Connect@First Newsletter

Feature 


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Sunday Worship

November 23, 2025

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

WATCH LIVE

Sermon 

Sermon Series: “Insights from Isaiah”
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

BAPTISMS • November 16, 2025

William Buist Bickley, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alex Bickley (Carly)
Sophie Ann Hopkins, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Hopkins (Madeleine)
Barnes Cox Powell, son of Ashley Barnes Powell


SYMPATHY • The pastors and congregation extend sympathy to

The family of Mrs. Becky Powell, who died on November 15. Services will be held at Rolling Green on December 14.
Mr. and Mrs. Ben V. Crider Jr. (Ann) in the death of his mother, Ms. Catherine Crider Sandifer of Simpsonville, SC, on November 15.


IN MEMORIAM

Rebecca H. PowellSeptember 4, 1937 – November 15, 2025


MEMORIALS & HONORS

TRANSFORMING THE HEART OF THE CITY FUND
In memory of Thomas W. Edwards Jr. by Carlton and Belinda Manley

YOUTH MINISTRY FUND
In memory of Mozelle Moore by Ewan and Becky Sweeney Sr.


PRAYER LIST • Bold = New Italics = In Hospital

Nancy Adams, Andy and June Anderson, McFall Anderson, Bill Anthony, Sandra Banks, Betty Bennett, Harry Bolick, Keren Clay, John Cooter, Brantley Daniel, Debbie Davidson, Peggy Denny, Bud Fant, Liz Fuqua, Martha Gallivan, Larry Goodwin, Danette Hanks, Richard Hanks, Anna Hewitt, Tina Hicks, Harry Hightower, Don Hobbs, Amy Hunter, Charlie Hutton, Stan Johnson, Stephanie Johnson, John Kylin, Mary Kylin, Phyllis Laney, Tom Lide, Anne Lybrand, Jenny McCorkle, Paul McGahee, John McGraw, Rachel Mullinax, Jim Nance, Martha Nance, Chloris Norman, Bane Ouzts, Carolyn Rice, Thom Robelot, Louise Robinson, Bill Rogers, Tom Seay, Clifford Selby, Lewis Tollison, John Volpe, Jocelyn Williams, 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: Every Tuesday at 6:30pm in Harper Chapel
For Pastoral emergencies, please call 864.235.0496.

Announcements

POINSETTIAS FOR CHRISTMAS

Help decorate our church for Christmas by ordering poinsettias in honor or memory of loved ones. Order online at FirstPresGreenville.org/Events, or fill out a form from the literature racks. Cost is $25 each; orders are due by Wednesday, December 10.


UPCOMING FRIDAYS AT FIRST PODCAST: CONFRONTING ALCOHOL ADDICTION

In the November 21 episode of the Fridays at First podcast, Dr. Gibbons continues a discussion with two special guests about alcohol addiction. Both guests share how faith has played a role in their recovery and ongoing sobriety. Alcoholism is a reality that impacts many families—especially during the holiday season. If you missed Part 1, you can hear it by going to our YouTube channel. Thank you for listening, and we encourage you to share these podcasts with others!
Where to listen: to Fridays@First on our YouTube channel (@FPCGreenvilleSC) or on your favorite podcast platform. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe to stay connected! Want to get the Fridays@First eblast each week? Click here.


SUNDAY SCHEDULE CHANGES FOR CHILDREN

Due to the holiday weekends, on Sundays, November 30 and December 28, the nursery will open at 10:15am and Kids Church (K2-K5) will open at 10:30am. There will be no early service or Sunday School for children on these dates.


WORSHIP TIME CHANGE DECEMBER 14

Because the Sanctuary will be set up for the Christmas@First concert on December 14, we will have two identical worship services at 8:30am and 10:45am in the Worship & Arts Center that Sunday. Please mark your calendar and share this change with your friends and family.


HOLIDAY SEASON AT THE BOOKSTORE

Are you looking for the perfect Christmas gift for a friend, family member, or new believer? Visit Books & Gifts @ First where you’ll find a wide selection of devotionals, Christmas cards, faith-based artwork, ornaments, home goods, and even edible treats—all thoughtfully chosen to help you share the love of Christ through your giving. Complimentary gift wrapping is available. For holiday hours, visit FirstPresGreenville.org/bookstore.


CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24

11:00am Children's Service | Worship & Arts Center
2:00pm Afternoon Service | Sanctuary
4:00pm Children's Service | Sanctuary
7:00pm Candlelight Service | Worship & Arts Center
11:00pm Watchnight Service | Sanctuary
Mark your calendar and visit www.FirstPresChristmas.comfor more details.


LOOKING AHEAD

NOVEMBER
30: Christmas for a Cause Market and Concert

DECEMBER
3: Family Advent Festival
4: Women's Christmas Luncheon
9: Service of Remembrance
13 & 14: Christmas@First Concerts
14: Worship at 8:30am & 10:45am in the Worship & Arts Center

24: CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES
11:00am Children's Service
2:00pm Afternoon Service
4:00pm Children's Service
7:00pm Candlelight Service
11:00pm Watchnight Service

28: Worship at 10:45am & 11:00am

For more events and details click here.


Events

SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE DECEMBER 9

Join us for an evening of unifying worship and prayer led by local church pastors on Sunday, November 16, at 5:00pm in the Worship & Arts Center. At ONE Prayer 2025, we will ask God together for greater local church unity in the Upstate, which Jesus prayed for in John 17. Free tickets are available at FirstPresGreenville.org/events.


Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
OCC SHOEBOX DROP-OFF NOVEMBER 20–24

Please see the collection schedule below as you return shoeboxes to the Washington Street entrance next week:
11/20: 12:00pm–2:00pm • 11/21: 11:00am–1:00pm
11/22: 10:00am–12:00pm • 11/23: 10:00am–12:00pm
11/24: 8:00am–10:00am
Questions? Contact Teresa Hannon at twhannon@aol.com.


Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
FAMILY ADVENT FESTIVAL DECEMBER 3

Join us for the Family Advent Festival on Wednesday, December 3, 5:30–7:30pm in Fellowship Hall. It’s a great way to kick off the Advent season with your whole family by making a fun craft and enjoying Christmas cookies together! Register at FirstPresGreenville.org/events for a family ticket that includes crafts, cookies, and beverages. Pizza and additional crafts are available as add-ons when purchasing a ticket. Space is limited.


Worship & Music, Susan Messer
CHRISTMAS@FIRST CONCERTS: THE WONDROUS GIFT IS GIVEN

Join us for this year’s Christmas@First concerts on Saturday, December 13, at 2:00pm or 6:00pm, and Sunday, December 14, at 3:00pm. You’ll hear Christmas favorites by our 100-voice choir, full orchestra, and handbell choir as we celebrate our Savior’s birth through songs of the season, both sacred and secular. Tickets are available at FirstPresGreenville.org/eventsor at the First Pres box office (main reception area) during normal business hours Monday–Friday. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children (12 and under). Please note: The December 14 concert is sold out.


Women's Ministry, Tiffany Boggs
GIFTS WORTH GIVING WOMEN'S CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON

All women are invited to the annual Women's Christmas Luncheon on Thursday, December 4, 12:00pm in Fellowship Hall. Our special guest is singer and songwriter Emily Cupelli, who will bring a message of encouragement, prayer, faith, and hope. Cost is $15 for lunch and registration is open now. A pay at the door option is also available for cash only. Free childcare is offered (age 5 and under) with a deadline of November 28 (sign up online). Go to FirstPresGreenville.org/events for more details and to register. Questions? Contact Tiffany Boggs at 864.565.0931.


Opportunities To Serve

CARING FOR OUR SENIORS: GOLF CART MINISTRY

We are grateful for the opportunity to introduce a new ministry for our senior members who park in the Main Church Parking Lot off Richardson Street on Sundays. We have recently acquired a golf cart to help transport members from their cars to the church entrance, making their arrival easier and more comfortable. To make this ministry possible, we need volunteers who are willing to drive the golf cart during Sunday morning service times. If you are 25 years of age or older and would be willing to serve by providing rides around the parking lot, please contact Mike Templeton at mtempleton@firstpresgreenville.org. Volunteer shift times are: • 8:00–9:30am • 9:30–11:00am • 11:00am–12:30pm Thank you for considering this meaningful way to serve our church family!



 


Pastor of the Day

For Pastoral emergencies, please call 864.235.0496.