Connect@First Newsletter

Feature 


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Sunday Worship

April 26, 2026

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

WATCH LIVE

Sermon Series

"Life Empowered and Enabled”
(Nehemiah 2:4–12)
Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons preaching



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

BAPTISMS • April 19, 2026

Genevieve Mae Fellers, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cameron Fellers (Magdalena)
Russell Walker Howard, son of Mr. and Mrs. Reid Howard (Ashlynn)
Bennett Clark Thomason, son of Mr. and Mrs. Pierce Thomason (Sarah)


CONGRATULATIONS • The pastors and congregation extend blessings to

Mr. and Mrs. Cameron Duhon (Amber Newland), who were married on April 18
Mr. and Mrs. Conner Smith (GraceAnne Stokes), who were married on April 18


NEW MEMBERS • The pastors and congregation welcome new members

April 19: Christine and Scott Auslund (Kiefer), Lynda and Sumter Bradwell, Lauren Brock, Lisa and Todd Burton, Lauren and Barrett Clayton (Emerson and Weston), Martha and Emory Hendrix (Guy and Mary Alice), Kaitlyn and Joshua Holzhaeuser, Jane and Jim Neely, Katie and James Pizzo (Eleanor and Stevie), Gabby and Clark Rettberg, Rick Rettberg, Dana and Greg Ulmer


SYMPATHY • The pastors and congregation extend sympathy to

Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Short, Sr. (Suzanne) in the death of her father, Dr. Hal H. Crosswell, Jr., MD, of Columbia, SC, on April 17, to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Barreto (Sullivan), Dr. and Mrs. Will Payne (Sarah Katherine), and Laughton Short in the death of her grandfather, and to Libby and Kit Barreto in the death of their great-grandfather.
Mr. and Mrs. James Erickson (Judy) in the death of her mother, Elaine H. Waldrop, of Pickens, SC, on April 9.
Rev. Charlie and Dr. Carrie Buchanan in the death of his grandmother, Ms. Edith Buchanan, of North Augusta, SC, on April 11.
The family of Mr. Paul McGahee. Mr. McGahee died on April 15.

IN MEMORIAM

Paul Adrian McGahee Jr. • September 21, 1953 – April 15, 2026

MEMORIALS & HONORS

CHURCH HONOR FUND
In honor of Barbara Hanner by Nathan and Sugie Einstein

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY FUND
In memory of Betty Farr by Ewan and Becky Sweeney Sr.; Dr. and Mrs. Charles West

CHURCH MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of John Cooter by Laura Lynn and William Luce
In memory of Betty Farr by Darleene and Don Martin; Suzanne R. Pyle; Lee Anne and Charlie Strauss; Vicki Anderson
In memory of Lambert “Whit” Jordan by Trish Campbell
In memory of William Rogers by Dr. and Mrs. Charles West
In memory of Lucy Tiller by Stephanie and Dane Pierce

MUSIC MINISTRY FUND
In memory of Le Anna Browning by The Gospel Partners Life Group
In memory of Lucy Tiller by Dr. and Mrs. Charles West

TRANSFORMING THE HEART OF THE CITY FUND
In memory of John Cooter by Dr. and Mrs. Charles West
In memory of Thomas Lide Jr. by Dr. and Mrs. Charles West
In memory of Jim Nance by Dr. and Mrs. Charles West
In memory of Jim Smith Jr. by Dr. and Mrs. Charles West


PRAYER LIST • Bold = New Italics = In Hospital

Nancy Adams, Bill Anthony, Sandra Banks, Betty Bennett, Harry Bolick, Dan Boling, Dick Brennecke, Brantley Daniel, Peggy Denny, Richard & Danette Hanks, Harry Hightower, Don Hobbs, Charlie Hutton, Anne Lide, Jenny McCorkle, Lisa Merck, Rachel Mullinax, Chloris Norman, Carolyn Rice, Thom Robelot, Louise Robinson, Bill Sykes, Lewis Tollison, Beryl Wickliffe, Jetty Wickliffe


PRAYER RESOURCES

Congregational Care: To pass on information regarding a medical emergency, upcoming surgery, or admittance to the hospital, 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: Every Tuesday at 6:30pm in Harper Chapel.

For Pastoral emergencies, please call 864.235.0496.

Announcements

STUDENT MISSION ENVELOPE FUNDRAISER

Help support this summer’s Senior High Dominican Republic mission trip by picking up an envelope from tables around the church this Sunday. Enclose the suggested amount ($5 to $100)—or $2,000 to sponsor the trip for one student—and return it by Sunday, May 10, to the church office or offering plate. You can also click here to donate to an individual student. Questions? Contact Courtney Rockness at crockness@firstpresgreenville.org. Thank you for supporting Youth Missions!


HOLLIS THANK YOU

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Hollis Carnival such a wonderful success! From the beautiful weather to the joyful energy of students and families, it was a day full of fun, connection, and celebration. We are deeply grateful for the many ways you contributed—donating supplies, baking treats, and volunteering your time and energy throughout the event. The Hollis Ministry Team sincerely appreciates the congregation’s continued support of this special partnership with the students and staff at Hollis Academy.


CELEBRATING OUR HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES

We’re excited to celebrate our graduating high school seniors on Sunday, May 3, during the 10:45am Ignite Service! Following the service, highschool seniors and their families are invited to a celebratory luncheon in Fellowship Hall. RSVP with your student’s name and number of guests to Autumn Clark (aclark@firstpresgreenville.org) by Sunday, April 26.


PRAYER RESOURCES

There are a number of ways to receive prayer and pastoral care at First Presbyterian.
Congregational Care: To share information regarding a medical emergency, upcoming surgery, or admittance to the hospital, please call Rev. 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 or email prayer@firstpresgreenville.org.
Elder Prayer: Meet with one of our elders on Sunday mornings after worship services.
Healing Prayer Service: Every Tuesday at 6:30pm in Harper Chapel. You are invited to come and receive God’s love, peace, hope, and healing through prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit.


SANCTUARY FLOWER DATES OPEN

You are invited to place flowers in the Sanctuary in honor or in memory of loved ones. The following Sundays in 2026 are currently available: May 31; June 21; August 2; September 20; October 25; and November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29. To reserve a date and provide your dedication for the bulletin, please contact Linda Slash at lslash@firstpresgreenville.org.


LOOKING AHEAD

APRIL
26: Youth Envelope Fundraiser
30: Grow@First Semester Ends

MAY
3: Senior Sunday
6: Children’s Choirs’ Showcase
7–9: Mary Poppins Jr. Musical
10: Mother’s Day
15: Eighteen Mile Bluegrass


For more events and details click here.


Discipleship

Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
JOIN THE CAST: VBS DRAMA VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Want to help bring Bible stories of Paul and the underground church to life? We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to fill 10 roles in our Vacation Bible School dramas. Some roles span all four days, while others are one-day parts—there’s something for everyone! Interested? Dates are June 8 - 11. Contact Tina Jones at tjones@firstpresgreenville.org.


Discipleship Ministry, Claire Ripley
GROW@FIRST CONTINUES THROUGH APRIL 30

Our weekly discipleship semester will continue through the end of this month. Dr. Gibbons’ Bible Study will continue at 12:30pm and 6:30pm through Wednesday, April 29, and then only the luncheon Bible Study will continue through June. Watch for more information or visit the website at FirstPresGreenville.org/events.


Events

Fine Arts Ministry, Chelsea Fraser
EIGHTEEN MILE BLUEGRASS BAND

Join us on Friday, May 15, at 6:30pm for an unforgettable evening of bluegrass music with Eighteen Mile. This dynamic group of five young musicians blends deep roots in traditional bluegrass and gospel with fresh, original songwriting. Their passion for crafting a classic sound—while telling their own stories—creates a performance that resonates with every audience. Named after Eighteenmile Creek in the Upstate of South Carolina, the band brings a genuine small-town charm and authenticity that is both engaging and inspiring. Don’t miss this special night of music that’s sure to capture hearts.


First Presbyterian Academy
FPA PRESENTS MARY POPPINS JR. MUSICAL

First Presbyterian Academy’s upper school students proudly presents Mary Poppins Jr., a magical musical adventure for the whole family! Join us on May 7, 8, or 9, at 7:00pm in the Worship & Arts Center. Featuring beloved songs, unforgettable characters, and a heartwarming story full of wonder, this delightful production celebrates the power of family, imagination, and a little bit of magic. It’s a practically perfect evening you won’t want to miss! Tickets are on sale now at FirstPresgreenville.org/events.


Worship & Music, Susan Messer
CHILDREN’S CHOIRS’ SHOWCASE

Join us for a joyful evening as our Cherub, Carol, and Covenant Choirs present their final program of the year on Wednesday, May 6, at 6:15pm in the Sanctuary. Children from K4 through Grade 5 will share the music they’ve been learning and growing in all year long. Come celebrate and support these young voices as they glorify God through song!


Worship & Music, Susan Messer
THE COOLEST WEEK OF THE SUMMER!

Looking for something fun, creative, and meaningful for your kids this summer? Music Camp, June 8–11, is the perfect place to explore music, imagination, and play! Kids can enjoy VBS (9:00am–12:00noon) in the morning and stay for Music Camp in the afternoon (12:00–4:00pm). From ukulele and world percussion to piano, organ, and drama, campers will experience a wide range of hands-on musical activities with a highly qualified staff of teachers. This year, we’re bringing the North Pole to the South with a festive “Christmas in the Summer” theme, complete with carols, holiday-themed music games, and plenty of cool surprises along the way. The week concludes with a special double feature: a live finale concert for family and friends, followed by a celebratory trip to Discovery Island Waterpark—a perfect way to end an unforgettable week with a splash! Cost: $100 per child. Click here to register.


Opportunities To Serve

Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
NEW TODDLER ROOM ON SUNDAYS

With the rise in attendance (and little ones), we are seeking 10 classroom assistants for a new toddler room. This role would be once a month on Sundays, 10:30am–12:10pm, and would enable parents to attend worship. Contact Tina at tjones@firstpresgreenville.org.

Day Missions, Karen King
DAY MISSIONS COLLECTION

Children’s Ministry is collecting essential items to support neighbors living in low-income housing in our community. Each summer, Day Missions prepares and distributes 500 bags filled with basic necessities, helping families meet everyday needs. See a complete list of needed items, click here. Prefer to shop online? Click here to shop. You can have items shipped directly to the church, Attn: Karen King. Donations may be dropped off on Sunday mornings or Wednesday evenings at the Children’s Ministry Check-In Desk next to the Nursery.

Pastor of the Day

For Pastoral emergencies, please call 864.235.0496.