2023 Winter Discipleship Groups

Sunday Evening:

Experiencing God: Over the years God has used the truths of Experiencing God to awaken believers to a radically God-centered way of life. As a result, millions have come to know God intimately, to recognize His voice, and to understand His will for their lives. God is inviting you to experience Him in an intimate love relationship through which He reveals to you His will, His ways, and His work. 

Begins on January 22nd at 5:15 p.m.   Room E310 Facilitator: Jeff Rafferty

 

The Best News: A seemingly simple conversation can spark life change with eternal consequences. That’s why we are excited about our new resource, The Best News. The Best News is a simple tool to help our entire church learn how to have gospel conversations with their family, friends, family members, neighbors, and coworkers. 

Beginning January 22 at 5:15 in  Room E200  (Adult IV)

 

Living Victoriously in Difficult Times:  In this six-week study you will examine what the Bible says about suffering and why God allows it.  Through the stories of many who persevered through times of testing, you will discover how to find joy even when life seems unfair.  You will learn how to handle loss while glorifying God in the midst of your pain.  And you will find the peace that comes from trusting in the One whose strength is made perfect in your weakness.

Begins on January 22nd at 5:15 p.m.   Room E106   Facilitator:  Kaye Chambliss 
 

Wednesday Evening:

D-Life:  D-Life is a men’s discipleship small group focused upon building disciples, who build disciples. While following the scripture reading plan that Pastor Daniel has published through bookmarks, and listed in the bulletin, we will take this a step farther to dive into the Word of God and focus upon growing as disciples of Christ through Bible Study, relationships, accountability, and community mission projects.

Begins on January 25th at 6:00 p.m.  Room E106   Facilitator:  Jeff Rafferty

Women’s Tuesday Morning Bible Studies:

Sermon On The Mount:  Sermon on the Mount is a Precept on Precept study by Kay Arthur.  Faith that does not compromise is promised a reward in the world to come, and also a life free from anxiety in this world. Get a deeper understanding of the fruit and security that come with righteousness in the life of a true believer.

Begins on January 10th at 9:00 a.m.  Room E106 Facilitator:  Kay Chambliss

 

Forgiving What You Can’t Forget:  In Forgiving What You Can’t Forget bible study, Lysa TerKeurst shares her own deeply personal journey with forgiveness and what the Bible has to say about letting go of resentment and finding peace.   You will learn a step-by-step plan to free yourself from hurt, disempower triggers that hijack your emotions, deal with difficult relationships, and discover life-giving freedom our souls desperately need. 

Begins on January 10th at 9:00 a.m.  Room E310   Facilitator:  Ida Breazeale

 

Ruth:  In this 7-session study from Kelly Minter, we’ll examine Ruth’s journey of unbearable loss, redeeming love, and divine legacy. We’ll see how God proves Himself faithful as the One who rescues, revives, and restores. First released in 2009, this study is now updated with fresh content and new teaching videos from Kelly.

Begins on January 24th at 9:00 a.m.  Room E250   Facilitator:  Judy Holder


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PFBC Youth 2023 Winter Retreat

I just wanted to provide some information about the 2023 Youth Retreat at PFBC! The retreat will be held in Sevierville. We will leave after PFBC’s morning Worship Hour on 2/12. We will return in the afternoon on 2/14. The retreat will include intentional Bible Study time, a Super Bowl Watch Party, a trip to Ober Mountain Ski Resort and wonderful fellowship with friends.

We will be staying at Wildbriar Lodge. You can see photos of the lodge by clicking here: https://www.largecabinrentals.com/cabins/wildbriar-lodge/. The lodge features a swimming pool, a hot tub, movie theatre, 16 bedrooms, 16 bathrooms and enough space in commons areas to house all of us!

The cost of the retreat is $220. The early-bird rate is $200. (You can get this price if you register by the end of the day on December 31!)

  • Early Bird Payment Schedule:
    • At registration: $75 deposit is due at the time of sign-up
    • January 15: A second payment of $75 is due January 15.
    • February 10: The third, and final, payment of $50 is due on February 10.
  • Regular Payment Schedule:
    • At registration: $75 deposit is due at the time of sign-upJanuary 15: A second payment of $75 is due January 15.February 10: The third, and final, payment of $70 is due on February 10.

Payments can be made online, via cash or through check. Checks should be written to “PFBC.”

Do not let financial difficulties stop your youth from coming. I have people who are willing to anonymously help cover the cost of those who need financial assistance.

The cost of the retreat covers:

  • Transportation
  • Lodging
  • Dinner on 2/12
  • Breakfast on 2/13
  • Dinner on 2/13
  • Breakfast on 2/14
  • Ski/Snowboard/Tubing Rental, Lift/Arial Tram Ticket and Boots

The cost of the retreat does not cover:

  • Lunch at the Ski Resort on 2/13
  • Lunch at Cracker Barrel on 2/14
  • Ski Pants (optional) – $17 with a $50 refundable deposit (We cannot pay Ober Mountain for this in advance.)
  • Ski Jacket (optional) – $17 with a $50 refundable deposit (We cannot pay Ober Mountain for this in advance.)
  • Ski Helmet (STRONGLY RECOMMENDED) – $12 with a $50 refundable deposit (We cannot pay Ober Mountain for this in advance.)

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Colton! You can register at https://www.fbcpickens.org/winter_retreat


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Operation Christmas Kickoff – Final Information

Preparing for Carowinds

Carowinds is going to be a blast! I think the students are going to have a lot of fun. I just wanted to cover a couple pieces of information:

  • First and Foremost: Dress warmly! It will be in the low 40s tomorrow night in Charlotte. Wear multiple layers. It’s better to shed a layer because you’re too warm than to freeze!
  • Pack lightly! Please only bring what you absolutely need. There is limited space for luggage on the bus.
  • You need cash for Carowinds.
  • There are pre-assigned rooms. These assignments have already been communicated with the hotel.
  • No students need to bring air mattresses. I’ve added enough hotel rooms for everyone to be in a bed!
  • The hotel will have other guests! When we get to the hotel, we have to settle in for the night.
  • Students should not leave their assigned rooms at any point in the night. If there is an emergency, notify Colton by calling him or Lauren.
  • No boys in girls’ rooms and no girls in boys’ rooms!
  • Breakfast will be in the hotel lobby. Breakfast is served starting at 6 AM. Please be considerate of other guests.
  • Students need to be on the bus, with their luggage, by 8:45 AM Saturday morning.

Please select your preferred chaperone group by noon on 12/17! https://form.jotform.com/223486232450048

Here’s the itinerary for our trip:

  • Dec 16th
    • 1:40 PM – Xchange opens
    • 2:00 PM – Depart from the Xchange (114 South Lewis Steet Pickens, SC 29671) – Here are the directions we will be following. https://goo.gl/maps/8DgUpgGa18qPB2Sj6
    • 4:30 PM – Arrive at Carowinds and have dinner (Chick-Fil-A)
    • 5:00 PM – Enter Carowinds
    • 9:45 PM – Report to the bus
    • 10:00 PM – Depart from Carowinds
    • 10:15 PM – Arrive at Hotel https://goo.gl/maps/FqPJDVUBHKGRaBVD6
  • Dec 17th

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Sunday School Relaunch

On Sunday, September 11, 2022, we are relaunching our Sunday School and small groups. 

  • Relaunch Your Personal Faithfulness to a Sunday School Class or Small Group.
  • Relaunch an “in-reach”, outreach, and ministry plan in each Sunday School Class.
  • For those who have not found a Sunday School or small class, who are new to PFBC, or who are our guests and want to know more, the Pastor is offering a 4 week intro Sunday School class entitled, “What Does IT Mean?”We will explore the basics of the Baptist Faith, the ministry of PFBC, and the walk of a Christian.is the ideal place to jump in and be a part. 

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Youth Fall Retreat – 2022

2022 Fall Youth Retreat

The Pickens First Baptist Church youth ministry will have a combined fall retreat with East Pickens Baptist Church at Awanita Valley on November 11-13, 2022. This will be a time for fellowship and spiritual growth. 

The cost of the retreat is $130. This will cover the cost of lodging and meals. A deposit of $50 is due at the time of signup. A payment of $50 is due on September 30. A final payment of $30 is due on November 10. 

These payments can be made online or via cash or check (written to PFBC). 

If you have any questions, please reach out to Colton Ashley at 864-420-6454. 


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The Pastor’s Perspective – June 26, 2022

Dear First Family,

I was not where I intended to be last Sunday.  I had highly anticipated preaching on Father’s Day, dedicating a child, and being a part of Vacation Bible School. However, as I have shared with you, I was struck down with Covid. (At least, at times, it felt like a strike down.) However, I now anticipate much more what is coming over the next two Sundays.

This Sunday we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper together during worship,  Prepackaged juice cups will be available in the foyer as you come in.  In preparation for our time together, I encourage you to read over 1 Corinthians 11.  This chapter is Paul’s instructions telling us how to take the Lord’s Supper and how to prepare for the Lord’s Supper.  Prepare for a wonderful time with your church in worship around the table of the Lord.

The following Sunday will be July 3rd.  Our worship time together will be followed by a Freedom Fellowship Meal.  Hamburgers, beans, chips, and drinks are provided. If you would like to bring a dessert, we promise to eat it.  This meal will be right after morning worship, so come to Sunday School and stay all the way through lunch as we celebrate the freedom that we have to meet in His Name in our country.

I am biting at the bit to get back with you. It is a joy to be your pastor.

Daniel

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New Sunday School Series – “Basecamp”

Our study on John 1-3 has come to an end. It was a good series, but I am really looking forward to the next several weeks. Over the course of the next few weeks (until promotion Sunday) we will be going through a study that I am calling “Basecamp.” The purpose of this study is to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to be active students of the Bible. We will define core theological ideas (i.e. sanctification, justification, etc.). Additionally, we will review the Baptist Faith and Message. We will also discuss some effective strategies students can implement to make their personal study of scripture more focused.

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Independence Day Cookout

Sunday, July 3rd immediately after morning worship. Hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, beans, and drinks provided. Feel free to bring desserts.


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The Pastor’s Perspective – June 12, 2022

Dear First Family,

After a weekend away to do a wedding in Mississippi, I am looking forward to worship on Sunday! I am excited about it for several reasons. Let me share the two that stand out the most to me.

On Sunday we will begin a new sermon series entitled “Stories Jesus Told.” This is a sermon series on the Parables of Jesus from the Gospel of Luke. I love a good story. No one tells them better than the Master Teacher, Jesus, Himself. No one retells them with more color and detail than Dr. Luke in his gospel. There is also no better truth to be taught than a Gospel Truth through a Biblical parable. Pray now that God’s personalized message to each one of us will be clear, constructive, and convicting. May God have His Will and Way in our midst.

I am also looking forward to this weekend because of our time with Griffin Ebenezer Church. We will share a wonderful meal and fellowship with them at their church on Saturday. On Sunday at 4 PM we will worship together in our sanctuary. This is a treasured opportunity. Do not miss this “red letter day.” May we make a strong statement with a bold and unified witness to our community that unifies and builds bonds when His People follow the lead of the Holy Spirit.

It is a joy to be your pastor. I look forward to our time together.

Daniel


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The Pastor’s Perspective – May 29, 2022

Dear First Family,

I want to begin by thanking you for great days of worship. The music ministry is a blessing and your kindness throughout these days of transition has been amazing. Thank you for all you do for the Lord.

During the discussions with the search team, I brought up that I had started a midday time of worship on Wednesday that I called Midweek Prayer and Bible Study. Due to regular Wednesday evening events being inactive during the summer, I had a plan to only meet at that midday time for the upcoming summer. The idea caught on in the meeting. The deacons liked it as well, therefore, based upon some of those discussions, please notice a change for the summer months. A Wednesday evening opportunity for adults that are not in choir will return during the fall semester. Beginning June 1:

Midweek Prayer and Bible Study
11:30 AM Each Wednesday
A Study of the Songs of the Ascents (Psalm 120-134)
Invite a friend and take them to lunch.
If you are not out of town for Memorial Day weekend, be sure to be in your place for Sunday School and worship this Sunday.
 
It is a joy to be your pastor.
Daniel

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