Connect@First Newsletter

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Sunday Worship

April 19, 2026

8:30am | Sanctuary
10:45am | Worship & Arts Center
11:00am | Sanctuary (Kirkin’ service)

WATCH LIVE

Sermon 

Traditional: Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons (11:00am) Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans
1 Samuel 3:1-10

Ignite: Rev. Charlie Buchanan
“Go and Do Likewise”
Luke 10:25–37


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 • April 12, 2026

Daniel Thomas Summer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Adam Summer (Rhyan)


CONGRATULATIONS • The pastors and congregation extend blessings to

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Carter (Anna Louise) on the birth of a daughter, Elliott Louise “Lottie” Carter, on April 12.


SYMPATHY • The pastors and congregation extend sympathy to

Ms. Freddie Holland in the death of her brother, Thomas E. Pyles, on April 8. Freddie works in the Food Ministry at FPC.
Mr. Gill Robison in the death of his wife, Elizabeth Robison, on April 11.
Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Kilgore (Aline) and family in the death of her brother, Samuel Francis “Sam” Crews III, of Hampton, SC, on April 12.
Mrs. Sherri Kennedy in the death of her husband, Buster Kennedy, on April 14.


IN MEMORIAM

Elizabeth Lauer RobisonApril 17, 1958 – April 11, 2026
Elwyn "Buster" Ernest Kennedy Jr.July 2, 1951 - April 14, 2026

MEMORIALS & HONORS

CHURCH MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of Le Anna Browning by Muff Harner
In memory of Betty Farr by Darleene and Don Martin; Suzanne R. Pyle; Lee Anne and Charlie Strauss; Vicki Anderson
In memory of Lambert “Whit” Jordan by Charles and Diane Eldridge
In memory of Gena McGowan by Chuck and Teresa Blankenship

MISSIONS FUND
In memory of Betsy Guthrie by Laura C. Sutherland

TURNER MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of Bill Lusk by Darleene and Don Martin


PRAYER LIST • Bold = New Italics = In Hospital

Nancy Adams, Bill Anthony, Sandra Banks, Betty Bennett, Harry Bolick, Dan Boling, Dick Brennecke, Brantley Daniel, Peggy Denny, Martha Gallivan, Richard and Danette Hanks, Harry Hightower, Don Hobbs, Charlie Hutton, Anne Lide, Jenny McCorkle, Paul McGahee, Lisa Merck, Rachel Mullinax, Chloris Norman, Carolyn Rice, Thom Robelot, Louise Robinson, Bill Sykes, Lewis Tollison, Lindsay Webb, Beryl Wickliffe, Jetty Wickliffe


PRAYER RESOURCES

Congregational Care: To pass on information regarding a medical emergency, upcoming surgery, or admittance to the hospital, 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

STUDENT MISSION ENVELOPE 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 Thursday, April 30, to the church office or offering plate. You can also click here to donate to an individual student. Questions? Contact Courtney Rockness at crockness@firstpresgreenville.org. Thank you for supporting Youth Missions!


TUESDAY HEALING & PRAYER SERVICE

The Healing & Prayer Service is held each Tuesday at 6:30pm in Harper Prayer Chapel. You are invited to come and receive God’s love, peace, hope, and healing through prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit.


CHILDREN’S MINISTRY SUMMER INTERNSHIPS

Intern applications are open! If you’re a college student (or know a college student) who would love a summer job that also allows you to disciple children, minister to families, and assist with all the crazy, zany happenings in Children’s Ministry, contact Tina Jones at tjones@firstpresgreenville.org to begin your application.


LIFE IN LIMBO FOSTER CARE SIMULATION

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be involved in the foster care system? As a child? As a social worker? As a foster parent? The Life in Limbo simulation helps participants gain a better understanding of the experiences of children, parents, and caregivers involved in the system. This is especially important for believers as they seek to care for vulnerable members of their communities and serve families in need. The event is Tuesday, April 21, 6:30–8:30pm in D305. Please register by Friday April 17, click here. Questions? Contact Tina Jones at tjones@firstpresgreenville.org.


SANCTUARY FLOWER DATES OPEN

You are invited to place flowers in the Sanctuary in honor or in memory of loved ones. The following Sundays in 2026 are currently available: May 31; June 7, 21; August 2; September 13, 20; October 25; and November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29. To reserve a date and provide your dedication for the bulletin, please contact Linda Slash at lslash@firstpresgreenville.org.


LOOKING AHEAD

APRIL
19: Youth Envelope Fundraiser
19: Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans (11:00am)
21: Life in Limbo
23: Women’s Spring Luncheon
24: Buddy Break
30: Grow@First Semester Ends

MAY
7–9: Mary Poppins Jr. Musical
10: Mother’s Day
15: Eighteen Mile Bluegrass


For more events and details click here.


Discipleship

Discipleship Ministry, Claire Ripley
GROW@FIRST CONTINUES THROUGH APRIL 30

Our weekly discipleship semester will continue through the end of this month. Dr. Gibbons’ Bible Study will continue at 12:30pm and 6:30pm through Wednesday, April 29, and then only the luncheon Bible Study will continue through June. Watch for more information or visit the website at FirstPresGreenville.org/events.



Events

Fine Arts Ministry, Chelsea Fraser
EIGHTEEN MILE BLUEGRASS BAND

Join us on Friday, May 15, at 6:30pm for an unforgettable evening of bluegrass music with Eighteen Mile. This dynamic group of five young musicians blends deep roots in traditional bluegrass and gospel with fresh, original songwriting. Their passion for crafting a classic sound—while telling their own stories—creates a performance that resonates with every audience. Named after Eighteenmile Creek in the Upstate of South Carolina, the band brings a genuine small-town charm and authenticity that is both engaging and inspiring. Don’t miss this special night of music that’s sure to capture hearts.


First Presbyterian Academy
FPA PRESENTS MARY POPPINS JR. MUSICAL

First Presbyterian Academy’s upper school students proudly presents Mary Poppins Jr., a magical musical adventure for the whole family! Join us on May 7, 8, or 9, at 7:00pm in the Worship & Arts Center. Featuring beloved songs, unforgettable characters, and a heartwarming story full of wonder, this delightful production celebrates the power of family, imagination, and a little bit of magic. It’s a practically perfect evening you won’t want to miss! Tickets are on sale now at FirstPresgreenville.org/events.


Women’s Ministry, Tiffany Boggs
WOMEN'S LUNCHEON –”THEN SINGS MY SOUL”

All women are invited to a Spring Luncheon on Thursday, April 23, at 12:00pm in Fellowship Hall. Join us for a delicious lunch and a devotional led by Rev. Dr. Claire Ripley. Childcare for age 4 and under is available with registration. Cost is $15. Register at FirstPresGreenville.org/events. Select the option to pay now with a credit card or pay at the door with cash/check. No credit cards will be accepted at the door. For more details, please contact Tiffany Boggs at tboggs@firstpresgreenville.org.


Worship & Music, Susan Messer
SAVE THE DATE: “PROCLAIM LIBERTY” CONCERT

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, July 1, 6:00–7:30pm as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation! Tickets go on sale Sunday, April 26. Watch for more information coming soon.


Worship & Music, Susan Messer
SUMMER MUSIC CAMP–THE COOLEST WEEK OF THE SUMMER!

Looking for something fun, creative, and meaningful for your kids this summer? Music Camp is the perfect place to explore music, imagination, and play—and it’s the same week as VBS–June 8–11! Kids can enjoy VBS (9:00am–12:00noon) in the morning and stay for Music Camp in the afternoon (12:00–4:00pm) for a full day of summer fun. From ukulele and world percussion to piano, organ, and drama, campers will experience a wide range of hands-on musical activities—whether they’re trying something new or growing in what they already love. This year, we’re bringing the North Pole to the South with a festive “Christmas in the Summer” theme, complete with carols, holiday-themed music games, and plenty of cool surprises along the way. The week concludes with a special double feature: a live finale concert for family and friends, followed by a celebratory trip to Discovery Island Waterpark—a perfect way to end an unforgettable week with a splash! Cost: $100 per child. Click here to register.


Opportunities To Serve

Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
NEW TODDLER ROOM ON SUNDAYS

With the rise in attendance (and little ones), we are seeking 10 classroom assistants for a new toddler room. This role would be once a month on Sundays, 10:30am–12:10pm, and would enable parents to attend worship. Contact Tina at tjones@firstpresgreenville.org.

Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
APRIL BUDDY BREAK­—WAITING LIST

Buddy Break is a joyful ministry that offers children with special needs a safe and fun place to be loved and cared for, while giving their parents and caregivers a well-deserved break. Each child is paired with a trained volunteer “Buddy” from our congregation. Because this month’s event (Friday, April 24) is already full, we have several families on the waiting list. With more Buddies, we can open the door to even more families. If you’d like to serve as a Buddy, please contact Brenda Harper at buddybreak@firstpresgreenville.org. Training is provided.

Day Missions, Karen King
DAY MISSIONS COLLECTION

Children’s Ministry is collecting essential items to support neighbors living in low-income housing in our community. Each summer, Day Missions prepares and distributes 500 bags filled with basic necessities, helping families meet everyday needs. To see a complete list of needed items, click here. Donations may be dropped off on Sunday mornings or Wednesday evenings at the Children’s Ministry Check-In Desk. Prefer to shop online? You can have items shipped directly to the church, Attn: Karen King.


Pastor of the Day

For Pastoral emergencies, please call 864.235.0496.