Connect@First Newsletter

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Sunday Worship

August 16, 2026

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


WATCH LIVE

Sermon Series

“Not Just Sundays”
Revelation 1:1–8
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

BAPTISMS • August 9, 2026

Rebecca Marlow Holton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Erik Holton (Ailee)
Mary Banks Taylor, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jay Taylor (Julia)


CONGRATULATIONS • The pastors and congregation extend blessings to

Mr. and Mrs. Clark Sturgis (Caroline) on the birth of a daughter, Lucille Charlotte Sturgis, on June 21, 2026; and to grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Rick Sturgis (Joy).


SYMPATHY • The pastors and congregation extend sympathy to

Mr. and Mrs. Bo Russell III (Allison) in the death of her mother, Robin Scarborough Stilwell on August 1; and to Earle Russell IV and Sam Russell in the death of their grandmother.

Mr. and Mrs. Mike Carter (Debbie) in the death of his mother, Rebecca “Becky” Carter, on August 5; to Mary Margaret Robertson (Cody), and Mathew Carter (Kellee) in the death of their grandmother; and to Millie Cate Carter, Charlotte Carter, and Ellie Robertson in the death of their great-grandmother.


IN MEMORIAM

Rebecca Gearheart Carter June 24, 1938 – August 5, 2026


MEMORIALS & HONORS

CHURCH MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of Betty Farr by Mr. and Mrs. Gus Chapman

TRANSFORMING THE HEART OF THE CITY FUND
In memory of Knox Wherry Jr. by Sarah Stone Reeves; Bev and Bob Howard; Ginger and Bob Pfister


PRAYER LIST • Bold = New Italics = In Hospital

Nancy Adams, Bill Anthony, Sandra Banks, Betty Bennett, Harry Bolick, Dan Boling, Jim Childers, Matt Covington, Brantley Daniel, Peggy Denny, Gabe Hajj, Harry Hightower, Don Hobbs, Charlie Hutton, Joe James, Al Johnson, Anne Lide, Jenny McCorkle, Rachel Mullinax, Tom Pettigrew, Ed Reed, Carolyn Rice, Thom Robelot, Louise Robinson, Wellesley Robinson, Jim Rush, Bob Shell, Donna Steeves, Barrett Taft, Lewis Tollison, Steve Waddell, Charlotte Watson, Beryl Wickliffe


TUESDAY HEALING & PRAYER SERVICE

The Healing & Prayer Service is held each Tuesday at 6:30pm in Harper Prayer Chapel. You are invited to come and receive God’s love, peace, hope, and healing through prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit. Click here to watch a video with Prayer Team member Dr. John McGraw and prayer recipient Michelle Ward to learn more about the Healing & Prayer service.


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.

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Announcements

INTRODUCING FOURTH QUARTER: A NEW LECTURE SERIES FOR SENIOR ADULTS

What does it look like to live with purpose, faith, and joy in the fourth quarter of life? Fourth Quarter is a new 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. Join us for our first gathering featuring Yvonne Ulmer, Life Coach and Covenant Partner, who will share practical guidance for living a purposeful, faith-filled, and joyful life.

Thursday, September 10
Lunch: Noon, Fellowship Hall | $10
Presentation: 12:30–1:30pm


Registration is not required, but is encouraged. Register at FirstPresGreenville.org/events. Come enjoy a delicious lunch, meaningful conversation, and an encouraging message as we begin this new series together!


LOOKING AHEAD

AUGUST
16: Promotion Sunday
19: Roots Kick-off
23: Women’s Fall Showcase
30: Academy Coffee & Connection

SEPTEMBER
2: Broadway at First!
4: Activate Lecture
9: Fall Grow@First Begins
9: Alpha Class Begins
9: DivorceCare Support Group
9: Handbell Choir Rehearsal
10: Congregational Care Senior Lecture Series
13: GriefShare Support Group
14: Catch Up Hour with Our Neighbors: FCA Furman
16: Radiance Kickoff
16: Above All Kickoff
25: Opening Reception for “Are We There Yet?” Exhibit

OCTOBER
1: Fearfully & Wonderfully Made

For more events and details click here.



Discipleship

Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
PROMOTION SUNDAY­—AUGUST 16

Get ready to celebrate! On Sunday, August 16, we’ll celebrate our children launching into a new school year with inflatables, special treats, and lots of fun. There’s no need to register—just come to Sunday School (rising K2–5th graders) and/or Kids Church (rising K2–K5) as usual. Parents are welcome to stay and lend a helping hand if they’d like.


Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
HELPING CHILDREN KNOW WHAT THEY BELIEVE

Beginning Sunday, August 23, we’ll be incorporating the New City Catechism into our 1st–5th grade Sunday School lessons. Through engaging questions and answers, children will explore the foundations of their faith and discover not only what Christians believe, but why we believe it. We encourage parents and grandparents to make sure your child joins us each Sunday, 9:30–10:30am. For more information about the New City Catechism, go to this link: https://newcitycatechism.com/introduction-timothy-keller/.


Congregational Care, Don Feuerbach
SUPPORT GROUPS BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER

DivorceCare
You don’t have to walk through divorce alone. This Christ-centered support group offers encouragement, practical guidance, and hope for healing. Meets Wednesdays, September 9–December 9, 6:00–8:00pm in the Formal Dining Room.

GriefShare
If you’ve lost a loved one, GriefShare offers a caring community and practical support to help you navigate your grief. Meets Sundays, September 13–December 13, 3:00–5:00pm in Room D305.

Register online for either group at FirstPresGreenville.org/events. For more information, contact Sarah Emore at semore@firstpresgreenville.org or 864.565.0966.


Discipleship Ministry, Claire Ripley
WOMEN’S FALL BIBLE STUDY SHOWCASE

All women are invited to drop by the Sturgis Gathering area on Sunday, August 23, 9:00–11:00am, for a showcase of Women’s Fall Bible studies. You’ll have the opportunity to meet leaders and receive information about the studies. We hope to see you there!


Discipleship Ministry, Claire Ripley
ALPHA IS COMING

Whether you’re exploring Christianity for the first time, returning to faith after years away, or simply curious about life’s biggest questions, Alpha is a welcoming space to have honest conversations in a relaxed, judgment-free environment. You don’t have to have all the answers. Come as you are. Bring a friend. Everyone is welcome! Alpha begins Wednesday, September 9. Register now at FirstPresGreenville.org/events. Questions? Please email class leaders, Sara Rieser (riesershine@gmail.com) or Bob August (raugust6@yahoo.com).


Worship & Music Ministry, Susan Messer
SAVE THE DATE FOR BROADWAY AT FIRST!

Join us on Wednesday, September 2, at 5:15pm as we kick off our fall Grow@First season with a memorable evening of music, fellowship, and great food at Broadway at First in Fellowship Hall. Enjoy dinner while being entertained by a live performance featuring the talented professional singers of the First Presbyterian Choir who will bring some of Broadway’s most beloved songs to life. Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP soon at FirstPresGreenville.org/events. Dinner prices (payable at the door): Adults: $10; Children (ages 4–12): $5; Children (3 and under): Free; Family maximum: $40. Childcare for children 3 and under is available by registration to Evelyn Penkert at epenkert@firstpresgreenville.org.



Events

Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
ACADEMY FAMILIES: COFFEE & CONNECTION

Are you a parent of a First Presbyterian Academy student—or considering the Academy for your child? Join us for coffee, pastries, and conversation on Sunday, August 30, from 9:15–9:45am in the Children’s Wing. While your children enjoy Sunday School, you’ll have a chance to meet other families connected to both First Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Academy, and chat with Head of School Dr. Rob Brown. Come connect, ask questions, and enjoy a little time together!


Fine Arts Ministry, Chelsea Fraser
ACTIVATE LECTURE WITH DR. W. DAVID O. TAYLOR

Join us on Friday, September 4, at 6:00pm for an evening of thoughtful conversation, encouraging fellowship, and fresh inspiration for artists, makers, and creatives of all kinds. Whether you write, paint, compose, build, or make, this special lecture will encourage, challenge, and inspire you as Dr. Taylor shares biblical insights into faith and creativity. Then stay for a panel discussion and Q&A featuring Dr. Taylor, FPC Arts Director Chelsea Fraser, and other local faith and arts leaders. A light reception will follow. Tickets are $20 and are on sale at FirstPresGreenville.org/events.


Special Needs Ministry, Brenda Harper
FEARFULLY & WONDERFULLY MADE 2026—MADE TO SHINE: BRIGHTER TOGETHER

Mark your calendar for Thursday, October 1, in the Worship & Arts Center for an unforgettable evening celebrating the unique gifts and God-given worth of our friends with special needs. Enjoy a tropical-themed fashion show, a pre-show reception, shopping, and fellowship as we celebrate that each of us is fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God. Tickets go on sale Monday, August 17.


Opportunities To Serve

Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
WE NEED YOU IN CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

There’s nothing quite like seeing a child discover God’s love and grow in faith—and right now, our Children’s Ministry needs your help! We have 58 rising 2-year-olds coming this week, and if even half attend on the same Sunday, we won’t have enough volunteers to care for them well. This same wonderful “problem” is happening in our K3, K4, and K5 classrooms. Our greatest need is during Kids Church from 10:30am–12:00pm. Would you consider serving in Children’s Ministry just one Sunday a month? Your willingness to serve helps families worship together while their children are cared for, loved, and discipled. To learn more, contact Tina Jones, Children’s Ministry Director, at tjones@firstpresgreenville.org.


Missions, Eric Swofford
GOOD NEWS CLUB AT HOLLIS ACADEMY: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Help share the Good News of Jesus with boys and girls at Hollis Academy! Volunteers are needed to serve after school on Wednesdays, 2:00–4:00pm during two sessions: September–November and January–March. To volunteer, visit cefgreenville.com/volunteer or contact Cindy Griner at 864.616.4529 or cindy@cefgreenville.com.


Missions, Eric Swofford
2027 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC MISSION TRIP

Applications are now being accepted for our mission trip to the Dominican Republic, February 10–17, 2027. Team members will serve alongside our mission partners, Misiones Maranatha/El Buen Samaritano and Eastern Dominican Christian Mission, providing care for families through food distribution, medical, dental, and vision clinics, and building relationships with the community in Brisas del Mar. No medical training is required to participate. To learn more or express your interest, please email missions@firstpresgreenville.org by this Saturday, August 15.


Worship & Music Ministry, Susan Messer
JOIN THE CHRISTMAS CHOIR!

Come be part of bringing the joy of Christmas to our church and community this December at Christmas@First, happening December 12–13. Join us for rehearsals beginning in September, and participate in one of First Presbyterian’s most anticipated events of the year. Whether you’re a longtime choir member or simply enjoy singing, everyone is welcome. For more information, contact Susan Messer at smesser@firstpresgreenville.org.


Worship & Music Ministry, Susan Messer
RING WITH THE HANDBELL CHOIR!

Have you ever played handbells—or always wanted to learn? The First Presbyterian Church Handbell Choir invites you to join us! Whether you’re an experienced ringer or new to handbells, we’d love to welcome you. Rehearsals begin Wednesday, September 9, at 7:30pm in the Choir Room. If you’re interested in becoming part of the Handbell Choir or have questions, please contact Director of Traditional Worship Susan Messer at smesser@firstpresgreenville.org.


Pastor of the Day

For Pastoral emergencies, please call 864.235.0496.