Connect@First Newsletter

Feature 


Connect-at-First-02-05-26_1-2.jpg

Sunday Worship

February 8, 2026

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

WATCH LIVE

Sermon 

Sermon Series: "Tough Topics: Suicide"
Scripture: Romans 8:35–39
Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons


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

CONGRATULATIONS • The pastors and congregation extend blessings to

Ms. Joy McManis on the birth of twin granddaughters, Abner Kate Ingle and Gracie Bryant Ingle, on January 27, 2026.


SYMPATHY • The pastors and congregation extend sympathy to

Mr. Jason “Jay” Hanus in the death of his mother, Mrs. Ruth Polly of Oswego, NY, on January 28, 2026. Jay is a Maintenance Sexton at FPC.
Mrs. Anne Lide in the death of her husband, Dr. Tom Lide, on January 28, 2026; to Pam McShea and Dana Smith in the death of their father; and to Paige McShea, Cameron Smith, and Andrew Smith in the death of their grandfather.


IN MEMORIAM •

Thomas E. LideMay 1, 1931 – January 28, 2026


MEMORIALS & HONORS

CHURCH MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of David Norris III by Roger and Jaimie McQueen; Bill Holland; Benny Holland; Houston and Cheryl Peden

TRANSFORMING THE HEART OF THE CITY FUND
In memory of Robert Carter by Ewan and Becky Sweeney, Sr.; Lavern Mumma, Sr.; Sara Karns


PRAYER LIST • Bold = New Italics = In Hospital

Nancy Adams, Andy and June Anderson, McFall Anderson, Bill Anthony, Sandra Banks, Betty Bennett, Harry Bolick, Le Anna Browning, John Cooter, Brantley Daniel, Debbie Davidson, Peggy Denny, Bud Fant, Liz Fuqua, Martha Gallivan, Larry Goodwin, Richard and Danette Hanks, Anna Hewitt, Tina Hicks, Harry Hightower, Don Hobbs, Amy Hunter, Charlie Hutton, Ron Lemley, Anne Lide, Don McAlister, Jenny McCorkle, Paul McGahee, Deryl McKinney, Lee Miller, Rachel Mullinax, Martha Nance, Chloris Norman, Carolyn Rice, Thom Robelot, Louise Robinson, Bill Rogers, Joan Snowden, Lewis Tollison, Beryl Wickliffe


PRAYER RESOURCES

Congregational Care: For emergencies, upcoming surgeries, or hospital information, 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: No services on December 23 or December 30.
For Pastoral emergencies, please call 864.235.0496.

Announcements

REV. STAN JOHNSON RETIRES

Rev. Stan Johnson retired on January 25 after 22 years of faithful ministry at First Pres. Stan will be honored during worship services this Sunday, February 8, and a reception will be held in the Sturgis Gathering area following the 8:30am worship service and at 12:00noon.



INCLEMENT WEATHER CLOSING NOTICE

In the event of inclement weather, any delays or closures for First Presbyterian Church will be posted online at WYFF4.com/weather/closings. Please check the church’s status before traveling—your safety is important to us.


SANCTUARY FLOWER DATES FOR 2026

You are invited to place flowers in the Sanctuary in honor or in memory of loved ones. The following Sundays in early 2026 are currently available: March 8, 15, 22; April 12, 19, 26; May 3, 10, 24, 31. To reserve a date and provide your dedication for the bulletin, please contact Linda Slash at lslash@firstpresgreenville.org.


LOST AND FOUND

You are invited to place flowers in the Sanctuary in honor or in memory of loved ones. The following Sundays in early 2026 are currently available: March 8, 15, 22; April 12, 19, 26; May 3, 10, 24, 31. To reserve a date and provide your dedication for the bulletin, please contact Linda Slash at lslash@firstpresgreenville.org.


LOOKING AHEAD

FEBRUARY
8–20: Pick up Yellow Bags
13–16: Sanctuary Retreat
15: “God and Money” Workshop
18: Take Me to the Cross Worship and Prayer Service
20: Rend Collective Concert
22: “God and Money” Workshop 
22: Yellow Bag Sunday
26–28: ACTIVATE Arts Conference

MARCH
6:
The Call with Ballet Magnificat!

For more events and details click here.


Discipleship

Children's Ministry, Tina Jones
KIDS CHURCH DURING SELECT WORSHIP SERVICES

On February 8 and March 8, the sermon topics in worship may not be age-appropriate for our elementary-aged children. Instead of attending worship with their families on these dates, 1st–5th graders are invited for a movie and popcorn February 8 at Kids Church, and an exciting Gospel jump rope presentation by Learnin’ the Ropes on March 8. Simply check your 1st–5th graders in at any children’s check-in desk before worship on those Sundays. Preschoolers may attend Kids Church as usual.


Men’s Ministry, Charlie Buchanan
PURSUIT MEN’S WEEKEND

Join us April 10–12 for this year’s Pursuit Men’s Weekend at Windy Gap Young Life Camp in Weaverville, NC. This retreat offers a meaningful mix of fellowship, discipleship, and adventure in a beautiful mountain setting. Over the weekend, men will be spiritually challenged, share plenty of laughter, build new relationships, and strengthen existing friendships. The cost is $295 and includes lodging for two nights, five meals, use of Windy Gap’s incredible facilities, and the weekend journal. Use code FPC75 for a discounted rate. Scholarships and financial assistance are also available. For details and registration, visit3GenMinistries.org. Questions? Contact Michael Trotter at trottermichael1@ gmail.com or Russell Guest at russellguest@charter.net.


Stewardship Ministry, Bobby Hoffman
“GOD AND MONEY” WORKSHOPS

Join us for the remaining sessions of the God and Money workshops, 9:45–10:30am, in Fellowship Hall. We’ll explore biblical wisdom and practical tools for managing the resources God has entrusted to us.
February 15 – Budgeting and Debt with Tripp Welch
February 22 – Estate Planning with Bob August
Watch the January 11 and 18 sessions online at firstpresgreenville.org/give. Click the God and Money Workshops link in the menu.


Events

Children’s Ministry, Prayer Ministry,
TAKE ME TO THE CROSS—LENTEN PRAYER SERVICE

All are invited to a Lenten Worship and Prayer service on Wednesday, February 18. The Harper Chapel doors will open at 6:00pm and the service begins promptly at 6:15pm. Led by First Pres ministry leaders, this service will prepare our hearts for the season of Lent through songs, Scripture readings, and a time of prayer. All are welcome.


Events Ministry, Caleb Miller
REND COLLECTIVE - U.S. TOUR 2026

We’re excited to welcome Rend Collective back to First Pres after a sold-out night last year! This energetic group of multi-instrumentalists from Ireland blends joyful worship, rich storytelling, and infectious celebration to draw people closer to Jesus. If you’ve never experienced them before, expect an unforgettable evening of praise, reflection, and spirit-filled joy. Join us Friday, February 20 at 7:00pm in the Worship & Arts Center for this special evening for all ages. Tickets are on sale now at click here.


Fine Arts Ministry, Chelsea Fraser
RECEPTION FOR THE ART OF STORYTELLING

The Art of Storytelling celebrates the beauty of narrative through the treasured medium of illustration, highlighting the way stories connect us and reflect the greater story God is writing in our lives. Featuring more than half a dozen local illustrators, The Art of Storytelling is sure to delight and inspire you with its whimsy and power. Join us on Friday, February 6 from 6:00–8:00pm for an opening reception and enjoy basking in The Art of Storytelling!


Fine Arts Ministry, Chelsea Fraser
BALLET MAGNIFICAT! THE CALL

Experience a powerful evening of faith, movement, and storytelling with Ballet Magnificat!’s newest original production, The Call. Choreographed by Assistant Artistic Director Silas Fennema, this moving ballet tells the true story of Elisabeth Elliot and the missionaries who risked everything to bring the gospel to a remote tribe in the Ecuadorian rain forest. Through breathtaking choreography and a stirring score, audiences are drawn into a story of courage, sacrifice, and redemption. Join us on Friday, March 6 at 7:00pm in the Worship & Arts Center. For tickets go to FirstPresGreenville.org/events.


Sports Ministry, Caleb McKisic
SPRING ADULT BASKETBALL LEAGUE

Get in the game this spring! Registration is now open for the Adult Spring Basketball League for both men and women. This six-week league begins in March and offers a great way to stay active, build community, and enjoy some friendly competition. View the full game schedule, FAQs, and register at csarec.com/spring-basketball-league. Questions? Email info@csarec.com or call 864.660.2080.


Worship & Music, Susan Messer
REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER MUSIC CAMP

Mark your calendars for June 8–11 as we celebrate Christmas in the Summer! Open to rising 2nd–6th graders, campers will explore music in fun, hands-on ways throughout the week! Rising 7th–12th grade students may apply to be counselors. Registration is open at FirstPresGreenville.org/events.


Opportunities To Serve

Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
NIGHT TO SHINE—FEBRUARY 13

Be part of a prom where every guest is treated like royalty! Night to Shine is a special event for individuals with special needs, hosted locally this year by First Pres, David’s Table, and Fairview Baptist Church of Greer. There are many ways to serve, including as a Buddy, on the meal team, with the parking crew, and praying for the event click here. To learn more and to register to volunteer, click here.

Missional Minsitry, Eric Swofford
YELLOW BAGS FOR MIRACLE HILL

A small yellow bag can make a big difference! Join us as we celebrate our 10th year of supporting Miracle Hill Ministries through the Yellow Bag Project. By donating gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories, you help stock Miracle Hill’s thrift stores—funding programs that serve individuals experiencing homelessness and those struggling with addiction in our community. Yellow bags will be available at the church beginning Sunday, February 8, through Sunday, February 15. Please return your filled bags on Sunday, February 22.

Pastor of the Day

For Pastoral emergencies, please call 864.235.0496.