WELCOME TO NEW STAFF MEMBER

Please join us in welcoming Sarah Emore to Congregational Care ministry. She lives in Simpsonville with her husband, Phil, and their dog, Rosie. Sarah enjoys reading, baking, and gardening. She loves attending worship and serving her church, Five Forks Methodist.

WORSHIP TIME CHANGE THIS SUNDAY

Because the Sanctuary will be set up for the Christmas@First concert on December 15, we will have two identical worship services at 8:30am and 10:45am in the Worship & Arts Center that Sunday. Please share this change with your friends and family.

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS BOOKS BY DR. GIBBONS

The children in your life will love the 3-part series of Christmas books written by Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons and illustrated by Janet Grant: A Child Remembers, Luke’s Christmas Story, and Cool Yule. Each book follows young Thomas and Amy as their family prepares to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. The books, which are sold as a set for $35 or individually for $15, are available in the First Pres bookstore, Books & Gifts@First.

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24

Join us for services at 11:00am and 7:00pm in the Worship & Arts Center; and 2:00pm, 4:00pm, and 11:00pm in the Sanctuary. Mark your calendar and visit FirstPresChristmas.com for more details. PARKING: Please use the Richardson Street Parking Garage if you are able. The parking closest to the church will be reserved for seniors and those with disabilities.

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 Autumn Clark at aclark@firstpresgreenville.org.

NEW PODCAST WITH DR. GIBBONS

Dr. Gibbons’ Fridays@First eblast is now also a weekly podcast. Along with his witty jokes, you’ll hear about discipleship opportunities, special events, and ways you can participate in transforming the heart of the city. We hope you will listen, like, comment, and subscribe! Go to our YouTube channel @FirstPresGreenvilleSC and click on the Fridays at First Podcast.

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! New Member Weekend will be Friday−Saturday, January 31-February 1. Childcare is available for children age 5 and under. For details, contact Linda Sholtis (lsholtis@firstpresgreenville.org). Register HERE.

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 one of the two orientation meetings on Sunday, January 5, at 9:00am in Room B202, or Wednesday, January 8, at 6:00pm in Room B301. To register for the orientation, contact Autumn Clark at aclark@firstpresgreenville.org. For more information, contact Brian Stewart at bstewart@firstpresgreenville.org.

PERSPECTIVES COURSE BEGINS JANUARY 2025

The Perspectives Course is a comprehensive study of God’s global movement to bring His glory from all the people groups of the earth. This 15-week course begins Thursday, January 16, 6:30–9:15pm in Room D305. If you’re not sure, try the first two classes for free. Discounted registration is available until December 31. To register, visit Perspectives.org/courses/greenville-sc-spring-25/. For more information, contact Kelli Morrison at 864.380.9611 or Brian Stewart at bstewart@firstpresgreenville.org. If you need childcare, contact Evelyn Penkert at epenkert@firstpresgreenville.org.

DIVORCE CARE BEGINS JANUARY 8

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 at DivorceCare.org; enter “Greenville, SC” in “Find a Group Near You”; then click on the First Presbyterian Church listing. Once you register, you’ll need to order a participant’s manual through this registration portal. The cost is $20. Childcare is provided.

RESURRECTION LETTERS COMES TO FIRST PRES

Join us on Thursday, April 3, 2025, in celebrating the victory of Christ’s death and resurrection with Andrew Peterson’s The Resurrection Letters tour! Tickets are on sale now and they make great Christmas presents. Click here for tickets and more information. There are a limited quantity of special Q&A add-ons available, so hurry before they’re all gone!

FPA ACCEPTING NEW STUDENT APPLICATIONS

Applications are now open for all new families interested in applying to First Presbyterian Academy for the 2025-26 school year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Please visit FirstPresAcademy.com for more information.

SUMMER@1ST REGISTRATION IN JANUARY

Summer@1st is designed for children 3 months to rising K-5 for six weeks during the months of June and July. Camp is full of fun-filled activities, free play, crafts, snacks, music, playground time, and of course, daily Bible lessons. Flexible registration and sibling discounts are available. Registration begins January 13, 2025. Go to FirstPresNurserySchool.org and click on Summer Enrollment. Questions? Email Director Beth Plyler at bplyler@firstpresgreenville.org.

VIABLE PLAY TICKETS ON SALE NEXT WEEK

The Light & Life Ministry has announced an encore performance of the one-act play, Viable, on Friday, January 24, here at FPC. Viable provides an avenue to healing for anyone who has experienced the painful, emotional, and spiritual impact of abortion. It is a heart-warming, triumphant story of a mother heavy-laden with secret shame, sorrow, and self-condemnation for 30 years because of her choice—until she experiences the healing, renewing, and restorative love of Jesus Christ in a most unexpected and unusual way. Tickets go on sale December 16 at FirstPresGreenville.org/Events. Proceeds will support Lifeline Children’s Services—visit lifelinechild.org for more information about their ministry.

FALL IN EUROPE TRIP 2025

One of the many ways we experience God’s blessings is by traveling with friends and family. Dr. Gibbons is hosting two trips in 2025. The June trip to Scotland is full, but 12 spaces are left for Fall in Europe, September 16–26. We will visit Prague, Wittenberg, Eisenach, Munich, Zurich, and conclude in Geneva. Please contact Lindsay Graham at lgtravel@firstpresgreenville.org for further information. Register by clicking here.

CHRISTMAS@FIRST ONLY A FEW TICKETS LEFT

A few tickets remain for the Saturday evening performance of this year’s Christmas@First concert, “Love’s Pure Light.” Purchase your tickets for Saturday, December 14, at 6:00pm, by going to FirstPresGreenville/Events. The concert features Christmas favorites by our 100-voice choir, full orchestra, and handbell choir. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children (12 and under). You won’t want to miss this annual Christmas musical event.

THE GALLERIES AT FIRST HOLIDAY HOURS

We would love to see you and your families at our current exhibitions, Looking for a Place and Quilted Faith, over the holidays. Normal open hours are Monday-Friday from 9:00am-3:00pm. Please note these dates the Galleries at First will be closed: December 25-27 and January 1, 2025.