IN THIS ISSUE

A New Year Page 2

On Mission in 2015Page 2

Forgiveness... Page 5

First Baptist sevierville | january 2015

Volume 96 , No. 6

First Baptist Church of Sevierville’s Monthly Newsletter

VocationJared Ownby

Vocation, what comes to mind when you think of this? For

many Americans the word means the occupation through

which we earn money. “Vocational ministry” is used to

describe earning a full-time living in ministry. “Vocational

track” is used in schools to describe education and training

focused on skills for occupations versus the university track.

I suggest thinking about the word vocation with a deeper,

more historical definition. The Latin word vocatio is often

translated “calling” and is the root word for vocation. One

is called and cannot call oneself; the responsibility is to the

caller—God. In the church we use the word calling all the

time. God, in a general way, calls everyone to repent and

believe the Gospel. He also calls every believer to be a Great

Commission Christian. I am called to love my wife as Christ

loved and gave Himself up for the church. I’m called to be

a father and a coffee roaster and a teacher. Some callings

are not permanent. All valid callings are from God. There

are, of course, some occupations and relationships to which

Christians are never called because God NEVER calls us to

sin. Thus “thief” is not a vocation.

God expects us to worship him through our vocations in

everyday life: I am a husband. This is a strictly defined

relationship (the only person I share this relationship with

is my wife) with strict boundaries (I must act toward my

wife in love & I must not act toward any other woman as

though she were my wife). I worship God by obedience to

our Lord’s commands within that relationship—within the

vocation of marriage.

What are your vocations? What are the relationships and

responsibilities God has given you? Husband? Wife? Son?

Business owner? Employee? Doctor? Plumber? Bank teller?

Take a second and list out your vocations—the relationships

and responsibilities God has given you.

Take your list. How has God called you to “vocational min-

istry?” Not being paid to minister, but how you are called

to minister through your vocations. How can you love God

and your neighbor(s) through your callings? Mothers called

by God to love their children (neighbors) and train them up

to fear the Lord have a long-term ministry with enormous

potential. Police officers have delegated authority to protect

citizens and enforce laws. A non-police citizen does not

have the same authority—he or she hasn’t been given the

vocation. Doctors and nurses heal. Farmers provide. Each

vocation has honor and is part of the overall economy.

Worship God in your vocations and honor those with

different vocations from yours.

Page 2 | First Baptist Church of Sevierville

Dear First Baptist Family,

I love Christmas, but I think my favorite time of year is when we get to turn the page on the calendar, say goodbye to the past, and begin a new year. There is a freshness that comes with a new year that is invigorating and full of hope.

I am excited about what God has in store for us in 2015. Personally, I am looking forward to starting the year by preaching verse-by-verse through Paul’s amazing epistles to the Thessalonians. Additionally, I have planned some special Sunday evening services to begin 2015. I have asked four men who have deep roots in First Baptist Church to return and preach on the first four Sunday evenings of the year. It will be good to hear from these men who have loved our church family and invested their lives here in the past. I hope you will plan to be here each night in January. Check out the lineup.

I love being your pastor!

Dan Spencer

January 4Dr. nelson Price

Former FBC Interim Pastor

January 11rev. chris “BeePer” KenDall

Former FBC College Intern

January 18rev. glenn metts

Former FBC Associate Pastor:College & Outreach

January 25rev. anthony KenDall

Former FBC Youth Internand ...

Zac BennettFormer FBC Youth Intern

will be leading worship

UP 6th Grade WeekendApril 30th and May 1st

Sign up in Sunday Schoolor call the church office

John 1:1-3

Sonrise SeniorsTuesday, January 6; 9:00am/Parlor

Life Change UniversityMost classes will begin January 7. Visit www.fbcsev.org for more details!

Triple L LuncheonTuesday, January 13; Noon/FLCBring a side dish.

Men’s Ministry Wild Game SupperFebruary 21, 2015; Music Road HotelTickets will go on sale January 11.

5-5-5 Quilting ClassTuesdays; 4:30pm/Good News Building For more info or to sign up for the class please call Lori Mahaffey at 932-1343.

Save the Date!Regional Conference at FBC, equipping small group leaders. March 13 and 14, 2015. For more information contact Steve Brewer or Karen Price at 453-9001.

Upcoming Events

Special AnnouncementsBible Drill - Sundays at 5:30pmBible Buddies (Grades 1-3) in C-220. Children’s Bible Drill (Grades 4-6) in C-212.

Youth Bible Drill-Grades 7-9Sundays at 5:30pm in the 6th grade Sunday School room.

Page 3

Year-End GivingContributions made to the church must be received in the church office by Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at 5:00 pm, or postmarked no later than Wednesday, December 31, 2014, in order to receive contribution credit for 2014. Contributions may also be made online at www.fbcsev.org.

Church Office Holiday ScheduleClosed, January 1 - New Years Day

Jan.2015

Page 4

Johnny King Ben & Connie Ogle Jay & Joyce Broyles Neil & Eileen Marwehe E Gerry & Kay Eastman Steve & Vickie Ownby Jack & Patricia Palmer Gail Haggard Sevierville Primary

School Wesley & Emily

Robertson Larry & Janice Sorrell Northview Primary

School Jerry & Carolyn Whaley Pigeon Forge

Middle SchoolJohnny KingWanda Henderson Joe & Lisa McCarterJim MillerJohnny KingRalph RobertsonJimmie Temple John & Eleanor HayesJohnny KingCarl HeadrickEmily StoneHarold Jensen Mike & Beverly OwnbyBUiLDinG fUnDCarl HeadrickBuddy Glenn Adult IV/Wallace

SS ClassWanda Henderson Rex & Louise DelozierBuddy GlennCarl HeadrickTed BlalockHarold JensenDon Leatherwood Charles & Gail FancherCHRiSTMaS STORERuth MurrellJohnny King Dale MurrellLon Sutton Beulah SuttonJohnny King Curtis & Shirley KingMary Kathryn Thomas Janice & Glenn BettisCarl HeadrickClyde McMahan Richard & Carol Atchley

Buddy Glenn Gail Haggard Kristie Russell Jim & Joan Smith David & Margaret Goode Billy & Lucy Maples Mike & Darlene Amburn Glenn & Laura Turner James & Theresa Miller Brian & Stacie McCarter James & Diane Reed Imogene Suggs Ted & Julie Jordan Allen & Connie Breeden Randall & Pamela Glenn Otha & Sharon Woodby Mary Reed Carter High Class of 1958 Fred & Elaine Bonney James & Carolyn Powell Randy & Teresa Cain Josephine Osborne Richard & Mary Chesney Bruce & Cookie BowlingHarold JensenRoy Overbay Mike & Darlene Amburnin memory of my parent’s

Christmas Eve wedding anniversary, Clarice & Mell Jackson

Debbie GibbsRoy OverbayDon Leatherwood Marie TempleCharles Hodges Robert & Connie AlewineWanda HendersonBuddy Glenn Marjorie Leatherwood Marie Temple Wilma HeltonBuddy GlennKevin Lee Davis Rex & Louise DelozierBuddy Glenn &

Johnny King Joe & Jean WoodsWanda Henderson Bob & Diane McFarlandWanda Guffeyangie DainwoodDon Leatherwood Rowena McFallsangie Dainwood Charlie Ownby’s SS Class Bob & Diana McFarland Beulah McMahan, Mike,

TribuTedGivinG

attendance Report 11/9/2014 11/16/2014 11/23/2014 11/30/2014 8:15am Worship 578 594 702 609 9:30am SS 1276 1328 1257 1150 10:45am Worship 1143 1092 1383 978 6:30pm Worship 429 321 648 305

Biblical Stewardship 10/5/2014 10/12/2014 10/19/2014 10/26/2014 Total Weekly Needs $ 97,265.00 $ 97,265.00 $ 97,265.00 $ 97,265.00 Tithes & Offerings 87,429.81 98,214.02 79,107.88 68,761.67 Building Fund 835.00 712.00 1,166.00 236.00 Designated Fund 3,359.00 4,066.92 4,163.20 7,010.00

new MembersAmanda LlagoPaul OrrAmanda WorganZachary SmithFrank & Martha CalliRobert & Casey ClimerPenny NewmanEvan WenderJade CarverCory AndersonRicky GomezKeith ShultsKyle WilliamsKathy MillerAustin WillisNathan BartelsMichelle HoukAdam BurkhardtStacey HansenKahla WilliamsJeff & Veronia Smelcer

Recently HospitalizedShirley MatthewsJames HatcherBobbie BoyleBarbara AllenNancy JamesGil GilchristRonald NicholsBetty GalyonSam JustusJoe WoodsNorman ThomasKern Henderson

• Wilma Zavona & family in the passing of her nephew, Kevin Davis

• Carolyn Glenn, Jill Allen & family in the passing of their husband/father, Buddy Glenn

• Connie Frye & family in the passing of her sister, Angela Lewelling

• Michelle Galyon & family in the passing of her sister-in-law, Andrea Weddington

• Marcie Gray in the passing of her mother

• Heather Overbay & family in the passing of her father, Harold Jensen

• Johnnie Carver & family in the passing of his sister, Grace Newman

• Lynn Caylor & family in the passing of her mother, Angie Dainwood

• Tisha Morris & family in the passing of her sister, Janel Buice

• Jo Blalock & family in the passing of her cousin, Wanda Guffey

• Marjorie Leatherwood in the passing of her husband, Donald

Sympathy to

Linda & Brandon Berrierangie DainwoodBuddy Glenn Jimmy & Lynn Caylorangie DainwoodBuddy Glenn Dwight & Elaine StokesDonald LeatherwoodRoy V. OverbayWanda Guffey Rex & Louise DelozierHobart Williams Mary OwnbyRalph Davis Margaret DavisHELpinG HanDSJohnny KingClyde Trentham Kay & Jim TarwaterClyde Trentham Bruce & Cookie BowlingWanda Henderson Georgia AileypaRK ROaD pROJECTBuddy GlennDonald LeatherwoodHarold JensenRachel fineWanda GuffeyRoy Overbay Jo BlalockLOTTiE MOOnWanda Henderson Rowena McFallsMr. & Mrs. fred HendersonMr. & Mrs. Tom Sorrell Larry & Janice SorrellRev. & Mrs. George Watsonamos & Beulah McCarter Bob & Diane McFarlandHoney Gregg & Tracy PriceBryan Blalock Jo BlalockHarold Helton Wilma HeltonDwight McMahan,

Roger McMahan, Bill Berrier & Billy Berrier

Mike & Linda BerrierDwight McMahan,

Roger McMahan Beulah McMahanMUSiCBuddy Glenn John & Nancy Mount

Carl Headrick Gail HaggardCharles R, Gregory

& Daniel Clifton Charles & Alma CliftonRoy Verlin Overbay Brent & Sherry BlalockLiBRaRY Clyde TrenthamRudine YatesHenrietta WeeksMary Kathryn ThomasJohnny KingJeffrey Lynn LovedayTerry SweatCarl HeadrickHazel Ruth McCoigCo. Ronald H ByrdWanda HendersonBuddy Glennangela LewellingJoan andersonHarold JensenGrace newmanangie DainwoodJanel BuiceWanda GuffeyDon LeatherwoodVerlin OverbayJoanne CoaneRandall Gorden First Baptist ChurchpRaYER MiniSTRYWanda Henderson Bill & Barbara McClurepRESCHOOLRalph RobertsonJohnny KingBuddy GlennHarold Jensen Brent & Rebecca CusickCHiLDREn’S MUSiCpaul & Ruth Galyon Robert & Sandra Fox

IN HONORBUiLDinGOur granddaughter’s

birthday Rachel Kinsey &

Leslie DurstBUDGETJerry Hyder Jean WhiteOur son-in-laws birthday Conley & Carolyn Murrell

CHRiSTMaS STORETammy Johnson New Horizons SS ClassOur family David & Dorothy JohnsonWORLD HUnGEROur daughter & son-in-

law, Harold & Barbara Sheirling & family

Marjorie LeatherwoodTV MiniSTRYJerry HyderScott andrews Linda RolenLOTTiE MOOnOur grandchildren Rex & Louise DelozierHELpinG HanDSJoe & Laura Christopher Carolyn Glenn

IN MEMORYBUDGETHoney Gregg & Tracy PriceMy father, alton

allen’s Birthday Beulah SuttonRuth McCoig Katie BlalockElben WhiteJohnny King Jean WhiteBuddy Glenn Dave & Dink Tino Jack & Patricia PalmerCol. Ronald Byrd Chuck Sexton’s SS ClassHarold JensenRobert Jensen, Sr Sandra & Robert JensenGeorge Headrick Barbara Headrickfrank HamGlenda HollandRalph RobertsonJane Jackson Debbie GibbsHarold Jensen Garry & Margurite SimsJimmie TempleEric WallaceGreg Hall Mrs. John Jacobs, Jr.Johnny KingBuddy GlennDon Leatherwood Milford & Shirley BlairTV MiniSTRYTed BlalockJohnny King Mr. & Mrs. Doug BlalockWanda Henderson Jenny & Ralph Chance

On Mission in 2015Craig MintzAssoc. Pastor of Equipping

In early 2015, Pastor Dan and I challenged us as a church family to pursue a 5-5-5 missions strategy for the next 5 years. That means taking the gospel to everyone within at 5-mile radius of our church campus (Community), taking the gospel to 5 cities in the U.S. through church planting partnerships (Country) and taking the gospel internationally to 5 different areas through church planting partnerships (Continents). Would you pray about participating in this Acts 1:8 strategy in 2015? Below is a listing of upcoming opportunities. The most up-to-date information can always be found at www.fbcsev.org on our Evangelism and Missions page.

COMMUNITY 2015

Love Loud April 17-29, 2015 Serve our community with your Sunday School class in a practical way that demonstrates the love of Christ.

Page 5

Send questions or comments to newsletter@fbcsev.org

dad’s eyes to all he had lost. And, it was at this time that I asked God to forgive my dad for his poor portrayal in my life as a child/teen, and to help me forgive my dad, too.

For the next ten years, we had many talks about God and forgiveness and moving forward in our lives. I treasure the many talks and visits we had during those years. Sadly, dad’s health continued to decline and this past October he passed away. As heartbroken as I am that he is no longer here, I am blessed with sweet memories that come from the opportunity to build a relationship because I obediently forgave my dad.

I am eternally grateful for the time we had together and that God opened the door for both of us to move past the past. Because of that forgiveness (whenever I think about daddy) I don’t remember the hurt or pain I experienced when I was young. Instead I remember the sweet memories I had with him.

C.A.R.E. Every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. we eat together and then go out to make gospel visits in the community. Please note, C.A.R.E. doesn’t meet on the 5th Tuesday of the month.

COUNTRY 2015

Cleveland, Ohio We are looking forward to serving with Pastor Jeff Bodziony and Forward Church in the Slavic Village area of downtown Cleveland in the Spring and Summer.

New Orleans, Louisiana Watch out for an opportunity next Fall to serve with a new church plant.

Clarksdale, Mississippi Our students will return during the summer to continue gospel ministry there.

CONTINENTS 2015

Thailand We plan to send two teams of up to 6 people in September and November of 2015. We will be working to help reach the unreached

hill-tribe village people in the mountainous region near Laos.

Panama Look for opportunities to join a small team in the Spring, Summer or Fall as we work with a national church planter.

Brazil First Baptist Church has had a long-standing missions presence in Rio de Jainero. We plan to return in the late summer of 2015 to serve and share the gospel.

Kenya Keep an eye out for information about a trip in June to work with children and churches and celebrate Orbit’s 20th anniversary.

Is there someone who has wronged you or hurt you?

Forgiveness is truly one of the greatest blessings you will ever give to the one who has wronged you. Even if that person does not accept your forgiveness, you will be liberated from a heart of bitterness and resentment. Forgiveness frees us to love as we are loved, to move past the past, and to live in the present.

God loved us so much that He sent His one and only Son to die for us so that we would be forgiven of every sin. As a Christian, we cannot refuse to forgive someone who has wronged us, regardless of the offense. We have to remember that God has forgiven us ALL our sins so we must forgive those who wrong us. Ask God to show you if there is unforgiveness in your heart. Start this New Year off with a heart filled with forgiveness and love.

Forgiveness...Amanda Sweat

As a child of divorce, I longed for the two-parent home and for special daddy/daughter times. I wanted the type of relationship where one day at my wedding we would both be crying our eyes out because he was about to give me away and I was not going to be his little girl anymore. But, my daddy was not a part of my life. Instead of special memories, I had a poor relationship with him. As I grew older, I became more and more angry with him because he was not an active part of my life. I was resentful of his lack of involvement or interest in things that mattered to me.

By my early twenties, my dad’s health began to fail. He gradually began to reach out to me. The first time that he called to see how I was doing and to just talk, I cried like a baby. He expressed sadness for all the time he lost with me and asked my forgiveness. It was at this time, that I truly believed that God opened my

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

Scott CarterAssoc. Pastor of Youth

Address317 Parkway Sevierville, TN 37862

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

Office Phone(865) 453-9001(865) 429-6309 (fax)

Craig MintzAssoc. Pastor of Equipping

Royce BaileyAssoc. Pastor of Children

Steve BrewerAssoc. Pastor of Discipleship

Clark ByramAssoc. Pastor of Stewardship/Administration Contact UsSenior Staff

fbcsev.org

info@fbcsev.org

facebook.com/fbcsev

twitter.com/fbcsev

Pastor on Call(865) 453-9257

Prayer Line(865) 429-PRAY