Connect@First Newsletter

Feature 


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Sunday Worship

March 8, 2026

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

WATCH LIVE

Sermon 

“Tough Topics”–Sexual Identity
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. Logan McMakin (Morgan Kay Davis) who were married in the Sanctuary on February 28, 2026.


SYMPATHY • The pastors and congregation extend sympathy to

The family of Mr. John Robert “Bob” Chandler, who died on February 20, 2026.
Mr. and Mrs. Carroll Hart Jr. (Angela) in the death of his mother, Ms. Martha Oeland Hart of Greenville, on February 22, 2026; to Mrs. Eliza Painter (Trevor) and Ms. Lillian Hart in the death of their grandmother; and to Georgia Hart and Louise Painter in the death of their great-grandmother.
Mr. and Mrs. Lindsay Graham (Judy) in the death of her brother, Mr. Terry Campbell of Chapin, SC, on February 24, 2026.
Mr. and Mrs. Ellis Mills III (Jane) in the death of her father, Mr. William “Bill” R. Rogers, on March 1, 2026; and to Jack, Whitner, and Wyatt Mills in the death of their grandfather.


IN MEMORIAM

John Robert ChandlerOctober 16, 1935 – February 20, 2026


MEMORIALS & HONORS

CHURCH MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of John Cooter by Betsy and Craig Marchant; Katherine and Rick Davis
In memory of Bud Fant III by Bob and Day King; Steve and Annlynne Farr
In memory of Thomas Lide Jr. by Becky Boland
In memory of Bill Lusk by Circle 10
In memory of Gena McGowan by Circle 10; Melissa Bryant; Mary Jane Myers; Mr. and Mrs. William Sykes, Jr.; Bob and Page Hoyle; Mary Ellen and Don Kiser; Allison Partello; Mrs. C. C. Pearce; Allen and Randy Armstrong; Carey and David Hudson; Zeke and Caroline Bennett

TRANSFORMING THE HEART OF THE CITY FUND
In memory of John Cooter by Suzanne and Whit Jordan
In memory of Bud Fant III by Bobby and Priscilla Hoffman; Steve and Annlynne Farr
In memory of Bill Lusk by Carlton and Belinda Manley

TURNER MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of Bettina Cline by the Koinonia-Covenant Life Grou
In memory of Bill Lusk by the Koinonia-Covenant Life Group; Ewan and Becky Sweeney; Steve and Libby Crowe
In memory of Gena McGowan by the Koinonia-Covenant Life Group


PRAYER LIST • Bold = New Italics = In Hospital

Nancy Adams, Bill Anthony, Sandra Banks, Betty Bennett, Harry Bolick, Le Anna Browning, Brantley Daniel, Debbie Davidson, Peggy Denny, Liz Fuqua, Martha Gallivan, Larry Goodwin, Richard and Danette Hanks, Anna Hewitt, Tina Hicks, Harry Hightower, Don Hobbs, Amy Hunter, Charlie Hutton, Anne Lide, Don McAlister, Jenny McCorkle, Paul McGahee, Deryl McKinney, Lee Miller, Rachel Mullinax, Martha Nance, Chloris Norman, Carolyn Rice, Thom Robelot, Louise Robinson, Joan Snowden, Jerry Steeves, 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

MIRACLE HILL YELLOW BAG UPDATE

Thank you for your extraordinary generosity in supporting the Yellow Bag Initiative on February 22. Because of you, more than 5,600 pounds of clothing and accessories were collected in just one day! Your donations directly support Miracle Hill’s ministries throughout our community—providing shelter, recovery programs, food, and life-changing care for neighbors in need. Over the past ten years, First Presbyterian Church has contributed nearly 75,000 pounds (37.5 tons!) through this annual campaign. We are also deeply grateful for the many volunteers who helped to coordinate these collections.


ORDER EASTER LILIES BY MARCH 25

We invite you to take part in decorating our church for Easter by ordering Easter lilies and giving a contribution in memory or in honor of a loved one. Order forms are available in the literature racks and online, click here. Please return forms with payment to the church by Wednesday, March 25.



HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SUNDAY SERVICES

Join us for a meaningful journey through Holy Week as we reflect on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Palm Sunday on March 29, worship will be at our regular service times as we celebrate Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem with joyful music and a children’s palm processional.

Maundy Thursday, April 2 at 7:00pm,
we will gather in the Sanctuary for a moving service with the Lord’s Supper, remembering Jesus’ last meal with His disciples.

Easter Sunday, April 5, we will celebrate the resurrection with multiple services throughout the morning, each filled with inspiring music, Scripture, and messages of hope.
8:00am Sanctuary
9:15am Worship & Arts Center
9:30am Sanctuary
10:45am Worship & Arts Center
11:00am Sanctuary


We warmly invite you to bring your family, friends, and neighbors to these special times of worship. Nursery care and classes for K5 and under are available during each service. More information at FirstPresEaster.com.


CHILDREN’S MINISTRY SUMMER INTERNSHIPS

Intern applications are open! If you’re a college student (or know a college student) who would love a summer job that also allows you to disciple children, minister to families, and assist with all the crazy, zany happenings in Children’s Ministry, contact Tina Jones at tjones@firstpresgreenville.org to begin your application.


LOOKING AHEAD

EASTER SERVICES INFORMATION
Visit FirstPresEaster.com

MARCH
6:
Spring Forward–Daylight Saving Time Begins
20-21: Spring Healing Conference
29: Palm Sunday

APRIL
2
: Maundy Thursday
5: Easter Sunday
10: Sporting Clay Classic
10: Pursuit Men’s Weekend
19: Kirkin’ ‘O the Tartans (11:00 Worship only)


For more events and details click here.


Discipleship

Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
PAJAMA DAY—DAYLIGHT SAVING BEGINS

Save some time on Sunday, March 8, and bring your children (5th grade and under) to church in their PJs! Be sure to set your clock forward one hour for daylight saving time!


Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
JUMP ROPE GOSPEL PRESENTATION THIS SUNDAY

This Sunday is the “Learnin’ the Ropes” presentation for K4-5th graders during the 10:45am and 11:00am worship services. Parents should check all their children into one of the check-in desks prior to going to service. We will have regular Kids Church for K3 and under.


Roots Student Ministry, Courtney Rockness
UPSTREAM 2026 JUNIOR HIGH RETREAT

The Junior High Retreat is just around the corner, April 17-19! We will spend the weekend hanging out and enjoying the facilities at Camp Thunderbird, then visit the National Whitewater Center on Saturday. Students will participate in activities such as ziplining, rock climbing, ropes courses, and of course, whitewater rafting! More details, cost, and registration are online, click here. Adult volunteers are needed. Please contact Courtney at crockness@firstpresgreenville.org for details.


Events

Missional Ministry, Eric Swofford
GREAT ALASKA SPORTING CLAY CLASSIC

We invite both men and women to this event on Friday, April 10, 8:30am to early afternoon, at The Clinton House in Clinton, SC. This clay shoot is a fundraiser for the ministry of Steven and Natalie Hall, First Pres members who have served with SEND for over 20 years. SEND is a global community of goers and senders bringing gospel transformation to unreached people. Register at www.send.org/gascc. Contact Steven Hall with questions at shall@send.org or 907.320.0158. Join us for a fun day of sporting clays and fellowship!


Worship & Music, Susan Messer
SAVE THE DATE: “PROCLAIM LIBERTY” CONCERT

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, July 1, 6:00–7:30pm as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation! This will be a ticketed event so watch for more information coming soon.


Opportunities To Serve

Events Ministry, Linda Sholtis
HELP WELCOME OUR GUESTS ON EASTER SUNDAY

Easter is coming soon and we need your help to provide a welcoming environment for the many guests visiting FPC on April 5. We need 250 volunteers to serve as Parking Hosts, Greeters, and Ushers. The only requirement is a welcoming smile. Three shifts are available to accommodate you and your family attending one of the five services. If you can help, please click here.

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. To see a complete list of needed items, click here. Donations may be dropped off on Sunday mornings or Wednesday evenings at the Children’s Ministry Five Points Check-In Desk. Prefer to shop online? You can have items shipped directly to the church, Attn: Karen King. Questions? Contact Karen King at kking@firstpresgreenville.org. Thank you for helping us bless our neighbors and share Christ’s love through practical care!

Ignite Worship, Graydon Tomlinson
SINGERS FOR IGNITE EASTER PRAISE CHOIR!

All singers—of every age and experience level—are invited to join our Easter Praise Choir for the Ignite Services on Easter Sunday, April 5! Ignite Easter services will be held at 9:15am and 10:45am on Sunday, April 5, in the Worship & Arts Center. We want to fill the room with a large chorus of voices to join the Ignite Worship Team and lead our congregation in a joyful celebration of the resurrection.. Click here to register. After you register, you’ll receive practice materials and resources to help you prepare, along with details about one in-person rehearsal prior to Easter Sunday. Questions? Contact Graydon Tomlinson at gtomlinson@firstpresgreenville.org.

Missional Minsitry, Eric Swofford
HOLLIS SPRING CARNIVAL—WE NEED YOUR HELP!

The Hollis Academy Spring Carnival is Friday, April 17, and we would love your help in making this a joyful and welcoming event for the Hollis community!
There are two easy ways you can serve:
Volunteer at the Carnival—Two shifts are available: 3:45–6:00pm and 6:00–8:15pm. If you’re willing to serve, please click here and add your name, email, and phone number under your preferred shift.
Provide Baked Goods—We need 17 bakers to prepare two dozen cookies or brownies (no nuts, please). Baked goods are due at the church on Thursday, April 16. Click here to help.
Questions? Contact Beth Simmons at simmonsfam@charter.net.

Pastor of the Day

For Pastoral emergencies, please call 864.235.0496.