RECEPTION FOR REV. CHARLIE BUCHANAN

After 15 years of faithful ministry at First Pres, Rev. Charlie Buchanan has resigned from his position as Associate Pastor of Men’s Discipleship. Charlie and his wife, Carrie, have two children and have decided that it is best for Charlie to be a stay-at-home dad for a season. We will have a farewell reception on Sunday, August 30, immediately following the 11:00am Traditional Service in the Sturgis Gathering area. This will be an opportunity to express our gratitude, share memories, and offer Charlie and his family our support and prayerful encouragement for the future.

WELCOME TO KATHRYN ANN BATSON

Kathryn Ann Batson has joined the Student Ministry Team as Student Minister. Kathryn Ann is a graduate of Clemson University and recently completed a year-long Fellows program in Washington, D.C. She has served as an Intern with the FPC Student Ministry the past two years. Having grown up at First Pres, Kathryn Ann is delighted for an opportunity to serve the same ministry that fosterered her early walk with God. Please join us in welcoming her to the staff!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Our fiscal year ended June 30, and we express our gratitude for your generous contributions to the annual Ministry Budget. Your support and the staff’s good stewardship resulted in a small cash flow surplus. This allowed us to begin funding a much-needed maintenance reserve for our expanded facilities. Thank you!

ACADEMY FAMILIES: COFFEE & CONNECTION

Are you a parent of a First Presbyterian Academy student—or considering the Academy for your child? Join us for coffee, pastries, and conversation on Sunday, August 30, 9:15–9:45am in the Children’s Wing. While your children enjoy Sunday School, you’ll have a chance to meet other families connected to both First Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Academy, and chat with Head of School Dr. Rob Brown. Come connect, ask questions, and enjoy a little time together!

NOT JUST SUNDAYS BOOKMARK

To accompany our new Sunday morning series, Not Just Sundays, a bookmark focusing on the New Testament book of Revelation is available when you arrive for worship. They are also available in the literature racks around the church and online, click here.

COLLEGE CARE PACKAGES

Parents, help us stay connected with your college student! Please complete a College Information Form for your new or returning college student. Forms are available at FirstPresGreenville.org and in the literature racks. Please return completed forms to Autumn Clark at aclark@firstpresgreenville.org or mail them to: First Presbyterian Church, Attn: Autumn Clark, 200 W. Washington St., Greenville, SC 29601. Thank you for helping us care for and encourage our college students in this exciting season of life!

LOOKING AHEAD

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: Fourth Quarter: A Senior Lecture Series
11: Daddy Daughter Dance
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.

PASTOR’S BIBLE STUDY: DEEP DIVE INTO ROMANS

New Testament scholars consistently regard the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans as one of the most significant and influential of his epistles. Each Wednesday at lunchtime (12:30pm) and evening (6:30pm), we will explore themes of grace, faith, salvation, and the transformative power of the gospel. Whether you are brand new to studying the Bible or have studied His Word for many years, A Deep Dive into Romans invites participants to slow down and engage deeply with Paul’s sweeping vision of God’s character and nature reflected in the inseparable love of Christ. We begin on Wednesday, September 9. Before the studies, lunch is served at 11:45am and dinner at 5:00pm in Fellowship Hall ($10).

Congregational Care, Don Feuerbach
FOURTH QUARTER: A NEW LECTURE SERIES FOR SENIOR ADULTS

What does it look like to live with purpose, faith, and joy in the fourth quarter of life? Fourth Quarter is a new lecture series from our Congregational Care ministry designed to encourage, inspire, and equip senior adults to embrace this season of life with purpose and faith. Join us for our first gathering featuring Yvonne Ulmer, Life Coach and Covenant Partner, who will share practical guidance for living a purposeful, faith-filled, and joyful life.
    Thursday, September 10
    Lunch: Noon, Fellowship Hall | $10
    Presentation: 12:30–1:30pm
Registration is not required, but is encouraged. Click here to register. Come enjoy a delicious lunch, meaningful conversation, and an encouraging message as we begin this new series together!

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
ALPHA: EXPLORE LIFE, FAITH, and MEANING

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).

Discipleship Ministry, Claire Ripley
DISCOVER FIRST: NEW MEMBER WEEKEND

Are you interested in making First Presbyterian your church home? Discover more about the vision, discipleship, and outreach of FPC! The next New Member Weekend will be Friday−Saturday, September 25–26. Childcare is available for children age 5 and under. For details, contact Tiffany Boggs (tboggs@firstpresgreenville.org). Register at FirstPresGreenville.org/events.

Missions, Eric Swofford
JOIN BOY SCOUT TROOP 11

Looking for adventure, friendship, and opportunities to grow? Boy Scout Troop 11 gives boys and young men the chance to build character, grow in faith, develop leadership skills, and have fun along the way. Through outdoor adventures, hands-on activities, community service, and time with great mentors and friends, Scouts gain skills and experiences that last a lifetime. Parents and boys are invited to learn more! Contact Troop 11 leaders Christian Moody at moody34@gmail.com or Rob Williams at rgw515@gmail.com. Troop 11 meets on Tuesdays, 7:00pm in the Scout Hut (304 W. Washington Street, Greenville, SC 29601).

Worship & Music Ministry, Susan Messer
MUSIC OFFERINGS FOR STUDENTS

Children and students in K4 through 12th grade are invited to grow in faith through music each Wednesday evening as part of our Grow@First Fall Discipleship Program, beginning September 9. Students will prepare music for worship services and the upcoming Christmas@First concerts while learning more about God and growing together through music. Come sing, learn, and grow with us! Questions? Contact Susan Messer at smesser@firstpresgreenville.org.

Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
CALLING ALL GIRL DADS!

Register now for a memorable evening with your daughter at the 3GEN Ministries Daddy Daughter Dance! It’s all happening on Friday, September 11, 7:00-9:30pm at the beautiful Larkin’s Sawmill Venue (22 Graves Drive, Greenville, SC 29609). Join us for a fantastic night of fun, laughter, and connection, complete with yummy desserts, photo ops, and plenty of dancing. We also plan a special “halftime” moment where we pause the fun to give dads the opportunity to bless and affirm their daughters. Register online at https://www.3genministries.org/ministry-resources/dance .

Fine Arts Ministry, Chelsea Fraser
MADE TO CREATE: ART, FAITH & GOD’S MISSION

What if creating art is more than a gift—it’s part of how we participate in God’s mission in the world? Join us for an inspiring evening with author, theologian, and speaker W. David O. Taylor as we explore the vital place of artists and creativity within the life of faith. Whether you are a professional artist, a creative at heart, or simply someone who wants to better understand how art can point us toward God, this evening will encourage you to see creativity as a meaningful expression of faith and calling. Following Dr. Taylor’s lecture, stay for a panel discussion and Q&A. A light reception will follow.
    Friday, September 4 | 6:00pm
    Student Ministry Area    Tickets: $20
    Register at FirstPresGreenville.org/event

Special Needs Ministry, Brenda Harper
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 are on sale now at FirstPresGreenville.org/events.

Sports Ministry, Caleb McKisic
CHURCH LEAGUE BASKETBALL REGISTRATION

Church league basketball season for K5–12th grade is approaching! Registration is open now–September 12. Late registration is open September 13-30. Learn more details and sign up at FirstPresSports.com. Questions? Contact Caleb McKisic at caleb@firstpressports.com.

Event Operations Ministry, Caleb Miller
SERVE WITH EVENT OPERATIONS

First Presbyterian hosts more than 2,000 events each year—from Bible studies and worship services to receptions and concerts. The Event Operations Ministry helps create a welcoming, professional experience while showing God’s love to everyone who comes through our doors. We need volunteers of all ages and stages of life to serve on our Event Services and Production Services teams. Please prayerfully consider joining this ministry and helping make our many events possible. To learn more or express your interest, email events@firstpresgreenville.org or click here.

Missions, Eric Swofford
GOOD NEWS CLUB AT HOLLIS ACADEMY: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Help share the Good News of Jesus with boys and girls at Hollis Academy! Volunteers are needed to serve after school on Wednesdays, 2:00–4:00pm during two sessions: September–November and January–March. To volunteer, visit cefgreenville.com/volunteer or contact Cindy Griner at 864.616.4529 or cindy@cefgreenville.com.

Missions, Eric Swofford
MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIFE OF A SCOUT

Every boy needs men who will invest in him, encourage him, and help him grow. Boy Scout Troop 11 is looking for adults who are willing to share their time, skills, faith, and experience as mentors. Whether you enjoy the outdoors, teaching practical skills, serving the community, or simply spending time with young men, you can make a lasting difference as a Scout leader. Interested in getting involved? Contact Christian Moody at moody34@gmail.com or Rob Williams at rgw515@gmail.com for more information.

Worship & Music Ministry, Susan Messer
JOIN THE CHRISTMAS CHOIR!

Come be part of bringing the joy of Christmas to our church and community this December at Christmas@First, happening December 12–13. Join us rehearsals beginning in September, and participate in one of First Presbyterian’s most anticipated events of the year. Whether you’re a longtime choir member or simply enjoy singing, everyone is welcome. For more information, contact Susan Messer at smesser@firstpresgreenville.org.

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