January 7, 2018 Vol. 54, No. 1 From the Pastor s Pen by Fred Stone Discipleship Classes Begin Sunday Evening, January 7 Several new adult discipleship classes will begin this Sunday night at 6 pm. Two classes will feature the teaching of two popular Bible teachers we have used in the past Matt Chandler and James MacDonald. Please look through the list of classes inside under Jeff s column, and plan to attend the one that most appeals to you. Family Discipleship Seminar for Parents Begins Sunday Morning, January 7 This class is designed to equip and inspire parents to be the primary spiritual leaders and teachers of their children. Mike Sterlachini will be teaching it in the Fellowship Hall for 8 weeks, beginning this Sunday at 9:20 am. More information is found inside this newsletter. I encourage all parents with children living at home to attend. New Wednesday Night Study begins January 10: Keys to Spiritual Growth Are you growing spiritually? Growth is a normal expression of life in everything plants, animals, and people. Everything that is alive grows until it reaches maturity. A failure to grow is a sign of a serious problem. Growth is also a normal expression of the Christian life. But unlike physical growth, spiritual growth should never stop. All Christians need to grow in the development of Christ-like character and spiritual maturity throughout their earthly lives. Keys to Spiritual Growth will focus on our responsibility to use the means of growth that God makes available to us through His Spirit and His Word. Please plan to join us, beginning January 10 at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Pray with me that God will use this study to help all of us experience greater spiritual growth in 2018. Firs Focus A Weekly Newsletter for the Family and Friends of Pickens First Baptist All Church Members.... Ministers Fred Stone (859-5853)..........Senior Pastor Bryan Hester (704-4802)...Worship & Associate Pastor Jeff Rafferty (607-8306)....Discipleship & Missions Pastor Mike Sterlachini (395-5880)....Student & Family Pastor Jennifer Hendrix (449-5381).....Preschool Director Katie Freeman Financial Secretary Tricia McJunkin........Church Secretary Church Phone: 864-878-6564 Website: www.fbcpickens.org Office Hours: 8:30 AM 5 PM, Monday Thursday 8:30 AM 12:30 PM, Friday
Discipleship and Missions News from Jeff January Discipleship Classes: January Discipleship Classes will begin on January 7 th. Please review the class descriptions below and sign-up for a class today so that we will be sure to have enough workbooks for everyone. Unless otherwise noted, classes will begin on Sunday, January 7 th at 6:00 p.m. Apostles Creed The Apostles Creed is a summary of basic Christian doctrines that generations of faithful Christians throughout history have affirmed. We will use the Apostles Creed as an outline for a Bible study of the foundational beliefs of the Christian faith, and the life-changing truth of the gospel. This will be a DVD-driven study featuring the teaching of Matt Chandler. Location: Sanctuary Facilitator: Fred Stone Think Differently Why do we tend to hurt those we care for most? The reason is often the way we think. If you repeatedly find yourself in places where you don't want to be, it's your thinking that's leading you there. This is a 10-session Bible study by James MacDonald that identifies strongholds, examines how they came to be, and offers believers a biblical path toward repentance and the renewing of their minds. Location: E357 Facilitator: Jeff Rafferty I Am N I Am N asks Christians to examine their own lives in light of the reality of many persecuted Christians. In six sessions, you'll explore themes of forgiveness, sacrifice, faithfulness, joy, perseverance, and courage through group study and reflection questions. As you journey with these believers through their stories, you'll find hope and love that overcomes whatever difficulty you're facing. Location: E106 Facilitator: Lisa Hiott Men s Study: Kingdom Man In this Bible Study, pastor and author Tony Evans challenges men to recognize and claim the standard of greatness that God has set forth in His Word. You will learn what it means to be a kingdom man who accepts responsibility for his domain and influence; who lives by kingdom principles; and who devotes his life to advancing God s kingdom at home, at church, and in the world. Room: S300 Facilitator: TBA Women s Studies: Mom Set Free In Mom Set Free, Jeannie Cunnion combines modern research, personal stories, professional experience, and real-life examples to show parents how to embrace God's grace and let go of the pressures that come with raising children. It's time to stop worrying about the minor details, trust God with the children he has entrusted to you, and learn to reflect His grace in the everyday moments of parenting. Room: E150 Facilitator: Dede Eller Discerning the Voice of God Having a hard time knowing what God is saying versus what others are saying? This Bible study is designed to help participants know the voice of God: His language, character, and tone of voice. By growing closer to God through His Word, participants will be able to discern God's voice from the voice of strangers. Begins Tuesday, January 9 th from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Room E357 Facilitator: Ida Breazeale 1 Peter: A Living Hope In Christ Our inheritance through Christ is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. In 1 Peter, a man of faith and flaws and eyewitness to the life of Christ challenges us to look beyond our current circumstances to a future inheritance. He shares his concerns on big picture issues for the early church, describes believers' true identity in Christ, and ultimately helps readers discover what it means to experience the Living Hope they have in Christ. Begins Tuesday, January 23 rd from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Room E250 Facilitator: Judy Holder and Helen Batson LOTTIE MOON CHRISTMAS OFFERING FOR INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS CHURCH GOAL: $60,000 GIVEN AS OF DECEMBER 24TH: $56,926.00
Student Ministry News from Mike Summer Camp Deposit Due Summer camp deposit? Already?!! That s right, this year our youth will be heading to Daytona Beach, Florida for Student Life Camp at the Beach. Students will have an awesome time worshipping the Lord and enjoying lots of fun in the sun. We have rented out a block of rooms at the Ocean Walk Resort, which is across the street from the camp. Ocean Walk Resort is on the beach and has a water park on campus. The dates of camp are July 9-13. An initial non-refundable/non-transferable deposit is due on Wednesday, January 17. The deposit is $125 for church members and $185 for non-church members. The non-refundable/non-transferable balance is due on March 14: $125 for church members and $185 for nonchurch members. Limited scholarships and financial aid are available. See Mike if you have any questions! YOUTH TRIP TO FUDDRUCKERS The youth will be heading to Fuddruckers in Anderson after D-Groups on Sunday, January 14. We should be back around 9:30-10:00. Youth should bring enough money for dinner. Parents are encouraged to attend. The church bus will leave at 7:15pm. Substance Abuse and Driving Safety Seminar During the month of January on Wednesday nights at 6:15pm in the Xchange, the Pickens County Sheriff s Office will be leading a substance abuse and driving safety seminar. Our local deputies will be teaching topics like the dangers of drugs and alcohol, peer pressure, texting while driving, and defensive driving. There will also be a Q&A time each night. On the final night of the seminar, the deputies will show off some of the gear they carry in their car and on their person. It should be a great class. Counting Committee January 7: Joe Dunn, Chr.; Roger Smith; Gil Stewart January 14: Joe Dunn, Chr.; Roger Smith; Gil Stewart House Attendant, Prayer January 7: Mendel Stewart January 14: Gil Stewart Prayer Room Schedule - January 7 Prayer Room - 878-PRAY (7729) 9:15 am - Nicki Dunn 10:30 am - Joe Dunn 6:00 pm - Kerry Harper Ushers For January 8:00 a.m. Service 10:30 a.m. Service David Moody Joe Dunn Jean Westbrook John Sanders Kevin Phillips Rick Reeves Jerry Dubuc Mark Thomas David Wilson Greeters - Hello, How Are You Today? January 7: Door #1, Lynda Kelley Door #2, Jerry & Ruth Ann Smith January 14: Door #1, Randy & Lynne Griffin Door #2, Justin & Amy Sawyer Security Team Rotation Assignment Team C (E) Stan Butler, Ldr. Roger Smith Michael Stone Kyle Nimmons Cheryl Aguero The Month Of January Team C (L) Don Shuman, Ldr. Brent Cain Mark Thomas Philip Aguero Josh Davis Brett Satterfield Preschool Worship Volunteers 10:00 a.m. Service January 7: Babies, Jim & Linda Alexander; 1 s, Milledge & Linda Cassell; 2 s, Mac Bolding & Emily Simmons; 3 s, Doyle & Pennie Hundley; 4 s & K5 s, Erin Hunter, Chase Williams, & Nathan Payne January 14: Babies, Susan Williams & Frances Stewart; 1 s, Sadie Lee & Hanna Watson; 2 s, Brett & Jessica Satterfield; 3 s, Andrew & Megan Shipman; 4 s & K5 s, Amy Stone & Rebecca Newman Wednesday Night Service & Choir (Babies - Two s) (6:15-7:15 p.m.) January 10: Lisa Stone & Mallie Couch January 17: Sadie Lee & Dena Hiott
Homebound Ministry Birthdays For January Fairy Lawing - January 2nd Dora Mae Lark - January 31st Please notify the church office if you or a family member would like to be added to our homebound or in-care facility lists. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 Prayer Points The Deaf of the world is around 35 million and most have never seen Jesus name signed in their language. Often they are overlooked and sidelined, even abandoned. DEAF OF EAST ASIA. Pray for a group of deaf believers as they seek a new place to meet. Pray for wisdom to find ways to produce videos through an app so that more of God s stories can be seen by many Deaf. AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS. This nation has a rich Christian history, but has turned its back on its Christian heritage. Pray for a spiritual revival across the country.
THIS WEEK AT PICKENS FBC SUNDAY, JANUARY 7 8:00 am - First Worship Service 9:15 am - Sunday School 10:30 am - Second Worship Service 6:00 pm - Nursery (babies through age 2) Joyful Noise Preschool Choir (ages 3-5) Truth Journey and Children s Choir (grades 1-5) Student Worship @ the XChange (grades 6-12) Adult Discipleship Classes TUESDAY, JANUARY 9 9:00 am - Ladies Bible Study Begins, RoomE357 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10 6:15 pm - Nursery, Mission Friends, GA s, RA s, Student Discipleship (grades 6-12) 6:30 pm - Adult Bible Study & Prayer Service 6:45 pm - Orchestra Rehearsal 7:15 pm - Adult Choir Rehearsal THURSDAY, JANUARY 11 6:00 am - Men s Prayer Group, FH FRIDAY, JANUARY 12 6:45 am - FCA Bkft, FH WELCOME! Attention Everyone!!! * * * Missed a Sunday Morning Service? * * * Go to our web page, www.fbcpickens.org and click on the Sermons tab to listen to past Sunday Morning Sermons. Facts & figures December 24th Sunday School - No SS December 31st - Information Not Available Due To Early Deadline Offering - $18,622.00 Offering To Date - $1,144.885.00 Building Fund as of Dec. 24th: $246,167.45 Goal to Date - $1,138,435.00 Thank you for worshiping with us Today! Please complete, tear off, and place in offering plate. Name Address Today s Date Single Married Phone E-mail Children s Names & Ages I came as a guest of My church membership Age Group: Middle School High School College 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70 + Please check the appropriate box: First Time Guest Returning Guest New to Area Seeking Church Home Would like to know more about Pickens First Baptist Would like to know more about becoming a Christian
Welcome to Pickens First Baptist Church M O R N I N G W O R S H I P. Sunday, January 7, 2018 Ordinance of Baptism (10:30 a.m.) Opening Song In Christ Alone Congregational Song Our God Prayer Welcome and Greeting Of Guests In This Holy Hour...Small Group Ensemble (8:00 a.m.) In This Holy Hour. Adult Choir & Orchestra (10:30 a.m.) Congregational Song Speak, O Lord Offertory Prayer. Mendel Stewart Offertory Message From God s Word...Pastor Fred Stone Song Of Commitment At The Cross Closing Song We Will Glorify Prayer Ladell Crenshaw, Pianist Beth Dalke, Keyboardist William Reece, Organist Pickens First Baptist Church exists to be a Worshiping, Evangelizing, Learning, and Loving (W.E.L.L.) family of faith to the glory of God. (Mt. 28:18-20; Acts 2:42-47; 1 Cor. 10:31). Considering Membership in Pickens FBC? Attend the next Discovery Class: Sunday Morning, January 14, 9:15 AM in the Parlor (near the church office) or contact Fred Stone: 878-6564 or fred@fbcpickens.org The Discovery Class is designed to help anyone considering membership discover more about Pickens FBC and what is involved in becoming a member. (Attending the class does not obligate you to join the church.) It is for adults and students (high school and middle school), but parents are welcome to bring their younger children with them. The class meets the second Sunday of each month. Sign-ups are required. If you prefer to meet with the pastor in your home or his office, please contact him (878-6564 or fred@fbcpickens.org) to schedule a time. Please sign up for the next Discovery Class by Sunday, January 7th using the form below or the pastor s contact information above. Tear off and place in the offering plate * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Discovery Class Sign-Up for January 14th @ 9:15 AM in the Church Parlor Name: Phone Number: