THE SIGNAL
The Signal is published monthly by the Swansea First Baptist Church of Swansea, SC.
Volume 22 Issue 5 May 2011
119th Homecoming and the
William Deal Day
Sunday, May 1, 2011 at 11:00 am
Covered Dish Dinner at 12:30 pm
Rev. Terry C. Wilder, Speaker
“The Bill Deal I Know”
Dr. Ron Rowe, Homecoming Speaker
Executive Director of Uttermost Ministries
Return Service
Requested
SWANSEA FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH Post Office Box 550
Swansea, SC 29160-0550
NON PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
LEXINGTON, SC
PERMIT NO. 107
From Your Pastor’s Heart What a tremendous last few weeks. The chil-
dren’s choir was just wonderful with their special
music on Palm Sunday. Then this past Easter Sun-
day, the Adult Choir was spectacular. The video
and the music brought the life of Jesus alive. I just
cannot thank Chad and Jane Ann Meredith enough. We are so
blessed to have this family in our church. I am in awe of these two.
We also had such a great attendance on Sunday. It had to be a
record for us. 370 people in attendance! I am amazed at the number.
I am glad so many people were in attendance. It was truly a special
Sunday.
I hope to see you this week as we have Homecoming. I am
looking forward to honoring Mr. Deal as well. It is going to be fun!
The Signal is published monthly by the Swansea
First Baptist Church in Swansea, South Carolina.
The Swansea First Baptist Church is in friendly
cooperation with the Lexington Baptist Association,
the South Carolina Convention and the Southern
Baptist Convention.
The Church Staff The Senior Pastor Reverend Terry C. Wilder Minister of Music Mr. Chad Meredith
Student Minister Reverend John N. Harmon Parish Nurse Mrs. Angie Redmond The Organist Mrs. Jane Ann Meredith
The Pianists Mrs. Brenda Hoffman
Mrs. Jackie Cagle The Secretary Mrs. Joyce Saylor Preschool Director Mrs. Diane Goodwin
Custodian Mrs. Kim Taylor
In the event of a change of address please
contact the church office: Swansea First Baptist Church
145 South Church Street Post Office Box 550
Swansea, South Carolina 29160 (803) 568-3368
The Church Website
www.swanseafbc.com
March Birthdays
1st……………….Michael McCarson
Ashleigh Steen
3rd……………….….Duane Steinhoff
Jenna Redmond
4th…………………………..Bill Deal
Laura Pound
Tammy Caudill
5th…………..…………Robert Taylor
7th……………………...Wilma Davis
9th……………………...Bryan Corley
11th………………...Gladys Redmond
Jessica Calp
12th………………….Rebecca Sharpe
15th…………………….Nancy Blithe
Tyler Dasher
16th…………………....Adam Jumper
18th………………...David Zeigler Jr.
Susan Norris
Leigh Ann Teal
20th…………………..Chad Williams
21st…………………Permilia Luongo
Alan Hoffman
22nd……………………....Jean Burns
Melodie Sharpe
24th……………………....Jeff Corley
27th……………………..Rhonda Rast
28th…………………...…..Jack Burns
Dawson Sandifer
Isaac Sandifer
29th…………….….Carter Livingston
Senior Adult Trip
Last month the trip to the JAARS
Center was cancelled due to the winter
weather forecast for that day. On March
17, the Adults and Senior Adults will travel
to Waxhaw, NC to visit the JAARS Center.
The group will be introduced to their
unique role in Bible translation through
videos, interactive presentations, and a tour
of their campus and museums. They rec-
ommend you wear comfortable shoes and
they will make special arrangements if the
group can’t walk the distance.
Lunch will be in their dining hall.
The cost will be around $7.00 plus tax. We
will be leaving at 7:45am on Thursday,
March 17th. Please sign up in the hall if
you would like to be a part of this very in-
teresting tour.
****************************************
Metallic Club
On Monday, March 21, the Me-
tallic Club will meet at 11:00am. At this
meeting we will play Bingo after the
business session. At 12 o’clock the
group fellowships together while eating
a delicious home-cooked meal. Join the
group for information, fun, food, and
conversation.
The Signal is published monthly by the Swansea
First Baptist Church in Swansea, South Carolina.
The Swansea First Baptist Church is in friendly
cooperation with the Lexington Baptist Association,
the South Carolina Convention and the Southern
Baptist Convention.
The Church Staff The Senior Pastor Reverend Terry C. Wilder Minister of Music Mr. Chad Meredith
Student Minister Rev. John Harmon Parish Nurse Mrs. Angie Redmond The Organist Mrs. Jane Ann Meredith
The Pianists Mrs. Brenda Hoffman
Mrs. Jackie Cagle The Secretary Mrs. Joyce Saylor Preschool Director Mrs. Diane Goodwin
Custodian Mrs. Kim Taylor
In the event of a change of address please
contact the church office: Swansea First Baptist Church
145 South Church Street Post Office Box 550
Swansea, South Carolina 29160 (803) 568-3368
The Church Website
www.swanseafbc.com
May Birthdays
1st……………………….….Kelly Steinhoff
2nd………………………...Sarah Strickland
Vanne Sandifer
3rd…………………………….Jenna Zeigler
6th………………………………..Earl Watts
7th…………………………..Charlene Baker
8th……………………...Michael Kubischke
12th…………………………....Betty Dasher
13th………………….………Jeremy Wilder
14th……………………………..Cara Lucas
15th………………………....Chris Hoffman
16th………………………...Jennifer Liester
17th………………………...Bernice Stevens
Austin Sturkie
18th………………………….Brenton Lucas
19th……………………...….Thomas Sharpe
Riley Livingston
21st……………………………..Justin Poole
Robert Ott
23rd……………………..…..Bobbie Adkins
25th………………………...Marlene Sturkie
26th………………………..Amanda Brazell
Donette Kirkland
Swansea High School Graduation
Wednesday, June 1 6:00pm
The Graduation Ceremony will take
place at the Carolina Coliseum. There
will be no Wednesday night services
this night. We encourage you to join us
in celebrating our graduates.
The Baptist Men’s Supper
Tuesday, May 17th at 7:00 PM
Terry Wilder’s Crew
Bill Strickland
Bill Starr
Doug McGaha
John Ernst
Steve Strickland
*******************************************
Metallic Club
Don’t forget Metallic Club on Monday,
May 16. Join the group for lunch in the
Fellowship Hall at 11:00am. We always
have good fellowship, good food, and
good information. Angie Redmond, our
Parrish Nurse, will be doing blood pres-
sure screenings for us. *********************************************
Graduate Recognition
Sunday, May 29th Join us in celebrating our Graduates:
Haley Meredith, Garrett Sharpe, Stacey
Ward, Franki Jumper, Davis Harmon,
Matt Leonard, and Kristofor Reagan.
This group has numerous accomplish-
ments including Haley and Garrett in a
tight race for valedictorian and salutato-
rian.
Tour The Billy Graham Library and
BBN Radio
Tuesday, May 24
Don’t miss this exciting trip! First we
will tour the Billy Graham Library in
Charlotte. Many new things have been
added or enlarged since our last visit.
Here you will encounter highlights of
Billy Graham’s extraordinary life, a
journey from the pastures and dirt
roads of North Carolina to platforms
and arenas in the world’s greatest cit-
ies.
After lunch, we will visit the nearby
Bible Broadcasting Network (BBN)
headquarters. BBN is a radio network
committed to sharing the Word of God
around the world in many different
languages.
The church bus will leave the parking
lot at 8:15am. We will return in the
late afternoon. There is no charge for
either tour.
Mission Events in May
The Karen Smith Walk and Craft Fair for the
St. Karen Smith’s Orphanage
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Registration at 8:30 am
The walk and run begins at 9:00 am
The Annual Salad and Sandwich
Make-off Baked Goods, Crafts
and Treasures Auction
For the Kenya Mission Team
Sunday, May 22, 2011 at 5:30 pm
Cost for the meal is $5.00
Make your favorite sandwiches and salads and then place them
to be judged. We will have a first, second and third place winner.
We also need you to clean out your attic and garages for the
auction. Bring those treasures to be sold to the highest bidder. We
also need your crafts and baked goods. Practice your bidding and we
will have a great time!
Meredith Moments
I am tired, and unfortunately Spring Break is
over…time to get back to the old grind stone. That is
how it works sometimes. However, working on the past
couple of projects with the two choirs has been exhaust-
ing, but well worth it. I am truly proud of the children’s
choir and the adult choir for their performances. The children were absolutely
incredible and really did an awesome job presenting “Hallelujah, What a Sav-
ior!” Thanks kiddos for working so hard!
Also, I am truly thankful to all the choir members for their willingness to
serve in this ministry. The cantata on Easter morning was simply wonderful. I
hope the church enjoyed our multimedia presentation of the Easter message.
Furthermore, I trust the message of Christ dying for our sins and offering salva-
tion was felt throughout the congregation. I appreciate all the support everyone
has offered these last few weeks.
As we prepare for the next couple of weeks, the children’s choir will
have one more presentation before we call it a year and take the summer off.
This will be on the Sunday after Mothers’ Day, May 15th. Therefore, parents be
sure to bring your little ones to practice the next several weeks.
Until next time…God Bless!
In Christ,
Chad
Flowers for Bibles Sale
Friday and Saturday, May 6th & 7th
What a wonderful ministry this is for our
area churches. The churches of North, Swansea
and St. Matthews began this ministry many years
ago. It has been a tremendous success. We have so many people
who give of their time and talent to make this ministry a reality. Over
the last five years they have raised literally thousands of dollars for
Bibles, orphanages and medicines. This group of women really have
a heart for ministry.
The concept of this ministry was very simple but tremendous.
The ladies decided to take flowers and plants from their yard and sell
them. What a innovative idea. The sales take place at the Orange-
burg Fair Grounds and at our church. I hope that you will be able to
help with this ministry by buying plants and working at the nursery.
Please see Faye Stabler, Deloris Zeigler and Kaye Hoffman for more
information.
*******************************************************
Thank you, Kaye Hoffman
We would like to thank Kaye Hoffman for the wonderful work
she has done in the flower beds and prayer garden. She has the
grounds looking so beautiful.
Thank you Kaye for all that you do!
Student Ministry News
The end is in sight. If you are like me you can see the finish line that marks the end of
the school year and it can’t get here soon enough. I want to encourage you not to look
too far ahead and to finish this year strong. The summer will be here soon enough and
as usual we have a lot planned for this summer, more about that in minute.
First things first, we have a big weekend coming up. Disciple Now weekend is
quickly approaching, May 13-14, and it is going to be a great couple of days. This
year we are partnering with Sardis and Faith for an even bigger event. Our weekend
will center around the movie To Save a Life and will also include midnight bowling,
flag football, and other activities. We will stay overnight in the church so make sure
you bring your sleeping bags and/or air mattresses. We will have our shower unit here
so please bring your own towel (yes, you will need to take a shower). The cost for the
weekend is $30 per student. This is going to be a great weekend that you will not want
to miss. I hope you are making plans to attend, please see me to sign up ASAP.
Our two big events for the summer are Screamin Eagle Outfitters, our summer
camp, and Community Changers. We will be going to camp the week of June 19-24
and the cost is $175. Community Changers will be the week of July 10-15 and the cost
will be $25. Hopefully you have already received a letter with the details of both of
these trips. If you have any questions about the details please let me know.
Finally I want to recognize all of our upcoming graduates. We have a great
group of students that will be graduating this year: Haley Meredith, Garrett Sharpe,
Stacey Ward, Davis Harmon, Matt Leonard, Franki Jumper, and Kristofor Reagan. As
a group these students have many great accomplishments both in school and in the
community. I can’t tell you what a great influence they have had on our student minis-
try as well. They have been instrumental in making our student ministry what it is to-
day. I hope you will join us in recognizing these students on May 29th during our
Graduate Recognition Service.
In Christ,
John Harmon
Eph. 3:16
*****Don’t forget to check out the calendar for upcoming events*****
The Student Ministry at Swansea First Baptist Church will GIVE GOD THE GLORY with
everything we do; and we will have FUN while GROWING TOGETHER, MEETING OTH-
ERS NEEDS, and SPREADING THE WORD.
Mark Your Calendars
Mark Your Calendars
May 13-14 – Disciple Now
Cost $30
May 29 – Graduate Recognition Sunday
June 13-17 – VBS
June 19-24 – Screamin’ Eagle Outfitters
Cost: $175
July 10-15 – Community Changers
Cost: $25
***Be on the lookout for other events and fundraisers.***
Graduate Recognition Sunday – May 29th
If you are graduating or have graduated from
high school or college this school year we want to
celebrate your accomplishment.
Please let John or the church office know by
May 1st what school you have graduated from, where
you are going to college, or any other future plans.
May Bible Reading Plan
1st Deut. 18
Ecclesiastes
10 Acts 9 16th Deut. 33-34 Isaiah 6 Col. 3-4
2nd Deut. 19 Ecc. 11 Acts 10 17th Joshua 1 Isaiah 7
1 Thess. 1-
2
3rd Deut. 20 Ecc. 12 Acts 11-12 18th Joshua 2 Isaiah 8
1 Thess. 3-
4
4th Deut. 21 Song of Sol. 1 Acts 13 19th Joshua 3-4 Isaiah 9 1 Thess. 5
5th Deut. 22 Song of Sol. 2 Acts 14-15 20th Joshua 5-6 Isaiah 10
2 Thess. 1-
2
6th Deut. 23 Song of Sol. 3 Acts 16-17 21st Joshua 7 Isaiah 11 2 Thess. 3
7th Deut. 24 Song of Sol. 4 Acts 18-19 22nd Joshua 8 Isaiah 12 1 Tim. 1-3
8th Deut. 25 Song of Sol. 5 Acts 20 23rd Joshua 9 Isaiah 13 1 Tim. 4-5
9th Deut. 26 Song of Sol. 6 Acts 21-22 24th Joshua 10 Isaiah 14 1 Tim. 6
10th Deut. 27 Song of Sol. 7 Acts 23-24 25th Joshua 11 Isaiah 15 2 Tim. 1
11th Deut. 28 Song of Sol. 8 Acts 25-26 26th Joshua 12 Isaiah 16 2 Tim. 2
12th Deut. 29 Isaiah 1 Acts 27 27th Joshua 13 Isaiah 17-18 2 Tim. 3-4
13th Deut. 30 Isaiah 2 Acts 28 28th Joshua 14 Isaiah 19 Titus 1-3
14th Deut . 31 Isaiah 3-4
Colossians
1 29th Joshua 15 Isaiah 20-21
Hebrews 1-
2
15th Deut. 32 Isaiah 5 Col. 2 30th Joshua 16 Isaiah 22 Heb. 3-4
31st Joshua 17 Isaiah 23 Heb. 5
Mending a Broken Heart Losing someone you love is one of life’s most stressful
events and can cause us much pain. Within our hearts we all
know that death is a part of life. Death gives meaning to our
existence everyday because it reminds us how precious life
is and that we are not promised tomorrow.
When an unexpected death occurs within our family or in
our community many of us feel numb and shocked. We say “No, It can’t be.”
Denial, disbelief, shock and sadness overcome us. Along with these emotions
our mood can change quickly from despair, sadness guilt and even anger. All of
these feelings are normal and common reactions to loss. Mourning is a natural
process we must all go through to accept the loss we feel. Remember everyone
grieves and mourns in their own way and time. There are no steadfast rules that
govern grief. But here are a few things to think about.
Seek out caring people that understand your feelings.
Don’t be afraid to really tell others how you feel.
Take care of your health.
Postpone making major life decisions such as moving, remarrying or
changing jobs.
Be patient. It will take time to absorb your loss and accept your changed
life.
Celebrate the memories you have of your loved one.
In closing let me say Chandler Fulmer Allen was loved by many. She touched
lives with her patient spirit and sweet smile including mine. Indeed she will be
missed by all. For the family and friends left here take comfort in an epitaph on
an old Irish tombstone. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a
memory no one can steal.
With much sadness, until next time,
Angie Redmond, RN, FCN
Call 568-5404 or email angiered-
National Day of Prayer
Thursday, May 5, 2011
11:00 AM until 6:30 PM
The Swansea United Methodist Church will be open to the pub-
lic from 11:00 am until 6:30 pm on May 5 for people to enter
the sanctuary or Prayer Room to pray. Everyone is invited to
come by the church any time between these hours on the Na-
tional Day of Prayer to join with others as our community
shares in the power of prayer. The Swansea United Methodist
Church is located at 305 North Church Street and can be
reached at (803)568-4391.
Swansea First Baptist Preschool
The End of the Year Preschool Program will be on Wednesday, May 18 at
11:00am. This year our program is entitled “Praising Jesus”. Please come and
join un to celebrate and recognize our children for all their hard work!
We are now enrolling for the 2011-2012 school year! We are accepting children
ages 14 months thru 4 years old! Please contact the church at 568-3368 or Mrs.
Diane Goodwin (568-3693) for more information! Enrollment forms are avail-
able at the church’s welcome center!!
You Are Invited to a Sewing Party
May , 2011
9:00am—1:00pm We will be making dresses for girls, shorts for boys, and
bags for medicines. The Kenya Mission Team will take
the dresses and shorts to the to the children in our or-
phanages. The medicine bags are used during the medi-
cal clinics. Items you can bring to help:
Portable Sewing Machines
Irons and Ironing Boards
Pieces of Cloth 0
Ribbon
Scissors/Straight Pins/Needles
Thread/2 Gallon Plastic Bags/Yarn
Every one can help-whether you sew or not– there will be something you can do.
Please join us we plan to have a sewing party each month until Au-gust or until
we have a lot of dresses, shorts, and bags to take to Kenya.
Gel Packs For Sale The 2011 Kenya Mission Team is selling gel packs from Accurate Manufactur-
ing as a fundraiser for our trip. We greatly appreciate Mr. Doug McCarthy for
working with us on this fundraiser. The gel packs can
be used either hot or cold. Please see one of the mis-
sion team members or the church office if you would
like to place an order.
10x15 $15.00
5x18 $12.00
7x25 $15.00
Eye Mask $10.00
Penguin Pack $5.00
Dear Swansea Baptist Church,
My name is Samantha. I am in Mrs. Zeigler’s third grade class at Sandhills Ele-
mentary School. I am writing to thank you for buying me new clothes after my
house caught on fire. I love my new clothes and shoes! Thank you to all the
people who gave money and went shopping for me. I feel very good when I
wear my new outfits.
Love,
Samantha