PSBC Connections August 2020
Homebound Ministry
What do baseball games, hot summer weather and snow cones have in common? Not much this year, as our local Greenville Drive games have been cancelled, but in the future we hope you think of West End Snow Cones! If you have been “in church” for any amount of time, it is almost a certainty you have experienced the feeling of “church life” separate from “real life.” The Bible talks about our “old life” (sinner with no grace) and a “new life” (sinner receiving grace)! As believers, we want to break down the ideas in our own minds and hearts that separate our “church” and “real life.” We have started West End Snow Cones as a way to do that! Are you a senior adult willing and ready to mentor a younger person? Are you a teen parent nervous about whether or not we are fostering independence in our teens? Do you know of a young person drifting between “interest” in church, but not owning their role being the church? For each answer – we need to talk about West End Snow Cones! 
We will operate a “small business” right from the church parking lot, practice serving others and build some Biblical skills around working! We are inviting those who have an interest to learn more and start today preparing for our 2021 Season!
~Mark Foster
Connect in Missions
Though it seems like the COVID-19 epidemic has brought much of the world to a standstill, God is always at work. Believers everywhere are finding ways to love and serve those around them. We recently heard from friends from SC (many of you met them last August) who are now in East Asia learning a foreign language. In a recent letter they told of two new sisters who have accepted our Father’s invitation to be born again!
Taiwan, where they are staying, has decided to stem the spread of COVID-19 by closing its borders to international travel. Because of the temporary nature of their visas, it appears that they may be returning to the States, possibly as soon as September. Regardless, they will continue their language learning and other preparations for a life serving our Father overseas.
Please pray for John and Sally* and their children as they continue to face current uncertainty. Ask our Father to provide for their physical needs, for their continued health, and for clear guidance in decision-making. Pray for the health and well-being of their children. And ask our Father to work through them in such a way that lives are changed.
*Names changed
from Pastor
Marty Price
Who to believe? I have found myself growing increasingly frustrated with the seemingly ever-changing guidelines, statistics, and recommendations on how to deal with the COVID 19 virus. I am not speaking about the extreme views often expressed on social media that range from “it’s a hoax” to “it’s the end of the world”. I’m talking about those who should be considered credible sources. It has become clear that none of us have all of the answers.
A friend recently pointed out that the constantly changing information, though, should be appreciated. As medical professionals and public health officials learn more about this novel/new virus their recommendations change to reflect their new knowledge. “When we know better, we do better.” So, I’m choosing to extend grace to those who are working for our good, and to increase my prayers for them.
I am really glad that we have an unchanging and completely credible source for how to live in uncertain times. God’s Word is a precious gift, written and preserved by God, for our good. This month we are starting a new sermon series “Kingdom Living in a COVID World.” I invite you to participate in this study, either in person or online, with the confident expectation that we will be better equipped to face our current challenges with strength and courage, and to do so in a way that exalts Jesus.
August 2020 Update
Save the Date!
Annual Church Picnic
Deacon of the Week (and alternate)
8/2 Dave Ballard (S. Stephens)
8/9 A. Bannister (O. Lawton)
8/16 Mark Foster (S. Pearce)
8/23 Scott Stephens (D. Ballard)
8/30 Oregon Lawton (A. Bannister)
Long-time PSBC member
Doris McKinney
will be 102 on August 8th!
If you would like to send her a birthday card, please call the church office for more information.
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PSBC Connections July 2020
Happy Independence Day, July 4th
- The Gospel, Race & Justice: A Conversation p.1
- July Missions Emphasis p.2
- Connect with PSBC p.3
Join us for a much-needed conversation on race and justice in our nation and how to bring the claims of the gospel to bear on these issues. Current SC Baptist Convention President Josh Powell, President-Elect GBA Pastor Alex Sands, and GBA Church Planter Will Broadus will lead this discussion. You will go away with a better understanding of our history, the tragedy of the George Floyd killing and what we can do about it. You will receive a free copy of the book Removing the Stain of Racism from the Southern Baptist Convention by Kevin Jones and Jarvis Williams. You will hear about GBA’s plan for next steps. Due to social distancing precautions, registration is required.
This event is still available to watch online! Click here!
July Missions Emphasis:
Pastor Melo Lumibao, Independent Baptist Church of Masinloc, Zambales, Philippines
Pray for the families affected by the COVID 19 crisis.
One significant ministry of FIBC is Masinloc Christian Academy, a Christian elementary school. This year the school is working hard to offer online learning as they adjust to the changing restrictions and lockdowns. Classes begin August 10.
Pray for Teachers and students of Masinloc Christian Academy.
Pastor Melo and Family
United Ministries demonstrates their love for Greenville by providing services and resources that serve, transform, and empower those in need toward achieving self-sufficiency. Whether providing crisis assistance, homeless services, educational opportunities, or numerous other services, United Ministries leads they way. Your church staff has seen this first-hand. For the last three years we have had offices in the United Ministries Administration building at 606 Pendleton Street. We are pleased to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt appreciation for the many kindnesses and generosity that have been such a blessing to us! Thank You!
Attention high school graduates and college students:
If you would like to apply for one of the Pendleton Street Baptist Church Endowment Scholarships, please contact the church office at phone number 864-232-7312 or info@psbcgreenville.org and we will send you an application. The deadline to apply is July 15th.
Deacon of the Week (and alternate)
7/5 Mark Foster (S. Pearce)
7/12 Scott Stephens (D. Ballard)
7/19 Oregon Lawton (A. Bannister)
7/26 Steven Pearce (M. Foster)
8/2 Dave Ballard (S. Stephens)
Homebound Visitation
We regularly send people to visit and bring our homebound members church literature, special treats, and sometimes a little help around their homes. Want to help out? See Susan Williams or call the church office at 864-232-7312 for more information. It’s a great experience for all!
We’re Bringing The Party To You
Pursuing Christ Together
August 8, 2020
LADIES! After months of social distancing, it’s time to gather for the first-ever LifeWay Women Live Simulcast. A full day of practical study with your favorite authors in a gorgeous setting, where women, unapologetic and unshakeable in their pursuit of Christ, can come together.Featured speakers include Beth Moore, Priscilla Shirer, Jackie Hill Perry, Jen Wilkin, and many more! The event begins as 8:30 a.m. with a lunch break at 12:15 p.m., and concludes at 4:15 p.m.
Cost per person will be $20. Sandwich lunches will be an additional $10 or you may bring your own lunch.
Registration and payment is due by Sunday, July 26th. Space is limited (we will be following social distance guidelines) so register as soon as possible by following this link!
Hope to see you there!
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PSBC Connections June 2020
Pendleton Street Baptist Church’s New Office Building
123 Arlington Avenue, Greenville SC 29601
Our Heart is in the West End of Greenville! As one of the first churches to be established in this historic community near downtown, PSBC has a long history of serving God here. Through the years much has changed, and the West End is described as the “new up and coming area with loads of new condos, restaurants, and is the known hot spot for the downtown arts and entertainment scene.” Our community consists of quite a mix of people, with the City of Greenville working to ensure continued diversity through affordable housing initiatives and oversight of new developments. It is an exciting place to be, and it is the community that God has placed on our heart.
While we are continuing to worship on Sundays at the Hilton, we are moving into our new office building. This is a space from which we can get to know our neighbors, gather on weekdays for various ministries, and can serve as a tool for our church to accomplish our mission. As restrictions on gathering are relaxing, it is our prayer that this place become a hub of activity as we Glorify God by Making Mature Disciples of All Nations, starting here.
We are still in the process of furnishing the building, and we will be having an open house in the near future. Our office hours are 9:00 – 4:30 Monday through Thursday, and 9:00 – 12:00 noon on Fridays.
If you would like to apply for one of the Pendleton Street Baptist Church Endowment Scholarships, please contact the church office at phone number 864-232-7312 or info@psbcgreenville.org and we will send you an application. The deadline to apply is July 15th.
6/7 Oregon Lawton (A. Bannister)
6/14 Steven Pearce (M. Foster)
6/21 Dave Ballard (S. Stephens)
6/28 Austin Bannister (O. Lawton)
7/5 Mark Foster (Steven Pearce)
UPDATE from Pastor Marty
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PSBC Connections May 2020
- Congratulations Graduates
- Update from Pastor Marty Price
- Connect
Congratulations to our Graduates!
Congratulations to all those who have worked so hard to accomplish their degrees, and to all who completed this semester during such a difficult time in our nation. We are very proud of you and thankful for you and your dedication!
Margaret McCauley Ramirez
(Maggie)
Furman University
Bachelor of Music
Vocal Performance
Scott Theodore Saxe
Clemson University
Bachelor of Science
Mechanical Engineering
Update from Pastor Marty Price
People, especially the church, are designed to live in connection with one another. That is one of the reasons that “social distancing” and isolation is so difficult. We do have technology that enables us to keep in touch, but that is a mediocre substitute for gathering together in person. It is so good to know that God is faithful, and He uses times like these to prove and strengthen our faith in
Him. I want to remind you of a few things that I hope will encourage you. First, suffering may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning. I don’t want to minimize our current struggles, but I pray that we will grow in having the same mindset as Paul, when he called his severe suffering a “light, momentary affliction.” Perspective matters, and we face our current situation with eternity in mind. Second, trials produce maturity. This is a great time to deepen your time in God’s Word, to spend extended times in prayer, to find creative ways to serve others, and to practice resting in the storm. And finally, God is greater than our current circumstances. Remember when Lazarus was sick, and Jesus delayed his coming by days? Why would he do such a thing? Well, He tells us. “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory, that God’s Son may be glorified through it” (John 11:4). Look around and ask God to show you how He is working in, through, and around you, and you’ll be encouraged.
Knowing that, and resting in those truths, doesn’t mean that we don’t miss one another. I am ready, more than ready, to see you all again. While we don’t have specific plans yet, we are investigating our opportunities and planning for beginning to assemble again. We will keep in touch, particularly as plans are made. In the meantime, please continue to join the church services online, continue to meet/zoom with your small groups, check out the devotional by members on our website, and keep in touch with each other.
We do have some good news! We are almost ready to move into the office building at 123 Arlington Avenue! There is still work to be done on the building, but we are getting closer to occupying this space for offices, small meetings, and getting to know our new neighbors. We will have an open house and celebration as soon as circumstances permit. And more good news, we were able to purchase the empty lot adjacent to the office building. Having this space opens up a lot of opportunities for future ministry.
I do challenge you to continue to be faithful in your giving to the work of the church. It is easy to neglect giving when we don’t gather, so please remember that giving is an expression of worship, and generosity is an indicator of our faith. While our giving is a little lower than normal, the income we get from the parking lot is projected to be $90,000 less than we anticipated. Year to date we are approximately $45,000 short of the income needed to satisfy our expenses. While we are grateful for all that God has provided for His work here financially, scripture clearly teaches that God’s primary plan for funding His work is the obedient generosity of His people.
One of the lessons I am learning in these days is patience. Or, rather, I am trying to learn. Frankly, some days are better than others. The good days are when I am remembering the faithfulness and the goodness of God, remembering His many, many blessings, and leaning hard into Him. It is good to affirm with you that “God is good, indeed!”
GPS Children’s Program
(The Gospel Project for Students)
For kids age 3 to 8th grade
Coming to your neighborhood – and at this link:
https://gps.church/ – find your weekly videos from your GPS leaders and other great learning tools. If you would for you child to be involved, please call the church office at 864-232-7312 or email PSBC at info@psbcgreenville.org. Volunteers are welcome, too!
Announcement: The PSBC Men’s Retreat which had been scheduled for May 7-9 has been postponed. We will, however, keep the campsites so if anyone would like to use them (while maintaining social distancing recommendations), please contact the church office. If you do want to camp, you must bring your own food and supplies to minimize any potential risks. Details about rescheduling the Men’s Retreat will come at a later date.
Connect to God
Join our Daily Bible Reading blog:
Connect to Grow
God loves people! He established the church in order that people can experience growth and transformation, and much of our growth comes from authentic relationships. Our home groups will continue through apps like Zoom and FaceTime. If you would like to participate, contact the church office at 864-232-7312 and we will gladly connect you with a home group leader for information.
Connect to Serve
Deacon of the Week (and alternate)
5/3 Steven Pearce (M. Foster)
5/10 Dave Ballard (S. Stephens)
5/17 Austin Bannister (O. Lawton)
5/24 Mark Foster (Steven Pearce)
5/31 Scott Stephens (Dave Ballard)
Worship with Pendleton Street Baptist Church online!
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