STAFF UPDATE

Join us in welcoming Eric Swofford to the FPC staff as Interim Director of Missions. Eric has been a member of First Presbyterian Church since 2005. He is Head of Finance and Human Resources for the Pars Theological Centre. Eric has served as Chair of the First Pres Missions Committee and was part of the Global Missions Team of the SC Presbytery. He has participated in mission trips to the Dominican Republic, Egypt, and Liverpool, and an ECO church plant. Eric is married to Heather, and they have two adult children, Isaac and Lydia.

GALLIVAN-MILLS SCHOLARSHIP FOR 2025-2026

The Gallivan-Mills Scholarship is granted each year to college undergraduate and seminary students who are FPC members. Applications are available at the FPC Reception Desk and online, click here. Submit your completed scholarship application, with all attachments, to the Gallivan-Mills Scholarship Committee (drop off at the Reception Desk or email to Steven Harvin) no later than Monday, March 31, 2025. Questions? Contact Steven Harvin at SLHarvin@gmail.com, 803.477.8123, or Marilyn Morrison, FPC Foundation Administrator, at 864.565.0992, mmorrison@firstpresgreenville.org.

HAVE YOU TAKEN CONGREGATIONAL SURVEY?

Earlier this month, we were introduced to a significant focus of our Strategic Plan’s Mission, Vision, and Values. This outcome prioritizes discipleship in the life of the congregation. As a result, we are asking each of you to complete a Congregational Survey, which will take less than 15 minutes. To access the survey, click here. Please complete the survey before Friday, February 28.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY HIRING SUMMER INTERNS

We are looking for two summer interns to work 30 hours a week for Children’s Ministry and one summer intern to work 20 hours a week for Summer@1st. Contact Tina Jones (tjones@firstpresgreenville.org) for an application.

MARRIAGE MATTERS—BUILDING STRONG MARRIAGES TODAY

Join us for a practical, informative, and biblical exploration of what marriage can be. This six-week course, facilitated by Chuck and Beth Simmons along with Will and Sydney Sykes, will address a variety of topics, all aimed at helping couples build strong, healthy relationships with one another. The course takes place on Wednesdays, 6:15-7:15pm, in Room D305. No registration is required, and you can join anytime.

PURSUIT 2025 MEN’S DISCIPLESHIP WEEKEND

This year’s Pursuit will be held March 28-30 at Carolina Point YoungLife Camp. The weekend will be a rich time of fellowship, discipleship, and adventure. Men can expect to be challenged spiritually, laugh heartily, begin new relationships, and deepen existing friendships. The cost is $275 and includes incredible facilities, five meals, two nights lodging, and the weekend journal. Please use code FPC75 for a discount. Space is limited so sign up early. Visit 3GenMinistries.org to register. Questions? Please contact Michael Trotter at trottermichael1@gmail.com or Russell Guest at russellguest@charter.net.

COMING MARCH 8—THE FRAGILE YEARS: Proven Strategies for the Care of Aging Loved Ones

Do you have a parent or aging loved one nearing or in the most fragile years of life? Are you considering in-home, assisted living, or a nursing home for them? Have they endured repeated hospitalizations, or are they facing major surgery? Are they refusing to give up their independence? Do they have adequate savings to pay for care? Are they getting the right Medicare, Medicaid, or VA benefits? Amy O’Rourke, author and a veteran care management professional, will help you navigate these questions and find the right care for your loved ones in a half-day seminar here at First Pres on Saturday, March 8. You can submit questions to Amy in advance when you register. The seminar is $25 with the option to purchase her book. Register now at FirstPresGreenville.org/Events.

TAKE ME TO THE CROSS—LENTEN PRAYER SERVICE

All are invited to a Lenten Worship and Prayer service on Wednesday, March 5. The Harper Chapel doors will open at 6:00pm and the service begins promptly at 6:15pm. Led by First Pres ministry leaders, this service will prepare our hearts for the season of Lent through songs, Scripture readings, and a time of prayer. This is a wonderful time for families to receive prayer together.

REND COLLECTIVE FOLK! 2025 TOUR

Rend Collective is an eclectic group of multi-instrumentalists from Ireland who, through songs, music, and stories, aim to lead people closer to Jesus. Their current tour will stop at First Pres on Saturday, March 8, at 7:00pm in the Worship & Arts Center. The band has participated in several major tours alongside top artists such as Chris Tomlin, MercyMe, Hillsong United, Kari Jobe, Lecrae, and more. Click here for tickets.

SONIC EXPEDITIONS RECITAL

Sonic Expeditions is a classical recital featuring saxophone and piano, played by Michael Matthews and Ruby Lee, respectively. This program, with its French and American flare, seeks to transport the audience through several energetic musical journeys. Join us on Friday, February 21, at 6:00pm in Harper Chapel. Tickets ($10) are on sale online at FirstPresGreenville.org/Events or in person at the FPC Box Office during church office hours.

RESURRECTION LETTERS TOUR COMING APRIL 3

First Pres is the first stop on Andrew Peterson’s annual Resurrection Letters Tour, Thursday, April 3, at 7:00pm! This tour reflects a wide span of Andrew’s music catalog, with a special focus on his critically acclaimed albums, Resurrection Letters: Prologue, Volume 1, and Volume 2. The record trilogy poignantly explores the event and surrounding themes of Christ’s resurrection, along with its glorious implications for our lives today. Purchase your tickets online at FirstPresGreenville.org/Events or in person at the FPC Box Office during church office hours.

SACRED SOLOS@FIRST CONCERT

Come and enjoy God’s presence through music on Sunday, March 2, at 2:00pm, in the Worship & Arts Center. Sacred Solos@First will be a recital performed by professional musicians of First Pres. Vocal, piano, cello, and oboe soloists will prepare our minds and hearts for the Lenten season. Purchase tickets ($10) at FirstPresGreenville.org/Events.

MUSIC CAMP IS JUNE 9-12 — REGISTER SOON

This year’s theme, The Greatest Stories Ever Told, focuses on hymns, the stories behind them, and how they tell the story of Christ. Students (2nd–rising 6th grade) will choose an “interest” for the week and get extra time with one of the following: Orff instruments, World instruments, Recorder, Organ/Piano, Drama, Guitar/Strings, or Handbells. Music Camp follows VBS and runs from 12:00-4:00pm. Click here to register. Cost: $100.

JOIN THE JOBS FOR LIFE TEAM

“Jobs for Life” is a transformational ministry designed to equip men who are getting back up on their feet to find and keep meaningful employment. FPC Men’s Ministry has partnered with Miracle Hill’s Greenville Rescue Mission for the 7-week class beginning March 11 (Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:15-8:00pm). We are looking for a few men with a heart to serve others who will join our team to serve as mentors, helping and encouraging students through the class. We are grateful for the ways God has supported this program and blessed all the participants over the past five years. For more information about this rewarding experience, click here or contact Dave Forry at 864.380.1013 or forrydcf@aol.com.

PICK UP YOUR YELLOW BAGS THIS SUNDAY

Pick up Yellow Bags at the church this Sunday, February 16, or use your own bags; fill about 2/3 full with gently used clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories. Drive through and drop off your bags in the First Pres parking lots on Sunday, February 23, 8:00am–1:00pm. A large truck from Miracle Hill Ministries will be on campus and staffed to receive your donations, which will help homeless children, women, and men in the Upstate.