OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD SHOEBOXES

First Pres is once again partnering with Samaritan’s Purse for Operation Christmas Child! This worldwide ministry shares the love of Jesus by sending gift-filled shoeboxes and the message of the gospel to children in need at Christmastime. Empty shoeboxes are available for pickup at the nursery check-in area and the Worship & Arts Center. Each box includes a flyer with packing instructions and gift ideas. You are also welcome to use your own shoebox. Collection dates are November 17–24. Questions? Contact Karen King at kking@firstpresgreenville.org.

SANCTUARY FLOWERS

If you would like to place flowers in the Sanctuary in honor or memory of a loved one on one of the following Sundays, please contact Linda Slash (lslash@firstpresgreenville.org or 864.565.0901): November 2, 16, 23, 30.

LOOKING AHEAD

OCTOBER
24: Buddy Break
26: Commitment Sunday

NOVEMBER
6: Veterans Appreciation Lunch
7: Witness to Faith Exhibit
16: ONE Prayer Worship Service

For more events and details click here.

Worship & Music Ministry, Susan Messer
PERSPECTIVES: GOD'S PLAN, PURPOSE, AND PROCESS

The Perspectives Course is a comprehensive study of God’s global movement to bring Him glory from all people groups of the earth. Over a quarter of a million people around North America have participated in this transformational training. This 15-week course begins January 15, 6:30pm, at Greenville Christian Fellowship. Register here. Scholarships are available! For more information, contact Kelli Morrison at 864.380.9611 or Eric Swofford at eswofford@firstpresgreenville.org.

Care Ministry, Don Feuerbach
SAVE THE DATE: 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. We believe that as we persevere in this prayer, local church unity will become a greater reality in our region. Free tickets are required for this event. Go to FirstPresGreenville.org/events.

Contemporary Worship, Graydon Tomlinson
CHRISTMAS FOR A CAUSE TICKETS GOING QUICKLY

Get your tickets now for Christmas for a Cause, featuring Graydon Tomlinson and special guests, on Sunday, November 30. The pre-concert Christmas Market 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, which provides physical and emotional support in a safe and loving home for children awaiting placement. This event sold out last year, so don’t delay in securing your tickets!

Fine Arts Ministry, Chelsea Fraser
NEW EXHIBITION COMING NOVEMBER 7—WITNESS TO FAITH: THE BIBLICAL ART OF SADAO WATANABE

In the Galleries at First Presbyterian, we are delighted to present Witness to Faith: The Biblical Art of Sadao Watanabe, featuring original works of graphic art by Japan’s foremost Christian artist of the 20th century. Born in 1913, Japanese artist Sadao Watanabe dedicated his life to sharing the stories of the Bible through traditional stencil-print techniques. He combined Christian themes with Japanese artistic traditions, depicting biblical figures in kimonos and familiar cultural settings. His works are held in major museums worldwide, including the British Museum, MoMA, and the Vatican. This exhibition features more than 30 original prints, Christmas cards, and calendars, showcasing Watanabe’s unique vision of faith expressed through beauty and tradition. The exhibition will open in the Lenz Gallery on Friday, November 7. More details at FirstPresGreenville.org/Events

First Pres Academy, Rob Brown
FALL FEST AT THE ACADEMY ON FRIDAY

All are invited to the Academy’s Fall Fest at the Shannon Forest campus on Friday, October 17, 5:00–7:00pm. This annual event will include fun activities for all ages, food trucks, and a silent auction to kick off the 2025-2026 Armor Fund. New this year: a petting zoo and a Ferris wheel! This is a night you won’t want to miss. For
more information go to https://www.firstpresacademy.com/campus-life/fall-fest-2025.cfm. Are you interested in donating to the silent auction or being a sponsor? Please contact Macy Ward at mward@firstpresacademy.com.

Military Ministry, Don Feuerbach
VETERANS APPRECIATION LUNCHEON

The Military Ministry invites all FPC members who have served in the armed forces to a special Veterans Appreciation Luncheon on Thursday, November 6, from 12:00–1:30pm in Fellowship Hall. We would be honored to have you and your spouse join us as we share a meal and express our gratitude for your service. Space is limited—please register by Sunday, October 19, online at FirstPresGreenville.org/Events or by contacting Sarah Emore at semore@firstpresgreenville.org.

Worship & Music, Susan Messer
TICKETS ON SALE THIS SUNDAY FOR CHRISTMAS@FIRST CONCERTS: THE WONDROUS GIFT IS GIVEN

Join us in the beautiful FPC Sanctuary for this year’s Christmas@First concerts on Saturday, December 13, at 2:00pm or 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 go on sale October 19 at FirstPresGreenville.org/Events or at the First Pres box office (main reception area) during normal business hours Monday–Friday. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children (12 and under).

Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
OCTOBER BUDDY BREAK­—WAITING LIST

Buddy Break is a joyful ministry of First Presbyterian Church that offers children with special needs a safe and fun place to be loved and cared for while giving their parents and caregivers a well-deserved break. Each child is paired with a trained volunteer “Buddy” from our congregation. Because this month’s event is already full (Friday, October 24), we have several families on the waiting list. With more Buddies, we can open the door to even more families. If you’d like to serve as a Buddy, please contact Brenda Harper at buddybreak@firstpresgreenville.org. Training is provided.

Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD COLLECTION SITE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

First Pres is an official Operation Christmas Child shoebox drop-off location for downtown Greenville. If you would like to serve during one of the shifts at the collection site, please contact Teresa Hannon at 864.907.4794 or email twhannon@aol.com. For the collection schedule, visit FirstPresGreenville.org/events.

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. We’ll also spend time in Brizas del Mar building meaningful relationships with the community. Registration is open, click here. For more information, please contact Autumn Clark at aclark@firstpresgreenville.org.