BACKPACK BLESSING & PROMOTION SUNDAY

This Sunday at all worship services, we will pray for our children, students, and all those who work in education as they prepare to go back to school. All children are invited to wear their backpacks as they come forward for prayer. Children’s Ministry will also have a fun day in Sunday School as the children celebrate moving to their new classrooms with a treasure hunt! Children (K3-5th grade) will walk together from the children's wing to visit each of the later services for the backpack blessing and then return to the children's area until the services end.

SIGN UP FOR COLLEGE CARE PACKAGES

Parents and students, please complete a college information form for your new or returning college student. Look for the College Care Packages icon at FirstPresGreenville.org/Events or find the forms in the literature racks around the church. Send your completed forms to Autumn Clark (aclark@firstpresgreenville.org). Thank you for your partnership in ministry to our college students during this significant period of their lives.

BRIDGE CITY OPENING ON SUNDAYS

Starting August 24, Bridge City Coffee at the Intersection will be open on Sundays, from 9:00am–2:00pm, for a six-week period. Come enjoy their delicious coffee or tea before or after worship. The Bridge City staff is excited to welcome members of First Presbyterian Church and the wider community during these extended hours. We kindly ask that no food or drinks be brought into the Worship & Arts Center or the Sanctuary.

CONSIDER A GIFT OF STOCK

Giving appreciated stock held for over a year may be a smart way to support the church. You can avoid capital gains tax and receive credit for the stock’s full current value. If you wish to keep the stock in your portfolio, consider repurchasing it with cash to reset your cost basis. To give, contact Kristy Service (864.565.0929) or Bobby Hoffman (864.565.0962). Let us know the stock name, donor, and whether the gift is for the ministry budget, capital campaign, or both.

FRIDAYS AT FIRST SUMMER ROUNDTABLE: AUGUST 8

Join us as we gather around the table with ministry leaders and special guests for dynamic conversations that highlight the heart and mission of our church. In this episode host Michelle Ward leads a thoughtful dialogue on staying in community as students go back to school and the busy fall season begins. This week’s guests are Karen King, Dr. Claire Ripley, and Rev. Charlie Buchanan. Whether you’re traveling or staying local, stay spiritually connected and encouraged! Watch on our YouTube channel (@FPCGreenvilleSC) or listen on your favorite podcast platform.

LOOKING AHEAD

September 3: Family Night Supper
September 5: Mending a Heart Exhibit Opening Reception
September 12: Daddy Daughter Dance with 3Gen Ministries
September 13: An Evening at the Piano with David Nevue
September 16: Radiance Kickoff
September 17: Above All Kickoff
September 19: DR Band Concert
September 21: Missions Sunday
October 3–5: Pursuit Men’s Retreat with 3Gen Ministries

Care Ministry, Don Feuerbach
SUPPORT GROUPS OFFERED THIS FALL

GriefShare is a weekly seminar and support group designed to help you rebuild your life after losing a loved one. Our next group will begin Sunday, September 7, 3:00–5:00pm in Room D210. Register at GriefShare.org. Questions? Questions? Contact Sarah Emore at semore@firstpresgreenville.org to register.

DivorceCare is a support group that will help you heal from the pain of divorce. It’s a warm, caring environment led by people who understand what you are going through. Gain hope for your future! Childcare is provided. Visit DivorceCare.org, click on “In-Person,” then click on the First Presbyterian Church listing. Sessions will run 6:00–8:00pm on Wednesdays, September 10–December 10. Questions? Contact Sarah at semore@firstpresgreenville.org.

Discipleship Ministry, Claire Ripley
MONTHLY SUMMER BIBLE STUDY

Lemonade and Learning: The Lord’s Prayer
All women are invited to join us for our final summer Bible study and light refreshments on Wednesday, August 13, at 10:00am in Fellowship Hall. Rev. Don Feuerbach will be our speaker.

Discipleship Ministry, Claire Ripley
A FEW SPACES ARE OPEN FOR RE|ENGAGE MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT COURSE

Re|engage, a 14-week marriage enrichment ministry designed to equip and disciple couples in their walk with Christ, teaches couples how to apply biblical principles to their marriage. This summer and fall, Re|engage will be offered on Wednesday and Sunday evenings. The joint kickoff will be held Sunday, August 17, at 9:30am in Harper Chapel. The cost is $55 per couple. Children’s programming (birth–K5) is available on Wednesday evenings only. Register online at FirstPresGreenville.org/Events. Contact Charlotte Joye at cjoye@ firstpresgreenville.org for more details.

Men’s Ministry, Charlie Buchanan
CHRISTIAN MEN’S FELLOWSHIP ON AUGUST 21

Join us Thursday, August 21, at noon in Fellowship Hall for a special Christian Men’s Fellowship luncheon featuring Chief Justice John Kittredge of the South Carolina Supreme Court. A longtime Elder and active member of First Pres, Chief Justice Kittredge will share his personal testimony. Reservations are required - click HERE. Please indicate if you plan to attend the program only or would like to reserve a $10 lunch.

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.

Men’s Ministry, Charlie Buchanan
PURSUIT 2025 MEN’S DISCIPLESHIP WEEKEND RESCHEDULED: OCTOBER 3–5

The Men’s Discipleship Weekend at Carolina Point YoungLife Camp has been rescheduled for October 3–5, following the spring wildfires at Table Rock. Registration is now open at 3GenMinistries.org. The weekend costs $275 and includes two nights of lodging, five meals, access to top-notch facilities, and a custom weekend journal. Use the code FPC75 for a $75 discount! Financial assistance is also available—contact Charlie Buchanan at 864.565.0937 or cbuchanan@firstpresgreenville.org. This weekend promises spiritual growth, hearty laughter, outdoor adventure, and meaningful connection. For more details, contact Michael Trotter at trottermichael1@gmail.com or Russell Guest at russellguest@charter.net. Don’t miss this powerful opportunity to grow deeper in your faith alongside other men.

Student Ministry, Mason Simmons
ROOTS FALL KICKOFF ON AUGUST 20

Come join us as we kick off the fall semester at Roots! We’ll have food, games, and a lesson as we jump into a brand-new school year. Junior High will meet 5:45–7:15pm, and Senior High will meet 7:30–9:00pm. Questions? Contact Mason Simmons at msimmons@firstpresgreenville.org or Courtney Rockness at crockness@firstpresgreenville.org. We hope to see you there!

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
SAVE THE DATE! RADIANCE AND ABOVE ALL KICKOFF SEPTEMBER 16 AND 17

Join the ladies of Radiance and Love Above All Ministries for a powerful time of worship and encouragement by guest speaker Katherine Wolf—renowned author, stroke survivor, and disability advocate—as she shares her remarkable story of resilience and redemption. More details coming soon!

Women’s Ministry, Claire Ripley
WOMEN’S FALL BIBLE STUDY SHOWCASE

All women are invited to drop by the Abbott Gathering area on Sunday, August 24, 9:00–11:00am, for a showcase of Women’s Fall Bible studies. You’ll have the opportunity to meet leaders and receive information about the studies. Coffee and light refreshments will also be available. We hope to see you there!

Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
FamBLITZ: FUN, FAITH, AND FAMILY!

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at FamBLITZ, where faith and family collide for an evening of excitement! Parents and kids will team up to conquer thrilling games and challenges, all while hearing the powerful message of the gospel in a fun and engaging way. It’s the perfect opportunity to make lasting memories, strengthen family bonds, and grow in faith together. Don’t miss out on this high-energy event designed for the whole family on Saturday, August 16, 6:30pm in Fellowship Hall! Get your free tickets today at FirstPresGreenville.org/Events or the Five Points check-in desk.

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.

Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
FamBLITZ: FUN, FAITH, AND FAMILY!

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at FamBLITZ, where faith and family collide for an evening of excitement! Parents and kids will team up to conquer thrilling games and challenges, all while hearing the powerful message of the gospel in a fun and engaging way. It’s the perfect opportunity to make lasting memories, strengthen family bonds, and grow in faith together. Don’t miss out on this high-energy event designed for the whole family on Saturday, August 16, 6:30pm in Fellowship Hall! Get your free tickets today at FirstPresGreenville.org/Events or the Five Points check-in desk.

Men’s Ministry, Charlie Buchanan
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.

Sports Ministry, Caleb McKisic
CHURCH LEAGUE BASKETBALL REGISTRATION

Church league basketball season for K5–12th grade is approaching! Registration is open August 1–31. Late registration is open September 1–15. Learn more details and sign up at FirstPresSports.com. Questions? Contact Caleb McKisic at caleb@firstpressports.com.

Men’s Ministry, Charlie Buchanan
JOIN THE JOBS FOR LIFE MENTORING TEAM

Jobs for Life is a life-changing ministry that equips men who are getting back on their feet with the tools and support they need to find—and keep—meaningful employment. In partnership with Miracle Hill’s Greenville Rescue Mission, the Men’s Ministry will host the next seven-week course beginning September 4. Classes meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:15–8:00pm. We are prayerfully seeking a few men to join our team as mentors to walk alongside participants throughout the course, offering encouragement, accountability, and friendship. Over the past five years, we’ve seen God bless this ministry and transform the lives of both students and mentors. To learn more about this rewarding opportunity, contact Dave Forry (864.380.1013 or forrydcf@aol.com) or visit the Men’s Ministry page at FirstPresGreenville.org.

Missions, Eric Swofford
THANK YOU - HOLLIS BACK-TO-SCHOOL DRIVE

Because of your incredible generosity, we were able to deliver over 650 boxes of snacks for the Hollis students and close to 300 gift cards for the teachers! These gifts will be put to good use in feeding children and encouraging the Hollis Academy staff.

Missions, Eric Swofford
ROOM PARENTS MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

As we enter our 16th year of partnering with elementary school Hollis Academy, our desire is to have a Room Parent in every classroom to help with reading, tutoring, hugging, listening, and encouraging. We have 12 openings for Room Parents in several grade levels and special education classrooms. For more information, please contact Edith Parks at hollisroomparents@gmail.com.

Worship & Music, Susan Messer
CHRISTMAS@FIRST MUSIC PREVIEW NIGHT

Are you interested in participating this year’s Christmas@First concerts to be held December 13–14? Mark your calendar for a special preview night on Wednesday, August 13, 6:15–7:30pm in the Choir Room. You’ll get an introduction to this year’s music and theme and learn how to get involved. Everyone is welcome—whether you’re a seasoned choir member or simply love to sing. Rehearsals will begin in September, and more details will be shared at the preview. Come be part of this joyful Christmas event!

Worship & Music, Susan Messer
BECOME A GREETER ON SUNDAYS

A few greeters are needed for the 8:30am service on Sunday mornings. Please contact Kathi Daniel if you can help (864.630.2416 or kathi.daniel531@gmail.com).