Connect@First Newsletter

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In This Edition: Week of November 12 - 18, 2026


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Sunday Worship

November 15, 2026

8:30am | Sanctuary
10:45am | Worship & Arts Center
11:00am | Sanctuary


WATCH LIVE

Sermon Series 

“Missed Call...God”
1 Samuel 10:9-27
Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons preaching




Sunday Education

8:30am Nursery
9:30am Children’s Sunday School
9:45am Student Life Groups
9:45am Adult Life Groups
10:30am Kids Church

Sunday Life Groups

Member News

CONGRATULATIONS • The pastors and congregation extend blessings to

Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Myers (Mary Grace) on the birth of a son, Tate Collins Myers, on September 28.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert August (Mary Evelyn) on the birth of a daughter, Eleanor Evelyn August, on October 19, and to grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. William Brown V (Lauren) and Mr. and Mrs. Bob August (Doane).
Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel Thompson (Lindsay Melzer), who were married in the Sanctuary on November 7.


SYMPATHY • The pastors and congregation extend sympathy to

Mr. Ralph Hall in the death of his mother-in-law, Ms. Bobbie Merck Cothran of Central, SC, on November 1.
Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Ramseur (Jill) in the death of his mother, Mrs. Dorothy H. Ramseur, on November 9.


IN MEMORIAM

Dorothy Howle Ramseur • May 10, 1942 – November 9, 2026
A funeral service will be held at First Presbyterian on Friday, November 13, at 11:00am. Visitation will following in the Abbott Gathering area.


PRAYER LIST • Bold = New Italics = In Hospital

Nancy Adams, Andy Anderson, Bill Anthony, Sandra Banks, Betty Bennett, Harry Bolick, Dan Boling, George Boroughs, Matt Covington, Brantley Daniel, Debbie Davidson, Peggy Denny, Harry Hightower, Don Hobbs, Charlie Hutton, Joe James, Al Johnson, Anne Lide, Jenny McCorkle, Caroline Morris, Rachel Mullinax, Tom Pettigrew, Ed Reed, Carolyn Rice, Patti Riddle, Thom Robelot, Carolyn Robinson, Louise Robinson, Jim Rush, Barrett Taft, Samantha Templeton, Lewis Tollison, Steve Waddell, Charlie West, Vand and Paula White


PRAYER RESOURCES

Congregational Care: To pass on information regarding a medical emergency, upcoming surgery, or admittance to the hospital, call Don Feuerbach, 864.565.0928.
Prayer Appointments: To schedule a confidential appointment with our Healing Prayer Team Members, call 864.565.0960.
Prayer Requests: For general prayer requests, call 864.565.0970.
Healing Prayer Services: Every Tuesday at 6:30pm in Harper Chapel.

For Pastoral emergencies, please call 864.235.0496.


ONE PRAYER WORSHIP SERVICE
Join us for an evening of unifying worship and prayer led by local church pastors on Sunday, November 15, 5:00–7:00pm, in the Worship & Arts Center. This regional event brings together believers from all backgrounds, traditions, and congregations to seek God’s heart for our churches, our leaders, and our cities. Rooted in John 17, this night is more than a service—it’s a visible demonstration of the unity Jesus prayed for. Find more information at https://www.oneprayersc.com/prayer-gatherings.


Announcements

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING NOVEMBER 15

The Session has approved a Congregational Meeting for Sunday, November 15, at 12:00 noon for the purposes of electing church officers—Elders and Deacons for the Class of 2029—and considering a motion relating to the sale of property. Please make every effort to attend this important meeting. The slate of officers and Election Procedures brochure is online at FirstPresGreenville.org/events and in the church literature rack.


2027 EGYPT TRIP INFORMATIONAL MEETING

Journey with us to the land of pyramids, temples, and tombs March 30–April 7, 2027. Discover some of the world’s most remarkable archaeological treasures with hosts Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons and Lindsay Graham. Trip highlights include the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Great Sphinx, the Grand Egyptian Museum (home to the treasures of King Tutankhamun), the Valley of the Kings, and the magnificent temples of Luxor. An informational meeting will be held for anyone interested in this trip.
   Informational Meeting | Sunday, November 15
   4:00pm | Abbott Gathering area


POINSETTIAS FOR CHRISTMAS

Help decorate our church for Christmas by ordering poinsettias in honor or memory of loved ones. Order online at FirstPresGreenville.org/events, or fill out a form from the literature racks. Cost is $25 each; orders are due by Wednesday, December 9.


WORSHIP TIME CHANGE DECEMBER 13

Because the Sanctuary will be set up for the Christmas@First concert on December 13, we will have two identical worship services at 8:30am and 10:45am in the Worship & Arts Center that Sunday. Please mark your calendar and share this change with your friends and family.


HOLIDAY SEASON IN THE BOOKSTORE

Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for a friend, family member, or new believer? Visit Books & Gifts @ First, where you’ll find more than great reading materials. Explore a wide selection of devotionals, greeting cards, faith-based artwork, ornaments, home goods, and even edible treats—all thoughtfully chosen to help you share the love of Christ through your giving. Complimentary gift wrapping is available. For holiday hours, visit FirstPresGreenville.org/bookstore.


CONSIDER A GIFT OF STOCK

Giving appreciated stock held for more than a year can be a smart and tax-efficient way to support First Presbyterian Church. You avoid paying capital gains tax and receive full credit for the stock’s current value. If you wish to keep the stock in your portfolio, you can repurchase it at today’s price, resetting your cost basis. To make a stock gift, please contact Kristy Service (864.565.0929) or Bobby Hoffman (864.565.0962) for transfer details and to let the church know the donor name, stock, and whether the gift supports the ministry budget, capital campaign, or both.


LOOKING AHEAD

NOVEMBER
15: Congregational Meeting
15: ONE Prayer Worship Service
15: Informational Meeting— 2027 Egypt Trip
16-23: OCC Shoebox Collection
19: Fourth Quarter Lecture/Lunch
24: Deadline: Hollis Angel Gifts
25–27: Church Campus Closed
26: Thanksgiving
29: First Sunday of Advent
29: “Christmas for a Cause” Market and Concert

For more events and details click here.



Discipleship

FOURTH QUARTER FOR SENIOR ADULTS

Fourth Quarter is a lecture series from our Congregational Care ministry designed to encourage, inspire, and equip senior adults to embrace this season of life with purpose and faith. On Thursday, November 19, Life Coach and Covenant Partner Yvonne Ulmer will speak on the topic of Finding Community, Meaning, and Purpose. Come enjoy a delicious lunch, meaningful conversation, and an encouraging message. Lunch ($10) is at 12noon in Fellowship Hall, followed by the Presentation, 12:30–1:30pm. Registration is open at FirstPresGreenville.org/events.

TAKE THE MINISTRY DEVELOPMENT COURSE

How does the gospel shape ministry leadership and our Mission, Vision, and Values at FPC? In the Ministry Development Course (MDC), we’ll explore that question together through Tim Keller’s Center Church, with time for conversation, questions, and practical application. MDC is open to anyone, whether you’re considering a leadership role or simply interested in learning more, and is required for those who will serve as church officers. Please join us for orientation on Wednesday, January 13, 6:00–7:30pm in Room D305. To register, contact Autumn Clark at aclark@firstpresgreenville.org. For more information, contact Mark Hutton at mhutton@firstpresgreenville.org.

ALL MEN ARE INVITED TO THURSDAY GATHERINGS

  • Bible, Fellowship, & Breakfast each Thursday, 7:30–9:00am (Formal Dining Room). Optional breakfast ($5) at 8:30am. For more details, contact Carl Evans (carl.h.evans@gmail.com or 864.770.5647).
  • Christian Men’s Fellowship each Thursday, 12:00–1:15pm (Formal Dining Room). RSVP for lunch ($10) to Melissa Ragsdale, mragsdale@firstpresgreenville.org.

Events

Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
OCC SHOEBOX DROP-OFF NOVEMBER 16–23

Please see the collection schedule below as you return Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes to the Washington Street entrance next week:
     Monday, November 16: 4:00–6:00pm
     Tuesday, November 17: 11:00am–1:00pm
     Wednesday, November 18: 4:00–6:00pm
     Thursday, November 19: 12:00–2:00pm
     Friday, November 20: 11:00am–1:00pm
     Saturday, November 21: 10:00am–12:00pm
     Sunday, November 22: 10:00am–12:00pm
     Monday, November 23: 8:00–10:00am
Questions? Contact Teresa Hannon at twhannon@aol.com.


Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
FAMILY ADVENT FESTIVAL DECEMBER 2

Join us for the Family Advent Festival on Wednesday, December 2, 5:30–7:30pm in Fellowship Hall. It’s a great way to kick off the Advent season with your whole family by making a fun craft and enjoying Christmas cookies together! Register at FirstPresGreenville.org/events for a family ticket that includes crafts, cookies, and beverages. Pizza and additional crafts are available as add-ons when purchasing a ticket. Space is limited.


Contemporary Worship, Graydon Tomlinson
CHRISTMAS FOR A CAUSE AND CHRISTMAS MARKET

Get your tickets now for Christmas for a Cause, featuring Graydon Tomlinson and some of the Upstate’s finest musicians, on Sunday, November 29. The pre-concert Christmas Market, which offers tasty treats and unique gifts from local vendors, will begin at 3:00pm in the Sturgis Gathering area, followed by the concert at 5:00pm in the Worship & Arts Center. Tickets ($15) are on sale at FirstPresGreenville.org/events. All proceeds support the mission of Isaiah 117 House.


Worship & Music, Susan Messer
“BEHOLD OUR GOD” CHRISTMAS@FIRST CONCERTS

Experience the Christmas story through an inspiring mix of sacred and secular favorites, presented by a 100-voice choir, full orchestra, world-class vocalists, handbells, organ, and children’s voices. Tickets are on sale now online, click here,  and at the FPC Box Office: $15 for adults and $10 for children age 12 and under. The Box Office is open Sundays (9:30–10:30am), and Monday–Friday (office hours) at the Reception desk in the A Building. Concerts will be held in the Sanctuary on:
     Saturday, December 12 | 2:00pm & 6:00pm
     Sunday, December 13 | 3:00pm


Opportunities To Serve

Missions, Eric Swofford
HOLLIS CHRISTMAS STORE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Thank you to everyone who has generously supported our Hollis Academy Angel Tree Christmas mission! Now, we need a few more helping hands to make this Christmas extra special for Hollis families. On Friday, December 4, and Saturday, December 5, parents of 150 Hollis Academy students will be invited to shop for their children at the Christmas Store, hosted this year at Greenville Multicultural Church. Thanks to your generosity, the store will be filled with the gifts provided through our Angel Tree mission. Volunteers are needed to wrap gifts, pray with parents, and share the love and hope of Jesus with our neighbors. To volunteer, contact Cara Morris at cnmorris915@gmail.com.


Pastor of the Day

For Pastoral emergencies, please call 864.235.0496.