Connect@First Newsletter

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Sunday Worship

January 25, 2026

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

WATCH LIVE

Sermon 

Sermon Series: "Tough Topics"
Scripture: Matthew 19:4-6
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

Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Allen (Carlisle) on the birth of a daughter, Lillian Rivers Allen, on December 23, 2025; and to grandparents Mr. and Mrs. James Brice (Mariam).
Mr. and Mrs. Taylor Brown (Catherine) on the birth of a daughter, Adelaide Louise Brown, on January 5, 2026.
Mr. and Mrs. Aaron LeBrun (Jessica) on the birth of a son, David James LeBrun, on January 13, 2026; and to grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Dave Forry (Joanne).
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Sowinski (Vicki) on the birth of a grandson, Charles Wilde Sowinski, on January 14, 2026, to parents Mr. and Mrs. Dane Sowinski (Natalia) of Atlanta, GA.
Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Vastag (Jessica) on the birth of a son, Caleb Jay Vastag, on January 16, 2026.


SYMPATHY • The pastors and congregation extend sympathy to

Dr. and Mrs. Trey Chandler III (Norma) in the death of his mother, Mrs. Anna Chandler, on January 9, 2026; and to Mr. and Mrs. Parker Howard (Madeline Chandler), Mary Chandler, and Matthew Chandler, in the death of their grandmother.


MEMORIALS & HONORS

MUSIC MINISTRY FUND
In memory of Robert Carter by the Agape-Fellowship Life Group

TRANSFORMING THE HEART OF THE CITY FUND
In memory of Robert Carter by Mr. and Mrs. William Sykes; Bobby and Priscilla Hoffman; L. Gray Geddie Jr.; Ron and Carla Meece; William Berry; Steve and Jo Spitler and family by Gary and Marcy Schlansker
In memory of Anne Lybrand by Mr. and Mrs. William Sykes

TURNER MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of Marcie Camp Radcliffe by the Ward Life Group


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, Anne Lide, Tom Lide, Don McAlister, Paul McGahee, Deryl McKinney, Lee Miller, Rachel Mullinax, Martha Nance, Chloris Norman, Carolyn Rice, Thom Robelot, Louise Robinson, Bill Rogers, Joan Snowden, Lewis Tollison, Charlotte Watson, 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 will retire on January 25 after 22 years of faithful ministry at First Pres. Stan will be honored during worship services this Sunday and a reception will be held in the Sturgis Gathering area following the 8:30am worship service and at 12:00noon.



INFORMATIONAL MEETING ABOUT ADOPTION

Join Lifeline Children’s Services for a free, in-person Adoption Information Meeting hosted by First Pres on Wednesday, February 4, 6:30-7:30pm in room B202. Learn about international hosting, domestic infant adoption, and international adoption, and get your questions answered by experienced professionals. Go to Lifelinechild.org to register.


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: February 8; 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

JANUARY
25: God & Money Workshop
30: Jess Ray Concert

FEBRUARY
1: God & Money Workshop
13–16: Sanctuary Retreat
18: Take Me to the Cross Worship and Prayer Service
20: Rend Collective Concert
26–28: ACTIVATE Arts Conference

For more events and details click here.


Discipleship

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

On January 18 and 25 and February 1, 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 to Kids Church for a fun movie and popcorn on January 25, and an exciting Gospel jump rope presentation by Learnin’ the Ropes on February 1. 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.


Roots Student Ministry, Courtney Rockness
SANCTUARY SENIOR HIGH WINTER RETREAT

Senior High Students are invited to Sanctuary 2026! Our annual winter retreat will take place this year from February 13–16 in Gatlinburg, TN. Students will spend time relaxing with friends at the cabin, exploring the area, and growing deeper in faith through worship and diving into God’s Word together. Registration is open at FirstPresGreenville.org/events.


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.
January 25 Budgeting and Debt with Tripp Welch
February 1 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

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
JUST ANNOUNCED: 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.


Fine Arts Ministry, Chelsea Fraser
JESS RAY'S MIDWINTER MINI-TOUR

You’re invited to Jess Ray’s Midwinter Mini-Tour, with Taylor Armstrong and John Van Deusen, in Harper Chapel on Friday, January 30, at 7:00pm. A singer-songwriter, producer, and creative supernova based in her beloved home state of North Carolina, Jess blends fresh sonic style with timeless truths, delicately weaving it all together with the realities of the human experience. For tickets go to FirstPresGreenville.org/events.


Fine Arts Ministry, Chelsea Fraser
ACTIVATE: AN INVITATION TO MAKING

ACTIVATE is a creative conference designed to connect deep theology with hands-on practice. Featuring keynote speakers Esther Lightcap Meek and Andy Squyres, this gathering invites you to explore your creative calling and imagine how God might use your work to bless the church and community. With extended small-group time led by local artists, you’ll learn, experiment, and create together. Dates are February 26–28. Register now at FirstPresGreenville.org/events. Join us!


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.


Sports Ministry, Caleb McKisic
SUMMER SPORTS CAMP

Registration is now open for Rising K5–5th grade boys and girls at First Pres! Summer Sports Camp runs Monday­–Friday, May 26 through August 7, from 9:00am–12:00pm. Each week is filled with high-energy sports, snack breaks, and meaningful character-building lessons in a fun, encouraging environment. Space is limited, so register today at csarec.com/summer-sports-camp. Questions? Email info@csarec.com or call 864.660.2080.


Worship & Music, Susan Messer
MUSIC CAMP 2026

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.

Event Productions, Matt Mullet
PRODUCTION SERVICES WANTS YOU!

Join the production services team and help create exciting and worshipful experiences through sound, lighting, video, and stagecraft. Training will be provided—no experience is required. For more information, please email productions@firstpresgreenville.org.

Missional Minsitry, Eric Swofford
YELLOW BAGS FOR MIRACLE HILL

Did you know that a small yellow bag can make a big difference in the lives of people in our community? Please set aside gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories for our Miracle Hill Ministries Yellow Bag Project. Bags will be available beginning Sunday, February 8, and continuing through Sunday, February 15, and can be returned on Sunday, February 22.

Vacation Bible School and Day Missions, Karen King
REGISTER NOW FOR FAMILY MISSION TRIP

Join with other families from First Pres June 21–28, for a week of ministry and service at the Christian Arabic Church in Richmond, Virginia. Our team will lead a Vacation Bible School for young children (five evenings), conduct a Sports Camp for youth (three mornings), and assist with church improvement projects (two mornings). Children age 11 and older are welcome to participate with their families. For more information, contact Karen King at kking@firstpresgreenville.org or 864.565.0936. Register online at FirstPresGreenville.org/events.

Vacation Bible School and Day Missions, Karen King
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR VBS AND DAY MISSIONS

Join us June 8–11 for one of the most exciting weeks of the year in Children’s Ministry at First Pres! We will welcome hundreds of children and students for Vacation Bible School and Day Missions—and we need your help. The more volunteers who sign up, the more children we can serve. All VBS volunteers are guaranteed a spot for their own children. To learn more and register:
• VBS: https://vbspro.events/p/954709
• Day Missions: https://vbspro.events/p/6c5edb
Thank you for helping to make this meaningful week possible for children in our church and community!

Pastor of the Day

For Pastoral emergencies, please call 864.235.0496.