Connect@First Newsletter

Feature 


Connect-at-First-04-02-26-2.png

Sunday Worship

April 5, 2026
Easter Sunday

8:00am | Sanctuary
9:15am | Worship & Arts Center
9:30am | Sanctuary
10:45am | Worship & Arts Center
11:00am | Sanctuary

WATCH LIVE

Sermon 

Easter Message
John 20:1-9
Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons


Sunday Education

8:00am 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 • March 29, 2026

Clarea Jane Coultas and Eloise Ryan Coultas, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Coultas (Kristen)
Juliette Rose Heffner, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tanner Heffner (Annastasia)
Weston Robert Ruyack, son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Ruyack (Kelsey)


CONGRATULATIONS • The pastors and congregation extend blessings to

Mr. and Mrs. Grant Morris (Hannah) on the birth of a daughter, Amelia Kate Morris, on March 20, 2026.


SYMPATHY • The pastors and congregation extend sympathy to

The family of Jeanette Caldwell. Mrs. Caldwell died on March 19, 2026.
The family of Ms. Mary Kitzmiller. Ms. Kitzmiller died on March 26, 2026.
Mr. David Browning and family in the death of his wife, Mrs. Le Anna Browning, on March 31, 2026.


IN MEMORIAM

Jeanette Bogan CaldwellOctober 2, 1934 – March 19, 2026
Mary Louise Kitzmiller February 16, 1931 – March 26, 2026
Le Anna Glover BrowningNovember 11, 1951 – March 31, 2026


MEMORIALS & HONORS

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY FUND
In memory of Betty Farr by Greenville Tech Foundation

CHURCH HONOR FUND
In memory of Marilyn Hutton by Jim Murphy
In memory of Laura Hutton by Jim Murphy

CHURCH MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of John Cooter by Bonnie and Lee Powell
In memory of Bud Fant III by Mr. and Mrs. Jack S. Sturtevant, Jr.; Camilla Hertwig
In memory of Betty Farr by Bonnie and Lee Powell; Kathy and David Sudduth; Joe and Julie Freeman; Beth and Wally Cheves; William and Lauren Brown; Deirdre Smith; Sugie and Willard Stout; Kathy Duncan; Caroline and Cecil Nelson; Mary Ellen and Don Kiser; Mr. and Mrs. Michael Riordan; Mr. and Mrs. Nathan A. Einstein; The Mary Jane Fortin and Rick Clary Foundation; Mrs. Clarence B. Bauknight; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Fulk
In memory of Gena McGowan by Carol Loyless; Mrs. Clarence B. Bauknight; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Fulk
In memory of William Rogers by Polly Mills

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FOUNDATION
In memory of John Cooter by Rip and Lisa Van Riper
In memory of Jim Nance by Rip and Lisa Van Riper

TURNER MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of Bob Chandler by Lou and George Creswell
In memory of Betsy Guffey by Lou and George Creswell
In memory of Bill Lusk by Carol Loyless; Lynn Siebers


PRAYER LIST • Bold = New Italics = In Hospital

Nancy Adams, Bill Anthony, Sandra Banks, Betty Bennett, Harry Bolick, Dick Brennecke, Brantley Daniel, Debbie Davidson, Peggy Denny, Liz Fuqua, Martha Gallivan, Larry Goodwin, Richard and Danette Hanks, Anna Hewitt, Tina Hicks, Harry Hightower, Don Hobbs, Amy Hunter, Charlie Hutton, Anne Lide, Buster Kennedy, Don McAlister, Jenny McCorkle, Paul McGahee, Deryl McKinney, Lisa Merck, Rachel Mullinax, Martha Nance, Chloris Norman, Carolyn Rice, Thom Robelot, Louise Robinson, Donna and Jerry Steeves, 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

MAUNDY THURSDAY AND EASTER SUNDAY

Join us on Thursday, April 2, at 7:00pm in the Sanctuary for our Maundy Thursday service with the Lord’s Supper. This deeply moving service takes us back to the Upper Room, where Jesus spent His last meal with the disciples, washed their feet, and spoke of his betrayal and death. This evening invites us to reflect on Christ’s love, humility, and sacrifice. We will partake in the bread and the cup, remembering Jesus’ body broken for us and His blood shed for the forgiveness of sins. As we share in communion, we will also meditate on His commandment to love one another, marking the beginning of the Passion story that leads us to Easter. All are welcome to come and reflect on this poignant moment in the life of our Savior. There is no childcare for this service.We invite you to bring your family, friends, and neighbors to these special times of worship. More details at FirstPresEaster.com.


EASTER MEMORIALS & HONORS

The lilies this Sunday are given to the glory of God by the following.

In Loving Memory
Mr. and Mrs. John Alexander by Joyce Alexander
Bobbie Attaway, my wife, an angel, and my parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Attaway, by Ben Attaway
My family, Mr. and Mrs. E.B. Beck and sons, Billy, Jimmy and Larry, by Dea Mitchell McGowan
Dr. and Mrs. James Black and Mr. and Mrs. James Landis by Jim and Susan Black Jr.
Our beloved daughter, Sarah Allison Bramley, and our beloved father, Chris Bramley Sr., by Chris and Jennifer Bramley
Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Brenegar Jr., Jane’s parents, by Mark and Jane Trexler
Thomas C. Brissey by Linda Brissey
Vic Burrell by Brian and Karen Burrell
David and Carolyn Chapman by Adam and Audrey Chapman
Lang Cheves, Boo Cheves and Ed Olechovsky, our beloved grandparents and great grandparents, by Cheves, Garrett, Garrett Jr., and Lang Steck; Gordon, Molly, Curry, Molly McCuen, and Birney Sherard; Reid, Carrie, Ann Fisher and Goodman Sherard
Ruby and Memory Clements by Jane Neely
Jeff Creswell by Lou and George Creswell
Sarah Marie Cummings by Bob and Kim Shell and Zane Cummings
Leslie Hefner Davis by John R. Hefner
Betty Farr by the Sherard and Steck Family
Betty Farr, a dear friend, by Susan Glenn
Betty Farr by Susan and Andy Douglas
Michael B. Freeman by Adele Lanford Freeman
Raoul Glenn, my wonderful husband, by Susan Glenn
Doris Radcliffe Hefner by John R. Hefner
Warren Irwin, Shelia Irwin, Richard Irwin, and James F. Miller Sr. by Jeff and Carol Miller
Sylvia Isenhour by Robert and Teri Laws
Paul Karns by Sara Karns
Hugh and Elizabeth Lanford by Adele Lanford Freeman
Gerry Laws by Robert and Teri Laws
My husband, Bill Marks, by Priscilla Marks
Mollie McCaig by Douglas and Frances McCaig
Ellis W. Mills III by Jane and Ellis Mills
Jean and Wesley Neely by Jim Neely
Gaile Patrick by Phil Patrick
My dad, Steven Griffin Patterson, by Cally Patterson Banks
LeRoy and Gale Peterson, Gloria Peterson Grayson, Mary’s sister, Ernest Powell Sr., and Sarah Powell by Wick and Mary Powell
Jerry Phelps by Caroline and Garrett Smith
Jack Plating by Cindy and family
Our beloved son, Richard Avery Rabb Jr., by Richard and Gaynelle Rabb
Vardry Ramseur by Joe and Geni Ramseur
William R. Rogers and Arlene C. Rogers by Jane and Ellis Mills
Dr. Earl Russell by his family
Our parents, Camille and Jim Smith Sr. and Francis and Tommy Hewitt, and Annetta’s brother, Jim Smith Jr., by Annetta and Richard Hewitt
Gloria and Ken Smith by Caroline and Garrett Smith
Our beloved grandparents, Reverend Joseph Howell Smith and Sarah Fulbright Smith and Irene Rush, by Patricia and Jim Rush and Robin Rush Taft
Our parents and Mary Ann Solesbee by Jennifer and Jerry O’Neal and family
Dr. Gary Spitzer, remembered always, by Suzanne Spitzer
Dr. Gary Spitzer, my beloved friend, all to the majesty and splendor of our Lord Jesus Christ, by Wendy Emerick
Jane Wall Sykes by the Sykes family
Ruth and Bob Thomason, Jim Thomason, and Chas Thomason by Sally Russell
David Trexler, Mark’s brother, by Mark and Jane Trexler
Max Trexler, Mark’s mother, by Mark and Jane Trexler
Our parents and grandparents by Jim and Laurie Warren
Charles and Pansy Watson, Christine Jameson, Dr. Hal Jameson, Robert Jameson, and Liza Bentley by Charlotte and Michael Watson
Our parents, Jack and Dot Whitesides, by Brian and Karen Burrell
Our parents, Bob and Virginia Wiley and Sid and Ethel Tobin; Lysle’s sister, Margaret Brown; Judd’s brother-in-law, John Annee; and our friend, Jamie Hedlund, by Jud and Lysle Wiley

In Loving Honor
Nancy, Kelly, Izzy, and Noah Adams, my family, by Sara Karns
Harry and Shelia Bolick by Adam and Audrey Chapman
Our mom, Carol Burrell, by Brian and Karen Burrell
Richard and Annetta Hewitt with love from Camille, Ben, Jordan, and Nate
Our grandchildren, Avery, Kennedy, Mary Michael, and James, by Richard and Gaynelle Rabb
George Archer Marston IV and parents, Geoff and Madi, by Mr. And Mrs. George A. Marston III
Chloris Norman and Martha Nance by Martha Shanley
Dorothy Ramseur by Joe and Geni Ramseur
Al and Cindy Saad by Adam and Audrey Chapman
Kathy Sudduth by David Sudduth
Our families and to God’s glory by Jo and Harry Ussery
Linda Ware by Adam and Audrey Chapman
Our children and grandchildren by Jim and Laurie Warren

The lilies may be picked up after the 10:45am or 11:00am service on April 5 or at the church office on April 7.


GROW@FIRST RESUMES AFTER EASTER

All Grow@First discipleship classes, meals, and Bible studies will resume after Easter. Please note the church campus will be closed on Monday, April 6.


HOLIDAY SEASON IN THE BOOKSTORE

Looking for the perfect gift for a friend, family member, or new believer? Visit Books & Gifts @ First, where you’ll find a wide selection of Christian books, devotionals, greeting cards, faith-based artwork, and home goods—all thoughtfully chosen to help you share the love of Christ through your giving. Complimentary gift wrapping is available. For hours, visit FirstPresGreenville.org/bookstore.


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.


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: April 12, 19, 26; May 10, 24, 31; June 7, 14, 21; August 2; September 13; and October 25. To reserve a date and provide your dedication for the bulletin, please contact Linda Slash at lslash@firstpresgreenville.org.


LOOKING AHEAD

EASTER SERVICES INFORMATION
Visit FirstPresEaster.com

APRIL
6: Church Campus Is Closed
10: New Member Weekend
10: Sporting Clay Classic
10: Pursuit Men’s Weekend
17: Hollis Spring Carnival
19: Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans (11:00am)
23: Women’s Spring Luncheon

MAY
 10: Mother’s Day
15: Eighteen Mile Bluegrass

For more events and details click here.


Discipleship

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, April 10–11. Childcare is available for children age 5 and under. For details, contact Tiffany Boggs (tboggs@firstpresgreenville.org). Register at FirstPresGreenville.org/Events.


Discipleship Ministry, Claire Ripley
WOMEN’S SPRING LUNCHEON

All women are invited to a Spring Luncheon, Thursday, April 23, at 12:00pm, in Fellowship Hall. Rev. Dr. Claire Ripley will share a hopeful message titled “Then Sings My Soul.” Childcare for age 4 and under childcare 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.


Men’s Ministry, Charlie Buchanan
PURSUIT MEN’S WEEKEND

Join us April 10–12 at Windy Gap Young Life Camp in Weaverville, NC. This retreat offers men a meaningful mix of fellowship, discipleship, and adventure in a beautiful mountain setting. The cost is $295 and includes lodging for two nights, five meals, use of Windy Gap’s incredible facilities, and the weekend journal. Use code FPC75 for a discounted rate. Scholarships and financial assistance are also available. For details and registration, visit 3GenMinistries.org. Questions? Contact Michael Trotter at trottermichael1@gmail.com or Russell Guest at russellguest@charter.net.


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.


Missional Ministry, Eric Swofford
GREAT ALASKA SPORTING CLAY CLASSIC

We invite both men and women to this event on Friday, April 10, 8:30am to early afternoon, at The Clinton House in Clinton, SC. This clay shoot is a fundraiser for the ministry of Steven and Natalie Hall, First Pres members who have served with SEND for over 20 years. SEND is a global community of goers and senders bringing gospel transformation to unreached people. Register at www.send.org/gascc. Contact Steven Hall with questions at shall@send.org or 907.320.0158. Join us for a fun day of sporting clays and fellowship!


Worship & Music, Susan Messer
REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER MUSIC CAMP

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! Rising 7th–12th grade students may apply to be counselors. Click here to register.


Opportunities To Serve

Events 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. Also, if you’d like to serve before or after you attend Easter worship, let us know! We are seeking extra hands 7:45–9:15am, 9:15–10:45am and/or 10:45am–12:15pm. Contact Tina attjones@firstpresgreenville.org.

Events Ministry, Linda Sholtis
HELP WELCOME OUR GUESTS ON EASTER SUNDAY

Easter is coming soon and we need your help to provide a welcoming environment for the many guests visiting FPC on April 5. We need 250 volunteers to serve as Parking Hosts, Greeters, and Ushers. The only requirement is a welcoming smile. Three shifts are available to accommodate you and your family attending one of the five services. If you can help, please click here.

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 Five Points Check-In Desk. Prefer to shop online? You can have items shipped directly to the church, Attn: Karen King.

Missional Ministry, Eric Swofford
HOLLIS SPRING CARNIVAL—WE NEED YOUR HELP!

The Hollis Academy Spring Carnival is Friday, April 17, and we would love your help in making this a joyful and welcoming event for the Hollis community by volunteering at the Carnival. Choose your shift (3:45–6:00pm or 6:00–8:00pm, click here to sign up. Questions? Contact Beth Simmons at simmonsfam@charter.net.

Pastor of the Day

For Pastoral emergencies, please call 864.235.0496.