINGSIDE THE MESSENGER (USPS 363-420) is published monthly by the Morningside Baptist Church. Periodical postage paid at Spartanburg, SC. Postmaster, send address changes to The Morningside Messenger 897 South Pine Street Spartanburg, SC 29302

Morningside Baptist Church Staff

Steven Owensby, Senior Pastor (Ext. 3) ................................. sowensby@msidechurch.org

Jack Dodds, Associate Pastor (Ext. 6) ......................................... jdodds@msidechurch.org Freida Cole, Children’s Minister (Ext. 4) ....................................... fcole@msidechurch.org

Robert Mitchell, Worship Director (Ext. 5) ............................. rmitchell@msidechurch.org Steve Kibbe, Youth Director (Ext. 8) ........................................... skibbe@msidechurch.org John Kelly, Financial Office (Ext. 7) ............................................ jkelly@msidechurch.org Robin Kelly, Financial Office (Ext. 7) .......................................... rkelly@msidechurch.org

Linda Alverson, Membership Ministry Assistant (Ext. 1)....... lalverson@msidechurch.org

Kathy Green, Communications Ministry Assistant (Ext. 2) ........ kgreen@msidechurch.org

Debbie Bishop, Weekday Preschool Director ........................... dbishop@msidechurch.org

Paula Joye, Organist ........................................................................... paulajoye@juno.com

Gail Medlin, Pianist ........................................................................ ggmedlin@wildblue.net

Christian Sympathy Extended to

… Imogene Barnett and family in the death of her brother- in-law, William (Bill) P. Hope, on July 21 in Spartanburg, South Carolina. … Ron and Nancy Ogletree and family in the death of Nancy’s father, Mac Cureton, on August 9 in Spartanburg, South Carolina. … Tommy and Debbie Brock, Steve and Kimberly Kibbe, and families in the death of Tommy’s father and Kimberly’s grandfather, Jack Raymond Thompson, on August 16 in Moore, South Carolina … Doris Nanney, Angie Wells, and families in the death of Doris’ sister and Angie’s mother, Terry Dempsey, who died on August 18 in Spartanburg, South Carolina. … Rick Eubanks and family in the death of his mother, Mary Ann Eubanks, on August 22 in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Ministers on Call This Month Every Friday Steven Owensby 590-7985

September 2-3 Jack Dodds 590-8951

September 8-10 Steven Owensby 590-7985

September 16-17 Freida Cole 884-4793

September 22-24 Steven Owensby 590-7985

Sept. 30-October 1 Jack Dodds 590-8951

Thank You Notes for Your Love, Prayers, Concern, and Support Received from

Ben and Linda Alverson

Roger Britt

Eleanor Foster

Fairforest Elementary School

Vernon and Bede Jeffords

Jan McClure

Seeking, Serving, Sharing

897 South Pine Street Spartanburg, South Carolina 29302

Office: (864) 585-5457 | Fax: (864) 585-6217

Weekday Preschool: (864) 585-5424 Office Hours: Monday - Thursday

8:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. Previous Sunday’s Sermon at 10:00 A.M.

WDRF 95.9 FM or 1510 AM

Join Us Each Sunday Morning Worship: 9:30 A.M. Bible Study: 10:45 A.M.