Connect@First Newsletter

Feature 


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Sunday Worship

July 27, 2025

8:30am in the Sanctuary

10:45am in the Worship & Arts Center

11:00am in the Sanctuary

WATCH LIVE

Sermon 

Rev. Charlie Buchanan
Sermon Series: “Follow Me?”
Scripture: Luke 9:51-56

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. Rob Williams (Liza) on the birth of a son, Robert Grier Williams III, on June 26, 2025.
Mr. and Mrs. Aubrey Jones (Mollie) on the birth of a son, Jack Michel Jones, on July 20, 2025; to grandparents Mr. and Mrs. John Jones (Tina), and great-grandparents Rev. and Mrs. Bob Jones (Priss).


SYMPATHY • The pastors and congregation extend sympathy to

Mr. and Mrs. Carroll Hart Jr. (Angela) in the death of his father, Carroll Brown Hart, of Greenville, SC, on July 11, 2025.
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Watson (Charlotte) in the death of her daughter, Elizabeth “Liza” Bentley, on July 16, 2025. A memorial service will be held on July 24 at 2:00pm in Harper Chapel with visitation following until 4:00pm.


IN MEMORIAM

Elizabeth Hamilton Bentley October 8, 1965 – July 16, 2025


MEMORIALS & HONORS

CHURCH MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of Jack Plating by Nigel, Tammy, Emilee, and Kylee Pitt

MUSIC MINISTRY FUND
In memory of Olive McCord by The Agape-Fellowship Life Group


PRAYER LIST • Bold = New Italics = In Hospital

Bill Anthony, Nancy Adams, Diana August, Sandra Banks, Kathy Beck and family, Keren Clay, Brantley Daniel, Peggy Denny, Bud Fant, Liz Fuqua, Martha Gallivan, Tasha Garrison, Darst Guest, Betsy Guffey, Hand family, Danette Hanks, Richard Hanks, Anna Hewitt, Tina Hicks, Harry Hightower, Wanda Hightower, Don Hobbs, Amy Hunter, Charlie Hutton, Stephanie Johnson, Frances Kowalski, John Kylin, Mary Kylin, Tom Lide, Tom Logan, Anne Lybrand, Jenny McCorkle, Paul McGahee, Mozelle Moore, Rachel Mullinax, Jim Nance, Martha Nance, Charles Nickles, Chloris Norman, Becky Powell, Ken Rhoden, Caroline Rice, Thom Robelot, Louise Robinson, Bill Rogers, Tom Seay, Clifford Selby, Rhody Taber, Claire Taylor, Lewis Tollison, John Volpe, John M. Walker, Jocelyn Williams, Jennifer Winter, Beryl Wickcliffe, Jan Zimmerman


NEW MEMBERS • The pastors and congregation welcome new members

July 20, 2025: Garland and Anna Kay Ferrell (Lucy), Taylor Fincher, Alex Goden, John and Vickie Hoin, Lauren Jaynes, Kameron Lavisky, Garrett and Whitney Lovell, Brooks and Cate O’Brien, Trevor and Amy Pittman (Quinn), Walter and Connie Smith


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.


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Announcements

FRIDAYS AT FIRST SUMMER ROUNDTABLE: JULY 25

Join us as we gather around the table with ministry leaders and special guests for dynamic conversations that highlight the heart and mission of our church.
In this episode:
  • Host Michelle Ward leads a thoughtful dialogue on staying in community during the summer with guests Mason Simmons, Don Feuerbach, and Susan Messer
  • Hear a preview of upcoming sermons with pastors Charlie Buchanan and Stan Johnson
Whether you’re traveling or staying local, stay spiritually connected and encouraged! Watch on our YouTube channel (@FPCGreenvilleSC) or listen on your favorite podcast platform. Stay connected all summer long!

LOOKING AHEAD

August 10: Promotion Sunday
August 13: Lemonade & Learning
August 13: Christmas@First Concert Music Preview
August 16: FamBLITZ
August 17: Re|engage Marriage Class Kickoff
September 12: Daddy Daughter Dance with 3Gen Ministries
September 13: An Evening at the Piano with David Nevue
September 16-17: Kickoff Event for Radiance and Above All
September 19: DR Band Concert
September 21: Missions Sunday
October 3–5: Pursuit Men’s Retreat with 3Gen Ministries
October 17: Sidewalk Prophets–The Looking Up Tour


Discipleship

Care Ministry, Don Feuerbach
GRIEFSHARE SUPPORT GROUP OFFERED

GriefShare is a weekly seminar and support group designed to help you rebuild your life after losing a loved one. Our next group will begin Sunday, September 7, 3:00–5:00pm in Room D210. Register at GriefShare.org. Questions? Contact Sarah Emore at semore@firstpresgreenville.org to register.


Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
BACKPACK BLESSING & PROMOTION SUNDAY

During our August 10 worship services, we will pray for our children, students, and all those who work in education as they prepare to go back to school. All children are invited to wear their backpacks as they come forward for prayer. Children’s Ministry will also have a fun day in Sunday School and Kids Church as the children celebrate moving to their new classrooms with a treasure hunt! !


Men’s Ministry, Charlie Buchanan
PURSUIT 2025 MEN’S DISCIPLESHIP WEEKEND RESCHEDULED: OCTOBER 3–5

The Men’s Discipleship Weekend at Carolina Point YoungLife Camp has been rescheduled for October 3–5, following the spring wildfires at Table Rock. Registration is now open at 3GenMinistries.org. The weekend costs $275 and includes two nights of lodging, five meals, access to top-notch facilities, and a custom weekend journal. Use the code FPC75 for a $75 discount! Financial assistance is also available—contact Charlie Buchanan at 864.565.0937 or cbuchanan@firstpresgreenville.org. This weekend promises spiritual growth, hearty laughter, outdoor adventure, and meaningful connection. For more details, contact Michael Trotter at trottermichael1@gmail.com or Russell Guest at russellguest@charter.net. Don’t miss this powerful opportunity to grow deeper in your faith alongside other men.


Women’s Ministry, Claire Ripley
RADIANCE WOMEN'S SMALL GROUPS

Women in their 20s to mid 30s are invited to join us each Wednesday for dinner and Bible Study in leaders’ homes throughout downtown Greenville. Small groups meet September 16–December 3, 6:30–8:00pm. Our study, Philippians: At His Feet Studies, begins with a special kickoff event (see announcement below). Register for a small group at FirstPresGreenville.org/Events. Contact Diana at dianaschmittorders@gmail.com for more information or details about being placed in a small group.


Women’s Ministry, Claire Ripley
SAVE THE DATE! RADIANCE AND ABOVE ALL KICKOFF SEPTEMBER 16 AND 17

Join the ladies of Radiance and Love Above All Ministries for a powerful time of worship and encouragement by guest speaker Katherine Wolf—renowned author, stroke survivor, and disability advocate—as she shares her remarkable story of resilience and redemption. More details coming soon!


Women’s Ministry, Claire Ripley
WOMEN’S FALL BIBLE STUDY FALL SHOWCASE

All women are invited to drop by the Abbott gathering space on Sunday, August 24, 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. Coffee and light refreshments will also be available. We hope to see you there!


Events

Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
BUDDY BREAK IS JULY 25

Do you know of a family raising a child with special needs? Once a quarter we hold Buddy Break to give these parents a respite. Our next Buddy Break is Friday, July 25, from 5:30–8:00pm. Please share this information and consider serving as a “Buddy.” Training is provided. To register or if you have questions, email buddybreak@firstpresgreenville.org.


Fine Arts Ministry, Chelsea Fraser
ART AND FAITH LUNCH AUGUST 1

The Fine Arts Ministry welcomes all creative souls to come and fellowship at the Intersection Café (Bridge City Coffee) on Friday, August 1, at noon. Fine Arts Director Chelsea Fraser will lead a discussion about how art builds disciples. Questions? Contact Chelsea at cfraser@firstpresgreenville.org.


Men’s Ministry, Charlie Buchanan
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 12, 7:00-9:30pm, at the beautiful Larkin’s Sawmill Venue (22 Graves Drive, Greenville, SC 29609). We’re teeing you up for a fantastic night of fun, laughter, and connection, complete with yummy desserts, photo ops, and tons of dancing. Register by clicking here.


Fine Arts Ministry, Chelsea Fraser
CHURCH LEAGUE BASKETBALL REGISTRATION

Church league basketball season for K5–12th grade is approaching! Registration is open August 1–31. Late registration is open September 1–15. Learn more details and sign up at FirstPresSports.com. Questions? Contact Caleb McKisic at caleb@firstpressports.com.


Worship & Music, Susan Messer
CHRISTMAS@FIRST MUSIC PREVIEW NIGHT

It may only be midsummer, but our Worship & Music Team is already preparing for this year’s Christmas@First concerts to be held December 13–14. Are you interested in participating this year? Mark your calendar for a special preview night on Wednesday, August 13, 6:15–7:30pm in the Choir Room. You’ll get an introduction to this year’s music and theme and learn how to get involved. Everyone is welcome—whether you’re a seasoned choir member or simply love to sing. Rehearsals will begin in September, and more details will be shared at the preview. Come be part of this joyful Christmas event!


Opportunities To Serve


Missions, Eric Swofford
HOLLIS ACADEMY ROOM PARENTS MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

As we enter our 16th year of partnering with public school Hollis Academy, our desire is to have a Room Parent in every classroom to help the teachers, students, and parents. Reading, tutoring, hugging, listening, and encouraging all make a significant difference in the lives of the Hollis family. Currently we have 12 openings for Room Parents in several grade levels and special education classrooms. For more information, please contact Edith Parks at hollisroomparents@gmail.com.

Men’s Ministry, Charlie Buchanan
JOIN THE JOBS FOR LIFE MENTORING TEAM

Jobs for Life is a life-changing ministry that equips men who are getting back on their feet with the tools and support they need to find—and keep—meaningful employment. In partnership with Miracle Hill’s Greenville Rescue Mission, the Men’s Ministry will host the next seven-week course beginning September 4. Classes meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:15–8:00pm. We are prayerfully seeking a few men to join our team as mentors to walk alongside participants throughout the course, offering encouragement, accountability, and friendship. Over the past five years, we’ve seen God bless this ministry and transform the lives of both students and mentors. To learn more about this rewarding opportunity, contact Dave Forry (864.380.1013 or forrydcf@aol.com) or visit the Men’s Ministry page at FirstPresGreenville.org.

Pastor of the Day

For Pastoral emergencies, please call 864.235.0496.