8:30 AM Service in the Sanctuary

11:00 AM Service in the COAC

Rev. Mike Stafford preaching

6:30 – 7:30 PM Wednesday Nights:

Rev. Jack Blankenship: Jan. 7th, 21st & 28th

Rev. John Chambers: Jan. 14th

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VOLUME 57 December 31, 2014 NO. 50

Weekly Activities

Thursday, January 1, 2015 New Year’s Day - Church Office

Closed

Sunday, January 4, 2015

8:30 Worship Service

9:45 Sunday School

11:00 Worship Service in the

COAC

Monday, January 5, 2015 6:00 Upward Sports

7:00 Worship Committee Meeting

7:00 Long Range Planning

Tuesday, January 6, 2015 3:00 Ladies Prayer Group

6:00 Upward Sports

7:00 WOM Mary Parker Group

7:00 Youth Committee Meeting

Wednesday, January 7, 2015 5:15 Fellowship Meal

6:00 8:30 Worship Rehearsal

6:15-7:45 AWANA

6:30 ESL

6:30 – 7:30 January Bible Study 6:30 The Basement for 6th – 12th

graders

7:35 Sanctuary Choir

Thursday, January 8, 2015 7:00 Valentine Banquet Rehearsal

Saturday, January 10, 2015 Upward Sports Games

Sunday, January 11, 2015

THE VISITOR

Phone 803-222-3216 Web site: www.fbcclover.com

First Baptist Church 117 South Main Street

Clover, SC 29710

Return Service Requested

Non-Profit Organization

U.S. Postage Paid

Clover, SC 29710

Permit #12

STAFF

Rev. David J. Stanford Senior Pastor

Rev. Mike Stafford Minister of Outreach &

Evangelism

Rex Simon Interim Worship & Music

Director

Rev. Kevin Dix Youth Director

BUILDING FUND REPORT

Receipts to Date $1,449,136.45 Paid to Principal 990,182.12 Paid to Interest $426,298.50 Building Fund on Hand 32,655.83 Cost of Bldg. Renovation $1,629,100.80 Paid to Principal 990,182.12 Loan Balance Owed $638,918.68

STEWARDSHIP STATEMENT 12/21/2014

ATTENDANCE

Sunday School Attendance .................................... 245

8:30 AM Worship Service ..................................... 147

11:00 AM Worship Service ................................... 166

Designated Offerings:

Building Fund ........................................... 1,400.00

Designated Offerings ................................ 2,521.16

Expense Reimbursements ................................. 120.00

Wednesday Dinner ............................................ 275.00

..................................................................................... Tithes for the Week ..................................... 11,820.50

Weekly Budget ............................................ 18,417.00

Year to Date Tithes Received .................... 850,363.56

Year to Date Expenses Paid ....................... 828,752.75

Year to Date Budget .................................. 939,268.00

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Sanctuary Renovation Fund Balance: $21,825.00

Amount needed for pews and carpet: $24,000.00

STEWARDSHIP STATEMENT 12/28/2014

ATTENDANCE

Sunday School Attendance .................................... 250

8:30 AM Worship Service ..................................... 112

11:00 AM Worship Service ................................... 232

Designated Offerings:

Building Fund .......................................... 1,600.00

Designated Offerings ............................... 3,766.00

Expense Reimbursements ............................. 1,452.00

Wednesday Dinner ............................................... N/A

..................................................................................... Tithes for the Week .................................... 17,239.00

Weekly Budget ............................................ 18,417.00

Year to Date Tithes Received .................... 867,602.56

Year to Date Expenses Paid ...................... 868,071.39

Year to Date Budget .................................. 957,685.00

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Our loving Christian sympathy is extended to

Teresa Behrends in the death of her father.

Our loving Christian sympathy is extended to

Debbie Hurst in the recent death of her mother.

Lottie Moon to Date: $35,563.16

In East Asia $3,500 of Lottie Moon money was used to buy a

desktop computer; also $1,000 was used for audio interface so

missionaries can record Bible stories and worship songs to

distribute in the local languages. Thank you for your part in

this ministry.

“Go ye therefore teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the

Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost”. Matthew 28:19 (KJV)

Serving this week… In The Pond... A Time of Fellowship...

WEDNESDAY NIGHT MEAL

January 7, 2015

Chicken Noodle Soup & Grilled

Cheese Sandwich; Drink & Dessert Please call to make reservations or

cancel by noon on Tuesday.

VAN DRIVER 1/4/15

Eddy Moore

DEACON VISITORS 1/4/15

Brian Bowers Caleb Wilson

Robert Morrow Joey Church

TELLERS – 1/5/15

Cindy Norris Rita Rasnick

VOLUNTEERS 1/4/15 8:30 Service: Nancy Hester

11:00 Service: Tadpoles: Brenda & Anna Bowman

Frogs: Robert & Renae Morrow

Fish: Arla & Candace McKinney

Turtles: Brian & Missy Simmons

News

Thoughts from our other staff...

MY TURN...

Thirty years ago last July I remained in Rock Hill to teach my

Sunday School class while Dave was filling the pulpit in Clover.

Upon returning home, God clearly spoke to me and told me we were

moving to Clover. Dave came in for lunch and when I asked how the

service went I remember saying, “We are moving Clover, aren’t

we?” And he replied, “I think we are.” It was that easy! We never

doubted we were where God had put us. (Dave always said we

would not leave until God made our leaving as clear as He did our

coming.) So on Wednesday, October 1, 1984, we moved from our

own home to a church parsonage. (Now mind you, I had heard

HORROR stories from other pastor’s wives about the deacons’ wives

who came twice yearly with white gloves to check above the

doorframes!) But I can assure you, as I have told many others, this

church has NEVER done anything but allow this to be OUR house.

From choosing blue countertops, blue carpet, to having an inside cat,

or even painting Rebekah’s ceilings like clouds, we have had free

reign over OUR house and I could never thank you enough.

During these thirty years, you have showered us with gifts as

we welcomed two other children and celebrated with each of them in

all of their life changes. You diligently taught them about Jesus in

Mission Friends, Sunday School, choir, Training Union and Youth

Group. You have ministered to us in sickness. You have loved and

accepted us even with weak voices and strong coughs!

And you have prayed for us. I have found nothing as humbling

in life as to have so many of you tell us, “I pray for your family every

day.” How could we ever repay you for that? Thank you. PLEASE

DON’T STOP!

Though we have been looking forward to a schedule with less

restrains, the reality of the loss hit me the Sunday before Christmas.

I stood at the end of the service weeping as I felt “homeless.” With

our closest parents being 300 miles away all these years, YOU have

been our family. YOU have been grandparents and aunts and uncles

to our children. YOU have been our support. YOU are our friends.

WE LOVE YOU!!!

On that July Sunday, Dave had to get directions to Clover.

After all, where was Clover? On that Saturday following our move

to Clover, I put Tom in the car to go and “find the town.” It did not

take too long to realize I could see the entire city from my front

porch! But this small town quickly became HOME. Last week I had

to fill out a form and put my new address. As I wrote “Rock Hill” on

the city line, every fiber of my being screamed, “No, I am not from

Rock Hill. I’M FROM CLOVER!” Yes, we will move to Rock Hill

in the next few weeks. But know, in our hearts, Clover will always

be HOME.

We will always be here if you need us. We hope to visit often.

And be assured, our door will always be open to you. Come see us!

I have you in my heart, as well.

Carol

Honorarium/Memorials:

Contributions to the Building Fund have been received in

memory of the following: Norman & Grace Biggers;

Dot Biggers; Horace & Mary Nivens; Bill & Catherine

Penley

Contributions to the Building Fund have been received in

honor of the following: Dave & Carol Stanford

A contribution to the Sanctuary Renovation Fund has been

received in honor of the following: Bertie Boyd

A contribution to the Sanctuary Renovation has been

received in memory of the following: Marty Sutton

Contributions to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering have

been received in honor of the following: Dave & Carol

Stanford; Steve Myers; Ray Morrison; Richard & Mary

Ellen Vinson; Billy & Sara Turner

A contribution to Lottie Moon Christmas Offering has been

received in memory of the following: Susan Williams

Candidates for Membership: By Statement & Baptism:

Carl Lee & Summer Wilson

125 Sunset Dr.

Clover, SC 29710

803-810-4777 Deacon: Caleb Wilson

By Letter:

Jimmy, Darlene, Meredith & Molly Sutton

420 Peaceful Creek Dr.

York, SC 29745

864-423-4916 Deacon: Pete Bowers

Valentine Banquet 2015 Childcare Volunteers Needed:

Saturday, February 14th

, we need volunteers to help with

childcare from 6:00-9:00 pm. Preschool (babies - 4 year

olds) and Kindergarten - 5th grade. Please contact Karen

Barr at 803-554-1968 or Nancy Hester. Thank you!

By Letter:

Rhonda Simmons

2470 Hwy 557

Clover, SC 29170

803-222-7117 Deacon: Steve Myers

Nancy Riley – Gaston Memorial Hospital

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO... IN THE HOSPITAL... FEATURED HOMEBOUND:

From the Pastor’s Desk

I have said that the goal of a vocational minister should be to work himself out of a job. So here I assign my various pastoral duties

and ministry tasks to specific people in this my My Last Will and Testament.

I, David Jon Stanford, being of befuddled mind and decrepit body, bequeath the following ministry tasks to these individuals:

The Ministry of God’s Word on Sunday mornings — Mike Stafford

The Ministry of God’s Word in Wednesday POWERHOUSE — George Miller

Ministry to Shut-ins — Mike Stafford and the Homebound Committee

My part in A Visit to Bethlehem — Clark Clatterbuck

Leadership of my “Ol’ Guys” Discipleship Group — Tony Hill

Leadership of my “Young Guys” Discipleship Group — (nobody yet)

Representing First Baptist at meetings of the Clover Ministerial Association, Clover Caring Center, York Baptist Association, and

Winthrop BCM — Kevin Dix

Reaching the Hemshin for Christ — Kevin Dix

Visitation and Orientation of New Members — Keith Whitley

Hospital Visitation — Mike, Kevin, Deacons, and Care Group Leaders

Prospective Member Visitation — (nobody yet)

Glad-hand welcoming 8:30 worshipers — Bertie Boyd, Bill Hopper, Dick Rasnick, and Will Rogers

Glad-hand welcoming 11 o’clock worshippers — David Thomas and Kevin Stewart

Promoting Financial Stewardship — Deacons and Stewardship Committee

Guarding against overspending — Herb Ware

Guarding the budget allocation for the Cooperative Program, York Baptist Association, and Released Time; and guarding the

Lottie Moon goal — Frank Boyd

My Library I leave to Thomas Hill, under the protective custody of Gene Bennett

Final Proofreading all church publications and documents — Janice Parham

Turning off lights left on — Nancy Lester

Straightening door mats on Sunday mornings — Steve Myers

Watering all indoor plants — Joyce Austin

Watering all outside plants under shelter — Deborah Wright

Drinking Deborah’s coffee and eating left-over goodies in the church office — Rex Simon

Fulfilling the Great Commission — Members of First Baptist Church, Clover

I pray you will find much joy and fulfillment as you serve our Lord in these capacities.

I (Will Always) Have you in My Heart,

Dave Stanford

Jan. 4 Hunter Bowers

Billy Smith

5 Elisabeth Lark

Hannah Sadler

6 Yamilet Ferguson

Katie Spearman

7 Abigail Johnson

Chris Leary

Stephanie Mitchell

9 Lizabeth Falls

10 Kaitlin Goforth

Johnny Hicks

Sage Penninger

Trey Sloan

Herb Ware

11 Susan Parker

12 Sheila O’Dell

13 Linda Walker (Jeff)

Sherry Weaver

14 Stephen Camp

Ray Morrison

Joyce Monday

15 Wyatt Camp

Kevin Gentry

Roger Edwards

16 Vy Tran

Victoria Herold

Jon Adams

17 Dot Melton

Bertie Boyd

18 Greg Adams

Savannah Johnson

Paula Lucas

Anne Rainey

Bill Turner

19 Elizabeth Boyd

Jan. 20 Cameron Moser

Gary Ventola

21 Charles Davis

22 Robert Jones

23 Kathy Baldwin

Matthew VanDyke

Eric Behrends

24 Marsha Estridge

25 Katie Woodham

Charles Pendleton

26 Harry Jones

27 Darrell Falls

Elaine Gentry

Anna Gayle Huffstetler

Todd Lotz

Payton Lee Smith

28 Hunter Austin Morrow

29 Jerzee Bochinski

Adam Hoffman

Chelsea Rackley

Debra Wood

30 Lewis Hicks

Amanda Wood

Cullen Clatterbuck

Mary Robinson

c/o Morningside

1830 W. Main Street

Rock Hill, SC 29732 803-324-2224

Betty Whisenant (& Dick)

1075 St. Paul Church Road

Clover, SC 29710

222-9187

Ray Walker

White Oak Manor

111 S. Congress St., Room 304

York, SC 29745

Gladys McCarter

Belvedere Commons of Seneca

515 Benton Street Apt. 115

Seneca, SC 29672

864-882-4571

Adora Howe

Autumn Care of Saluda

501 Esseola Drive

Saluda, NC 28773

Jeanette Bryant

2825 Bryant Circle

Clover, SC 29710

684-6111

Jack Funderburk

1631 Lawrence Rd.

Clover, SC 29710

222-4793

From the Sunday School Office:

Answers Bible Curriculum: Jesus Is the

Bread of Life (John 6:1-14, 22-66)

Bible Studies for Life: The Shelter of God's

Peace... What have been your most successful

New Year's resolutions? (Psalm 46:1-11)

Explore the Bible: God Commands

Obedience... Faithful obedience to God's Word

brings liberty. (Ezra 7:1-10)

COAC 11:00 AM Service:

Starting January 4, 2015, the 11:00 AM Sunday

Service will be in the COAC for 3 months. Setting

up for service will be a little bit of work so as Jesus

had disciples to help Him, each week we will have 2

disciples to help take down tables and chairs.

Disciples for the first week are Zack Lester and Joey

Lark. Look for the “Disciples of the Week” in The

Visitor each week. Thank you for your service!

Pat Hamlin would like to say “Thank You” for all

the cards, calls, visits and prayers while she is

recuperating from her double knee replacement. She

sends her love and appreciation!