Connect@First Newsletter

Feature 


Connect-at-First-06-18-26-2.jpg

Sunday Worship

June 21, 2026
Father's Day

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

WATCH LIVE

Sermon Series

Sermon Series: “Life Empowered and Enabled”
Philippians 1:12-21
Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons preaching



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

SYMPATHY • The pastors and congregation extend sympathy to

The family of Mrs. Elizabeth R. Rahman, who died on June 10, 2026.
Mr. and Mrs. David Hiller (Tracy) in the death of her mother, Ms. Glenna Hipps, on June 12, 2026.
The family of Mrs. Chloris Turner Norman, who died on June 13, 2026.
Rev. Dr. Claire Ripley and Mr. Todd Ripley in the death of her father, Mr. Burton Manning Jr., on June 13, 2026.
Mr. and Mrs. Ron Lemley (Marcie) in the death of her father, Gerald “Jerry” Burnell Steeves, of Matthews, NC, on June 15, 2026; and to Katelyn and Kyle Lemley in the death of their grandfather.


MEMORIALS & HONORS

CHURCH MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of Betty Farr by Jimmy and Diana Orders; Beach and Maria Foster; Nancy and Richard Furman; Lucia and George Gore
In memory of Bill Lusk by Pamela A. Picciano

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FOUNDATION
In memory of Bill Lusk by Joan A. Kirkland


PRAYER LIST • Bold = New Italics = In Hospital

Bill Anthony, Nancy Adams, Jim Childers, Sandra Banks, Betty Bennett, Harry Bolick, Dan Boling, Dick Brennecke, Matt Covington, Brantley Daniel, Peggy Denny, John Harvell, Harry Hightower, Don Hobbs, Charlie Hutton, Joe James, Anne Lide, Jenny McCorkle, Rachel Mullinax, Carolyn Rice, Thom Robelot, Louise Robinson, Bob Shell, Donna Steeves, Lewis Tollison, Charlotte Watson, Beryl Wickliffe, Jocelyn Williams


TUESDAY HEALING & PRAYER SERVICE

The Healing & Prayer Service is held each Tuesday at 6:30pm in Harper Prayer Chapel. You are invited to come and receive God’s love, peace, hope, and healing through prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit. Click here to watch a video with Prayer Team member Dr. John McGraw and prayer recipient Michelle Ward to learn more about the Healing & Prayer service.


PRAYER RESOURCES

Congregational Care: To pass on information regarding a medical emergency, upcoming surgery, or admittance to the hospital, 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

STUDENT MINISTER JOB OPENING

We are seeking a student minister to join our team for the purpose of cultivating a strong community of disciples and disciple-makers, planning events, and teaching lessons, while caring for our students, parents, and volunteers. This position reports to the Director of Student Discipleship. If you feel God is calling you to this position, please email your resume to hrdepartment@firstpresgreenville.org.


UPCOMING CLOSINGS TO NOTE

The following events will not take place during the week of Monday, June 29–Sunday, July 5:
Tuesday/Wednesday, June 30-July 1: No “Now and Not Yet” Women’s Study
Friday, July 3: Church Office Closed
Sunday, July 5: Worship Services at 10:45am and 11:00am only. No Sunday School for children.


PATRIOTIC SERVICES JUNE 28

Over the next few weeks in towns and cities across the nation, people of all ages will unite to enjoy our 250th birthday. Celebrating an event as consequential as our semiquincentennial anniversary will become a moment that remains in our collective memory for generations to come. To mark the significance of this occasion, we at First Pres will be holding two special Patriotic Services on Sunday, June 28, in the Sanctuary. The first service will be at 9:00am and the second at 11:00am. There will be no 8:30am or 10:45 services that morning.As we gather, we will be giving thanks to God for His faithful and providential care over us as a nation. We invite you and your family to join us. Please note: given the large crowds expected, we encourage you to park in the Richardson Street garage.


FISCAL YEAR-END GIVING

June marks the final month of our fiscal year and the beginning of summer. We are grateful that the 2025–2026 fiscal year has been strong to date, and we thank you for your continued generosity and faithful support of the Ministry Budget.

As we approach year-end, our prayer is to finish the fiscal year well. If you are traveling or away during the summer, you can still give in several convenient ways:
  • Online giving
  • Mail-in gifts
  • IRA distributions (RMD or Qualified Charitable Distributions)
  • Donor Advised Funds or Trust distributions
  • Gifts of appreciated stock
If you have questions about any of these giving options, please contact Kristy Service at 864.565.0929 or Bobby Hoffman at 864.565.0962.


LOOKING AHEAD

JUNE
19–21: Cultivate 2026: ROOTED Retreat
23-24: Now and Not Yet Women’s Bible Study
26: Hidden Pictures Exhibit Opening/Reception
28: Patriotic Sunday Services

JULY
1: Proclaim Liberty Concert
3: Church Campus Closed for July 4 Holiday
15: Summer Ice Cream Social

For more events and details click here.



Discipleship

Discipleship Ministry, Claire Ripley
RADIANCE SMALL GROUP REGISTRATION

Are you a woman in your 20s to early 40s looking for a small group? Join Radiance! Groups meet in mentor leaders’ homes for dinner and Bible study on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings from 6:30–8:00pm. Together, we “do life” as we grow in faith, enjoy retreats and fun activities, and serve our Greenville community. Registration is open now through August 8 for the Fall and Spring 2027 semesters. Participants are placed in groups with others in a similar life stage. Click here to sign up. Questions? Contact Diana Orders at dianaschmittorders@gmail.com.


Discipleship Ministry, Claire Ripley
ICE CREAM SOCIAL DATES

Adults are invited to our next gathering on Wednesday, July 15 at 1:00pm in Fellowship Hall for a delightful summer afternoon of delicious ice cream, warm fellowship, and encouraging discipleship. Bring a friend and enjoy meaningful conversation and community together. No registration is required—just come and enjoy! $3 at the door. The last Ice Cream Social will be August 12.


Events

Music Ministry, Susan Messer
PROCLAIM LIBERTY CONCERT

Join us on Wednesday, July 1, 6:00–7:30pm in the First Pres Sanctuary for Proclaim Liberty, a special concert celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Featuring a full choir, orchestra, and narration, this inspiring evening is presented in partnership with the Daughters of the American Revolution and Sons of the American Revolution. Through music and historical reflection, the program will honor all 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, highlighting their courage, sacrifices, faith, and convictions. Attendees will gain a deeper appreciation for the Christian heritage and enduring principles that helped shape our nation. Tickets are on sale now, click here —Adults: $15, Children: $10.


Fine Arts Ministry, Chelsea Fraser
NOW OPEN: IN THE LAND OF WOODEN SHOES, A HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE

This powerful exhibition, a collaboration between the Anne Frank Center and South Carolina artist Mary Burkett, tells the stories of children affected by the Holocaust through moving visual portraits and storytelling. More than an art exhibit, it is an immersive experience of remembrance—honoring young lives, fostering empathy, and inviting reflection. The exhibition in the Lenz Gallery runs through November and is open to individuals, families, schools, and community groups, with guided tours and special programming available. For more information or group bookings, contact Chelsea Fraser at cfraser@firstpresgreenville.org.


Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
THE NEXT BUDDY BREAK IS AUGUST 7

Do you know of a family raising a child with special needs? Once a quarter we hold a Buddy Break to give these parents a respite. Our next Buddy Break is Friday, August 7, 5:30–8:00pm. Please share this information and consider serving as a “Buddy.” Training is provided. If you have questions or would like to serve, please email our Special Needs Coordinator, Dr. Brenda Harper, at buddybreak@firstpresgreenville.org.


Missions, Eric Swofford
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. Mentorship is between two women, a trained mentor and a woman who has experienced unexpected pregnancy and all information discussed is kept confidential. Together they will journey through a 10-week study and learn more about Jesus Christ and the good news of His gospel. If you are interested in being paired with a Worthy mentor, please contact Amy Murray at hello2amymurray@gmail.com.


Opportunities To Serve

HELP SHAPE THE NEXT GENERATION OF FAITH

Are you looking for a meaningful way to invest in others? Do you have a heart for helping children grow in their faith and come to know Jesus? We invite you to join our Children’s Ministry team for the 2026–27 ministry year.
We have a variety of opportunities available, including:
  • Leading Children’s Worship
  • Caring for infants and toddlers
  • Teaching or assisting in Sunday classes
  • Serving as a buddy for a child with special needs
  • Greeting families and helping children get to their classrooms
Most volunteers serve just one Sunday each month. To learn more, contact Tina Jones, Children’s Ministry Director, at tjones@firstpresgreenville.org or review the available volunteer roles by clicking here. Your investment today can have an eternal impact on the life of a child.

CARING FOR FAMILIES WHO FOSTER AND ADOPT

Are you currently fostering or in the process of adopting? We would love to match you with folks who will support your family with prayer, meals, respite care, and more. Email tjones@firstpresgreenville.org.

Pastor of the Day

For Pastoral emergencies, please call 864.235.0496.