Connect@First Newsletter

Feature 


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Sunday Worship

July 6, 2025

8:30am in the Sanctuary

10:45am in the Worship & Arts Center

11:00am in the Sanctuary

WATCH LIVE

Sermon 

Rev. Dr. Mark Hutton
Sermon Series: “Follow Me?”
Scripture: Luke 5:1-11

Sunday Education

8:30am Nursery
9:30am No Children’s Sunday School
9:45am Student Life Groups
9:45am Adult Life Groups
10:30am Kids Church

Sunday Life Groups

Member News

BAPTISMS • June 29, 2025

Frances Jones McCutchen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sam McCutchen (Katie)
Margaret Owen Champion, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Taylor Champion (Anna)


CONGRATULATIONS • The pastors and congregation extend blessings to

Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Frost (Lauren) on the birth of a daughter, Emmie Gail Frost, on May 3, 2025.
Rev. and Mrs. Don Feuerbach (Mary Ann) on the birth of a granddaughter, Edith Parker Blaszczynski, on June 25, 2025. Edith is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Austin Blaszczynski (Hope) of Fayetteville, GA.


SYMPATHY • The pastors and congregation extend sympathy to

Mrs. Heather Tapp, in the death of her husband, Mr. Richard “Dick” Tapp on June 30, 2025. The memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 9, at 1:00pm in the Sanctuary with visitation following at 2:00pm in the Abbott and Sturgis Gathering areas.


IN MEMORIAM

Richard Neil Tapp  December 28, 1943 – July 1, 2025


MEMORIALS & HONORS

CHURCH MEMORIAL FUND
In memory of Michael Freeman by Ronald Nestor
In memory of Fred Gilmer Jr. by Jean Taylor
In memory of Bill Hawkins Jr. by Karolyn Taylor; Circle 10
In memory of Jack Plating by Chip and Deb Fogleman

TRANSFORMING THE HEART OF THE CITY FUND
In memory of Fred Gilmer Jr. by Carlton and Belinda Manley


PRAYER LIST

Bill Anthony, Nancy Adams, Diana August, Sandra Banks, Kathy Beck and family, Keren Clay, Peggy Denny, Bud Fant, Liz Fuqua, Tasha Garrison, Darst Guest, Betsy Guffey, Hand family, Danette Hanks, Richard Hanks, Anna Hewitt, Tina Hicks, Harry Hightower, Wanda Hightower, Don Hobbs, Amy Hunter, Charlie Hutton, Stephanie Johnson, Frances Kowalski, John Kylin, Mary Kylin, Tom Lide, Tom Logan, Anne Lybrand, Jenny McCorkle, Paul McGahee, Mozelle Moore, Rachel Mullinax, Jim Nance, Martha Nance, Charles Nickles, Chloris Norman, Becky Powell, Ken Rhoden, Caroline Rice, Thom Robelot, Louise Robinson, Bill Rogers, Clifford Selby, Rhody Taber, Claire Taylor, Lewis Tollison, John Volpe, John M. Walker, Jocelyn Williams, Jennifer Winter, 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

SUMMER SERMON SERIES: FOLLOW ME

This summer, join us for a six-week sermon series exploring Jesus’ call to discipleship through the lens of our church’s mission, vision, and values. In Follow Me, we’ll look closely at what it truly means to be a disciple—not just in word, but in life and practice. Each week, one of our pastors will teach from Scripture and highlight a specific part of our church’s disciple definition: A disciple is a prayerful, faithful, intentional follower of Jesus who helps others follow Him. From the shores of Galilee to the Great Commission, we’ll consider how Jesus called ordinary people to an extraordinary journey of transformation and purpose—and how He continues to call us today.


CLOSINGS TO NOTE THIS WEEK

On Friday, July 4: The church office will be closed, there will be no First Fridays Gallery Crawl; the Art & Faith Lunch has been moved to July 11.


CHILDREN ON SUNDAY, JULY 6

On Sunday, July 6, we will offer only Nursery and Kids Church during worship services. Normal children’s programming during worship and Sunday Life Group hour will resume on July 13.


STUDENT MINISTRY JOB OPENING

FPC has a strong student ministry program with a large number of students who are active during our weekly programs. We are looking for someone to work well with our already-existing two-person team to help shepherd our students. For more information about this position, click here.


SANCTUARY FLOWER OPENINGS

Several Sundays are available in August, September, October, and November, if you would like to purchase flowers for the Sanctuary and dedicate them in honor or memory of loved ones. Please contact Linda Slash at 864.235.0496 to reserve an available date.


LOOKING AHEAD

July 16: Lemonade & Learning
July 18: A Night of Good News with Illusionists The Laflins
July 25: Buddy Break
August 16: Kidz Blitz Ministry Event
August 13: Christmas@First Music Preview
October 17: Sidewalk Prophets– The Looking Up Tour; get 20% off tickets through July 7— use code SWPSUMMER20 at FirstPresGreenville.org/Events


Discipleship

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, July 11-12. 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.


Discipleship, Claire Ripley
MONTHLY WOMEN’S SUMMER BIBLE STUDY

Lemonade and Learning: The Lord’s Prayer
Join us for Bible study and light refreshments on Wednesdays at 10:00am in Fellowship Hall: July 16 and August 13. (No registration required.)


Discipleship, Claire Ripley
REGISTER IN JULY 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 kick-off 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 SUMMER SERIES:
“What Happens One Minute After I Die?”

One of life’s most profound questions is that of our destiny: What happens when we die? Throughout history, people have explored this mystery through countless philosophies, theories, and religions. As Christians, we don’t have to wonder—we can find comfort and hope in the truth revealed through God’s inspired Word. Scripture offers us clarity and assurance about life beyond this one, and the promises of our eternal future. Beginning Thursday, July 24, and continuing July 31, August 21 and 28, and September 11 and 18, the Christian Men’s Fellowship (CMF) will explore this important topic. The series will be led by Rev. Robert H. Jones, longtime CMF member and former Associate Pastor of First Presbyterian Church. CMF meets most Thursdays in the church’s Formal Dining Room, and 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.

TOPICS:
"Strange Insights Into a Dark Subject"
"Why Should I Study Death While I Am Still Alive?"
"What Really Happends After I Die?"
"Queries About Heaven"
"Why Is It Important to Know About the End Times?"
"How Can I Live Today in Light of What Will Happend Tomorrow?"



Events

Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
LAFLIN ILLUSIONISTS—JULY 18 TICKETS AVAILABLE

Child Evangelism Fellowship has partnered with the Laflins and FPC to bring you a fun night for the whole family on Friday, July 18, at 6:00pm in the Worship & Arts Center. Doors open at 4:00pm with food, inflatables, and kid-friendly activities. Witness the impossible at A Night of Good News as the Laflins create a dazzling spectacle that’s perfect for families and audiences of all ages. Tickets are available at FirstPresGreenville.org/Events. This event was originally scheduled in September 2024 but was postponed due to Hurricane Helene.


Children’s Ministry, Tina Jones
BUDDY BREAK IS JULY 25

Do you know of a family raising a child with special needs? Once a quarter we hold Buddy Break to give these parents a respite. Our next Buddy Break is Friday, July 25, from 5:30–8:00pm. Please share this information and consider serving as a “Buddy.” Training is provided. To register or if you have questions, email buddybreak@firstpresgreenville.org.


Fine Arts Ministry, Chelsea Fraser
SUMMER HOURS—THE GALLERIES AT FIRST PRES

Come see Sacred Geometry: works by Matthew Baumgardner in the Lenz Gallery Monday through Friday, between 10:00am and 2:00pm. And Looking Up features the plein air and other figurative work of George Stone, Joe Craighead, and Mark Baral, in our public community galleries open Monday through Thursday, 8:00am to 4:00pm and Fridays, 8:00am to 3:00pm. Walk-ins are always welcome!


Fine Arts Ministry, Chelsea Fraser
SIGN UP FOR THE FINE ARTS MINISTRY NEWSLETTER

Want to stay informed about all things related to the Fine Arts Ministry? Subscribe to the monthly e-newsletter by contacting Fine Arts Ministry Director Chelsea Fraser at cfraser@firstpresgreenville.org.


Worship & Music, Susan Messer
CHRISTMAS IS COMING!

It may only be the beginning of summer, but our Worship & Music Team is already preparing for this year’s Christmas@First concerts to be held December 13–14. Are you interested in participating this year? Mark your calendar for a special preview night on Wednesday, August 13, from 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!


Opportunities To Serve


Event Productions, Caleb Miller
PRODUCTION SERVICES WANTS YOU!

Join the production services team and help create exciting and worshipful experiences for our congregation and guests through sound, lighting, video, and stagecraft. No experience? No problem! We provide training. Use your creativity and technical skills to enhance worship. Serve behind the scenes and make a big impact! Interested? Email productions@firstpresgreenville.org for more details. We look forward to welcoming you!


Pastor of the Day

For Pastoral emergencies, please call 864.235.0496.