FIRST BAPTIST SEVIERVILLE | MAY 2014

Volume 88, No. 6

IN THIS ISSUE

MilestonesBro Dan shares about upcoming milestones within his family.

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Operating SystemBro Royce talks about regeneration among believers.

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Inside and Out We are reminded that during times of chaos, busyness, pain that we must keep our focus on God. Page 5

First Baptist Church of Sevierville’s Monthly Newsletter

The Light That Never Fails

A servant of God must stand so very much alone that he never realizes he is alone. In the early stages of the Christian life, disappointments will come— people who used to be lights will flicker out, and those who used to stand with us will turn away. We have to get so used to it that we will not even realize we are standing alone. Paul said, “. . . no one stood with me, but all forsook me . . . But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me . . .” (2 Timothy 4:16-17). We must build our faith not on fading lights but on the Light that never fails. When “important” individuals go away we are sad, until we see that they are meant to go, so that only one thing is left for us to do— to look into the face of God for ourselves.

Allow nothing to keep you from looking with strong determination into the face of God regarding yourself and your doctrine. And every time you preach make sure you look God in the face about the message first, then the glory will remain through all of it. A Christian servant is one who perpetually looks into the face of God and then goes forth to talk to others. The ministry of Christ is characterized by an abiding glory of which the servant is totally unaware— “. . . Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him” (Exodus 34:29).

We are never called on to display our doubts openly or to express the hidden joys and delights of our life with God. The secret of the servant’s life is that he stays in tune with God all the time.

Page 2 | First Baptist Church of Sevierville

Dear Church Family,This year is turning out to be a year of milestones for my family. This month we will attend the college graduation for both of our sons. We are exceedingly proud of the Godly young men our boys have become. Jeremiah, 22, will graduate from The Baptist College of Florida (Graceville, Florida) with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. He is a talented singer and instrumentalist with a heart for worship. Upon graduation, Jeremiah will begin serving as a Music Ministry Associate and Worship Leader for the contemporary service at First Baptist Church of Thomasville, Georgia. That is the church in which he was raised and which I pastored before coming to Sevierville. Tresa and I are overjoyed that he will begin full-time ministry under leaders who are family friends and among people whom he loves and respects.

Jacob, 20, will graduate from Truett-McConnell College (Cleveland, Georgia) with a Bachelor of Arts in World Missions. He feels that God has called him to serve as a missionary, a calling that has been confirmed through numerous short-term mission ventures. Jacob’s seminary plans and final mission destination are yet to be determined, but he has a particular affinity for sub-Saharan Africa.

After the graduations, we will reach another family milestone. I must admit I approach it with mixed feelings. Through the years, we have enjoyed family vacations. Some have been very simple, like our tour of the Okefenokee Swamp or visits to family in Missouri. Others have been more elaborate, like our trip to the Grand Canyon and Southern California. But most of our family vacations have been at the beach in Florida or the mountains in North Georgia – quiet days of outdoor fun, board games, and making memories. Next month we will take our last family vacation with just the four of us because of another family milestone coming up…

Jeremiah will be married in September to Miss Anda Scott of Live Oak, Florida. Anda, who is originally from Latvia, was adopted (along with her two younger brothers) by a Christian couple when she was 15 years old. Anda has recently graduated with an MBA from Troy University in Alabama, and we are thrilled to have her as a part of our family. Speaking of marriage…

The final milestone of 2014 for Tresa and me will be the celebration of our 25th wedding anniversary in December. I am honored to have been married to my best friend for a quarter-century. Tresa is not an “out front” kind of person, but her faithful love, her quiet ministry, and her get-er-done attitude are very important to me, and by extension, to First Baptist Church.

This has already been a good year for our church family, but I am praying that God will give us some real spiritual milestones in 2014 – things we can look back on and marvel at the grace of God at work here.

I love being your pastor!

UP 6th Grade WeekendApril 30th and May 1st

Sign up in Sunday Schoolor call the church office

Psalm 62:7

Single Adult Friday Night LightFriday, May 9; 6:00pm/ParlorGuest; Denita Galloway. Bring a side dish or dessert. Saturday, May 24; 10:00amDay at the lake! Meet at the church to carpool to Don Ogle’s lakehouse. Bring a side dish or dessert.

“Love Your Selfie”Saturday, May 10; 2:00pm/FLCLadies of all ages invited. Cost is $10 per person. Speakers; Donna Roland & Meghan Cobble.

Triple L LuncheonTuesday, May 13; Noon/FLCBring a covered dish.

G3 (God, Guns, Grub)May 17; 10:00am-3:00pm/Ted Jordan FarmPistol Range, Skeet Shooting, BB gun range, Exciting Demonstrations. Cost: $10 Adult, $5 12yrs and under.

Senior Adult One Day Trip - Cumberland County Playhouse “Annie Get Your Gun”May 29 $30 per person (due at sign up)Deadline: May 18. Sign up at Welcome Center

Camp Read-A-LotJune 11 & 18July 9, 16 & 30; 5:00pm/Library

The PlungeJune 11 & 18July 9, 16 & 30; 6:00pmAge 4 go to preschool areaKindergarten - 6th grade go to the Crossing

Camp Smoky Summer CampCompleted grades 1-6; June 15-19Completed grades 7-12; July 13-18Pick up registration forms at Welcome Center or see Tammy in the church office.

VBS - AgencyD3 June 23-27; 9:00am-12:30pmAge 4 thru completed 6th grade.Special needs class available with pre-registration through FBC church office.

Music Camp - The Agape LeagueJuly 21-25; 9:00am-12:00pmGrades 1-6 completed. Presentation July 27; 6:30pm

The Main Event - Men’s ConferenceAugust 1-2/Bridgeston Arena NashvilleCost: $100/person covers event fee and 1 night hotel based on double occupancy.Registration Deadline June 1st.

Upcoming Events

Special AnnouncementsMinistry OpportunityMission Friends is looking for volunteers for the 2 year old and 5 year old classes. If interested call Tammy in the church office

Graduate RecognitionSunday, May 18; 10:45 serviceIf you are graduating from high school orcollege and would like to have your namecalled during the recognition please call Amanda in the church office by May 15.

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Church Office Holiday HoursMemorial Day - ClosedJuly 4th - Closed

May2014

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Dr. & Mrs. William T Baker

Ramsey Bible Fellowship-Sevier Heights

Ruby & Arlen Allen Hulet & Joyce Chaney Jeff & Gail Monson Karl & Denise Reed Reba Kerley & familyRuth Murrell Jack & Patricia Palmer Gregg & Tracy Price John & Susie Delozier Vickie Reed Phil & Karen Ownby Conley & Carolyn

Murrell Milford & Shirley Blair Rowena McFalls Roy & Cynthia Ford Terry & Gail Gossett Howard & Darlene

Murrell Will & Janet Johnson Charlotte Ellis Jackson John H Hays Abel Construction Co. John Stephen Watson Ron & Evelyn MurrellRuth Murrell Harold Helton Bill & Clara Carroll Melba DelozierHailey Turner Vickie Reed Bill & Clara Carroll Pat Loepp Milford & Shirley BlairHoney Gregg & Tracy PriceMr. & Mrs. Edgar

EthertonMr. Joe FreelsMr. & Mrs. JW Etherton

Mr. & Mrs. Amos Large Margaret EthertonHarold Humphries, SrHarold HeltonRuth Murrell Ray & Tammy JohnsonHarold Humphries, SrHarold HeltonRuth MurrellKatherine WelchJim AtchleyMary Pullen Ray & Tammy JohnsonHarold HeltonHailey TurnerRuth Murrell Dwight & Juanita Brock Joe & Tammie SartenTV MINIS TRYHarold HeltonRuth Murrell Jimmie & Marie Temple Mike, Linda &

Brandon Berrier and Beulah McMahan

Harold HeltonHailey Turner David & Margaret Goode Richard & Ada IsenbergHailey Turner Brent & Sherry Blalock Mrs. Arline RoarkRuth MurrellKatherine Welch Dot LaddExa McMahanMary PullenHailey Turner Joe & Libby WilliamsLillard AllenJim AtchleyHarold Helton Aileen Boruff & family James & Carolyn PowellHailey Turner Mike, Linda &

Brandon Berrier and Beulah McMahan

Harold HeltonHailey TurnerRuth Murrell JB & Shirley MatthewsCHILDREN’S DEPTJim Atchley Joe & Libby WilliamsMike Williams Mary Ownby

TRIBUTEDGIVING

Attendance Report 2/25/2014 3/2/2014 3/9/2014 3/16/2014 8:15am Worship 638 679 515 647 9:30am SS 1421 1368 1317 1342 10:45am Worship 1194 1170 1354 1044 6:30pm Worship 469 355 371 591

Biblical Stewardship 2/25/2014 3/2/2014 3/9/2014 3/16/2014 Total Weekly Needs $ 93,073.00 $ 93,073.00 $ 93,073.00 $ 93,073.00 Tithes & Offerings 101,575.07 81,406.77 103,528.81 95,401.97 Building Fund 432.00 506.00 2,225.00 1,242.00 Designated Fund 4,135.35 8,381.00 9,937.00 18,774.64

New MembersAshley AtchleyKara BurkettCaden FrenchDavid MaplesTia KeltnerJerry, Torrie & Austin Ritts & Chelsey Reeves

Recently HospitalizedHelen OwnbyNoel “Sonny” CoaneSaundra SaulsNancy MountMorgan WilsonJerry GibsonLarry FoxChuck McGillTed SpragueVelma WilliamsWalter DonnellDebbie LovedayMarcia NelsonBekah MooreKeisha SuttonDebbie LequireDon LeatherwoodBarbara AllenGene Carpenter

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

Gene Carpenter Matt & Melanie OwnbyKathy Kiser & Mary Howard Family of Betty Bennett

• The following families wish to express their appreciation for support from the church: Pennie Hall & James Morgan Gordon & Melanie Stevens

• Greg Lawson in the passing of his father, Golden

• Jenny Chance & family in the passing of her mother, Hailey Turner

• April Warren in the passing of her grandfather

• Gene Carpenter in the passing of his sister, Doris Korrect

• Susan Kingsbury in the passing of her mother, Faye Cheshire

• Traci Sutton in the passing of her father, John Lee

• Lee Wilson in the passing of his father, Mike

• Jean Williams in the passing of her mother, Lorene Brigance

• Gary Roach & family in the passing of his mother

• Phyllis Lintz in the passing of her sister-in-law, Betty Yates

• Cynthia Nelson in the passing of her grandmother, Lucia Truan

• Connie Cottongim in the passing of her husband, John

• Cal Sullivan in the passing of his wife, Carolyn

Thank You Notes

Sympathy to

BUILDING FUNDHarold Helton Chuck Sexton’s SS Class Ruby Maples Rex & Louise Delozier Donald & Leah Brackins Marc & Kim Robertson Kent & Lora ReedRuth Murrell Ruby Maples Rex & Louise Delozier Donald & Leah Brackins Marye RoseHailey Turner Ruby MaplesHailey TurnerHarold Helton Rex & Louise DelozierFaye Cheshire Adult IV/Wallace SS Class Rex & Louise DelozierHarold Humphries, SrIna TrotterAgnes AmburgeyAndy GlennExa McMahanRalph Davis Ben & Connie OgleHELPING HANDSHarold Helton Richard & Carol AtchleyRuth Murrell Ruth ChristopherGarfield HuskeyTom Wells Richard & Carol AtchleyMary PullenRuth Murrell Billie AtchleyHarold HeltonRuth Murrell Joe & Libby WilliamsRuth MurrellHailey TurnerKatherine Welch Aileen Boruff & familyBUILDING & GROUNDSJim AtchleyHarold Helton Joe & Jean WoodsMUSIC MINISTRYLon Sutton Beulah SuttonHarold HeltonHailey TurnerKatherine Welch Katie Blalock

Harold Helton Gene & Judy HuskeyHarold HeltonRuth MurrellHailey Turner Gail HaggardLorene Brigance Chuck Sexton’s SS ClassKatherine WelchHarold Helton Marvin & Fran Harmon

and Jerry & Barbara ScottHailey Turner Brian McMahanPARK ROAD PROJECTBryan Blalock’s

76th Birthday Jo BlalockLIBRARYFlora Grace McCandlessJoan BomarJack GlaspieAnna WebsterBill OlerHarold HeltonRuth MurrellHailey TurnerGolden LawsonBeatrice FrederickJohn LeeDoris KorrectFaye Cheshire First Baptist ChurchPRAYER ROOMHarold HeltonJohn Mor’s birthday Janet MohrHarold HeltonRuth Murrell Clell & Betty Jean KingCHILDREN’S MUSICPaul & Ruth Galyon Robbie & Sandy FoxANNIE ARMSTRONGHarold Helton Frank & Barbara Parton Larry & Maggie FoxRobert Delozier Melba DelozierExa McMahan Frank & Barbara PartonJim AtchleyKatherine Welch Will & Janet JohnsonMy mother, Doris

Trentham Darius & Carolyn Fine

Jim AtchleyRuth MurrellHarold Helton Katie McMahanMary PullenHarold HeltonJim AtchleyRuth Murrell Jim & Joan SmithKatherine WelchJim AtchleyRuth MurrellHailey Turner Bob & Diane McFarlandEd Glaspie Belva GlaspieRuth MurrellHarold HeltonKatherine WelchJim AtchleyHailey Turner Ben & Connie OglePARKING LOTJim Atchley Charles & Sara Hardin Richard & Shirley CraigCHRISTMAS STORERuth Murrell Dwight & Elaine Stokes David & Margaret Goode David & Betty Watson Ron & Brenda Russell Charles & Peggy JacksonPRESCHOOL MUSICJim AtchleyRuth Murrell Betty CusickMISSIONSHarold Helton Richard & Shirley CraigPRESCHOOLRuth Murrell Marlene Layman Rebecca & Brent Cusick

IN MEMORYBUDGETHarold Helton Herman & Jean Huff Carleton & Donna

Edmunds Bill & Joan Howell Jack & Patricia Palmer Dave & Dink Tino Buddy & Carolyn Glenn Vickie Reed Phil & Karen Ownby Milford & Shirley Blair Rowena McFalls Volunteer Chevrolet Frank Bohanan Tamara Torres Kimela & Gary Brackins Terry & Gail Gossett J Richard Norris, Jr Will & Janet Johnson Dwight & Elaine Stokes Methodist Medical Group

Physicians, Helen & Norma Mr. & Mrs. Austin

Stubblefield Leland Thomas &

Jennifer Bush Scott & Pam Hensley Paine Lake HOA

Operating SystemRoyce BaileyAssociate Pastor of Children

Summer is coming! With the warm breezes in the air, it’s always a reminder that change of seasons is in full swing. I love living where there’s four distinct season to enjoy. I enjoy some more than others, but I really do love watching how God takes a dead looking earth and renews it into a green picture, with colors speckled here and there for entertainment. He’s so good.

It reminds me of how our Lord takes dead sinners and regenerates us into live born-again Christians. He continually brings about change in our lives once He draws us to Himself. (Titus 3:5)

May I ask you, are you regenerated? Are you born again? In our world today we hear a lot about turning over a new leaf, making a change. After the change of a new year, the gyms will be packed with folks trusting their flesh to change the looks of their flesh. The world is always teasing us to pick ourselves up by our own boot straps and go for the gusto.

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Send questions or comments to newsletter@fbcsev.org

our own problems that we don’t look to the One who created us and sustains us.

It is crucial for us during these times that our focus be readjusted. God is the only One in control of our lives. It is a necessity that we spend time with Him, sharing our frustrations, but most importantly, praising Him and focusing our mind on who He is and what He has done. We need this not just because it’s what we’re called to do, but we need it to get our focus off of ourselves and back to where it needs to be.

As we turn to God’s Word and read the words of Psalm 103, we see the psalmist praising God and then listing the benefits of God. He forgives. He heals. He redeems. He crowns. He satisfies. And that’s just the beginning! He gives righteousness and justice. He reveals His ways. He is compassionate and gracious. He is slow to anger and

May I encourage you today that there’s a better way.

Picking ourselves up in the flesh only leads to a bigger crash next time. Our flesh is weak! The only way this flesh suit (our body) can make any lasting difference in this temporary world is through a new operating system. God sent His one and only Son Jesus Christ to pay our sin debt. Jesus Christ satisfied God’s demands and was our supreme substitute on the cross, He alone is the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father but through Him.

You and I can live our whole life in a state of flesh, continually working for the better just to remain empty on the inside, or we can give ourselves to someone who can bring permanent and lasting change.

Maybe you’ve been in church all your life, but there’s no peace, there’s no hunger and thirst for righteousness, there’s no desire for God things. Friend, it may be that you’ve never given God your life.

If there’s any inkling that you have lived a good life and you’ve done good things yet you’ve never longed for God and His righteousness, then you are trusting your decision and not God’s work through you. Trust me...no trust Him! He made you for Himself. Your operating system can be renewed so that your whole life thinks about and desires for the glory of God!

Why not trust Him?

abounding in love. He does not deal with us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our wrongs. His love is faithful and great. He removes our sins and remembers them no more. He has compassion on us. He knows us inside and out.

This is why we need to focus on Him and Him alone…at all times!

Inside and OutBekah Moore

Life can be busy. Life can be hectic. We can become frustrated with our circumstances and hurt by the people around us. When our lives are characterized with busyness, frustration, and hurt, we often tend to become focused on ourselves. We become engrossed in our own little world. We can forget about others and their needs, and most often we forget about God. We lose sight of who He is and what He has done for us.

It is in the times of busyness and frustration that we need God the most. Yet it seems as though it’s during those times that we push Him away. We say that we “forget” to pray or spend time in His Word, when the truth is, we don’t take the time to spend with Him. We’re too busy having pity on ourselves or trying to fix

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

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 Equipping

Royce BaileyAssoc. Pastor of Children

Clark ByramBusiness Administrator Contact UsSenior Staff

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info@fbcsev.org

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Pastor on Call(865) 453-9257

Prayer Line(865) 429-PRAY