Connect@First Newsletter

Feature 


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Sunday Worship

December 21, 2025
Fourth Sunday of Advent

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

December 28, 2025

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

January 4, 2026

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

WATCH LIVE

Sermon 

December 21, 2025
Advent Series:
“The Wonderous Gift is Given”
Luke 2:1-7
Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons

December 28, 2025
Luke 2:25-38
Rev. Dr. Mark Hutton

January 4, 2026
“Faith in the New Year”
Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons


Sunday Education

December 21, 2025
8:30am Nursery
9:30am Children’s Sunday School
9:45am Student Life Groups
9:45am Adult Life Groups
10:30am Kids Church

December 28, 2025
9:45am: Some Life Groups may not meet. Please check with your leaders.
10:30am Nursery & Kids Church

January 4, 2026
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 • December 14, 2025

Reid Batson Benedict, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Benedict (Caroline)


SYMPATHY • The pastors and congregation extend sympathy to

Mr. and Mrs. Dick Kroneman (Margreet) in the death of her mother, Suus de Bruijine of Utrecht, The Netherlands, on December 11, 2025.


MEMORIALS & HONORS

CHURCH HONOR FUND
In honor of Jane and Bill Sykes by Nancy Gibson

CHURCH MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of Bruce Holl by Circle 6
In memory of Jim Smith Jr. by Circle 6
In memory of Lucy Tiller by Scott and Neel Hipp
In memory of John Walker by Becky and Alf Ruff

MUSIC MINISTRY FUND
In memory of Lucy Tiller by Ewan and Becky Sweeney

TRANSFORMING THE HEART OF THE CITY FUND
In memory of Lucy Tiller by Gary and Marcie Schlansker

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PRAYER LIST • Bold = New Italics = In Hospital

Banks, Betty Bennett, Harry Bolick, Le Anna Browning, Keren Clay, John Cooter, Brantley Daniel, Debbie Davidson, Peggy Denny, Bud Fant, Liz Fuqua, Martha Gallivan, Larry Goodwin, Richard and Danette Hanks, Anna Hewitt, Tina Hicks, Harry Hightower, Don Hobbs, Amy Hunter, Charlie Hutton, Stan Johnson, Stephanie Johnson, John and Mary Kylin, Tom Lide, Anne Lybrand, Don McAlister, Jenny McCorkle, Paul McGahee, Deryl McKinney, Lee Miller, Rachel Mullinax, Jim and Martha Nance, Chloris Norman, Carolyn Rice, Thom Robelot, Louise Robinson, Bill Rogers, Patricia Rush, Joan Snowden, Lewis Tollison, Beryl Wickliffe


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: No services on December 23 or December 30.
For Pastoral emergencies, please call 864.235.0496.

Announcements

WORSHIP TIME CHANGE DECEMBER 28

On December 28 we will have only two worship services: 10:45am in the Worship & Arts Center and 11:00am in the Sanctuary. A nursery and Kids Church is available beginning at 10:30am.


YEAR-END GIVING­—STEWARDSHIP

As we enter the final month of the year, please consider completing your 2025 charitable giving. First Presbyterian Church offers several ways to give to the Ministry Budget or the Capital Campaign. Please note these important year-end deadlines:
  • Cash or checks must be received in the church office by noon on Wednesday, December 31.
  • Mailed gifts must be postmarked by 12/31/25.
  • Online gifts made on December 31 will be counted for 2025.
If you have questions, please contact Kristy Service at 864.565.0929 or Bobby Hoffman at 864.565.0962.


STAFF SERVICE AWARDS

We are pleased to congratulate the following staff who reached special milestones in 2025: Evelyn Penkert, 30 years; Claire Ripley, 15 years; Autumn Clark, 10 years; and Beth Plyler, 10 years.


CHRISTMAS FOR A CAUSE THANK YOU

On behalf of the musicians, market vendors, staff, and volunteers, thank you so much for making this year’s Christmas for a Cause such a success! Every ticket to the concert was sold, and the ticket sale proceeds will allow for a total donation of $8,800 to Isaiah 117 House. We enjoyed kicking off the Christmas season with you, and hope to see you back next year!


SUGGEST OFFICERS FOR NEXT YEAR

To help build a slate of church officers for election next year, members of the congregation are invited to suggest individuals to serve as Elders or Deacons. The officer nominating committee will contact those recommended and invite them to explore a possible call to leadership through the FPC Ministry Development Course beginning in January. Please submit your recommendations by email to Jennifer Peterson at jpeterson@firstpresgreenville.org.


SANCTUARY FLOWER DATES FOR 2026

You are invited to place flowers in the Sanctuary in honor or in memory of loved ones. The following Sundays in early 2026 are currently available: January 4, 11, 18, 25 and February 1, 8, and 15. To reserve a date and provide your dedication for the bulletin, please contact Linda Slash at lslash@firstpresgreenville.org.


LOOKING AHEAD

JANUARY
7: Family Night Supper
7: Divorce Care Begins
14: Grow@First Begins
14: Ministry Development Course Orientation
18: Sanctity of Life Sunday
23–24: New Member Weekend

For more events and details click here.


Discipleship

Discipleship Ministry, Claire Ripley
FAMILY NIGHT SUPPER JANUARY 7

Join us on Wednesday, January 7, for a special Family Night Supper at 5:30pm in Fellowship Hall. Our pastors will be in attendance as we enjoy an evening of good food, warm fellowship, prayer, and a fun round of Bible trivia for all ages. Bring your family, invite a friend, and be encouraged as we grow together in faith and community! A nursery and childcare is available for children K5 and under. See the menu and prices under WEDNESDAYS. Most Grow@First weekly discipleship classes for the Winter and Spring begin the week of January 14. See the latest brochure at FirstPresGreenville.org/Events (click the Grow@First icon).


Discipleship Ministry, Claire Ripley
DISCOVER FIRST: NEW MEMBER WEEKEND

Are you interested in making First Presbyterian your church home? Discover more about the vision, discipleship, and outreach of FPC! The next New Member Weekend will be Friday−Saturday, January 23–24. Childcare is available for children age 5 and under. For details, contact Charlotte Joye (cjoye@firstpresgreenville.org). Register at FirstPresGreenville.org/Events.


Missional Ministry, Mark Hutton
MINISTRY DEVELOPMENT COURSE

The MDC course, open to all covenant partners, is a great preparation for any church leadership role and a prerequisite for officer nomination. You are invited to attend an orientation on Wednesday, January 14, 6:00–7:30pm in Room D305. To register for the orientation, click here. For more information on the MDC, contact Mark Hutton at mhutton@firstpresgreenville.org.


Care Ministry, Don Feuerbach
DIVORCE CARE BEGINS JANUARY 7

DivorceCare is a weekly seminar/support group that will help you heal from the pain of divorce. It’s a warm, caring environment led by people who understand what you are going through. Register here. Questions? Contact Sarah Emore at semore@firstpresgreenville.org.


Missions, Eric Swofford
PERSPECTIVES COURSE: MOBILIZING GOD'S PEOPLE FOR GOD'S GLOBAL PURPOSE

The Perspectives Course is a comprehensive study of God’s global movement to bring Him glory from all people groups of the earth. Over a quarter of a million people around North America have participated in this transformational training. This 15-week course begins January 15, 6:30pm, at Greenville Christian Fellowship. Register at https://perspectives.org/courses/greenville-sc-spring-26/. Scholarships are available! For more information, contact Kelli Morrison at 864.380.9611 or Eric Swofford at eswofford@firstpresgreenville.org.


Stewardship Ministry, Bobby Hoffman
“GOD AND MONEY” WORKSHOP

Beginning Sunday, January 11, 2026, and continuing for the following three Sundays, we will offer a special four-week series on “God and Money” during the Sunday School hour (9:45–10:30 AM) in Fellowship Hall.
  • January 11: What Does the Bible Say About “What’s in Your Wallet?”
    Teachers: Mark Hutton and Bobby Hoffman
  • January 18: Saving and Investing
    Teacher: Mark Clary
  • January 2: Budgeting and Debt
    Teacher: Tripp Welch
  • February 1: Estate Planning
    Teacher: Bob August
We encourage everyone to attend as many sessions as possible as we explore both biblical wisdom and practical guidance on these important topics that shape so much of daily life. For questions, please contact Bobby Hoffman at bhoffman@firstpresgreenville.org or 864.565.0962.


Events

Fine Arts Ministry, Chelsea Fraser
ACTIVATE: AN INVITATION TO MAKING
FEBRUARY 26–28, 2026

Conferences and the arts can sometimes feel lofty, academic, or distant from everyday life. ACTIVATE is designed to push against that. Together, we will explore the deep intellectual and theological foundations of making—and then help you put those ideas into practice in ways that enrich your life, your church, and your community. With keynote speakers Esther Lightcap Meek and Andy Squyres, ACTIVATE invites you to step more fully into your own creative calling, because your community needs the art you bring. This gathering offers extended time in smaller groups with local artist-presenters, giving you space to apply what you learn, experiment together, and imagine what God might be calling you to create next! Registration is open now at FirstPresGreenville.org/events. Join us!


Worship & Music, Susan Messer
MUSIC CAMP 2026

Music Camp 2026 is coming! Mark your calendars for June 8–11 as we celebrate Christmas in the Summer. Open to rising 2nd–6th graders, campers will explore music in fun, hands-on ways throughout the week! Registration opens soon­—watch for more details in January.


Opportunities To Serve

HELP WELCOME OUR GUESTS ON CHRISTMAS EVE

Christmas Eve is right around the corner, and we need your help to provide a welcoming environment for the many guests visiting our church on Wednesday, December 24. We need volunteers to serve as Greeters and Ushers. The only requirement is a welcoming smile. If you can help, please sign up at FirstPresGreenville.org/events. Questions? Contact Linda Sholtis at lsholtis@firstpresgreenville.org.

Pastor of the Day

For Pastoral emergencies, please call 864.235.0496.