STAFF NEWS

Please join us in welcoming Sara Galuppo to the First Pres Staff as Congregational Care Coordinator. Originally from Charleston, SC, Sara developed a heart for ministry and pastoral care through her time at Seacoast Church, where she served in care ministry, young adult leadership, prayer ministry, and administrative roles. She earned her Associate degree in Ministerial Leadership through Southeastern University and recently completed her Bachelor of Science in Biblical Counseling. Sara is especially passionate about walking alongside people through the personal and often unseen seasons of life through prayer, biblical encouragement, and meaningful connection within the church community. Sara and her husband, Christian, have been married for six years and are raising their two daughters, Eloise and Wren. After moving to the Greenville area, she is grateful for the opportunity to serve at First Presbyterian and looks forward to getting to know the congregation, supporting its ministries, and helping people feel known, connected, and cared for.

STOP BY FRESH START COFFEEWORKS AT THE INTERSECTION CAFÉ

Have you stopped by Fresh Start CoffeeWorks yet? Fresh Start is serving up delicious coffee, tasty treats, and a wonderful opportunity to support a meaningful ministry! As a workforce development program of Miracle Hill Ministries, Fresh Start helps women overcome life challenges through job training and hands-on work experience. Every visit is an opportunity to support this life-changing mission! Stop by, grab your favorite coffee, invite a friend, and help us make Fresh Start feel right at home at First Pres!
    Hours of Operation:
    Monday–Friday | 7:00am–3:00pm
    Saturday | 8:00am–3:00pm

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

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 22, 29; December 6; January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; February 7, 14.

LOOKING AHEAD

OCTOBER
23: Eliza Lynn Concert
23: Buddy Break
25: Commitment Sunday Christmas@First Tickets on Sale
28: Will Graham at Unity Park
30: Fall Fest at The Academy

NOVEMBER
3: Academy Open House
8: Congregational Meeting
10: Academy Open House
16-23: OCC Shoebox Collection
19: Fourth Quarter Lecture/Lunch
29: “Christmas for a Cause” Concert

For more events and details click here.

CHRISTIAN MEN’S FELLOWSHIP

Looking for a place to connect with other men, enjoy a good meal, and grow in your faith? Christian Men’s Fellowship (CMF) meets each Thursday from 12:00–1:30pm in the Formal Dining Room near Fellowship Hall. Each week begins with lunch prepared by our church kitchen staff ($10), followed by a time of encouragement and spiritual growth. Programs include guest speakers who share personal faith stories and life experiences, Bible teaching videos, and other opportunities to learn and grow together. The group recently completed a teaching series by Dr. David Jeremiah. Men of all ages and stages of life are welcome—whether you’re retired, still working, or somewhere in between. Come join us any Thursday at noon! For more information, contact Melissa Ragsdale at mragsdale@firstpresgreenville.org or 864.565.0956.

CHRISTMAS CONCERTS AT FIRST PRES

November 29—“Christmas for a Cause”
Kick off the Christmas season with “Christmas for a Cause” on Sunday, November 29. 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. Don’t delay–this event sells out quickly!

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

December 12 & 13­— 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 Sunday, October 25: $15 for adults and $10 for children age 12 and under. Student, family, and group tickets are available. You may also purchase tickets at the Box Office Monday–Friday.
For more information, contact Susan Messer at smesser@firstpresgreenville.org.
Concerts will be held in the Sanctuary on:
    Saturday, December 12 — 2:00pm & 6:00pm
    Sunday, December 13 — 3:00pm

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

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.

Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
BUDDY BREAK VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Help make a difference in the lives of families with children with special needs! Buddy Break provides a fun-filled evening of pizza, games, and lots of individual attention for children while giving their parents a much-needed break. With families currently on a waiting list, more volunteer “buddies” are needed! Your gift of time can be a tremendous blessing to these children and their families. If you would like to serve, please email buddybreak@firstpresgreenville.org by October 20. The next Buddy Break is Friday, October 23.

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

Be a part of changing children’s lives around the world in Jesus’ name 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. First Pres is also an official Operation Christmas Child drop-off location for downtown Greenville, and 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 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.