Connect@First Newsletter

Feature 


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Sunday Worship

March 22, 2026

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

WATCH LIVE

Sermon 

Sermon Series: “Journeying Through
Mark to Easter”
Mark 9:2–13
Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons


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

SYMPATHY • The pastors and congregation extend sympathy to

The family of Mrs. Betsy Guffey. Mrs. Guffey died on March 5, 2026.
Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Bignon (Riley) in the death of her grandmother, Mrs. Betty Farr; and to Jack, Anna Bates, Luke, Hank, and Mack Bignon in the death of their great grandmother.
Mr. and Mrs. Blake Applewhite (Paula) in the death of his father, Mr. Curtis Milton Applewhite of Belton, SC, on March 16, 2026. Paula is the Accounts Payable Administrator for FPC.
Dr. and Mrs. Chris Wright (Sandy) in the death of her mother, Ms. Viola Rogers of Nazareth, PA, on March 16, 2026.


IN MEMORIAM

Betsy Guffey February 27, 1931 – March 5, 2026
Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Peebles Farr September 17, 1933 – March 12, 2026


MEMORIALS & HONORS

CHURCH MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of Bill Lusk by Donald and Judy McAlister
In memory of Gena McGowan by Lottie Smith; Jill and Tom Coker Jr.; Kirk and Margarette Carter
In memory of William Rogers by Donald and Judy McAlister

MUSIC MINISTRY FUND
In memory of Shirley Timmermanby Edward Timmerman

TRANSFORMING THE HEART OF THE CITY FUND
In memory of Terry Campbell by Circle 6

TURNER MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of Betsy Guffey by The Koinonia-Covenant Life Group
In memory of Bill Lusk by Linda and Bruce Whitley; Lyn Crosbie
In memory of Gena McGowan by Linda and Bruce Whitley


PRAYER LIST • Bold = New Italics = In Hospital

Nancy Adams, Bill Anthony, Sandra Banks, Betty Bennett, Harry Bolick, Le Anna Browning, Brantley Daniel, Debbie Davidson, Peggy Denny, Liz Fuqua, Martha Gallivan, Larry Goodwin, Richard and Danette Hanks, Anna Hewitt, Tina Hicks, Harry Hightower, Don Hobbs, Amy Hunter, Charlie Hutton, Anne Lide, Don McAlister, Jenny McCorkle, Paul McGahee, Deryl McKinney, Rachel Mullinax, Martha Nance, Chloris Norman, Carolyn Rice, Thom Robelot, Louise Robinson, Donna and Jerry Steeves, Lewis Tollison, Beryl Wickliffe


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.

Announcements

ORDER EASTER LILIES BY MARCH 25

We invite you to take part in decorating our church for Easter by ordering Easter lilies and giving a contribution in memory or in honor of a loved one. Order forms are available in the literature racks and online, click here. Please return forms with payment to the church by Wednesday, March 25.


HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SUNDAY SERVICES

Join us for a meaningful journey through Holy Week as we reflect on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Palm Sunday on March 29, worship will be at our regular service times as we celebrate Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem with joyful music and a children’s palm processional.

Maundy Thursday, April 2 at 7:00pm,
we will gather in the Sanctuary for a moving service with the Lord’s Supper, remembering Jesus’ last meal with His disciples.

Easter Sunday, April 5, we will celebrate the resurrection with multiple services throughout the morning, each filled with inspiring music, Scripture, and messages of hope.
8:00am Sanctuary
9:15am Worship & Arts Center
9:30am Sanctuary
10:45am Worship & Arts Center
11:00am Sanctuary


We warmly invite you to bring your family, friends, and neighbors to these special times of worship. Nursery care and classes for K5 and under are available during each service. More information at FirstPresEaster.com.


GALLIVAN-MILLS SCHOLARSHIP FOR 2026-2027

The Gallivan-Mills Scholarship is granted each year to college undergraduate and seminary students who are FPC Covenant Partners. Applications are available at the FPC Reception Desks and online here. Submit your completed scholarship application, with all attachments, to the Gallivan-Mills Scholarship Committee. Drop off at the Reception Desk or email to Tripp Welch and Marilyn Morrison no later than Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Questions? Contact Tripp Welch (tripp@matchgradeadvisors.com, 864.906.3862) or Marilyn Morrison, FPC Foundation Administrator (mmorrison@firstpresgreenville.org, 864.565.0992).


CHILDREN’S MINISTRY SUMMER INTERNSHIPS

Intern applications are open! If you’re a college student (or know a college student) who would love a summer job that also allows you to disciple children, minister to families, and assist with all the crazy, zany happenings in Children’s Ministry, contact Tina Jones at tjones@firstpresgreenville.org to begin your application.


LOOKING AHEAD

EASTER SERVICES INFORMATION
Visit FirstPresEaster.com

MARCH
20-21: Spring Healing Conference
29: Palm Sunday

APRIL
2
: Maundy Thursday
5: Easter Sunday
10: Sporting Clay Classic
10: Pursuit Men’s Weekend
19: Kirkin’ ‘O the Tartans (11:00 Worship only)


For more events and details click here.


Discipleship

Congregational Care Ministry, Don Feuerbach
SPRING HEALING CONFERENCE—MARCH 20–21

You are invited to a Spirit-filled weekend of teaching, worship, and healing prayer as Order of St. Luke South Carolina partners with First Pres for the Spring 2026 Healing Conference. This gathering will focus on the theme of revival: what it is, how we discern it, and how we prepare our hearts and churches to receive it. Rev. John Roddam is our guest speaker. This conference is designed for clergy, health professionals, and laypeople who long to see Christ’s healing power at work in their churches and communities. Come expecting to be refreshed, equipped, and sent—ready to pray for revival and to serve as Healing Disciples in the power of the Holy Spirit. Register today, click here.


Discipleship Ministry, Claire Ripley
DISCOVER FIRST: NEW MEMBER WEEKEND

Are you interested in making First Presbyterian your church home? Discover more about the vision, discipleship, and outreach of FPC! The next New Member Weekend will be Friday−Saturday, April 10–11. Childcare is available for children age 5 and under. For details, contact Tiffany Boggs (tboggs@firstpresgreenville.org). Register at FirstPresGreenville.org/Events.


Men’s Ministry, Charlie Buchanan
PURSUIT MEN’S WEEKEND

Join us April 10–12 at Windy Gap Young Life Camp in Weaverville, NC. This retreat offers men a meaningful mix of fellowship, discipleship, and adventure in a beautiful mountain setting. The cost is $295 and includes lodging for two nights, five meals, use of Windy Gap’s incredible facilities, and the weekend journal. Use code FPC75 for a discounted rate. Scholarships and financial assistance are also available. For details and registration, visit 3GenMinistries.org. Questions? Contact Michael Trotter at trottermichael1@gmail.com or Russell Guest at russellguest@charter.net.


Events

Missional Ministry, Eric Swofford
GREAT ALASKA SPORTING CLAY CLASSIC

We invite both men and women to this event on Friday, April 10, 8:30am to early afternoon, at The Clinton House in Clinton, SC. This clay shoot is a fundraiser for the ministry of Steven and Natalie Hall, First Pres members who have served with SEND for over 20 years. SEND is a global community of goers and senders bringing gospel transformation to unreached people. Register at www.send.org/gascc. Contact Steven Hall with questions at shall@send.org or 907.320.0158. Join us for a fun day of sporting clays and fellowship!


Opportunities To Serve

Events Ministry, Linda Sholtis
HELP WELCOME OUR GUESTS ON EASTER SUNDAY

Easter is coming soon and we need your help to provide a welcoming environment for the many guests visiting FPC on April 5. We need 250 volunteers to serve as Parking Hosts, Greeters, and Ushers. The only requirement is a welcoming smile. Three shifts are available to accommodate you and your family attending one of the five services. If you can help, please click here.

Day Missions, Karen King
DAY MISSIONS COLLECTION

Children’s Ministry is collecting essential items to support neighbors living in low-income housing in our community. Each summer, Day Missions prepares and distributes 500 bags filled with basic necessities, helping families meet everyday needs. To see a complete list of needed items, click here. Donations may be dropped off on Sunday mornings or Wednesday evenings at the Children’s Ministry Five Points Check-In Desk. Prefer to shop online? You can have items shipped directly to the church, Attn: Karen King.

FINE ARTS MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES

Did you know that you don’t have to be a First Pres member to join in the work of FPC Arts? Here are some ways to connect:


Missional Ministry, Eric Swofford
HOLLIS SPRING CARNIVAL—WE NEED YOUR HELP!

The Hollis Academy Spring Carnival is Friday, April 17, and we would love your help in making this a joyful and welcoming event for the Hollis community!
There are two easy ways you can serve—volunteer at the Carnival or provide baked goods. Click here to sign up.
Questions? Contact Beth Simmons at simmonsfam@charter.net.

Pastor of the Day

For Pastoral emergencies, please call 864.235.0496.