A WEEKLY NEWSLETTER OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, GREENVILLE, SC Volume 9, No. 1 January 1–7, 2012 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 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 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.org Luncheon 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 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 JANUARY 11 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, Wednesdays, January 11–April 4, 9:30- 11:00am in Room 308. Class size is limited, so register soon with Barbara at [email protected] or at 292.6871. CONFIRMATION CLASS FOR GRADES 6–8 Beginning 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 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 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 1 Pastor of the Day: Phil Hargrove (423.3455) 9:40am • Ignite Worship Service (Fellowship Hall) 11:00am • Worship Service (Sanctuary) MONDAY, JANUARY 2 Pastor of the Day: Stan Johnson (423.2067) Church Office closed – New Year’s holiday 6:30pm • Life.Community (The Block) TUESDAY, JANUARY 3 Pastor of the Day: TBD 8:30am • Revelation Women’s Bible Study (Room 308) 9:00am • Women’s Bible Moderators (Room 316) 10:30am • Women’s Council Meeting (Room 212) 11:30am • Elderberries Lunch/Program (Fellowship Hall) 5:30pm • FPA PTO Meeting (Memorial Dining Room) 6:30pm • Worship Team Rehearsal (Fellowship Hall) 7:00pm • Healing Prayer (Harper Chapel) • Boy Scout Troop 11 (Scout Hut) WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4 Pastor of the Day: Pam Cole (423.0677) 7:00am • Life Men’s Bible Study (Off campus) 8:15am • Mom’s In Touch Prayer (Memorial Dining Room) 9:30am • Prayer Committee (Room 310) 11:30am • Bible Study Lunch (Fellowship Hall) 12:30pm • Bible Study: 1 Samuel (Fellowship Hall) 1:30pm • Abiding Prayer Leadership (Room 308) 5:30pm • Stephen Ministry Training (Room 305) • Confirmation Class (Room 403) 5:30pm Wednesday Advantage Supper (Fellowship Hall) 6:00pm • Junior High Roots/$3 Supper (Youth 354) • Alpha (Room 316) • Financial Peace University (Rom 401) 6:15pm • Nursery Care–age 0-2 (Nursery Suite) • Bible Study–age 2-3 (Room 122) • Bible Study–grades 1-2 (Room 323) • Bible Study–grades 3-5 (Room 318) • Cherub Choir–age 4-5 (Room 321) • Covenant Choir–grades 3-5 (Choir Room) • Cathedral Ringers Rehearsal (Room 402) 6:30pm • Bible Study: 1 Samuel (Fellowship Hall) • In Christ Together (Room 403) • Smart Step Families (Room 301) • Pottery Club (Room 242) 7:00pm • Bible Study–age 4-5 (Room 323) • Carol Choir–grades 1-2 (Room 321) • Life 20 Somethings Ladies Bible Study (Off Campus) 7:30pm • Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room) • Senior High Roots (Youth 352) 7:45pm • Young Adults Pick-up Basketball THURSDAY, JANUARY 5 Pastor of the Day: Tim Leslie (423.2063) 7:00am • Men’s Prayer Breakfast (Fellowship Hall) 9:30am • Rebuilding Jerusalem (Room 301) • Am I Messing Up My Kids? (Room 308) 11:00am • Congregational Care Leadership (Room 261) 12:00pm • Mercy Triumphs (Room 308) • Retired Men’s Luncheon (Off Campus) FRIDAY, JANUARY 6 Pastor of the Day: Phil Hargrove (423.3455) 9:00am • Greenville High Moms In Touch Prayer (Rm 352) 10:00am • Bulletin Stuffing (Room 212) SATURDAY, JANUARY 7 Pastor 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 Hargrove FIRST 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 ROAST Join 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 Hargrove 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 ABIDING 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 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 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 Frugal and Selectively Extravagant.” Cost is $7. For more details, visit FirstPresGreenville.org/ womensministries.htm. WEEKLY BIBLE STUDIES BEGIN JANUARY 3 Complete class lists and contacts may be found at FirstPresGreenville.org/womensministries.htm. Questions? Contact Charlotte Joye at 672.0309. Announcements STEWARDSHIP UPDATE Through Sunday, December 25, we have received 522 commitments for a total of $2,859,039, which represents 62 percent of our total 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 8 The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper will be observed at all services on Sunday, January 8. 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 FUND In honor of: Jean Corbin by Aletha Harris. In memory of: Marion J. “Skip” Young by Ms. Margaret Henderson. ELDERBERRIES FUND In 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 FUND In honor of: Our Pastors by Dr. and Mrs. Dixon Cunningham. Member News CONGRATULATIONS The 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. and Mrs. Reece McElveen (Lindsay) on the birth of a son, Caleb Reece McElveen, on December 18, and to grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. Darryl McElveen (Mead). CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY The Pastors and Congregation extend sympathy to: Dr. and Mrs. Lee Garcia (Becky) in the death of her brother, Rev. Thomas Dobson of Griffin, GA, on December 20. New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 9:40am Ignite Worship (Fellowship Hall) 11:00am Worship (Sanctuary) No 8:15am Worship or Sunday School