STAFF NEWS

Matt Taylor has joined the Facilities Team as a Sexton. A Dacusville resident, Matt enjoys spending time outdoors and is grateful for God’s work in his life and family. With a background in industrial and residential carpentry, he now uses those skills to serve both the church and his parents with home projects.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING REPORT

At the Congregational Meeting on November 9, the congregation elected the following officers:
Class of 2028 Elders: Glenn Batson, Ed Brakmann, Carl Evans, Fred Grant, Philip Kilgore, Caroline Mullen, Dan Pruitt, Jason Terry, Bob August, Jonathan Barrington, Chad Brown, Steven Harvin, Katherine Gainer
Class of 2028 Deacons: Leigh Johnstone, David Kirby, Michael Rabb, Karen Van Galder, Scott Kabas, David Williams, Brenda Schoolfield, Adam Summer, Ted Angermeier, Emma Simmons, Trey Odom.

UPCOMING FRIDAYS AT FIRST PODCAST: CONFRONTING ALCOHOL ADDICTION

In the November 14 and 21 editions of the Fridays at First Podcast, Dr. Gibbons welcomes two special guests for an honest conversation about alcohol addiction. Both guests share their personal experiences, reflecting on when they recognized their struggle, sought help, and how faith has played a role in their recovery and ongoing sobriety. This moving discussion addresses a reality that impacts many families—especially during the holiday season. Don’t miss this powerful two-part series, and consider sharing it with others who may be encouraged by their stories.
Where to listen: to Fridays@First on our YouTube channel (@FPCGreenvilleSC) or on your favorite podcast platform. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe to stay connected! Want to get the Fridays@First eblast each week? Click here.

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 10.

PARENTS: DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know there is a children’s lobby on the lower level of the Children's Wing? It's very convenient to the Worship & Arts Center and the K2-5th grade classes. Help us help you by using the lower children's lobby on Sunday mornings! Not sure where it's located? Check out this brief video: https://vimeo.com/firstpresgreenville/lowerlobby.

YEAR-END GIVING­—STEWARDSHIP

As we enter the final two months of the year, please consider completing your 2025 charitable giving. First Presbyterian Church offers several ways to give to the Ministry Budget or the Capital Campaign. Please note these important year-end deadlines:
Cash or checks must be received in the church office by noon on Wednesday, December 31.
Mailed gifts must be postmarked by 12/31/25.
Online gifts made on December 31 will be counted for 2025.
Stock gifts, QCDs, or Donor Advised Fund distributions should be initiated by December 12 to ensure processing by year-end.
Please notify Kristy Service (864.565.0929) or Bobby Hoffman (864.565.0962) of any stock gifts so they can be properly credited. They are also available to answer questions. Thank you for honoring the Lord through your faithful giving to First Presbyterian Church.

WORSHIP TIME CHANGE DECEMBER 14

Because the Sanctuary will be set up for the Christmas@First concert on December 14, 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.

CHANGE TO BRIDGE CITY SUNDAY HOURS

Beginning, Sunday, November 16, Bridge City at the Intersection will have new store hours: 8:00am–1:00pm. Come enjoy delicious coffee and tea before or after worship!

HOLIDAY SEASON AT THE BOOKSTORE

Are you looking for the perfect Christmas gift for a friend, family member, or new believer? Visit Books & Gifts @ First where you’ll find a wide selection of devotionals, Christmas 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.

LOOKING AHEAD

NOVEMBER
17: Shoebox Collection Begins
30: Christmas for a Cause Market and Concert

DECEMBER
3: Family Advent Festival
4: Women's Christmas Luncheon
9: Service of Remembrance
13 & 14: Christmas@First Concerts
14: Worship at 8:30am & 10:45am in the Worship & Arts Center

For more events and details click here.

Care Ministry, Don Feuerbach
ONE PRAYER WORSHIP SERVICE

Join us for an evening of unifying worship and prayer led by local church pastors on Sunday, November 16, at 5:00pm in the Worship & Arts Center. At ONE Prayer 2025, we will ask God together for greater local church unity in the Upstate, which Jesus prayed for in John 17. Free tickets are available at FirstPresGreenville.org/events.

Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
OCC SHOEBOX DROP-OFF NOVEMBER 17–24

Please see the collection schedule below as you return shoeboxes to the Washington Street entrance next week:
11/17: 4:00pm–6:00pm
11/18: 11:00am–1:00pm
11/19: 5:00pm–7:00pm
11/20: 12:00pm–2:00pm
11/21: 11:00am–1:00pm
11/22: 10:00am–12:00pm
11/23: 10:00am–12:00pm
11/24: 8:00am–10:00am
Questions? Contact Teresa Hannon at twhannon@aol.com.

Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
FAMILY ADVENT FESTIVAL DECEMBER 3

Join us for the Family Advent Festival on Wednesday, December 3, 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/Eventsfor 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

We're counting down to Christmas for a Cause, featuring Graydon Tomlinson and special guests, on Sunday, November 30! Less than 100 tickets remain, so don't delay in securing your seat! Tickets ($15) are on sale at FirstPresGreenville.org/events. All proceeds support the mission of Isaiah 117 House, which provides physical and emotional support in a safe and loving home for children awaiting placement. The pre-concert Christmas Market (open to the public) begins at 3:00pm in the Sturgis Gathering area, followed by the concert at 5:00pm in the Worship & Arts Center.

Fine Arts Ministry, Chelsea Fraser
JUST ANNOUNCED­—ACTIVATE ARTS CONFERENCE

We are excited to announce that FPC Arts is hosting an arts conference in the Spring! ACTIVATE: An Invitation to Making, will take place February 26–28, 2026. Watch for more details and registration at the end of this month.

Women's Ministry, Tiffany Boggs
WOMEN'S CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON

All women are invited to the annual Women's Christmas Luncheon on Thursday, December 4, 12:00pm in Fellowship Hall. Our special guest is singer and songwriter Emily Cupelli, who will bring a message of encouragement, prayer, faith, and hope. Cost is $15 for lunch and registration is open now. A pay at the door option is also available for cash only. Free childcare is offered (age 5 and under) with a deadline of November 28 (sign up online). Go to FirstPresGreenville.org/events for more details and to register. Questions? Contact Tiffany Boggs at 864.565.0931.

Worship & Music, Susan Messer
CHRISTMAS@FIRST CONCERTS: THE WONDROUS GIFT IS GIVEN

Join us for this year’s Christmas@First concerts on Saturday, December 13, at 2:00pm and 6:00pm, and Sunday, December 14, at 3:00pm. You’ll hear Christmas favorites by our 100-voice choir, full orchestra, and handbell choir as we celebrate our Savior’s birth through songs of the season, both sacred and secular. Tickets are available at FirstPresGreenville.org/events or at the First Pres box office (main reception area) during normal business hours Monday–Friday and Sunday mornings. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children (12 and under). Invite your family and friends to this wonderful holiday event!

Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
FOSTER AND ADOPTION AWARENESS MONTH

This November, we’re bringing awareness to the needs of vulnerable children in the Upstate and inviting you to be a part as we fulfill the calling outlined in James 1:27: “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” Please join us in praying for waiting children, ongoing advocacy efforts, and the dedication of those already caring for vulnerable children. For a weekly list of ways you can pray and get involved, click here.
This week please pray for children in foster care, siblings who are seperated, youth aging out of foster care, mentors and mentees, teachers and classmates.

Events Productions, Caleb Miller
PRODUCTION SERVICES WANTS YOU!

As we head into the holiday season we need help to create meaningful and dynamic experiences through sound, lighting, video, and stagecraft. No experience? No problem! We provide training. Serve behind the scenes and make a big impact. Please email productions@firstpresgreenville.org for more details. We’d love to have you on the team!

Missions, Eric Swofford
FEBRUARY MISSION TRIP REGISTRATION IS OPEN

Join us February 11–18, 2026, for a mission trip to the Dominican Republic! Our team will partner with Misiones Maranatha/El Buen Samaritano and Eastern Dominican Christian Mission to serve families in need through food distribution, medical and dental clinics, and eye care. No medical experience is required—just a willing heart to serve. Register now, click here. Questions? Contact Autumn Clark at aclark@firstpresgreenville.org.

Missions, Eric Swofford
THE SANCTUARY GUILD NEEDS YOUR HELP

The Sanctuary Guild is looking for a few volunteers willing to give just 60–90 minutes once a month to help tidy and organize the pew racks in the Sanctuary. If you’re interested in serving in this simple and quiet ministry, please contact Avery Moser at almmoser@aol.com.