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

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

Did you miss last week’s episode? Click here to hear the podcast.

PRAY FOR THE STUDENT MISSION TRIP THIS WEEK

Please join us as we pray for the 82 students and leaders who will travel to La Romana, Dominican Republic, on Sunday, July 19, for our 11th annual student mission trip there. As you pray for the team, please ask the Lord to:

• Draw each student and leader into a deeper relationship with Him through this cross-cultural experience.
• Work powerfully in and through the team as they serve alongside our brothers and sisters in the Dominican Republic.
• Grant the team safe travel and good health throughout the trip.

FPC FOUNDATION NEWS

Did you know that the Foundation awarded $189,000 in grants and scholarships last year to support a variety of Christian ministries and educational opportunities? These gifts helped make an impact across several ministry areas, including FPC Ministries, local Greenville ministries, and national and international ministries. The Foundation also provided scholarships to several of our FPC Covenant Partners as they pursued their college education.

We invite you to learn more about the Foundation and discover how you can get involved in helping make a lasting impact for generations to come. Visit our website at www.firstpresfoundation.org or follow our Facebook page, First Presbyterian Church Foundation, to learn more. For additional information, please contact Bobby Hoffman at 864.565.0962 or Marilyn Morrison at 864.565.0992.

LOOKING AHEAD

JULY
17: Church Office Closed
19: Student DR Mission Trip
19–29: Hollis Back-to-School Drive
24: Church Office Closed
31: Church Office Closed

AUGUST
5: Christmas@First Choir Preview
7: Buddy Break
7: “An Evening at the Opera”
12: Summer Ice Cream Social
9: Backpack Blessing
16: Promotion Sunday

SEPTEMBER
2: Broadway at First!
9: Fall Grow@First Begins
9: ALPHA Class Begins
9: Handbell Choir Rehearsal
14: Catch Up Hour with Our Neighbors: FCA Furman

For more events and details click here.

Discipleship Ministry, Claire Ripley
ALPHA IS COMING THIS SEPTEMBER

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. In fact, you don’t need any. Alpha is for:

• Those exploring faith for the first time
• People with questions about Christianity
• Anyone looking to reconnect with God
• Friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family members who are spiritually curious

Come as you are. Bring a friend. Everyone is welcome. Alpha begins Wednesday, September 9, at First Pres. Contact Claire Ripley with any questions. Registration information will be available soon at FirstPresGreenville.org/events.

Worship & Music Ministry, Susan Messer
SAVE THE DATE FOR BROADWAY AT FIRST!

Join us on Wednesday, September 2, at 5:15pm as we kick off our fall Grow@First season with a memorable evening of music, fellowship, and great food at Broadway at First in Fellowship Hall. Enjoy dinner while being entertained by a live performance featuring the talented professional singers of the First Presbyterian Choir. These accomplished vocalists will bring some of Broadway’s most beloved songs to life in an unforgettable cabaret-style setting. Space is limited to 224 guests, so be sure to RSVP early, click here! Dinner prices (payable at the door): Adults: $10; Children (ages 4–12): $5; Children (3 and under): Free; Family maximum: $40.

Fine Arts Ministry, Chelsea Fraser
COMING AUGUST 7: ”AN EVENING AT THE OPERA”

Have you ever been curious about what’s the big deal about opera? This concert is for you! Perfect for opera newcomers and aficionados alike, with music from La bohème to The Little Mermaid, there is something for everyone. Full Body Opera helps build a bridge to the power and beauty of operatic music for modern audiences. You won’t want to miss this night at the opera! The concert will be held in Harper Chapel on Friday, August 7, 7:00–8:30pm. Click here for more information.

Fine Arts Ministry, Chelsea Fraser
SUMMER HOURS—THE GALLERIES AT FIRST PRES

Come see “In the Land of Wooden Shoes: a Holocaust remembrance” in the Lenz Gallery Monday through Friday between 9:00am and 3:00pm. Please email galleries@firstpresgreenville.org if you would like to schedule a group tour. Walk-ins are welcome. And “Hidden Pictures”® features the work of Highlights Magazine’s most prolific hidden pictures artist, Tim Davis, in our public community galleries open Monday through Thursday, 8:00am to 4:00pm, and Fridays, 8:00am to 3:00pm. Walk-ins are always welcome!

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. To learn more, contact Tina Jones, Children’s Ministry Director, at tjones@firstpresgreenville.org, or review the available volunteer roles, click here. Your investment today can have an eternal impact on the life of a child.

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! Pick up a paper apple from displays located in the Loggia, Abbott Gathering, and the Worship & Arts reception area this Sunday. 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
HOLLIS ROOM PARENTS

As we begin our 17th year of partnering with Hollis Academy, we’re looking for caring volunteers to serve as Room Parents in every classroom. This meaningful ministry supports teachers, encourages students, and helps build strong connections with families throughout the school year. Simple acts of kindness—reading with students, tutoring, listening, offering encouragement, or sharing a hug—can make a lasting difference in a child’s life. We currently have 13 Room Parent openings across several grade levels. If you’d like to be part of this rewarding ministry or learn more, please contact Edith Parks at hollisroomparents@gmail.com.

Missions, Eric Swofford
2027 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC MISSION TRIP

Applications are now being accepted for our mission trip to the Dominican Republic, February 10–17, 2027. Team members will serve alongside our mission partners, Misiones Maranatha/El Buen Samaritano and Eastern Dominican Christian Mission, providing care for families through food distribution, medical, dental, and vision clinics, and building relationships with the community in Brisas del Mar. No medical training is required to participate. To learn more or express your interest, please email missions@firstpresgreenville.org by Saturday, August 15.

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, 7:30pm in the Choir Room. If you’re interested in becoming part of the Handbell Choir, please contact Susan Messer at smesser@firstpresgreenville.org.