Connect@First Newsletter

Feature 


CF-11-05-26-2.jpg

Sunday Worship

November 8, 2026

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


WATCH LIVE

Sermon Series 

“Missed Call...God”
1 Samuel 9:1-16
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

BAPTISM • November 1, 2026

Elliott “Lottie” Louise Carter, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chris Carter (Anna Louise)


MEMORIALS & HONORS

SANCTUARY FLOWER FUND
In memory of Polly Martin by Becky and Ewan Sweeney Sr.

 

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.


vd2026.jpg


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. If you seek additional information regarding the property sale, two Town Hall meetings will take place in Fellowship Hall on Thursday, November 5, and Tuesday, November 10, 6:30–7:30pm.


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


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
10: Academy Open House
11: Veteran’s Day
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.



Events

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! Look for registration coming soon 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.


First Pres Academy, Rob Brown
OPEN HOUSE EVENTS

Discover what makes First Presbyterian Academy a special place for students to grow in faith, character, and academic excellence! Families are invited to attend an upcoming Open House on Tuesday, November 10 (1st–12th grades). Meet Head of School Dr. Rob Brown, connect with faculty and staff, tour the campus, and learn about FPA’s Christ-centered approach to education. For more information and to register, visit FirstPresAcademy.com.


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

This Christmas join us on Tuesday, December 1, at noon in Fellowship Hall for the Women’s Christmas luncheon. Enjoy a devotion by Tiffany Boggs, Christmas music with Graydon Tomlinson, and a special time of fellowship. Your ticket ($20) includes a delicious lunch from Jasmine’s Kitchen and a copy of Emmanuel by Ruth Chou Simons, a 25-day Advent devotional journey. Childcare is available for children 5 and under; reservations are required at FirstPresGreenville.org/events.


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

Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Pick up an Operation Christmas Child shoebox and instruction pamphlet at the nursery check-in or Worship & Arts Center, or use your own shoebox. FPC Arts also provided a coloring book all about the love of Jesus that is available for you to include! Fill your shoebox with the requested items and return it to the First Pres collection site November 16–23. Volunteers are needed to help receive shoeboxes during collection week. To sign up for a shift, contact Teresa Hannon at 864.907.4794 or twhannon@aol.com. For additional information, visit FirstPresGreenville.org/events.


Pastor of the Day

For Pastoral emergencies, please call 864.235.0496.