Connect@First Newsletter

Feature 


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Sunday Worship

June 28, 2026
Patriotic Sunday

9:00am | Sanctuary
11:00am | Sanctuary 

Please Note: There will be no 8:30am or 10:45am services on June 28. Also, given the large crowds expected, we encourage you to park in the Richardson Street garage.


WATCH LIVE

Sermon 

“In Liberating Strife”
Ephesians 3:14
Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons preaching



Sunday Education

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 • June 21, 2026

Leigh Campbell DiBenedetto, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert DiBenedetto (Hannah)


SYMPATHY • The pastors and congregation extend sympathy to

Dr. and Mrs. Robert Mayfield (Bootsie) in the death of their daughter, Juleigh Amanda Mayfield, on June 20.
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Brakmann (Kimberly) in the death of her mother, Mrs. Mary Elizabeth White, on June 24. 
Mr. Ed Parris and Mrs. Gail DePriest in the death of her mother, Ms. Audrey Bentley DePriest, on June 23.


PRAYER LIST • Bold = New Italics = In Hospital

Nancy Adams, Bill Anthony, Sandra Banks, Betty Bennett, Harry Bolick, Dan Boling, Dick Brennecke, Jim Childers, Matt Covington, Brantley Daniel, Peggy Denny, Harry Hightower, Don Hobbs, Charlie Hutton, Joe James, Anne Lide, Jenny McCorkle, Rachel Mullinax, Tom Pettigrew, Ed Reed, Carolyn Rice, Thom Robelot, Louise Robinson, Bob Shell, Donna Steeves, Lewis Tollison, Charlotte Watson, Beryl Wickliffe, Jocelyn Williams


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.


Announcements

JOB OPENINGS

We are seeking two people to join our student ministry team for the purpose of cultivating a strong community of disciples and disciple-makers, planning events, and teaching lessons, while caring for our students, parents, and volunteers. This position reports to the Director of Student Discipleship. If you feel God is calling you to this position, please email your resume to hrdepartment@firstpresgreenville.org.


UPCOMING CLOSINGS

The following events will not take place Monday, June 29–Sunday, July 5.
Tuesday/Wednesday, June 30-July 1: “Now and Not Yet” Women’s Study
Thursday, July 2: Thursday Morning Men’s Bible Study (Breakfast); Christian Men’s Fellowship (Lunch)
Friday, July 3: Art & Faith Meeting; Church Campus closed
Sunday, July 5: No 8:30am Worship service <


THE FISCAL YEAR ENDS JUNE 30

June 30 marks the final day of our fiscal year. We are grateful that the 2025–2026 fiscal year has been strong to date, and we thank you for your continued generosity and faithful support of the Ministry Budget. As we approach June 30, our prayer is to finish the fiscal year well.

If you are traveling or away during the summer, you can still give in several convenient ways:
  • Online giving
  • Mail-in gifts
  • IRA distributions (RMD or Qualified Charitable Distributions)
  • Donor Advised Funds or Trust distributions
  • Gifts of appreciated stock
If you have questions about any of these giving options, please contact Kristy Service at 864.565.0929 or Bobby Hoffman at 864.565.0962.


FOX CAROLINA LIVE STREAMING

FOX Carolina will livestream the 11:00am Patriotic Worship Service on Sunday, June 28, on their website, FOXCarolina.com. To further engage the community, FOX Carolina will also share a direct link to the livestream on its Facebook page, making it easy for viewers across the region and beyond to join this inspiring celebration of faith, freedom, and patriotism from wherever they are. We are grateful for FOX Carolina’s partnership in helping us share this meaningful service with a broader audience.


FRIDAYS AT FIRST SUMMER PODCAST SERIES: ON A MISSION!

This summer, join co-host Michelle Ward and FPC’s Director of Global and Local Engagement, Eric Swofford, for a special three-part Fridays at First podcast series, On a Mission: Discovering God’s Purpose—Across the Street and Around the World.

Through personal stories, practical conversations, and inspiring ministry insights, this series explores what it means to live “on mission” wherever God has placed us. Whether serving in Greenville, supporting local outreach efforts, or answering a call to global missions, each of us has a role in God’s kingdom work.

JULY 10—Episode 1: Called Where You Are
Discover how God uses ordinary believers to fulfill His purposes in everyday life.

JULY 24­—Episode 2: Serving Our Neighbor
Explore opportunities to share Christ’s love through local ministry and community outreach.

AUGUST 7—Episode 3: To the Ends of the Earth
Hear how God is at work around the world and how the church can participate in His global mission.

Tune in this summer wherever you listen to the Fridays at First podcast.


LOOKING AHEAD

JULY
1: Proclaim Liberty Concert
3: Church Campus Closed for July 4 Holiday
5: No 8:30am Worship
15: Summer Ice Cream Social

AUGUST
7: Buddy Break
12: Summer Ice Cream Social
16: Promotion Sunday

For more events and details click here.



Discipleship

Discipleship Ministry, Claire Ripley
SUMMER ICE CREAM SOCIALS

Adults are invited to our next gathering on Wednesday, July 15, 1:00pm in Fellowship Hall for a delightful summer afternoon of delicious ice cream, warm fellowship, and encouraging discipleship. Bring a friend and enjoy meaningful conversation and community together. No registration is required—just come and enjoy! $3 at the door. The last Ice Cream Social of the summer will be August 12


Events

Music Ministry, Susan Messer
PROCLAIM LIBERTY CONCERT — FINAL WEEK TO PURCHASE TICKECTS

Join us on Wednesday, July 1, 6:00–7:30pm in the Sanctuary for Proclaim Liberty, a concert celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Featuring a full choir, orchestra, and narration, this inspiring evening is presented in partnership with the Daughters of the American Revolution and Sons of the American Revolution. Through music and historical reflection, the program will honor all 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, highlighting their courage, sacrifices, faith, and convictions. Attendees will gain a deeper appreciation for the Christian heritage and enduring principles that helped shape our nation. Tickets are available online, click here: $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 and younger.


Fine Arts Ministry, Chelsea Fraser
OPENING RECEPTION FOR HIGHLIGHTS HIDDEN PICTURES EXHIBIT JUNE 26

Join us for the opening reception of the Highlights Hidden Pictures Exhibit on Friday, June 26, 6:00–8:00pm in the Galleries at First Presbyterian. This unique collection features the work of local artist Tim Davis, who created more than 600 Hidden Pictures during a 20-year partnership with Highlights magazine. The exhibit showcases 28 illustrations containing more than 350 objects hidden in plain sight. Inspired by the way Scripture often reveals truth to those who seek it, these illustrations encourage careful observation and fresh perspective. The exhibit will be on display throughout July and August. For more information, click here.


Opportunities To Serve

Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
THE NEXT BUDDY BREAK IS AUGUST 7

Do you know of a family raising a child with special needs? Once a quarter we hold a Buddy Break to give these parents a respite. Our next Buddy Break is Friday, August 7, 5:30–8:00pm. Please share this information and consider serving as a “Buddy.” Training is provided. If you have questions or would like to serve, please email our Special Needs Coordinator, Dr. Brenda Harper, at buddybreak@firstpresgreenville.org.


Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR A FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY PICNIC

Calling all volunteers for a Friendship Friday picnic – a partnership with Davids Table, Friday, July 10, 5:00-7:00pm. We need volunteers to set up at 4:15pm or help out with the event at 5:00pm. Please email buddybreak@firstpresgreenville.org if interested.


Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
HELP SHAPE THE NEXT GENERATION OF FAITH

Are you looking for a meaningful way to invest in others? Do you have a heart for helping children grow in their faith and come to know Jesus? We invite you to join our Children’s Ministry team for the 2026–27 ministry year.
We have a variety of opportunities available, including:
  • Leading Children’s Worship
  • Caring for infants and toddlers
  • Teaching or assisting in Sunday classes
  • Serving as a buddy for a child with special needs
  • Greeting families and helping children get to their classrooms
Most volunteers serve just one Sunday each month. To learn more, contact Tina Jones, Children’s Ministry Director, at tjones@firstpresgreenville.org or review the available volunteer roles by clicking here. Your investment today can have an eternal impact on the life of a child.


Congregational Care, Don Feuerbach
WORTHY MENTOR PROGRAM

The Worthy Mentor Program is a ministry of The Light & Life Ministry that offers spiritual support to women who have experienced an unexpected pregnancy. Some of these women may be walking through pregnancy, and considering their options, while others may be healing from abortion. Mentorship is between two women, a trained mentor and a woman who has experienced unexpected pregnancy and all information discussed is kept confidential. Together they will journey through a 10-week study and learn more about Jesus Christ and the good news of His gospel. If you are interested in being paired with a Worthy mentor, please contact Amy Murray at hello2amymurray@gmail.com.

Missions, Eric Swofford
HOLLIS ACADEMY BACK-TO-SCHOOL DRIVE

Help support the students and teachers at Hollis Academy as they prepare for a new school year! Beginning Sunday, July 12, you may pick up a paper apple from displays located in the Loggia, Abbott Gathering, and the Worship & Arts reception area. Each apple lists needed snacks for children or gift card options for teachers. You can also click here for a wish list of items. All donations are due back to the church by Wednesday, July 29. Thank you for helping us bless Hollis Academy with a strong start to the school year!


Missions, Eric Swofford
FEBRUARY 2027 DR MISSION TRIP

We are accepting applications for our mission trip to the Dominican Republic February 10–17, 2027. We will work with both mission partners, Misiones Maranatha/El Buen Samaritano and Eastern Dominican Christian Mission, providing care for needy families, food distribution, medical clinics, dental clinics, and eye care. No medical training is necessary to participate. The team will also spend time in Brizas del Mar building relationships. For information or to confirm your interest, please email missions@firstpresgreenville.org by August 15.

Pastor of the Day

For Pastoral emergencies, please call 864.235.0496.