BACKPACK BLESSING—SUNDAY, AUGUST 9

As a new school year begins, we invite all children, students, teachers, administrators, and others who work in education to join us for a special time of prayer during our worship services on Sunday, August 9.Children are encouraged to bring and wear their backpacks as they come forward for the Backpack Blessing. We look forward to praying God’s protection, wisdom, and blessing over everyone as they begin the new school year.

2026 INTERIM GIVING STATEMENTS

Interim Giving Statements reflecting your year-to-date 2026 contributions to First Presbyterian Church, will be emailed to covenant partners this year. In the past, these statements were mailed, but we are transitioning to email for interim statements. Year-End Giving Statements will continue to be mailed in late January 2027. If you have questions about this change or would prefer to continue receiving your interim statement by mail, please contact Bobby Hoffman at 864.565.0962 or bhoffman@firstpresgreenville.org. Thank you for your faithful generosity in supporting the ministry of First Presbyterian Church through both the Ministry Budget and the Capital Campaign.

LAST CHANCE TO CLAIM YOUR ITEMS

Have you misplaced a pair of glasses, car keys, or a water bottle? A Lost & Found table will be located by the elevators in the main hallway of Building D through Sunday, August 9. Please stop by and see if anything belongs to you. All unclaimed items remaining after August 9 will be donated to Miracle Hill.

FRIDAYS AT FIRST SUMMER PODCAST SERIES: ON A MISSION!

AUGUST 7—Season Finale
In the final episode of our On a Mission summer series, Michelle Ward sits down with Tatum Hill, founder of His Dwelling, a ministry providing temporary refuge for girls escaping domestic abuse while offering hope, practical support, and the love of Christ to vulnerable women and children in the Cape Town, South Africa, community.

Hear Tatum’s incredible story of how God called her from her comfortable roots in Greenville, South Carolina, to the slums of South Africa—transforming not only her life but the lives of countless women and children through faith, courage, and obedience.
Join us as we celebrate a life surrendered to His mission and discover how ordinary obedience can make an extraordinary impact for His Kingdom. Tune in on our YouTube channel (@FirstPresGreenvilleSC) or wherever you listen to the Fridays at First podcast.

LOOKING AHEAD

AUGUST
7: Buddy Break
7: “An Evening at the Opera”
9: Backpack Blessing
12: Summer Ice Cream Social
16: Promotion Sunday
19: Roots Kick-off
23: Women’s Fall Showcase

SEPTEMBER
2: Broadway at First!
4: Activate Lecture
9: Fall Grow@First Begins
9: Alpha Class Begins
9: DivorceCare Support Group
9: Handbell Choir Rehearsal
10: Congregational Care Senior Lecture Series
13: GriefShare Support Group
14: Catch Up Hour with Our
Neighbors: FCA Furman
16: Radiance Kickoff
16: Above All Kickoff
25: Opening Reception for “Are We There Yet?” Exhibit

OCTOBER
1: Fearfully & Wonderfully Made

For more events and details click here.

Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
PROMOTION SUNDAY­—AUGUST 16

Get ready to celebrate! On Sunday, August 16, we’ll celebrate our children launching into a new school year with inflatables, special treats, and lots of fun. There’s no need to register—just come to Sunday School (rising K2–5th graders) and/or Kids Church (rising K2–K5) as usual. Parents are welcome to stay and lend a helping hand if they’d like. We can’t wait to celebrate this exciting milestone with your family!

Congregational Care, Don Feuerbach
SUPPORT GROUPS BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER

DivorceCare
You don’t have to walk through divorce alone. This Christ-centered support group offers encouragement, practical guidance, and hope for healing. Meets Wednesdays, September 9–December 9, 6:00–8:00pm in the Formal Dining Room.

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

Discipleship Ministry, Claire Ripley
WOMEN’S FALL BIBLE STUDY SHOWCASE

All women are invited to drop by the Sturgis Gathering area on Sunday, August 23, 9:00–11:00am, for a showcase of Women’s Fall Bible studies. You’ll have the opportunity to meet leaders and receive information about the studies. We hope to see you there!

Discipleship Ministry, Claire Ripley
ALPHA IS COMING

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).

Special Needs Ministry, Brenda Harper
SAVE THE DATE: 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 go on sale Monday, August 17.

Fine Arts Ministry, Chelsea Fraser
ACTIVATE LECTURE WITH DR. W. DAVID O. TAYLOR

Join us on Friday, September 4, at 6:00pm for an evening of thoughtful conversation, encouraging fellowship, and fresh inspiration for artists, makers, and creatives of all kinds. Whether you write, paint, compose, build, or make, this special lecture will encourage, challenge, and inspire you as Dr. Taylor shares biblical insights into faith and creativity. Then stay for a panel discussion and Q&A featuring Dr. Taylor, FPC Arts Director Chelsea Fraser, and other local faith and arts leaders. A light reception will follow. Tickets are $20 and are on sale at FirstPresGreenville.org/events.

Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
JOIN US IN THE JOY!

There’s nothing quite like seeing a child discover God’s love and grow in faith. We invite you to be part of that joy by serving with our Children’s Ministry during the 2026–27 ministry year. Whether you enjoy welcoming families, building relationships with children, teaching God’s Word, or serving behind the scenes, there’s a place for you. 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.

Missions, Eric Swofford
HOLLIS ACADEMY: CONTINUING TO SERVE OUR NEIGHBORS

As another school year begins at Hollis Academy, there are many ways to support this important ministry.

Join the Prayer Walk
Everyone is invited to join our Hollis Ministry Team for a Prayer Walk at Hollis Academy (200 Goodrich Street) on Saturday, August 8, at 9:00am. Together, we will pray for the students, teachers, administrators, and staff, asking God to bless and guide them throughout the school year. For more information, contact Beth Simmons at simmonsfam@charter.net.

Serve in the Hollis Food Ministry
Help provide weekend meals for Hollis students by joining our Food Ministry team. Volunteers are needed once or twice each month for a two-hour shift at the church to pack food bags. If you’re interested in serving, contact Emily Moore at em9600@aim.com.

Thank You!
Our Hollis Back-to-School Drive was a tremendous success! Thank you for your generous donations of student snacks and teacher gift cards. Your kindness is a wonderful encouragement to the Hollis community and an important part of our ongoing ministry. We are grateful for your faithful support.

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.