OCTOBER 25 IS COMMITMENT SUNDAY

The generous financial and practical support of the congregation has been truly extraordinary this past year and reflects a willingness to support our mission priority: Transforming Lives for the Glory of Christ. This Sunday, we ask that you prayerfully complete the 2027 Commitment Card (mailed earlier this week), bring it to worship, and participate with hundreds of others in an act of selfless commitment of our tithes and offerings to honor the Lord. If you have questions regarding your commitment or giving record, contact Kristy Service at 864.565.0929 or kservice@firstpresgreenville.org.

YEAR-END GIVING

As you prayerfully consider your 2026 year-end giving, we are grateful for your faithful generosity and support of the ministries of First Presbyterian Church. There are several ways to make a year-end gift, including cash or check, online giving, appreciated stock, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from an IRA, and gifts through a foundation or Donor Advised Fund (DAF). If you plan to make a gift of appreciated stock, please contact Kristy Service or Bobby Hoffman for stock transfer instructions and to let us know how you would like your gift designated. Thank you for your faithful stewardship and for generously using the blessings God has entrusted to you to support the mission and ministry of First Presbyterian Church.
   Kristy Service, Contributions Administrator
    kservice@firstpresgreenville.org | 864.565.0929
   Bobby Hoffman, Stewardship & Development Director
    bhoffman@firstpresgreenville.org | 864.565.0962

“MISSED CALL...GOD”—SERIES FROM 1 SAMUEL

What can ancient stories of fractured kingdoms, divided loyalties, and the rise and fall of kings teach us about life today? Through the lives of Hannah, Eli, Samuel, and Saul, the book of 1 Samuel reveals how God works through ordinary people facing extraordinary challenges. From difficult decisions and uncertain futures to personal struggles and political turmoil, their stories offer timeless lessons in faith, obedience, and trusting God. Yet beyond the drama of kings and kingdoms, each story ultimately points us to the One who remains sovereign over it all. Join Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons for this compelling new sermon series, beginning this Sunday and continuing through Advent, at 8:30am, 10:45am, or 11:00am.

CATCH-UP HOUR WITH OUR NEIGHBORS

Join the Missions team on Monday, November 2, to hear an exciting update from Bel-Aire Community Partners in Room D305 from 5:30–7:00pm. For more information, contact Hailey Myers at 864.565.0971.

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 11, 29; December 6; January 3, 10, 17, 31.

LOOKING AHEAD

OCTOBER
30: Fall Fest at The Academy

NOVEMBER
2: Catch Up Hour with Bel-Aire
3: Academy Open House
6: Art & Faith Luncheon
6: Parents Night Out
10: Academy Open House
15: ONE Prayer Worship Service
16-23: OCC Shoebox Collection
19: Fourth Quarter Lecture/Lunch
29: “Christmas for a Cause” Concert

For more events and details click here.

Fine Arts Ministry, Chelsea Fraser
FOLK CONCERT WITH ELIZA LYNN

Join us for an unforgettable evening of folk, blues, and gospel music with Greenville singer-songwriter Eliza Lynn and instrumentalist Mike Alexander. Featuring original gospel songs written during Eliza’s years of graduate theological study, the concert will blend soulful storytelling, familiar sing-alongs, and the rich sounds of acoustic guitar, banjo, upright bass, and dobro. Eliza is known for her big, room-filling voice and a musical style rooted in blues, old-time country folk, and soul. Her music has taken her from Nashville and Asheville to London’s legendary Abbey Road Studios and the Belfast–Nashville Songwriting Festival. Fine Arts Director Chelsea Fraser, a songwriter and poet, will join Eliza and Mike as a featured guest. Come enjoy an evening of heartfelt music, meaningful lyrics, and the unmistakable warmth of live acoustic performance.
 Friday, October 23 | 6:30pm
 Tickets: $15 | FirstPresGreenville.org/events

Fine Arts Ministry, Chelsea Fraser
ART & FAITH LUNCHEON

Join the Fine Arts Ministry for our next Art & Faith Luncheon on Friday, November 6, at 12:00pm at the Intersection Café. Our guest speaker will be Sarah Lourenco, private art dealer and founder of The Time-Art, a fine art consulting company. These monthly gatherings offer an opportunity for artists and art enthusiasts to connect, share ideas, and pray together as we explore ways to use our God-given creativity to serve Him and our community. Whether you’re an artist or simply appreciate the arts, there’s a place for you at the table.

First Pres Academy, Rob Brown
FALL FEST AT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN ACADEMY

Bring the whole family to First Presbyterian Academy’s Fall Fest on Friday, October 30, 5:00–8:00pm, at the Shannon Forest campus!Enjoy an evening of fun featuring a Ferris wheel, giant swings, bumper cars, petting zoo, pumpkin patch, face painting, games, and more! Food and dessert trucks will offer plenty of delicious options. Don’t miss the silent auction featuring themed gift baskets and special experiences, with proceeds benefiting the Academy’s Armor Fund. For more information, visit FirstPresAcademy.com.

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 3 (K3–K5) or 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.

Military Ministry, Melissa Ragsdale
VETERANS APPRECIATION LUNCHEON

The Military Ministry invites all FPC members who have served in the armed forces or have an immediate family member currently serving to a special Veterans Appreciation Luncheon on Tuesday, November 10, from 12:00–1:30pm in Fellowship Hall. We would be honored to have you and your spouse join us for a meal as we express our gratitude for your service. Space is limited, so please register by Sunday, November 1, online at FirstPresGreenville.org/events or by contacting Melissa Ragsdale at mragsdale@firstpresgreenville.org.

Music & Events Ministries
CHRISTMAS CONCERTS AT FIRST PRES

Sunday, November 29—“Christmas for a Cause”
The celebration begins at 3:00pm with a Christmas Market in the Sturgis Gathering Area, featuring tasty treats and unique gifts from local vendors. At 5:00pm, head to the Worship & Arts Center for a concert featuring Graydon Tomlinson and some of the Upstate’s finest musicians. Best of all, the evening supports Isaiah 117 House, an organization that serves children, families, and workers in the foster care system. The Christmas Market is free and open to the public. Concert tickets are $15 and may be purchased online or through the First Presbyterian Box Office.

Thursday, December 3­—“The Music of Christmas” Tour with Steven Curtis Chapman
Enjoy an unforgettable night filled with beloved Christmas classics and favorite songs from Steven Curtis Chapman’s celebrated Christmas collection—all brought to life with the beauty of strings and choir. “The Music of Christmas” concert begins at 7:00pm in the Worship & Arts Center. Purchase tickets online at FirstPresGreenville.org/events.

Christmas@First Concerts: “Behold Our God”
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 go on sale online this Sunday, October 25: $15 for adults and $10 for children age 12 and under. Tickets are also available at the Box Office Monday–Friday. Concerts will be held in the Sanctuary on:
Concerts will be held in the Sanctuary on:
    Saturday, December 12 — 2:00pm & 6:00pm
    Sunday, December 13 — 3:00pm

Sports Ministry, Caleb McKisic
PARENTS NIGHT OUT

Register your K5–5th Grade kids for a fun evening at the Graham Gym on Friday, November 6. While parents get a night out kids will enjoy sports, games, pizza, and a devotional. Drop-off and pick up your child anytime between 5:00pm and 9:00pm. Register online at https://csarec.com/parents-night-out.

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.

Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD: PACK A SHOEBOX OR VOLUNTEER!

Share the love of Jesus with a child across the world through a simple gift! Pick up an Operation Christmas Child shoebox and instruction pamphlet at the nursery check-in or Worship & Arts Center, or use your own shoebox. Fill it 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 ortwhannon@aol.com. For packing instructions, collection schedules, and additional information, visit FirstPresGreenville.org/events.

Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
GIVE THE GIFT OF WORSHIP

Corporate worship is vital to every believer’s spiritual growth. Would you consider serving in our Nursery or Preschool one Sunday a month—or even one Sunday each quarter? By taking a turn caring for our youngest children, you’ll make it possible for another parent or volunteer to participate in worship. Your willingness to serve will be a tremendous blessing to others, and you’ll have the joy of spending time with some of our church’s youngest members.

Events Ministry, Caleb Miller
SERVE WITH EVENT OPERATIONS

First Presbyterian hosts more than 2,000 events each year—from Bible studies and worship services to receptions and concerts. The Event Operations Ministry helps create a welcoming, professional experience while showing God’s love to everyone who comes through our doors. We need volunteers of all ages and stages of life to serve on our Event Services and Production Services teams. Please prayerfully consider joining this ministry and helping make our many events possible. To learn more or express your interest, email events@firstpresgreenville.org or click here.

Worship & Music Ministry, Susan Messer
JOIN THE SANCTUARY GUILD

The Sanctuary Guild is seeking a few volunteers willing to give just 60–90 minutes each month to help tidy and organize the pew racks in the Sanctuary. This simple, quiet ministry helps keep our worship space welcoming and prepared each week. If you’re interested in serving in this meaningful way, please contact Avery Moser at almmoser@aol.com.