Church Life Update

Feature Story


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Sunday Worship

8:30 & 11:00am Sanctuary Worship

10:45am Ignite Worship Fellowship Hall

WATCH LIVE

Sermon Series

Palm Sunday Message
Luke 19:28-38
Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons


Sunday Education

8:30am Nursery
9:30am Children's Sunday School
9:30am Student Life Groups
9:45am Adult Life Groups
10:30am Kids Church

Grow@First Brochure

Member News

BAPTISM

March 26, 2023
Geoffrey Hinton Johnson, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Austin Johnson (Bettina)
Thomas Wayne Potter, son of Ms. Lisa Potter

SYMPATHY

The pastors and congregation extend sympathy to
Mr. and Mrs. Greg Smith (Dana) in the death of his mother, Margaret Stenhouse Smith of Greenville, on March 25, and to Cameron and Andrew Smith in the death of their grandmother.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Nickles (Tracy) in the death of her father, Lucian Reeves Dabney of Lexington, SC, on March 25, and to Elizabeth, Laura Coleman, and Wilson Nickles in the death of their grandfather.

MEMORIALS & HONORS

CHURCH MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of Pierce McGowan III by Mrs. Nancy Jennings

MUSIC MINISTRY FUND
In memory of Ann McLellan by the Agape-Fellowship Class

TURNER MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of  Rutledge Galloway by Mr. and Mrs. Bill Sykes

TRANSFORMING THE HEART OF THE CITY FUND
In memory of  Todd Taylor by Luther and Sally Boliek; Mr. and Mrs. James H. Watson; Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Holmgren; Ginny Weede; Jo and Harry Ussery; Mr. and Mrs. F. A. Townsend; Mary and John McKenzie; First Bank


PRAYER LIST

Bold = New      Italics = In Hospital

Bill Anthony, Doane August, Becky Barron, Susan Bennett, Archie Black, Tom Brissey, John Burnett Jr., Les Burns, Becky Carter, Dave Carter, Luke Chapman, Sarah Chapman, Joy Clawson, Annie Cobb, Joe Cole, Charlene Comer, Peggy Denny, Tom Drake, Collin Etheridge, Bud Fant, George Freeman, Larry Freeman, Mike Freeman, Nancy Freeman, Becky Garcia, Millie Gedney, Pam Goldman, Betsy Guffey, Natalie Hall, Sally Hall, T.G. Hanner, Fran Hardin, Jack Hardin, Jim Hastings, Gladys “Hap” Henderson, Dan Hoover, Vicky Hunt, Amy Hunter, Gerald Huskamp, Art Jeffrey, Sherry Jenkins, Ginny Johnson, Craig Jones, Mac Kearse, Tom Lide, Jennifer Loft, John Loft, Pat Loft, Janet MacCallum, Kenneth MacCallum, Geoff Marsh, Polly Martin, Seth McCullen, Megan McCommons, Barbara McKenzie, Mozelle Moore, Alex Olyarchuk, Jane Petrilli, Joe Petrilli, Becky Powell, Mason Powell, Ken Rhoden, Bill Rogers, Robyn Rush, Pete Russell, Fran Sanders, Janice Shartle, Libby Stewart, Cole Swartwood, Carrie Stringer, Shirley Timmerman, Melanie Ann Tinnelly, John Volpe, Don Youatt, Spires Welch, Beryl Wickliffe, Jan Zimmermann


Announcements

LENZ GALLERY DEDICATION MARCH 28

We are pleased to announce the dedication of the Lenz Gallery. Members of the Lenz family were in attendance to celebrate the opening of the new museum-compliant gallery, named in honor of Alice Lenz. “Art is a wonderful addition to all of the good things that the church is already doing.” says Jerry. “I am happy to have a part in this expansion and share in a gift that my wife enjoyed so much. This has been a wonderful experience.” Photo credit: Mark Massingill, Ernest Rawlins Photography


GALLIVAN-MILLS SCHOLARSHIP APPS DUE

Submit your completed scholarship application, with all attachments, to the Gallivan-Mills Scholarship Committee no later than 2:00pm on Friday, March 31. Applications are available at the FPC Reception Desk and by clicking here. Questions? Contact Steven Harvin (SLHarvin@gmail.com, 803.477.8123).

FPA HIRING TEACHERS, ASSISTANTS, AND SUBS

First Pres Academy is hiring several teachers (including an Art/STEM teacher), teacher assistants, and substitutes for the 2023-2024 school year. Part-time (M/W/F) and full-time (M-F) openings are in Downtown campus preschool grade levels K2, K3, and K4. Contact Vicky Burr, vburr@firstpresacademy.com or 864.565.0991.

SANCTUARY FLOWERS

If you would like to place flowers in the Sanctuary in honor or memory of a loved one on Sunday, May 14 or 28, call 235.0496.

SUMMER@1ST HIRING STAFF

Summer@1st Nursery School is hiring for positions with First Pres for seven weeks this summer. We are looking for energetic, responsible, loving staff to work with children age 3 months–4 years old. Please contact Beth Plyler, bplyler@firstpresgreenville.org, for details. For Sports Camp positions to work with K5–8th grade students, contact Caleb McKisic at caleb@conquerorssportsacademy.com.

HYMNS@FIRST CONCERT AND CD

On Sunday, April 30, at 3:00pm, Hymns@First, a concert featuring the soloists of our First Presbyterian Church-produced CD, will premiere many hymns from this new “Hymns at First” album in our new Worship & Arts Center. Each soloist will sing a hymn from the album, with accompaniments performed and arranged by Stephen Griner, our church pianist. Invite family and friends to this premiere event! Watch for the release of the album “Hymns@First” soon!


EASTER PHOTOS

Two flower-covered crosses will be available on Easter Sunday morning for family photos. Before and after each service, photographers will be at the corner of Washington and Richardson Streets, and in the Washington Street courtyard in front of the new building. We will share a link for you to download your photos the week after Easter.



Discipleship

Discipleship Ministry, Claire Ripley

NEW MEMBER WEEKEND APRIL 21-22

Are you interested in making First Presbyterian your church home? We invite you to attend our next Discover First New Member Weekend Friday−Saturday, April 21-22. Come discover more about the vision, discipleship, and outreach of FPC! Childcare is available for children age 5 and under. For details, contact Linda Sholtis (lsholtis@firstpresgreenville.org) or Rev. Dr. Claire Ripley (cripley@firstpresgreenville.org). Register by clicking here.


Student Ministry, Mason Simmons

CONFIRMATION WEEKEND APRIL 14-16

Confirmation 2023 will take place the weekend of April 14-16 for students 7th grade or older who wish to become Covenant Partners of First Presbyterian Church. Throughout the weekend we will address core beliefs, what it means to be a part of the church, and how the gospel affects our everyday life. Click here to signup. Contact Autumn Clark, aclark@firstpresgreenville.org, for details. 

Events

Fine Arts Ministry, Chelsea Fraser

ACTS THE 3-MAN SHOW APRIL 14

Acts the 3-Man Show, a full-length action drama based on the powerful New Testament book, is coming to First Presbyterian Church on Friday, April 14, at 7:00pm. Armed with one of the great dramatic narratives in the Bible, three men take the stage to play all the roles—Peter, Paul, Stephen, Herod, Nero, and dozens of others. Come and experience the story of the early church as you’ve never seen it before! Purchase tickets here for $17 including fees; $20 at the door. Parental discretion advised.

PONDER ANEW: BAROQUE MASTERWORKS

The Baroque paintings in the Ponder Anew exhibit are on loan from the Museum & Gallery at Bob Jones University. Thanks to the generosity of Jerry and Alice Lenz, we are able to offer a museum-compliant art gallery on the third floor of the new Building A at First Pres. Lenz Gallery Public Hours: Tuesday: 9:30am–1:30pm and Thursday: 9:30 am–1:30pm. Click here for more info.

ALL THINGS NEW: A LOCAL RESPONSE

This exhibition features pieces by local artists who were all influenced by the collection of the Museum & Gallery at Bob Jones University during their education. These artists are both native Greenvillians and those who have since made the Upstate their home. Located on the 1st & 2nd floor galleries of new Building A. Open during church office hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm. Click here for more info.

First Pres Sports Ministry, Caleb McKisik

SUMMER@1ST CAMP

Looking for fun activities for your K5–8th graders this summer? We are offering six weeks of Youth Camp and Junior Camp, June 5–July 28. Daily activities include Bible study, sports, outside play, and crafts. Register by clicking here.

Worship & Music Ministry, Susan Messer

RESONATE! YOUTH CHOIR CONCERT MAY 7

Resonate! Youth Choir will present a concert, “Sing Our Faith,” on Sunday, May 7, at 1:30 in Harper Chapel. You are invited to join us for this program of beautiful songs by Steven Curtis Chapman, Mark Schultz, Laura Story, and others.

Women’s Ministry, Leah Cloud

WOMEN’S SPRING TEA APRIL 13

First Pres Women’s Ministry invites you to our annual Spring Tea on Thursday, April 13, at 4:00pm in Fellowship Hall. Enjoy fellowship, tea and cakes, and guest speaker Carolyn Rice, who will share stories of how God is working in central Asia. RSVP by Thursday, April 6, to Charlotte Joye (cjoye@firstpresgreenville.org, 565.0956).

Men’s Ministry, Charlie Buchanan

REGISTER NOW FOR MEN’S WEEKEND RETREAT

This year’s PURSUIT Men’s Discipleship Weekend is April 21-23 at Awanita Valley Christian Camp & Retreat Center in partnership with 3GEN Ministries. Register by clicking here. The first 50 men who register from FPC can enter “FPC50” at checkout for a $50 discount. Questions? Contact Michael Trotter (trottermichael1@gmail.com, 803.984.5242) or Russell Guest (russellguest@guestbrady.com, 864.380.4185).

GREAT ALASKA SPORTING CLAY CLASSIC APRIL 14

The 10th Annual Great Alaska Sporting Clay Classic will be held on Friday morning, April 14, at The Clinton House in Clinton, SC, to support the ministry of Steven and Natalie Hall with SEND. Register for teams, individuals, and sponsorships by clicking here. Questions? Contact Steven Hall at shall@send.org or 907.320.0158.

Opportunities To Serve

Children's Ministry, Tina Jones

EASTER ANGELS PROJECT FOR THE SUMMIT

Help spread Good News to the residents at the Greenville Summit by making Easter cards with notes of encouragement and individually wrapped goodies (brownies, cupcakes, cookies, etc.) Bring donations to the Children’s Ministry team by Wednesday, April 5. Cards and goodies will be delivered to the residents on Thursday morning, April 6. Questions? Contact Karen King (kking@firstpresgreenville.org, 864.884.9824).


DONATIONS NEEDED FOR DAY MISSIONS

Please donate “necessity items” for Greenville Summit, Towers East, and Garden Apartments: paper towels, facial tissue, toilet paper, hand soap, body wash, shampoo, deodorant, dish detergent, laundry detergent, packaged snacks, zip-lock bags, 13-gallon trash bags. “Homeless kit” items needed are: hotel size toiletries, chap stick, toothbrush, and toothpaste. Bring items to the Children’s Ministry check-in area by Sunday, June 4. Questions? Contact Karen King, kking@firstpresgreenville.org or 864.884.9824.


SERVE WITH OUR CHILDREN JUNE 19-22

Have you thought about how you might serve others this summer? The number of adults participating determines the number of children who can attend VBS (K5–4th grade) and Day Missions (5th–12th grade), June 19-22, 9:00am- 12:00pm. We can find a place for you! Contact Tina Jones (tjones@firstpresgreenville.org, 864.565.0921).


Events Ministry, Caleb Miller

EVENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

We need individuals to provide a welcoming experience to those attending events at FPC. Opportunities in Event and Guest Services include Hosts, Ticket takers, Ushers, Merchandise, and Trained Crowd Managers. If you are interested, click here to signup, or email events@firstpresgreenville.org.

You can also serve in creating an exciting production experience for our guests. Opportunities in Production Services include Audio Technician, Lighting Technician, Camera Operator, and Video Playback. No experience is required. Training will be provided by our Event Operations Coordinator. If you are interested, please email productions@firstpresgreenville.org. Further details will be sent regarding scheduling and training.

Looking Ahead

Holy Week

NO WEDNESDAY CLASSES OR MEALS THIS WEEK

April 6: Maundy Thursday - 7:00pm Communion
April 9: Easter Sunday - 8:00am, 9:30am, 10:45am (Ignite), 11:00am

Visit FirstPresEaster.com for more information.