Connect@First Newsletter

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Sunday Worship

May 18, 2025

8:30am in the Sanctuary

10:45am in the Worship & Arts Center

11:00am in the Sanctuary

WATCH LIVE

Sermon 

Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons
Sermon: Series“What Do We Believe?”
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13-20


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 • May 11, 2025

Pruitt William Story, son of Mr. and Mrs. Preston Story (Hannah)
Davis Campbell Strange, son of Mr. and Mrs. Trevor Strange (Tate)
Margaret Louise Barr, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Morgan Barr (Caroline)


CONGRATULATIONS • The pastors and congregation extend blessings to

Mr. and Mrs. Ryan King (Merritt) on the birth of twin sons, James Talmadge King and Warren David King, on April 23, 2025; and to grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Rusty King (Karen).


MEMORIALS & HONORS

CHURCH MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of Jack Plating by Rick and Ann Reinert; Dan and Wendy Mead

TURNER MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of Barbara Brasington by The Covenant Sunday Life Group


PRAYER LIST

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


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

NEW TIME FOR FIRST AND FOREMOST ON FOX CAROLINA—Now Airing Sundays at 10:00am

Our weekly First and Foremost broadcast on Fox Carolina has moved to a new time—10:00am, right after the Sunday morning news (previously 10:30am). This 30-minute program features highlights from our worship service and reaches viewers across the Upstate and western North Carolina. Please help us spread the word! If you know someone who watches regularly, be sure to let them know about the updated time.


2025 GRADUATES TO BE ANNOUNCED IN JUNE

FPC members and family members who are 2025 (or August/December 2024) graduates of High School, College, Graduate School, and Seminary will be announced in early June. To be included, click here or contact Austin Clay (aclay@firstpresgreenville.org) by Friday, May 30.


SANCTUARY FLOWER OPENINGS IN JUNE

You may purchase flowers for the Sanctuary and dedicate them in honor or memory of loved ones on Sundays, June 1, 8, or 29. Please contact Linda Slash at 864.235.0496 to reserve a date.


Discipleship

Discipleship, Claire Ripley
WOMEN’S 6-WEEK SUMMER BIBLE STUDY

Finding I AM; How Jesus Fully Satisfies the Cry of Your Heart by Lysa TerKeurst
In John’s Gospel, Jesus reveals His divine identity through a series of profound declarations known as the “I AM” statements. These statements are more than poetic metaphors; they are personal revelations from Jesus about who He is and what He came to do. This same study will be offered at three different times each week starting Tuesday, June 17, at 9:30am and 6:00pm, and Wednesday, June 18, at 9:30am. Childcare is available with registration. Please contact Charlotte Joye (cjoye@firstpresgreenville.org) or Tiffany Boggs (tiffanyboggs3@gmail.com) with questions. Registration coming soon!


Discipleship, Claire Ripley
MONTHLY WOMEN’S SUMMER BIBLE STUDY

Lemonade and Learning: The Lord’s Prayer
Join us for Bible study and light refreshments on Wednesdays at 10:00am in Fellowship Hall: June 18, July 16, and August 13. (No registration required.) Our study will be led by Rev. Dr. Claire Ripley, Rev. Don Feuerbach, and Fine Arts Director Chelsea Fraser.


Men’s Ministry, Charlie Buchanan
ALL MEN ARE INVITED TO THURSDAY GATHERINGS

• Bible, Fellowship, & Breakfast each Thursday, 7:30–9:00am (Formal Dining Room). Optional breakfast ($5) at 8:30am. For more details, contact Carl Evans (carl.h.evans@gmail.comor 864.770.5647).
• Christian Men’s Fellowship each Thursday, 12:00–1:15pm (Formal Dining Room). RSVP for lunch ($10) to Charlotte Joye, cjoye@firstpresgreenville.org.


Events

Congregational Care, Don Feuerbach
THE BRUNCH BUNCH TURNS TWO!
JOIN THE CELEBRATION ON MAY 18

Since May 21, 2023, more than 100 covenant partners, singles, couples, and guests have joined the First Presbyterian Sunday Brunch Bunch for a weekly time of fellowship and food. Every Sunday after the 11:00am service, we gather in the Abbott area before heading downtown to share a meal and good company. Now, we’re turning two—and we’d love for you to celebrate with us! Help us kick off year three with record attendance by joining us on Sunday, May 18, at noon in the Abbott Gathering area. No reservations are needed—just bring your appetite and a friendly spirit. Questions? Contact Rev. Stan Johnson at 864.423.2067. Bon appétit!


Fine Arts Ministry, Chelsea Fraser
MAY 17 BOOK LAUNCH

The Arbor Institute for the Arts is hosting a book launch for The Mother Tree, a debut poetry collection written by FPC’s Fine Arts Director Chelsea Fraser. The Mother Tree examines the themes of being and becoming, especially through the lens of motherhood. All are welcome on Saturday, May 17, from 6:00-8:00pm at Bridge City at the Intersection Café.


First Presbyterian Academy, Rob Brown
ACADEMY GRADUATION AND ENROLLMENT

The Graduation Ceremony for the First Presbyterian Academy Class of 2025 will be held on Thursday, May 22, at 6:00pm in the Sanctuary. You are welcome to join us to celebrate this milestone in the lives of our students. Enrollment is now open for the 2025-2026 school year for K3–12th grade. Please visit FirstPresAcademy.com to schedule a tour or apply for enrollment.


Sports Ministry, Caleb McKisic
SUMMER ADULT PICKLEBALL CHALLENGE

Join us for the Summer Pickleball Challenge League, July 7–August 31. Play unlimited challenge matches and schedule your matches anywhere, anytime. The top six teams in each division will qualify to opt in to our postseason tournament to be held August 18–31. Cost is $25 for your first division. Registration includes an indoor open play membership at the Graham Gym. Register today at FirstPresSports.com.


Sports Ministry, Caleb McKisic
SUMMER YOUTH BASKETBALL LEAGUE

Join us for the Summer Basketball Youth League and Skills Clinics located in the Graham Gym. The season, which runs June 9–July 26 for K5-12th graders, will include several games, jamborees, and clinics each week. Registration ends May 31. Visit FirstPresSports.com or contact Caleb McKisic at info@CSARec.com for details.


Sports Ministry, Caleb McKisic
SUMMER SPORTS CAMPS OPENINGS

Only a few spaces remain for weekly summer camps for K5–5th grade, May 26–August 7, 9:00am–12noon in the Graham Gym. A list of weekly camps and registration can be found at FirstPresSports.com under the Programs menu. Register your child today!


Student Ministry, Mason Simmons
SUMMER STUDENT MINISTRY ACTIVITIES

All Jr. and Sr. High students are invited to join us for a fun-filled summer of weekly activities, both on campus and off! A save-the-date schedule was shared recently, and detailed event info will be updated regularly on our website. To stay in the loop, sign up for the Roots Weekly Email. It’s the best way to get timely updates and reminders. To subscribe, contact Mason Simmons at msimmons@firstpresgreenville.org or Courtney Rockness at crockness@firstpresgreenville.org.


Opportunities To Serve


Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
WE’RE ONLY FOUR WEEKS AWAY!

We are four weeks out from a week that highly impacts both the children and youth of this church. Between Vacation Bible School and Day Missions, over 450 children and youth hear and experience the gospel. Through worship, Bible dramas, service, and even games, they will encounter the love of Christ. There are 14 openings for drivers to escort the youth to local mission sites (https://vbspro.events/p/3f8e65) and openings for 45 tribe leaders to take children from station to station for VBS (https://vbspro.events/p/24572e). It’s a week you won’t want to miss! Contact Tina Jones with questions (tjones@firstpresgreenville.org).


Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
DAY MISSIONS SUPPLIES DRIVE

The Children’s Ministry is collecting supplies to support low-income housing residents and those in need within our community. You can make a difference by donating essential items! For a list of items needed, click here. Drop off your donations by May 18 at the Children’s Ministry check-in desk (across from the Nursery). For details, contact Karen King at 864.565.0936 or kking@firstpresgreenville.org. Thank you for your generosity and support!

Pastor of the Day

For Pastoral emergencies, please call 864.235.0496.