First Glance Fall/Winter 2013 by First Presbyterian Church

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200 West Washington Street Greenville, SC 29601 864.235.0496 FirstPresGreenville.org RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Inside this Issue: From Richard Gibbons inside cover Music & the Arts page 2

Glance A look at the life of First Pres.

Fall 13/Winter 14

First Presbyterian Church / Greenville, SC

vol. 10 ISSUE 1

Executive & Finance Ministries page 3 Evangelism & Missions pages 4-9 Educational Ministries pages 10-11

The Vineyard Bookstore It is a difficult task indeed to explain the “workings” of the Vineyard. At times it can be a bit complicated.

Contact Us 200 West Washington Street Greenville, SC 29601 phone 864.235.0496 fax 864.235.0698 website FirstPresGreenville.org email contactus@firstpresgreenville.org facebook.com/firstpresgreenville twitter.com/fpcgreenville

On the Cover: Photo by Sydney Parker, VBS Volunteer Leader Students from a First Pres Day Missions group shared Kingdom Rock Vacation Bible School with children at the Sterling Community Center in downtown Greenville. See page 20 for more details.

Yes, the Vineyard provides high-quality Christian educational materials and gifts, but it also provides a “go to” gathering place for folks to rest, relax, or seek fellowship. We serve the needs of customers in a number of ways… from the visitor trying to locate a Sunday School class, to the lady on route to a birthday luncheon without a gift, to the volunteer needing on-the-spot decorations for an impromptu church supper, to the customer trying to locate a greeting card with just the right message. We’ve had requests for aspirin, breath mints, tissues, snacks, reading glasses, and safety pins. My all-time favorite request was a member needing elastic bands to hold up a pair of drooping nylons. Yes, we have become a Mecca of information and a supplier of necessities!

SOMETHING NEW

We will soon start implementing a program that will highlight selected missions supported by First Pres. The Vineyard will support the ministries by donating a portion of our sales to the selected ministry. Stop by to learn more!

THE CHRISTMAS SEASON

We’re anticipating an exciting Christmas season with some incredible merchandise on the way. One thing to look forward to is an array of unusual nativity scenes and crèches. So whether you need a little retail therapy, a Bible study book, a cover for that Bible, or perhaps some duct tape for an unraveling hem or coat tail, stop by the Vineyard. We will certainly try to meet your needs. What an honor it is to serve!

Emily Fowler Vineyard Bookstore Manager 672.1846 or efowler@firstpresgreenville.org

Marriage & Family Ministry pages 12-13 Congregational Care pages 14-19 Children’s Ministries pages 20-22 Student Ministries pages 23–25 Young Adult Ministry page 26 Women’s Ministry pages 27–30 Men’s Ministry page 31 Activities Ministry pages 32-33 Scouting at First Pres pages 34-35 The Academy page 36 Summary Calendar page 37 The VIneyard Bookstore back page

From Richard

Summary Calendar 37

Fall & Winter 2013-14

Summary Calendar Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons, Senior Pastor rgibbons@firstpresgreenville.org

s we move toward September, it is hard for me to believe that summer is almost over and Thanksgiving is just three months away. This year is rapidly going by. Having said that, it also comes as something of a surprise to discover that I am now entering into my seventh year of serving at First Pres. It does feel good, however, to be considered a rising seventh grader. During our early years in Greenville, the question that I was most often asked was, “What has been your biggest surprise in moving to the South?” As I look back, the surprises have been few, but the new experiences have been numerous and include: air conditioning, walk-in refrigerators, ice cream cake, sweet tea, spectacular salads, real hamburgers, fried vegetables, breakfast casserole, root beer, SUVs, NASCAR, screen doors, mulch, regular sunshine, tree frogs, bugs that bite, “tow heads,” hundreds of television channels, Facebook, smart phones, seersucker suits, cathedrallike hardware stores, the consistently enticing enigma which is Mast General, Clemson football games, the Upstate History Museum, Shakespeare in the Park, The Masters, the Fourth of July, and Thanksgiving.

nature of grief is an incredible privilege. Couples who come to see me for premarital counseling and new parents who share with me the thrill they have experienced in the birth of a child are very special moments which bind a pastor’s heart to families. Yet it is often those unseen moments which enable that love to blossom further. It is the quiet, compassionate, prayerful moments when Sunday School classes, ladies circles, men’s Bible study groups, our youth, those who volunteer in children’s ministry, the staff, elders, deacons, and so many others who pray for and care for each other that reflect exactly the kind of people you are. This kind of faithfully living out a credible Christian faith is a remarkable thing to see. Some weeks ago I received a note from a rising first graders. It said, “I Love You pastr givinz, tank You For the High Fives.” You are truly an extraordinary congregation.

The experience I have enjoyed most, however, is that I have fallen in love. Over these years, I have grown to love a people who are quite simply outstanding. The courage you demonstrated in welcoming me to the pastoral staff and your gracious hospitality and patience as I sought to assimilate into a new country, community, and culture have been deeply appreciated. It is difficult to put into words the joy I have in serving at First Pres. Attending the bedside of those who are terminally ill while seeking to minister to families who are wrestling with the debilitating

the first seven months of the year, the church web pages have been viewed on 186,824 occasions. The most popular page was the pastors’ page, followed by the media page (sermons), worship times, television information, and our children’s ministry page. Even more surprising were the nationalities of those who have looked at our website: 71 percent USA, 7.5 percent China, 2.5 percent UK, followed by the Ukraine, Canada, and the Russian Federation. What surprised me was the percentage of people from China. It may well be—and this brings a smile to my face—that we are extremely popular in Beijing and we simply don’t know it. I am so grateful that our Sunday morning television broadcast that is accessible from the website has subtitles included.

Missions Weekend On Sunday, September 15, the Rev. Blair T. Carlson will be joining us for our Missions weekend and will be sharing his work in Africa. I first met Blair in the late 1980s when he worked as the International Crusade Director for Dr. Billy Graham. Blair was a member of the leadership team that hosted International Congress Cape Town 2010, when 4,000 Christian leaders representing 198 countries were present. You will enjoy his time with us, and I am certainly looking forward to it.

Stewardship

Speaking of surprises, I was recently surprised when I asked our Communications Department if it is possible to tell how many visits have been made to our church website. For

In October, we will launch our annual Stewardship season, with Stewardship Sunday on the 13th and Pledge Sunday on the 20th. Over the last 12 months your faithful giving has allowed us to practically support the ministries which God has called us to. It is almost impossible for me to put into words the gratitude expressed by those whom you have touched with your generous giving and prayerful support. We are deeply indebted to you.

September 2 ......Labor Day holiday: Church Office closed September 3 ......Mother’s Morning Out begins September 3 ......Wit & Wisdom: Nancy Welch September 4 ......Fall Wednesday Luncheon Bible Study begins September 4 ......Fall Wednesday Advantage supper and classes begin September 4 ......Alpha Course begins September 5 ......Women’s Ministry Kickoff Luncheon: “God’s Peace and Provision” September 6 ......Southern Hospitality Banquet September 8 ......Life Young Adults Sunday Community begins September 8 ......First Look Class begins September 8 ......Ordination & Installation of new officers September 8 ......Pastoral Visitation Ministers’ Kickoff Dinner September 8 ......Support Groups begin September 8 ......Youth Small Groups begin September 9 ......Community Bible Study begins September 10 ....Women’s Weekly Bible Studies begin September 12 ....Basketball Registration ends (grades 2-12) September 15 ....Missions Conference: Rev. Blair Carlson September 15 ....New Orleans Mission Trip Report September 19 ....Activities Trip: Fluor Field Tour September 24 ....Abiding Prayer Service Communion September 26 ....Pilgrimage Weekend (Seabrook Island, SC) September 29 ....Life Young Adults Sunday Supper October 1..........Wit & Wisdom: Jean Hunt October 6..........Communion October 6..........Family Fall Event at Eden Farms October 7..........Pastoral Visitation Minister Training begins October 8..........mom.2.mom Brunch: “A Mother’s Prayer” with Natalie Hall October 10........Activities Trip: Grits & Groceries October 11........Youth Fall Retreat October 13........Stewardship Sunday October 13........Operation Christmas Child begins October 20........Pledge Sunday October 22........Abiding Prayer Service Communion October 27........Life Young Adults Sunday Supper October 30........Youth Halloween Bash October 31........Presbyterian Cursillo Weekend (Clayton, GA) November 1 ......Life Young Adults Fall Retreat November 3 ......Family First November 3 ......First Look Class begins November 5 ......Wit & Wisdom: Deb RichardsonMoore and Rick Sturgis November 10 ....Congregational Meeting November 15 ....Choral Festival with Dr. Anton Armstrong November 17 ....FPC Blood Drive November 20 ....Fall Wednesday Advantage ends

November 28 ....Activities Trip: Thanksgiving at Grove Park Inn November 28 ....Thanksgiving holiday: Church Office closed December 1.......First Sunday of Advent December 3.......Wit & Wisdom: YesterUkes Senior Band December 3.......Service of Remembrance December 4.......Family Advent Festival December 8.......“Sounds of Christmas” December 8.......Life Young Adults Sunday Supper Christmas Party December 10 ....Activities Trip: New York City December 11 ....Fall Wednesday Luncheon Bible Study ends December 15 ....Children’s Christmas Festival and Service of Lessons and Carols December 15 ....Route 56 Regressive Dinner December 18 ....Youth Christmas Party December 24 ....Christmas Eve worship services December 25 ....Christmas Day worship service December 25 ....Christmas holiday: Church Office closed January 1...........New Year’s holiday: Church Office closed January 5...........Communion January 7...........Wit & Wisdom: Marianne Fredrick January 8...........Winter-Spring Wednesday Advantage classes begin January 8...........Youth Confirmation Class begins January 12.........First Look Class begins January 19.........Family First January 20.........MLK holiday: Church Office closed January 26.........Life Young Adults Sunday Supper January 28.........Abiding Prayer Service Communion Early February...Youth Winter Retreat February 4 ........Wit & Wisdom: Charlie Miller February 7 ........“Art of Marriage” weekend seminar February 9 ........Scout Sunday February 12 ......Junior High Party February 23 ......Basketball Awards Supper February 23 ......Life Young Adults Sunday Supper February 25 ......Abiding Prayer Service Communion March 4 ............Wit & Wisdom March 5 ............“Take Me to the Cross” worship and prayer service March 14 ..........Men’s Impact III Conference March 16 ..........Stephen Ministry Sunday March 23 ..........First Look Class begins March 25 ..........Abiding Prayer Service Communion April 1 ...............Wit & Wisdom: Hedy Dreskin April 6 ...............Communion April 13 .............Palm Sunday April 20 .............Easter Sunday

First Pres holds three blood drives each year to help make a difference in the lives of those in our community. Join in! Mark your calendar for

Sunday, November 17.

Sunday Morning

Schedule:

8:30am Worship in the Sanctuary 9:45am Sunday School 10:45am Ignite Worship in Fellowship Hall 11:00am Worship in the Sanctuary

Events are subject to change. Please watch the weekly GrapeVine newsletter, website, and other published information for specific details as events draw closer and for ongoing weekly events such as youth group, circle meetings, Bible studies, etc.

FirstPresGreenville.org phone 864.235.0496 fax 864.235.0698

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel

from the ﬁrst day until now…” Philippians 1:3-5

Wednesday Advantage During the fall season, our Wednesday Advantage Program will continue to provide evening activities for our children, youth, and adults. This year we will launch our activities on the 4th of September, and I will be leading us through a study of 1, 2, and 3 John. These epistles are tucked away at the end of the New Testament. This past spring, our Wednesday evenings were so popular that we had to open for dinner 15 minutes earlier and had serious trouble parking on Wednesday nights as so many people were in attendance. If you are looking to get back into regular Bible study, please come and join us in Fellowship Hall, where Presbyterians have more fun than they have a right to.

Contemporary Worship This fall also sees a change of staff at our contemporary worship service. We have been most grateful to Graydon Tomlinson for his service in recent

years, and we welcome Chuck Emory as our Interim Worship Leader at the Ignite service. Please be in prayer for our Search Committee as we seek to follow the call of God in the selection of a new worship leader.

Sermon Series On Sunday mornings in September, I plan to be looking at a new series of studies entitled, “Improving Your Serve and Strengthening Your Grip.” Twentyfive years ago, Dr. Chuck Swindoll produced two very helpful books with these titles, and I am borrowing these titles for what I hope will be a helpful study on living out our faith each day. In October and November, we shall be returning to what is considered by many to be the most practical book in the New Testament, the Epistle of James. If there is one final thought I would like to highlight, it to express my heartfelt thanks to God for His consistent

faithfulness to us. Day by day and week by week, He leads, guides, and directs us as a church family. It is therefore entirely appropriate that my prayer for us this fall season is that we would lose ourselves in the immensity of His love, be refreshed and renewed in the undiluted brilliance of His grace, and delight in His redemption. I trust that will be your experience in the months to come as we seek to love Him who first loved us. I remain yours in Him, and look forward with great anticipation to all the surprises and new experiences He has in store for us.

P.S. Being a seventh grader, so far, is a lot of fun!

I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.

Sing a New Song

he Bible contains a number of exhortations to “sing a new song” to the Lord (Psalm 33:3; 40:3; 96:1; 98:1; 144:9; 149:1; Isaiah 42:10). But what exactly does that mean? Should we consistently try to sing songs we have never heard before? Should we stay away from “old” songs? I believe the key to singing a “new song” is found in Lamentations 3:22-23, which says, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” What makes our song “new” is not when it was written or when we first heard it. The newness comes from God’s fresh daily supply of grace and compassion— and our fresh daily response of praise and thanks. As we gather together for worship, I encourage you to think hard about God’s love. The ultimate example of that love, of course, is the life and death of Jesus. But think also about what He has done for you lately. Prepare for worship by meditating on His mercies that are new every morning, and then respond to His love by singing in praise and thanks. I look forward to singing a new song together with you on Sunday mornings. My prayer is that God will be glorified and, as it says in Psalm 40:3, “many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.”

He lifted me out

of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a

new song

in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust

in the Lord. PSALM 40:1-3

Music & the Arts

Musical Events Choral Festival with Anton Armstrong! November 15, 16, and 17

In November, First Presbyterian will have the distinct privilege of welcoming Dr. Anton Armstrong for a weekend Choral Festival. Members of our Covenant Choir, Resonate!, Resonate! Prime, and Sanctuary Choir will work with Dr. Armstrong and present a Saturday afternoon concert for our church and community. He will also lead a workshop for local choral directors and church musicians and lead our choirs in worship on Sunday morning. Anton Armstrong is widely considered one of the most gifted and successful choral conductors in the world and has for more than 20 years directed the acclaimed St. Olaf Choir of Northfield, Minnesota. Dates for this outstanding event are November 15, 16, and 17. Watch the GrapeVine newsletter for more details!

Christmas Musical Events! December 8 and 15

All of our vocal and handbell choirs will combine for our biennial “Sounds of Christmas” services on Sunday, December 8, at 8:30 and 11:00am. On Sunday, December 15, our younger children’s choirs (Cherub, Carol, and Covenant Choirs) will present a Children’s Christmas Festival in Harper Chapel at 3:00pm. Then at 5:00pm, our youth choirs (Resonate! and Resonate! Prime) will present a Service of Lessons and Carols, also in Harper Chapel. JOHN gENTRy Director of Music & the Arts 672.1845 jgentry@firstpresgreenville.org

Sanctuary Choir

Kickoff—Wednesday, September 4 Our primary adult choir will be kicking off another exciting year on Wednesday, September 4, at 7:30pm in the Choir Room. The 2013-2014 season will include the “Sounds of Christmas” and Christmas Eve Services in December and a presentation of John Rutter’s “Psalmfest” on Palm Sunday, April 13. There will also be a number of choir trips to museums, concerts, and shows, as well as a trip to sing in the Washington National Cathedral over Labor Day Weekend, 2014. No audition and no impossible commitments are involved—only a love of choral music and a desire to help lead our church in traditional worship. Please call John Gentry at 672.1845 to learn more.

Executive and Finance Ministries

FAITHAfﬁrmed I

t is such a blessing to serve a congregation of true believers. The happenings of the last year are excellent indications of your dedication and faithfulness. On the heels of moving into the ECO, our new denominational home, our church has experienced the highest level of contributions in our history. It is not difficult to link these two happenings, as we strongly reaffirmed our reformed faith in our Lord and Savior by changing denominations. Your continued faithfulness in worship, service, and stewardship continues to fuel the growth of the many ministries of First Pres. Just read through the various articles in this issue of First Glance to find example after example of what you have done to expand God’s Kingdom.

HARRy USSERy Executive Director 672.1755 hussery@firstpresgreenville.org

As we approach our first anniversary as part of The Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians (ECO), we are happy to report that First Presbyterian Church is well represented in the leadership of the denomination. We have pastors and elders serving on every committee in the governance structure of the denomination and the presbytery. Some examples include the ECO Executive Committee and the employee benefits team, as well as presbytery committees involved in ministry and assimilation, church planting, pastoral ordination, and logistics. Turning to our financial picture, the higher level of contributions has allowed us to catch up in several areas of need. First, some much-needed maintenance and improvements to the facilities were addressed. Second, a bonus was given to the church staff, all of whom had been under a salary freeze for four years. Third, we were able to expand several ministries, like Missions & Outreach, which had been on hold due to tight funds. Thank you for supporting these much-needed concerns. The Finance Committee and Session have wisely decided to rebuild our reserves so that we will be better able to weather an economic storm like we experienced in 2008–2010. To that end, the officers and church staff are very grateful for the way you stepped up to the plate with your generous giving and are looking forward to your continued support in the coming year. The stewardship season is soon approaching, so we ask you to begin praying about tithing for the coming year, as the Lord commands. Stewardship Sunday is in October, but it is never too soon to seek God’s will about your support of the church and its ministries. We count it a privilege to join you in serving Jesus Christ.

2013-14 Budget Our 2013-14 Budget including a list of local, national, and international mission agencies and missionaries we support can be found online at FirstPresGreenville.org/ financeandstewardship.htm or in the literature racks around the church.

MIKE TEMPLETON Operations & Finance Director 672.0371 mtempleton@firstpresgreenville.org

Evangelism & Missions

AChangein Perspectives will be offered in Spartanburg beginning in January Visit

Perspectives.org for more information.

n January 2013, ten members of our church experienced for the first time the premier course in North America for global missions. This 15-week class, called Perspectives, was created by the late Dr. Ralph Winter, a former Presbyterian missionary who also founded the US Center for World Mission (uscwm.org). The course features a series of expert speakers who lecture on the biblical, historical, cultural, and strategic “perspectives” of the world Christian movement. In addition to attending these lectures, students in the class read through hundreds of pages of articles by missiologists who describe some of the best strategies and practices currently being used to reach the world for Christ. Finally, students complete a final project in which they either write a strategy paper on how to engage a specific “unreached people group,” or they interview an international person living in the U.S. with an eye toward learning about that person’s culture and finding connection points to share the gospel. Here are various quotes from some of the participants in the class: True to its name, Perspectives gave me a new outlook on the Bible and God’s purpose for our lives. How awesome it is that God has invited ME to participate in His plan for bringing the nations to Him! I have a much better understanding of people groups and cultures, and how they both are a part of God’s Kingdom and eternity as revealed in Revelation. The depth and detail of the material in the course is amazing and I will use the materials for years to come. —Joy Boone

BRIAN STEWART Evangelism and Missions Pastor 672.7032 bstewart@firstpresgreenville.org

Perspectives helped me develop two goals. First, the course helped me lead a new church development in the ECO in its creating a theological foundation and best practices approach to its long-range mission strategy. Second, and more personally, it helped me understand more broadly what God is calling me to do while I am in full-time mission service in Lithuania this year. Thank you, First Presbyterian, for this incredible gift! —Tom Boone

Evangelism & Missions

I was completely unaware of how many people groups throughout the world have not even heard of Jesus and are not a part of a church planting movement. As Christians, it is our responsibility to “go tell.” The mission statement for the ECO is to “build flourishing churches that make disciples of Jesus Christ.” First Pres has God-given potential and resources that can be used to advance world evangelism. It is of utmost importance that we (EACH MEMBER— not just a committee) become involved with partnering and supporting a church planting movement(s) that First Pres has approved. Church planting has proven historically to be one of the most effective methods of “growing faithful Christians.” The Perspectives class has affected me in such a way that I know it is time for me to get to work and not just think and talk about missions, but become a part of the Great Commission. —Mary Ann Brown The most important thing I learned is that those who went before us in the missionary endeavor have a lot to teach us. Missions is never done in a vacuum. We need to learn from one another, be active learners about how others are doing ministry, and have eyes to see God work in ways we never expected. —Gregg Hanchett We should not forget that there are also unreached people groups in areas that are “open” to the gospel—urban areas, Europe, and even those who live among us as immigrant students, employees, or refugees. —Ben Lanz Perspectives helped me step back and see the bigger picture of God’s plan for humanity. I realized it’s not only about his relationship with me personally, but about how He allows me to be part of His work everywhere: from next door to every far corner of the world. The course opened wide my scope of possibilities for what bringing God glory looks like in my life. —Claire Lanz Perspectives clarified my awareness of God’s intent SINCE THE FALL OF MAN to restore humanity’s relationship with him. I never realized how clear God was all through his dealings with Israel that his intent was to reach all humankind through them. The class also made me more aware of Christ’s commands, and my obligation to act upon them. —Matthew Lusk For me personally, Perspectives created more questions than it gave answers. For example, I was challenged to rethink the focus of my Christian walk. Do I really understand what it means to be incarnational in the way I live? How does my being an American affect my walk and witness? Am I willing to die for the gospel? —Edith Parks The class is usually offered once a year at various sites in the Upstate. Please consider being a part of this life-changing experience in the future. For more information about the class, visit the Perspectives website, Perspectives.org, or speak to me or one of our newest Perspectives graduates.

You have an epic role to play! Perspectives will open the eyes of your heart with fresh knowledge and understanding of God’s unchanging purposes and why they’re relevant to your life.

“I pray that the

eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order

that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.” Ephesians 1:8

Evangelism & Missions

Rev. Blair Carlson

Missions Conference Speaker Sunday, September 15

First LOOK Are you interested in or just want to about First Pres?

membership learn more

Join us for our three-Sunday FIRST LOOK Series Classes are offered 9:40–10:50am in the Parlor on the following Sundays in 2013 and 2014: 2013 September 8, 15, 22 November 3, 10, 17 Early 2014 January 12, 19, 26 March 23, 30, April 6 Session 1: What does it mean to be a Christian? Session 2: What does it mean to be an ECO Presbyterian? Session 3: How can I become meaningfully involved at First Pres? For more information or to register, contact New Member Coordinator Chuck Emory, 672.1753 or cemory@firstpresgreenville.org.

lair T. Carlson is the founder and executive director of GoodWORD Partnership. Being the son of missionary parents in China, at birth he was given the Chinese name Ga Po Chuen, means “preach good things around the world.” This name was foundational in his call to evangelism. From 1974 to 2000, he worked with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, spending 18 of those years as an International Crusade Director responsible for organizing many of Dr. Graham’s evangelistic outreaches outside of the United States. It was during this time that he had the privilege of working with Richard Gibbons in planning Mission Scotland. Blair is ordained in the Church of England (Anglican), and served as a local pastor in the UK from 2003 to 2005. From 2006 to 2010, he served as Congress Director for Cape Town 2010, sponsored by the Lausanne Movement, and in 2011 was named Lausanne’s Senior Associate for Proclamation Evangelism. In this role Blair, along with evangelists in other parts of the world, is spearheading Mission World: Africa and Beyond, a global evangelistic project arising out of the Congress. GoodWORD Partnership carries out its work of serving indigenous evangelists through all aspects of mission preparation, leading Evangelism Training Conferences for church leaders, and networking and mentoring evangelists in their ministry. Blair lives in Minneapolis, MN, with his wife, Elizabeth, and their two daughters.

Sunday Evening, September 15

YOUTH MISSION TRIP Presentation Watch the GrapeVine for more details.

Evangelism & Missions

What is Alpha?

Presbyterian Cursillo

Searching for

Alpha gives everyone an opportunity to explore the meaning of life in a relaxed, friendly setting. The Alpha course meets once a week for 12 weeks, including a one-day weekend get-together. Each week begins with a short Three talk thatdays looksthat at a different last aspect of the Christian faith, followed a lifetime … by a time of discussion where everyone is welcome contribute Come SharetoChrist his on or her opinion. a Wonderful Weekend!

and Presbyterian

Pilgrimage

During the discussion, no question is Cursillo considered out of Weekend place or too simple. Questions might include: “Is there October 31-November 3a God?” “Why am I here?” “Where did Georgia Presbyterian Cursillo #43 I come from?” “Where am I going?” Camp Pinnacle Conference The emphasis upon exploration and Retreat isCenter, Clayton, GA and discovery in a welcoming and Register by Monday, October 21, 2013 informal environment.

Pilrimage Weekend Who Is Alpha For?

The Alpha Course: Wednesdays, September 4–November 20 • 6:15–7:45pm • Room 316 September 4

Kickoff: “Is There More to Life than This?”

September 11

“Who Is Jesus?”

September 18

“Why Did Jesus Die?”

September 25

“How Can We Have Faith?”

October 2

“Why and How Do I Pray?”

October 9

“Why and How Should I Read the Bible?”

October 16

“How Does God Guide Us?”

October 20

Sunday Afternoon Retreat 3:00–7:00pm: “Who Is the Holy Spirit?” “What Does the Holy Spirit Do?”

October 23

“How Can I Make the Most of the Rest of My Life?”

October 30

“How Can I Resist Evil?”

November 6

“Why and How Should We Tell Others?”

November 13

“Does God Heal Today?”

November 20

“What About the Church?”

Contact Chuck Emory (cemory@firstpresgreenville.org or 672.1753) to register or for more information.

26-29 Alpha isSeptember for anyone, and people South Carolina Pilgrimage #65 attend from all backgrounds and Camp St. Christopher, viewpoints. They come to investigate SC of questionsSeabrook about theIsland, existence Register by Wednesday, 11 God, the purpose of life,September the afterlife, the claims of Jesus, and more. Some people want to Stephanie get beyond religion Contact Johnson and(earthangel1953@hotmail.com find a relationship with God that or really changesfor life.more Others come for 907.1526) information. the close, long-lasting friendships thatCheck are built course. outduring these the links as well: Some have never beenand to church; Cursillo.com (Cursillo Pilgrimage), others may have attended church GeorgiaPresbyterianCursillo.com occasionally but feel they have never (Cursillo), really understood the basics of the PresbyterianCursilloSC.org Christian faith. Everyone is welcome. (Pilgrimage) CHUCK EMORy New Member Coordinator 672.1753 cemory@firstpresgreenville.org

Evangelism & Missions

Restoration La Romana O

n June 15-22, 23 members from FPC and eight from the new ECO congregation in Fountain Inn traveled together to share the Word and love of Jesus Christ with a barrio outside the city of La Romana in the Dominican Republic. Brizas del Mar (“Breezes by the Sea”) is a teeming community of about 12,000 people, many of whom live in extreme poverty with limited opportunities for education and practically no access to health care. Our mission was singular—to assist Dominican church leaders in their work to bring the light and hope of Jesus Christ to the Brizas del Mar community—but our approach was multifaceted. First, several members of our team worked to bring a Vacation Bible School experience to the children in the area. Members of this team were easily identifiable by their dusty clothes, the result of playing with the children and holding them on occasion in their laps. Laughter and joy continuously poured out from the lot where the event was held. As hard as our VBS team worked to reign in all the chaos of each day, the exuberance of the children was just too much to harness. Our team finally decided: “It’s not about how WE think each day should be organized... it’s about the experience THE CHILDREN are having.” Clearly, these children learned about the love of Christ in enduring and impactful ways. Second, a small team worked on the construction of the Hope Elementary School in the larger Hope Mission compound. Most of the construction work is actually being done by Dominican workers from the neighborhood, and when we arrived our team members unfortunately found themselves waiting for the roof of the school to be poured. Embodying the first rule of short-term missions—flexibility— one of our team members turned to hand-painting the sign for the school while others helped with other ministry areas. When completed, the school will also house a job skills center and a pastors’ training academy. Third, a medical team offered a general health care clinic to the 300 patients who came to see them. People sometimes waited for many hours outside the small church where the clinic was held to see the doctors. Once inside with their vitals

taken, they were listened to and prayed for by our evangelism team. The team gave out 50 Bibles to households without them and gospel tracts to all who came. One father asked the evangelism team to pray that his three sons “would grow up to love the Lord Jesus Christ and to serve Him all of their days.” Many of the people who came expressed a deep faith and trust in God. Our physicians saw numerous cases of high blood pressure, worms, and skin ailments. One young boy came with a painful, infected second-degree burn on his foot caused by a motorcycle muffler. Despite his wails of protest, the foot was cleaned and his mother was instructed on how to care for the wound thereafter. His foot was probably saved that day. Last year when our team came, we found that another young boy in the community had sliced his foot open on a piece of glass. He was treated that day at his home. Much to our delight we saw that boy again at our clinic this year— smiling and completely healed. Other cases were much more heartbreaking. One young girl named “Julie” was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect that will probably take her life in a few years unless she has open heart surgery. Prospects for this surgery in the Dominican Republic are very slim. Attached to the medical clinic was also an eye care center where vision screening occurred and glasses donated from Surgeons for Sight were dispensed. It was hard to take pictures of those who had received new glasses because they quickly ran outside to see the world before a photo could be taken! A local Dominican physician has been contracted to offer follow-up care to the patients we saw in the barrio. Additionally, some of the medical team met with the administrator of a local Christian hospital to see about the potential for medical specialists from our church to perform procedures there. The meeting went well. Finally, the medical, vision, and evangelism teams traveled one day to a Haitian batey (sugar cane work camp) in the countryside. The conditions were appalling, but even there, in one of the poorest and most desperate places in the Western Hemisphere, God’s praises were going forth from a small church in that community. God never ceases to amaze. Each evening the team debriefed the day’s experience with worship, personal testimony, and a study of Robert Lupton’s book Toxic

Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those they Help and How to Reverse It. In particular, we focused upon his “Oath for Compassionate Service,” a series of principles that point the Body of Christ toward practices and partnerships that empower those we wish to assist, rather than exacerbating a cycle of dependency that causes the poor to rely upon others for what they should do for themselves. Many thanks go to FPC’s Missions and Outreach Committee for their provision of funds to pay for the construction of the Hope Mission School. Thanks go as well to the First Pres Prayer Team and for all who prayed that the trip would be a great success. It was! The mission team exhibited a high level of harmony and flexibility, and great ministry was done in the name of Jesus Christ. Initial plans are now being made for another team to travel to the Dominican Republic January 25– February 1, 2014. This team will have more of a medical/dental focus but non-medical professionals are needed as well. Please contact Pastor Brian Stewart, Dr. Caroline Brownlee, Dr. Travis Ellison, or Dr. Bart Williams for more details. Brian Stewart: bstewart@ firstpresgreenville.org Caroline Brownlee: cdmedsc@aol.com Travis Ellison: lafellision@aol.com Bart Williams: bdw@carolinaofs.com

Educational Ministries

Education comes in many forms here at First Presbyterian Church, where we strive to “grow Faithful Christians” in 2013 and into 2014

The purpose of a Christian education would not be merely to make men and women pious Christians: a system which aimed too rigidly at this end alone would become only obscurantist. A Christian education must primarily teach people to be able to think in Christian categories. –T. S. Eliot Jesus said that knowing God is eternal life. There are many venues of education here at FPC that are designed to help you know God. Consider joining a Sunday School class and registering for a Wednesday Advantage course. For further information, look over the Sunday School and Wednesday Advantage brochures online and in the information racks, or contact Charlotte Joye, cjoye@firstpresgreenville.org or 672.0309

REV. TIM LESLIE Educational Ministries Pastor 672.0336 tleslie@firstpresgreenville.org

FROM TIM The most important source for our Christian lives is God’s Word. The Apostle Paul instructed one of his sons in the faith, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). We have God’s revelation of Himself in the Bible, and the one who knows how to handle it correctly will have the wisdom and knowledge for living before the face of God. Therefore, God’s Word (the Bible) is the focus of our ministry. We offer courses of every type in order to carry out our purpose found in Colossians 1:28: “…Christ we proclaim, we train everyone and teach everyone the full scope of this knowledge in order to set everyone before God mature in Christ.” We believe everyone who claims to follow Christ Jesus should be engaged in the renewing of his mind so that God’s orders for living are continually being applied and enjoyed. We offer these major components to assist this renewal: • Sunday morning Sunday School • Monday night Community Bible Study • Wednesday Advantage noon and evening Bible studies and classes • Thursday small groups and Bible studies We want Christians to grow in God’s grace, not to groan in the disgrace of ignorance of God’s commands and His call to holy living. We strive for excellence in our education ministry and invite you to join us. Our desire is that every member of First Presbyterian Church is enabled to handle God’s Word correctly. The education ministry is here to help to equip disciples of the Lord Jesus so they will be able to glorify God in everything they do and to enjoy Him in all of life. We all are called to do our best for the glory of God who has given us eternal life. Join us in learning from God’s Word so that we all might be “approved workmen and workwomen.”

Educational Ministries READ

MondayNightsthisFall

Community Bible Study for Women & Men begins September 9

eteran Bible Teacher Director Bob Williams will be leading an in-depth 30-week (two semesters) study of “Return to Jerusalem.” The study will cover Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. Men and women are welcome and the rewards will be truly astounding as you engage with the Holy Spirit who moved God’s prophets to write these wonderful Old Testament books. Expect God to move you by His Spirit in new ways as you walk with God’s people through some of their toughest times. Look for details in the GrapeVine newsletter and mark your calendar for this deep study of God’s Word.

PREVIEW For Wednesday Nights

Wednesday Advantage First Semester begins Wednesday, September 4, and ends November 20 Here is a little preview of the classes planned, with more to come, so watch for the GrapeVine newsletter and the Wednesday Advantage Brochure: Bible Study with the Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons in Fellowship Hall (offered at 12:30pm and 6:30pm)

1-2-3 John

The Apostle John speaks to his contemporaries and about the future. Is the Bible Reliable? Take a critical look at the Bible and consider its claims to reliability and authority. ALPHA: Inquiry into the Christian Faith Do you have questions about the Christian faith and want answers? This class is for you! Level III CHM Prayer Training Facilitated by the FPC Prayer Team, this class will explore the power of prayer at an advanced level. Family Dynamics and Relationships 101 Dr. Roger Rhoades and Pastor Phil Hargrove will lead discussions about marriage, dating, blended families, the Internet, friendships, and growing older. Sacred Marriage, by Gary Thomas Your marriage is more than a sacred covenant with another person. It is a spiritual discipline designed to help you know God better, trust Him more fully, and love Him more deeply. Men’s Fraternity: The Big Bang We will learn how science and faith are allies, not enemies, and explore powerful new reasons to believe in God as Creator. Co-led by Bruce Badding of “Reasons to Believe.”

Through

THE BIBLE IN 2014

The challenge of reading through the whole Bible “civer to civer” is no longer a daunting one. The benefits will appear as soon as one begins the journey through the Bible. God’s presence, voice, and guidance will be found in His Word. There is an abundance of tools to assist you in the endeavor. These tools can be very sophisticated or very simple. The church’s information racks contain a small pocket-sized pamphlet which has a schedule of readings. There are also several Bibles with a system already built in for accomplishing the challenge; one can find them in the Vineyard bookstroe or at any of Greenville’s local bookstores. An Internet search for “Bible Reading plans” will display a myriad of sites and resources. Here is a partial list of websites where assistance in daily reading can be found: biblegateway.com: click on “Additional Resources” for several different plans studythebible.com/daily.htm: American Standard version 1901 sacrednamebible.com/ kjvstrongs/readyear.htm: KJV with Strong’s Concordance bibleinayear.org backtothebible.org/index.php/ Bible-Reading-Guides.html ewordtoday.com/year/ Some really fun sites are preservingbibletimes.org, bibleplaces.com, and ancientsandals.com. These sites can give you some invaluable background to your reading. I look forward to joining you in this journey through God’s Word.

Marriage & Family Ministry

Marriage

Mentoring ...to consider being a marriage mentor for a newly married couple. This does not mean that you have a perfect marriage. It just means you’re willing to walk alongside a newer married couple for encouragement and support. Contact Pastor Phil Hargrove if you are interested.

Seminar February 7-8, 2014 Combining dramatic stories, real-life testimonies, expert interviews, and humorous vignettes to lay out God’s design for marriage in a fresh way, The Art of Marriage is a time for couples to invest in and be encouraged in their relationship. For engaged and married couples, the weekend will examine God’s purpose and plan for marriage, overcoming isolation, fulfilling our responsibilities, communicating effectively, resolving conflict, experiencing real intimacy, and leaving a lasting legacy.

PHIL HARgROVE Pastor of Marriage and Family, Men’s, and Young Adult Ministries 672.1847 phargrove@firstpresgreenville.org

Family First Biblically Based Support for the Seasons of Family Life The select first Sundays of each month, the Marriage and Family Ministry brings Family First—biblically based seminars designed to encourage God-honoring homes. Family First meets in Harper Chapel during the Sunday School hour. • November 3: God Doesn’t Care if Your Children Like You Speakers: Milt and Caroline Lowder • January 12: Talking About the Talk: Debriefing on the Birds and the Bees with Your Children Speakers: Phil and Cary Hargrove

Marriage & Family Ministry

Wednesday Advantage Offerings

Family Dynamics and Relationships 101 September 4–November 20 6:30-7:30pm • Parlor Led by Dr. Roger Rhoades and Pastor Phil Hargrove What was your score in the high school class “Relationships 101”? What did you say? Your school did not offer a relationships class? Well to tell you the truth, neither did ours. It is hard to do well without any information. That is what this class is all about: Information. The plan is for you to bring the questions and the class will seek to provide answers. If you’ve hit snags and have issues and questions on marriage, dating, blended families, the Internet, friendships, and growing older, come! We will help you sort it out.

Sacred Marriage, by Gary Thomas January–April Led by Pastor Phil Hargrove Your marriage is more than a sacred covenant with another person. It is a spiritual discipline designed to help you know God better, trust Him more fully, and love Him more deeply. Scores of books have been written that offer guidance for building the marriage of your dreams. But what if God’s primary intent for your marriage isn’t to make you happy, but to make you holy? And what if your relationship isn’t as much about you and your spouse as it is about you and God? Whether it is delightful or difficult, your marriage can become a doorway to a closer walk with God and to a spiritual integrity that, like salt, seasons the world around you with the savor of Christ.

Men’s Fraternity: The Big Bang September 4–November 20 Co-led by Bruce Badding After a brief hiatus last spring, Men’s Fraternity is back this fall with a bang (that’s the “Big Bang”) and with a fresh focus. We will learn how science and faith are— and always will be—allies, not enemies. We will explore powerful new reasons to believe in the God of the Bible as the Creator and Savior. In addition to our First Pres facilitators, we are pleased to welcome co-leader Bruce Badding, Greenville Chapter President of “Reasons to Believe.”

CSI: Christian

Singles Interacting

All singles are invited to join us! • Second Friday Monthly Dinner Night 6:00pm each month at various restaurants. • Quarterly luncheons with guest speakers, Sundays at 12:30pm in the Formal Dining Room. Cost for lunch and speaker is $7. • Fun Activities, including hikes, movies, plays, ball games, and Saturday breakfasts. For more information, contact Jennifer Paramore at jparamore1991@att.net or watch the GrapeVine for more details.

Congregational Care

Praise

in the You who fear the LORD,

praise Him!

…glorify Him, and stand in awe of Him…

Psalm 22:23

Storm

But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. Psalms 22:3 (KJV)

od loves it when we praise Him. Psalm 22:3 portrays a picture of God inhabiting the praises of His people. The Hebrew essence of “inhabitest” is a depiction of the Lord sitting down and dwelling. Our praises are so precious to Him that He stops and abides with us in the very midst of our praise. Think about that. The word “praise” occurs nearly 300 times in Scripture. Interestingly, a vast majority of those references are in the Psalms, including: I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. Psalm 9:2 (ESV) I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you. Psalm 22:22 (ESV) You who fear the LORD, praise Him, glorify Him, stand in awe of Him… Psalm 22:23 (ESV) Shout for joy in the LORD, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright. Psalm 33:1 (ESV) He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Psalm 40:3 (ESV) Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD! Psalm 113:1 (ESV)

Are the waters deep? Are you lonely? Discouraged? Do you find yourself even doubting whether God hears your prayers or cares about your troubles? Every time you try to “look on the bright side” is a dark future all you see? STAN JOHNSON Congregational Care Pastor 672.0334 sjohnson@firstpresgreenville.org

Maybe it’s time to praise Him and ask Him to come and dwell in your life. When it begins to rain in your life, praise Him. When you can’t breathe, praise him. He is in the midst of it all. The chorus of one of my favorite Casting Crowns songs says, “And I’ll praise you in this storm — and I will lift my hands — for You are who You are — no matter where I am…” You may not sing your troubles away, but I’ll bet you feel the presence of One who sticks closer than a brother. And I promise you that when He “inhabits your praise” it will turn your life around.

Congregational Care

MILITARY MINISTRY

t seems that just yesterday SPC Clifton Adams III, SCANG, deployed to Kosovo as a member of the 1st Battalion, 118th Infantry (Union, SC), 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (Charleston, SC). In June, however, SPC Adams completed a one-year tour and returned to the Upstate to reunite with his wife Joyce and family. Adams’ unit was assigned to KFOR 16 (NATO Multinational Force, see map) with the mission of helping the locals in their area of responsibility (AOR) maintain their freedom of movement without fear of retribution. The 1/118 provided a safe and secure environment for all citizens of Kosovo located in the northern sector of the U.S. AOR in the vicinity of Camp Novo Selo (see map), regardless of whether they were Serbian or Albanian. After two months of pre-deployment training in the U.S. and Germany, Adams arrived in Kosovo in September of last year and was assigned to the Joint Operations Center, comprised of French and U.S. Forces at Novo Selo. SPC Adams believes that the assigned mission of maintaining a safe and secure environment by conducting peace support operations and providing humanitarian assistance was accomplished. According to Adams, KFOR Soldiers remain neutral at all times when dealing with local issues and help mediate problems as necessary. Of note, Kosovo is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world, which keeps the EOD units attached to the 1/118 extremely active. SPC Adams commented that the three religions—Islam, Orthodoxy, and Catholicism— have long coexisted in Kosovo. However, a large majority of the Kosovo Albanians consider themselves to be Muslim and most Serbs consider Orthodoxy as an important component of their national identity. To what degree religion per se is a contributing factor in the conflict is still debated. Iraq is another country with its share of land mines and IEDs. It is also where we find lstLt Sam Leslie, USA, son of Rev. Tim and Cathy Leslie. Sam is the Officer in Charge of multiple EOD units spread throughout the country. Recently deployed from Ft. Stewart, GA, Sam and his men are attached to the American Embassy in Baghdad. WO1 Ben Barron, USMC, cousin of A. B. Stewart, deployed to the Mediterranean Sea/Arabian Gulf with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is halfway through his tour. Through the first half of his deployment, Marines and sailors conducted unilateral, bilateral, and multinational training exercises with countries such as France, Greece, Qatar, and Jordan. The recently completed exercise with Jordan to strengthen militaryto-military relationships and enhance security and stability in the region was conducted in an area on the Syrian border.

SPC Adam s in nor thern Kosovo

SPC Adams in HLZ (helicoptor landing zone), Kosovo

Contact

the Military Ministry Team for more information: Bob Browning robrowning@mindspring.com Tammy Burkhalter 672.0327 or tburkhalter@firstpresgreenville.org FirstPresGreenville.org/ militaryministry.htm

We thank the Lord for the safe return of Clif and for His guiding hand on Sam and Ben as they complete their deployments. Please keep all of our members and their families (listed at FirstPresGreenville.org/militaryministry.htm) in your prayers as they serve our nation both at home and abroad.

Al Quweria, Jordan: Marines and sailors of 26th MEU share a spiritual exchange with Col Jamel Al Sbool, imam for the JAF and the Very Reverend Nabil Haddad, founder of a interfaith tolerance organization in Jordan.

USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) At Sea: U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey preparing to take off for a mission over Jordan.

Congregational Care The Pastoral Visitation Ministry

go&Learn Mercy I Pastoral Visitation Ministry Kickoff Sunday, September 8 5:00pm at the home of Noel and Caroline Brownlee An evening of food and fellowship for current PVMs and those interested in joining the ministry

n Matthew 9, Jesus calls one of the most hated people in the Jewish world at that time to be one of his disciples—a tax collector named Matthew. Matthew, a Jew, collected taxes from the Jewish people and gave those taxes to the despised Roman Empire. Jesus not only calls Matthew to be one of his disciples; after he calls him he goes to eat with Matthew’s friends! The gospel account tells us that Jesus called Matthew and then went to eat “with many tax collectors and sinners.” The religious people of the day, the Pharisees, complained bitterly to the disciples saying, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” When Jesus heard their complaints he responded, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’” Jesus tells us in the Gospel of Matthew that there are three things we must “go and learn.” In other words, there are three things that we do not get immediately on our own just by showing up, but we must pursue them and “go and learn” them. The first of these things is mercy. Jesus says, “Go and learn that I desire mercy.” (If you come up to me in the hall at church and tell me the two other things that Jesus tells us we must go and learn in Matthew, I will not only be overjoyed, but I will run to my office to get you a surprise!) I have been enchanted with the idea that Jesus wants us to learn about mercy. Mercy is the gift of getting not what we deserve, but getting much more kindness and goodness than we could ever imagine. Mercy is Jesus on the cross giving us forgiveness and eternal life, even though our sins have convicted us to condemnation and death. Mercy is the ocean of God’s love that overcomes our faults, our doubts, our fears, our foibles, and even our deepest anxieties. Mercy is that wondrous surprise given to us by God, the Father of the prodigal, when we look to Him expecting judgment and anger for doing the same wrong thing again and again—and instead we receive open arms of love, welcome, and celebration. I have asked God what it means to “go and learn mercy.” Learning something is focusing on it, memorizing it, understanding it, and being able to explain it to others. How have I, myself, learned to “go and learn mercy”? God has taught me that the more I practice mercy in day-to-day encounters, the more I learn mercy. The more I give mercy to others who have hurt me or offended me, the more my understanding of His mercy grows. When I focus outside of myself, outside of my fears, concerns, and self-condemnation, and go out and seek to mirror the mercy of God to others in the world, I begin to do what Jesus instructs in Matthew 9.

PAM COLE Visitation Pastor 672.1839 pcole@firstpresgreenville.org

One wonderful way to “go and learn mercy” is to become a Pastoral Visitation Minister (PVM). In the Pastoral Visitation Ministry, we seek to set our own problems down and take the mercy of God outside of the walls of the church to those who are no longer able to come and worship with us. We PVMs seek to take listening, love, care, and concern to those who are suffering grief, hardship, loss, loneliness, and pain. By seeking to take mercy to others, we in the Pastoral Visitation Ministry are gladdened to learn that mercy comes back upon us in our own lives, and we are surprised by joy. If you would like to be a part of a mercy ministry and start to “go and learn mercy,” we would be delighted to have you join us on this wonderful journey of love. We meet for training and fellowship from October until May, the first Monday of every month in the Church Parlor at 5:30pm. Our first meeting for the fall is Sunday, September 8, at 5:00pm at the home of Dr. Noel and Dr. Caroline Brownlee. All who are interested in the PVM ministry are invited to this night of food and fellowship. Our first regular meeting for teaching and training will be on Monday, October 7, in the Church Parlor at 5:30pm. I will kick off our new teaching season with the passage from Matthew 9. We would be glad for you to join us! Love,

Congregational Care

Life Hurts. God Heals. F

irst Presbyterian Church is pleased to offer Support Groups again this year with Lay Leader Chris Haines. Support Groups are open to our congregation as well as the wider community. We find they are a huge blessing to those dealing with serious life experiences. The Support Group Ministry, under the direction of Congregational Care Pastor Stan Johnson, gives help, friendship, compassion, and spiritual comfort to those who are hurting.

ď&#x201A;&#x2013; griefShare

Support Group is for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one. Do you have questions about death, dying, your own mortality, and eternal life? If you have experienced the loss of a spouse, child, family member, or friend, we know it hurts. We want to help by providing you with the understanding, support, and encouragement you need during your grieving process.

Divorce Care

Support Group is for anyone going through a divorce or already divorced and seeking answers to difficult questions. Do you ever wonder if anyone really understands just how lonely you are? We can help you discover hope and experience healing through the awesome power of Jesus Christ.

Divorce Care for Kids (DC4K) Support Group is for ages 5-12. If you know a child hurting because of divorce, bring him or her to Divorce Care for Kids to find help and healing.

Chris Haines, Lay Leader

Chris has been a member of First Presbyterian Church since 2009. He is a counselor for the SC Department of Mental Health. Chris is an active member of Life, the young adult ministry at FPC, and has served on the Nominating Committee. He is a member of the Rooted Sunday School Class.

griefShare, Divorce Care, and Divorce Care for Kids will begin Sunday, September 8. Led by trained, experienced facilitators, the groups meet at the church on Sunday evenings, 5:00â&#x20AC;&#x201C;7:00pm, for 13 weeks. There is no charge to attend the group sessions; workbooks are $10. Childcare is available by request. Advance registration is required. To register for a group or for further information, contact Tammy Burkhalter, 672.0327 or tburkhalter@firstpresgreenville.org.

Congregational Care Senior Adult Ministry

Wit & Wisdom Schedule September 3 Nancy Welch October 1 Jean Hunt, Author and Artist November 5 Deb Richardson-Moore (Triune Mercy Center) and Rick Sturgis (Dominican Republic) December 3 Yesterukes Senior Band January 7 Marianne Fredrick, Christian Comedian February 4 Charlie Miller (Berea First Baptist) Please call Anna Teasley (367.8504) by the Thursday prior to the meeting to reserve your spot. Space is limited.

f you are 55 or older and love fantastic food, fun, and fellowship, we encourage you to join us for WIT & WISDOM. We meet on the ﬁrst Tuesday of each month, September through May, at 11:30am in Fellowship Hall. The program is free and lunch (12:30pm) is $7. Our line-up for this season is excellent, so mark your calendars now and bring a friend along for the fun! WIT & WISDOM’s opening kickoff on Tuesday, September 3, will feature Nancy Welch. Nancy is a published author, public speaker, and workshop instructor. Whether it’s cooking demonstrations, interior design workshops, or sharing on business networking, life balance, or her days as an innkeeper, she has her audience mesmerized from start to finish. Nancy is a gifted speaker, always topical and always entertaining.

FIRST PRES

First Presbyterian is a praying church and the Prayer Ministry offers several areas for you to get involved.

MINISTRY

Prayer Request

Lines

Prayer Requests: 672.1838 Prayer Appointments: 672.1848 Congregational Care Assistant: Tammy Burkhalter: 672.0327 tburkhalter@firstpresgreenville.org

OPPORTUNITIES TO RECEIVE PRAyER There are a number of ways to receive individual prayer at First Pres. • Meet with one of the Elders for prayer on Sunday mornings after the services • Fill out a Prayer Request form, located in the literature racks and pew racks • Schedule a private appointment with a Prayer Minister by calling 672.1848 • Attend the Healing Prayer Service, Tuesday evenings at 7:00pm in Harper Chapel • Fill out and return the prayer card you receive in the mail • Leave a prayer request on our Prayer Line at 672.1838 • Contact Congregational Care at 672.0327 or tburkhalter@ﬁrstpresgreenville.org. OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE IN THE PRAyER MINISTRy Different areas are available for anyone who would like to serve in the Prayer Ministry. • Become a Prayer Minister for the Tuesday evening Healing Prayer Service • Join the Prayer Room Team and spend one hour per week in prayer for requests that are submitted • Join the Prayer Card Team and send prayer cards by mail to members of the congregation each month • Join the Prayer Card Team for College Students and send prayer cards to college students three times a year. OCTOBER PRAyER EMPHASIS Watch for more information and the introduction of a Prayer Center coming soon. If you have any questions regarding the Prayer Ministry, please contact Tammy Burkhalter, Congregational Care Assistant, at tburkhalter@firstpresgreenville.org or 672.0327.

Congregational Care

Member Attends Life-Changing Stephen Ministry Training Jack DePriester, Stephen Ministry Leader

irst Presbyterian member Jack DePriester was among 500 pastors and church leaders at a Stephen Series Leader’s Training Course held in Pittsburgh, PA, in August. He represented South Carolina, as churches from all 50 states and Canada comprised many denominations, yet united in mission: Learning how to bring Jesus’ love and care to hurting people. One main focus was that God’s power is NOT seen through the ability of the instrument, but through its availability. The fastpaced, seven-day course began on Sunday evening, August 4, and concluded the following Saturday at noon. The role of a Stephen Leader is to direct Stephen Ministry in the congregation. Stephen Leaders recruit, select, train, and supervise Stephen Ministers, and locate people with needs for care and match them to a Stephen Minister. They also build awareness regarding Stephen Ministry in the congregation and community. “The training at an LTC differs from the 50 hours of Stephen Minister training in the congregation because the Leadership Training Course focuses on the administrative and supervisory aspects of Stephen Ministry,” says Rev. Stan Johnson. “The Stephen Minister training that we offer here at First Presbyterian Church focuses on the actual caregiving skills Stephen Ministers will use in their caring relationships.” Jack joins the existing Stephen Leadership Team at First Presbyterian Church consisting of the Rev. Stan Johnson, Caroline Morris, Joann Reed, and Wendy Galliard. Please lift Jack up in prayer as he begins his new role as a Stephen Ministry Leader. “Stephen Ministry is a Christ-centered ministry that belongs to the people of First Presbyterian Church,” Jack says. “I am impressed with what God can do through this ministry and I was pleased to attend the Leadership Training Conference. I encourage members of this congregation to support and become involved with Stephen Ministry.” If you are interested in utilizing our Stephen Ministry or if you feel led to become a Stephen Minister, please contact Tammy Burkhalter of Congregational Care at 672.0327.

Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

“I am impressed with what God can do through this ministry… I encourage members of this congregation to support and become involved with Stephen Ministry.”

STEPHEN MINISTRY

Children’s Ministries

We Prayed

god Answered

or the past several years, our prayers for Vacation Bible School have been about the same: “Dear Lord, please open the doors to both our church members and the community. Send the churched and unchurched. Make Your presence known and fill the hearts of the children and adults with Your unconditional love and truth. Most importantly, may those who need to know You as Savior invite You into the door of their heart. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.” This year First Presbyterian experienced one of our largest VBS programs ever. Over 400 children and youth participated in our VBS and Day Mission programs, and we took VBS to over 200 students and elderly in the nearby community. So why was this year any different from past years when we prayed the same prayer? Because God’s timing is perfect.

Thanks to Mary Grace Mack, Laura Paige Penkert, Hannah Mashburn, and Caroline Templeton for participating in VBS Kingdom Rock!

KAREN KINg Director of Elementary Education and Family Missions (1st–5th Grades) 672.1840 kking@firstpresgreenville.org

When the week began we had no idea what blessings were in store. Children of all backgrounds flocked to First Presbyterian and it was wonderful to see God’s hand at work in ways we never dreamed. The testimonies of how God was seen, heard, felt, and shared truly melted our hearts and, once again, caused us to stand in awe of our Father. How great Thou art! The following is a testimony (just one of many) from a volunteer about a young child named Reggie (from Bel-Aire Community Fellowship, a mission that FPC supports). When a Bel-Aire intern picked Reggie up on the first day of VBS, the intern stood at the doorway as Reggie’s mom cried… She was tearfully praising God for His answer to prayer about what to do with her kids this summer due to her family circumstances and working two jobs. At the same time, in His perfect timing and perfect will, God was using her to encourage this new intern in his calling for the summer. During the first week of camp, the younger Bel-Aire kids, including Reggie and his brother Jay, spent the mornings at First Pres VBS in a sea of white kids, neither group old enough to understand the stark contrast between their worlds. On the last day, a teacher asked for a volunteer to come up front and play the role of king. Reggie, excited and eager, was selected to come forward and was seated on a makeshift throne with a king’s crown placed on his head. The teacher then asked, “If you were king and could make any one law you wanted, what would it be?” Reggie sat in deep thought, seriously pondering the question in his mind. Sensing a lull, the teacher asked, “Would you make a law that kids eat ice cream every day?” to which all the other kids erupted in agreement, “Yeah, ice cream every day!” Reggie, unmoved by the crowd’s response, sat in deep thought, eyes staring off in meditation. The teacher again tried to help. “Would you make a law that there is no more school?” and the crowd again erupted with echoes of “Yeah, no more school!” Reggie, still unmoved, continued thinking until he somberly mumbled words too soft for the teacher to understand. “What was that?” she asked. Reggie repeated, “I would destroy all the drugs.” The heartbreaking reality of this eight-year-old’s world had put wishes for “ice cream” and “no more school” into proper perspective for the suburban crowd mostly confused by his response. After VBS, the intern delivered Reggie and his brother to a home with no electrical power. Their mom said it was from a power outage the day before, but that contradicted the Duke Energy tag hanging on the doorknob. By God’s Grace, arrangements were made to have power turned back on for Reggie and his family. Children do not get to choose the life that is dealt them, but we as Christians can choose to share the love of Jesus with others, regardless of the situation. We praise God for giving us a big backyard of opportunities in which to spread His abundant and unconditional love through a simple week of VBS!

We prayed and God truly answered.

Children’s Ministries

Blessed! I

f you have small children and have been at First Pres for even a few years, then most likely you have heard of Ms. Alice. Alice Smith has been working in the First Pres Children’s Ministry for over 20 years and is still going strong. She has watched many of the kids she cared for go from leaving the nursery suite to leaving their parents’ homes for college. Many of the volunteers who are placed in Ms. Alice’s room end up staying there year after year because they love working with her. When you stop by her class on a Sunday morning it is so evident that she loves being with children. Alice always has a story and activity planned for the toddlers and many times spends her own money to bring them special treats. She knows that even before the age of two, these children understand that Jesus loves them and that they are special to Him. They might not be talking yet, but they still love to hear Bible stories and sing about God. Alice also takes the time to get to know the volunteers who work with her each week. She learns about their families and what schools they cheer for. More than likely, the next time they volunteer she will give them a painting of their school’s mascot. When parents and volunteers heard recently that Alice would be out six weeks for surgery, numerous calls came in asking for her address so they could send her flowers and cards. We definitely have a jewel in Ms. Alice and are so blessed to have her. Her love for the Lord shines in her work with the children. If you have not yet had the chance to get to know Ms. Alice, please stop by and say hello. You will be blessed! Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us… Ephesians 5:1-2a

Savethe Dates Family Fall Event at Eden Farms Sunday, October 6 Mom.2.Mom Event Tuesday, October 8 Operation Christmas Child Begins (Shoeboxes) Sunday, October 13 Family Advent Festival Wednesday, December 4 Route 56 Regressive Christmas Dinner Sunday, December 15

EVELyN PENKERT Director of Early Childhood and Preschool Education 672.1843 epenkert@firstpresgreenville.org

The Children’s Ministry hallway is covered with prayers and messages from children and students who participated in VBS and Day Missions.

Children’s Ministries

“A Mother’s Prayer” He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:11

Tuesday, October 8, 2013 Brunch 9:00–10:30am Fellowship Hall Cost: $5 for brunch Childcare: free by reservation to Evelyn Penkert, 672.1843 or epenkert@firstpresgreenville.org Join other moms for brunch and a wonderful time of fellowship. Our guest speaker is First Pres missionary Natalie Hall. Natalie Hall is a native of South Carolina and a member of First Presbyterian Church. She, her husband Steven, and their three children serve as missionaries with SEND North in Anchorage, Alaska. In addition to mission work, Natalie homeschools their three children. God has given Natalie a story to share that will encourage and reassure other mothers of God’s constant love and care.

Moms of all ages are invited!

TINA JONES Director of Mother’s Morning Out 672.0347 tjones@firstpresgreenville.org

other’s Morning Out is starting its 30th year in ministry! Serving families with infants and toddlers during the school year, our specialty is providing secure, loving childcare and growth and development opportunities. If we can be of assistance to your family, let us know.

Visit FirstPresgreenville.org/mmo.htm

Student Ministries

Student What Ministries We Do Wednesday Night ROOTS

Junior High 6:00–7:30pm Senior High 7:30–9:00pm September 15

yOUTHMISSION TRIPPresentation

GrowingRoots School is back in session and things are returning to a more normal pace, but what an awesome summer we had with Roots student ministries! Our students were busy with VBS, mission trips, and other exciting events. It is truly an honor for me to get to minister to the youth of First Presbyterian! Our students have a joy and excitement for the Lord that is contagious. As we gear up for our Fall Retreat, we’re looking forward to reminding our students of the call placed on our lives and getting to know each and every one of them even better.

A good way to explain our Wednesday evening gatherings would be “organized chaos.” After eating dinner, we move to a time of games, followed by a practical, gospel-centered message. This is a great time for students to bring their friends and hear a message about God’s love for us and how to show our love for Christ.

Sunday School 9:45–10:35am

During Sunday School we offer a more intensive study of the Scriptures and often work through books of the Bible. This is the perfect opportunity for students to learn how to properly read, understand, and apply the Scriptures to their lives.

My goal as the Female Student Ministries Coordinator is to reach out to the female students involved in the Roots student ministries, include them, and ensure that they are growing and learning in the Lord. My prayer for the girls is that they learn their identity as daughters of God and begin to understand the importance of the church in their walk with our Savior.

Sunday Night Small groups 6:00–7:30pm

As our group is growing so is our excitement for the youth ministry at First Presbyterian! We appreciate the opportunity to pour into your students and guide them as they seek to learn and grow to become faithful Afton Britt Christians. Female Student Ministries Coordinator

672.7031 abritt@firstpresgreenville.org

Our small groups are a great time for students to get together with a smaller group of friends, eat dinner, and enjoy an interactive time of studying the Scriptures. Here our dedicated house group leaders will pour into students’ lives and guide them throughout their middle and high school careers.

Student Ministries

Senior High

ROOTS

Upcoming Events Junior & Senior High Small groups Begin September 8

New Orleans Mission Trip Report September 15

Fall Retreat October 11-13

Halloween Bash October 30

Christmas Party December 18

Winter Retreat Early February

Junior High Party February 12

SEAN gAJDA Senior High Director 672.0323 sgajda@firstpresgreenville.org

hat a summer we have had! I must admit, when I first came on staff at First Presbyterian Church in January, I never expected that my first seven months would be so incredibly packed. Our summer especially was absolutely slammed—with parties, movies, Carowinds, and of course, our New Orleans mission trip. We had an incredible time in New Orleans in July. About a hundred students and adults from First Presbyterian bussed down to Louisiana early in the morning of July 15 to serve the city in multiple ministry settings. I was so proud of our students (and leaders) throughout the week, and I am sure anyone on our trip would talk your ear off about how wonderful the entire experience was. I want to thank our church family for supporting our students in this endeavor; if it weren’t for your abundant and selfless giving, some of our students would never have been able to experience this life-changing trip. Your continual prayers for our students and our safety were also felt, and again, I cannot thank you enough for that. We’re also excited about our Fall Retreat coming up on October 11-13 at Camp Cedar Cliff just outside of Asheville. Space will be limited, so please get your student signed up quickly. I understand this is a yearly favorite for our students, so please do not miss out! One last thing—I want to personally thank you all for making my family and me feel so welcome at First Presbyterian. From day one we have felt like we truly were a part of the First Pres family, and that support and love has already carried us through in such a distinct and real way. We are looking forward to many more years together. Thanks again! If you have any questions, please contact me any time. I’m excited about what God is doing at ROOTS High School student ministries here at First Presbyterian Church!

FallRetreat

Camp Cedar Cliff Last year we took 115 students on the fall retreat and we hope to have even more join us this fall! This year’s retreat is sure to be our best yet, and we can’t wait to see what the Lord wants to do in the lives of First Pres students. Watch your email and the GrapeVine for more details and registration forms.

Student Ministries

Junior High ROOTS

f there is one thing that consistently holds true at First Presbyterian Church, it is that we are actively growing faithful Christians. In ROOTS student ministries, we just happen to have the best time doing it! For our Junior High ministry, we place a huge emphasis on glorifying God and having a lot of fun along the way. It’s not uncommon to find me on the floor of our youth room after being bested by one of our 8th graders, making a fool of myself in a music video, or being laughed at because I’ve embarrassed myself in one of our wild games. ROOTS student ministries exist to help mature our youth into the fullness of glorifying God and enjoying Him forever. We seek to do this through several different avenues and would LOVE for you to join us for any or all of them! Our Junior High students meet weekly on Wednesday nights, 6:00–7:30pm (concurrent with Wednesday Advantage), to share a meal together, play games, goof around, and hear sound biblical teaching. This is a wonderful time for your students to get involved or to invite their friends.

Fun gam es with frie nds!

We have also revamped our Sunday School hour to coincide with our church’s new schedule. All of our students meet in the Junior High room for worship music, a brief lesson introduction, and small groups based on grades. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to take a more in-depth look at scripture and discuss how it directly applies to their lives. Here we seek to foster a small group feel in the midst of a substantial group of students. Finally, we have Sunday night Small Groups for students to foster relationships with two older leaders and their peers, creating a web of fellowship that our students can depend on during both good and difficult times in their lives. Our small group leaders are all church members who love Jesus Christ and desire to see our students know Him better. Beyond these core activities, we have a lot of activities for your students to take part in, such as lunch gatherings, after-school events, mission trips, and various hangout times. In October, we will be heading to Camp Cedar Cliff for our annual Fall Retreat, a crazy three-day weekend filled with awesome worship, great speakers, wild games, and tons of fellowship (although it does lack a sufficient amount of sleep for leaders). This would be an incredible way for you or your student to get involved with ROOTS Student Ministries! If you would like to get involved, join us on Wednesdays 6:00–7:30pm, Sundays 9:45–10:35am, and Sunday nights at various times depending on the group. For you adults, I realize that the natural inclination is to think that youth ministry is only for us younger people, but that is very far from the truth. If you can tolerate loud music and louder students, we can use you. You don’t have to be able to preach or teach, you don’t have to be able to run ProPresenter, and you don’t need to know Greek or Hebrew. If you can bake, if you can swing a hammer, if you have a space we could use for games, if you are a human being, we can put you to work for the Kingdom! We would love to partner with you in ministry in an effort to point our students to Christ.

Tubing adventure

CHARLIE BUCHANAN Junior High Director 672.0333 cbuchanan@firstpresgreenville.org

Young Adult Ministry

growth Opportunities

For young Adults 20s & early 30s

Men’s Small groups

Interested in a men’s small group? Groups meet throughout the week. Call Phil Hargrove for possibilities.

Radiance Women’s Bible Study

Wednesdays • 7:00–8:30pm Starting September 18, Diana Orders and Susan Batson will lead a weekly Bible study for female 20and early 30-somethings (single or married). A light dinner will be provided. For more information see page 28 or contact Diana: dianaorders@charter.net or 235.6450 or 630.1525.

Journey SundayCommunity Journey is a new community for young adults coming to First Presbyterian beginning Sunday, September 8. We will gather in the Formal Dining Room (beside Fellowship Hall) during the Sunday School hour (9:45–10:30am) for teaching, relationship building, and serving each other and the Greenville community. Come be a part and get connected to others in their mid-20s to early 30s.

Sunday Supper@Six 6 o’clock 6 dollars 6 reasons September 29 October 27 December 8 Christmas Party

Wednesday Night

Basketball

Find u s faceb on ook

January 26 February 23

1. You have to eat anyway. 2. You can act like you put money in the basket but really don’t have to. 3. You don’t want to do laundry on Sunday evening or clean your living space anyway. 4. You want to meet other young adults. 5. You secretly like doing social mixers. 6. You won’t be asked to give your testimony or recite all the books of the Bible in order.

7:45pm • First Pres Gym Come join other young adults and relive your sports glory days with pick-up basketball in the Gym.

JOIN US FOR THE

FallRetreat: Camp Rockmont

PHIL HARgROVE Pastor of Marriage and Family, Men’s, and Young Adult Ministries 672.1847 phargrove@firstpresgreenville.org

November 1-2

Join other young adults on November 1-2 at Camp Rockmont in the beautiful North Carolina mountains as we spend the weekend growing closer to God and each other. The cost is $20 and includes meals and lodging.

Women’s Ministry

Come Be a Part

of What God Is Doing! W

e all go through rough times in our lives. How we respond to them is what is important. Do we react as women without hope or do we live as women who trust God and the fact that He keeps His promises? Do we seek truth and consolation from the world or do we run to Jesus and His Word to find what we need? Do we think we are all alone or do we remember that the Holy Spirit is with us always? We all have good times in our lives. How do we respond to them? Do we celebrate and share with others before we take time to give thanks and glory to God? Do we take credit for the successes or do we give God praise for what He has done? The verses for the year for Women’s Ministry speak to the above. Jesus is the same— period. No matter what comes our way, He does not change. What a comfort to know that when life is swirling around us, He is always the same—steadfast, faithful, loving, caring, concerned, and above everything. As we walk with God, He keeps us from stumbling. He keeps us standing firm and as He does, we give Him the glory. What a joy to celebrate with Him and praise Him for what He has done and is doing in our lives! I invite you to join us in Women’s Ministry this year as we follow our amazing God and walk through life together seeking to grow as faithful Christians. There are Bible studies, Circles, small groups, and special events throughout the year. Women’s Ministry is for YOU. If you have an idea for or questions about Women’s Ministry, let me know. I would love to meet you and talk with you. May God richly bless you as you seek and serve Him.

Women’s Ministry at First Pres

The mission of the Women’s Ministry is to glorify God as we grow faithful Christians through Bible study, prayer, discipleship, missions, service, and fellowship.

We would love to hear from you! Contact Information Women’s Ministry Web Page: FirstPresGreenville.org/ womensministries.htm Women’s Ministry Chair: Edith Parks (263.7989 or womensministry@ ﬁrstpresgreenville.org)

Ephesians 3:21-22,

Fall Kickoff Luncheon Join us for

God’s Peace and Provision with Becky and Stephanie Timmerman

Thursday, September 5 • 12:00–1:00pm in Fellowship Hall Stephanie Timmerman was born with spina bifida and other medical issues. The doctors told her parents, Becky and Steve, that she would not live through the night. That was 28 years ago. Today Stephanie works two days a week at the Children’s Theater, takes dancing lessons, and loves acting. She is involved in the Drama Ministry at Calvary First Baptist Church and also does sign language for special music both as a soloist and with the church choir. Although she cannot speak, she talks using sign language and an iPad. Becky and Stephanie will share the story of their journey from the hospital to today—a story of God’s amazing peace, provision, and care.

Cost is $7 at the door. To reserve a place at the luncheon:

Register online at FirstPresGreenville.org/womensministries.htm by August 30 or contact Charlotte Joye, 672.0309 or cjoye@firstpresgreenville.org. Free childcare by reservation to Evelyn Penkert, epenkert@firstpresgreenville.org or 672.1843.

Women’s Ministry

2013-2014

Women’s Weekl Be a part of what

God is doing! We have opportunities for women to serve by helping with Special Events, the Sanctuary Flower Committee, and the Women’s Prayer Ministry. For more information, contact Edith Parks at womensministry@ firstpresgreenville.org. or 263.7989. We look forward to having you join us! Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. HEBREWS 13:8

Women’s Ministry Leadership Team 2013-2014 Chair Edith Parks Secretary Anne Williams Treasurer Sandra Beckham Circle Coordinator Becky Carter Circle Study Coordinator Evelyn Smith Bible Study Coordinator Jeanne Robinson Special Events Coordinator Judy Outlaw Missions Coordinator Carrie Dickert Membership Coordinator Susan Winburn

TUESDAyS beginning Tuesday, September 10

Fire on the Mountain by Ray Vander Laan Tuesdays, September 10–December 3 8:30–10:00am in Room 308 When the Israelites left Egypt, they were finally free. Free from persecution, free from oppression, and free to worship their own God. But with that freedom comes a new challenge: learning how to live together the way God intends. In this study, discover how God teaches the Israelites what it means to be part of a community that loves him, and find lessons we can begin to live out in our lives today. Books are available in the Vineyard bookstore ($8.50). Contact: Nina Williams, 288.2526 or 630.3307 WEDNESDAyS beginning Wednesday, September 11

Follow Me: A Call to Die, A Call to Live by David Platt Wednesdays, September 11–November 13 9:30–11:00am, Room 212 “Follow me,” Jesus calls. Two simple words that change everything. You will never be bored. You will always have purpose. You will never lack joy. But it will cost you. This call is not an invitation to pray a prayer. It is a summons to lose your life. The author of the bestselling book Radical is convinced that many in our churches today are misled as to what it truly means to be a follower of Christ. Contacts: Cema Powell, pcema@bellsouth.net, 901.2673 Donna Hanchett, etjah6@yahoo.com, 438.4674 Radiance: Bible Study for young Women, early 20’s to early 30’s Wednesday evenings, September 18–November 20 6:45pm–8:30pm

Publicity Coordinator Margaret Dixon

We enjoy amazing fellowship, a light dinner, and dividing into small groups to study God’s word. This fall we will be studying One in a Million by Priscilla Shirer. Leaders: Diana Orders, Susan Batson, Pam Knight, Susan Douglas, Kim Hassold. Please contact Diana Orders by September 6 if you plan to attend so that we can have a book for you.

Newsletter Mary Seiley

Contact: Diana Orders, dianaorders@charter.net, 630.1525

Membership Shepherd Gena McGowan

y Bible Studies

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. JUDE 1:24-25

THURSDAyS beginning Thursday, September 12

To Live is Christ: The Life and Ministry of Paul a Beth Moore Study Thursdays, September 12–November 21 12:00–1:00pm in Room 316 Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, served faithfully, loved heartily, and demonstrated what it means to die daily, crucified with Christ. Discover a greater appreciation for his unflagging faith and undying devotion to servanthood. Come at 11:00am to Room 309 for optional discussion. Workbooks ($15.95) will be available in class. Contacts: Claire Rice, 271.1825 Martha Nance, 271.1659

The Son of David: Seeing Jesus in the Historical Books by Nancy Guthrie Thursdays, September 12–November 14 9:30–11:30am in Room 316 Do you ever wonder how to study the Old Testament, or even if it is relevant today? In this 10-week study of the O.T. historical books Joshua through Esther, Nancy Guthrie takes us through the plotline of redemption revealed in these historical narratives. We will see that all the heroic figures in the Old Testament were merely pointing toward the greater Savior, Redeemer, Shepherd, and King who was to come. As we gain a firm grasp on these historical books, we will see Jesus unveiled in every book. And as we behold our God and Savior, we become more of the godly women we long to be. Books are available in the Vineyard bookstore ($16). Contact: Jean Nickell, jeannickell5@gmail.com, 420.0764

One Thousand Gifts: A dare to live fully right where you are by Ann Voskamp Thursdays, September 12–October 17 9:30–10:45am in Room 308 “How do we find joy in the midst of deadlines, debt, drama, and daily duties? What does a life of gratitude look like when your days are gritty, long, and sometimes dark?” A beautifully practical guide to a life of joy, One Thousand Gifts invites you to wake up to God’s everyday blessings. As Voskamp discovered, in giving thanks for the life she already had, she found the life she’d always wanted. Contact: Tina Jones, tjones@firstpresgreenville.org, 672.0347 The Book of Hebrews a study by Nancy Caudel Thursdays, beginning September 12 9:30–11:15am in Room 301 This class will study the book of Hebrews, and, like the original recipients, we will be encouraged to “press on” to maturity in Christ. Hebrews presents the superiority of Christ and all that He has accomplished for us in His sacrifice. We will be strengthened in faith by knowing the superiority of Christ over anyone or anything on earth or in the heavens. The study will focus on the greatness of Christ and our response of faith to His superior work of salvation. As the forerunner, Christ has gone before us and intercedes for us so that we might have confidence in Him and strength to “press on” to full maturity. Focusing on the incomparable Christ, Hebrews invites us to “dig deeper” into Christ, to know Him in His greatness, and to live lives of faith and good works because of who He is. Contact: Nancy Caudel, nancycaudel@att.net, 286.1101

Women’s Ministry

Challenge to Renew, Refresh&Remember Circle Bible Study for 2013-2014 based on

The Essential Tenets of the ECO A guide to the great themes of Scripture

Interested in Joining a Circle? Contact Information Women’s Ministry Web Page: FirstPresGreenville.org/ womensministries.htm Circle Coordinator: Becky Carter (277.0771 or becky@H2L.com)

n the book of Nehemiah, the Jews were called back to Jerusalem to rebuild. During the process, the people were asked to assemble and listen to the Law being read for the first time in many, many years. The purpose was to unite the people fresh from exile into one body of people who were again to be set apart as God’s people. Hearing the words of foundation for their identity was essential. They stood from early morning until midday while Ezra read the entire Law to them. Thus they became reunited and re-covenanted as God’s chosen people. Re-covenanting to better understand and remember our commitment to God is essential for all Christians in our fragmented, fallen world. Living in a society that is increasingly unsure and straying from Scripture makes knowing the theology of one’s belief system essential. How does one know truth from temptation or fact from fiction? Only through a grounding in God’s Word and the tenets of the faith can a Christian avoid the pitfalls warned of in Scripture. The ECO has attempted to clarify its theological identity and tenets by stating three tasks: • to identify the statements of our confessional heritage, • to articulate the essentials of the Reformed Faith, and • to identify the theological practices that will sustain us. Jesus also laid out His standards for Christian conduct as He spoke in the Scriptures to the people and original churches developing in the earliest Christian church movement. Join us this year as we refresh our knowledge of Scripture, learn about the basics that should undergird our faith, and identify who we are in Christ and as a part of the ECO.

September 2013 through May 2014

Monthly Circle Schedule Circle

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Chair

Meeting Day

Nancy Goad Carrie Dickert / Martha Clark Alison Quarles / Patti Martin Becky Carter / Carolyn Williams Ann Crider / Janet Grant / Gena McGowan Nancy Goad / Vicki Wood June Anderson / Sandra Beckham Pam Goldman / Bleeka Ashcraft June Haynes / Hazel Townsend Doris Williamson / Jane Brennecke

3rd Tuesday Thursday after 2nd Tuesday 2nd Thursday 2nd Tuesday 2nd Tuesday 2nd Tuesday 2nd Tuesday 2nd Tuesday 2nd Friday 2nd Tuesday

Time

Location

6:30pm Church 6:00pm Church 6:30pm Homes 10:30am Homes or Church 10:30am Homes 10:30am Church Parlor 10:30am Homes or Church 10:30am Homes 10:00am Rolling Green Conf. Rm. 11:00am Church (luncheon)

Men’s Ministry

III

Men’s Small Groups Interested in a men’s small group? Groups meet throughout the week. Call Phil Hargrove for possibilities.

Mark your calendars now for Impact III! Join with men from Westminster Presbyterian in Spartanburg as we explore what it means to respond to God’s call whatever our season or stage is in life. Large group worship, topical seminars, and small group discussion will engage men in how we are to live God-honoring lives in light of our specific callings and responsibilities.

March 14-15, 2014

Ridgecrest Conference Center Watch the GrapeVine for registration information—Cost: $95

Men’s Fraternity The Big Bang

Wednesdays, Beginning September 4 6:30-7:30pm

Just for Dads…

Raising a ModernDay Knight The Raising a Modern-Day Knight course will lead dads to discover how they can lead their sons to become the men that society needs, while guiding them during the difficult transition from boyhood to healthy manhood. The program is oriented to dads who have sons between the ages of 5 and 16, and will be offered in the fall. Contact Phil Hargrove for details, 672.1847 or phargrove@ firstpresgreenville.org. Based on the book by Robert Lewis.

Men’s Fraternity is back this fall with a bang (that’s the “Big Bang”) and with a fresh focus. We will learn how science and faith are—and always will be—allies, not enemies. We will explore powerful new reasons to believe in the God of the Bible as the Creator and Savior. In addition to our First Pres facilitators, we are pleased to welcome co-leader Bruce Badding, Greenville Chapter President of “Reasons to Believe.”

Retired Men’s Lunches

Retired men are invited to a luncheon every other Thursday at Grille 33, 221 North Main Street, 12:00–1:15pm. Our conversation revolves around the unique opportunities and challenges of the retirement years. Come for great food and fellowship! Call Charlotte Joye at 672.0309 to reserve a spot.

Activities Ministry

FirstPres

Day Trips Lake Lure Cruise and Lunch Thursday, August 29, 2013 Depart 9:45am • Return 3:45pm Lunch at La Strada’s (dutch treat) $20 includes Cruise and Transportation

Best of the Canadian Rockies Tour May 23-30, 2014 Breathtaking scenery, adventure, and natural history await as we explore Banff, Jasper, and Yoho National parks. Enjoy a “Wild West” welcome dinner, go flightseeing by helicopter over the Three Sisters Peaks, climb the surface of a glacier on an Ice Explorer, and keep an eye out for elk, big horn sheep, moose, and grizzlies. Complete itinerary may be found at Tauck.com.

$350 deposit reserves one of the limited remaining spaces.

LINDSAy gRAHAM Activities Minister 672.1844 lgraham@firstpresgreenville.org

Fluor Field Tour and Lunch Thursday, September 19, 2013 Depart 10:30am • Return 2:00pm Lunch at Smoke on the Water (dutch treat) We’ll take you on a behind-the-scenes tour of Greenville’s “LITTLE FENWAY,” boasting its own “Green Monster,” a 30-foot-high wall in left field, complete with manual scoreboard and “Pesky’s Pole” in right field. You will definitely enjoy this interesting and informative tour! $5 includes Tour and Transportation

grits & groceries Lunch Thursday, October 10, 2013 Depart 10:00am • Return 2:30pm Enjoy lunch in a unique country store restaurant at the junction of SC Highway 185 and 284 known to locals as “Saylors Crossroads.” Heidi and Joe Trull relocated from New Orleans, where Joe spent a decade as pastry chef at Emeril Lagasse’s French Quarter restaurant, Nola. In addition to the regular menu of heaping servings of “real food, done real good,” they offer daily specials that combine Cajun, Creole, and Southern cooking traditions. The homemade dessert menu changes daily. $25 includes Lunch and Transportation

Thanksgiving in the grove Park Inn’s grand Ballroom Thursday, November 28, 2013 Depart 11:30am Return 4:00pm $55 includes Meal and Transportation

Questions? Contact Donna Roper: 672.0372 or droper@ﬁrstpresgreenville.org

Activities Ministry

2013

Basket Ball!

IMPORTANT CH

URCH BASKET

BALL INFO…

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AM PHOTOS M

ADE AT

THE SCHEDULE D PRACTICES. AgE DIVISION S are defined by th e Church League Ba Player’s age is as of sketball for Youth September 1, 2013 rules (CLBBY). . SENIOR Divisio n not reaching Age Grades 9-12 ($60) 19 before Septembe r 1, 2013 Fi rst game is Novem Monday Nights ber 11.

JUNIOR Divisio n Grades 6-8 ($60) Saturday MIDgET Divisio n Grades 4-5 ($60) Saturday MITES Division Grades 2-3 ($60) Saturday MINI-MITES K5-Grade 1 ($60) Saturday Afternoo n

not reaching Age 14 before Septembe r 1, 2013 8th Graders turnin g 14 before 9-1-13 move up to the Se First game is Novem nior Division. ber 9. not reaching Age 11 before Septembe r 1, 2013 5th Graders turnin g 11 before 9-1-13 m ove up to the Junior First game is Novem Division. ber 9. not reaching Age 9 before Septembe r 1, 2013 3rd Graders turnin g 9 before 9-1-13 move up to the Mid First game is Novem get Division. ber 9. Five-year-olds mus t be enrolled in K5 class on September Tip-Off Saturday 1, 2013. , December 7, in the FPC Gym.

PLEASE! Mark th

ese IMPORTANT DATES PRACTICES BEg above on your calendar for future reference. IN Players will be no IN MID-OCTOBER. tiﬁed of the date.

NDS

Forms are

online at FirstPresGreenville. org/activities.htm and can also be found in the church literature racks.

Send fo EAR rms Ly! TEA M PL

ACE is ma M the D de accord ENT ATE ing t o Regi Form stration is RE CEIV ED.

Scouting at First Pres

Here’s the Word on

Scouting!

Will Thomason Pack 11 Cubmaster 504.7124 wgthomason@gmail.com

Cub Scouts at the USS Yorktown

Cub Scout H

Pack 11

ello! I am Will Thomason, the new Cubmaster for Pack 11 here at First Presbyterian Church. We have several Cub Scout Dens ranging from Tiger Cubs through Webelos II that your son is welcome to join. We meet on Tuesday nights at the Scout Hut, located next to St. Mary’s Catholic Church on West Washington Street.

WE WANT TO SALUTE

former Boy Scouts and Sea Scouts serving in the armed services. Army Sam Leslie Alex Penkert (recently concluded active service in the Army) Navy Will O’Leary-Cole Travis McElveen Marines: John Reynolds Alex Garner Jason Williams

Our very active Pack learns basic outdoor skills through camping and hiking, civic and historical lessons through various community functions, service through volunteer projects, and fundraising and other skills. Boys earn skill awards and achievement pins to mark these accomplishments. This past spring, we took 35 boys and parents to Patriot’s Point, toured the naval vessels docked there, and slept on the USS Yorktown. Every spring and fall, we go to Camp Old Indian for an overnight camping trip. If your son is interested in joining Pack 11, we’d love to have him! Please contact me at 504.7124. USS Yorktown

Scouting at First Pres

Sea Scouts Sailing Lessons for Teenagers WHAT: An introduction to Sailing taught in Lake Hartwell, “the Carolina Caribbean” WHO:

All teenagers at First Presbyterian, boys or girls, Scouts or not Sunset on board ship

WHEN: Fall of 2013 COST:

$35

BOATS: 3cabin sloops – sizes 21 feet to 30 feet long INSTRUCTORS: Trained skippers of Sea Scout Ship 11 FOR MORE INFO: Contact Joe Barron, 915.3982 or joembarron@yahoo.com

Learnin

g to sail

The Sea Scouts is a co-ed high-school-age program of the Boy Scouts. Nautical skills, water safety, leadership, citizenship, and duty to God are part of the program. New members are welcome at any time.

Boy Scouts Looking Back Troop 11

arrived at Camp Old Indian in June with 15 scouts and three adult leaders. This was the first time at camp for nine of the boys. The newest scouts were enrolled in the Pathfinder program, which taught them scout craft and camping skills such as compass, first aid, fire-building, knots, and hiking.

Thank you Troop 11 would like to formally thank the Stokes Family, FPC

members, for contributing the new troop flag (see photo on page 34). New to the flag is a seal recognizing the troop’s 100 years with the Boy Scouts of America.

Joe Barron Sea Scout Leader

Troop 11 Upcoming Events September

Huntington Beach Trip

October

District Camporee “Are You Tougher Than A Boy Scout?”

November Caving

Senior Patrol Leader FPC member Samuel

Upcoming Calendar Themes

Wilder, son of Mike and Andrea Wilder, will be taking over as Senior Patrol Leader, leading meetings and keeping everything running smoothly. Troop 11 welcomes any boys ages 11 to 17 to join us at any time! We meet every Tuesday evening at 7:00pm at the First Presbyterian Church Scout Hut. We go camping every month, exploring the many beautiful places in our area. The Scout Hut is located on West Washington Street next to St. Mary’s Catholic Church near Academy Street. For more information, please contact Scoutmaster Bart Robeson at 233.7191 or bartiii@me.com. New website coming soon! Troop11sc.org

September Tracking

Bart Robeson Troop 11 Scoutmaster 233.7191 bartiii@me.com

October

High Adventure

November First Aid

The Academy

EVENTS AT THE ACADEMy August 28-29 Academy “Meet the Teacher” September 3 Academy begins September 23-27 Academy Book Fair October 25 Academy Fall Festival November 11 Academy Open House December 20 Academy Christmas Program

SHARON SMITH Assistant Head of School 672.0340 ssmith@firstpresgreenville.org

the Academy Announces

The Academic Center O

ur goal at the Academy is to glorify God by providing a high-quality academic program with a biblical world view. In furtherance of our goal, we are pleased to announce the addition of The Academic Center at the Academy for the 20132014 school year. The goal of The Academic Center is to assist students in building a foundation of skills and strategies they need to be successful in the educational environment. There are several advantages to having the tutors in house. The Academic Center will offer academic coaching, curriculum tutorial, and cognitive skills enhancement, working closely with the classroom teacher. A variety of multisensory approaches will be utilized, including PACE (Processing and Cognitive Skills Enhancement), OG (OrtonGillingham), ILS (Integrated Listening System), and IM (Interactive Metronome). Students will meet with a trained instructor either individually or in a small group setting depending on the individual student’s needs. But the best part is that they are being taught by teachers who love the Lord and express that love to each and every student!

Academic Center Leaders Margaret Williams

Trained/Certified in: Masters in Special Education – Learning Disabilities and Emotional Handicaps Non-Violent Crisis Intervention PACE Trainer Orton-Gillingham Interactive Metronome Trainer Early Intervention Training for students with developmental delays Professional Member of International Dyslexia Association

Monique Jensen

Trained/Certified in: Early Childhood Education Orton-Gillingham Tutorial Training Orton-Gillingham Instructional Training Professional Member of International Dyslexia Association

Welcome to our

New Head of School

TOM ROE The Academy Head of School 672.7038 troe@firstpresgreenville.org

First Presbyterian is proud to announce a new addition to our team: Tom Roe, the new Head of School at the Academy. Tom is not new to First Presbyterian. He has been a member of First Presbyterian for 35 years in which he has served as first grade Sunday school teacher and as a teacher in the Koinonia Class. His professional career includes 34 years service to Greenville County Schools as a classroom teacher in first through fifth grades, reading specialist, teacher of the gifted, English Language Arts Consultant for K-5 and K-12, and most recently the Curriculum Director at A. J. Whittenberg Elementary School of Engineering. Tom attended Bob Jones University as an undergraduate, with graduate work at Converse College, Furman University, and Clemson University. Professionally, he has served on the adjunct faculties of Converse College, Furman University, and Clemson University. He brings expertise in curriculum development and design, program development, and teacher training. With his personal experience in a Christian school, Bob Jones Academy, he comes with a heart for Christ-centered education and a passion for creating a rigorous academic program for God’s children. We welcome Tom to the Academy team!

From Richard

Summary Calendar 37

Fall & Winter 2013-14

Summary Calendar Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons, Senior Pastor rgibbons@firstpresgreenville.org

Stewardship

Speaking of surprises, I was recently surprised when I asked our Communications Department if it is possible to tell how many visits have been made to our church website. For

First Pres holds three blood drives each year to help make a difference in the lives of those in our community. Join in! Mark your calendar for

Sunday, November 17.

Sunday Morning

Schedule:

8:30am Worship in the Sanctuary 9:45am Sunday School 10:45am Ignite Worship in Fellowship Hall 11:00am Worship in the Sanctuary

FirstPresGreenville.org phone 864.235.0496 fax 864.235.0698

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 443 Greenville, SC

200 West Washington Street Greenville, SC 29601 864.235.0496 FirstPresGreenville.org RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Inside this Issue: From Richard Gibbons inside cover Music & the Arts page 2

Glance A look at the life of First Pres.

Fall 13/Winter 14

First Presbyterian Church / Greenville, SC

vol. 10 ISSUE 1

Executive & Finance Ministries page 3 Evangelism & Missions pages 4-9 Educational Ministries pages 10-11

The Vineyard Bookstore It is a difficult task indeed to explain the “workings” of the Vineyard. At times it can be a bit complicated.

SOMETHING NEW

THE CHRISTMAS SEASON

Emily Fowler Vineyard Bookstore Manager 672.1846 or efowler@firstpresgreenville.org