A WEEKLY NEWSLETTER OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, GREENVILLE, SC Volume 8, No. 52 December 25–31, 2011 Ministry News Calendar for the Week The Academy, Michael Everhart ACADEMY 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 Graham HOLIDAY BASKETBALL SCHEDULE No Basketball games or practices will be held Tuesday, December 20, through Sunday, January 1. Practices and games will resume on Monday, January 2. Educational Ministries, Tim Leslie WEDNESDAY 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 exciting classes 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.org Luncheon Bible Study begins January 4 as well. Lunch is served at 11:30am, with a study of 1 Samuel by Dr. Richard Gibbons following at 12:30pm. 1 SAMUEL WITH DR. RICHARD GIBBONS Journey 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 IN JANUARY Many 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 beginning the second week of January. Class size will be limited, so interested persons should contact Barbara as soon as possible at [email protected] or at 292.6871. CONFIRMATION CLASS FOR GRADES 6–8 Beginning January 4 during Wednesday Advantage (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 Stewart CONSIDERING 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 FAITH Facilitators: Angie Orfanedes and Sara Morris Dates: Wednesdays, January 11–March 28 DVD Teaching: Room 316, 6:00pm–6:45pm Small Group Discussion: Room 316, 6:45–7:30pm Alpha is an opportunity to explore the meaning of life in a relaxed, friendly setting. During each CHRISTMAS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25 Pastor of the Day: Brian Stewart (423.2660) 11:00am • Worship Service (Sanctuary) MONDAY, DECEMBER 26 Pastor of the Day: Stan Johnson (423.2067) Church Office closed – Christmas holiday TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27 Pastor of the Day: Bob Jones (313.5869) 6:30pm • Worship Team Rehearsal (Fellowship Hall) 7:00pm • Healing Prayer/Communion (Harper Chapel) WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28 Pastor of the Day: Bob Jones (313.5869) 7:00am • Life Men’s Bible Study (Off campus) 9:30am • Prayer Committee (Room 310) 7:45pm • Young Adults Pick-up Basketball (Gym) THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29 Pastor of the Day: Tim Leslie (423.2063) FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30 Pastor of the Day: Tim Leslie (423.2063) 10:00am • Bulletin Stuffing (Room 212) SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31 Pastor of the Day: Phil Hargrove (423.3455) 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? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Alpha is for anyone! Participants from all backgrounds, religions, and viewpoints are welcome. To register, contact Beverley Alberson at balberson@firstpresgreenville.org or 672.1754. Marriage & Family and Men’s Ministries, Bob Jones MEN’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 Ministry PRAYER AND COMMUNION DECEMBER 28 The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper (gluten- free) will be observed this Tuesday evening, December 28, at 7:00pm in Harper Chapel during the Tuesday evening prayer service. You are cordially invited to come aside for this quiet time of prayer. Senior Adult Ministry, Pam Cole ELDERBERRIES 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, call Pat Browning at 313.8004. Women’s Ministry SAVE THE DATE: WINTER WAKE-UP! JANUARY 21 All women are invited to our Winter Wake-Up! mini-retreat on Saturday, January 21, 9:00am– 12:00pm in Fellowship Hall. You’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast and delightful seminars. Announcements STEWARDSHIP UPDATE Thank you! to all who have turned in their commitment cards for 2012. Through Sunday, December 18, we have received 514 commitments for a total of $2,789,572, which represents 60 percent of our total budget. If you have not turned in a commitment card for 2012, please do so soon. Also, please remember that all gifts to the church must be received by 5:00pm on Friday, December 30, to receive contribution credit this year. There are many ways to donate, including checks, cash, stock, and online at FirstPresGreenville.org. If you have questions about your giving for the year, please contact Cheryl Craig at 672.0374. OFFICER RECOMMENDATIONS To 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 & Memorials CHURCH MEMORIAL FUND In loving memory of: Jane H. Coleman by Mr. and Mrs. James L. Effefson. FLOWER FUND In loving memory of: Carmen Upchurch by Mrs. Mary U. Adams; Mr. Charlie Upchurch. JOHN BRADFORD EDWARDS MEMORIAL FUND In loving memory of: Brad Edwards by Mr. and Mrs. Steve Roberts. PLAYGROUND FUND In loving memory of: Mr. and Mrs. James Perry Aiken by Mary Lane Strickland. Sherry Thackston by Mary Lane Strickland. TURNER MEMORIAL FUND In honor of: Joan Deifell by Mrs. Cema Powell. Mareon Stall by Mrs. Cema Powell. Member News CONGRATULATIONS The Pastors and Congregation extend blessings to: Mr. and Mrs. Zeke Lollis (Tyner) on the birth of a daughter, Adleigh Mae Lollis, on December 13, and to grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Bill Ray (Sherry). Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Meister (Mary Frances) on the birth of a daughter, Tinsley Jane Meister, on December 14. Mr. and Mrs. Justin Bolli (Amy) on the birth of a son, Brayden Michael Bolli, on December 14, and to grandfather Dr. Rob Wood. CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY The Pastors and Congregation extend sympathy to: Mrs. Doris Elmore in the death of her husband, John Samuel Elmore, Sr., on December 14. Mr. and Mrs. Roy Elmore (Vickie) in the death of her father, John Samuel Elmore, Sr., on December 14. IN MEMORIAM: John Samuel Elmore, Sr. August 14, 1924 – December 14, 2011 Christmas is an almost magical time of the year. Christmas trees, lights, decorations, carols, gifts, and excited children all make Christmas extra special. At the very heart of all of the festivities, however, is the birth of Christ. A birth which utterly changed the course of human history and still transforms lives today. If you are genuinely looking to come face to face with the living God, invite family and friends and join us for services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24 5:00pm Children’s Service (Sanctuary) 7:00pm Family Service (Sanctuary) 11:00pm Candlelight Service (Sanctuary) Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25 11:00am Morning Worship (Sanctuary) No other services or Sunday School New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 9:40am Ignite Worship (Fellowship Hall) 11:00am Worship (Sanctuary) No 8:15am service or Sunday School