Summer 2022 PSBC Connections
Zoomerang! VBS
Zoomerang! VBS was a great success this year. The topic was a timely one – Sanctity of Life. Our kids learned the value of life, from the lives of pre-born babies to eternal life in the kingdom of God. Each person is made in the image of God—wonderfully designed to know Him and live for Him!
“God blessed us with a fruitful VBS this summer. We are especially thankful to the thirty-four gracious volunteers who loved on forty-three beautiful children. Through snack, games, crafts and teaching, the children heard the gospel and were taught the value of human life. To God be the glory!” Ashley Pearce, VBS Director
Back in the West End!
133 years ago, the West End was experiencing significant change, including an increase in population. Families were moving in to be close to downtown Greenville, and a group of ninety-seven (97) believers joined hearts and hands to reach the growing neighborhood with the love of Christ. On March 30, 1890, West End Baptist Church was constituted, though the name was changed to Pendleton Street Baptist Church when land was purchased fronting Pendleton St. In 2016 (123 years later) we moved our worship gatherings to the Greenville Hilton, but our hearts never left the community where God had placed us, and where He has a future for us.
Much has changed, but much remains the same. The West End is again experiencing significant change, including an increase in population. The community has one of the most diverse populations in Greenville, and there is a great need for believers to join hearts and hands in sharing the love of Christ here. And we are answering God’s call. Returning to our original name, worshiping two blocks from our original location, our mission to Glorify God by Making Mature Disciples of All Nations, starting in the West End, has never been more important and exciting!
“Seek the welfare of the city to which I have sent you… and pray to the Lord on its behalf… (Jeremiah 29:7)” means we live out and advance the Gospel in our community. Just last weekend several of our members met at Greenville High School to cover GHS, Hollis, and Blythe schools in prayer for the coming school year. At the same time, we had several members distributing backpacks filled with supplies to families. And in September our on-going ministry to children (GPS) will resume with weekly meetings.
We are working to make sure we are prepared and ready for this next step. Plan to attend our next Family Meeting on Sunday, August 21, 9:00 am. We will be sharing information about our name, logo, building, and budget, and celebrating how God has been faithful to bring us to this point. God is Good!
On June 20th, the WM Jordan Co. invited the PSBC family to come to the Topping Out ceremony of our new church building at 123 Arlington Ave. A “Topping Out” ceremony is typically held when the last truss or beam of a building is being placed. We enjoyed pastries and fruit while we toured the construction site and signed the last truss. Pastor Marty and members of the construction/design team talked about next steps, and we all joined in prayer with Pastor Marty on this new phase of PSBC’s ministry.
As of early August, AFD Construction had completed the shaft wall framing and core board for the firewall. They continued framing soffits in the multi-purpose room, began framing walls at the service counter and installing the exterior rigid insulation. Thomas Mechanical continued installing ductwork throughout the new construction areas. Tharp Plumbing completed their in-wall rough-in and insulation of water piping. Johnson Electric continued their in-wall rough-in. McGee Brothers delivered the brick, mortar, flashing, and sand. Please continue to pray for the construction to go smoothly and that our church and our building will be a blessing to the West End.
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From Pastor Marty Price
These are exciting days at PSBC! As you look through this newsletter, I hope you will be reminded of some of the ways that we have sought to Glorify God by Making Mature Disciples of All Nations, starting in the West End during this summer. And now, though we are still enjoying warm weather, summer travels are coming to an end, school is starting back, and we are looking to the fall (some of us sadly, hating to see summer wane, some with fervent anticipation). These are good days, thanks be to God!
We are working toward an exciting transition in the life and work of PSBC. We know that God has given us His mission and has given us to a mission field. It’s time for us to make sure we are ready for what comes next. Can you imagine Coach Swinney or Coach Beamer failing to prepare for the fall season of college football? That would be ridiculous, and have devastating consequences on their programs. The mission God has given us is vital and has eternal consequences. Not preparing for the future would be beyond foolish. Here are a few essentials as we prepare to replant in the West End.
Pray. Fervent, consistent, reliant prayer. Just this week I read a quote from Thomas Watson (the 17th century preacher) that addressed our struggle with praying. “Christ went more willingly to the cross than we do to the throne of grace.” We know that “unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain (Ps. 127:1).” We must never miss an opportunity to pray for God’s will to be done in and through us, both at home and as we gather.
Plan. We will be having a series of Family Meetings during the Sunday School hour (9:00 – 10:00) over the next several months. Along with changing our name, we are revising our bylaws, renewing our articles of incorporation, organizing ministry teams, and working to further clarify and embrace opportunities to reach people with the love of Christ. Prayerful planning is essential.
Serve. Jesus’ first miracle was changing the water into wine at a wedding in Cana (John 2). I love the summary in verse 11. “This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.” Jesus’ glory was on display through the miracle, but how did it take place? Mary, Jesus’ mother, told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you (v. 5).” They listened to Jesus’ words and went to work. And Jesus turned the water to wine. Jesus chose to use the servants’ work as part of His plan, and His glory was seen by all. He has chosen us, in this place, at this time, to join in the work that only He can do. What a privilege to serve.
Care. In our recent study of Colossians 3, we learned that it is possible to be a church member, yet not relate to one another in meaningful ways. As we bring God’s glory and the gospel to the West End, we will face opposition from the enemy. One of his strategies is to bring about suffering (Job 1-2). But God will use suffering to increase our trust in Him and our reliance on Him; and He will use it to strengthen our relationships with one another. “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith (Galatians 6:10).”
Share. Let others know what God is doing here. I am still sometimes asked “what ever happened to Pendleton Street?” I take every opportunity to tell that God is still working in us and to invite people to come and see for themselves. Talk about the building. Talk about your home group. Talk about the picnics, Bible Studies, retreats, and services. Use each of these things to talk about God, the Gospel, and what the Holy Spirit is doing in your life right now. We have much to share. God is so Good.
Sunday, August 21st at 9:00 am we will have the first in a series of family meetings. The agenda includes updates on the building, budget, planning and priorities, and progress on the name change, and more. I look forward to seeing you there.
For His Glory,
Interested in learning more about PSBC or would you like to become a member? Call the church office at 864-232-7312 or email info@psbcgreenville.org for more information.
Be part of our Homebound Ministry
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? Call the church office at 864-232-7312 for more information. It’s a great experience for all!