IMPORTANT PARKING REMINDER

We are thankful for the wonderful things God is doing at both First Presbyterian Church and Buncombe Street Methodist Church. As both of our congregations continue to grow, Buncombe Street now needs all of its parking spaces for Sunday morning worship. To help support our neighbors in ministry, we ask that our congregation use First Presbyterian’s parking lots on Richardson Street and Washington Street, as well as the Richardson Street Parking Garage, rather than parking in Buncombe Street’s lot. We also ask that you park only in clearly marked parking spaces and avoid parking at the ends of rows or in areas that are not designated for parking. Thank you for helping us love our neighbors well and celebrate all that God is doing in both of our churches!

BACKPACK BLESSING—SUNDAY, AUGUST 9

As a new school year begins, we invite all children, students, teachers, administrators, and others who work in education to join us for a special time of prayer during our worship services on Sunday, August 9. Children are encouraged to bring and wear their backpacks as they come forward for the Backpack Blessing. We look forward to praying God’s protection, wisdom, and blessing over everyone as they begin the new school year.

2026 INTERIM GIVING STATEMENTS

Interim Giving Statements, reflecting your year-to-date 2026 contributions to First Presbyterian Church, will be emailed to covenant partners this year. In the past, these statements were mailed, but we are transitioning to email for interim statements. Year-End Giving Statements will continue to be mailed in late January 2027. If you have questions about this change or would prefer to continue receiving your interim statement by mail, please contact Bobby Hoffman at 864.565.0962 or bhoffman@firstpresgreenville.org. Thank you for your faithful generosity in supporting the ministry of First Presbyterian Church through both the Ministry Budget and the Capital Campaign.

LAST CHANCE TO CLAIM YOUR ITEMS

Have you misplaced a pair of glasses, car keys, or a water bottle? A Lost & Found table will be located by the elevators in the main hallway of Building D from Sunday, August 2, through Sunday, August 9. Please stop by and see if anything belongs to you. All unclaimed items remaining after August 9 will be donated to Miracle Hill.

LOOKING AHEAD

JULY
31: Church Office Closed

AUGUST
5: Christmas@First Choir Preview
7: Buddy Break
7: “An Evening at the Opera”
12: Summer Ice Cream Social
9: Backpack Blessing
16: Promotion Sunday

SEPTEMBER
2: Broadway at First!
2: DivorceCare Support Group
4: Activate Lecture
9: Fall Grow@First Begins
9: Alpha Class Begins
9: Handbell Choir Rehearsal
10: Congregational Care Senior Lecture Series
13: GriefShare Support Group
14: Catch Up Hour with Our Neighbors: FCA Furman
16: Radiance Kickoff
16: Above All Kickoff
25: Opening Reception for “Are We There Yet?” Exhibit

For more events and details click here.

Congregational Care, Don Feuerbach
DIVORCECARE SUPPORT GROUP

You don’t have to walk through divorce alone. DivorceCare is a welcoming, Christ-centered support group that offers encouragement, practical guidance, and hope for healing. You’ll find caring people who understand what you’re experiencing and resources to help you navigate this season with confidence. DivorceCare will be held on Wednesdays, September 2–December 2, 6:00-8:00pm in the Formal Dining Room. Register online at https://find.divorcecare.org/groups/298188. Questions? Contact Sarah Emore at semore@firstpresgreenville.org or 864.565.0966.

Congregational Care, Don Feuerbach
GRIEFSHARE BEGINS IN SEPTEMBER

GriefShare is a weekly seminar and support group designed to help you rebuild your life after losing a loved one. Our group is led by caring people who have experienced grief and want to help you through the difficult days ahead. GriefShare will be held on Sundays, September 13–December 13, 3:00-5:00pm in Room D305. Register online at https://find.griefshare.org/groups/298175. Questions? Contact Sarah Emore at semore@firstpresgreenville.org or 864.565.0966.

Discipleship Ministry, Claire Ripley
ALPHA IS COMING

Whether you’re exploring Christianity for the first time, returning to faith after years away, or simply curious about life’s biggest questions, Alpha is a welcoming space to have honest conversations in a relaxed, judgment-free environment. You don’t have to have all the answers. Come as you are. Bring a friend. Everyone is welcome! Alpha begins Wednesday, September 9. Register now at FirstPresGreenville.org/events. Questions? Please email class leaders, Sara Rieser (riesershine@gmail.com) or Bob August (raugust6@yahoo.com).

Worship & Music Ministry, Susan Messer
SAVE THE DATE FOR BROADWAY AT FIRST!

Join us on Wednesday, September 2, at 5:15pm as we kick off our fall Grow@First season with a memorable evening of music, fellowship, and great food at Broadway at First in Fellowship Hall. Enjoy dinner while being entertained by a live performance featuring the talented professional singers of the First Presbyterian Choir. These accomplished vocalists will bring some of Broadway’s most beloved songs to life in an unforgettable cabaret-style setting. Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP early at FirstPresGreenville.org/events! Dinner prices (payable at the door): Adults: $10; Children (ages 4–12): $5; Children (3 and under): Free; Family maximum: $40. Childcare for children 3 and under is available by registration to Evelyn Penkert at epenkert@firstpresgreenville.org.

Fine Arts Ministry, Chelsea Fraser
JUST ANNOUNCED: AN ACTIVATE LECTURE WITH W. DAVID O. TAYLOR­—“Art for the Life of the World: How Artists Participate in the Mission of God”

Join us on Friday, September 4, at 6:00pm for an evening of thoughtful conversation, encouraging fellowship, and fresh inspiration for artists, makers, and creatives of all kinds. Whether you write, paint, compose, build, or make, this special lecture with Dr. W. David O. Taylor will explore how the arts participate in God’s mission and why creative work matters in His Kingdom. Come be encouraged, challenged, and inspired as Dr. Taylor shares biblical insights into faith and creativity. Then stay for a panel discussion and Q&A featuring Dr. Taylor, FPC Arts Director Chelsea Fraser, and other local faith and arts leaders. A light reception will follow. Tickets are $20 and go on sale August 1 at FirstPresGreenville.org/events.

Fine Arts Ministry, Chelsea Fraser
COMING AUGUST 7: ”AN EVENING AT THE OPERA”

Have you ever been curious about what’s the big deal about opera? This concert is for you! Perfect for opera newcomers and aficionados alike, with music from La bohème to The Little Mermaid, there is something for everyone. Full Body Opera helps build a bridge to the power and beauty of operatic music for modern audiences. You won’t want to miss this night at the opera! The concert will be held in Harper Chapel on Friday, August 7, 7:00–8:30pm. For more details and to purchase tickets, go to FirstPresGreenville.org/events.

Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
JOIN US IN THE JOY!

There’s nothing quite like seeing a child discover God’s love and grow in faith. We invite you to be part of that joy by serving with our Children’s Ministry during the 2026–27 ministry year. Whether you enjoy welcoming families, building relationships with children, teaching God’s Word, or serving behind the scenes, there’s a place for you. 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 faithful investment today can make an eternal difference in the life of a child.

Missions, Eric Swofford
HOLLIS ACADEMY PRAYER WALK

Join our Hollis Ministry Team for a Prayer Walk at Hollis Academy (200 Goodrich Street) on Saturday, August 8, at 9:00am. As a new school year begins, we will gather to pray for the students, teachers, administrators, and staff, asking God to bless and guide them throughout the year. Everyone is welcome! For more information, contact Beth Simmons at simmonsfam@charter.net.

Missions, Eric Swofford
HOLLIS ROOM PARENTS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

As we begin our 17th year of partnering with Hollis Academy, we’re looking for caring volunteers to serve as Room Parents in every classroom. This meaningful ministry supports teachers, encourages students, and helps build strong connections with families throughout the school year. Simple acts of kindness—reading with students, tutoring, listening, offering encouragement, or sharing a hug—can make a lasting difference in a child’s life. We currently have seven Room Parent openings across several grade levels. If you’d like to be part of this rewarding ministry or learn more, please contact Edith Parks at hollisroomparents@gmail.com.

Missions, Eric Swofford
2027 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC MISSION TRIP

Applications are now being accepted for our mission trip to the Dominican Republic, February 10–17, 2027. Team members will serve alongside our mission partners, Misiones Maranatha/El Buen Samaritano and Eastern Dominican Christian Mission, providing care for families through food distribution, medical, dental, and vision clinics, and building relationships with the community in Brisas del Mar. No medical training is required to participate. To learn more or express your interest, please email missions@firstpresgreenville.org by Saturday, August 15.

Music Ministry, Susan Messer
CHRISTMAS@FIRST PREVIEW—JOIN THE CHOIR!

Although we’re in the middle of summer, our Worship & Music Ministry is already preparing for Christmas@First, happening December 12–13, and we’d love for you to be part of it! Join us for a special Christmas in the Summer Preview Night on Wednesday, August 5, 6:15–7:30pm in the Choir Room. You’ll get a first look at this year’s Christmas@First theme and music, meet the team, and learn how you can participate in one of First Presbyterian’s most anticipated worship events of the year. Whether you’re a longtime choir member or simply enjoy singing, everyone is welcome. Rehearsals begin in September, and additional details will be shared at the preview. Come discover how you can help bring the joy of Christmas to our church and community this December!

Music Ministry, Susan Messer
RING WITH THE HANDBELL CHOIR!

Have you ever played handbells—or always wanted to learn? The First Presbyterian Church Handbell Choir invites you to join us! Whether you’re an experienced ringer or new to handbells, we’d love to welcome you. Rehearsals begin Wednesday, September 9, at 7:30pm in the Choir Room. If you’re interested in becoming part of the Handbell Choir or have questions, please contact Director of Traditional Worship Susan Messer at smesser@firstpresgreenville.org.