Connect@First Newsletter

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Sunday Worship

February 15, 2026

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

WATCH LIVE

Sermon 

Sermon Series: "Tough Topics: Marriage"
Scripture: Ephesians 5:25-33
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. John Pittman (Kate Stewart) on the birth of a son, Christopher Benjamin “Ben” Pittman, on February 7, 2026; and to grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Benjamin Stewart (A.B.).


NEW MEMBERS • The pastors and congregation welcome new members

February 8, 2026: Randy and Meshelle Bell, Gene and Susan Covington, Nick and Sam Hodgkins, Lauren and Trey Jaynes, Margie and Marvin Marten (Drew), Mike and Pam May, Carol and Jeff Miller, Dylan and Morgan Morrow, John and Tamzn Perkins (Johnny and Charlotte), Craig and Melissa Ragsdale (Ava Grace, Adlen, Elle, and Pierce), Caroline and Garrett Smith, Nancy and Brian Travis, Jay and Jill Vaughn, Austin and Katie Watts (Hannah and Sterling), Vincent Weisner, Mary Beth and Russell Young (Emma and Reese)


SYMPATHY • The pastors and congregation extend sympathy to

Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Atkinson (Karen) in the death of her mother, Helen Carmichael, on January 8, 2026; and to Thomas in the death of his father, James Thomas Atkinson, on February 3, 2026.
Mr. and Mrs. Mike Cooter (Amy) and Mr. and Mrs. Mark Cooter (Rachel) in the death of their father, Mr. John Cooter, on February 7, 2026; and to grandchildren, Andrew, Ellie, Jackson, Sam, and Zach Cooter.


IN MEMORIAM •

John A. Cooter May 6, 1939 – February 7, 2026


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, Bud Fant, Liz Fuqua, Martha Gallivan, Larry Goodwin, Richard and Danette Hanks, Anna Hewitt, Tina Hicks, Harry Hightower, Don Hobbs, Amy Hunter, Charlie Hutton, Ron Lemley, 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

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 8, 15, 22; April 12, 19, 26; May 3, 10, 24, 31. 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 from Sunday, February 15, through Sunday, February 22. Please look for any items you have been missing; anything remaining after February 22 will be donated to Miracle Hill Ministries.


LOOKING AHEAD

FEBRUARY
12–20: Pick up Yellow Bags
13–16: Roots Sanctuary Retreat
15: “God and Money” Workshop
18: Take Me to the Cross Worship and Prayer Service
20: Rend Collective Concert
22: “God and Money” Workshop 
22: Yellow Bag Sunday
26–28: ACTIVATE Arts Conference

MARCH
6:
The Call with Ballet Magnificat!

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 remaining sessions of the God and Money workshops, 9:45–10:30am, in Fellowship Hall. We’ll explore biblical wisdom and practical tools for managing the resources God has entrusted to us.
February 15 – Budgeting and Debt with Tripp Welch
February 22 – Estate Planning with Bob August
Watch the January 11 and 18 sessions online at firstpresgreenville.org/give. Click the God and Money Workshops link in the menu.


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

The 13th annual Great Alaska Sporting Clay Classic will be held 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. As Director of Strategic Partnerships, Steven creates opportunities to build stronger relationships with SEND’s partners across the U.S. Men and women may 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

Children's Ministry, Tina Jones
NIGHT TO SHINE—FEBRUARY 13

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
10TH ANNUAL YELLOW BAGS FOR MIRACLE HILL

A small yellow bag can make a big difference! Join us as we celebrate our 10th year of supporting Miracle Hill Ministries through the Yellow Bag Project. By donating gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories, you help stock Miracle Hill’s thrift stores—funding programs that serve individuals experiencing homelessness and those struggling with addiction in our community. Yellow bags are available at the church beginning through Sunday, February 15. Please return your filled bags on Sunday, February 22. Thanks for helping transform everyday generosity into lasting impact.

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.