LIFEIN FELLOWSHIP

Worship night of music DOWNTOWN

INSIDE

From the Executive Pastor 2

Event Calendar 4

New Staff Introductions 6

New Website 7

True to Our Roots 8

Staff Highlight 10

Ministry Plan 12

Thrive Ministry 14

Partnering in Service and Love 16

Family Summer Promotion 18

IT MATTERS: A Celebration 19 of Servanthood Leadership

Summer Outreach Opportunities 20

FG Kids 22

Worship Night 24

EDITOR Wendy Willard PROJECT MANAGER Chelsey Brilliandt MEDIA PRODUCER Chandler Patterson GRAPHIC DESIGNER Amy Tedder STAFF CONTRIBUTORS Josh Amos Becky Blackwell Chelsey Brilliandt Chandler Patterson Art Ringger Lisa Romines Susan Salamone Wendy Willard Mary Beth Williams

VOLUNTEERS Elizabeth Handford, Writer Kristy Kaliope, Photographer Laura Smith, Writer

CONTACT COMMUNICATIONS@FELLOWSHIPGREENVILLE.ORG3161 S. Highway 14Greenville, South Carolina 29615-5906

We live in an age and culture full of misconceptions about Christianity. As a result, many people are left with negative impressions of Christians and the church as a whole. At Fellowship Greenville, we want

to live in such a way that others can't help but see what authentic Christianity looks like. Our hope is that the misconceptions people might have carried for a long time will begin to fade away as we seek to become a community of grace, passionately pursuing life and mission with Jesus. We long for people to be reintroduced to Jesus, seeing him and the life he offers in a fresh, new way.

LIFE IN FELLOWSHIP TEAM

TWITTER.COM/FELLOWSHIPGVL

FACEBOOK.COM/FELLOWSHIPGREENVILLE

FELLOWSHIPGREENVILLE.ORG

INSTAGRAM.COM/FELLOWSHIP_GREENVILLE

MINISTRY PLAN 2017

It is hard to believe we are in the new buildings and the “Year of Inconvenient Joy” has passed into the sunset. Now we, hopefully, only have a short “Season of Inconvenient Parking!” But, that too shall pass as

soon as we get by a delay in permit approval from the county.

We continue to see more and more people attend our ministries. This year our adult worship service attendance has grown by another 5.5%. People are coming to be a part of what many of you have experienced over the years and are becoming a part of our church family.

From a budget standpoint, this year is a copy of years past: people are sacrificially giving of their time and money to support this ministry. So far in the 2016-2017 budget year, our General Fund account is funded at 98.4% to budget and our expenses are running at 92.5% of budget, meaning we anticipate finishing the current year about $150,000 ahead. This money is retained and used for any shortfall in the future and other projects that may be determined by the Elders.Through the end of April, you have given the following: • $4,210,000 to the General Fund • $421,800 to Outreach • $71,300 to Benevolence • and an additional $2,050,000 to the Building Fund

The pledge monies for the building project are moving along as planned. We currently have another year before we will move the interest-only construction credit line into a conventional business loan, paying monthly principle and interest. We anticipate that conventional loan to be about $4.5M, but we would love to see that number go down substantially before then. Please prayerfully consider how you can help.

We are happy to announce this May was the five-year anniversary of the launch of City Lights. They have been independent from any FG financial support for the past year, as planned, and our Elders have had the privilege of shaping and guiding the process of City Lights now having their own Elders.

Our church staff has been hard at work over the past four months, praying and planning ministry for

the upcoming year. As always, I am impressed by their diligent attention to listen to what God is doing and then try to join him, by planning environments where you and I will most likely be impacted. One change you will see right away, with the launch of a special 10-week summer series, is a focus on Gospel Fluency—our learning to speak the truths of Jesus into every aspect of our lives.

Looking forward to the next budget year, here is what we feel is necessary for us to accomplish this work: • An increase in giving to the General Fund by

6.49%. A large portion of the increase is for a full year’s expenses in our larger spaces and the costs associated with those needs.

• An increase in our outreach budget by another $65,000, to continue to partner with and support more local and global ministries.

Finally, it is with mixed emotions that I am announcing my retirement at the end of this current calendar year. I had shared this information with Charlie, the leadership team, and the Elders about two years ago. This has given us time to think, plan, and pray for a smooth transition of leadership to other staff, and allowed us time to reorganize staff and assignments to position us for an even better future.

As a result, the Elders believe a constitutional change—to allow for more than one Executive Pastor—is necessary to allow us to function better for the future. Copies of the proposed change are available at the desks in the Commons and online. You will be asked to affirm the Ministry Plan for 2017-2018 on June 25, as well as approve the proposed constitutional change.

May God continue to lead us, shape us, and use us in his Kingdom in the days to come. Thank you for your faithful part in all that is happening through Fellowship Greenville. Grace and peace,

Art Ringger

FROM THE EXECUTIVE PASTOR

ART RINGGER BUDGET PAGES 12-13

2 LIFE IN FELLOWSHIP | Summer 2017 Summer 2017 | LIFE IN FELLOWSHIP 3

AUGUST LOCAL OUTREACH SPOTLIGHT: AUGUST 5 is the Julie Valentine Center's annual Run to Overcome 5K, 10K, and Kid's Fun Run at Cleveland Park. Details at run2overcome.org.

JULY LOCAL OUTREACH SPOTLIGHT:July 22 is Harvest Hope Food Bank's Hunger Run 5K at Furman University. Get details at harvesthope.org/calendar/hungerrun2017.

College-age

FGS-HS Bible StudyCollege-age

EVENT CALENDAR For details, visit FELLOWSHIPGREENVILLE.ORG/CALENDAR

July

June August

SERVICES

SERVICES

SERVICES

SERVICESDiscovery Island

FGS-MS

Dominican Republic TripFGS-HS

Class of '17 RetreatFGS-HS (12 Grade)

SERVICES

SERVICES

SERVICES

SERVICES

ABF, E20s, CGEFGK, JRFGS-MS (AM) & Small Group DinnersCollege-age

SERVICES

ABF, E20sFGK, JRFGS-MS (AM)

SERVICES

Promotion Sunday

SERVICES

SERVICES

SERVICES

SERVICES KEY:ABF: Adult Bible Fellowship AM2PM: Affirming & Mentoring Preschool MomsCGE: Community Group ExperienceDC: Divorce Care, Divorce Care for KidsE20s: Early 20s Coed GroupEMWG: Early Morning Women's Group

FGK: FG Kids (Grades 1-5) FGS-HS: High School Student Ministry FGS-MS: Middle School Student Ministry FGS-United: Student Ministry - All Grades GS: Grief Share JR: FG Kids Jr. (Preschool, Nursery, K)

MA: Man Alive (Monthly Men's Group) MWSK: Moms With School-age KidsPC: Precept Bible Study (Women)SYP: Single Young Professional (Women)TGL: The Gospel Life (Men)WBS: Women's Bible Study (All ages)

AUDIENCE: Adult Women Adult Men Birth-Grade 5 Grades 6-12 College-Age

Senior Sweep DinnerFGS-HS (12 Grade)

College CookoutSUMMER KICK-OFF

CLASS OF '17 RETREAT (6/10-6/12)

D.R. TRIP (6/17-6/24)

High School Summer EventFGS-HS Pool Party

Cook-out Lake DayE20s

Look Up LodgeFGK (rising 3rd-6th graders)

Camp in the City FGK (1-6 Grades)

K Rise FGK (RISING K STUDENTS)

9 Rise FGS (RISING 9TH GRADE)

6 Rise FGS (RISING 6TH GRADE)

ABF, E20sFGK, JRFGS-MS (AM)College-age

ABF, E20s, CGEFGK, JRFGS-MS (AM), FGS-HS (PM) College-age

ABF, E20sFGK, JRCollege-age

ABF, E20s, Starting PointFGK, JRFGS-MS (AM) & Small Group DinnersCollege-age

ABF, E20s, Membership Class (PM)FGK, JRFGS-MS (AM)College-age

ABF, E20s, Membership Class (PM)FGK, JRFGS-MS (AM), FGS-HS (PM) College-age

ABF, E20sFGK, JRFGS-MS (AM)College-age

ABF, E20sFGK, JRFGS-MS (AM)College-age

ABF, E20sFGK, JRFGS-MS (AM)

ABF, E20s, GS, DC, Group ConnectFGK, JRFGS-MS (AM), FGS-HS (PM)

ABF, E20s, GS, DCFGK, JRFGS-MS (AM), United Night (PM)

ABF, E20s, GS, DCFGK, JR

College-age

AM2PM, MWSK, WBS

MEXICO TRIP (6/9-6/15)

Mexico TripOutreach

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC TRIP #2 (7/8-7/15)

Bogotá, Colombia TripOutreach

BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA TRIP (8/5-8/12)

Global Leadership SummitOutreach

EPIC RetreatFGS-HS

EPIC RETREAT (9/1-9/4)

AM2PM AM2PM, MWSK

Middle School Park DayFGS-MS

Middle School Pool PartyFGS-MS

Middle School Movie & Game Night

Downtown Worship Night

Single Parents' Night Out Carnival

D.R. Trip #2Outreach

Coffee & Chat w/Zac SheppersonOutreach + Family Ministry

College Send-off RetreatCollege

College-Age

FGS-HS Bible Study College-age

FGS-HS Bible StudyCollege-age

College-AgeWBS

FGS-HS Bible StudyCollege-AgeWBS

FGS-HS Bible StudyCollege-AgeWBS

College-AgeWBS

FGS-HS Bible StudyCollege-AgeWBS

Volunteer Celebration

SR Adults Luncheon

Coffee & Chat w/Chad GfellerOutreach + Family Ministry

FGS-HS Bible StudyCollege-AgeWBS

Summer 2017 | LIFE IN FELLOWSHIP 5

For kids in rising 1st - 6th grades Register: pinecove.com/city/fellowship-greenville

Monday–Friday • JUNE 19-23 • 9am-4pm

F G S - H SComing September 1-4, 2017

College Retreat

Rising 3rd-6th graders

For kids in rising 3rd - 6th grades Register: fellowshipgreenville.org/page/414?EventOccurrenceId=17

F G C o l l e g e - A g eAugust 2-5, 2017

4 LIFE IN FELLOWSHIP | Summer 2017

FGS-HS Bible Study

INTRODUCTIONS... STAFF

NOTES NEW STAFF

Patricia Deane

Angel Flemmer

Katie Schaffner

Debbie Thurston

Josh WIlliams

Jonathan Wunrow

Barbara Zapatka

New

6

DID YOU KNOW.. . we have a brand new web site? We've moved our entire online system to a new church management tool (called Rock RMS) we believe will serve us extremely well as we continue to grow. One of our favorite features is the ability to login with your social media account (like Facebook or Google), as well as your existing Fellowship Greenville web account.

In addition, the new Need Help section gives you quick access to a large number of support resources at the church and with our ministry partners. You can also access digital content for some of our magazine articles in the Stories section. We will continue to refine and update the new site over the summer months. If you have questions or feedback about the site, please let us know by emailing info@fellowshipgreenville.org.

God has been so gracious to provide new staff members to bring additional knowledge and skills to our church, and to replace those whom God has called elsewhere. The following people have joined our staff since January.

Patricia Deane | EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR TO MINISTRYPatricia moved to South Carolina from Chicago; however, she grew up in California. Although her educational background is in nursing, she has worked in leadership roles in a variety of settings and completed her Masters degree in Organizational Leadership. Patricia has four grown children: Joshua, Sarah, Jeremiah, and Jacob.

Angel Flemmer | NextGen Ministry AssistantAngel was born and raised in upstate New York. She attended Liberty University where she received a degree in psychology. She is passionate about working with kids and young adult ministries, and serving in any way she can. She is married to Steven and in her free time enjoys rock climbing, hiking, running, and drinking coffee with friends.

Katie Schaffner | ReceptionistKatie is a native Greenvillian and grew up attending FG. She has a passion for missions, other cultures, making people feel welcome, and serving others. She loves laughing, playing tennis, wrinkly puppies, and sweet tea.

Debbie Thurston | IT Trainer and Project ManagerDebbie and her husband Bob have been members of FG since 1986, and have served in a variety of capacities since then. In her current role, she brings a wealth of human resources and project management experience to the staff. The Thurstons have two daughters and four grandchildren.

Josh Williams | NextGen Production ManagerA native of Greenville, Josh is married to his high school sweetheart, and is father to Juliette and Judah (due in September). He is passionate about relationships and production, and loves finding ways to merge the two together.

Jonathan Wunrow | AV Technology DirectorJonathan is a musician and audio technology geek, and enjoys combining those interests to serve the body of Christ. He is husband to Melody and “doggy dad” to Libby; and when he’s not playing or recording music, he can be found cooking or taking his coffee making to the next level!

Barbara Zapatka | Guest Services CoordinatorBarbara loves being right in the middle of what God is doing at Fellowship Greenville. Connecting with people, watching us grow and working events reflects what she really loves. She has been in South Carolina for 14 years with family in Anderson. In addition, two staff members have stepped into new roles. Melanie Grainger has become the new FG Kids Elementary Coordinator. As a result of her moving from registered childcare, Rachelle Adams has moved from Assistant Director to Director of Registered Childcare.

Finally, several long-time staff members are retiring this summer: Jim and Sue Peterson (see pages 10-11), Raydell Tedder, and Sharon O’Neal. We could never begin to replace these individuals, but stand stronger and taller because of how they have impacted and influenced our lives.Please join us in welcoming the new staff and wishing well those who are stepping into new seasons of life and service.

LIFE IN FELLOWSHIP | Spring 2017 Spring 2017 | LIFE IN FELLOWSHIP 7

1946 Southside Baptist Church Founded

1949-1965 Pastor Mark Senter called to be the first of four pastors to preach at SBC

1965 Pastor Walt Handford becomes the new pastor at SBC

1996 Pastor Charlie Boyd becomes the pastor

2006 Church moves to Highway 14

1986 Church relocates to Woodruff Road property

2013 name changes to Fellowship Greenville

2017 New building project completed

Charlie and Walt

Today

Walt and Libby Handford

Ground-Breaking Ceremony in 1946

Pastor Handford in 1965

Service at the Augusta Road building in the 80's

2001 name changes to Southside Fellowship

BY ELIZABETH HANDFORD

The group crafted a strong, biblical statement of faith—the exact statement of faith we still

affirm, unchanged.

If the valorous people who long ago organized Fellowship Greenville could visit us today, I think they would be delighted to see hundreds

of us singing and worshiping the Lord Jesus together. They might think the music a trifle loud, but they’d love the strong biblical preaching. They would be so glad to see that we reach across the world to share the Gospel. They’d like how we linger long after the services just to fellowship with each other. They would say, “Yes! This is what we dreamed of.”

Those people, back in 1946, were loyal members of a mainline denominational church. They passionately believed in the inerrant Word of God, the deity of Christ, his atoning death, and salvation by grace alone. But the denominational literature used by their church denied all these. So their Sunday school class ordered study materials from an evangelical publisher. The deacons forbade it.

Sunday school class felt they should support only missionaries who believed the fundamental doctrines of

transformed by grace. Walt retired in 1996, after serving for 31 years.

And now, for the last 20 blessed years, Charlie Boyd has led this congregation, wisely, dependably, and with amazing results. We’ve changed the name of the church twice, changed the location, split church and school, and built new buildings, but the essentials at FG remain the same as those pioneers envisioned it.

I say the men and women who established FG would be thrilled at the way God continues to bless

us. But you can ask those who should know, because many of the descendants of those charter members still worship with us. Robert Fonville’s parents were charter members, and his mother was the church pianist for many years. The church was organized in Fred Nichols’ parents’ home. The grandparents of Marshall Hughes and Mary Harris were all charter members. So, ask them!

Strong roots those believers established for us back in 1946. Strong fruits we continue to reap in 2017, thank God!

the Bible. Two of their class members, Percy and Sarah Bellah, attended Moody Bible Institute to prepare for missionary service in Brazil. But Moody was not a school sponsored by the denomination, so the church refused to support them.

Then, their church began to restrict communion to members only. They were required to sign the New Hampshire Confession of Faith, which expressed, they felt, a limited atonement.

Enough was enough. On a Sunday afternoon, September 22, 1946, in the little brick home of Henry and Mabel Nichols on Augusta Street, next to their tire store, they met to organize a Bible-believing church. The group crafted a strong, biblical statement of faith—the exact statement of faith we still affirm, unchanged. They chose the name Southside Baptist Church , and bought

an old house on Augusta Road to worship in. They took on the full support of the Bellahs. (Fellowship Greenville continued to be the Bellah’s sole support for the rest of their lives!)

In 1949, Southside called Mark Senter as their first full-time pastor. He was a graduate of Moody and Grace Theological Seminary and had served as a Marine Corps chaplain. In his decade as pastor, the church built a beautiful Georgian sanctuary.

After Pastor Senter resigned, three pastors each served briefly. Attendance hovered at about 200 on Sunday mornings.

In January 1965, Walt Handford came as pastor. It seemed as if Greenvillians had been hungering for the Gospel, because soon people were coming to trust Christ every Sunday. Balconies were added, and still people had to stand outside to listen through the windows. A new auditorium was built in 1972 to seat 2,500, but parking remained a problem. In 1986, church and school moved to new facilities on a 40-acre campus on Woodruff Road.

Others can assess Walt’s ministry at Southside better than I. Charlie, especially, I think, values his leading us from a rigid, rules-oriented lifestyle into living a life

FELLOWSHIP GREENVILLE: True to our Roots...the men and women who

established FG would be thrilled at the way God continues to bless us.

STRONG FRUITS IN 2017Thank God!

8 LIFE IN FELLOWSHIP | Summer 2017 Summer 2017 | LIFE IN FELLOWSHIP 9

STAFF NEWS

The Petersons with their

children and grandchildren

(July 2014)

Thank you, Jim and Sue, for your selfless acts of service. I speak for many when I say, “Well done, good and faithful servants!” We wish you a fun-filled retirement!

Jim and Sue Peterson enjoying the sites on their Mediterranean cruise

At the end of June, Jim and Sue Peterson will step into an exciting new season—retirement! And it’s

so appropriate that they are doing it together. This hardworking, energetic, multi-skilled couple have collectively invested 79 years of service at Southside Baptist/Fellowship Greenville and Southside Christian School (SCS). You read that right, 79 years!

For the past 12 years, Sue has served as Church Receptionist, carrying out a wide range of responsibilities with the perfect blend of grace, expertise, and

warm humor. Her uplifting disposition and desire to go above and beyond the call of duty are reflected in everything she does, from assisting guests and members to serving and supporting the church staff. On those rare occasions when she has a spare moment in the midst of her busy agenda, you are likely to see Sue dusting, washing windows, or watering plants. According to Sue, the best part of her job has been working with great colleagues and serving the church congregation. The least desirable part was throwing out

“science experiments” lurking in staff lunch boxes in the refrigerator. Prior to her job here at FG, Sue worked at SCS for 22 years as librarian, middle and high school secretary, records ministry assistant, and facilities ministry assistant.

Jim has held the position of Facilities Manager at FG since 1997. His eye for excellence and devotion to our ministry is evident as you walk through our buildings and beautiful grounds. He and his team have worked tirelessly behind the scenes

BY LAURA SMITH to maintain an efficient, attractive, comfortable environment that has been instrumental to our ever-growing ministry. Jim is a member of the National Association of Church Facility Managers and has served as a board member and treasurer since 2009. He earned recognition as a Certified Church Facility Manager in 2001. The extra effort Jim invested to achieve this certification is an example of his desire and determination to serve to the best of his ability. Jim says one of the things he has enjoyed most as Facilities Manager is that “No two days were ever the same. Every day carries different challenges. The most difficult part is staying on top of everything from events to repairs and HVAC.” Before joining the FG staff, Jim worked at SCS for 27 years serving as teacher, vice principal, high school principal, and assistant administrator. He also coached basketball, baseball, and golf.

This dynamic duo met at Pillsbury Baptist Bible College and married in 1968. They have called Greenville home for 47 years and have raised five children, all of whom are married and have children of their own. Julie lives in North Carolina, Erik is in Greenville, Jeremy resides in Alabama, Betsy lives in Minnesota, and Jamie is also in Greenville. There are 13 grandchildren in the Peterson family, ranging in ages

from 3 months to 10 years. Needless to say, Jim and Sue look forward to spending more time with their grandkids in the coming months and years.

When asked what else they are looking forward to in retirement, Sue says, “Sleeping in to 7am!” She also enjoys being outdoors, even if it’s just picking up sticks in the yard after a windy day. She’s hoping they won’t be too tired in retirement to take some bike rides during the week too. Jim relishes the thought of “less stress, pressures, and deadlines; and more travel and events.” Their favorite trip (so far) was a 12-day Mediterranean cruise that combined ancient history and exotic places. Other destinations on Jim’s bucket list include Niagara Falls, Scandinavia, and visiting (or traveling through) Nebraska—the last state on his USA list. He also likes to deer hunt, fish, and golf when time permits.

If you’re wondering what it’s like to work with your spouse, Jim says there are pros and cons. “The biggest challenge is we could both bring home our work-related stresses and disrupt our down time. The advantage is that we see the total panorama of the ministry and the benefits of being involved in ministry.” When asked to describe each other’s professional strengths, Sue said, “Jim has been

called the Energizer Bunny. He is a hard worker, no matter the task. He is very faithful to God, his family, and to his job.” Jim says, “Sue’s greatest strengths are attention to detail, preciseness, ability to multi-task, and a concern for presenting the church’s ministry in the most desirable way.”

Having been part of such a vibrant, growing ministry for so many years, we asked Jim what he might say to younger staff members (to help them serve successfully). He says:

"Be certain you are serving in a position that God has uniquely prepared you for. Don’t be a square peg in a round hole.

"Let your mantra be, 'Can’t wait to get to work—can’t wait to get home.'

"Don’t burn out. Life is a rhythm. For every significant task there needs to be a time for reenergizing."

I had the privilege of working alongside Jim and Sue on the church staff for 19 years. I know they say no one is irreplaceable, but there is no doubt that there will be two pairs of very large shoes to fill when these long-time staffers hang up their hats. Thank you, Jim and Sue, for your selfless acts of service. I speak for many when I say, “Well done, good and faithful servants!” We wish you a fun-filled retirement!

CELEBRATING Remarkable Service

10 LIFE IN FELLOWSHIP | Summer 2017 Summer 2017 | LIFE IN FELLOWSHIP 11

AFFIRM 6/25/17

SummaryProposedBUDGET INCOME PROJECTED CHANGE*

Tithes $ 5,377,070 +6.90% Other General Fund Income $ 56,975 -21.70% Outreach Income $ 610,000 +11.82% $ 6,044,045 +8.34%EXPENSES General Fund $ 5,434,045 +7.96% Outreach $ 610,000 +11.82% $ 6,044,045 +8.34%

.15¢ NextGen$908,028 10.64%

.05¢ Connections

$283,785 2.96%

.05¢ Communications

$289,595 15.34%

.20¢ Operations

$1,192,868 36.54%

.13¢ Adults

$824,020 17.81%

.11¢ Worship$709,523 15.42%

.13¢ Outreach

$806,322 4.34%

.08¢ IT

$513,371 24.68%

.08¢ Facilities$521,533 2.82%

OnlineGIVINGYou can view your current giving record at our web site, either through a desktop or mobile device. To do so, simply login to our web site, then select Giving History from the Give menu. If you have any questions, please contact accounting@fellowshipgreenville.org.

Our ministry dollar is

used:

ProposedBUDGET

2017-2018

QUESTIONS? Please contact Art Ringger

aringger@fellowshipgreenville.org or call the church office.

*compared to our 2016-2017 budget12 LIFE IN FELLOWSHIP | Summer 2017 Summer 2017 | LIFE IN FELLOWSHIP 13

FAMILYMOVIEREVIEW

Movie Review: Woodlawn (2015)

It’s Birmingham, Alabama, circa 1973. Racial unrest permeates the community and a federal government desegregation mandate brings forced busing to

Woodlawn High School. A young, talented football player named Tony Nathan is one of those students now calling Woodlawn home, but he is finding it difficult to make a place on the team. After a race riot at the school has the football players at odds with each other, the coach invites a man named Hank to give a motivational talk to his team. What Coach doesn’t know is that Hank recently had his evangelistic fire lit at the Campus Crusade for Christ conference, Explo ‘73, where Hank decided living for Jesus would be all or nothing from now on. That night, as Hank speaks to those players, he challenges them to trust what God could do in their situation—heal relationships, win games—if they would come forward to commit themselves to a personal relationship with Christ. They all do.

And if you start thinking, “is this another cheesy Christian movie?” remind yourself—this really happened. Woodlawn is the true story of an Alabama high school football team who risks all to show their city that God is the Love who builds bridges and binds wounds. What happens next is nothing short of miraculous.

While not as cheesy, Woodlawn is not without its flaws. The script-writing is not particularly strong, but the talents of both Sean Astin and Jon Voight lift this story beyond its limitations, and inspire good performances from supporting actors. Plus, there is more to the story than the chronicle of events in the city that was known at the time as “Bombingham.” The relational bond that develops between Tony and Hank is both moving and inspirational. It also provides a good opportunity to talk to your kids about the civil rights movement and life in the segregated South. I pondered the themes of this story and the events of Tony’s life for days after seeing the movie.

Directed by the Erwin Brothers (“October Baby”), and based on the books Woodlawn by Coach Tandy Gerald’s son, Todd, and Touchdown Tony: Running With a Purpose by Tony Nathan, (former running back for the University of Alabama and the Miami Dolphins), Woodlawn stars newcomer and Alabama cornerback Caleb Castille as Tony, Sean Astin as Hank, and Jon Voight as Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant.

Becky Blackwell FG Staff

HOW DO I GET PLUGGED IN SERVING? It is in serving others that we grow to depend on God, to learn how he made us, and to find the place he has for us to contribute to the work of his body. To get started, visit fellowshipgreenville.org/serving and watch the video. Once you have an understanding of how we think about serving, use the links at the bottom of that page to get connected with a particular ministry area of our church. Or, stop by the Next Steps area outside Auditorium One to begin a conversation about where you might serve.

THRIVE

One increase in our 2017-2018 budget is to fund the expansion of our special needs ministry, birthed several years ago in the

heart of church member Lisa Romines. Now our Special Needs Coordinator, Lisa is a passionate supporter and advocate for children with special needs both in our church and community. We asked Lisa to explain more about this vital ministry.

Q: Why is it important that we have a special needs ministry at Fellowship Greenville?

A: First and foremost, it is important because it falls under the commandment spoken by Jesus to love our neighbors. There is absolutely no exception clause for this command. The fact that a little over 11% of the population in the United States have disabilities, and most do not feel wanted in God’s church, is both alarming and sad. However, as we have been called to be Jesus to others, we must love all people.

Further, in the ninth chapter of Luke, Jesus instructed his followers to receive children. As the disciples were arguing among themselves as to who was the greatest, Jesus responded. He took a

child by his side and said, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is the least among you all is the one who is great.” As Jesus followers, those words are more than enough reason to answer the question.

Q: Let’s go a little deeper and get more specific. Why is it important for our church to have a special needs ministry?

A: Let’s first look at our church’s vision: to be a community of grace passionately pursuing life and mission with Jesus. The last part of that statement speaks volumes to me. Part of Jesus’ mission was to love all people, with no exceptions. In fact, he healed the sick, the blind, the lame, and the deaf, as well as blessed all children. If we are going to passionately pursue mission with him, we must also love all people and be Jesus to them by serving them well. Fellowship Greenville must follow his model and be a place for all to belong.

In addition to being our vision, loving others is also one of our core values. Specifically, loving others is caring for people with no expectation of return

by putting their needs above our own. Consider these two facts:

• About 90% of families having children with special needs do not attend any church.

• Families with one or more disabled children have higher than average divorce rates. (15-20% higher than that of families not having children with disabilities). For children with autism, some researchers report divorce rates as high as 85%.

So, the needs of these families are immense. The divorce rate is higher and most do not attend a church. The families of children with special needs are in desperate need of local churches where they can experience the love of Jesus through the care and support of friends and neighbors. Are we called to put their needs above our own at Fellowship Greenville? Certainly!

Q: Are we caring for the needs of families who have a child with disabilities?

A: We have had a “buddy” system for some time. A "buddy" system is used for children with special needs who are able to learn about Jesus

HELPING ALL KIDS

BY CHELSEY BRILLIANDT & LISA ROMINES

within traditional classes, but need a consistent person to walk beside them. These volunteers actually stay with them and help them engage in the lesson and activities.

In 2014, we added a specifically designed room for the children attending whose needs were not met even with a "buddy." Curriculum is now adapted weekly to meet them on their levels and God continues to call his people to volunteer to serve. It has been a huge success and has grown to two rooms now serving both preschool and early elementary children.

Another significant way we are caring for these families’ needs is to open the door for the parents to attend community groups. When first connecting with the parents, each shared a strong desire to be living in community, but were unable to do so as their child(ren) with special needs require specifically-trained childcare. This need had not crossed my mind, and it broke my heart to see the parents' desire and need to have the support of a community, but the inability for them to do so. Within a couple of weeks, we came up with a solution and offered loving and trained workers within our Registered Childcare ministry to care for their children during Sunday night community groups. The parents quickly joined a group and it has been life-changing for they are now are able to receive the benefit of community life, encouragement, and support as they also get the opportunity to bless others.

Q: Is God wanting us to grow this program?

A: That is a definite yes! God continues to bring families who have at least one member with special needs here. We have grown from four families to 17 families and God continues to send volunteers to serve in this ministry as it grows. This growth has given us the need to identify this ministry with a name. FG THRIVE is the new name as we move forward.

I truly believe God has brought these families here because his desire for us is to pursue mission with Jesus and truly put others’ needs first. God also wants us to have the opportunity to be blessed by these families. One parent has been called to go alongside other parents as their children are diagnosed with special needs. children diagnosed with special needs. One awesome older child with special needs is serving as a volunteer in a kindergarten class and is making a difference in the lives of children. These are win-win situations. So, let’s continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus by loving our neighbors and receiving all of God’s children. After all, he commands that of us!

We can be the hands and feet of Jesus by loving our neighbors & receiving all of God’s children.

EXPANDING OUR SPECIAL NEEDS MINISTRY AT FELLOWSHIP GREENVILLE

LISA ROMINES

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BY MARY BETH WILLIAMS

Growing up in a family who fostered, Tracy Peterson always knew fostering would someday

be part of the family she and her husband, Ben, were building. Life happened as their family grew to six, including Abigail (13), Jack (11), Lucas (9), and Emiline (5). The desire to foster seemed to be pushed further and further to the back of the shelf.

In 2014 Tracy and Abigail traveled with Back2Back, one of our ministry partners, to Monterrey, Mexico. It was the first team Fellowship Greenville had taken to Monterrey. Tracy and Abigail were able to travel with three other mother-daughter teams from their community group. This sense of communion with others—who they were doing life with—coupled with a

heart already soft toward the vulnerable child, left Tracy q u e s t i o n i n g what God wanted to do with their family.

Ben was able to travel on the next team to Monterrey in 2015, along with a few men from their community group. While

there, team members were asked to write one word that they were committing to pray about in the days following their return home. Ben wrote the word: Foster! That was the beginning of Ben and Tracy partnering together with their kids to purposefully move them toward bringing foster kids into their home.

Partnership seems to be a theme as Ben and Tracy relate their story. It’s unique how God used Fellowship Greenville’s partnership with Back2Back to take the Petersons on separate trips to Monterrey. These trips, specifically Ben’s, were the catalyst used to push them to a point of action.

The Petersons pursued their fostering license with Miracle Hill, a long-time partner of Fellowship Greenville. Doing this provided them with a licensing agency who understands the worldview from which the Petersons consistently approach fostering.

God had already brought the Petersons to a place of deep trust with their community group. This enabled a likely partnership as those families began to wrap around them to support with prayer, meals, babysitting, and even working through the licensing process themselves in order to be able to provide respite care for the Petersons.

Partnership happened in unlikely places too. A women’s Bible study group approached leadership with the desire to serve together. The leaders of the group had already prayed and asked for God’s guidance. They both strongly felt like they wanted to partner with a foster family. No one knew what that looked like, but the group and the Petersons agreed to try it out. Ben and Tracy both tear up when they talk about this women’s group. When they were first approached, they were at what they describe as their lowest point. In fact, they were getting ready to call their licensing worker and ask them to find another home for the baby they were caring for. The news that a group of strangers wanted to love on their family gave them the push they needed to stick with that little guy for several more months as he healed physically and emotionally.

This women’s group created a prayer card with the Peterson family’s

DON'T MISS Ben and Tracy sharing their fostering story: FELLOWSHIPGREENVILLE.ORG/STORIES

bravely make the call to that family and begin to watch God use you! Even though fostering is hard, it’s worth the journey, they say. God is writing their family’s story with each child he brings into their home. At the same time, he’s writing the story of each child Ben, Tracy, and their kids get a chance to fall in love with. What a gift—his stories are always the very best ones! PARTNERING IN

picture and specific requests for each family member. They have provided meals, diapers, and notes of encouragement as the Petersons have walked on the front lines of caring for the marginalized.

Asked what they would tell you in regard to fostering, the Petersons respond with: do what God’s calling you to do. If it’s bringing a foster kid into your home, obey—he will provide what you need daily. If it’s praying for a family, or partnering with them in a tangible way, Service and Love

DON'T MISS Ben and Tracy sharing their fostering story: FELLOWSHIPGREENVILLE.ORG/STORIES

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IT MATTERS: A c e l e b r at i o n o f s e r v i n gBY JOSH AMOS

In a world where the constant chase for power, status, and wealth dominates minds, agendas and feeds, is there space for missional living? Last August, we celebrated the over 900 individuals who faithfully serve with Fellowship

Greenville. As we strive to become a community of grace passionately pursuing life and

mission with Jesus, it is paramount to get excited when individuals and families begin to invest in one another in ways that exemplify this vision.

The phrase “IT MATTERS” became the mantra on which we celebrated the attitudes, behaviors, love, and care seen weekly in the various worship spaces throughout our Fellowship.

IT MATTERS that a smile was had, an instrument was played, a beverage was poured, a plate was passed, a seat was found, a diaper was changed, a skit was performed, a lesson was taught, a table was dusted, a flag was waved, a welcome was spoken, a tour was given, a photo was taken, a song was sung, a camera was directed, a prisoner was visited, a shut-in was encouraged, a gift was delivered, a non-profit was equipped, a missionary was blessed….

It is our desire to celebrate again this August God’s continuing work in and through those people who are giving their lives away with no expectation of return. This celebration promises to be another wonderful time of God’s story retold for our blessing and his fame. Stay tuned for details, and if you aren’t already serving, stop by our Next Steps table in the Commons to start the conversation.

It is in serving others that we grow to depend on God, to learn how he made us, and to find the place he has for us to contribute to the work of his body.Hundreds of people serve inside the walls of Fellowship Greenville each week. We have areas of ministry where you, too, can plug into service. To better understand what we mean by service, watch the video at fellowshipgreenville.org/serve, then use the form on that page to get connected with one of our serving teams.

IT STILL MATTERS: An Evening Celebrating Life on Mission with JesusTuesday, August 8, 2017 • 6:30-9:00 p.m.

FELLOWSHIP GREENVILLE COURTYARD

Akeelah and the BeeAlexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad DayBecause of Winn-DixieBig Hero 6BraveCinderellaFinding NemoHow to Train Your Dragon

Inside OutMaxMcFarland, USAMom's Night OutPaddingtonRamona and BeezusTangledThe Blind Side

The Gabby Douglas StoryThe Good DinosaurThe Jungle BookThe Lost MedallionThe Prince of EgyptWe Bought a ZooWoodlawnZootopia

Familysummer

New Arrivals:

Stop by the Faith@Home Center this summer to borrow these and other family-friendly movies. Each movie

contains a conversation card intended to guide parents as they connect the movie theme to faith. Below is a little list of some of our new movie additions.

Faith@Home

Finding DoryThe BFGThe Secret Life of PetsThe Wild LifeTrollsWreck-It Ralph

Popular List:

MOVIES

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movies@home

DON'T MISS Our video on Serving—Life on Misson: FELLOWSHIPGREENVILLE.ORG/SERVE

Spring 2017 | LIFE IN FELLOWSHIP 19

SERVICE F A M I L Y S T Y L E

ALDERSGATE

JULIE VALENTINE CENTER'S ANNUAL RUN TO OVERCOME

HARVEST HOPE FOOD BANK

HARVEST HOPE FOOD BANK

SALVATION ARMY SUPERHERO 5K

HIGH SCHOOLERS CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY BY SERVING MIRACLE HILL MINISTRIES

The end of the school year. For families tied to the yearly rhythm of the school system, there's a freedom unique

to summer—a sense of possibility and adventure that begs to be explored. Beyond destination vacations and the ubiquitous sports or academic camp, where could this summer take your family? Consider Christ’s love for the poor and Paul’s exhortation in Philippians 2:4 for each of us “to look not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Do you sense an invitation to leave ordinary behind and create space in your summer for experiences with potential to shape your heart, and the lives of people in our city, for the better?

Need help getting started? Here's a list of local volunteer opportunities particularly well-suited for families.

� Families with elementary-age kids: United Ministries serves the homeless and families in financial crisis. They have created a list of age-appropriate object lessons for kids that, when combined with collecting items for donation and spending an hour with staff at their facility, can help families grow in compassion for the poor and in their understanding of how to help without hurting. Contact me

(ssalamone@fellowshipgreenville.org) to receive a copy of the list.

� Families with kids ages 10+: Harvest Hope Food Bank is the largest provider of food for the hungry in SC, serving over 200 households per day with dignity, compassion, and education. It may be difficult to believe, but one in 10 people in Greenville do not know where their next meal will come from. Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday, 9am-3pm, to work in their food pantry on White Horse Road. Schedules are flexible and roles include bagging food, stocking shelves, and serving pantry clients directly. Kids ages 10 to 15 must be supervised by an adult and a brief volunteer training is required for all volunteers. Contact Tanya Yachaina, Volunteer Coordinator, at tyachaina@harvesthope.org.

� Families with kids ages 12+: Miracle Hill Ministries serves the homeless, adults recovering from addiction, children in DSS custody, and foster families in Greenville. It can be difficult to narrow down a place to serve within this remarkable organization; however there is a way

BY SUSAN SALAMONE

for your family to be a blessing to all these areas of ministry—volunteer in a MHM thrift store! With eight thrift stores across Greenville County, there is one on your side of town. Stores are open Monday through Saturday with three volunteer shifts: 9-11:30am, 1-4pm, and 4-6pm. Depending on the age of your kids, volunteer roles could include sorting donations, organizing books, straightening clothing racks, or cleaning display shelves.

Other family volunteer roles for families with kids ages 12+ through Miracle Hill Ministries: • Fathers and sons can wash and

clean vehicles at Greenville Rescue Mission, Shepherd’s Gate, Overcomers, or Renewal Center; flexible scheduling available.

• Mothers and daughters can help with Closet Management at Shepherd's Gate, the women’s homeless shelter. Flexible schedules available for delivering donated clothes, sorting, folding, re-organizing, etc.

For all these opportunities, contact Jaclyn Pinkham, Volunteer Coordinator, at jpinkham@miraclehill.org.

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIESLooking for outdoor events your family might enjoy? Both volunteers

and participants are needed to raise awareness and funds for these local partners. • June 8—Habitat Greenville’s

Golf Fundraiser at Green Valley Country Club. To volunteer: fellowshipgreenville.org/opportunities-local.

• July 22—Harvest Hope Food Bank’s Hunger Run 5K at Furman University. Register at harvesthope.org/calendar/hungerrun2017

• August 5—Julie Valentine Center’s annual Run to Overcome 5K, 10K, and Kid’s Fun Run at Cleveland Park. Register at raceroster.com/events/2017/13189/run2overcome-2017

• August 12—Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club’s SuperHero 5K at the Kroc Center, 7-11am. Register at events.miraclehill.org/site/TR?fr_id=1061&pg=entry

This summer my plans will take me into two new areas which I've wanted to explore for years: mountain biking with my husband and giving my life away with no expectation of return in our city. When I'm not on the trails, I’ll be volunteering with adults in crisis and at-risk kids through partnerships with two excellent non-profit organizations in Greenville. Join me in a grand adventure!

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Throughout the months of June and July, we will talk about different kids from the Bible who totally rocked! They did what God wanted them to do and that totally rocks.

Here's�a�glimpse�at�what��� we're�learning�in�FG�Kids...�Follow us... FACEBOOK.COM/FGKIDSATFG

AMAZINGBEAUTIFULFORMEDLIGHT

LOVEDPLANNEDPRAISEPRICELESS

Word SearchCan you find these words hidden below?

WANTEDWONDERFUL

22 LIFE IN FELLOWSHIP | Summer 2017 Summer 2017 | LIFE IN FELLOWSHIP 23

Each summer for the past few years, Fellowship Greenville has hosted a big worship night at the TD Stage in downtown Greenville. If you have ever attended this event you know that it is a blast! And we've got

great news… we're doing it again this summer!On Friday, July 28, 8pm at the TD Stage, the Fellowship Greenville

worship team will be hosting about a two-hour Jesus party! Bring the whole family (and some lawn chairs!) to come worship with us.