Connect@First Newsletter

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Sunday Worship

September 6, 2026

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


WATCH LIVE

Sermon Series

“Not Just Sundays”
Revelation 2:12-17
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 30, 2026

Mariella Claire Bailey and Jackson “Jack” Christoper Bailey, children of Mr. and Mrs. Jackson Bailey (McKenna)
Amelia Kate Morris,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Grant Morris (Hannah)


CONGRATULATIONS • The pastors and congregation extend blessings to

Mr. and Mrs. Reid Bearden (Taylor) on the birth of a son, Charles Brooks Bearden, on August 27.


SYMPATHY • The pastors and congregation extend sympathy to

Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Barr (Kate) in the death of her father, Mr. Jack Ettiger Hartman of St. Simons Island, GA, on August 23; and to Max Barr in the death of his grandfather.


MEMORIALS & HONORS

MUSIC MINISTRY FUND
In memory of Robert and Rebecca Carter by Benjamin and Amy Clauss

TRANSFORMING THE HEART OF THE CITY FUND

In memory of Rebecca Carter by Carlton and Belinda Manley

In memory of Knox Wherry Jr. by Dr. and Mrs. Charles West; Dianne Galloway


PRAYER LIST • Bold = New Italics = In Hospital

Nancy Adams, Andy Anderson, Bill Anthony, Sandra Banks, Betty Bennett, Harry Bolick, Dan Boling, Matt Covington, Brantley Daniel, Debbie Davidson, Peggy Denny, 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, Jim Rush, Bob Shell, Barrett Taft, Samantha Templeton, Lewis Tollison, Steve Waddell, 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

COLLEGE CARE PACKAGES

Parents, help us stay connected with your college student! Please complete a College Information Form for your new or returning college student. Forms are available at FirstPresGreenville.org and in the literature racks. Please return completed forms to Autumn Clark at aclark@firstpresgreenville.org or mail them to: First Presbyterian Church, Attn: Autumn Clark, 200 W. Washington St., Greenville, SC 29601. Thank you for helping us care for and encourage our college students in this exciting season of life!


THANK YOU FOR YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Our fiscal year ended June 30, and we express our gratitude for your generous contributions to the annual Ministry Budget. Your support and the staff’s good stewardship resulted in a small cash flow surplus. This allowed us to begin funding a much-needed maintenance reserve for our expanded facilities. Thank you!


FRIDAYS AT FIRST PODCAST AND EMAIL

Tune in every Friday on our YouTube channel (@FPCGreenvilleSC) or your favorite podcast platform to catch Fridays at First with our Senior Pastor, Dr. Richard Gibbons. If you prefer email, sign up for the Fridays@First eblast, click here.


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 1, 8, 22, or 29; December 6.


NOT JUST SUNDAYS BOOKMARK

To accompany our new Sunday morning series, Not Just Sundays, a bookmark focusing on the New Testament book of Revelation is available when you arrive for worship. They are also available in the literature racks around the church and online, click here.


COLLEGE CARE PACKAGES

Parents, help us stay connected with your college student! Please complete a College Information Form for your new or returning college student. Forms are available at FirstPresGreenville.org and in the literature racks. Please return completed forms to Autumn Clark at aclark@firstpresgreenville.org or mail them to: First Presbyterian Church, Attn: Autumn Clark, 200 W. Washington St., Greenville, SC 29601. Thank you for helping us care for and encourage our college students in this exciting season of life!


LOOKING AHEAD

SEPTEMBER
10: Fourth Quarter: A Senior Lecture Series
11: Daddy Daughter Dance
13: GriefShare Support Group
14: Catch Up Hour with Our Neighbors: FCA Furman
16: Radiance Kickoff
16: Above All Kickoff
20: Missions Sunday
25: Opening Reception for “Are We There Yet?” Exhibit
27: First Christmas@First Choir Rehearsal

OCTOBER
1: Fearfully & Wonderfully Made

For more events and details click here.



Discipleship

GROW@FIRST FALL SEASON BEGINS

GROW@FIRST FALL SEASON BEGINS Connect. Grow. Serve. Make this fall a season of growing deeper in your faith and more connected to the life of our church! The new Fall Grow@First booklet has everything you need to get started—including Sunday morning worship and classes, weekday Bible studies, and music opportunities for all ages. Pick up a booklet from the literature racks or click here to explore all that’s happening this fall.


PASTOR’S BIBLE STUDY: DEEP DIVE INTO ROMANS

New Testament scholars consistently regard the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans as one of the most significant and influential of his epistles. Each Wednesday at lunchtime (12:30pm) and evening (6:30pm), we will explore themes of grace, faith, salvation, and the transformative power of the gospel. Whether you are brand new to studying the Bible or have studied His Word for many years, A Deep Dive into Romans invites participants to slow down and engage deeply with Paul’s sweeping vision of God’s character and nature reflected in the inseparable love of Christ. We begin on Wednesday, September 9. Before the studies, lunch is served at 11:45am and dinner at 5:00pm in Fellowship Hall ($10).


MEN'S GROUP KICKOFF

Ready to live out your God-given purpose with greater intentionality? Join a Men’s Group for practical Bible study, prayer, and genuine fellowship. You don’t have to have it all together—just come as you are, connect with other men, and grow in your faith. Men’s Groups meet weekly, and there’s an open chair waiting for you! Come to our Kickoff Meeting on Wednesday, September 9, at 6:15pm in B305 to learn more and find a group that’s right for you. For more information, contact Edward Brakmann at edwardbrakmann@gmail.com. Don’t settle for a passive faith. Show up. Connect. Grow. Live with purpose.


Congregational Care, Don Feuerbach
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. Click here to register. Come enjoy a delicious lunch, meaningful conversation, and an encouraging message as we begin this new series together!


Congregational Care, Don Feuerbach
GRIEFSHARE BEGINS IN SEPTEMBER

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 at FirstPresGreenville.org/events. For more information, contact Sarah Emore at semore@firstpresgreenville.org or 864.565.0966. 


Discipleship Ministry, Claire Ripley
ALPHA: EXPLORE LIFE, FAITH, and MEANING

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).


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, September 25–26. Childcare is available for children age 5 and under. For details, contact Tiffany Boggs (tboggs@firstpresgreenville.org). Register at FirstPresGreenville.org/events.


Missions, Eric Swofford keep
JOIN BOY SCOUT TROOP 11

Looking for adventure, friendship, and opportunities to grow? Boy Scout Troop 11 gives boys and young men the chance to build character, grow in faith, develop leadership skills, and have fun along the way. Through outdoor adventures, hands-on activities, community service, and time with great mentors and friends, Scouts gain skills and experiences that last a lifetime. Parents and boys are invited to learn more! Contact Troop 11 leaders Christian Moody at moody34@gmail.com or Rob Williams at rgw515@gmail.com. Troop 11 meets on Tuesdays, 7:00pm in the Scout Hut (304 W. Washington Street, Greenville, SC 29601).


Worship & Music Ministry, Susan Messer
MUSIC OFFERINGS FOR STUDENTS

Children and students in K4 through 12th grade are invited to grow in faith through music each Wednesday evening as part of our Grow@First Fall Discipleship Program, beginning September 9. Students will prepare music for worship services and the upcoming Christmas@First concerts while learning more about God and growing together through music. Come sing, learn, and grow with us! Questions? Contact Susan Messer at smesser@firstpresgreenville.org.



Events

Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
CALLING ALL GIRL DADS!

Register now for a memorable evening with your daughter at the 3GEN Ministries Daddy Daughter Dance! It’s all happening on Friday, September 11, 7:00–9:30pm at the beautiful Larkin’s Sawmill Venue (22 Graves Drive, Greenville, SC 29609). Join us for a fantastic night of fun, laughter, and connection, complete with yummy desserts, photo ops, and plenty of dancing. We also plan a special “halftime” moment where we pause the fun to give dads the opportunity to bless and affirm their daughters. Register online at https://www.3genministries.org/ministry-resources/dance .


Fine Arts Ministry, Chelsea Fraser
NEW EXHIBITION OPENING SEPTEMBER 25

Are We There Yet invites us to consider the experience of fostering and adoption from many perspectives. The journey is often filled with unexpected twists and turns—marked by sorrow and hope, pain and joy. Yet, caring for children and orphans is a calling close to the heart of God.


“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing” (Psalm 68:5–6a).

First Presbyterian Church’s Fine Arts and Children’s Ministries are excited to partner with the Heart Gallery of South Carolina, Flourish Adoption Agency, the Premier Arts Collective Art Room at Triune Mercy Center, and individual artists and their families to share the many emotions and experiences of the fostering and adoption journey through art. Join us Friday, September 25, from 6:00–8:00pm for the opening reception in the Galleries at FPC. Meet the artists, experience their stories, and explore this meaningful exhibition.


Fine Arts Ministry, Chelsea Fraser
DON’T MISS ACTIVATE: ART, FAITH & GOD’S MISSION

What if creating art is more than a gift—it’s part of how we participate in God’s mission in the world? Join us for an inspiring evening with author, theologian, and speaker W. David O. Taylor as we explore the vital place of artists and creativity within the life of faith. Whether you are a professional artist, a creative at heart, or simply someone who wants to better understand how art can point us toward God, this evening will encourage you to see creativity as a meaningful expression of faith and calling. Following Dr. Taylor’s lecture, stay for a panel discussion and Q&A. A light reception will follow.
    Friday, September 4 | 6:00pm
    Student Ministry Area    
    Tickets: $20
    Register at FirstPresGreenville.org/event


Missions Ministry, Eric Swofford
CATCH UP WITH OUR NEIGHBORS!

Join the Missions Committee on Monday, September 14, 5:30–7:00pm in Room D305, to hear updates from Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Furman, a local ministry supported by First Pres. For more details, contact Autumn Clark at 864.565.0947.


Missions Ministry, Eric Swofford
MISSIONS SUNDAY IS SEPTEMBER 20

Missional living is about carrying the Gospel into the places where we live, work, and serve. To encourage our covenant partners to get involved in serving our local community, we will feature nine ministry partners during our morning services (8:30, 10:45, and 11:00am). Each organization offers meaningful opportunities to serve and make a difference right here in Greenville. Featured ministry partners include Front Porch Housing, Bel-Aire Community Partners, Piedmont Women’s Center, Lifeline Children’s Services, Homes of Hope, Neighborhood Focus, Jumpstart Prison Ministry, Cross Culture Network, and Christian Learning Centers of Greenville County. Learn more about these ministries and discover how you can live missionally by serving our community.


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 are on sale now at FirstPresGreenville.org/events.


Sports Ministry, Caleb McKisic
CHURCH LEAGUE BASKETBALL REGISTRATION

Church league basketball season for K5–12th grade is approaching! Registration is open through Saturday, September 12. Late registration is open September 13–30. Learn more details and sign up at FirstPresSports.com. Questions? Contact Caleb McKisic at caleb@firstpressports.com.


Opportunities To Serve

Event Operations 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.


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
MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIFE OF A SCOUT

Every boy needs men who will invest in him, encourage him, and help him grow. Boy Scout Troop 11 is looking for adults who are willing to share their time, skills, faith, and experience as mentors. Whether you enjoy the outdoors, teaching practical skills, serving the community, or simply spending time with young men, you can make a lasting difference as a Scout leader. Interested in getting involved? Contact Christian Moody at moody34@gmail.com or Rob Williams at rgw515@gmail.com for more information.


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. Rehearsals begin Sunday, September 27, 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.