First Glance Fall 2015/Winter 2016 by First Presbyterian Church

First Presbyterian Church

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

200 West Washington Street Greenville, SC 29601 864.235.0496 fax 864.235.0698 FirstPresGreenville.org

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Inside this Issue: From Richard Gibbons inside cover Executive Ministry page 1

Glance A look at the life of First Pres.

Fall 15/Winter 16

Finance Ministry page 2 Educational Ministries page 3-5 Evangelism & Missions pages 6-9

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

Television Broadcast First and Foremost Television Program on WHNS-TV FOX Carolina Sundays at 10:30am

On the Cover

Member Madeline Chandler and friends in the La Romana barrio during the June 2015 mission trip to the Dominican Republic. See page 8 for a report on the trip.

First LOOK Are you interested in

membership or just want to learn more about First Pres?

Join us for our three-Sunday FIRST LOOK Series Classes offered 9:40–10:50am in the Formal Dining Room (near Fellowship Hall) on the following Sundays: 2015 September 20, 27, October 4 or December 6, 13, 20 2016 January 24, 31, February 7 Session 1: What does it mean to be a Christian? Session 2: What does it mean to be an ECO Presbyterian? Session 3: How do I become meaningfully involved at First Pres? For registration or information, contact Autumn Clark at 672.0370 or aclark@firstpresgreenville.org.

First Pres Academy page 10-11 Music & the Arts page 12 Ignite Worship page 13 Children’s Ministries pages 14-16 Activities Ministry pages 17-19 Congregational Care pages 20-25 Scouting page 26 Student Ministries pages 27–29 Women’s Ministry pages 30–31 Men’s Ministry page 32-33 Young Adults Ministry page 34-35 Marriage & Family Ministry page 36 Summary Calendar page 37 First Look Classes back page

First Presbyterian Church / Greenville, SC

vol. 12 ISSUE 1

Summary Calendar

From Richard

Fall & Winter 2015-16

SPECIAL SUNDAYS

LookingAhead

September 13

Officer Ordination/Installation

September 20 Communion

October 11

Stewardship Sunday

October 18

Commitment Sunday

November 8

Veteran’s Day Recognition

January 3 Communion

March 20

Palm Sunday

March 27

Easter Sunday

CHRISTMAS SERVICES December Special music December 13 The Sounds of Christmas December 24 Christmas Eve Worship Services 2:00pm 5:00pm 7:00pm 11:00pm

REV. DR. RICHARD GIBBONS Senior Pastor rgibbons@firstpresgreenville.org

Looking Forward to the Fall

t is always a special delight to sit down and write my biannual epistle for our congregational magazine First Glance. Our busy staff members work tirelessly to bring you the highlights of their ministry activities. We all thank you for your prayer support for all our church is involved in. As I move into my ninth year of service at First Presbyterian, I am as excited today as I was in my first year and remain immensely grateful to God for calling me to serve this outstanding congregation. Serving with a professional and competent staff alongside committed and dedicated elders and deacons is quite a privilege. As we move from summer into the early days of autumnal September, Sundays will find us prayerfully focusing on what it means to be a “Contagious Church.” I am hoping that this new series will allow us to explore in some detail what it is that makes us Presbyterians. I intend to look at why we are not really the “Frozen Chosen,” why being a Presbyterian is a biblical concept, and why membership is important in a 21st century environment, as we look at the distinctives of our theology, worship, sacraments, and leadership. Moving into October and November, I will also highlight the work of our new denomination, the ECO, and explain why in three years we have grown to more than 200 congregations. As an integral part of our “Contagious Church” series, I also want to emphasize the exceptional work our Strategic Planning Leadership Team has been involved in and explain a little of what to expect when we enter into the final stage of our Strategic Plan in January. During the extensive work carried out under our Strategic Plan, five areas of ministry priorities emerged which I also want to highlight in preparation for the New Year. Also this fall, as a major part of our Wednesday Advantage program, I will be teaching a series that examines the importance of the Nicene and Apostles’ Creeds, why they were written, and why they are important for the church today. If you have not attended our Wednesdays in the past, we meet at both lunchtime and again in the evening. This exciting and insightful study promises to be valuable, informative, and highly entertaining. With all that lies before us in the fall season, I trust that God will be shaping and fashioning us into the congregation He is calling us to be.

And Into the Winter As we move into December, we plan once again to have four services on Christmas Eve: 2:00pm, 5:00pm, 7:00pm, and 11:00pm. Christmas is always such a wonderful time at First Pres, and we would appreciate your prayers as we plan and prepare for all that is involved. About eighteen months ago, I asked the congregation for suggestions for our Sunday morning preaching schedule, and a number of you asked for a study on one of the most complex books in the New Testament. So in January, we will begin a new series in the early chapters of Revelation. Having never taught a series in Revelation, I am very much looking forward to exploring this remarkable book with you. Easter will come a little early in 2016 toward the end of March. Given the success of this year’s schedule, we will probably host five services again. Following up on Easter, we will host the Kirkin o’ the Tartans, when the St. Andrew’s Society will join us for the pomp and circumstance of the occasion. Meanwhile I do trust that you and your family have had a wonderful summer and that you are enjoying the Lord’s richest blessings. Yours in Him.

Summary Calendar 2015 September 1 �� Wit & Wisdom September 2 �� Wednesday Advantage begins September 4 �� Southern Hospitality Banquet September 9 �� Radiance Fall Kickoff September 10 �� Women’s Ministry Fall Luncheon & Dinner September 13 �� Officer Ordination/ Installation September 14 �� Academy Elementary and Middle School Curriculum Night September 17 �� Women’s Bible Studies begin September 20 �� Communion September 20-27-October 4 First Look New Member class September 21-25 Academy Book Fair September 23 �� Academy Elementary and Middle School Grandparents Day September 24 �� Activities Trip: Hendersonville September 24-25 Men’s 721 Advance September 28–October 2 Academy School Pictures October 2 �� Young Adults “Mark of the Feast” October 4 �� Family First October 4 �� Family Fall Picnic October 6 �� Wit & Wisdom October 7 �� Radiance Gathering October 11 �� Stewardship Sunday October 11 �� Family Night October 14 �� Stephen Minister Training begins October 15-16 �� Academy Fall Break October 18 �� Commitment Sunday October 23-25 �� ROOTS Fall Retreat October 30 �� Academy Fall Festival November 3 �� Wit & Wisdom November 6 �� Young Adults “Mark of the Feast” November 8 �� Veteran’s Day Recognition Novemger 13-15 Youth Musical: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat November 16 �� Academy Elementary and Middle School Open House November 18 �� ROOTS Night of Thanks November 25-27 Academy Thanksgiving Break

SPECIAL SUNDAYS September 13

November 26 �� Activities Trip: Thanksgiving at the Grove Park Inn December 1 �� Wit & Wisdom December 2 �� Family Advent Festival December 6-13-20 First Look New Member class December 13 �� Route 56 Regressive Christmas Dinner December 9 �� ROOTS Outreach Project December 13 �� The Sounds of Christmas (Traditional Services) December 14 �� Activities Trip: Senior Salt at the Cove December 16 �� A Very ROOTS Christmas December 16 �� Children’s Christmas Festival December 18 �� Academy Annual Christmas Program December 21–January 3 Academy Christmas Break December 24 �� Chrsitmas Eve Services

Officer Ordination/Installation

2016 January 3 �� Communion January 5 �� Wit & Wisdom January 11-15 �� Academy Preschool Parent/Teacher Conferences January 15-18 �� Resonate Prime Retreat January 24, 31, February 7 First Look New Member class January 25-26 �� Academy K2-8th Grade Open House February 2 �� Wit & Wisdom February 5 �� Academy Geography Bee February 7 �� Scout Sunday February 10 �� Ashe Wednesday: Take Me to the Cross February 12-14 �� Valentine’s Weekend to Remember February 19-21 �� ROOTS Ski Retreat February 21 �� Basketball Banquet February 22-26 �� Academy Teacher Appreciation Week March 1 �� Wit & Wisdom March 3 �� Turner Memorial Prayer Breakfast March 20 �� Palm Sunday: Requiem March 27 �� Easter

December Special music

September 20 Communion

October 11

Stewardship Sunday

October 18

Commitment Sunday

November 8

Veteran’s Day Recognition

January 3 Communion

March 20

Palm Sunday

March 27

Easter Sunday

CHRISTMAS SERVICES December 13 The Sounds of Christmas December 24 Christmas Eve Worship Services 2:00pm 5:00pm 7:00pm 11:00pm

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

Executive Ministry

MINISTERING Together M

ary Ann and I have been so blessed to be a part of the family here at First Presbyterian. After visiting several churches, we came here, and after hearing Richard’s preaching, I knew this is where we were meant to be. I have preached for over 40 years, and in retirement it was very important to me to sit under solid biblical expository preaching. Every Sunday I come away refreshed and challenged. Most of my ministry years were spent serving as Senior Pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Rock Hill, SC. I retired over a year ago, and we moved to Greenville. When we began coming to First Pres, I had no idea that one day I would be serving on staff in an interim position. God has been so gracious to allow me to use my gifts and experience in ministry here. I want to thank Richard and the Session for giving me this opportunity. I have been most impressed by the members of the staff. We are blessed with a group of very capable and committed people. It has been such a privilege to work alongside them and to see what God is doing through them. As a staff we have been talking about the importance of being a family—a team—that works in a culture of brokenness and grace. God loves us in spite of our failures and has bestowed His grace upon us time and time again. Because of this, He desires for us to be humble and gracious in our dealings with each other. This is the essence of living out the message of the gospel. God is clearly at work in our church! I believe the words of Isaiah 43:18-19 greatly apply to us: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” Being a part of our strategic planning process, I sense the excitement. Many in our congregation have participated in sharing their ideas and dreams for our church. I know God is doing a new thing! Please pray as we complete the planning process that we will discover God’s will for the mission and ministries of our church.

Strategic Plan

UPDATE

Progress on the development of our church’s new Strategic Plan: June–September 2015 The seven Ad Hoc committees (Congregational Care, Administration, Evangelism and Missions, Worship, Family Life, Christian Education, and the Academy) develop strategic imperatives and strategic initiatives. October 2015 Using these imperatives and initiatives, the Session’s Strategic Planning Committee drafts the new Strategic Plan. November 2015 The SPC presents the Strategic Plan draft to the Session. December 2015 The Session amends, if necessary, and approves the Strategic Plan. January 2016 The new Strategic Plan is made available to the congregation. We are grateful to the many members of our church family who have given a great amount of time in working on this plan. Our desire is for God to be glorified through the future ministry of First Presbyterian Church. Shelton Sanford Interim Executive Director 672.1755 ssanford@firstpresgreenville.org

“To Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever” EPHESIANS 3:20-21.

Finance Ministry

er h t O The

ave you ever paused to consider the intimidating concept of being a steward of God’s wealth? If this doesn’t intimidate you, then you probably haven’t fully grasped the reality that all we have is given to us by God, and we are stewards of His property for a time while we are here on earth. A steward is defined as a person who manages another’s property or financial affairs; one who administers anything as the agent of another or others. 1 Peter 4:10 states, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” So we are called to be God’s stewards. In addition, Job 41:11 says, “Who has a claim against Me that I must pay? Everything under heaven belongs to Me.” Thus, all we have is God’s, and we are called to steward those possessions in a manner that both pleases and glorifies God. This brings me to the subject, and title, of this article. I will start with an admittedly faulty assumption that everyone tithes 10 percent to the church. I have discussed tithing in the past, but this time I want to concentrate on the other 90 percent. You might wonder how the money that we use to pay taxes, utilities, and mortgages and buy food for our families can be used to glorify God. Do we live within our means? Do we bless others when we are presented with opportunities? Are our purchases and pastimes in keeping with our call as Christians? I must admit, as I am writing these questions, I am forced to take a hard look at myself, and I can’t say that I am always a very good steward. The problem most of us encounter is that sneaky concept of selfishness. This doesn’t mean that we can’t have nice things or live in a nice house or drive a nice car, if we have been particularly gifted by God to be able to afford such items. The danger is when we start thinking that we deserve these things.

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

None of us truly deserves the things we have. They are gifts from God. The more we have been gifted, the more we are held accountable. When Jesus discusses the faithful and wise manager in Luke 12, He says that manager will be blessed when the master comes home and finds him acting according to his call. Luke 12:48(b) reminds us “from everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded.” In America, the poorest 10 percent is still wealthier than 70 percent of the world, and the average American is richer than 95 percent of the world. Here at First Pres, most of our congregation is in the average to above average wealth category. We have been given much from God, and He will demand much in return. This is why it is so important that we think about all of our resources, not just the tithe, which is really the minimum asked by God as a return of His gifts. As we go through our days, let us constantly be looking for the opportunities that God gives us to glorify Him with the other 90 percent. Are the decisions that we make in allocating the resources God has given us in accordance with His call? Are there changes that we need to make in how we view what we have that will allow us to better glorify God? I pray that this will give you at least a little pause, and help you think differently about the 90 percent of God’s great riches that we retain stewardship over.

Educational Ministries

Learning from the Great

TEACHER

Then

he opened their minds so

they could understand the Scriptures. LUKE 24:45

Community Bible Study

esus is the “Great Teacher.” The gospel-writer Luke, near the end of his gospel, relates this when Jesus appears to His disciples after His resurrection. As Jesus walked with Cleopas and his companion on the road to Emmaus, we read His counsel: He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself (Luke 24:25-27). Later when Jesus appeared to the rest of the disciples, we find His teaching which the disciples began to fully grasp: He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things” (Luke 24:44-47). Cleopas and his companion spoke of the reality of Jesus’ teaching this way: “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32). Through the ministry of the Holy Spirit today, we are able to receive that same teaching from the Bible. Our hearts will burn within us as the Holy Spirit teaches, admonishes, and comforts us through the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. The reality of Daniel Webster’s words will abide in us as we submit to the “Great Teacher,” Jesus, our Lord: If we work upon marble, it will perish; if we work upon brass, time will efface it; if we rear temples, they will crumble into dust; but if we work upon immortal minds and instill into them just principles, we are then engraving that upon tablets which no time will efface, but will brighten and brighten to all eternity. Jesus still teaches through His Word. Here at First Presbyterian Church, we seek to know the Scriptures and order our lives according to them. Join us in study and being witnesses of the “Great Teacher.”

CBS classes are attended by people from various backgrounds who meet at First Pres for Bible study. Classes meet from 7:00-8:30pm, once a week for 30 weeks with seasonal breaks at Christmas and Easter to coincide with local school calendars. Our Current Study: Matthew Matthew wrote by the power of the Holy Spirit, primarily to his fellow Jews, proving through Scripture that Jesus’ life and ministry fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. Questions? robertmnancy@bellsouth.net For more information: GreenvilleEve.cbsclass.org REV. TIM LESLIE Christian Education Pastor 672.0336 tleslie@firstpresgreenville.org

Educational Ministries

Adult Sunday School Classes For complete class descriptions, visit FirstPresGreenville.org or pick up a Sunday School brochure from the church literature racks. Adult classes meet at 9:45am. Accountability (mixed ages) Room 404 Adventurers (singles, 50 and up) Room 307 Agape (mature couples and singles) Room 303/304 Covenant (mixed ages) Room 305 Crossroads (couples, 30s and up) Room 401 Fellowship (all ages) Room 308 The Flock (40s and up) Ligon Conference Room Foundations (couples and singles, 30s) Room 403 Gospel Partners (mixed ages) Room 225 GRACE (couples, 30s and 40s) Room 306 Highlights (special needs) Room 313 Journey (20s to mid-30s, couples and singles) Parlor Koinonia (all ages, couples and singles) Room 316 Next Steps (new members and visitors) Room 309 Prime Time (40s to 60s) Room 317 R. N. Ward (50s plus) Room 301/302 Sunday Connection (couples and singles, mixed ages) Room 315 The Upper Room (singles) Room 314

Adult Sunday School

Newer members share their experiences Kaitlin Bomar When my husband, John, and I were looking for a church home after moving to Greenville, we tried many churches in the area, including First Presbyterian Church. We immediately felt welcome, drawn, and most of all, enriched by the people and teachings in the services at FPC. We also noticed that the congregation was much larger than our previous home churches and worried that we could get “lost.” To our excitement and answered prayers, the Journey Sunday School class was started, which created the church home within the church that we had been looking for. After a year of regularly visiting FPC and Journey, we became official members of the church. Being a part of Journey has been an enriching experience. Our class has had the blessing and privilege of hearing testimonies and biblical teachings from other adults throughout the church. We have had the ability to learn of God’s grace, words, and love through their life journeys. We have made wonderful friends through Sunday mornings as well as our Journey social gatherings. Our experience at FPC and Journey has blessed our walk with Christ, increased our hunger to know Him, and enriched our desire to do so.

Steve Finch As an occasional Sunday School teacher in the Prime Time Class and a veteran regular Sunday School teacher at other churches for over 20 years, I can say that, for me, THE way to become familiar with Scripture is to teach it. I would urge everyone who reads this, and feels led to do so, to try teaching children’s Sunday School using a good curriculum (the New Tribes Mission curriculum was a particular blessing to me when I taught 5th graders), and you will be amazed at how quickly and thoroughly the Holy Spirit will begin to imprint biblical knowledge on your mind. You will also be a blessing to your students, and in turn will be blessed in your later years by the pleasant memories your students provide you.

Randy Thompson Soon after Peggy and I joined First Pres, I commented to Dr. Gibbons that a class focusing on the Sunday sermon Scripture could be a great option for the education hour. Much to my surprise, that class is Next Steps. The discussion of the Scriptures and the Spirit’s encouragement of experiences shared in the group have enhanced our spiritual growth. The class format encourages these conversations as we continue to bond with this diverse group, through both the Sunday meetings and our class’s participation in various First Pres ministry opportunities. The icing on this cake is the sure and certain hope of a prayerful gathering of Christians. Our closing prayer each week addresses the joys and concerns of both individuals and groups of people. We pray expectantly, always knowing that “in all things God works for good…” This growing, changing class is a true blessing to us. We look forward to our time together every week with these special people. We encourage every member to take advantage of the opportunities for spiritual growth offered through our Adult Sunday School classes. Questions? Contact Pastor Tim Leslie at 672.0336 or tleslie@firstpresgreenville.org.

Educational Ministries

WednesdayAdvantage

FALL STUDIES begin September 2

Bible Study with Dr. Gibbons The Nicene & Apostles’ Creeds for Today Luncheon Study: Fellowship Hall, 12:30–1:00pm Evening Study: Fellowship Hall, 6:30–7:15pm The basic beliefs of the Christian faith have remained unchanged for centuries. Affirmed by the church around the world each Sunday, the theological truths contained within the Nicene and Apostles’ Creeds are essential for the Christian life today. Come and join us each Wednesday as we journey through the mist of time to explore why the creeds were written, who wrote them, and why. This exciting and insightful study promises to be valuable, informative, and highly entertaining.

Wednesday Lunch & Supper Lunch is served from 11:30am to 12:30pm in Fellowship Hall just before Bible Study.

CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP

WOMEN’S MINISTRY

Experiencing the Grace Life: A Disciple’s Journey into Intimacy with Christ (Interactive study & responsive prayer) Facilitator: Michael Chalmers of Journey in Christ, Inc. September 2–November 18 Room 210, 6:15–7:15pm Cost: $30, includes workbook

Philippians and Colossians Radiance for Young Women (20s and early 30s)

Missional Church Leadership Equipping Facilitator: Rev. Brian Stewart September 2–November 18 Room 316, 6:15–7:30pm CULTURE AND ARCHAEOLOGY Israel’s Mission DVD curriculum Facilitator: Barbara Hanner September 2–September 30 Formal Dining Room, 6:15–7:15pm THEOLOGY: WORLD AND LIFE VIEW “American Idols and Christian Persecution” Facilitator: Gill Robison September 2–November 4 Room 307, 6:15–7:15pm FAMILY LIFE Marriage: Built to Last DVD curriculum September 2–November 18 Room 305, 6:15–7:15pm

Facilitators: Diana Orders, Susan Batson, Pam Knight, Susan Douglas, Kim Hassold, Sally Seaver, Elaine Martin, Barbara Nickles, Cricket Terrell, Bonnie Dixon, Sharon Williams, Nancy Furman, Beth Simmons, Norma Chandler

Supper is served continually from 5:15pm to 6:30pm in Fellowship Hall. Adults: $7 Children ages 4-12: $4 Children ages 3 and under: Free Family maximum: $25

September 9–December 9 6:45–8:15pm in Leaders’ homes Hebrews: The Nearness of Jesus DVD curriculum Facilitator: Tina Jones September 2–October 14 Room 212, 6:15–7:15pm MEN’S MINISTRY

Men’s Fraternity: “The Quest for Authentic Manhood” September 2–November 18 Room 301/302, 6:15–7:15pm Raising A Modern Day Knight September 2–October 29 Room 314, 6:15–7:15pm PRAYER MINISTRY Level 1 Christian Healing Ministry Prayer Training DVD curriculum Facilitators: Jim Childs, Rob Hassold, Scott Taylor September 2–December 2 Room 303/304, 6:15–7:30pm

See the WednesdayAdvantage brochure for a complete listing of classes and choirs for all ages. Classes are listed on the Events page at FirstPresGreenville.org and brochures may be found in the literature racks.

Evangelism & Missions

Southern HOSPITALITY Banquet Friday, September 4 6:30pm • Fellowship Hall Each year we invite international students who are studying in the Greenville area at Furman University, CU-ICAR, Agape English Language Institute, and ELS to attend a banquet in their honor. These students, from more than 20 countries, are right here in our backyard! This casual night of fun and relationship-building is a time for students to come together, enjoy good Southern food and musical entertainment, hear about activities planned, and win door prizes. It is so important for us to begin reaching out to them before they get busy with studies. This event also gives the students an opportunity to sign up for activities and trips that we plan during the school year. Let us know if you plan to attend! For ways you can get involved or to register, please call Florin Palaghia at 320.9985 or email fpalaghia@ joshuasway.org. BRIAN STEWART Evangelism and Missions Pastor 672.7032 bstewart@firstpresgreenville.org

Update on ECO International

Mission Initiatives T

his year First Presbyterian Church became the first church to partner in an ECO initiative with Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship to reach the Arabian Peninsula with the Gospel. We are supporting four projects there:

Persian Ministries

The underground church in Iran is experiencing explosive growth. The Iranian government, however, persists in the persecution of Christians and their churches. FPC is helping to train new church leaders from Iran and other areas of the world where Persian people are coming to trust in Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Iranian Training

A country in the Middle East has become a safe and strategic place to equip new and vibrant leaders of the Iranian underground church. Many Iranians are becoming disillusioned with Islam because of the harsh and theocratic government that came to power in 1979. FPC is helping to provide job training and emotional support for these brave Iranian people who are risking their lives to become followers of Jesus.

Arab Discipleship

After centuries of Christian missionary work in the Middle East, a harvest time finally has arrived. The gospel has been touching people in North Africa and other parts of the Arab world; now these sweeping changes are reaching the Arabian Peninsula. FPC is supporting Arabian missionaries living on the Peninsula who are discipling Muslim background believers in their newfound Christian faith.

Arab Ministries

The Arabian Peninsula has become a new crossroads in the world where East meets West, causing a new and dynamic exchange of cultures and religions in this part of the world. As a result, the gospel is more available to Arab Muslims. FPC is supporting an Arab missionary couple reaching out to the majority people of the Arab Peninsula with the Good News. They also travel to Europe and North America to share the Gospel with Arabs traveling outside the Arabian Peninsula. To learn more about Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship’s work, go to PFF.net and click on “New Outreach to Arab Peninsula.”

Evangelism & Missions

MISSIONAL Church Leadership Training M

Missional Church Leadership Equipping Facilitator: Brian Stewart September 2 – November 18 Room 316 • 6:15 – 7:30pm

Fall Wednesday Advantage starting September 2

issiologist Alan Hirsch notes in his book, Forgotten Ways, that the Church in China grew 3,000 percent—from 2 million to over 60 million believers—during the reign of Mao Tse Tung. They did this without any trained clergy or large buildings, few complete Bibles, no choir robes, and in groups where no more than 15 believers could gather together for fear of arrest and imprisonment. I recently heard a pastor from China talk about his method of single discipleship called “Training for Trainers” (T4T for short). He rather sheepishly shared that, as a product of this discipleship movement, 2.2 million Chinese had been baptized as followers of Jesus Christ. 2.2 million! In the meantime, almost all of the denominations here in North America are losing members in droves, and it seems that the Church’s ability to speak into our own culture diminishes every day. I wonder what this Chinese pastor and other Christians like him in India and Africa know that we do not? This might be an interesting topic of conversation. A friend of mine relayed to me that if you do a book title search on Amazon.com that includes the word “missional,” 580 entries will come up! This rich concept of being a “missional church” is transforming congregations throughout North America, but what does the phrase really mean? Well, I think I’ve found an easy answer:

A missional church is one whose members live like missionaries. It’s as simple as that, and yet this answer has deep and profound implications for how a church approaches many things, including its understanding of God, discipleship, and how to relate to the culture in which it finds itself. This Fall during Wednesday Advantage, I will lead a course on missional church leadership where we will explore such concepts as “Christendom,” “consumerism,” and the “APEST” model of leadership found in Ephesians 4:11. Along the way, we will turn our attention back to the biblical witness and also read selections from such authors as Tim Keller, Reggie McNeal, Michael Frost, and yes, our own Synod Executive, Dana Allin. The purpose of this course will be for us as a congregation to enter into this “missional” conversation and to prepare ourselves for the implementation phase of our strategic planning with the First Pres TAG report. My guess is that some of the things we talk about will be quite unsettling and provocative. Could it be that some of our assumptions about the way we do church may actually be hindering us as we seek to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to a world that seems to be slipping further and further away from any true sense of God and the Christian faith? Could it be that some of the ways we do church unwittingly reinforce a recreational devotion and a “consumerist” mindset that impede true discipleship? Tough questions. Tougher answers. Join us for the conversation. For more information, contact me at the church office. To sign up for the class, email Autumn Clark (aclark@ firstpresgreenville.org).

Your church does not have a mission. God’s mission has a church. –Reggie McNeal Christian mission is more than just a department of the church, more than just the work of trained professionals. The biblical God is by nature a sending God, a missionary God… every Christian is in mission… the church must not be only attractional: it also must equip and send the laity into the world to minister… Missional churches must equip lay people both for evangelistic witness and for public life and vocation. In Christendom, you could afford to train people solely in prayer, Bible study, and evangelism—skills for their private lives—because they were not facing radically non-Christian values in their public lives. In a missional church, all people need theological education to “think Christianly” about everything and to act with Christian distinctiveness. They need to know which cultural practices reflect common grace and should be embraced, which are antithetical to the gospel and must be rejected, and which can be adapted or revised. –Tim Keller Four common emphases characterize those who embrace the idea of being missional: • acknowledging that we have entered a post-Christian age in the West • recognizing the cultural captivity of the church and the need to contextualize the gospel for a pluralistic society • affirming that mission is the job of every Christian • calling the church to be a contrast to the community. –Tim Keller

Evangelism & Missions

Changing Lives in Malawi In partnership with Peachtree Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, a mission team of 15 traveled to Chitipa, Malawi, in July to participate in a youth camp and VBS. Peachtree’s Youth Ministry pays the school fees for over 300 high school and college age kids in Malawi, most of whom have only one or no parents and would be unable to attend school without the support of Peachtree and First Pres members. Strong relationships have developed over the last four years with our Malawian partners who run the program year-round and many of the students. They know that having a high school and even a college education changes the trajectory of their lives and the lives of generations to come. We come alongside them to encourage and provide resources. My wife, Melody, and my two daughters, Caroline and Frances, were able to join me this year as well as my good friend, fellow First Pres member and Prayer Ministry leader Rob Hassold. This trip is always a reminder of how blessed we are here in America and how providing a relatively small amount of support can change a young man’s or woman’s life forever. —Will Reid For more information about this mission opportunity, visit PeachtreePres.org.

Unexpected W

BLESSINGS

hen Brian Stewart became Pastor of Evangelism and Missions at First Pres in 2009, he frequently heard from young professionals joining the church who had a desire to engage in short-term missions, particularly among those in the medical field. After identifying an opportunity and forming the ministry “Restoration La Romana,” First Presbyterian Church has taken seven groups over the past four years to serve the poor in the this region of the Dominican Republic. The first trip led us to the barrio of “Brizas del Mar” (Breezes by the Sea), where we have been serving in a variety of ways—medical clinics, eye clinics, dental and out-patient plastic surgery clinics, construction, evangelism, and Vacation Bible School. Where there was once a bare lot, there is now a mission called “Mision Esperanza” (Hope Mission) that is home to a community center and a water plant. This community center now hosts our mission teams and is used by other churches for lay pastor training. Water is also provided free of charge to the very poorest families in the barrio. Most of the people in Brizas del Mar are materially poor on a scale that we simply can’t comprehend. Many aren’t always sure where their next meal will come from. A house to them is only a house because it has four walls, a roof (sometimes), and an entrance. These houses are filled with parents, grandparents, and grandchildren who try to help each other and their neighbors survive as best they can. At the end of our trip in June, the Brizas del Mar community wanted to do something special for us to show their appreciation for our service to them. They brought gifts to Mision Esperanza and presented them to us: a handmade basket, hand drawn pictures, and teddy bears and notes from the children that asked us to “remember to remember that I love you.” Each one brought something and expressed heartfelt thanks. One lady said, “Brizas del Mar is always better after you come.” Despite their profound poverty, they raised over $35 to help pay for an airline ticket so we will be able to visit them again—one family sold their chicken to help raise this money. There was not a dry eye among the Americans. I invite you to come and be a part of the team on one of our upcoming trips: 2015: October 17-24; 2016: January 30–February 6 and June 25–July 2 We can easily find a role for you. I promise you will be blessed beyond your wildest imagination! For details about upcoming trips, contact me (sturgisjc@sturgiswebservices.com) or Brian Stewart (bstewart@firstpresgreenville.org). —Joy Sturgis

Evangelism & Missions

CONNECTIONS

Greeter Ministry

Meet our #1 Greeter: Jace Koehn

s you may have noticed, the Greeter Ministry at First Pres has a new name and a new look. It is now called Connections to emphasize that our greeters are not just there to say helloâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;they are there to help people connect to the life and ministry of our church through hospitality and service. We are also pleased to introduce Chad Brown as lay leader of the Connections Greeter Ministry. Chad and his wife, Carey, are the parents of two beautiful daughters, Sloan (age 4) and McKie (age 3). About his experience serving in the Greeter Ministry at FPC, Chad says: The Greeter Ministry has truly been a blessing to me and is an important and growing ministry within the church. There is a practical aspect to it, such as showing a new person the way to the Sanctuary, helping someone find a classroom, or occasionally assisting someone who has a more serious issue like a fall. Just as important, however, is the message it gives about FPC. Service should be at the heart of our faith, and the Greeter Ministry makes sure that the first thing you see when you enter the building is a friendly face to welcome you and serve. For me personally, the Greeter Ministry has been a great way to get more involved with the church. Even though the time commitment is relatively small, on the Sundays I am greeting, I go from being a passive listener to an active participant in the services. Somehow this gives the day a renewed importance and gives me a greater feeling that I have served in some small way. I know this will lead to a deeper commitment and more involvement with FPC for me and my family in the years to come. It is also really fun and a great way to meet lots of new and incredibly friendly people. If you would like to join the Connections team or would like to learn more about it, please contact Chad Brown at chad.brown@baldor.abb.com.

If you regularly enter the Portico door on Sunday mornings, there is a great chance that you have received an especially friendly greeting from Jace. He is a special and dependable member of the Connections team. Here is what Jace has to say about his experience serving as a greeter: I like to greet and meet new people. If someone is in a bad mood, I smile and it makes them smile as well. Well said, Jace. We appreciate your service with a smile.

First Pres Academy

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

Opening of School: Preschool, Elementary, and Middle School

he opening of the 2015-2016 school year brings with it great excitement and anticipation. Elementary and Middle School parents and students meet their teachers after a hot dog supper and a time of fellowship. Growth has occurred across the building with the addition of a new first grade class and a new fourth grade class, along with our first middle school students entering the doors. The school is bursting at the seams, but there is always room for more. Please pray for us as we move forward in our new year. Preschool parents start their year with a “Meet the Teacher” night of talk and expectations set forth by the teachers. Our preschoolers come to meet their teachers and friends for their first day following the parent meeting. There are some tears, mostly from the parents, and smiling faces after the students have a joyful first day at school.

GEOGRAPHY BEE What is your Geography I.Q.? • Which state has a climate suitable for growing citrus fruits—California or Maine? • Which country has the world’s largest Muslim population—Indonesia or Mexico? • The North Atlantic current brings warm waters from the tropics to the west coast of which continent? • What is the term for a part of an ocean or sea that cuts far into the bordering landmass and may contain one or more bays?

TOM ROE Head of School 672.7038 troe@firstpresgreenville.org

This year First Presbyterian Academy is hosting a Geography Bee for students in grades 4 through 7. Local, state, and national contests are sponsored by the National Geographic Society. Following the Academy competition in February, the school winner will have an opportunity to compete at the state level.

SUMMER READING FUN

eading is its own reward, but Head of School Tom Roe and Librarian Carrie Stringer will host a summer reading celebration after school starts this year. During the summer, students participated in the second annual Academy Summer Reading Program. This program entails independent reading choices made by the students and a required selection sent to them by the Head of School. Students kept up with their reading by recording the number of pages they read throughout the summer and completed a short assignment with their required reading. The celebration includes a time of sharing, a short activity, and to top it off, ice cream!

First Pres Academy

Grace In Action

rs. Sheila Goodwin, a parent, shared this moment: I just wanted to brag on Ms. Lane, K6 teacher, and share a sweet moment! We had to take our cat to the vet this morning, and it caused us to be later than normal arriving to school. Both girls got really upset when they realized it was after 8:00am when we arrived in the parking lot (they think anything past 7:45 is late). Anyway, Mattie dried her tears and went to class. Millie was doing fine until we got to her class and she just lost it, crying hysterically (which is very rare for her). After failed attempts to console her, I went into the classroom to get tissues and ask Ms. Lane to come into the hallway and help me. After I told her why Millie was so upset, Ms. Lane got on Millie’s level and simply asked her, “Millie, everyone is late sometimes. When Ms. Lane runs late, what do you do for me?” After a long pause Millie finally answered, “I turn on the lights and pass out papers.” Ms. Lane responded, “That’s right, Millie. You show me kindness and help me—so I am going to show you the same kindness and grace and help you this morning.” That might seem like a totally insignificant and meaningless little conversation, but I just have to tell you it was such a sweet picture of God’s love, kindness, grace, and compassion in action! It’s small blessings like that that completely overwhelm my heart with gratitude! Watching that sweet exchange of grace and love brought me to tears as I witnessed it this morning. As I told the story at Moms in Prayer, it moved both the moms and me. As I type it now, I’m moved yet again with such thanksgiving for what a precious gift Ms. Lane and the Academy are to our family. I am so thankful for all that you and our teachers do to live out God’s love in front of the children! I believe more behavior is caught than taught— and when our teachers model such loving character and behavior in front of the children, the children catch it! That to me, is more precious than any academic training they will receive... so THANK YOU!

New Director of Development Aimee Waite joined the First Presbyterian Academy Staff as Director of Development in August. The Waite family has been a part of the church and school for the past five years. Aimee’s responsibilities include student recruitment, public relations, community engagement, grant writing, and fund raising. If you would like to get involved in the Academy, please contact Aimee (awaite@firstpresgreenville.org, 235.0496).

Special Events in the Academy 2015

September 14 Elementary and Middle School Curriculum Night September 21-25 Academy Book Fair September 23 Grandparents Day – Elementary and Middle School September 28–October 2 School Pictures October 15-16 Fall Break October 30 Academy Fall Festival November 16 Elementary and Middle School Open House November 25-27 Thanksgiving Break December 7-11 Santa Shop December 18 Annual Christmas Program December 21–January 3 Christmas Break

2016

January 11-15 Preschool Parent/Teacher Conferences January 25-26 K2-8th Grade Open House February 5 Geography Bee February 22-26 Teacher Appreciation Week

Music & the Arts

Resonate! Prime in Carnegie Hall Next Summer!

Our very gifted high school choir has been invited to take part in a performance of the Requiem by Mark Hayes in New York’s famed Carnegie Hall on June 19, 2016. This will be especially meaningful for the ten seniors in the choir who will have graduated just a few weeks earlier. We want every one of the choir’s 24 members to participate, and that means some serious fundraising. Please watch for opportunities to contribute.

Fall &Winter

EVENTS

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat!

Friday–Sunday, November 13–15 • The Block Theater Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s signature telling of the biblical story of Joseph will be presented by the 40 talented members of our Resonate! Youth Choirs. This new production is sure to be even more entertaining than our previous ones in 2008 and 2011. For the first time, we’ll be presenting this show in The Block Theater. Due to limited seating, we’ll be doing five performances over the weekend. Watch for ticket sales to kick off in midSeptember for this fabulous opportunity!

The Sounds of Christmas Sunday, December 13 8:30 & 11:00am • Sanctuary

This is the year for all of our children’s, youth, and adult musical ensembles to join in a joyous celebration of our Savior’s birth during our morning traditional services. Don’t miss it!

Children’s Christmas Festival Wednesday, December 16 6:30pm • Harper Chapel

Our Cherub, Carol, and Covenant Choirs will combine for a very special midweek Service of Lessons and Carols in Harper Chapel.

The Requiem by Mark Hayes Palm Sunday, March 20 • Sanctuary

JOHN GENTRY Director of Music & the Arts 672.1845 jgentry@firstpresgreenville.org

Our Sanctuary Choir and older youth choir (Resonate! Prime) will join forces to present a beautiful new sacred choral work, accompanied by an instrumental ensemble. The Mark Hayes Requiem is the piece Resonate! Prime will be singing in Carnegie Hall next June.

Sanctuary Choir is

POISED FOR GROWTH!

You’ve probably noticed that our Sanctuary Choir has been shrinking these last few years. Our influx of new singers has not been able to keep up with folks who have retired or moved away. We’re addressing this situation by revamping and enlarging our Choral Scholarship program for college students, as well as involving many of our older Resonate! Prime members in the Choir. The result will be a much more friendly and welcoming atmosphere for new choir members. If you’ve ever thought about giving us a try, now is the time to act! Our first rehearsal of the season will be on Wednesday, September 2, at 7:30pm in the Choir Room. Please call John Gentry at 672.1845 for more information.

Ignite Worship

y name is Frances Reid, and I am so excited to be the new Ignite Contemporary Worship Interim at First Presbyterian. I grew up here, and it is an honor to be back and to have the opportunity to lead. I will finish my Bachelors of Music degree in Worship Leadership at Anderson University in December, and am about halfway through a Masters in Worship at Northern Seminary in Chicago. Music has always been my passion, and I developed a heart for worship in early high school. There is nothing I would rather do than help lead the redeemed people of God in the worship of our redeeming Father. I believe that worship is rightly responding to the revelation of God. That response manifests itself in so many mediums, arts, and forms, but the musical response is what I am most passionate about. As a worship leader, I strive to worship and lead in a way that directs and points the congregation toward the Father. The Sunday morning gathering for me is first, a time to worship and praise the Lord, and second, a time for the believers to be edified through the preaching of the Word and congregational praise in song. The overall current state of worship is more professional than prophetic. It is more about good programs than God’s presence. More about tours than tears, gigs than growth, fans than families, and great concerts than the Great Commission. So often in the contemporary church we get swept up in set lists and graphics, and neglect discipleship and praise. We get caught up in images and personas, and disregard honesty and brokenness. My desire, my “plan” for the time I will be leading the Ignite service, is to help cultivate a passion and a desire for worship and praise within the hearts and lives of those in attendance.

Music We Play

Did you know that you can easily listen to all the songs we sing on Sundays for free? Simply create a Spotify account online and click the Ignite playlist where we update the songs.

Social Media

Connect with us and stay up to date with social media!

I believe that every person has a story, and however good or bad, hard or thrilling, that story is, it is a testament to our Father, and it is a story that requires a response. I want Sunday morning to be a place where people can come and let their stories, struggles, and joys compel them in congregational worship. However, worship is not just a Sunday morning occurrence; it is a continuation of the week, of the business meetings and the cubicles, of the carpool lines and the grocery stores. When we invite the Lord into these mundane moments, they become extraordinary moments—times of worship. My job on Sundays is not to play cool music. It is not to entertain or perform. It is to worship. My desire is to point our focus heavenward, above man and our needs. May our stories, testimonies, and journeys compel us forward in praise. I look forward to getting to know you all during my time here. I look forward to hearing your stories and joining with you in worship In Christ,

FRANCES REID Interim Contemporary Worship Director 672.7034 freid@firstpresgreenville.org

Children’s Ministries

God’s Design

Ways you can get plugged in to our Children’s Ministry! Team Captains oversee an age level, praying for the teachers and contacting them monthly Prep Team organize behind the scenes Nursery Team rock our babies and toddlers Greeters welcome and help guests with children Teachers lead Bible lessons in small/ large groups Assistants help with classroom management and build relationships with children Extra Hands fill in where needed Teenagers and older are welcome to volunteer!

TINA JONES Children’s Ministry Director 672.7031 tjones@firstpresgreenville.org

Many Gifts–One Body

alking down Main Street in Greenville makes me happy. We live in a beautiful, active city that offers more than a person could ever have time to do. It fascinates me to watch the people who all flock to our downtown and yet are so different from one another. I often wonder if they are from here or across the globe—married or single—full of excitement or hurting—and if they know the Lord. I know that each one has a unique story and unique gifts. This is actually God’s design. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 12 that the Spirit distributes different gifts among the believers. Together, we make up one Body. All of these gifts are needed to reach and nurture the diverse group of children who are here at First Pres. If you feel called to serve and would like to discuss how you might get plugged in to our Children’s Ministry, come by for a visit. I’d love to talk and pray with you about it.

LEAPof FAITH

ave you ever wondered what it really feels like to take a leap of faith? Well, just ask our 4 and 5 year olds or 1st and 2nd graders who come to Wednesday Advantage. On Wednesday nights we do scientifically based object lessons that teach biblical truths. Through science experiments, our children can better see and understand what the Bible teaches us. Object lessons this past year involved a floating tea bag that taught the kids about salvation, a flameproof water balloon that showed how sin hurts us, and dry ice to learn to “have no fear when Jesus is in your life.” Everyone’s favorite experiment by far was the “Leap of Faith” object lesson. The children learned that we can be brave with Jesus, because God has the strength and we have the faith. Together we can do anything! I put the Philippians 4:13 verse, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” on the wall. We then talked about what it means to have faith and about people from the Bible who had faith and those who did not. The kids were shown a huge container filled with a nonNewtonian liquid mixture and were asked what would happen if I just stood in it. Everyone agreed that I would sink. I stepped in the liquid and my feet did sink. I then ask them what would happen if we had faith. Did they think we would be able to walk on top of the liquid? Again it was unanimous that we would sink. Each child was invited to recite Philippians 4:13 and then walk quickly across the liquid. The ones who had “faith” stayed on top and did not sink, while those who were more tentative ended up sinking. What a fun and memorable way to learn the importance of having faith!

Children’s Ministries

Save these Dates!

What is YOUR Mission?

any years ago, a dear friend of mine, Rev. Ted Gaines, showed me—by the way he lived his life—that being the heart, hands, and feet of Jesus doesn’t always mean we have to go miles away to serve in other communities, states, or countries. When we humble our hearts before the Lord, and bring honor and glory to God, we are living out our mission! Every summer during the week of Vacation Bible School, a large group of First Pres friends and family (grades 4-12, college, and adults) participate in Day Missions. Groups go into our local community to serve the Lord in a variety of ways: packing food for the homeless, taking the VBS program to children in less fortunate situations, visiting with the elderly and homebound, handing out cold bottles of water to passersby at parks and downtown, and picking up trash left on our streets. All of these missions are wonderful, and much needed. Other ways to share the love of Jesus include prayer missions, where people commit to lifting others up in prayer; card missions, where individuals handwrite personal notes of encouragement; animal missions, helping to care for God’s precious little critters; and even something I like to call SMILE missions, where you smile at everyone you see, pass on the streets, or stand in line with at the supermarket. A smile brightens dark days, brings hope to difficult situations, warms cold hearts, and breaks down walls of judgment and hard feelings.

Watch the GrapeVine newsletter for more details about these events: October 4 Family Fall Picnic at Eden Farms October 11 Family Night December 2 Family Advent Festival December 13 Route 56 Regressive Dinner February 10, Ash Wednesday “Take Me to the Cross”

EVELYN PENKERT Director of Early Childhood and Preschool Education (Birth–K5) 672.1843 epenkert@firstpresgreenville.org

So together let’s serve the Lord with gladness, humble our hearts before Him, and put on a smile so big that when others see us they see Jesus. That, my friends, is a mission in action that everyone can do! Just SMILE!

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

Children’s Ministries

Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God TITUS 2:3-5

Are you a mom who could use a spiritual mentor?

Mother’s Morning Out Ministry T

he Mothers Morning Out Ministry exists to serve parents of infants and toddlers, ages 3 months to 2 years. We operate September through May, Monday through Thursday, 9:00am-2:00pm, with early and late stay options available. Our loving staff nurtures the children while also providing educational instruction, singing, reading, and play activities that develop fine and gross motor skills. Caring for children and their families during these early years is a great privilege. We take very seriously the opportunity to assist in their spiritual, social, and developmental growth. For more information, contact Beth Plyler, MMO Director (672.0347, bplyler@firstpresgreenville.org). Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. PROVERBS 22:6

And maybe some advice on child-rearing? marriage? life? Are you an experienced mom who has time and patience and skills to share? Could you invest in the life of a mom coming along the road behind you?

November 4 & 11 Gathering Join us at our next mom.2.mom gathering as we come together in fellowship and learn how to make a pie crust—Wednesday evenings, November 4 and 11—just in time for the holidays. Be part of this perfect example of teaching younger moms the skills we were taught by our mothers and grandmothers. Watch the GrapeVine newsletter for future mom.2.mom gatherings, where we will learn how to do other activities, such as sew and decorate wreaths. We need mentors/teachers as well as learners. Please contact Tina Jones to register (672.7031 or tjones@firstpresgreenville.org).

FROM BETH PLYLER

It has been such a joy to be a part of the First Presbyterian Staff, and I am thankful for the opportunity to serve in the Mother’s Morning Out Ministry. My first summer camp was so much fun, getting to know all the kids and families who spend the summer with us. We had a blast learning about God’s power to heal, forgive, comfort, provide, and love us forever. The music and activities ministered just as much to the staff as to the campers. My own three children, who loved being back at First Pres this summer, still listen to our Bible Camp CD at least once a day! It really was an awesome summer. I am excited to begin my first full school year as Mother’s Morning Out Director. Our classes are filling up fast with both familiar faces and new families, but we do have several remaining spots open, so please contact me or go online to register your sweet little one. Our wonderful staff serves and loves these kids and families in an amazing way. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for us this year! We covet your prayers and thank you for your support of this incredible ministry.

All God’s blessings,

Beth Plyler BETH PLYLER Mother’s Morning Out Director 672.0347 bplyler@firstpresgreenville.org

Activities Ministry

FirstPres

ActivitiesTrips A Day in the Country—Hendersonville, NC

Thursday, September 24 • $10 (transportation) Depart 9:00am • Return 3:00pm We’re off to Hendersonville for lunch at Café on the Veranda (dutch treat) which is part of the delightful gift boutique known as A Day in the Country. Be sure to check out their basement for some wonderful deals! We’ll also stop at the Curb Market and McFarlan’s Bakery.

Thanksgiving in the Grove Park Inn’s Grand Ballroom

Thursday, November 26 • $55 (Buffet and Transportation) Depart 10:30pm • Return 3:00pm It’s a Thanksgiving to remember when you enjoy it at the Grove Park Inn. The buffet and the Grand Ballroom are a Thanksgiving extravaganza.

Senior Salt at the Cove

Monday, December 14 • $35 (Program, Lunch, and Transportation) Depart 8:15am • Return 3:00pm There are indeed many beautiful places on God’s earth, but none quite like The Cove at Christmas! Your morning will include singing carols and hearing uplifting stories. The program is followed by a delicious buffet lunch. The trip home will include a bakery stop in Hendersonville.

BigTrip Holy Land Tour September 18, 2016

LOOKING

AHEAD

Thursday, March 3, 2016 Turner Memorial Prayer Breakfast featuring USC and Cleveland Browns Quarterback, CONNOR SHAW

FOR TRIP INFORMATION & REGISTRATION Contact Donna Roper: 672.0372 or droper@firstpresgreenville.org

LINDSAY GRAHAM Activities Minister 672.1844 lgraham@firstpresgreenville.org

Activities Ministry

EXPERIENCE T A Bit of PERSPECTIVE: The current gym was opened in January of 1975. That year, First Pres had four teams participating at the Cleveland Street YMCA. With a new gym and an influx of young families into our church, the ministry quickly grew to the point of needing to divide the gym to allow all of the teams to practice.

the Difference!

oday children and parents have more choices than ever when it comes to sports participation. With school teams, travel teams, AAU, and other opportunities, it can be a difficult decision. Our First Pres basketball coaches have an average of six years of Church League experience. They and the many volunteers who serve together here ask you to consider playing with us this season.

You will find there is a difference. This is a large program, yet each child is important and valued. Our 2015-2016 season begins in November and concludes with our Basketball Supper on February 21. The Basketball Ministry strongly impacts the lives of players, coaches, and parents:

During the 2014-2015 basketball season, our facility was used seven days a week from early morning by youngsters in the Academy to late in the evening by Senior High basketball players.

The basketball program at First Pres has been a part of most of my life, as both a player and as a coach. Through the basketball program, I have met and connected with many guys that I otherwise never would have. I am currently coaching a fun group of high school guys and have enjoyed getting to know them and becoming part of their lives both on and off the court. Seeing my dad coach First Pres basketball teams for over 30 consecutive years really showed me how important this ministry is to the church and how important mentoring is to its young people. – Ben Littlejohn

Save the Date

Playing basketball at First Presbyterian was more than just a sport that I could play. It was also time I could spend time with friends and glorify the Lord by using my talents. I had the awesome experience of having my small group leader, Stephen Lewis, as my coach for the past three years, and my teammates were all a part of that small group. Coach Lewis would make sure that we were glorifying the Lord and being Men of Character, which is something that will stick with me for the rest of my life. – Ben Thomas

Annual Basketball Banquet Sunday, February 21 5:00–7:00pm Fellowship Hall

My daughter Eliza always benefits from playing basketball on a First Presbyterian team. She likes being involved with her team. Coach Lisa Anderson is a wonderful Christian influence. Eliza said, “Coach Lisa is fun because she does service projects with us to help other people. She inspires me to try my best and to be a team player.” – Emily West Smith

Activities Ministry

Basket Ball! 2015 IMPORTANT CHURCH BASKETBALL INFO… Middle School and High School players going out for school teams must still register in case they decide to play for us. League Rules prevent you from playing on both school and church teams.

Registration Fee is refundable to players making the school team. If players do make the school team and later quit the school team, they will not be eligible to play Church League Basketball. UNIFORMS ARE DISTRIBUTED AND TEAM PHOTOS MADE AT THE SCHEDULED PRACTICES.

FORMS

can be found in the church literature racks.

Send forms

EARLY!

TEAM PLACEMENT

is made according to the DATE Registration Form is RECEIVED.

AGE DIVISIONS are defined by the Church League Basketball for Youth rules (CLBBY). Player’s age is as of September 1, 2015. SENIOR Division Grades 9-12 ($60) Monday Nights

not reaching Age 19 before September 1, 2015 First game is November 2.

JUNIOR Division Grades 6-8 ($60) Saturdays

not reaching Age 14 before September 1, 2015; 8th Graders turning 14 before 9-1-15 move up to the Senior Division. First game is November 8.

MIDGET Division not reaching Age 11 before September 1, 2015; Grades 4-5 ($60) 5th Graders turning 11 before 9-1-15 move up to the Junior Saturdays Division. First game is November 8. MITES Division not reaching Age 9 before September 1, 2015; Grades 2-3 ($60) 3rd Graders turning 9 before 9-1-15 move up to the Midget Saturdays Division. First game is November 8. MINI-MITES K5-Grade 1 ($60) Saturday Afternoons

Five-year-olds must be enrolled in K5 class on September 1, 2015. Tip-Off Saturday, December 5, in the FPC Gym. Meet your coach and receive your uniform!

PLEASE MARK THE IMPORTANT DATES above on your calendar for future reference.

PRACTICES BEGIN IN MID-OCTOBER.

Players will be notified of the date and time of the first practice.

SIGN UP NOW! Registration ENDS SEPTEMBER 1 Cost is $60 (After September 1, cost is $80 with no guarantee of team preference or availability.)

Congregational Care

Wit&Wisdom 1st Tuesday of September–May SEPTEMBER 1 Nick Theodore

Former SC Legislator, Lieutenant Governor, and Greenville native: “Trials and Triumphs: South Carolina’s Evolution 1962-2014”

OCTOBER 6 Mark Anthony

National Society Sons of the American Revolution: A Historic Flag Presentation from our nation’s founding

NOVEMBER 3 Buddy May

May Farm’s Double Master Beekeeper and First Pres Member: “Bees – A Garden’s Best Friend”

DECEMBER 1 Shirley Gallamore and Family

of Rock Springs Baptist Church: Christmas sing-along and solos

JANUARY 5 Sandra Beckham

ach year the First Pres Stephen Ministry Leadership Team offers a 20-week training course designed to equip lay people with skills to provide the best possible care for those who come to us needing support. In last year’s class were two therapists, Mollie Murphy and Judy Klotzbach. Here Judy shares some thoughts about her experiences in the class. I have just completed the Stephen Ministry training here at First Pres under the leadership of Pastor Stan and his Judy Klotzbach Stephen Ministry Leadership Team. It is a ministry of standing alongside people as they walk through valleys in their lives. It provides a caring relationship; the purpose is to give support, not advice or guidance. The training for this ministry I found to be excellent. In fact, I believe it was much more instructive than what I received in training for my master’s degree in counseling. The materials used are in-depth, meaningful, and insightful—giving practical everyday training. This experience has helped me fine-tune some of my counseling skills, as well as improve everyday connections with people in my life. I highly recommend this training for people who enjoy helping and caring for people who need the presence of another and don’t want to walk through stressful times alone. —Judy R. Klotzbach

Interested in Becoming a Stephen Minister? First Presbyterian Church will begin Stephen Ministry Training on Wednesday, October 14. If you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister, please contact Tammy Burkhalter, Director of Congregational Care Ministries (672.0327 or tburkhalter@firstpresgreenville.org).

Old Time Gospel Hour Sing-along

EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS WITH

FEBRUARY 2 Kathy Schwartz

WIT& WISDOM

Handbells

LUNCH & LEARN SERIES

STAN JOHNSON Congregational Care Pastor 672.0334 sjohnson@firstpresgreenville.org

SENIOR ADULT MINISTRY

hat a wonderful year we completed with our Wit & Wisdom gatherings! Our attendance at these first Tuesday luncheon meetings was amazing, and we’re now looking forward to the 2015-2016 Season with great enthusiasm! We welcome Jane Anne Bruch and Anna Teasley as our coordinators and decorators for the upcoming season, which begins Tuesday, September 1. RSVP to Susan Stewart (672.1756) no later than the Thursday before the meetings. This is a free monthly event for anyone age 55 or older, held on the first Tuesday of each month, September through May. Programs are in Fellowship Hall at 11:30am, followed by lunch ($7) at 12:30pm. Grab a friend and join us! We’re happy to offer you the Fall and Winter 2015-16 line-up of fun and fellowship. Please mark your calendars and make plans to join us!

Congregational Care

MILITARY MINISTRY

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY THREATENED

have had the honor, as many of you have, of serving my country as a Colonel in the Marine Corps, commanding hundreds of men and women on air, land, and sea. As a Christian, however, I need to tell you that the religious liberties of members of our Armed Forces are being threatened like never before in my lifetime. A 2014 article in the First Glance alerted you to the situation that military chaplains find themselves in today. This article will update you on the current circumstances. Military Chaplains The good news is that our chaplains in the Presbyterian and Reformed Commission preach, teach, counsel, advise, lead worship, marry, and bury, all from a faith perspective. They represent our reformed understanding of the Bible. No one can tell them how to do these things based on their rights provided in the First Amendment of our Constitution. They serve with boldness, taking every opportunity to get the Word into military membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lives. The bad news is that there are growing threats to these religious liberties that remind us there is a devil and we must be alert to his deceptions. Recently, a U.S. Navy chaplain from an evangelical denomination had charges leveled against him about his views on same-sex marriage. Based on complaints from a single individual, he was removed from his chaplain ministry, an action clearly ignoring the law that states: Unless it could have an adverse impact on military readiness, unit cohesion and good order and discipline, the Armed Forces shall accommodate individual expressions of belief of a member of the armed forces reflecting the sincerely held conscience, moral principles, or religious beliefs of the member and, in so far as practicable, may not use such expressions of belief as the basis of any adverse personnel action, discrimination, or denial of promotion, schooling, training or assignment. National Defense Authorization Act, Sec. 533 of 2014 These kinds of religious liberty threats are real and seek to undermine the remarkable way in which military chaplains have historically worked together in a pluralistic environment. Christianity in particular is depicted as a barrier to the acceptance of certain worldviews in American culture. Your faithful prayer is crucial in these challenging days, along with your encouragement to our chaplains and members of our Armed Forces. Distribution of Bibles Your Military Ministry has distributed hundreds of Bibles over the past ten years by remaining low key so as not to draw attention to our mission and the support provided to our members and the troops under them. Members A new member has joined our Military Ministry: PVT Jackson Darling, US Army, son of Bruce Darling and Dana Darling, and grandson of Charles and Phoebe Blackston, departed on June 30 for Fort Leonard Wood, MO, for recruit training. A long-standing member of our ministry, CPT Sam Leslie, US Army, son of Rev. Tim and Cathy Leslie, was recently promoted to his present rank and has just graduated from school at Fort Lee, VA. His new assignment is Commanding Officer of the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) Company at Fort Campbell, KY.

Contact

the Military Ministry Team for more information: Bob Browning robrowning@mindspring.com CPT Sam Leslie

Please keep the members of the Military Ministry in your daily prayers, asking God to allow them to honor their religious vows in the performance of their duties. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Bob Browning

Tammy Burkhalter 672.0327 or tburkhalter@firstpresgreenville.org FirstPresGreenville.org and click MINISTRIES

Congregational Care PASTORAL VISITATION MINISTRY

LISTENING HEARTS

ur large congregation includes many members who are homebound. Many are confined to their homes or other care facilities because of chronic conditions. Others are recovering from hospitalization. Still others reside in retirement homes. Based on the idea that all Christians are ministers, the Pastoral Visitation Ministry trains and organizes FPC members to assist the pastors in providing care to these members who, for whatever reason, cannot attend church. Visitation Ministers serve as a vital connection to the homebound as they share God’s love, comfort, and hope with a listening heart.

PVM Cindy Phillips and the friends she visits at the Cascades: Al Hilton and wife Ginnie (seated), Barbara Wade, Cindy Phillips (PVM), Charlotte Parr

Become a Pastoral Visitation Minister If you are interested in becoming a Pastoral Visitation Minister, please contact Susan Stewart (672.1756 or sstewart@firstpresgreenville.org) for more information.

Those who participate in the Pastoral Visitation Ministry receive continual preparation and training so they can serve with confidence and joy. They meet monthly as a group, not only to receive training, but also to listen to particular issues and needs that may have arisen and to offer guidance and encouragement to one another as they seek to serve in this important ministry. Visitation Ministers grow in their personal faith because they discover God’s abundant grace as they serve and care for others. The need is great for people with a heart for this ministry. If you feel led to serve in or learn more about the Pastoral Visitation Ministry, contact Interim Visitation Minister Doug Gilstrap (dgilstrap@firstpresgreenville.org, 235.0496) or Pastoral Visitation Ministry Assistant Susan Stewart (sstewart@firstpresgreenville.org, 672.1756). —Doug Gilstrap

SUPPORT GROUP MINISTRY

DOUG GILSTRAP Interim Visitation Minister 672.1841 dgilstrap@firstpresgreenville.org

Lifehurts.GODHEALS.

irst Presbyterian Church offers a Support Group Ministry that provides help and promotes healing. This ministry, open to both our congregation and our community, is a huge blessing to those who are dealing with serious life experiences. The Support Group Ministry, under the direction of Congregational Care Pastor Stan Johnson, gives compassion and spiritual comfort to those who are hurting. GriefShare support groups are led by people who understand what you are going through and want to help. Groups meet weekly to help you face these challenges and move toward rebuilding your life. These can be confusing times when you feel isolated and have many questions about things you’ve never faced before. You’ll gain access to valuable resources to help you recover from your loss and look forward to rebuilding your life. It may be hard for you to feel optimistic about the future right now. If you’ve lost a spouse, child, family member, or friend, you’ve probably found there are not many people who understand the deep hurt you feel. The GriefShare group will begin Sunday, October 13, and meet each Sunday evening, 5:00–7:00pm through December 6. There is no charge to attend. Workbooks are $10. Advance registration is required. To register or for further information, contact Susan Stewart (672.1756, sstewart@firstpresgreenville.org).

Congregational Care

YOUR DONATIONS

make a difference!

We at First Pres are honored to support United Ministries and other Food Banks in our community, collecting and donating food for these ministries so that they can feed people who are hungry. Your support of these charitable hunger relief organizations allows people who are hungry to be fed with dignity and compassion. One such organization distributed over 28 million pounds of food last year and fed approximately 38,000 people a week! Food bags containing several days’ worth of nutritional meals are packed at the Food Banks. They include: • cereal or other breakfast item • bags of dried beans • powdered/evaporated milk* • bags of rice • cans of meat* • boxes of macaroni and cheese • cans of vegetables* • cans of fruit • cans of soup • sleeves of crackers • cans of spaghetti/ravioli • jars of peanut butter

* = in great demand

Please give! Place your offerings in the food baskets located throughout the church. Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to me will not hunger, and he who believes in me will never thirst.” JOHN 6:35

YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS

HELP OTHERS IN NEED

NOW is the time when your gifts of treasure are needed. Congregational Care is proud to provide hopeful options to people who find themselves in a financial crisis. During the extreme heat of summer and the frigid cold of winter, folks who are homeless or facing disconnection of electric service turn to the church for help. Consider the elderly person, home alone, in need of an electric oxygen tank. Consider anyone down on his luck for a time who desperately needs money to pay his electric bill. When the temperatures soar or drastically drop, desperation and despair rise.

First Presbyterian Church Can Help! Please give prayerful consideration to contributing to the Turner Memorial Fund. Your donations allow us to continue to hold interviews for members and non-members throughout the year, helping them with power, water, gas, and miscellaneous bills. The Turner Fund Vision: Be imitators of God and His response to human need. Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly beloved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering to God. EPHESIANS 5:1-2

TAMMY BURKHALTER Congregational Care Director 672.0327 tburkhalter@firstpresgreenville.org

Congregational Care

s Lent began last February, our church embarked on a 40-day journey of prayer and invited the congregation participate. The 40 Days of Prayer journal was distributed and provided four specific prayer requests for our church, as well as a place to record personal requests. Members were encouraged to write down what God revealed to them and to share how they were affected through this time of prayer. Since then we’ve had wonderful feedback on how the journal has impacted our members. Here are two responses. I wanted to thank you for the 40 days of prayer program. This showed the value in consistently praying on a subject over a period of time and listening to how God speaks to me on it. It also showed me the power of writing down prayers and reflecting on them over time. This exercise helped me grow in my prayer life and I really appreciate it. Thanks, Chad Brown

OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE IN THE PRAYER MINISTRY PRAYER CARD TEAM: Contact Dody Cunningham (325.2934, dixon4@charter.net) PRAYER ROOM TEAM: Contact Marion Austell (270.5779, mimi.austell@gmail.com) TUESDAY NIGHT PRAYER SERVICE or PRAYER APPOINTMENT TEAM: Contact Jim Childs (979.1533, jchilds0950@gmail.com) or Wendy Gaillard (982.6716, emgail@aol.com) If you would like to share how God has blessed you through the Prayer Ministry, please email Tammy Burkhalter at tburkhalter@firstpresgreenville.org.

I have heard about the benefits of a prayer journal or writing down prayers; however, I have never felt compelled to actually try journaling during prayer. Repeatedly during the 40 days, I was thankful that I was writing down what God had spoken to me about a prayer. He is so good! There were many, many times when He spoke directly to me through Bible verses, life experiences throughout a day, or even by stepping on my toes a time or two with Scripture. If I hadn’t journaled during the 40 days, I am not sure that I would have seen Him at work as vividly as I did, or if the result would have been as swift if I hadn’t prayed intently over both my prayer request and Scripture. God came to my rescue! His grace is amazing. God changed my heart… Praying intently over specific requests was incredibly beneficial. My prayer life became focused and intentional… Praying over Scripture allowed me to hear what God had to say about specific situations in my life and about life in general. I felt there was great benefit in reading and praying over Scripture even if it didn’t speak directly to something in my life on a given day. Recently, it might be through church literature somewhere, I saw a quote by Oswald Chambers that I keep in mind now: “Prayer doesn’t equip us for the greater work. It is the greater work.” Thank you for introducing this journal to the church. Please let me know if you have any recommendations for a journal to use now. Best regards, Elizabeth Suggs We would love to hear about your 40 Days of Prayer experience. Please email us at prayer@firstpresgreenville.org. We continue to pray that: • We at First Presbyterian Church, Greenville, will seek to be Christ-like in our devotion to prayer, sensitive to the refining purposes of the Holy Spirit, and deeply grateful for the love and gracious leading of the Father in our lives; • We will truly love one another and love others as we go out into our community and the world; • We will support and serve in First Pres mission opportunities in our community and the world, such as Hollis Academy, Neighborhood Focus, the Dominican Republic, and Malawi.

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES

At First Presbyterian Church, you are loved and prayed for. If you are interested in receiving prayer or becoming part of the Prayer Ministry, please consider the following opportunities: Prayer Card Team—Prayer cards are mailed to each member of the congregation during the year to let them know that they are being prayed for. These cards give members an opportunity to write down any requests they have, and mail the card back to the church to be prayed over in the Prayer Room. I just wanted to say Thank You for your prayers and let you know that I received your card in the mail at a time I needed it the most. —Ann It was such a blessing to receive your prayer card informing that you were praying for our family. We were in the process of selling our house and received an offer the very next day after receiving your prayer card. God’s timing is perfect. Thank you for your prayers. —Katie Prayer Room Team—Members of the Prayer Room Team spend one to two hours a week praying for our congregation, our staff, and our missionaries. All requests are kept confidential. Thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement during my sickness. What a blessing to know others are lifting you up in prayer and interceding on your behalf. Your prayers gave me strength and courage and I am truly grateful. —Mary My cousin had a full body scan this morning. No cancer on her liver or thyroid. It has disappeared completely and she is cancer-free! She is still recovering from her double mastectomy, but she is doing great. She wants me to thank our prayer team for their prayers—they were answered! Thank you all, and praise to the Lord for his blessings! With love and appreciation, —Deryl

Elder Prayer Team—Members of the Prayer Team are available to pray with you Sunday mornings after each service and in the Harper Prayer Chapel. Tuesday Night Prayer Service—A prayer service is held every Tuesday evening at 7:00pm in Harper Chapel. This is a time to be present with God to seek His peace, His love, His hope, and His healing. Prayer Ministers will pray for you or anyone you are representing who needs prayer. Communion is observed every fourth Tuesday during the service. My dear friends. Last week Judy and I experienced what we believe was a true miracle, which was delivered by God’s hand in response to our prayers and the prayers of a few others. Three weeks ago we returned to Duke for what should have been a routine PET scan. The scan was anything but routine. After waiting for over two hours for my oncologist to return to our room, she sadly announced that my lymphoma had returned… We drove home that night in tears, calling our children, friends, and family to tell them this sad news. My head hurt so badly from crying that I could not bear to tell but a few people. It just hurt too much. My oncologist told me that I would be dead by November if this could not be stopped… A friend of mine invited me to a healing service at First Presbyterian here in town… Tuesday night two weeks ago I went to this service and was accompanied by several friends and family. It was powerful. I was blunt. I asked God to heal me. I am sure many others did. After the service I was prayed for again in a smaller group of friends, family, and pray-ers who participated in the service. Again, I can only say it was powerful as they

gathered round me with their hands laid on me and petitioned God for my healing… On Thursday my phone rang about 5 pm. When the phone starts ringing from your cancer doctor, it looks like a rattlesnake. You are terrified to pick it because you know it may kill you… She said, and these words hung thick in the air like a cloud of toxic smoke, ‘I just got off the phone with the pathologist, and you do not have lymphoma.’ I started screaming and crying… During my conversations with God, I promised that I would tell this story exactly the way it happened if I was healed… My deepest thanks to God AND to those of you who have followed this and have prayed alongside me. Do not stop praying for yourself or for others. Prayer does work. —Bill 40 Days of Prayer Journal— During Lent season (2015) we created a 40 Days of Prayer Journal to enable you to open yourself to God so He can make Himself known, and to serve as a tool of discipline and focus for seeking God’s guidance and direction in your life. Prayer Appointments—If you would like to meet with two or more prayer ministers please contact us. Prayer Requests/ Appointments—Prayer requests/ appointments may be made using the cards found in the pews, the form on the church’s website, FirstPresGreenville.org, or the prayer lines below. • Call 672.1838 to leave a message for the Prayer Team. • Call 672.1848 to schedule a prayer appointment. • Call Tammy Burkhalter at 672.0327 to place a name on the Prayer List.

Scouting at First Pres

ScoutingToday

Camp meeting

Court of Honor

For More Information about the Scouting program at First Pres, please contact Scoutmaster Mike Wilder at mwilder817@gmail.com or 553.6449 or Cubmaster Will Thomason at wgthomason@gmail.com or 504.7124

Save the Date Scout Sunday, February 7

Sea scouts at work

Scouts at the Hollis Carnival

n Boy Scout Troop 11, boys and young men learn the traditional values of Scouting and our country. Duty to God is the first duty in the Scout Oath. They also learn new skills and ways to live in this new century. While learning what to do about snakebite and poison ivy, Scout requirements also feature Online Safety in this age of computers and smart phones. While maps and compasses are not neglected, GPS and Geocaching skills are also taught. Leadership is taught by providing opportunities to lead, not just by talking about it. You can find the troop crawling in caves in Tennessee, backpacking the mountains of North Carolina, canoeing the French Broad River, fishing in Lake Murray, and earning badges at Camp Old Indian, along with many other campouts. Scouts provide the Color Guard for Patriotic Services at First Presbyterian and help lead the worship services on Scout Sunday. On their Service Weekend last April, the Troop helped out at the Hollis Elementary Carnival and packed food for Grains of Grace. Get to know our Scouts, and you will become encouraged about the future of our country! New scouts (ages 11-18) are always welcome. Meetings are held on Tuesday evenings at the First Pres Stewart-Adams Scout Building on West Washington Street (just behind the NCCAA and the Block Theater, next to St. Mary’s). Contact Mike Wilder (mwilder817@gmail.com) for more information.

Sea ScoutingToday

ea Scouts are the “best kept secret” of Scouting. With a fleet of sailboats, the Sea Scouts set sail at least once a month on Lake Hartwell. Previous trips have taken them sailing or cruising out of Charleston, in the Florida Keys, and to the Bahamas. The group is co-ed, with young men and women ages 14-20 involved. Contact Joe Barron (joembarron@gmail.com) for more information.

Top of the mast

Sea Scouts aboard ship

Student Ministries

JuniorHighRoots A

Active Transformation

ccording to Berkeley University, junior high students are in the second most transformative period of their entire lives, preceded only by the first three years of life. A student enters into 6th grade as a child and graduates from 8th grade as a young adult. During this time, students begin to lay the foundation for the type of person they will be for the rest of their lives. The choices, morals, habits, and relationships forged during this formative time will undoubtedly influence them for the rest of their days. Many of us can point back to a time or experience in our junior high years that sticks with us to this very day, and our students are no different. In light of this reality, ROOTS Student Ministry exists to teach students the joys of being in a relationship with our risen Lord. At ROOTS, we seek to provide a safe environment where students can learn directly from the Scriptures, engage God and one another in worship and fellowship, and have a great time doing it. Within our program, we seek to echo the overall mission of First Presbyterian Church: Growing faithful Christians. While imparting the glories of the gospel to our students, we provide various opportunities to serve others; to grow deeper in our faith through discussion, activities, and events; and to live in fellowship with other believers. God has tremendously blessed our Student Ministry, and we sincerely hope that your student will be a part of it!

A Leading Team:

Loving, Mentoring, Ministering We have been experiencing rapid growth and exciting times at ROOTS Student Ministry here at First Pres! As an adult youth leader since 2003, I can truthfully say that I have not seen a more effective team on the youth floor than we have in place right now. It should be very encouraging to parents to know that their middle school and high school age kids can come into an environment that is safe and fun, where they will engage in worship, prayer, and the truth of God’s Word through relevant, life-applicable teachings. During the school year, we offer both a fall and a winter retreat, where lifelong memories are made, new friendships are formed, and commitments to the Lord are made. There are also mini-retreats on designated weekends and summer mission trips where the students are truly able to express their faith in Christ by loving and serving others. Lastly, every student is encouraged to participate in “small groups,” a very successful ministry that continues to grow. In a small group setting, students are better able to bond with each other, have accountability partners, and discuss struggles while having God’s truths applied to them. It is essential to me, the other leaders, and the student ministers that we be about the Father’s business of loving, mentoring, and ministering to these teenagers so that they can go out and be Christ to each other and to a broken world.

—Greg Smith

Would You

Consider? With the sheer number of students, programs, and events taking place at ROOTS, there is no way Kate, Sean, and I can minister effectively to each student without your help! ROOTS thrives on volunteer assistance, and as God continues to increase our ministry, this need grows exponentially. If you would like to volunteer to help during any of our weekly programming or events, let us know! We would love to discuss your involvement.

CHARLIE BUCHANAN Student Ministries Director 672.0333 cbuchanan@firstpresgreenville.org

Student Ministries

UPCOMING

Events:

God is ALWAYS Working

October 23-25

Fall Retreat @ Look Up Lodge November 18

ROOTS Night of Thanks December 9

ROOTS Outreach Project December 16

A Very ROOTS Christmas February 19–21

Ski Retreat

Did You Know? • ROOTS Student Ministries reaches over 200 students per week from 13 different schools in the Upstate. • Our youth team has over 15 collective years of ministry experience. • It takes over 50 volunteer leaders and 3 fulltime ministers to run ROOTS programming each week. • Every single ROOTS student receives a handwritten birthday card each year.

KATE FAGEN Female Student Ministries Coordinator 672.0348 kfagan@firstpresgreenville.org

OOTS Student Ministries last spring was filled with fun weekend retreats, worshipful Wednesday Nights, successful Mission Trip fundraisers, and too many Starbucks trips to count. And every few weeks, when things began to slow down, I found myself wondering where God is working in all of these things. In the midst of the chaos of planning, programming, organizing, and conducting, God compassionately reaches out and grants us a glimpse behind the curtain into His glorious gospel work. God uses the incredible testimonies and words of encouragement of our ROOTS students to remind us that even when things get hectic and we can’t seem to slow down, He is always diligently working in the hearts of students, persistent to bring them closer and closer in relationship with Him. One of the most encouraging testimonies we’ve had the privilege of watching unfold comes from Abi Thomas, a junior at Wade Hampton High School. She is enthusiastic to open up and share what God has been doing in her life through ROOTS Student Ministry at First Presbyterian Church.

When asked how God has used ROOTS to change my life, there isn’t anything that has changed without God working through ROOTS. ROOTS has given me a family unlike any other. Within our “family,” with Sean and Kate as our wonderful “parents,” God has given me a place to be myself and teach me that being me is enough. Also, ROOTS has given me people to talk to who lead me closer to God and allow me to talk openly about anything I am going through. Without ROOTS, I wouldn’t be the person I am today—and even though that person isn’t perfect, I am closer to God than I have ever been and feel better about my life and my future than ever before. Knowing that God has given me a family like ROOTS to help me through all the bumps in the road of life, I am not scared of what’s to come. I have faith that God will always be there. –Abi, junior at Wade Hampton High School

Student Ministries

SeniorHighRoots Growing a Family

“High school. Or as I like to refer to it, the hardest four years of my life.”

ello from the ROOTS Senior High Ministry at FPC! We have had an incredible season here at First Presbyterian. From trips all over the world (literally) to amazing moments of life-changing ministry, our summer has been jam-packed, and we are looking forward to the fall! Summer started off strong with a near-total overhaul of the Senior High room. Our goal is that your students would find the Senior High area to be a place of safety, security, and fun as they push through the four-year challenge that is high school. We want the room to be a place where life change consistently happens, and we know that does not occur without dedicated community. With that, we decided that our room needed a new look, so we spent a few weeks early in the summer creating a new environment dedicated not only to community, but also to the future growth of the ministry. We are excited to see how the students of First Presbyterian grow into our space!

Experiences in the Dominican Republic

We had an incredible mission trip to the Dominican Republic again this summer. We (crazily) took 56 people to the Dominican at the end of July, by far the biggest crew that has headed to La Romana from First Presbyterian Church. Our amazing experiences included both ministering to the people of La Romana and the surrounding areas, and also being ministered to by the people of the Dominican. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you again for your support for our students and this mission trip. With your help, our Student Ministry raised over $14,000 to help pay for some of the cost of our students’ trips. Without your constant support of our ministry, we simply would not be able to continue these trips. We have seen students give their lives to Jesus, relationships restored, and even a few feeling called into mission work once they graduate. These trips change students’ lives, and the Lord is using mission experiences to call them into ministry, which is incredibly exciting. We are so blessed to have a church that believes in Student Ministry and provides ongoing support. From the bottom of my heart, Thank You!

ROOTS has impacted my life drastically. Without ROOTS, I would not have met the most influential people in my life. Without ROOTS, I would not know what a healthy friendship looks like, I would not know how to have a Christ-centered friendship, and I would not have been able to see how much more there is to life outside of Greenville. Through ROOTS, I was able to go to the Dominican Republic to see and learn more about the love of Christ and the love His people have for Him. I was able to see how people with nothing are so much happier than we will ever be. I was taught to love everyone, to share what I have, and to be content with the simpler things in life! ROOTS is growing to be such an amazing and widespread group of students and leaders. ROOTS is and will remain family! –Bailey, 10th grader at Wade Hampton High School

SEAN GAJDA Senior High Director 672.0323 sgajda@firstpresgreenville.org

Women’s Ministry

SeekingTogether The Women’s Ministry year verse for 2015-2016 is 1 Chronicles 16:11:

Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually. The Mission of Women’s Ministry To glorify God as we grow faithful Christians through Bible study, prayer, discipleship, missions, service, and fellowship.

This is the focus of all that we offer for women.

s we seek God in our weekly Bible studies and our monthly Circles, in our Thursday Prayer Ministry and at our luncheons and dinners, we learn more about Him and grow as His disciples and as faithful Christians. When we gather together to study and fellowship, we give thanks to the Lord and praise His name as we remember the wonderful things He has done. We are reminded again of His everlasting covenant and that He is OUR God. We discover His splendor, majesty, strength, joy, greatness, and salvation. And in doing so, we are led to worship and praise Him. What an amazing opportunity we have in Women’s Ministry—to seek the true and living God who is the everlasting King (Jeremiah 10:10)! Come join us as we pursue the One who wants a personal relationship with each one of us! Ephesians 3:20-21,

Opportunities to

Wonderful music and fellowship during our Spring Dessert Social

Seek the lord Fall Luncheon & Dinner

Thursday, September 10, 12:00noon and 6:30pm in Fellowship Hall

Fall Bible Studies

Fall Bible Studies begin the second week of September. For details, visit FirstPresGreenville.org (click on MINISTRIES, Our Ministries, Women’s Ministry) or pick up a listing from the church literature racks.

Circles

Circles begin meeting the second week of September. This year our study will be a continuation of R. T. Kendall’s book, These Are The Days of Elijah: How God Uses Ordinary People to Do Extraordinary Things.

Women’s Ministry

GROWING A

Radiant Faith

I don’t even know where to begin when talking about the Women’s Ministry at First Pres! I am blessed to have been included in the initial meeting of the Radiance Women’s Bible Study and have been a faithful member ever since. To watch this group of women grow from 12 to 200 is a testimony to the need for a ministry like this in our church and in our community at large.

Coming to First Pres about eight years ago was a lifechanger for me. The preaching drew me back into a relationship with the Lord that frankly had not been Sarah Lauren Orders strong. Then Radiance set me on fire for more. The and her husband Jay leaders we have are so encouraging, and the knowledge they have imparted to us is truly something special. We will carry what we have learned from them for the rest of our lives. The fellowship with women my age who are experiencing the same things that I am and who have the same desire to grow closer to God has really shown me how important it is to have relationships with people who are “walking the walk.” We encourage each other, hold each other accountable, learn about Jesus, share our stories about what God is doing in our lives, laugh a lot, and, most importantly, love each other right where we are.

Women’s Ministry

Leadership Team 2015-2016 Chair Edith Parks Circle Bible Study Coordinator Nancy Lusk Missions Coordinator Carrie Dickert Cup of Caring Tea Ministry Belinda Manley

Members of Circle 2

I believe the growth I have experienced in my faith the last five years is a result of Radiance, our fabulous leaders, and the Lord making it so clear that this is where I belong! Radiance has been a catalyst for me to become involved in other areas of the church, including the Journey Sunday School Class and the Hollis Academy Ministry. I have confidence to talk about my journey and my relationship with God in a way that I never have before, ever in my life! —Sarah Lauren Orders

We would love to hear from you! Women’s Ministry Chair: Edith Parks, 263.7989 or womensministry@firstpresgreenville.org FirstPresGreenville.org, click MINISTRIES Radiance Spring Retreat

Men’s Ministry

T SMALLGROUPS

Want a deeper walk in your faith? A number of men’s Small Groups meet on and off campus for Bible Study on a weekly basis. Contact Pastor Phil Hargrove (423.3455) to join a small group that fits your schedule.

721ADVANCE

he Advance is a 721 Ministries men’s gathering hosted by four men from across South Carolina: Det Bowers, Cubby Culbertson, Sam Hunter, and Irv Philpot. It is a fun and meaningful 18 hours designed for men of all ages. There is no singing, no hand-holding, no group hugs, no kumbaya—just very time-efficient teaching, coupled with individual discussions of both really funny and more serious questions for us men. We meet in Clinton at the Hampton Inn right off I-26. Check in time is around 5:30pm on Thursday and we conclude by noon on Friday. The program starts at 6:00pm sharp on Thursday evening with a living parable skit, followed by a delicious dinner catered in; we finish around 9:30pm. Friday we begin around 7:45am and are done by lunch—that is a guarantee. The cost to share a room with dinner and breakfast included is $70 per person. If you want a room to yourself, the cost is $130. This is the actual cost. Round 1, September 24-25: “Are You Missing It?” Round 2, October 22-23: “Surrender” Round 3, November 12-13: “Living with the Power of the Holy Spirit” Most of the 700+ men who have attended previous Advances would tell you it was the most meaningful experience they can remember. Here are a two comments:

Wednesday Night

BASKETBALL

Wednesday evenings 7:45–9:30pm • FPC Gym Get in Touch With Your Inner LaBron! Men, meet and play basketball while enjoying Christian fellowship. Contact Dale Smith at 269.910.1231 or dale.patrick.smith@ gmail.com for information.

PHIL HARGROVE Family Ministries Pastor 672.1847 phargrove@firstpresgreenville.org

Gentlemen: I can honestly say that the hours spent in Clinton on those Thursday evenings and Friday mornings have been some of the most compelling hours in my Christian walk since God saved me nearly 10 years ago. Although I’m not sure I’ve ever told Sam or Irv this, I showed up for the first Advance slightly wary of (1) what they would say, and (2) how they would say it. I knew I had plenty of room to grow as a Christ follower—husband—dad—and friend—as I still do. But I was a “big boy,” and I wanted to hear the truth or nothing at all. I left the Advance Part 1 with full assurance that 721 Ministries teaches the truth about Christ, and it strives to build up men to be the husbands and dads and leaders they are called to be. Whether you are still searching for your faith or whether you’ve been a Christian many years, you will leave the Advance challenged and compelled to do better and do more in the “right” areas of your life. I’m not high on “feel good” events or warm—soft— gooey—motivational “cheer leading” sessions, and you will not find those things at the Advance. You will find the love of Christ, practical teaching on how to biblically arrange your life, and Irv Philpot giving a Shakespearean acting performance! Contact Dean Livingston for more information (dlivingston@seacrestwm.com).

Men’s Weekly Prayer Breakfast

Thursdays • 7:00 to 8:00am • Formal Dining Room • Breakfast $3.50 Thursday Morning Men of First Presbyterian invite you to join them. This lively group delves into the Bible to discern not only the contextual background of the Scriptures, but also how to use these God-breathed truths in life applications. Want to be a better husband, father, grandfather, uncle, or son? You will find many answers here to life’s complex questions. Shed the busyness of daily life and concentrate on the main thing: Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Contact Carl Evans at carl.h.evans@gmail.com for information.

Men’s Ministry

Raising a Modern Day Knight Wednesday evenings • 6:15–7:15pm beginning September 2 • Room 314

aising a Modern-Day Knight will help dads 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 toward dads who have sons between the ages of 5 and 16. Contact Ken Carter (kcchemicalsinc@gmail.com) for information.

Saturday Morning

MEN’S Fraternity “The Quest for Authentic Manhood” Wednesday evenings • 6:15–7:15pm beginning September 2 • Room 301

Men’s Fraternity meets weekly to provide fellowship, mentoring, and context for men in order to improve their relationships with God and man. This fall we will be returning to the Robert Lewis study, The Quest for Authentic Manhood. This series helps men understand their masculine identity and shows them how to make the pursuit of authentic manhood a lifelong priority that is incorporated into the fabric of their everyday lives. It offers a clear definition of what a man is and challenges each man to develop his own personalized manhood plan. There is always lively discussion and true acceptance of each man and his journey. Newcomers are welcome, and travel schedules that do not allow weekly attendance are expected. Come join us! Contact Rich Maris (rich.maris@gmail.com or 380.6867) for information.

The Senior Guys Thursdays • noon to 1:30pm • Formal Dining Room • Lunch $7 First Pres has a lot of groups that are reaching out to meet needs of one kind or another. One group about which you may not be familiar meets every Thursday at noon for lunch and discussion. It is called, for lack of a more original name, THE SENIOR GUYS. We meet in the Formal Dining Room and over the years have developed a group that exceeds twenty men. Last spring we spent twelve weeks studying The Truth Project. We ask questions that retired men may or may not want to discuss, in an atmosphere of warm fellowship and prayer. Contact Bob Jones at rhjones@charter.net for information.

MEN’S

CYCLING CLUB Join Phil’s Presbyterian Peloton for several hours on the Swamp Rabbit Trail and beyond with your road bike. All skill levels are welcome for rides from 20-40 miles beginning at 7:00am in the FPC lot. Contact Pastor Phil Hargrove (phargrove@firstpresgreenville.org or 672.1847) for information.

Young Adults

GETTING PLUGGED IN Mark of the

FEAST 666 6 Couples • 6 O’clock 6 Questions

October 2 & November 6 Young adult couples are invited join in fellowship at the Hargrove home, 19 Red Fox Trail, Greenville 29615. See Phil Hargrove for information.

f a lamp is not plugged in, it will not produce light. If a vacuum is not plugged in, it cannot do its job. If we are not plugged in, we are not fulfilling the purpose God has for us. Ben and Claire Lanz have found their purpose here at First Presbyterian Church. Ben, an estimator at Fluor, and Claire, a nurse at Greenville Memorial, found First Pres five years ago after graduating from Clemson. “We didn’t see First Pres as a perfect church,” Ben said, “but one where we could get plugged in and serve. We felt God was doing big things here.” They chased Pastor Brian Stewart down after they heard his sermon highlighting missions on their first visit. They were excited about all the possibilities and committed to getting involved. “We wanted to know more about not just giving money for missions, but (about) what the church was physically doing,” Ben explained. Then, they got to work. Claire has served in the Dominican Republic twice through First Pres and Ben has served once. They also have been on two mission trips to Haiti and have completed disaster response training through Mission to the World, an agency of the Presbyterian Church in America. The Lanzes say missions is an important way to reach out to the local community and the world for God. They feel called “to ministering to people who feel the rug pulled out from under them and to sharing the love of the Lord to them.” “It’s neat to see the way the Lord works in a community that doesn’t have much,” Ben said. “And the joy they have, even though they don’t have the necessities (of life),” Claire added. “It’s a beautiful picture of Christianity.”

Wednesday Night

BASKETBALL Come join other young adults and relive your sports glory days at 7:45pm on Wednesdays for pickup basketball in the Symmes-Wilson Gym.

They have jumped in here at home in Greenville too. Claire is a room parent at Hollis Academy and has assisted with the school carnival and the Christmas gift program. Ben mentors a boy at the school. “We get a lot of joy from being able to serve,” Ben said. “We are doing what we are supposed to be doing.” Ben also serves as a Deacon and they are members of a home Bible study group. Serving God through adoption is also a huge part of their life. They brought home Hannah as a newborn and then three months later found out that they were expecting. Caroline was born on May 26.

Young Adults

“We knew we were supposed to have Hannah,” Ben said. “(Adopting her) was a great picture of God’s sovereignty, providence, and plan.” Through the adoption process, they have been witnesses to what they call “a great need,” including many older children who need homes. They want to be a resource for anyone with questions about adopting or fostering. “There are so many families who could be fostering or adopting. Many entertain the idea but need reassurance,” Claire said. They hope that through their experience, they can be that reassurance. Even with a growing family, they expect to keep serving at First Pres, although they will take a bit of a step back. “Certainly parenting is a ministry and we hope to serve with our children,” Ben said. “Getting plugged in is an essential part of the church experience. The more you get engaged, the more you get out of it.” There are many opportunities to get engaged at First Pres. As the Lanzes say, when it comes to serving God, “It’s just a matter of getting plugged in.”

Radiance SHINES I

n five short years, Radiance Bible Study for young women in their mid-20s has grown to over 220 attendees. They meet regularly on Wednesday evenings in homes all around Greenville for a light dinner and a deep dive into God’s Word. Leaders include Diana Orders (left), Susan Batson, Pam Knight, Susan Douglas, Kim Hassold, Sally Seaver, Elaine Martin, Barbara Nickles, Cricket Terrell, Bonnie Dixon, Sharon Williams, Nancy Furman, Beth Simmons, Norma Chandler.

On Sunday mornings from 9:45 to 10:30am, the “youngest” adult Sunday Class meets in the Parlor (Room 200) for connection with 20 somethings and early 30s. Single, engaged, married, married with babies and toddlers along with adult mentors gather for Bible teaching and conversation. While social events from the community highlight the year, the Journey Sunday School class provides a weekly connection point for young adults—come be a part! Contact Lauren Barber at laurendbarber@gmail.com for information.

Save the DATES

Radiance Fall Kickoff Wednesday, September 9 Contact Diana Orders (dianaorders@charter.net)

Touched and surprised by God’s grace as they’ve served, each leader has witnessed God actively at work as these young ladies make major life decisions about dating and marriage, careers and friends. Diana says, “I’ve seen God working in miraculous ways, and it makes me look for what He’s doing and not hesitate to go with it. All the leaders know God is swiftly working in this ministry to bring girls into a relationship with Him. And that includes us! He is driving fast, and we’re holding on tight!” Kim Hassold agrees, saying, “We have so much fun together that I have to keep reminding myself that I am not their age. I knew I would be glad to serve. I had no idea I would be so personally blessed. It is the most gratifying thing in the world to look out into their faces when we’re studying God’s Word together and to literally see light shining out of them. All of that love coming out of them and knowing what God will do with it makes me so excited. I really can’t wait to see what happens.” If you’re interested in attending Radiance or helping with the group’s prayer and/or dinner ministry, contact Diana Orders at 630.1525 or dianaorders@charter.net.

Radiance Fall Event featuring Jane Robelot Wednesday, October 7 6:45–8:00pm • Harper Chapel

Radiance Christmas Dinner Party Wednesday, December 9 6:45–8:00pm • Fellowship Hall

Radiance Spring Retreat Leader Kim Hassold with young ladies at the Spring Retreat

April 8-10 Carolina Point in Brevard, NC

Marriage & Family Ministries

CSI: Christian Singles Interacting 2nd Fridays of each month at 6:00pm (locations TBA) With a record turnout at the last dinner, you’ll want to be a part of this growing and exciting community of singles meeting monthly for dinner and fellowship at a local restaurant. The age range is typically 40s to 60s, but all ages are welcome! Looking to connect? Contact Autumn Clark at aclark@firstpresgreenville.org for information.

Wednesday Evenings • Beginning September 2 6:15–7:15pm • Room 305 Money, in-laws, sex, arguments… we all want a healthy, loving marriage, but there are so many real issues that can stand in the way. Marriage: Built to Last DVD series includes biblical and practical teaching on these six critical topics: 1. Adjusting to Expectations 2. Learning to Communicate Clearly 3. Breaking Down Walls

4. Resolving Conflict 5. Restoring Sex and Intimacy 6. Striving for a Christ-Centered Marriage

Whether you’re newly married, remarried, or wanting to improve your relationship, Chip Ingram provides biblical and practical teaching to give you tools to live intentionally and love biblically. Contact Autumn Clark at aclark@firstpresgreenville.org for information.

Save the Date! Valentine’s Weekend to Remember in Hilton Head

Family First

February 12-14, 2016 The format of the weekend combines general sessions (with messages delivered by a three-person speaker team) and designated times set aside for projects to complete as a couple. The “Date Night” on Saturday gives you and your spouse the opportunity to spend a romantic evening alone. Event pricing is $174.99 per person, not including hotel stay. Recommended Hotel Accommodations: The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort, 2 Grasslawn Avenue, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928-5583 Special getaway hotel room rate: $149 per night Contact Autumn Clark at aclark@ firstpresgreenville.org for information.

Sunday, October 4 9:45–10:30am Harper Chapel Speaker: Rev. George Moore Learning “Sabbath Rest” and Enjoying the “Abundant Life”

Do you have a heart for healthy marriages?

ould you love to help prepare young couples to start out on the right path as God intended for marriage? We invite you to check out our new Marriage Mentoring Ministry. Seasoned mentor couples will be trained in a structured protocol to provide young couples with knowledge and tools to strengthen their communication, manage conflict effectively, and successfully prepare them for the challenges of married life. We are looking for couples who have been married at least 15 years, feel emotionally connected, and are willing to share their time to help other couples prepare for marriage. Time investment would be eight hours training and nine hours per couple mentored. Each mentor couple will work with approximately two couples per year who are getting married through the church or who are seeking guidance during their first five years of marriage. Mentor couples will be trained and supported by a professional counselor/program coordinator and the Family Ministries Pastor, Phil Hargrove. For more information, contact Phil Hargrove (phargrove@firstpresgreenville.org, 672.1847).

From Richard

Fall & Winter 2015-16

SPECIAL SUNDAYS

LookingAhead

September 13

Officer Ordination/Installation

September 20 Communion

October 11

Stewardship Sunday

October 18

Commitment Sunday

November 8

Veteran’s Day Recognition

January 3 Communion

March 20

Palm Sunday

March 27

Easter Sunday

CHRISTMAS SERVICES December Special music December 13 The Sounds of Christmas December 24 Christmas Eve Worship Services 2:00pm 5:00pm 7:00pm 11:00pm

REV. DR. RICHARD GIBBONS Senior Pastor rgibbons@firstpresgreenville.org

Summary Calendar

Looking Forward to the Fall

SPECIAL SUNDAYS September 13

Officer Ordination/Installation

December Special music

September 20 Communion

October 11

Stewardship Sunday

October 18

Commitment Sunday

November 8

Veteran’s Day Recognition

January 3 Communion

March 20

Palm Sunday

March 27

Easter Sunday

CHRISTMAS SERVICES December 13 The Sounds of Christmas December 24 Christmas Eve Worship Services 2:00pm 5:00pm 7:00pm 11:00pm

FirstPresGreenville.org phone 864.235.0496 fax 864.235.0698

First Presbyterian Church

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

200 West Washington Street Greenville, SC 29601 864.235.0496 fax 864.235.0698 FirstPresGreenville.org

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Inside this Issue: From Richard Gibbons inside cover Executive Ministry page 1

Glance A look at the life of First Pres.

Fall 15/Winter 16

Finance Ministry page 2 Educational Ministries page 3-5 Evangelism & Missions pages 6-9

Television Broadcast First and Foremost Television Program on WHNS-TV FOX Carolina Sundays at 10:30am

On the Cover

Member Madeline Chandler and friends in the La Romana barrio during the June 2015 mission trip to the Dominican Republic. See page 8 for a report on the trip.

First LOOK Are you interested in

membership or just want to learn more about First Pres?

First Presbyterian Church / Greenville, SC

vol. 12 ISSUE 1