Connect@First Newsletter

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Sunday Worship


January 19, 2025


8:30am - Worship in the Sanctuary

10:45am - Worship in the Worship & Arts Center

11:00am - Worship in the Sanctuary
Reception for Dr. Brian Stewart following the Worship Service

WATCH LIVE

Sermon


Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons
Sermon Series:
“Flourishing!
Healthy Then —  Healthy Now”
Scripture: Acts 1:12-23

Sermon Series


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. Robert Barreto Jr. (Sullivan) on the birth of a daughter, Katherine Louisa “Kit” Barreto, born on January 7; and to grandparents, Mrs. and Mrs. Kevin Short Sr. (Suzanne).


SYMPATHY • The pastors and congregation extend sympathy to

Mr. Tom McGrath (Mary), in the death of his mother, Dr. Mary Ann Solesbee of Lyman, SC, on January 10.


PRAYER LIST

Bill Anthony, Nancy Adams, Dick Brennecke, Miriam Brice, Lin Cundiff, Peggy Denny, Bud Fant, Michael Faw, Liz Fuqua, Tasha Garrison, Betsy Guffey, Richard Hanks, Mary Haselden, Anna Hewitt, Amy Hunter, Charlie Hutton, Dennis Hutton, Tom Lide, Anne Lybrand, Jenny McCorkle, Paul McGahee, Raoul Glenn, Buddy May, Mozelle Moore, Jim Nance, Chloris Norman, Becky Powell, Ken Rhoden, Thom Robelot, Louise Robinson, Bill Rogers, Barbara Seibel, Carrie Stringer, Claire Taylor, John Volpe, Robin Walton, Lindsay Webb, Jack Whitesides, Beryl Wickliffe, Carrie Williamson, Jan Zimmerman


MEMORIALS & HONORS

CHURCH MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of Bill Arthur by the Gospel Partners Sunday Life Group
In memory of Lee Shelton by the Gospel Partners Sunday Life Group

MUSIC MINISTRY FUND
In memory of Frank Vickers by the Agape-Fellowship Sunday Life Group


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

RECEPTION FOR REV. DR. BRIAN STEWART

This Sunday at the 11:00am worship service, we will be saying farewell to Rev. Dr. Brian Stewart, our Associate Pastor for Missional Ministry. Brian has served First Pres for the past 15 years and we are immensely grateful to God for this period of service to our congregation. Brian has accepted a call to serve as the Director of World Missions for our denomination beginning February 1. There will be a reception in the Sturgis Gathering area (Worship & Arts building) following the 11:00am service. Please take a moment to thank Brian and his family and wish them God’s richest blessings in this exciting next phase of his ministry.



Discipleship

BIBLICAL STEWARDSHIP CLASSES THIS MONTH

If money, wealth, and possessions appear in 2,350 Bible verses and 16 of Jesus’ parables, it is safe to say that God views these topics as critically important. Learn more about biblical financial stewardship over the next two Sundays at 9:45-10:30am in Fellowship Hall. On January 19, Mark Clary will speak on Saving and Investing, and on January 26, Tripp Welch will speak on Budgeting and Debt. No registration is necessary. Questions? Contact Bobby Hoffman at bhoffman@firstpresgreenville.org.


DISCOVER FIRST: NEW MEMBER WEEKEND

Would you like to discover more about the vision, discipleship, and outreach of FPC? Our next New Member Weekend will be Friday−Saturday, January 31-February 1. Childcare is available for children age 5 and under. For details, contact Linda at lsholtis@firstpresgreenville.org. Registration is open at FirstPresGreenville.org/Events.


NEW CLASS COMING IN FEBRUARY: MARRIAGE MATTERS—BUILDING STRONG MARRIAGES TODAY

Join us for a practical, informative, and biblical look at what a marriage can be. Led by Chuck and Beth Simmons and Will and Sydney Sykes, this six-week course will cover a variety of topics, all designed to help couples build strong, healthy relationships with one another. Dates are Wednesdays, February 5–March 12, 6:15–7:15pm. No registration required. Open to married couples of all ages!


GROW@FIRST

Get connected this year and grow in your faith! In our Winter/Spring Grow@First schedule, you’ll find details on Sunday Morning Worship and classes, weekday studies, and music opportunities for all ages. Brochures are available in the literature racks and online (click the Quick Link above). Questions? Contact Charlotte Joye (cjoye@firstpresgreenville.org).



Events

VBS, DAY MISSIONS, & MUSIC CAMP JUNE 9-12

Registration for Vacation Bible School and Day Missions has filled up quickly and there is now a waiting list. Music Camp (rising 2nd–rising 6th grade) has spaces available. Please register online at FirstPresGreenville.org/Events for Music Camp or to volunteer for VBS and Day Missions.


SUMMER@1ST REGISTRATION OPENS JANUARY 13

Summer@1st is designed for infants through rising K5 for the months of June and July. Flexible registration and sibling discounts are available. For more information and to register, visit FirstPresNurserySchool.org, or email bplyler@firstpresgreenville.org.


JUST ANNOUNCED: RESILIENCE—ASHEVILLE ARTISTS EXHIBIT OPENING JANUARY 31

We are thrilled to announce a new exhibit opening in The Galleries at First Pres on Friday, January 31. A reception will be held at 6:00pm, in the Sturgis Gathering area. Come and meet some Asheville artists as they share their work and resilience after the devastation of Hurricane Helene. We hope to see you there!


VIABLE—HEAR THE STORY BEHIND THE PLAY

The Light & Life Ministry invites you to a performance of the one-act play, Viable, on Friday, January 24, at 7:00pm in the Worship & Arts Center. If you would like to learn more about this play, click here to hear an interview with Michelle Ward and writer/director Dr. John Hoover. Tickets are available at FirstPresGreenville.org/Events and proceeds will go to Lifeline Children’s Services.


SACRED SOLOS@FIRST CONCERT

Come and enjoy God’s presence through music on Sunday, March 2, at 2:00pm, in the Worship & Arts Center. Sacred Solos@First will be a recital performed by professional musicians of First Pres. Vocal, piano, cello, and oboe soloists will prepare our minds and hearts for the Lenten season. Tickets are $10 and go on sale January 26.

PURSUIT 2025 MEN’S DISCIPLESHIP WEEKEND

This year’s men’s retreat will be held March 28-30 at Carolina Point YoungLife Camp. The weekend will be a rich time of fellowship, discipleship, and adventure. Men can expect to be challenged spiritually, laugh heartily, experience adventure, begin new relationships, and deepen existing friendships. The cost of this year’s retreat is $275 and includes incredible facilities, five meals, two nights lodging, and the weekend journal. Please use code FPC75 for a discount. Space is limited so sign up early. Visit 3GenMinistries.org to register. Questions? Please contact Michael Trotter at trottermichael1@gmail.com or Russell Guest at russellguest@charter.net.


SPRING ADULT BASKETBALL LEAGUE

Registration is open now through February 28 for Adult Spring Basketball for men and women. The season runs March 3–April 24 at First Pres in the Graham Gym. Men’s league plays on Mondays and Thursdays and Women’s league on Tuesdays. Register a team today at CSARec.com (Adult Programs). Questions? Contact Caleb McKisic at info@csarec.com or call 864.660.2080.


SUMMER SPORTS CAMP FOR K5-GRADE 5

Weekly Sports Camp is offered this summer for rising K-5th graders at First Pres, Mondays–Fridays, May 26–August 7, from 9:00am–12noon. Our camps offer age-appropriate basics and sport progressions throughout the week. Camps includes daily sports activities, snack breaks, themed character lessons, and more! A list of weekly sports camps and registration can be found at FirstPresSports.com. Space is limited so register your child today! For more information, contact Caleb McKisic at info@csarec.com.


Opportunities To Serve


NIGHT TO SHINE EVENT NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

We are privileged to host The Tim Tebow Foundation’s Night to Shine on Friday, February 7, at 6:00pm. Night to Shine is an evening centered on God’s love, honoring and celebrating those with special abilities (ages 14 and older). This event requires many volunteers and is a wonderful way to connect with and serve our local community of people with special needs. From serving as a guest’s buddy or member of the red carpet paparazzi to keeping the enthusiasm up on the dance floor or serving food, there is something for everyone. Go to FirstPresGreenville.org/Events to register as a volunteer or a guest. Questions? Contact Tina Jones at tjones@firstpresgreenville.org.


PRODUCTION SERVICES WANTS YOU!

Come join the production services team and help create exciting and worshipful experiences through sound, lighting, video, and stagecraft. Training will be provide—no experience is required. For more information, please email productions@firstpresgreenville.org. We look forward to welcoming you to the production services team!


Pastor of the Day

For Pastoral emergencies, please call 864.235.0496.