first word january

FIRST BAPTIST SEVIERVILLE | JANUARY 2012

Volume 60, No. 6

IN THIS ISSUE

From the Pastor’s HeartBro. Dan shares his excitement about pastoring FBC and what God has in store.

Page 2

Get Out of the BoatA member challenges each of us to get out of the boat and let go of fear.

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Making Changes that HelpJerry Bear stresses the importance of making realistic changes.

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First Baptist Church of Sevierville’s Monthly Newsletter

Get Out of the Boat in 2012 Jenny Mattox

Sometimes I really want to be like Peter. Peter catches a lot of flack for taking his eyes off Jesus, but something else about Peter catches my attention. In the midst of torrential rain and hurricane force winds, Peter got out of the boat when Jesus called for him. Matthew 14:29 tells us, “Come, he [Jesus] said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came towards Jesus.”

Despite his fear, despite the terror raging inside of him, Peter responded in faith when Jesus called. It’s funny to me that the part of this passage most people focus on is when Peter takes his eyes off Jesus and begins to sink. We tend to magnify Peter’s mistake; however, when Peter steps out of the boat, we tend to forget that the other disciples remained in the boat. Peter endured not only internal terror, but petrifying weather conditions, yet he didn’t allow his present situation to prevent him from responding to Jesus. As I think about God’s call upon our lives, I think about this story. I believe God would rather us respond in faith and falter, than to remain in our comfort zone and stay inside our spiritual boat.

As the new year arrives, we will begin looking for ways to better ourselves. I challenge you to be more like Peter in 2012. Instead of staying where you’re comfortable, respond to God’s call upon your life and get out of the boat! Dare to be faithful and respond to God despite the fear that may be raging inside. When the time comes, and your imperfections surface and you falter, lift your eyes towards Jesus and He will be there.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for calling me to be your Senior Pastor! I have never been more excited about the future. I believe God has great plans for us as we serve Him together. As I write this column I am still basking in the glow of our first Sunday together...what a day! By God’s grace, I look forward to many more great days in the future.

One of the greatest experiences of my life has been seeing the hand of God at work in this transition. God’s leadership has been evident from the initial conversations with Dwight Stokes and the Search Committee, who represented you very well as they diligently sought God’s will in this matter. I believe God was leading First Baptist Church through them as He was leading Tresa and me.

While God was working on the “heart” level, we were amazed at His work in the practical details. He chose to give us a gracious confirmation in the speedy sale of our house in Thomasville. At the same time, He provided a beautiful home here in Sevierville. To God be the glory!

Tresa and I are settling in, trying to find our way around Sevier County, and enjoying our new church family. I am especially enjoying our church staff. I can already tell why you love these men and women so much.

I am keenly aware of the debt I owe to Dr. Nelson Price and Dr. Randy Davis. In many ways, I will be standing on

| First Baptist Church of Sevierville

From the Pastor’s Heart...the shoulders of these godly men as I minister here.

Finally, as we begin a new year together, I am trusting God to bless First Baptist Church with unprecedented growth in every way, and I am trusting you to join me in exercising unprecedented faith as we serve the Lord.

Let’s attempt great things for God and expect great things from God!

I love being your pastor,

Dan Spencer

UP 6th Grade WeekendApril 30th and May 1st

Sign up in Sunday Schoolor call the church office

Romans

1:16-17

Church Office Holiday HoursClosed Monday, January 2nd

Grief ShareResuming January 2nd; 6:00pm/Parlor

Sonrise SeniorsTuesday, January 3rd; 9:00am/Parlor

Celebration Choir & Orchestra PracticeResumes January 4thOrchestra practice; 6:45pmChoir practice; 7:30pm

Children’s ChurchSunday, January 8thK-3rd grade will meet in the Chapel, 8:15 &10:45 services4th-6th grade will meet in the Fellowship Hall,10:45 service only

Triple L LuncheonTuesday, January 10th; Noon/FLCBring a covered dish.

Divorce CareResuming January 11th; 6:00pm/E-234

Spirited Singles Soup & Sandwich SupperThursday, January 19th; 6:00pm/Parlor

PEP MomsJanuary 20th; 9:15am/FLCTopic: Internet safety and self defenseSpeakers: officers from the Sevierville Police Dept

Heavenbound SingersResumes February 7th; 10:30am/Choir Room

Upcoming Events

Special AnnouncementsREACH-TEACH-SERVE Important Sunday School Workers Meeting Sunday, January 22nd; 3:00-5:00pm/FLC Supper will be provided. All Sunday School workers (teachers, directors, secretaries , outreach &,Shepherd Group leaders & other workers) are invited to meet with Pastor Dan & staff as we explore ways to Reach,Teach, &Serve people in our community for Christ. Please sign up @ the welcome center or church office.

LCU ClassesYou can find more information on the classes listed below at the Welcome Center.Sundays:-Orphanology (6 week study) led by Craig Mintz. Begins Jan 15th; 5:15 pm/Room E-220-Book by Book Through The Bible led by Rich Wallace. Ongoing; 5:15 ppm/C-322/323Wednesdays:-Jonah: Navigating a Life Interrupted led by Linda Hyder. Begins Jan 11th; 6:00 pm/Room E-227-Through The Bible In A Year led by Dr. Jim Koerten Begins Jan 11th; 6:30 pm/C302

-Modern Parables – Brian Thomas (6 weeks beginning January 11) (C322/323) 6:30 p.m.-Have The Funeral led by Randy McClure. Begins Jan 18th; 6:00 pm/C303-Sharing Jesus Without Fear led by Blue Smith. Begins Jan 18th; 6:00 pm/C308

Jan2012

Cheri & DarleneLoving Memory of My

Father Enlon Morgan Terry & Gail GossettLoving Memory of “Lon” Beulah SuttonOur Parents Al & Elaine PeaseEd Glaspie David & Sylvia

ClevengerMy Mother Carolyn

Lester’s Birthday Donna & David KramerLIBRARYBilly Joe OwnbySandra Youngblood First Baptist ChurchMUSIC MINISTRYFlora BakerDavid LintzSharon “Sudie” IngleMy Aunt Ruth

Cate Burns JB & Shirley MatthewsPARK ROAD PROJECTDavid LIntz Jo BlalockCHRISTMAS STOREOur Loving Parents;

Fred & Jama Cate, Byrd & Evelyn Matthews

Our Baby Timothy Scott Matthews

JB & Shirley MatthewsOur Parents; Johnny &

Otha Valentine, Clinton King & Martha Clifton

Curtis & Shirley KingMy Mom & Dad;

Ray & Kate Cole Larry & Lou LaFolletteFlora Baker Katie McMahanMy Loved Ones

Aileen BoruffRay GalyonClyde Ownby Helen OwnbyOur Parents; Mr.&Mrs.

Fred Pierce and Mr.&Mrs. Fred McMahan

Thomas & Carolyn McMahan

Billy Joe Ownby David & Dorothy JohnsonFlora Baker Gleason SS ClassJewel McCuistonArchie Ray McMahanJR Randles Joe & Libby WilliamsMy Parents; Mable

Connatser Lowe and Milo Connatser

Ruby MaplesOur Parents Bill & Barbara McClureKeith Hill Will & Janet JohnsonHobart Williams Mary OwnbyCharles Hodges Mike & Patsy McQueen,

Houston Hodges, Chris & Hilary Ott

Freda ClaboVita FinchumJohnny Watson Dale & Ruth MurrellMISSIONSWilbur Reed Joe & Libby WilliamsHELPING HANDSBilly Joe Ownby Joe & Libby WilliamsEd Glaspie Jim & Billie AtchleyLOTTIE MOONRobert E Delozier

& Our Parents Melba DelozierOur Grandparents Will & Janet JohnsonLoving Memory of Lon Beulah SuttonBeulah & Amos McCarterRev. & Mrs. George Watson Bob & Diane McFarland

TRIBUTEDGIVING

Attendance Report 11/6/2011 11/13/2011 11/20/2011 11/27/2011 8:15am Worship 675 901 687 545 9:30am SS 1358 1430 1264 1227 10:45am Worship 1111 1383 1268 1048 6:30pm Worship 336 289 303 311

Biblical Stewardship 11/6/2011 11/13/2011 11/20/2011 11/27/2011 Total Weekly Needs $ 92,063.62 $ 92,063.62 $ 92,063.62 $ 92,063.62 Tithes & Offerings 94,294.45 103,919.47 77,974.36 58,742.35 Building Fund 586.00 1,061.00 661.00 686.00 Designated Fund 8,368.75 6,673.15 5,131.14 5,076.25

New MembersAaron, Heather, Isaac & Jane-Evan WardAja MoserBirdie HawkinsBob, Lynndell, Andrew & Jonathan MaultsbyTerri WilliamsA.C. & Pat Linebarger

Recently HospitalizedJenny MattoxRuby ScrivnerRandy McClureBrenda OwnbyBetty SealsBill RandlesShirley DelozierCheryl HoustonOtis TarkingtonKatherine HeadlerScott CarterDavid TinoDwight BrockCaiden YalleyBill McMahanMarjorie LeatherwoodElizabeth Ownby

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

Family of Ermer Dean Thurman Family of John “Ed” GlaspieFamily of Sandra Youngblood Family of Billy Joe Ownby

• The following families wish to express their appreciation for support from the church: Sheila Sullivan Alan Pease

• Irene McMullen in the passing of her mother

• Dorothy Johnson in the passing of her aunt, Joy Sims

• Myra Vinson in the passing of her mother, Ermer Thurman

• Belva Glaspie in the passing of her husband, John “Ed”

• Karen Hill & Vicki Butcher in the passing of their father, Al Smith

• James Youngblood in the passing of his sister

• James Youngblood in the passing of his wife, Sandra

• Lillian Ingle in the passing of her mother, Sharon Ingle

Thank You Notes

Sympathy to

Herbert & Rosa Lee McMahan and Sue Adams

Isaac & Betty Adams and Kids

My Husband Chandler McMahan

Katie McMahanParents Charlie &

Grace Justus Grandmother Ellen Pace Sammy & Kay JustusWilliam R Holt JrHilda Caruthers Pat Holt MyersHoney Gregg & Tracy PriceJohn Edd Blalock SrJohn Edd Blalock II Katie BlalockNancy Palmer’s Birthday

December 27 Thelma KellyDave & Ella WatsonGlenn & Ruth Murrell Dale & Ruth MurrellDoris Trentham Carolyn FineErmer Thurman Roger & Myra VinsonLarry Hill Andy & Laura BolingDwight McMahan &

Roger McMahan Beulah McMahanSue Yoakum AnonymousVBSBob Pressley Joe & Libby WilliamsTV MINISTRYFred Whaley’s Birthday

November 19Elsie JordanFlora Baker Ruby WhaleyBENEVOLENCEJason Hicks Will & Janet Johnson

IN HONORPARK ROAD PROJECTPhil & Joann McMahan’s

50th Anniversary Jo Blalock

PRESCHOOLTammy Rice and

Rebecca Cusick Will & Janet JohnsonHELPING HANDSBobby & Janice Castle Mr.&Mrs. Lynn Abbott Larry & Charlene CastleCHRISTMAS STOREJune Ward Katie McMahanJack & Elizabeth

Denton’s BirthdaysPhil & Joan McMahan’s

50th AnniversaryJoe & Novie Thomas’

50th Anniversary Joe & Libby WilliamsMarie Temple By Her SS ClassLOTTIE MOONOur Grandkids;

Stephanie, Max & Samuel

Steve & Susan MooreMy Galyon &

Ownby Family Helen OwnbyBryan Blalock Jo BlalockTom & Joyce Morgan Sam & Kay JustusBUILDING FUNDDr. Nelson Price &

Trudy Price Mike & Beverly Ownby

IN MEMORYBUILDING FUNDBilly Joe Ownby Rex & Louise DelozierJason Hicks Leah BrackinsErmer Thurman Adult IV Wallace SS ClassFlora BakerVirginia AmburnArchie Ray McMahanWilbur ReedCharles MatternJR RandlesAl SmithJerry GalyonJohn TarwaterWC Shular Mike & Beverly OwnbyBUDGETHoney Gregg & Tracy PriceEd Glaspie Leamon Hill David & Yvonne

McCroskeyFlora BakerBilly Joe OwnbyAl Smith Jimmie & Marie TempleOur Daddy George

Headrick Judy, Butch, Barbara,

Making Changes that Help You Jerry “Bear” Hyder Associate Pastor of Adults

Habit is overcome by habit. ~Thomas A. Kempis

Since habit becomes power, make them work with you and not against you. ~E. Stanley Jones

The Lord says “Forget what happened before, and do not think about the past. Look at the new thing I am going to do. It is already happening. Do you see it? I will make a road in the desert and rivers in dry land.” ~Isaiah 43:18-19

This time of year is a great opportunity for making positive changes in your life. Developing good new habits will and can make this new year a good one for you. Here are some suggestions:

Send questions or comments to [email protected]

We have a vibrant, growing Bible Study group on Sunday mornings in one of the latest additions to The Crossing.

Additionally, we travel to Atlanta to attend the Passion Conference the first week in January and then to Panama City the week of Memorial Day to grow in our faith and our relationship with fellow believers.

This month we have 70 students going to Passion to worship, study and learn from some tremendous speakers and worship leaders. The likes of Louie Giglio, John Piper, Francis Chan and Beth Moore will lead our studies and messages. Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Kristian Stanfill, Hillsong United, and the David Crowder Band will lead us in worship. This conference is hands-down the most amazing event I have ever

I. Be realistic and set achievable expectations and goals. Do your homework and get the facts before you start by seeking advice from good sources. It is also helpful to prioritize the new goals to make them reasonable and liveable.

II. Include your new changes in your daily and weekly schedule. Remember, wisdom and understanding are not built in a day; however, they are built daily.

III. If you slip up, stop and get up and keep going. As a child, when you were learning to ride a bike, you kept trying even if it was difficult at first. That is the same with any new change in your life, pick up yourself and keep at it.

IV. Keep the end result in mind. Accomplishing major lifestyle changes requires you to focus on the prize. If you

are constantly monitoring your progress, it can discourage you.

Be sure to stay focused on the future and not your past or present circumstances.

The apostle Paul stated it this way, “I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing, forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.” ~Philippians 3:13

experienced. I’ve been to major concerts, NFL games, the World Series, and everything in between, but nothing compares to Passion. Through it the college students grow together as a group and are revitalized for a new semester at school. We covet your prayers as we attend January 2-5.

Finally, thank you church family for the care packages you send to our college students. This is a tremendous ministry to them while they are away at school.

Insight into the FBC College MinistryEddie McCandlessCollege Assistant

Being a part of the college and young adult ministry is more than a joy. The young people we have in this church are truly amazing. They are intelligent, talented, and in love with our Lord and Savior. In the past year, we have had several students on mission trips in several countries and different parts of the US. Each time they have served with compassion fulfilling the Great Commission. When you see one of these young people, let them know you believe in them and love them.

Beyond the mission trips, I wanted to let you know a few things we do as a group. We meet each Thursday evening to grow in the Word.

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

first word january

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