A WEEKLY NEWSLETTER OF F IRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, GREENVILLE , SC

Volume 9, No. 1 January 1–7, 2012

Ministry News

Calendar for the Week

The Academy, Michael EverhartACADEMY OPEN HOUSE JANUARY 10

You are invited to The Academy Preschool and Elementary Open House on Tuesday, January 10, 9:00–11:00am and 5:00–7:00pm. In the 2012-2013 school year, The Academy will serve children ages 2 through 5th grade. For details, contact The Academy at 235.0122.

Activities Ministry, Lindsay GrahamHOLIDAY BASKETBALL SCHEDULE

No Basketball games or practices will be held through Sunday, January 1. Practices and games will resume on Monday, January 2.

Educational Ministries, Tim LeslieWEDNESDAY ADVANTAGE BEGINS JANUARY 4

Wednesday Advantage, FPC’s Wednesday class and choir program for all ages, begins its second semester on Wednesday, January 4. Come for dinner in Fellowship Hall (served 5:15–6:30pm), and then choose one of many classes offered to help you grow spiritually. Wednesday Advantage brochures, listing all classes, times, and locations for adults, youth, and children, are available in the church literature racks and at FirstPresGreenville.org/wednesdayadvantage.htm. For more infor-mation, contact Charlotte Joye at 672.0309 or cjoye@firstpresgreenville.orgLuncheon Bible Study begins January 4 as well. Lunch:11:30am; Bible Study: 12:30pm with Dr. Richard Gibbons in Fellowship Hall.

1 SAMUEL WITH DR. RICHARD GIBBONSJourney back with us to some of the earliest days in the history of ancient Israel. Watch while Samuel fulfills the eternal purposes of God by being recognized as the voice of God for his generation. Samuel showed remarkable courage, outstanding faith, and unprecedented skill in his prophetic role. The lessons for us are monumental. Join us as we encounter afresh the hand of God on His most unlikely servant. This study is offered at 12:30pm and 6:30pm on Wednesdays beginning January 4.

THE TRUTH PROJECT COMING JANUARY 11Many Christians do not experience a personal sense of significance. They spend their time and money on things that fail to satisfy and then wonder what life’s ultimate purpose really is. To help us find the relevance and importance of living the Christian worldview in daily life, First Pres is offering The Truth Project, facilitated by Barbara Stueben, Wednesdays, January 11–April 4, 9:30-11:00am in Room 308. Class size is limited, so register soon with Barbara at bstueben@att.net or at 292.6871.

CONFIRMATION CLASS FOR GRADES 6–8Beginning Wednesday, January 4 (5:30–6:15pm), students in grades 6-8 are encouraged to attend Confirmation Class in order to confirm their baptism. This class helps the student to consider the claims of Christ Jesus and the Christian Church, the truths of the gospel, and the call to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The class will conclude on March 21 and students may come before the Session as early as Sunday, March 25, to join as active members of FPC. Please register with Charlotte Joye, cjoye@firstpresgreenville.org or 672.0309.

Evangelism and Missions, Brian StewartCONSIDERING MEMBERSHIP AT FIRST PRES?

The next First Look new member class series for those interested in membership at FPC will be held Sundays, January 15, 22, and 29, 9:40–10:50am in the Parlor. Contact Chuck Emory, New Member Coordinator, for more details (cemory@firstpresgreenville.org or 672.1753). Register with Beverley Alberson (balberson@firstpresgreenville.org or 672.1754) by Friday, January 6.

ALPHA: INQUIRY INTO THE CHRISTIAN FAITHFacilitators: Angie Orfanedes and Sara MorrisDates: Wednesdays, January 11–March 28DVD Teaching: Room 316, 6:00pm–6:45pmSmall Group Discussion: Room 316, 6:45–7:30pmAlpha is an opportunity to explore the meaning of life in a relaxed, friendly setting. During each session, you’ll enjoy laughter and learning in a fun and friendly atmosphere where no question about life or God is seen as too simple or too hostile. Questions like—Is there a God? Why am I here?

NEW YEAR’S SUNDAY, JANUARY 1Pastor of the Day: Phil Hargrove (423.3455) 9:40am•IgniteWorshipService(FellowshipHall) 11:00am•WorshipService(Sanctuary)MONDAY, JANUARY 2Pastor of the Day: Stan Johnson (423.2067) Church Office closed – New Year’s holiday 6:30pm•Life.Community(TheBlock)TUESDAY, JANUARY 3Pastor of the Day: TBD 8:30am•Revelation Women’s Bible Study (Room 308) 9:00am•Women’sBibleModerators(Room316) 10:30am•Women’sCouncilMeeting(Room212) 11:30am•ElderberriesLunch/Program(FellowshipHall) 5:30pm•FPAPTOMeeting(MemorialDiningRoom) 6:30pm•WorshipTeamRehearsal(FellowshipHall) 7:00pm•HealingPrayer(HarperChapel) •BoyScoutTroop11(ScoutHut)WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4Pastor of the Day: Pam Cole (423.0677) 7:00am•LifeMen’sBibleStudy(Offcampus) 8:15am•Mom’sInTouchPrayer(MemorialDiningRoom) 9:30am•PrayerCommittee(Room310) 11:30am•BibleStudyLunch(FellowshipHall) 12:30pm•BibleStudy:1Samuel(FellowshipHall) 1:30pm•AbidingPrayerLeadership(Room308) 5:30pm•StephenMinistryTraining(Room305) •ConfirmationClass(Room403) 5:30pm Wednesday Advantage Supper (Fellowship Hall) 6:00pm•JuniorHighRoots/$3Supper(Youth354) •Alpha(Room316) •FinancialPeaceUniversity(Rom401) 6:15pm•NurseryCare–age0-2(NurserySuite) •BibleStudy–age2-3(Room122) •BibleStudy–grades1-2(Room323) •BibleStudy–grades3-5(Room318) •CherubChoir–age4-5(Room321) •CovenantChoir–grades3-5(ChoirRoom) •CathedralRingersRehearsal(Room402) 6:30pm•BibleStudy:1Samuel(FellowshipHall) •In Christ Together (Room 403) •SmartStepFamilies(Room301) •PotteryClub(Room242) 7:00pm•BibleStudy–age4-5(Room323) •CarolChoir–grades1-2(Room321) •Life20SomethingsLadiesBibleStudy(OffCampus) 7:30pm•SanctuaryChoirRehearsal(ChoirRoom) •SeniorHighRoots(Youth352) 7:45pm•YoungAdultsPick-upBasketballTHURSDAY, JANUARY 5Pastor of the Day: Tim Leslie (423.2063) 7:00am•Men’sPrayerBreakfast(FellowshipHall) 9:30am•Rebuilding Jerusalem (Room 301) •Am I Messing Up My Kids? (Room 308) 11:00am•CongregationalCareLeadership(Room261) 12:00pm•Mercy Triumphs (Room 308) •RetiredMen’sLuncheon(OffCampus)FRIDAY, JANUARY 6Pastor of the Day: Phil Hargrove (423.3455) 9:00am•GreenvilleHighMomsInTouchPrayer(Rm352) 10:00am•BulletinStuffing(Room212) SATURDAY, JANUARY 7Pastor of the Day: Tim Leslie (423.2063)

Where did I come from? Where am I going? Participants from all backgrounds, religions, and viewpoints are welcome. To register, contact Beverley Alberson at balberson@firstpresgreenville.org or 672.1754.

Life.Community, Phil HargroveFIRST LIFE GATHERING OF 2012

All 20- to 30-somethings are invited to Life@The Block, Monday evening, January 2, at 6:30pm, for Bible study and fellowship. For directions and to learn more about us visit LifeFPC.org.

FIRST ANNUAL GREAT WEENIE ROASTJoin us Saturday, January 21, at 6:30pm with Phil Hargrove at The Lofts of Greenville. Visit LifeFPC.org for more details.

Men’s Ministry, Richard Gibbons/Phil HargroveMEN’S IMPACT WEEKEND MARCH 2-3, 2012

Save the date! The Men’s Impact Weekend, March 2-3 at the Cove in Asheville, NC, will offer fun, fellowship, worship, and adventure. For more details, visit FirstPresGreenville.org/mensimpactweekend.html. Gift certificates are available in the Vineyard.

Prayer MinistryABIDING PRAYER JANUARY 3

The Abiding Prayer Service will be held as usual this Tuesday evening, January 3, at 7:00pm in Harper Chapel. You are cordially invited to come aside for this quiet time of prayer.

Senior Adult Ministry, Pam ColeELDERBERRIES SENIOR ADULTS JANUARY 3

The next meeting of the Elderberries (age 55 and older) is Tuesday, January 3, at 11:30am in Fellowship Hall. Judge John Kittredge will speak on “The Trial of Christ.” The program is free; lunch is$7. For information,callPatBrowningat 313.8004.

Women’s MinistrySAVE THE DATE: WINTER WAKE-UP! JANUARY 21

All women are invited to our mini-retreat on Saturday, January 21, 9:00am–12:00pm in Fellowship Hall. You’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast and seminars including, “Your Legacy of Faith, ”Thyme Began In a Garden,” and “Prudently FrugalandSelectivelyExtravagant.”Cost is$7.For more details, visit FirstPresGreenville.org/womensministries.htm.

WEEKLY BIBLE STUDIES BEGIN JANUARY 3Complete class lists and contacts may be found at FirstPresGreenville.org/womensministries.htm. Questions? Contact Charlotte Joye at 672.0309.

AnnouncementsSTEWARDSHIP UPDATE

Through Sunday, December 25, we have received 522 commitments for a total of $2,859,039,whichrepresents62percentofourtotal budget for 2012. If you have not turned in a commitment card for 2012, please do so soon. If you have questions about your giving for the year, please contact Cheryl Craig at 672.0374.

COMMUNION ON JANUARY 8The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper will be observed at all services on Sunday, January 8.

OFFICER RECOMMENDATIONSTo submit recommendations for Class of 2015 Elders and Deacons, visit FirstPresGreenville.org and click on the home page banner; email Lynn Johnson at ljohnson@firstpresgreenville.org; or fill out and turn in the form found in your Sunday bulletin. Recommendations are due January 29.

Honors & MemorialsCHURCH FUNDIn honor of:Jean Corbin by Aletha Harris.In memory of:Marion J. “Skip” Young by Ms. Margaret Henderson.ELDERBERRIES FUNDIn memory of:Sam Elmore by Ms. Betty Boesch; Mrs. Lonie

Clayton; Mr. and Mrs. Earl Clayton; Mr. and Mrs. Mac Christopher; Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Daniel.

TURNER MEMORIAL FUNDIn honor of:Our Pastors by Dr. and Mrs. Dixon Cunningham.

Member NewsCONGRATULATIONSThe Pastors and Congregation extend blessings to:Rev. and Mrs. Tim Leslie (Cathy) on the birth of a

granddaughter, Lillia Kate Leslie, on December 25, and to great grandmother, Mrs. Margaret Murphy. Parents are 2nd Lt. and Mrs. Sam Leslie (Bridget) of Crestview, FL.

Mr. and Mrs. Rob Hassold (Kim) on the birth of a granddaughter, Grace Louise Harris, on December 22. Parents are Mr. and Mrs. Parke Harris (Anne Hassold) of Charleston, SC.

Dr.andMrs.ReeceMcElveen(Lindsay) on the birth of a son, Caleb Reece McElveen, on December 18, and to grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. Darryl McElveen (Mead).

CHRISTIAN SYMPATHYThe Pastors and Congregation extend sympathy to:Dr.andMrs.LeeGarcia(Becky) in the death of her

brother, Rev. Thomas Dobson of Griffin, GA, on December 20.

NewYear’sDay,Sunday,January1 9:40am Ignite Worship (Fellowship Hall) 11:00am Worship (Sanctuary)

No 8:15am Worship or Sunday School

Sunday Worship Assignments for January 1st Prayer ListJANUARY 1, 2012 NEW YEAR’S DAY

9:40am Ignite Worship 11:00am Worship

A NEW YEAR’S PROMISE Joshua 1:1-9

Galatians 3:6-9, 13-14 Rev. Stan Johnson

Continental Breakfast and Sunday School

will resume on January 8.

Wednesday MealsWednesday studies and meals

will resume on January 4.

9:20 First Welcome Team: Russell Guest (DC); Jane Anne Bruch, Richard Furman (P); Ryan and Grace Trail (GE); Don Childers (FH); Drew Scott (CY); Billie Skinner (UPL);BrianCooke (WSL);MikelAnnScott (WCFH);BrianCooke,DaveForry,WillSykes,RussellGuest,DonChilders(Ushers).

10:40 First Welcome Team: David Koysza (DC); Sarah-Lauren Orders, Jay Orders (P); Malcolm Floyd (MH); Glenn Batson (CR); Ben Lanz (WCN); Jamie Daniel, Ben Pangle (RSMH); Rob Hassold (RW); David Koysza, Richie Milligan, John Alexander, Steve Alexander, David Dykes, Bernie Ellis, Walt Fowler, David Gibson, Caroline Mullen, Michael Leverette, Jimmy Von Hollen, Wes Plyler, Cathy Tabor, BoydAnderson(Ushers).

NurseryWorkers:(10:45) Caroline Brownlee, Jane Anne Bruch, Keri Dille, Bruce and Cathy Stephens, Jamie Bach, Elizabeth Poteat, Chris and LeAnne Garrett,

Catherine Koysza, Dana Martin, Elaine Harvey, Robin Stelling, Savanna Houston

To join the First Welcome Team: Contact Chuck Emory at cemory@firstpresgreenville.org or 672.1753.

To join the Nursery Team: Contact Evelyn Penkert at epenkert@firstpresgreenville.org or 672.1843.

200 West Washington StreetGreenville, SC 29601

RETURNSERVICEREQUESTED

phone 864.235.0496fax 864.235.0698

web FirstPresGreenville.org

Broadcasts:RADIO

First and Foremost Radio Programon Shine 96.7 FM

Sundays at 10:30am

TELEVISIONFirst and Foremost Television Program

on WHNS-TV FOX Carolina Sundays at 10:30am

January 1–7, 2012

WHAT’S INSIDE:

Celebrating Years of Service

Women’s Weekly Bible Studies Winter-Spring 2012

Wednesday Advantage and Bible Study begin January 4

Alpha: Inquiry into the Christian Faith

The Truth Project begins January 11

For more information about the ministry of FPC, visit FirstPresGreenville.org

Bold = New Italics = In Hospital

Waddy Anderson, Sr. Andy Anderson IIIJulia Moore Bailey

Eddie BellengerBeatrice “Bea” Bennett

Chuck Burleson, Bill CaldwellDick Cook, Reeves Dabney

Robbie Edwards, Walt GilstrapLouise Gilstrap, Anna GreyMike Johnson, John Kabas,

Mary Ellen Keathley, AnnKnowlesBettie Landreth, Tyner Lollis

Bill McLellan, Mary Elizabeth McNairLena G. Perrin, Neill Perrin

Arthur Phillips, Tatti SamuelsonGene Rishel, Cate Simkins

Mary Simkins, Bertha Mae SimsPaul Stoddard, Ruth Stoddard

Barbara Woodward

PRAYER REQUEST LINESPrayer Requests: 672.1838

Prayer Appointments: 672.1848Congregational Care Assistant Tammy Burkhalter: 672.0327

Dear Friends,

For the last five years I have been privileged to be a part of the staff of this great church as Pastor of Marriage and Family Ministries and Men’s Ministry (I also served from 1994 to 2002 as Minister of Evangelism). On January 1, 2012, I will retire after nearly 48 active years in Christian ministry. The members of First Presbyterian Church have treated Priss and me with awesome care and love and we want to thank you for the lavishness that you have offered us. You are a talented and committed church filled with great leadership that offers not just a rich legacy for your past, but fantastic hope for your future. We will be praying for the staff and for you and will be honored to be a part of this great body, in the near future. Thank you for your support, your wisdom, your grace, and your willingness to accept so lovingly my/our leadership among you.

Thank you,

Bob and Priss Jones

Staff Retiring—Celebrating Years of ServicePlease join us for a reception for Bob and Priss

Jones in the Parlor this Sunday following both the 9:40am Ignite and 11:00am Worship services.

In addition to Bob Jones, we have two other employees with over 20 years of service with First Pres who have announced their retirement. Margaret Clark has served as Accounts Payable Administrator since October 1991. She has been an important part of the financial operations of our church. Charles Greer has served as Sexton since March 1991. He has always taken a lead role in his duties. Both Margaret and Charles will be sorely missed, and we wish them God’s blessings as they enter a new season in their lives.

Other staff anniversaries for 2011 include: 5 Years: Sharon Bryant, Nursery Karen King, Director of Children/Family Missions & Elementary Education Elizabeth Oxner, Academy Teacher 10 Years: Betty Bennett, Associate Music Director and Organist Tina Jones, Mother’s Morning Out Director Nancy May, Mother’s Morning Out Teacher 15 Years: Cheryl Craig, Contributions Administrator Evelyn Penkert, Director of Early Childhood and Preschool Education