Connect@First Newsletter

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Sunday Worship

February 22, 2026

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

WATCH LIVE

Sermon 

Sermon Series: "Tough Topics"
Scripture: Matthew 5:1–10
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

Emerson Lowder and Miles Vogt, recipients of the 2026 Lewis and Nancy Tollison Scholarship Award. This award is given annually to two high school seniors who have displayed exemplary sportsmanship in representing the Lord while playing on a FPC basketball team.


NEW MEMBERS • The pastors and congregation welcome new members

February 15, 2026: Hope and Alex Blackwell (Thomas and Baker); Mary Grace and Clayton Brown; Kristen and Ryan Coultas (Owen, Clara, and Eloise); Hannah and Robert DiBenedetto (Robert and Leigh); Cathy and Sam Dixon; Wynn dixon; Andy Ennis; Joy and Ron Grant; Taylor Henderson; Madison Howard; Bellaand Jackson Kabas; Ellie Kennedy; Caroline Martin; Taylor and Eric Rossow (Cooper); Amy Scales (Charles and Carson); Charlie Tate; Marian and William Welch


SYMPATHY • The pastors and congregation extend sympathy to

Mrs. Nancy Lusk in the death of her husband, Mr. Bill Lusk, on February 9, 2026.
Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Blankenship (Teresa) in the death of her mother, Bettina Marable Cline of Gaffney, SC, on February 10, 2026.
Ms. Ann Poulos in the death of her father, Mr. John Theodore Poulos Jr. of Pickens, SC, on February 11, 2026.
Mrs. Claudia Fant in the death of her husband, Mr. Andrew “Bud” Fant, on February 14, 2026.
The family of Ms. Gena McGowan who died on January 18, 2026.


IN MEMORIAM

William Thomas LuskOctober 24, 1934 – February 9, 2026
Andrew Preston Fant IIIFebruary 9, 1948 – February 14, 2026
Gena B McGowanMay 28, 1935 - February 18, 2026


MEMORIALS & HONORS

CHURCH MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of Thomas Lide Jr. by Millennium Private Wealth; Chris, Stephanie, and Sadie Goller; Sara Anne Collins

TRANSFORMING THE HEART OF THE CITY FUND
In memory of Billy Beavers by Phyllis Crist
In memory of Anne Lybrand by Karen and Brian Burrell
In memory of Jim Nance by Phyllis and Cindy Crist

TURNER MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of Anne Lybrand by Bootsie Efird


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, 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, Bill Rogers, Joan Snowden, 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

GALLIVAN-MILLS SCHOLARSHIP FOR 2026-2027

The Gallivan-Mills Scholarship is granted each year to college undergraduate and seminary students who are FPC Covenant Partners. Applications are available at the FPC Reception Desks and online at FirstPresGreenville.org/gmscholarshipapp.pdf. Submit your completed scholarship application, with all attachments, to the Gallivan-Mills Scholarship Committee. Drop off at the Reception Desk or email to Tripp Welch and Marilyn Morrison no later than Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Questions? Contact Tripp Welch (tripp@matchgradeadvisors.com, 864.906.3862) or Marilyn Morrison, FPC Foundation Administrator (mmorrison@firstpresgreenville.org, 864.565.0992).


CHILDREN’S MINISTRY SUMMER INTERNSHIPS

Are you looking for a summer job that also makes a big impact? Children’s ministry has three summer intern opportunities. Contact Tina Jones at tjones@firstpresgreenville.org.


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: March 15 and 22; April 12, 19, 26; May 3, 10, 24, 31; June 7 and 14; August 2 and 23; September 13 and 20; and October 25. To reserve a date and provide your dedication for the bulletin, please contact Linda Slash at lslash@firstpresgreenville.org.


LOST AND FOUND

This is the “last chance” table to discover what is yours among all the lost and found items we have accumulated. The items will be on a table by the elevators in Building D main hallway through this Sunday, February 22. Please look for any items you have been missing; anything remaining after Sunday will be donated to Miracle Hill.


LOOKING AHEAD

FEBRUARY
26–28: ACTIVATE Arts Conference

MARCH
1:
Communion Sunday
6:
The Call with Ballet Magnificat!
29: Palm Sunday

APRIL
2
: Maundy Thursday
5: Easter Sunday
10: Sporting Clay Classic
10: Pursuit Men’s Weekend

For more events and details click here.


Discipleship

Men’s Ministry, Charlie Buchanan
PURSUIT MEN’S WEEKEND

Join us April 10–12 for this year’s Pursuit Men’s Weekend at Windy Gap Young Life Camp in Weaverville, NC. This retreat offers a meaningful mix of fellowship, discipleship, and adventure in a beautiful mountain setting. Over the weekend, men will be spiritually challenged, share plenty of laughter, build new relationships, and strengthen existing friendships. The cost is $295 and includes lodging for two nights, five meals, use of Windy Gap’s incredible facilities, and the weekend journal. Use code FPC75 for a discounted rate. Scholarships and financial assistance are also available. For details and registration, visit 3GenMinistries.org. Questions? Contact Michael Trotter at trottermichael1@ gmail.com or Russell Guest at russellguest@charter.net.


Stewardship Ministry, Bobby Hoffman
“GOD AND MONEY” WORKSHOPS

Join us for the final session of the God and Money workshops, this Sunday, 9:45–10:30am, in Fellowship Hall. We’ll explore Estate Planning with Bob August. Watch previous sessions at firstpresgreenville.org/give.


Women's Ministry, Tiffany Boggs
RADIANCE SPRING RETREAT

Relax, Reflect, Refresh, Retreat! Spend an overnight with your favorite girls for fellowship and fun at one of the most beautiful settings around­—Carolina Point YoungLife Camp (only one hour lfrom Greenville). Don’t miss the annual Radiance Retreat March 28-29, with speaker, Elizabeth Poplin, music by Emily Cupelli and program by Chelsea Gray. The peaceful mountains of Brevard are the perfect background for a life-changing weekend. Register now, click here.


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
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. Click here to hear Fine Arts Director Chelsea Fraser discuss the conference and God’s call to creativity in everyday life.


Fine Arts Ministry, Chelsea Fraser
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.


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
REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER MUSIC CAMP

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

Congregational Care, Don Feuerbach
WORTHY MENTOR PROGRAM

The Worthy Mentor Program is a ministry of The Light & Life Ministry that offers spiritual support to women who have experienced an unexpected pregnancy. Some of these women may be walking through pregnancy and considering their options, while others may be healing from abortion. If you are interested in being placed with a mentor or have questions about Worthy, please contact Amy Murray at hello2amymurray@gmail.com. This ministry is an extension of Lifeline Children’s Services.

Family 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.

Missional Minsitry, Eric Swofford
CALLING ALL BAKERS!

Once a month, we provide homemade snacks for Hollis Academy teachers during their faculty meeting as a simple way to say thank you and encourage them. It’s a meaningful way to support and appreciate those who care for our students every day. If you’d be willing to help at least once during the school year—by baking an item, donating toward the cost of a chicken nugget tray, or providing a savory treat—please email Amy Rogers at aar617lily@gmail.com. Thank you for your continued support of our ministry to Hollis Academy!

Pastor of the Day

For Pastoral emergencies, please call 864.235.0496.