Connect@First Newsletter

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Sunday Worship

April 27, 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: “Walking in the Presence of God”

Scripture: Luke 24:13-35


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

CONGRATULATIONS • The pastors and congregation extend blessings to

Mr. and Mrs. Adam Summer (Ryan) on the birth of a son, Daniel Thomas Summer, on April 12, 2025.


MEMORIALS & HONORS

CHURCH MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of Jack Whitesides by John Windom

CONGREGATIONAL CARE MINISTRY FUND
In memory of Larry D. Freeman by Ewan and Becky Sweeney

SENIOR HIGH MISSIONS FUND
In memory of Mareon Stall by Dr. Alex Patrick

TURNER MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of Raoul Glenn Jr. by Tom and Sandra Banks


EASTER MEMORIALS & HONORS

A list of Easter Honors and Memorials is available in the literature racks and online, click here.


PRAYER LIST

Bill Anthony, Nancy Adams, Sandra Banks, Miriam Brice, Keren Clay, Jamie Daniel, Peggy Denny, Bud Fant, Liz Fuqua, Tasha Garrison, Darst Guest, Betsy Guffey, Anna Hewitt, Tina Hicks, Harry Hightower, Wanda Hightower, Don Hobbs, Amy Hunter, Charlie Hutton, John Kylin, Mary Kylin, Tom Lide, 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, John Volpe, John M. Walker, 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

FAMILY EASTER PHOTOS AVAILABLE ONLINE

Click here to view and download your Easter family photos.


STUDENT MISSION FUNDRAISER

Help support this summer’s Senior High Dominican Republic mission trip by picking up an envelope from tables around the church this Sunday. Enclose the suggested amount ($5 to $100)—or $2,000 to sponsor the trip for one student—and return it by Wednesday, April 30, to the church office or offering plate. You can click here to donate to an individual student. Questions? Contact Mason Simmons at msimmons@firstpresgreenville.org. Thank you for supporting Youth Missions!


SANCTUARY FLOWERS

You may purchase flowers for the Sanctuary and dedicate them in honor or memory of loved ones on these Sundays:
May 18, May 25, June 1, June 22, or June 29. Please contact Linda Slash at 864.235.0496 or lslash@firstpresgreenville.org to reserve a date.


ARE YOU A LICENSED FOSTER PARENT?

Join us for a special training on Saturday, May 3, from 9:00–11:00am, featuring Dr. Laurel Shaler—author of three books, including Loving Adopted Children Well. This training will equip foster, kinship, and adoptive parents with practical tools for using the five love languages to better connect with and care for their children. RSVP today to tjones@firstpresgreenville.org.


ARE YOU EXPECTING?

Are you a covenant partner who has a new baby or is expecting? The Children’s Ministry would love to celebrate with you! Please let us know by contacting Evelyn at epenkert@firstpresgreenville.org.


CHILDREN’S MINISTRY HIRING SUMMER INTERNS

The Children’s Ministry has openings for three summer interns to work 30 hours a week. If interested, please contact Tina Jones (tjones@firstpresgreenville.org) for an application.


Discipleship

Discipleship, Claire Ripley
WEDNESDAY MEALS AND PASTOR’S BIBLE STUDY

The lunch and evening Pastor’s Bible study will conclude on April 30. A few Grow@First classes will continue past April 30. Please check with your class leader or the Grow@First brochure for dates.



Events

Events Ministry, Caleb Miller
THE GRAY HAVENS RETURNS TO FIRST PRES

Join The Gray Havens, American Christian folk pop duo, along with John Mark Pantana, Antoine Bradford, and Lovkn, for an unforgettable night of music, storytelling, and community as they bring The Zion Caravan Tour to First Pres! The concert is Thursday, May 1, at 7:30pm in the Worship & Arts Center. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their music, you won’t want to miss this concert! Click here for tickets.


Fine Arts Ministry, Chelsea Fraser
YOU’RE INVITED TO THE SACRED GEOMETRY EXHIBIT RECEPTION ON APRIL 25

Experience the thought-provoking work of Matthew Clay Baumgardner in Sacred Geometry, an exhibit that explores the tensions of the world—light and dark, conscious and subconscious, geometric and organic. These paintings will challenge, inspire, and captivate you. Join us for an evening of art and reflection at an opening reception on Friday, April 25, from 6:00-8:00pm in the Sturgis Gathering area and the Lenz Gallery. We are always looking for docents if you are interested in joining the team! Email Chelsea Fraser at cfraser@firstpresgreenville.org for more information.


Fine Arts Ministry, Chelsea Fraser
ART & FAITH LUNCH MAY 2

Come hear from folks at The Arbor Institute who will share about their work in faith and the arts on Friday, May 2, at 12:00pm at the Intersection (Bridge City Café). All are welcome to this free event!


Fine Arts Ministry, Chelsea Fraser
JUST ANNOUNCED: LOOKING UP EXHIBIT

Looking Up is a new exhibit to be installed in May on the first and second floors of The Galleries at First Presbyterian. This exhibit features the work of four regional Christian painters: George Stone, Joe Craighead, Mark Baral, and Zakhar Somov. Watch for more information coming soon!


First Presbyterian Academy, Rob Brown
FPA PRESENTS: THE LIGHTNING THIEF

Join us in the Worship & Arts Center on May 8, 9, or 10 at 7:00pm for The Lightning Thief: Theatre for Young Audiences Edition, a high-energy musical packed with monsters, mayhem, and music that will rock the winged shoes off your feet! Based on Rick Riordan’s best-selling book, this electrifying show follows Percy Jackson as he discovers his true heritage and embarks on a quest to save the world. With heart-pounding action, laugh-out-loud moments, and an unforgettable score, this is a show you won’t want to miss. Grab your tickets now before they disappear faster than a bolt of lightning! Tickets ($17) are on sale now at FirstPresGreenville.org/Events. Come support our upper school Academy students in this musical theater production!


Opportunities To Serve


Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
VBS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED—SIGN UP TODAY

We have 323 children registered for Vacation Bible School (VBS) on June 9-12 with another 89 on the waiting list! We currently need 60 more volunteers to register so we can accommodate all who want to attend.

Greatest Need: Tribe Leaders (serve in pairs) to guide small groups through stations like worship, Bible lessons, crafts, snacks, the marketplace, and games.
Other Open Roles: Drama team, craft area, games, and preschool VBS.

The sooner you register, the sooner we can finalize children’s placements and prepare for an amazing week! Sign up today: click here. Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus to these children!


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!

Event Productions, Caleb Miller
PRODUCTION SERVICES WANTS YOU!

Join the production services team and help create exciting and worshipful experiences through sound, lighting, video, and stagecraft. Training will be provided—no experience is required. For more information, please email productions@firstpresgreenville.org.


Missions Ministry, Eric Swofford
LAST CALL FOR HOLLIS CARNIVAL VOLUNTEERS

As we approach our 15th year of partnering with Hollis Elementary, we’re excited to help make their Spring Carnival a fantastic event for the community! The carnival is happening on Friday, April 25, and we need your help to make it a success. We’re looking for volunteers to help run booths or serve food during two available shifts: 3:30–5:45pm and 5:45–8:00pm. Sign up to volunteer here, click here or email Beth Simmons at simmonsfam@charter.net. Thank you for supporting our Hollis Ministry!

Pastor of the Day

For Pastoral emergencies, please call 864.235.0496.