Connect@First Newsletter

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Sunday Worship

February 23, 2025


8:30am - Worship in the Sanctuary

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

11:00am - Worship in the Sanctuary

WATCH LIVE

Sermon

Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons
Sermon Series:
“Flourishing!
Healthy Then —  Healthy Now”
Scripture: Acts 6:1-7

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

NEW MEMBERS • The pastors and congregation welcome new members

February 9, 2025:
Ben and Melanie Blackwell, Frank and Joyce Butterfield, Phillip Crooker and Tracy Hudgins Crooker, Amanda Dungan, Henry and Marshall Foster, Keira Greer, Daniel and Melle Hays (Charlie), Diana Hopkins, John Hopkins Jr. , Sherry Hutton, Thatcher Hutton, David and Audrey Ivester, Georgianna Nichols, Denis Ogiyenko, Adam and Mason Peterson (Bobbi and Mills), James and Christine Haltiwanger (Laura and Davis), Sharp and Courtney Turner

February 16, 2025:
Colina and Julia Beckermeyer, Brian and Kim Bergmann, Taylor and Anna Champion (Margaret), Tom and Susan Herring, Charles Hershman, Matt and Mary Chamblee King, Karen and Steve Lee, George and McClain Lilly, Mara Love, Carter and Camden Massingill, Sam and Katie McCutcheon (Frances), Parks and Camille McLeod (James), Matt and Lauren Newton (Harper), Emma Reaney, Yvonne Ulmer


CONGRATULATIONS • The pastors and congregation extend blessings to

Mr. and Mrs. Sam McCutchen (Katie) on the birth of a daughter, Frances Jones McCutchen, on January 30, 2025.


SYMPATHY • The pastors and congregation extend sympathy to

Mr. and Mrs. Larry Goodwin (Jessica) in the death of his brother, Otis Goodwin of Greenville, on February 9.
The family of Juliane Taylor. Mrs. Taylor died on February 14. She served as the Director of First Presbyterian Preschool for many years.
Mr. Bud Nalley Sr. in the death of his wife, Anita Nalley, on February 17.


IN MEMORIAM

Anita Faye NalleyJune 14, 1940 – February 17, 2025


MEMORIALS & HONORS

CHURCH MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of Jack Whitesides by Marty and Melinda Moore; Phil and Shelby Williams; Carol Burrell

AGAPE-FELLOWSHIP LIFE GROUP

In memory of Jack Whitesides by Sara Karns


PRAYER LIST

Bill Anthony, Nancy Adams, Sandra Banks, Dick Brennecke, Miriam Brice, Lin Cundiff, Jamie Daniel, Peggy Denny, Robert 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, Buddy May, Olive McCord, Mozelle Moore, Jim Nance, Chloris Norman, Becky Powell, Ken Rhoden, Thom Robelot, Louise Robinson, Bill Rogers, Claire Taylor, John Volpe, Robin Walton, Lindsay Webb, Beryl Wickliffe, 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

GALLIVAN-MILLS SCHOLARSHIP FOR 2025-2026

The Gallivan-Mills Scholarship is granted each year to college undergraduate and seminary students who are FPC members. Applications are available at the FPC Reception Desk and online click here. Submit your completed scholarship application, with all attachments, to the Gallivan-Mills Scholarship Committee (drop off at the Reception Desk or email to Steven Harvin) no later than Monday, March 31, 2025. Questions? Contact Steven Harvin at SLHarvin@gmail.com, 803.477.8123, or Marilyn Morrison, FPC Foundation Administrator, at 864.565.0992, mmorrison@firstpresgreenville.org.


HAVE YOU TAKEN CONGREGATIONAL SURVEY?

Earlier this month, we were introduced to a significant focus of our Strategic Plan’s Mission, Vision, and Values. This outcome prioritizes discipleship in the life of the congregation. As a result, we are asking each of you to complete a Congregational Survey, which will take less than 15 minutes. To access the survey, click here. Please complete the survey before Friday, February 28.


Discipleship

MARRIAGE MATTERS—BUILDING STRONG MARRIAGES TODAY

Join us for a practical, informative, and biblical exploration of what marriage can be. This six-week course, facilitated by Chuck and Beth Simmons along with Will and Sydney Sykes, will address a variety of topics, all aimed at helping couples build strong, healthy relationships with one another. The course takes place on Wednesdays, 6:15-7:15pm, in Room D305. No registration is required, and you can join anytime.


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.

Events

COMING MARCH 8—THE FRAGILE YEARS: Proven Strategies for the Care of Aging Loved Ones

Do you have a parent or aging loved one nearing or in the most fragile years of life? Are you considering in-home, assisted living, or a nursing home for them? Have they endured repeated hospitalizations, or are they facing major surgery? Are they refusing to give up their independence? Do they have adequate savings to pay for care? Are they getting the right Medicare, Medicaid, or VA benefits? Amy O’Rourke, author and a veteran care management professional, will help you navigate these questions and find the right care for your loved ones in a half-day seminar here at First Pres on Saturday, March 8. You can submit questions to Amy in advance when you register. The seminar is $25 with the option to purchase her book. Register now at FirstPresGreenville.org/Events.


TAKE ME TO THE CROSS—LENTEN PRAYER SERVICE

All are invited to a Lenten Worship and Prayer service on Wednesday, March 5. The Harper Chapel doors will open at 6:00pm and the service begins promptly at 6:15pm. Led by First Pres ministry leaders, this service will prepare our hearts for the season of Lent through songs, Scripture readings, and a time of prayer. All are welcome.


REND COLLECTIVE FOLK! 2025 TOUR

Rend Collective is an eclectic group of multi-instrumentalists from Ireland who, through songs, music, and stories, aim to lead people closer to Jesus. Their current tour will stop at First Pres on Saturday, March 8, at 7:00pm in the Worship & Arts Center. The band has participated in several major tours alongside top artists such as Chris Tomlin, MercyMe, Hillsong United, Kari Jobe, Lecrae, and more. Click here for tickets.


SONIC EXPEDITIONS RECITAL THIS FRIDAY

Sonic Expeditions is a classical recital featuring saxophone and piano, played by Michael Matthews and Ruby Lee, respectively. This program, with its French and American flare, seeks to transport the audience through several energetic musical journeys. Join us on Friday, February 21, at 6:00pm in Harper Chapel. Tickets ($10) are on sale online at FirstPresGreenville.org/Events.


RESURRECTION LETTERS TOUR COMING APRIL 3

First Pres is the first stop on Andrew Peterson’s annual Resurrection Letters Tour, Thursday, April 3, at 7:00pm! This tour reflects a wide span of Andrew’s music catalog, with a special focus on his critically acclaimed albums, Resurrection Letters: Prologue, Volume 1, and Volume 2. The record trilogy poignantly explores the event and surrounding themes of Christ’s resurrection, along with its glorious implications for our lives today. Purchase your tickets online at FirstPresGreenville.org/Events or in person at the FPC Box Office during church office hours.


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 us for the Lenten season. Purchase tickets ($10) at FirstPresGreenville.org/Events.


MUSIC CAMP IS JUNE 9-12 — REGISTER NOW

This year’s theme, The Greatest Stories Ever Told, focuses on hymns, the stories behind them, and how they tell the story of Christ. Students (2nd–rising 6th grade) will choose an “interest” for the week and get extra time with one of the following: Orff instruments, World instruments, Recorder, Organ/Piano, Drama, Guitar/Strings, or Handbells. Music Camp follows VBS and runs from 12:00-4:00pm. Click here to register. Cost: $100.

Opportunities To Serve


JOIN THE JOBS FOR LIFE TEAM

“Jobs for Life” is a transformational ministry designed to equip men who are getting back up on their feet to find and keep meaningful employment. FPC Men’s Ministry has partnered with Miracle Hill’s Greenville Rescue Mission for the 7-week class beginning March 11 (Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:15-8:00pm). We are looking for a few men with a heart to serve others who will join our team to serve as mentors, helping and encouraging students through the class. For more information about this rewarding experience, click here or contact Dave Forry at 864.380.1013 or forrydcf@aol.com.


HOST FAMILIES NEEDED FOR CHILDREN

Lifeline Children’s Services offers hosting opportunities for children overseas who are eligible for international adoption. Local Christian families offer their homes and hearts to the children for 2-4 weeks while introducing them to their community, church family, friends, and culture! Hosting does not require the family to adopt the child/children, but the hope is that the host family could be an advocate for the child/children as they wait for their forever family. Applications are open now to host children from the Philippines during the months of June-July. If interested, please complete the free and quick pre-application by March 15. Email Amy Mantooth at amy.mantooth@lifelinechild.org for the online application link.

Pastor of the Day

For Pastoral emergencies, please call 864.235.0496.