Connect@First Newsletter

Feature 


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Sunday Worship

September 7, 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 Series: ““Sustaining Faith”
Scripture: Genesis 15:1-6

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 • August 31, 2025

George Charles Hays III, son of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Hays (Melle)


CONGRATULATIONS • The pastors and congregation extend blessings to

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Lanier (Rebekah Martin) who were married in the Sanctuary on August 30, 2025.


SYMPATHY • The pastors and congregation extend sympathy to

Mr. and Mrs. John Taylor (Susan) in the death of her mohter, Ms. Bobbie Long, on August 23, 2025.
Mr. Joel Corley in the death of his mother, Ms. Joyce Corley, on August 26, 2025.
Mrs. Tracy Nickles in the death of her husband Mr. Charles Nickles, on August 28, 2025; and to Elizabeth Nickles, Laura Coleman, and Wilson Nickles in the death of their father.
Mr. and Mrs. Ken Nickles (Barbara) and family in the death of his brother.


IN MEMORIAM

Joyce Rhyne CorleyMay 18, 1938 – August 26, 2025
Charles Allen NicklesJuly 28, 1956 – August 28, 2025


PRAYER LIST • Bold = New Italics = In Hospital

Bill Anthony, Nancy Adams, Sandra Banks, Keren Clay, Brantley Daniel, Debbie Davidson, Peggy Denny, Bud Fant, Liz Fuqua, Martha Gallivan, Larry Goodwin, Darst Guest, Danette Hanks, Richard Hanks, Anna Hewitt, Tina Hicks, Harry Hightower, Don Hobbs, Amy Hunter, Charlie Hutton, Stephanie Johnson, John Kylin, Mary Kylin, Tom Lide, Anne Lybrand, Paul McGahee, Mozelle Moore, Rachel Mullinax, Jim Nance, Martha Nance, Chloris Norman, Becky Powell, Carolyn Rice, Thom Robelot, Louise Robinson, Bill Rogers, Tom Seay, Clifford Selby, Rhody Taber, Lewis Tollison, John Volpe, Jocelyn Williams, 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.


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Announcements

HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE TOUR

Are you interested in First Pres architecture, history, symbols, and true stories of real people from 1848 to the present? A guided tour of the church campus will be conducted on Thursday, September 11, 1:30–3:00pm. Meet in the reception area at the Washington Street entrance and wear comfortable shoes. RSVP to Linda Slash (lslash@firstpresgreenville.org).



OFFERING ENVELOPES

If you are receiving offering envelopes but no longer use them (perhaps you’ve switched to online giving), please let us know. Contact Bobby Hoffman at bhoffman@firstpresgreenville.org or 864.565.0962 to be removed from the mailing list. This small step helps us save on printing and mailing costs each month—thank you for helping us steward our resources wisely.


LOOKING AHEAD

SEPTEMBER
5Mending a Heart Exhibit Opening Reception
11–History & Architecture Tour
12–Daddy Daughter Dance
13An Evening at the Piano with David Nevue
16–Radiance Kickoff
17–Above All Kickoff
19–DR Band Concert
21–Missions Sunday

OCTOBER
2: Fearfully & Wonderfully Made
3–4: New Member Weekend
3–5: Pursuit Men’s Retreat

For more events and details click here.


Discipleship

Discipleship, Claire Ripley
GROW@FIRST FALL SEASON

Get connected this year and grow in your faith! In our new Fall Grow@First schedule, you’ll find details on Sunday morning worship and classes, weekday studies, and music opportunities for all ages. Pick up a booklet from the literature racks or click here.


Discipleship, Claire Ripley
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, October 3−4. Childcare is available for children age 5 and under. For details, contact Charlotte Joye at cjoye@firstpresgreenville.org. Registration is open at FirstPresGreenville.org/Events.


Grow@First, Richard Gibbons
PASTOR'S WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY: “THE SUPREMACY & SUFFICIENCY OF CHRIST”

On Wednesday, September 10, at 12:30pm and 6:30pm in Fellowship Hall, Dr. Gibbons will begin a new study series on the epistle of Colossians. Whether you’re new to the faith or have walked with Christ for years, this time in Colossians will encourage you to deepen your trust in Him and live with confidence in His supremacy. Come ready to grow in your understanding, connect with others, and be reminded of the unmatched glory of Jesus Christ.


Men’s Ministry, Charlie Buchanan
CHRISTIAN MEN’S FELLOWSHIP SUMMER SERIES:
“What Happens One Minute After I Die?”

Christian Men’s Fellowship (CMF) will continue to explore this important question on Thursdays, August 28, and September 11 and 18, at 12:00noon in the Formal Dining Room. All men who are retired or nearing retirement are welcome. No registration is required. Lunch reservations ($10) may be made by contacting Charlotte Joye at 864.565.0956. Come join us for fellowship, thoughtful discussion, and biblical insight on one of life’s greatest mysteries. Check FirstPresGreenville.org/Events to view the weekly discussion led by Rev. Bob H. Jones.


Missions, Eric Swofford
MISSIONS WEEKEND—COMBINED SUNDAY LIFE GROUPS SEPTEMBER 21

All Sunday Life Groups are invited to gather for a special Missions Weekend session as we welcome Grant Haynes, founder of Global Frontier Missions in Clarkston, GA. Join us at 9:45am in Fellowship Hall as Grant shares how God is moving among the unreached in our own communities and how we can engage in reaching them. GFM exists to mobilize, train, and multiply disciples and churches to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the world’s least-reached people groups. For more details, contact Autumn Clark at aclark@firstpresgreenville.org.


Roots Student Ministry, Mason Simmons
“UNBOUND” ROOTS FALL RETREAT

Join Roots Student Ministry for our annual Fall Retreat at Look Up Lodge in Traveler’s Rest, SC! Open to both Jr. and Sr. High students, this weekend is designed to deepen friendships and faith through camp activities, worship, and teaching. This year’s guest speaker, Charlie Buchanan, will share on the theme “Unbound” from John 17:13–19. The retreat runs September 26–28, and spots fill quickly—so don’t wait! Register at FirstPresGreenville.org/events. Questions? Contact msimmons@firstpresgreenville.org or crockness@firstpresgreenville.org.


Women’s Ministry, Claire Ripley
RADIANCE WOMEN’S SMALL GROUPS

Women in their 20s to mid-30s are invited to join us each Wednesday for dinner and Bible Study in leaders’ homes throughout downtown Greenville. Small groups meet September 16–December 3, 6:30–8:00pm. Our study, Philippians: At His Feet Studies, begins with a special kickoff event (see announcement below). Register for a small group at FirstPresGreenville.org/Events. Contact Diana at dianaschmittorders@gmail.com for more information or details about being placed in a small group


Women’s Ministry, Claire Ripley
RADIANCE KICKOFF SEPTEMBER 16—FREE TICKETS

“Hope Heals” author, Katherine Wolf, brings her inspiring story of true faith and healing in a relatable way that women will not want to miss. Join us on Tuesday, September 16, 6:30pm, in the Worship & Arts Center. Tickets are required and available at FirstPresGreenville.org/Events..


Women’s Ministry, Claire Ripley
ABOVE ALL KICKOFF SEPTEMBER 17

Above All Ministries is excited to announce their kickoff with a “A Morning with Katherine Wolf” on Wednesday, September 17, in the Worship & Arts Center. Doors open at 9:30am and tickets are available at FirstPresGreenville.org/Events. Join us afterward for “LaCroix and Linger,” where we’ll continue the conversation and Katherine Wolf will hold a book-signing.


Worship & Music Ministry, Susan Messer
MUSIC MINISTRY FALL OFFERINGS

The Music Ministry invites preschoolers, children, students, and adults to participate in the Fall music offerings beginning Wednesday, September 10. Click here for details and times. Questions? Contact Susan Messer (smesser@firstpresgreenville.org) or Dustan Chevalier (dchevalier@firstpresgreenville.org).


Events

Care Ministry, Don Feuerbach
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, Tina Jones
FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE

Join us Thursday, October 2, at 6:30pm in the Worship & Arts Center for an evening of food, fashion, fellowship, and fun as we celebrate our friends with special abilities! This year’s event features Tanner Smith—ClemsonLIFE graduate, Netflix’s “Love on the Spectrum” Season 2 cast member, and passionate advocate for joy and inclusion. Purchase tickets and learn more at FirstPresGreenville.org/Events.


Children’s Ministry & Men’s Ministry
CALLING ALL GIRL DADS!

Mark your calendars for a memorable evening with your daughter at the 3GEN Ministries Daddy Daughter Dance! It’s all happening on Friday, September 12, 7:00-9:30pm, at the beautiful Larkin’s Sawmill Venue (22 Graves Drive, Greenville, SC 29609). We’re teeing you up for a fantastic night of fun, laughter, and connection, complete with yummy desserts, photo ops, and tons of dancing.. Register at 3genministries.org or FirstPresGreenville.org/Events.


Fine Arts Ministry, Chelsea Fraser
OPENING RECEPTION FOR NEW ART EXHIBIT

Our next community exhibition, Mending a Heart: One Brushstroke at a Time,demonstrates “painting through tragedy, tears, illness, despair, regrets, fear, forgiveness, courage, survival, joy, hope, and healing. It is amazing how creative grief and love can be,” says artist Suzanne Accetta. The opening reception will take place on Friday, September 5, 6:00–8:00pm in the Sturgis Gathering area. All are welcome to come and see the exhibition and meet the artist! The exhibit will be located on the 1st and 2nd floors of the Galleries at First Pres.


Fine Arts Ministry, Chelsea Fraser
AN EVENING AT THE PIANO WITH DAVID NEVUE

Join pianist/composer David Nevue on Saturday, September 13, at 7:00pm for an inspiring evening of music and storytelling! Nevue is recognized internationally as a remarkable force in contemporary piano music. His musical portfolio consists of 17 albums, with his most recent, In the Soft Light of Grace, debuting at #1 on iTunes and Amazon in its genre and breaking into the Top 5 on the Billboard music charts. For this evening’s performance, David will play a selection of his most popular works, personal favorites, and unique arrangements of popular hymns. Tickets are available now at FirstPresGreenville. org/Events.


Fine Arts Ministry, Chelsea Fraser
“THE NATURE OF US” 10TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR WITH JOEL ANSETT

Folk songs and stories are coming your way this fall as Joel Ansett celebrates with an anniversary tour of “The Nature of Us” on Thursday, October 9, at 7:00pm in the Student Ministry program space. Joel Ansett is an award-winning singer-songwriter whose blend of folk and R&B has been described as “soul therapy.” With over 40 million streams, a Lennon Award, and multiple film/TV placements, his grassroots approach continues to resonate widely. His latest album, Layers, explores the unseen barriers in our relationships with strangers, loved ones, and God. Ansett was the wonderful opening act for the Gray Havens’ concert last year and we can’t wait to have him back. The Songwriter Q&A session will begin at 6:00pm and concert will begin at 7:00pm. Purchase tickets and learn more at FirstPresGreenville.org/Events.


Missions, Eric Swofford
COMMUNITY WORSHIP WITH REVELACIóN MARANATHA FROM THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Experience an unforgettable night of worship with Revelación Maranatha, lovingly known as the DR Band, on Friday, September 19, 7:00–9:00pm in the Worship & Arts Center. Each summer, the DR Band tours the U.S. to raise support for El Hospital Buen Samaritano (The Good Samaritan Hospital), a ministry partner we’ve joined for more than a decade to provide life-changing medical care for those in need in the Dominican Republic. Whether you’ve served on a mission trip, supported through prayer, or simply want to enjoy an evening of vibrant, multicultural worship, this concert is for you! Free tickets are available now at FirstPresGreenville.org/events.


Sports Ministry, Caleb McKisic
CHURCH LEAGUE BASKETBALL REGISTRATION

Church league basketball season for K5–12th grade is approaching! Late registration is open September 1–15. Learn more details and sign up at FirstPresSports.com. Questions? Contact Caleb McKisic at caleb@firstpressports.com.


Opportunities To Serve

Congregational Care, Don Feuerbach
WORTHY MENTOR PROGRAM

The Worthy Mentor Program is a ministry that offers spiritual support to women who have experienced an unexpected pregnancy. Some of these women may be walking through pregnancy and considering their options, while others may be healing from abortion. If you are interested in being paired with a Worthy mentor, or feel called to serve as a Worthy mentor, please contact Amy Murray at hello2amymurray@gmail.com.


Worship & Music, Susan Messer
JOIN THE CHRISTMAS@FIRST CHOIR!

Do you like to sing? You’re invited to join the Christmas@First concert choir! Rehearsals begin on Sunday, September 28, 4:00-5:30pm in the Choir Room. Questions? Contact Choral Director Susan Messer at smesser@firstpresgreenville.org.


Pastor of the Day

For Pastoral emergencies, please call 864.235.0496.