Inside this issue:
Pastor’s Message 2
Events/Birthdays 3
January’s Schedules 4
Announcements 5
Brian’s Briefs 6
Music & Worship 7
Contact Info &
Brittany’s Bits
8
NEWSLETTER
Dr. Paul Noe, Pastor
Rev. Gary Powell, Associate Pastor & Minister of Music
& Worship
Rev. Brian Ayers, Associate Pastor & Minister of Youth
Mrs. Brittany Walden, Director of Children’s Ministries
January, 2014
Volume IV, Issue I
January 15 Deadline
For all info to be included in
the February Newsletter.
“...I will bless
thee… And thou
shalt be
a blessing.”
Genesis 12:2
Where Peaceful Waters Flow
The clouds break forth the streams of light
To dance upon the earth
and cradled in the sands of time
A newborn baby’s birth.
A gentle breeze blows through the night
It whispers through the grass
And ripples on the water form
As rain glistens on glass.
And you listen to the sound
The Lord’s presence all around
He summons us to go
Where peaceful waters flow.
A rainbow arcs across the sky
A promise is displayed
The graceful flight of a butterfly
It takes my breath away.
And you listen to the sound
The Lord’s presence all around
He summons us to go
Where peaceful waters flow.
By Keith Burroughs
Page 2
“PASTOR PAUL’S PARAGRAPHS”
Dear Members and Friends of the Sweetwater Baptist Church:
Blessings!! The Christmas celebrations this year at Sweetwater were great! The Children’s Musical,
the Adult Choir Musical, and the Candlelight Communion service were all wonderful! Thank you for making
the Christmas season so special at Sweetwater!
On a personal note, “thank you” so very much for the many gifts, cards, and expressions of love that
you gave to the Noe family during the Christmas season. Words cannot express our gratitude and apprecia-
tion for your tremendous generosity and thoughtfulness. We are so blessed to serve such a loving and caring
church family.
2014 is going to be a year of phenomenal growth in our area. We are about to witness an explosion of
new construction, businesses, and traffic around Exit 5. Zaxby’s has already opened for business, construc-
tion on the new Walmart has begun, and a shopping plaza and additional eating establishments are on the
way. What does this mean for the Sweetwater Baptist Church? It is an exciting opportunity for us to expand
our influence and make an impact for the Kingdom of God. Jesus reminds us in John 4:35 that the fields are
“white unto harvest.” We must be faithful in being the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matthew
5:13-16). “For such a time is this” (Esther 4:14) God has placed us in this area to be a Gospel Lighthouse.
Let’s pray that God will give us wisdom and guidance as we seek ways to impact our area for Christ.
Often people make New Year’s resolutions during this time of year. However, resolutions are promises
that are easily broken and forgotten. As Christians, we should make commitments. Let me encourage you to
make the following commitments as you enter 2014.
1. Be DELIGHTED in Your Walk with God – Micah 6:8
2. Be DISCIPLINED in Your Daily Prayer and Bible Study – Luke 18:1, 2 Timothy 2:15
3. Be DEDICATED in Your Church Attendance – Hebrews 10:25
4. Be DETERMINED to be a Witness for Christ – Luke 24:48
5. Be DEVOTED in Your Service to the Lord – Ephesians 6:6
I can hardly wait to see what God is going to do at the Sweetwater Baptist Church in 2014! Thanks for
the privilege of serving you!!
Happy New Year!!
With a Pastor’s Love,
Brother Paul Philippians 1:3
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
1/1 — Heather Widener
1/2 — Lee Hanks, Sherry Hawkins, Elizabeth Coulthurst
1/3 — Bill Montgomery, Sandy Nail, Michelle Smith, Mike Lybrand, Ron Wheatley
1/4 — Ricky Kelley, Matthew Benenhaley, Meredith Tay-lor, Janice Jernigan, Brandi Schwarz
1/5 — Gary Bell, Jr., Peggy Spaulding, Joe Miller
1/6 — Elizabeth McDaniel, Bethany Powell, Ralph Robin-son, Charlotte Munns, Allen Byrd
1/7 — David McClure, Patricia Bridges
1/8 — Gerald Messer
1/9 — Julie Little, Betty Raines
1/10 — Chris Wade
1/11 — Casey Meteraud
1/12 — Jayden Branson, Diane Pitman
1/13 — Hollie Gillespie
1/14 — Ryan Ratcliff, Kay Watson, Sandra Bell, Billy Payne, Roy Walker, Jodi Wade
1/15 — Bobbi Noe, Brenda Whiteaker
1/16 — Lisa Wright, Briana Loehr
1/17 — Ryan Gillespie, Iris Carter, Phillip Dickert, Audi Clemens
1/18 — Evangeline Schwarz, Jesse Blaxton
1/19 — Tillman Miller
1/20 — Larry Campbell, Teresa Myers, Dan Jernigan, Sally Hatfield, Gracyn Walden
1/22 — Lauren Hadden
1/23 — Lilly Byers, Jimmy Lane, Bryson Wright
1/24 — Charles Stewart
1/25 — Piper Cook, Madisyn Thatcher, Alison Ramsey, Rocky McKie, Helen Costello
1/26 — Jeanette Miller, Beverly Hadley, Greg Shouse
1/27 — Parker McCay, Nina Benenhaley
1/28 — Helen Scruggs
1/30 — Jerry Deese
1/31 — Dustin Loehr
January 1 — Church Office Closed
January 5 — AWANA Resumes, 5pm; Wild Game Team Meeting, 5pm
January 6 — Monday Night Visitation Resumes, 6:30pm
January 7 — Norma Pate Group, 6:30pm
January 8 — Neely Group, 10am, M&M Resumes, 6:30pm
January 10 — Sweetwater Jammin’, 7pm
January 12 — Council of Leaders’ Meeting, 4pm
January 15 — Finance Committee Meeting, 7:20pm
January 17 — Joyous Seniors’ Luncheon, 11:45am
January 18 — Men’s Prayer Breakfast, 8am
January 19 — Deacons’ Meeting, 4pm; Romanian Mission Trip Report, 6pm
January 20 — Biltmore House Day Trip
January 21 — Ladies’ Photography, 6pm; Norma Pate Group, 6:30pm
January 26 — Missions Committee Meeting, 4pm
January 29 — RA Racing, 6:30pm
Page 4 January Schedules
SECURITY: January 5 January 12 January 19 January 26
8:30 AM Tillman Miller Bill Little Greg Hurt David Harley
11:00 AM Frank Maurer Russell Eubanks Chic Morris Jimmy Pardue
6:00 PM Jim Reece Ronnie Berry Robert Ratcliff Terrill Lepard
January 5
Rene & Madge Garcia
Crib: Toni Steedley & Renee Stewart Toddler: Debbie & Christina McClure
Tonya Gilbert & Nancy Britt
January 12
Brittany Walden & Sunnie Cook
Crib:Katie Johnson & Ginny Pardue Toddler: Kathy Branson & Libby Zahner
Alyss Noe & Brittany Walden
January 19
Robert & Diane Thompson
Crib: Patsy Walker & Helen Butler Toddler: Felix & Sherry McKie
Cindy O’Driscoll & Kathy Crawford
January 26
Benay Byers & Julie Little
Crib: Mary Dickenson & Madison Ayers Toddler: Eric & Tina Wiggins
Marvin & Doris Wheeler
NURSERY SCHEDULE
8:30 AM 11:00 AM 6:00 PM
8:30 AM 11:00 AM 8:30 AM 11:00 AM
January 5 January 12
Mark Stewart Abbie Prince Billy Cross Roby Gillespie
Jerry Hawkins Miller Butler Kenneth Hughes Eric Wiggins
Bill Little Greg Waugh Tillman Miller Johnny Albion
David McClain Robert Ratcliff Robert Thompson Jim Williams
John Morgan Ronnie Berry Jim Reece Lee Leyda
January 19 January 26
David Harley Russell Eubanks Lee Hanks Abbie Prince
Rod Ingle Chuck Nail Greg Lepard Miller Butler
Rocky McKie Jimmy Pardue Scott Sherman Dean McDaniel
Gordon Ferguson Terry Mathis Chris Gillespie Chuck Nail
Melvin Scales Tony Costello Danny Fincher Greg Waugh
CMC Ministry
Delivery Schedule
January
Terry &
Sharon Mathis
“For the word of
the Lord is right;
and all his works
are done in truth.”
Psalm 33:4
Deacons on Call
January 5
Keith Edwards
Steve Whisenant
January 12
Ronnie Berry
Al Branson
January 19
Melvin Scales
Bill McBride
January 26
Bill Little
Chris McBride
U
S
H
E
R
S
Joyous Seniors…
You are in for a treat at this month’s Joyous Seniors’ Covered-Dish Lunch-
eon!! Our special guest will be Kristy Byers, who will entertain us with Christian
comedy. Kristy is originally from Clover, SC, graduated from Winthrop University,
is a former missionary, and currently works with the Baptist Foundation in Colum-
bia, SC. Her message is: “This is life. There are times when there isn’t much fun-
ny, but even in the darkest times, the joy of the Lord is our
strength.”
Join us on Friday, January 17th, at 11:45am in the
Family Life Center. Bring a smile, a friend, and your favor-
ite covered dish. We’ll see you there!
Sweetwater Jammin’
Don’t miss another session of Sweetwater Jammin’ on Friday, January 10th, at 7pm
in the Family Life Center. If you have not attended one of these events, you have missed a
night filled with music and laughter. Oh, and food!!
If you sing or play an instrument, whether you are just learning or have been playing
for a long time, we would love for you to participate. If you are interested in participating,
please call Elaine King to let her know (279-3286). Bring some finger-food, and bring a
friend. We guarantee you will GET a blessing and BE a blessing!!
KEEP THAT NEW YEARS RESOLUTION!!
Prayer Walking in the Family Life Center
Thursday Mornings at 10am
Physical & Spiritual Health and Great Fellowship!!
Brian’s B
riefs
Winter Jam 2014 Thursday, February 13 — Cost: $20
NEWSBOYS, LeCrae, Newsong, Colton Dixon, Tenth Avenue North & More!!
Speaker: Nick Hall
Deadline for Sign-up is Sunday, February 2nd—Pay $20 to Sign Up.
Wild Game Supper
Team Meetings
January 5, 5pm
February 2, 5pm
February 23, 4pm
Please Mark These Dates on Your Calendar!
“Go Tell” Youth Camp June 23—27, 2014
Toccoa, GA — $300 per camper
Water Skiing, Tubing, Swimming,
Canoeing, Paddle Boats, Gym
Great Speakers: Ken Freeman, Travis Crimm,
Shannon O’Dell, James Merritt
Awesome Worship Leaders: Exodus & Charles Billingsley
Non-refundable deposit of $50 holds your spot!
(Camp usually fills up by mid-February!!)
Biltmore Estate Extravaganza — Monday, January 20th, 7:15am—10:30pm
Lunch at the Moose Café in Asheville; Supper at The Beacon in Spartanburg
Adults: $60; Ages 10-16: $45; Ages 9 & under: $30
PLUS money for 2 meals & snacks
Price Includes Biltmore Ticket & Bus Transportation
$25 deposit per person due by January 5th
Hard to believe that Hard to believe that
8 years have gone by since 8 years have gone by since
God called us to Sweetwa-God called us to Sweetwa-
ter. We “loaded up the ter. We “loaded up the
truck and moved to” North truck and moved to” North
Augusta . We began our Augusta . We began our
ministry on Christmas Day, ministry on Christmas Day,
2005. It has been a pleasure 2005. It has been a pleasure
and privilege to serve with and privilege to serve with
my friend and brother in my friend and brother in
the Lord, Paul Noe. In ad-the Lord, Paul Noe. In ad-
dition, it has been a won-dition, it has been a won-
derful opportunity to minis-derful opportunity to minis-
ter here. Thank you so ter here. Thank you so
much for all the friendships much for all the friendships
that we share. Your contin-that we share. Your contin-
uuaall wwoorrddss ooff ssuuppppoorrtt ,, lloovvee ,,
and encouragement mean and encouragement mean
so much to our family. Your so much to our family. Your
continued concern and continued concern and
prayers on behalf of our prayers on behalf of our
daughters away at college, daughters away at college,
from Arkansas to Romania, are from Arkansas to Romania, are
a comfort to us, as well. To the a comfort to us, as well. To the
Celebration Choir, I want to Celebration Choir, I want to
say what a blessing it has been say what a blessing it has been
to minister through music & to minister through music &
praise weekpraise week--afterafter--week. You week. You
are amazing!are amazing!
Singing His Praises,Singing His Praises,
Bro. GaryBro. Gary
Fall Retreat (Smoky Mtns)
Biltmore Christmas Trip
Blue Willow Inn/Historic Home
Tour
Spring Retreat (Charleston)
NarroWay Productions— “The
Gospel According to TN”
Sr. Adult Day & Christmas @
Connie Maxwell
Celebrators Conference
(Sevierville, TN)
WOW! A new year! Can you believe it!
2013 was a wonderful year of trips
and travel for our Senior Adult Minis-
try! If you were unable to participate,
or you are new to Sweetwater, I hope
you will avail yourself to these fun,
exciting, and spiritually enriching
opportunities, if your health allows.
Here are a few highlights from 2012-
13:
Spring Retreat (Beckley, WV)
Plans are already underway for our
Spring/Summer Retreat. Be watching this
paragraph page in next month’s newslet-
ter for all the details. Tentative dates are
June 19-21. Take out your calendar right
now, mark it; then, tell your family you
can’t because
you are going
on the trip with
the church! It’s
that simple.
SENIOR ADULT News
The purpose of the event is to The purpose of the event is to
provide each choir with 5 new provide each choir with 5 new
songs they can sing in their songs they can sing in their
church. It’s great fellowship, wor-church. It’s great fellowship, wor-
ship, and a delicious lunch. Signship, and a delicious lunch. Sign--
up begins Jan. 8th in rehearsal. up begins Jan. 8th in rehearsal.
Don’t miss this special opportuni-Don’t miss this special opportuni-
ty. It only comes once a year!ty. It only comes once a year!
FEBRUARY 16 FEBRUARY 16
(AM)(AM)
Concert w/ Concert w/
George FridlenderGeorge Fridlender
“Through “Word & “Through “Word &
Song,” George shares an amaz-Song,” George shares an amaz-
ing story of survival & spiritual ing story of survival & spiritual
journey...forsaking fame for faith!”journey...forsaking fame for faith!”
JANURY JANURY
Rehearsal ScheduleRehearsal Schedule
5th5th—— NO REHEARSALNO REHEARSAL
12th12th——4:00pm4:00pm
19th19th——4:00pm4:00pm
26th26th——4:00pm4:00pm
Music Notes Music Notes Music Notes (Gary Powell)(Gary Powell)(Gary Powell)
UPCOMING
MUSICAL DATES
AIKEN BAPTIST AIKEN BAPTIST
ASSOCIATION’S ASSOCIATION’S
ANNUAL ANNUAL
ADULT CHOIR ADULT CHOIR
WORKSHOPWORKSHOP
SATURDAYSATURDAY——JANUARY JANUARY
25 25
HOST: BELVEDERE HOST: BELVEDERE
FBCFBC
9:00AM9:00AM--2:30PM2:30PM
COST: 12COST: 12
FOREIGN MISSION FIELDS FOR
THE MONTH OF JANUARY:
January 5 — Denmark
January 12 — South Korea
January 19 — Dominican Republic
January 26 — Indonesia
Please remember to pray for our Southern Baptist
missionaries and workers this month.
Trust God for a Miracle
Church Office: 803-279-2821
Family Life Center: 803-426-1860
January Big Fish Bubbles
This past month has been a very busy one for the all of the Children’s Ministries. The Elementary Exalters did a
wonderful job with their Christmas musical, “Return to Bethlehem.” There is nothing more precious than watch-
ing our children worship the Lord and grow in their relationship with Him! Our Preschool Praisers entertained us
this month as well with a few Christmas worship songs, and as always they were adorable. In addition to our chil-
dren’s choirs we celebrated the real reason for the season with our birthday party for Jesus and a Christmas
pajama fellowship in AWANAs. I can’t thank all of our wonderful children’s workers enough for how hard they
have worked to make sure our children have a wonderful relationship with the Lord. As we say goodbye to 2013
we will be preparing for a wonderful start to the New Year for our Big Fish. Please look over the important dates
below to stay informed about when our Children’s Ministries will start back up in 2014. I pray that God blesses
each of you in the upcoming year!
January 5th-AWANA begins 5:00-7:00pm
January 8th-Pre-school Praisers, Elementary Exalters, Mission Friends, RA’s, and GA’s begin 6:30-8:00pm
Web Site:
www.sweetwaterbc.org
MEN’S PRAYER BREAKFAST
Saturday, January 18, 8am in
the Fellowship Hall.
Goal: $2,300,000
Each Letter Represents $100,000
Total to date: $603,650.78
The Neely Group will meet on
Wednesday, January 8 at 10am in the
Fellowship Hall.
The Joyous Seniors’ Luncheon will
be Friday, January 17, 11:45am, in the
Family Life Center.