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.

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.

FRIDAYS AT FIRST: THE PODCAST

In this week’s episode, Dr. Gibbons sits down with co-host Michelle Ward for a conversation about the sermon series “Not Just Sundays” and the book of Revelation. What message does Jesus have for His Church about living faithfully while we wait for His ultimate victory? What does Revelation say about growing in our faith daily—not just on Sundays?

Tune in to Fridays@First on our YouTube channel (@FPCGreenvilleSC) or wherever you listen to podcasts. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe to stay connected!

Want the Fridays@First email delivered to your inbox each week? Click here.

LOOKING AHEAD

AUGUST
23: Women’s Fall Showcase
30: Academy Coffee & Connection
30: Reception for Rev. Charlie Buchanan

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
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.

Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
HELPING CHILDREN KNOW WHAT THEY BELIEVE

Beginning Sunday, August 23, we’ll be incorporating the New City Catechism into our 1st–5th grade Sunday School lessons. Through engaging questions and answers, children will explore the foundations of their faith and discover not only what Christians believe, but why we believe it. We encourage parents and grandparents to make sure your child joins us eachh Sunday, 9:30–10:30am. For more information about the New City Catechism, go to this link: https://newcitycatechism.com/introduction-timothy-keller/.

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
WOMEN’S FALL BIBLE STUDY SHOWCASE

All women are invited to drop by the Sturgis Gathering area on Sunday, August 23, 9:00–11:00am, for a showcase of Women’s Fall Bible studies. You’ll have the opportunity to meet leaders and receive information about the studies. We hope to see you there!

Discipleship Ministry, Claire Ripley
ALPHA IS COMING

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
SAVE THE DATE FOR BROADWAY AT FIRST!

Join us on Wednesday, September 2, at 5:15pm as we kick off our fall Grow@First season with a memorable evening of music, fellowship, and great food at Broadway at First in Fellowship Hall. Enjoy dinner while being entertained by a live performance featuring the talented professional singers of the First Presbyterian Choir who will bring some of Broadway’s most beloved songs to life. Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP soon at FirstPresGreenville.org/events. Dinner prices (payable at the door): Adults: $10; Children (ages 4–12): $5; Children (3 and under): Free; Family maximum: $40. Childcare for children 3 and under is available by registration to Evelyn Penkert at epenkert@firstpresgreenville.org.

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

Mark your calendars 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).

This isn't just your ordinary dance; it's an opportunity to show your daughter how treasured she is. We're teeing you up for a fantastic night of fun, laughter, and connection, complete with yummy desserts, photo ops, and tons of dancing.

We also plan in a special “halftime” moment where we pause the fun to give dads the opportunity to bless and affirm their daughters. It’s the highlight of the night for many. Dads will also get some awesome ideas and guidance to help you plan an extra special date night around the dance. Register online here https://www.3genministries.org/ministry-resources/dance .

Fine Arts Ministry, Chelsea Fraser
ACTIVATE LECTURE WITH DR. W. DAVID O. TAYLOR

Join us on Friday, September 4, at 6:00pm for an evening of thoughtful conversation, encouraging fellowship, and fresh inspiration for artists, makers, and creatives of all kinds. Whether you write, paint, compose, build, or make, this special lecture will encourage, challenge, and inspire you as Dr. Taylor shares biblical insights into faith and creativity. Then stay for a panel discussion and Q&A featuring Dr. Taylor, FPC Arts Director Chelsea Fraser, and other local faith and arts leaders. A light reception will follow. Tickets are $20 and are on sale at FirstPresGreenville.org/events.

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.

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.