NEW PODCAST WITH DR. GIBBONS

Dr. Gibbons’ Fridays@First eblast is now also a weekly podcast. Along with his witty jokes, you’ll hear about discipleship opportunities, special events, and ways you can participate in transforming the heart of the city. We hope you will listen, like, comment, and subscribe! Go to our YouTube channel @FirstPresGreenvilleSC and click on the Fridays at First Podcast.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD SHOEBOXES

A very special THANK YOU to all who packed a shoebox, to Teresa Hannon, who organized the OCC collections, and to all the volunteers who so faithfully served in showing Christ’s love to children this Christmas!

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS BOOKS BY DR. GIBBONS

The children in your life will love the 3-part series of Christmas books written by Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons and illustrated by Janet Grant: A Child Remembers, Luke’s Christmas Story, and Cool Yule. Each book follows young Thomas and Amy as their family prepares to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. The books, which are sold as a set for $35 or individually for $15, are available in the First Pres bookstore, Books & Gifts@First.

LOST AND FOUND TABLE

Sunday, December 8, is the last chance to check the lost and found table by the elevators in the Building D main hallway. Anything remaining after December 8 will be donated to Miracle Hill Ministries.

POINSETTIAS FOR CHRISTMAS—ORDER NOW

Help decorate our church for Christmas by ordering poinsettias in honor or memory of loved ones. Order online by clicking here, or fill out a form from the literature racks. Cost is $20 each; orders are due by Monday, December 9. The list of dedications will be available online and in literature racks on December 19.

WORSHIP TIME CHANGE DECEMBER 15

WORSHIP TIME CHANGE DECEMBER 15 Because the Sanctuary will be set up for the Christmas@First concert on December 15, we will have two identical worship services at 8:30am and 10:45am in the Worship & Arts Center that Sunday. Please mark your calendar and share this change with your friends and family.

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24

Join us for services at 11:00am and 7:00pm in the Worship & Arts Center; and 2:00pm, 4:00pm, and 11:00pm in the Sanctuary. Mark your calendar and visit www.FirstPresChristmas.com for more details.

YEAR-END GIVING

The last quarter of the year is the time to complete your charitable giving. You can contribute to FPC with a gift of appreciated stock, a Required Minimum Distribution from your IRA, or a gift from a Donor Advised Fund. Some gifts take time to process, so please plan ahead to allow sufficient time for processing in 2024. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Kristy Service at 864.565.0929 or Bobby Hoffman at 864.565.0962.

DISCOVER FIRST: NEW MEMBER WEEKEND

Are you interested in making First Presbyterian your church home? Discover more about the vision, discipleship, and outreach of FPC! New Member Weekend will be Friday−Saturday, January 31-February 1. Childcare is available for children age 5 and under. For details, contact Linda Sholtis (lsholtis@firstpresgreenville.org). Register HERE.

MINISTRY DEVELOPMENT COURSE

The MDC course, open to all covenant partners, is a great preparation for any church leadership role and a prerequisite for officer nomination. You are invited to attend one of the two orientation meetings on Sunday, January 5, at 9:00am in Room B202, or Wednesday, January 8, at 6:00pm in Room B301. To register for the orientation, contact Autumn Clark at aclark@firstpresgreenville.org. For more information, contact Brian Stewart at bstewart@firstpresgreenville.org.

PERSPECTIVES COURSE BEGINS JANUARY 2025

The Perspectives Course is a comprehensive study of God’s global movement to bring His glory from all the people groups of the earth. This 15-week course begins Thursday, January 16, 6:30–9:15pm in Room D305. If you’re not sure, try the first two classes for free. Discounted registration is available until December 31. To register, visit Perspectives.org/courses/greenville-sc-spring-25/. For more information, contact Kelli Morrison at 864.380.9611 or Brian Stewart at bstewart@firstpresgreenville.org. If you need childcare, contact Evelyn Penkert at epenkert@firstpresgreenville.org.

DIVORCE CARE BEGINS JANUARY 8

DivorceCare is a weekly seminar/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. Register at DivorceCare.org; enter “Greenville, SC” in “Find a Group Near You”; then click on the First Presbyterian Church listing. Once you register, you’ll need to order a participant’s manual through this registration portal. The cost is $20. Childcare is provided.

JUST ANNOUNCED—RESURRECTION LETTERS

Join us to hear Andrew Peterson’s celebrated Easter tour, The Resurrection Letters, on Thursday, April 3, at 7:00pm! These songs celebrate the victory Christ won for us on Calvary and the security of the resurrection. We can’t wait to share these Resurrection Letters with you! Tickets go on sale December 9.

ART AND FAITH LUNCH DECEMBER 6

Join us on Friday, December 6, at noon in the Intersection Café to hear Laura Nicholas, Managing Artistic Director for Centre Stage, share about her work and her faith. This is a free event and is open to the public. Bring your own lunch or plan to eat after, and enjoy fellowship and encouragement from fellow Christians in the arts!

THE GALLERIES AT FIRST HOLIDAY HOURS

We would love to see you and your families at our current exhibitions, Looking for a Place and Quilted Faith, over the holidays. Normal open hours are Monday-Friday from 9:00am-3:00pm. Please note these dates the Galleries at First will be closed: December 25-27, and January 1, 2025.

SAVE THE DATE—VIABLE PLAY

The Light & Life Ministry has announced an encore performance of the one-act play, Viable, on Friday, January 24, at 7:00pm in the Worship & Arts Center. Viable premiered at First Pres in 2019 and has since been performed over 50 times in 11 states. Carol Tobias, President of the National Right to Life Committee, says, “Viable is a captivating and compelling story. It takes you on an emotional roller coaster that resolves into a beautiful story of love and forgiveness.” Tickets go on sale December 12 and all proceeds support Lifeline Children’s Services. Watch for more details coming soon.

FALL IN EUROPE TRIP 2025

One of the many ways we experience God’s blessings is by traveling with friends and family. Dr. Gibbons is hosting two trips in 2025. The June trip to Scotland is full, but 12 spaces are left for Fall in Europe, September 16–26. We will visit Prague, Wittenberg, Eisenach, Munich, Zurich, and conclude in Geneva. Please contact Lindsay Graham at lgtravel@firstpresgreenville.org for further information. Register by clicking here.

CHRISTMAS@FIRST CONCERTS: LOVE'S PURE LIGHT

Join us in the beautiful Sanctuary for this year’s Christmas@First concert, “Love’s Pure Light,” on Saturday, December 14, at 2:00pm or 6:00pm, or Sunday, December 15, at 3:00pm. You’ll hear Christmas favorites by our 100-voice choir, full orchestra, and handbell choir as we celebrate our Savior’s birth through songs of the season. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children (12 and under) and available at FirstPresGreenville/Events or at the FPC box office (main reception area) on weekdays during normal business hours or on Sundays.