Morningside Baptist Church August 2017 Volume 60 Number 8

The Messenger The Monthly Newsletter of

Morningside Baptist Church Spartanburg, SC

We Seek a personal, life-changing relationship with God through prayer, engaging worship, and Bible teaching. We Serve others by modeling the love of Christ through missions and ministry involvement. We Share God’s grace through genuine, loving fellowship and discipleship.

Calendar of Events

1 Youth Road Trip - 8:00 A.M. 2-3 Children’s Sleepover with the Sharks 3 Bereavement Team Meeting - 11:00 A.M. 6 Spotlight on Our Missions Partner, SCBEST (Spartanburg County Bible Study in School Time) - 9:30 A.M. 7 Beautiful Hat Groups Mr. Gatti’s - 11:30 A.M. Janice Parris’ Home - 6:30 P.M. 9 Summer Reflections - 6:00 P.M. 13 Ordinance of Baptism - 9:30 A.M. 14 Deacons’ Meeting - 6:30 P.M. 15 Mside Preschool Kickoff Event -

6:00 P.M. 16 Ask the Pastor - 6:00 P.M. 17 Prayer Shawl Ministry - 11:00 A.M. 20 Deacon Nominations Sunday School Promotion Day for Preschoolers, Children, and Youth 23 Life Groups Celebration - 6:00 P.M. 24 Hearts and Hands Crafters - 10:00 A.M. 26 Ladies’ Super Salad Luncheon - 11:30 A.M. 27 Deacon Nominees Meet with Leadership 10:45 A.M. 29 Missions Council - 9:45 A.M. 30 Mside Round-up - 6:00 P.M. Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal - 7:05 P.M.

The entire church family is invited to our free Mside Fall Round-up, an event to kick off Wednesday night programs that begin September 6. Start now gathering your western wear—hats, bandanas, belt buckles, boots, vests, plaid shirts, etc.—and practicing your cowboy swagger. Displays with games/activities and information about the various music ministries for adults and children, Prayer Meeting for adults, Bible study opportunities, missions groups (ESOL(R.A.’s, and G.A.’s,), and Bible study for youth will be set up in the Fellowship Hall.

Chow for the Evening:

Chuck Wagon Pie (baked spaghetti), tumbleweed (salad), cow patties (cookies), and belly washers (drinks).

Round-up Schedule Beginning September 6:

5:50 P.M. *Children’s Choir - Room 105 6:00 P.M. Prayer Meeting - Fellowship Hall 6:00 P.M. Youth - Thrive Resumes in Youth Room 6:45 P.M. Mission Friends - Room 116 *GA’s - Rooms 103, 104 *RA’s - Room 102 7:05 P.M. Sanctuary Choir - Choir Suite

*All children’s programs are held in the Children’s Wing.

Church-wide Fellowship Kickoff for Fall Programs

Wednesday, August 30 6:00 P.M. Fellowship Hall

Letting the Shepherd Lead Around the office we have been busy winding down the summer schedule and planning for and praying about fall activities to begin: music groups, missions programs, and discipleship opportunities, as well as Deacon elections and Ministry Team enlistment. During this planning, the thought occurred to me that we should emphasize serving Christ as Lord. Allow me to take a moment and share why that emphasis is important. Before each of us trusted Christ as our Savior, we were in bondage. We were bound to the desires and whims of our sinful nature. We could not escape the consequences of those sins, but Christ came to forgive us and free us (Romans 6). Did Christ free us from our sinful nature so that we could willingly return to obeying its evil desires or to sit idle, waiting for Heaven? Absolutely not! Christ freed us so that we could "live as people who are free, not using [our] freedom as a coverup for evil, but living as servants of God" (1 Peter 2:16). Christians, you are free from sin so that you can serve Christ as Lord with every aspect of your redeemed life! When you take time to care about someone in need, to share a Bible story with your children, or to volunteer in a ministry, you are serving Christ. So, as we approach fall, may I encourage you to explore ways you can best serve Christ as Lord? • Volunteer to assist in an area where you have spiritual

gifts. • Ask your pastors if you can serve in their ministries. • Join a Ministry Team. • Find a way to serve another member of this church just to

encourage them. • Plan a time for your Sunday School class or small group

to aid one of our Ministry Partners. • Invite someone to join us for Morning Worship in

September and October as we look at 1 Peter to discover how we can "Serve through the Suffering" of life.

Believers, do you want to hear Christ say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant" (Matt. 25:21, 23) when your time on earth is over? Then let me encourage you to find a way to serve Christ as Lord today! Pastor Steven

Spotlight on Our Missions Partner Sunday, August 6

Spartanburg County Bible Education in School Time (SCBEST) exists to provide in-depth Bible education and intentional discipleship to the youth of our community during the school day. The organization implements these core goals through supporting church-school partnerships within the community. Classes aim to disciple and train students to read and understand Scripture so that they can develop a Biblical worldview and understand the foundational truths of the Christian faith. John Hopkins, Development Director, will be our guest. Please take the opportunity to meet him in the Fellowship Hall following the morning service. Learn how you can assist this ministry in the Spartanburg community or surrounding areas.

mside missions

August Mission Project Our church will collect the following healthy easy-to-open snacks for Child Evangelism Fellowship’s after-school program at Pine Street Elementary: pudding/fruit cups, small boxes of cereals, breakfast bars, cans of Vienna sausage, Pop Tarts, juice boxes, Beanie Weanies, Rice Krispy treats, and cheese crackers (no peanut butter crackers, please). Individually-wrapped items are most suitable.

Deacon Election

During this year’s deacon election, we will elect nine individuals to serve on the Diaconate for the 2017-2018 term, beginning October 1. Please prayerfully consider whom you will nominate. Below is the tentative schedule—pending Diaconate approval—with important dates and information. Sunday, August 6, 13 Handout, Providing Biblical Qualifications/Responsibilities and a List of Ineligible Deacons Sunday, August 20 Deacon Nominations Sunday, August 27 Meeting with Nominees Sunday, September 3 Sample Ballot Sunday, September 10 Deacon Election Sunday, September 11 Deacons’ Meeting of Current and Newly-elected Deacons To Be Determined Deacon Ordination, if necessary

Fall Trip to Niagara Falls and Amish Country October 21-26

A few seats are still available for this trip that includes touring the city of Niagara Falls, Ontario, seeing the history of dare-devils in an amazing IMAX theater, dining in the Skylon Tower, riding the legendary Hornblower Niagara to the base of the Falls, stopping at Journey behind the Falls, viewing The Buddy Holly Story while dining at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theater, witnessing the life of the Amish, and dining at a local Amish restaurant. See Jack Dodds for more details.

Fall Bazaar and Bake Sale Saturday, October 14

Now is the time to collect ideas and gather supplies for our annual effort to support various missions in our community and around the world. All proceeds from this annual event will help defray the cost of Morningside’s mission trip in the summer of 2018. This year we encourage entire families—adults, children, and youth—to get involved in creating items. The Pinterest website offers an endless inventory of easy-to-make crafts and foods suitable for our bazaar. Let’s have an excellent show of support!

mside youth

August 9 6:00 - 8:15 P.M.

Following Summer Reflections, we will go for swimming and dinner at the home of Luis and Ellie Baquiran (623 Tillman Ct).

mside kids

Ladies’ Super Salad Luncheon Saturday, August 26

11:30 A.M. Ladies, join us for a day of delicious

food and fellowship as we celebrate

the end of summer! Please bring a

generous portion of your favorite

salad (meat/pasta/garden/fruit) to share. A mystery guest will provide musical selections for our entertainment. Sign up in your Sunday School class or in the Welcome Center no later than Sunday, August 20.

Cub Scout Show August 26 10:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.

Church Grounds Boys, if you are between the ages of seven and ten and in Grades 1-5, do not miss this opportunity to see some of the world of adventure and excitement that Scouting offers.

Cub Scout Pack 11 and their leaders will demonstrate such skills and activities as campcraft, first aid, pioneering, and building and racing cars/boats in the Pinewood Derby and Raingutter Regatta. Invite your friends and parents to this fun day. Find out how you can join us in Cub Scouts! Meetings are held Tuesday nights at 6:30 P.M. in the Church Annex.

They have seen Your procession, O God, the procession of my God, my King, into the sanctuary.

The singers went on, the musicians after them, in the midst of the maidens beating tambourines.

Psalm 68:24-25

As part of the Fall Mside Kick-off, our weekly church music programs resume rehearsal schedules. If you are wanting, wishing, or even just wondering about being part of one or more of Mside’s choirs or orchestra, NOW is a great time to get involved! Join us in praising our Lord through music!!

Rehearsals Resume

Sanctuary Choir Wednesday, August 30 at 7:05 P.M.

Children’s Choir

Wednesday, September 6 at 5:50 P.M.

Clarion Sounds Sunday, September 10 at 4:30 P.M.

Golden Tones

Monday, September 11 at 1:30 P.M.

Orchestra Monday, September 11 at 7:00 P.M.

Grace Is Greater Kyle Idleman, author and pastor, leads participants past their hang-ups toward an understanding of God’s grace that is bigger than mistakes, desire for revenge, difficult situations, and failures. No sin is so great, no bitterness so deep, that God's grace cannot transform the heart. Learn how to truly grasp God's grace. The facilitator is Jack Dodds. Cost: $10 for book

or

God’s Healing for Life’s Losses: How to Find Hope When You Are Hurting

Are you ready for real and raw, honest and hopeful conversation about suffering, loss, and grief from a Christian perspective? Author Robert Kellemen offers real answers, for real people, with real struggles. When life's losses—divorce, the death of a loved one, job loss, or other disappointments—invade your world, learn how to face suffering face-to-face with God. The facilitator is Steven Owensby. Cost: $10 for book

mside family

Fall Bible Studies * Signup Begins August 27

* Classes Begin September 10 at 6:00 P.M.

Thrive Youth Bible Study Begins September 6

6:00 P.M. Youth Room

Wednesday, August 9 6:00 P.M.

Fellowship Hal

The entire church family is invited to learn about the summer activities of our children and youth through a PowerPoint presentation, video, and discussion.

Summer Reflections

Morningside Website Our monthly newsletter and our weekly worship bulletin can be found on our website at www.msidechurch.org under the Resource tab. You may also stream, download, and/or subscribe to our weekly podcast under the Sermon tab.

MORNINGSIDE THE MESSENGER (USPS 363-420) is published monthly by the Morningside Baptist Church. Periodical postage paid at Spartanburg, SC. Postmaster, send address changes to The Morningside Messenger 897 South Pine Street Spartanburg, SC 29302

Morningside Baptist Church Staff

Steven Owensby, Senior Pastor (Ext. 3) ................................. sowensby@msidechurch.org

Jack Dodds, Associate Pastor (Ext. 6) ......................................... jdodds@msidechurch.org Freida Cole, Children’s Minister (Ext. 4) ....................................... fcole@msidechurch.org

Robert Mitchell, Worship Director (Ext. 5) ............................. rmitchell@msidechurch.org Steve Kibbe, Youth Director (Ext. 8) ........................................... skibbe@msidechurch.org John Kelly, Financial Office (Ext. 7) ............................................ jkelly@msidechurch.org Robin Kelly, Financial Office (Ext. 7) .......................................... rkelly@msidechurch.org

Linda Alverson, Membership Ministry Assistant (Ext. 1)....... lalverson@msidechurch.org

Kathy Green, Communications Ministry Assistant (Ext. 2) ........ kgreen@msidechurch.org

Debbie Bishop, Weekday Preschool Director ........................... dbishop@msidechurch.org

Paula Joye, Organist .................................................................................. pjoye@juno.com

Gail Medlin, Pianist ........................................................................ ggmedlin@wildblue.net

Christian Sympathy Extended to

… Lila Anthony and family in the death of her niece, Andrea Lefcort, on July 10 in New York. … Wyatt and Andy Bogan and family in the death of their father, Darrell Bogan, on July 11 in Spartanburg, South Carolina. … Shirley Bodnar and family in the death of her brother-in-law, Jim Long, on July 17 in Johnston, Pennsylvania. … Ann Daniel and Charlotte Jones and families in the death of their father, John Miller, on July 19 in Spartanburg, South Carolina. … George and Norma Banks and family in the death of Norma’s brother, J. K. Hayes, on July 22 in Austell, Georgia.

Ministers on Call This Month

Fridays Steven Owensby 590-7985

5-6 Steven Owensby 590-7985

12-13 Freida Cole 884-4793

19-20 Jack Dodds 590-8951

26-27 Steven Owensby 590-7985

Thank You Notes for Your Love, Prayers, Concern, and Support Received from

Lila Anthony

Joe and Neeley Higgins

Pat Johnson

Seeking, Serving, Sharing

897 South Pine Street Spartanburg, South Carolina 29302

Office: (864) 585-5457 | Fax: (864) 585-6217

Weekday Preschool: (864) 585-5424 Office Hours: Monday - Thursday

8:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. Previous Sunday’s Service at 10:00 A.M.

WDRF 95.9 FM or 1510 AM

Join Us Each Sunday Morning Worship: 9:30 A.M. Bible Study: 10:45 A.M.