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

Volume 8, No. 50 December 11–17, 2011

Ministry News

Calendar for the Week

Activities Ministry, Lindsay GrahamHOLIDAY 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.

College Ministry, Phil HargroveCOLLEGE-AGE HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

Mark your calendars for these opportunities to reconnect with friends and make some new ones! For details, contact Phil Hargrove (423.3455, phargrove@firstpresgreenville.org) or Katie Graham (672.1757, kgraham@firstpresgreenville.org).•Sunday School: 11:00am on Sundays,

December 11, 18, and January 8, in Room 357 (Youth floor), with Chuck and Beth Simmons teaching.

•Sunday Lunch and Fellowship: 12:15pm on December 18, with lunch provided in Memorial Dining Room after Sunday School

•Christmas Party: 7:00pm on Wednesday, December 21, at the home of Chuck and Beth Simmons (11 W. Hillcrest Drive, 29609). Dinner is provided; bring a White Elephant gift ($5 or less) for gift exchange. Contact Chuck or Beth at 232.4510 or simmonsfam@charter.net.

•Passion2012: January 2-5 in the Georgia Dome, Atlanta. Visit 268generation.com for details.

Educational Ministries, Tim LeslieCONFIRMATION 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 StewartTHANKYOUFOR YOUR GIFTS TO HOLLIS!

The response to “My Very Own Book” was amazing! Last Sunday, our FPC children (and others) purchased and wrapped 540 books for students at Hollis Academy. These students, most of whom live in poverty, will now have their “very own books” to take home for Christmas.All angels on the Angel Tree for Hollis students have been adopted as well. Remember to return all wrapped gifts to the Loggia by Tuesday, December 13. Thank you for your wonderful generosity!

FOOD MINISTRY UPDATETo help remedy the tremendous shortage of non-perishable food items in stock at our local relief agencies, please prayerfully consider donating regularly to the food ministry bins around the church. “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).

Ignite Worship, Graydon TomlinsonTHERESPONSE CD MAKES A GREAT GIFT

THE RESPONSE album features songs written and recorded by the Ignite Worship Team, along with several familiar songs used regularly in worship. Purchase your copy for $15 in the Vineyard bookstore. BUY AN ALBUM, FEED A CHILD. Each album sold will provide a backpack of weekend food for a Hollis Academy student living in poverty. Partner with us to share the love of Christ through giving. Visit Facebook.com/ignitetheresponse to hear exclusive sneak peeks, view behind-the-song videos, and learn more about our partnership with Hollis Academy School.

Marriage & Family and Men’s Ministries, Bob JonesMEN’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/mensimpact-weekend.html. This makes a great Christmas gift! GiftcertificatesareavailableintheVineyard.

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT, DECEMBER 11PastoroftheDay:BrianStewart(423.2660) 7:50am•ChoirRehearsal(ChoirRoom) 8:15am•WorshipService/“TheSoundsofChristmas” (Sanctuary) 9:20am•ContinentalBreakfast(MemorialHall) 9:40am•IgniteWorship(FellowshipHall) •SundaySchoolA 11:00am•WorshipService/“TheSoundsofChristmas” (Sanctuary) •SundaySchoolB 12:15pm•MedicalMissionsLuncheon(FellowshipHall) 5:00pm•Children’sChristmasFestival(HarperChapel) 6:00pm•The Truth Project (Room 317) 6:00pm•YouthHouseGroups(Offcampus) •11thGradeBoysSmallGroup(Youth352) 6:30pm•12thGradeBoysSmallGroup(Youth354)MONDAY, DECEMBER 12PastoroftheDay:StanJohnson(423.2067) 12:00pm•Moms’College-agePrayerGroup(Room212) 5:30pm•WorshipandMusicCommittee(Room261) •DiaconateMeeting(MemorialDiningRoom) 6:00pm•Life.CommunityChristmasParty(Offcampus) 7:00pm•“Joy:AnIrishChristmas”Concert: Keith and Kristyn Getty (Sanctuary)TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13PastoroftheDay:BobJones(313.5869) 8:30am•Women’sBibleStudy(Room308) 10:30am•Circle#6(Parlor) 12:00pm•Circle#11(MemorialDiningRoom) 5:30pm•TheAcademyCommittee(Room261) 6:30pm•WorshipTeamRehearsal(FellowshipHall) •Circle#1(MemorialDiningRoom) 7:00pm•HealingPrayer(HarperChapel) •BoyScoutTroop11(ScoutHut) •CommunityBibleStudy(Parlor)WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14PastoroftheDay:PamCole(423.0677) 7:00am•LifeMen’sBibleStudy(Offcampus) 9:30am•PrayerCommittee(Room310) 11:00am•StaffChristmasParty(FellowshipHall) 6:00pm•The Truth Project (Room 307) •JuniorHighChristmasParty(Youth354) •SessionMeeting(FellowshipHall) •StephenMinistryTraining(Room305) 6:15pm•CathedralRingersRehearsal(Room402) 7:00pm•LifeFemale20-somethingsBibleStudy (Off campus) 7:30pm•SanctuaryChoirRehearsal(ChoirRoom) •SeniorHighChristmasParty(Youth352) 7:45pm•YoungAdultsPick-upBasketball(Gym)THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15PastoroftheDay:BobJones(313.5869) 7:00am•Men’sPrayerBreakfast(FellowshipHall) 8:00am•Women’sPrayerGroup(Room212) 12:00pm•RetiredMen’sLuncheon(Offcampus) 6:00pm•Circle#2(MemorialDiningRoom) •BoardofDirectors(Room316)FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16PastoroftheDay:PhilHargrove(423.3455) 9:00am•GreenvilleHighMomsInTouchPrayer(Rm352) 9:30am•AcademyChristmasProgram(Sanctuary) 1:00pm•BulletinStuffing(Room212) 5:00pm•WeddingRehearsal(Sanctuary)SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17PastoroftheDay:BobJones(313.5869) 5:00pm•Wedding:Jacques/Thomas(Sanctuary)

CSI:GREENVILLE SINGLES EVENTSAll singles are invited to Road Warriors Hockey on Friday, December 16. Meet at the Bi-Lo Center box office at 6:30pm to buy tickets. Questions? Jennifer Paramore at jparamore1991@att.net.

Women’s MinistryWOMEN’S MONTHLY CIRCLES

The following circles will meet in homes this week. Locations for circles meeting at the church are listed in the Calendar to the right.12/13: Circle 4 (10:30am) will meet in the

home of Susan Eller, 9 Secretariat Way (15).Circle5 (10:30am) will meet in the home of

Lou Creswell, 21 Clarendon Avenue (09).Circle7 (10:30am) will meet for a Christmas

luncheon in the home of Nancy and Sally MacArthur, 525 Hudson Road (15).

Circle8 (10:30am) will meet in the home of Pame Wingerter, 301 Blackford Court (09).

Circle 9 (10:30am) will meet in the home of Pam Goldman, 11 March Winds Court, Greer (50).

Youth Ministry, Charlie B. and Robbie K.DECEMBER WEDNESDAYS FOR YOUTH

Mark your calendars for these exciting events and watch your email for other youth events during Christmas break.•Wednesday, December 14: Youth Christmas

party! Wear your tackiest Christmas sweater, bring a friend, and be ready for a great time! Junior Highs at 6:00pm; Senior Highs at 7:30pm.

•Wednesdays, December 21, 28: No programs.

AnnouncementsSTEWARDSHIP UPDATE

Thank you! to all who have turned in their commitment cards for 2012. Through Sunday, December 4, we have received 472 commit-ments for a total of $2,527,187, which rep-resents 55 percent of our total budget. If you have not turned in a commitment card for 2012, please do so soon.

FPC REMEMBRANCE GARDEN Our new Remembrance Garden, located in the courtyard outside the Loggia, provides a place ofbeautyandtranquilityformemorialsonourchurch campus. Landscaping features plants indigenous to the Holy Land, and benches provide seating to pray, meditate, read, and enjoy God’s creation. Engraved plates may be purchased for $350 to memorialize deceased members, immediate family members, pastors, and employees of FPC. For details, pick up a brochure from the literature racks or contact Barbara Seibel (235.0496).

KEITH AND KRISTYN GETTY IN CONCERTOn Monday evening, December 12, at 7:00pm in the Sanctuary, we are hosting Keith and Kristyn Getty for “Joy: An Irish Christmas” concert. Limited tickets will be available at the door for $17 on the night of the event. Parking in the Richardson Street Garage is free after 6:00pm.

NEW FIRST PRES WELCOME VIDEOTo see the new First Pres Welcome video, go to FirstPresGreenville.organdclickonbanner#2.This is a great way to introduce our church to friends and neighbors!

Honors & MemorialsCHURCH HONORS FUNDIn honor of:John and Sydney Parker by Milt and Caroline

Lowder.CHURCH MEMORIAL FUNDIn loving memory of:Rex O’Steen by Mrs. Eula Goforth.GOOD NEIGHBOR CLASSIn loving memory of:JaneH.Coleman by Mrs. Eula Goforth.PLAYGROUND FUNDIn loving memory of:Sherry Thackston by Earle and Scott Oxner.YOUTH MINISTRYIn honor of:Thomas Poteat by James and Elizabeth Bryan.

Member NewsNEW MEMBERS (December 4, 2011)Mr. and Mrs. John White, Jr. (Pam) John and Pam are both retired. They have two

sons, Trevor (14) and Evan (12), both students at Christ Church Episcopal School.

CHRISTIAN SYMPATHYThe Pastors and Congregation extend sympathy to:ThefamilyofMargaret“Peggy”Abercrombie.Mrs.

Abercrombie died on December 3. IN MEMORIAM:Margaret“Peggy”PointerAbercrombie

March 2, 1922 – December 3, 2011

Looking AheadChristmas Eve, Saturday, December 24, 2011

5:00pm Traditional Family Service (Sanctuary) 7:00pm Service of Carols & Readings (Sanctuary)11:00pm Traditional Christmas Eve Service (Sanctuary)

Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25, 201111:00am Worship (Sanctuary)

No other services or Sunday SchoolNewYear’sDay,Sunday,January1,2012

9:40am Ignite Worship (Fellowship Hall)11:00am Worship (Sanctuary)

No 8:15am service or Sunday School

Sunday Worship Assignments for December 11th Prayer ListDECEMBER 11, 2011

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

8:15amand11:00amWorship: “TheSoundsofChristmas”

9:40amIgniteWorship

“ASilentNight”–Part3 Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons

9:20am – Continental Breakfast (Memorial Hall)

9:40 and 11:00am – Sunday School

Wednesday MealsWednesday studies and meals

will resume on January 4.

8:00FirstWelcomeTeam: Sean Sudduth (DC); Sally Current (P); Beverly Brown (MH); Ann Crider (WCN); George and Lou Creswell (RSMH); Rob Bailey, Joe Barron, Marshall Barron, Bob Browning, Bob Coles, David Dykes, Sean Sudduth, Michael Waldrop, Lucas Marchant, Sam Howard (Ushers).

9:20 First Welcome Team: Scott Stephens (DC); Grayson and Laurie Thomas (UPL); Sanford and Heather Ware (P); Tony Greene (WSL); Stella Stall (GE); Nancy King (CY); Edward Stall (WCFH); Betty Stone (WCN); Scott Stephens (Usher).

10:40FirstWelcomeTeam: Joel Corley (DC); Ann Buchanan (MH); Chris Buffington (CR); Martha Beth Sturgis (RW); Meredith Rigdon (WCN); Al Phillips (P); Craig Bedenbaugh, Sally Bornmueller, Scott Childers, Joel Corley, Walt Fowler, Rosemary Jackson, Lee Langston, Ben Pangle (Ushers).

Nursery Workers: (8:00) Donna Bright; (9:25) Courtney Plyler, Barb Fountain, Barbara Nickles, Laura Burns, Bill Norris, Betsy Littlejohn, Mary Frances Meister, Stephanie Wilkins, Marina Lewis; (10:45) Jeanette Terry, Suzanne Philipsen, Laura Massingill, Dan and Lynda Hoover, Danette Hanks, Jen Pestrak

TojointheFirstWelcomeTeam: 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

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

phone 864.235.0496fax 864.235.0698

web FirstPresGreenville.org

Broadcasts:RADIO

FirstandForemost Radio Programon Shine 96.7 FM

Sundays at 10:30am

TELEVISIONFirstandForemost Television Program

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

December11–17,2011

WHAT’S INSIDE:

“The Sounds of Christmas” and Children’s Christmas Festival

December 11

“The Response” Ignite Worship CD

College-Age Holiday Happenings

December Wednesdays for Youth

Confirmation Class for Grades 6-8

Men’s Impact Weekend March 2-3: Gift Certificates available

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

Bold = New Italics = In Hospital

AndyAndersonIIIJulia Moore Bailey

Bill Caldwell, Sara CollinsRobbie Edwards, Linda EllisonBetty Geris, Louise GilstrapWalt Gilstrap, Mike Johnson

John Kabas, Mary Ellen KeathleyNancy MacArthur, Betty Landreth

Alice Lenz, LenaG.PerrinNeillPerrin,Arthur Phillips

Virginia Putman, Tatti SamuelsonGeneRishel,Cate Simkins

Mary Simkins, Bertha Mae SimsFrank Spencer, Deborah Stephens

Paul Stoddard, Ruth StoddardElla Terry, Nan Whisman

BeverlyWitt,Barbara Woodward

PRAYER REqUEST LINESPrayer Requests: 672.1838

Prayer Appointments: 672.1848Congregational Care Assistant Tammy Burkhalter: 672.0327

Children’s Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols

December 11 5:00pm in Harper Chapel

Cherub, Carol and Covenant Choirs

will present beautiful music,

Scripture readings, and our traditional

Fifth Grade Nativity.

Please join us!

December 11 8:15 and 11:00am in the SanctuaryOur Adult, Youth, and Children’s Choirs,

accompanied by various brass, wind, and percussion instruments,

will sing many carols of the season, both familiar and new.

“The Sounds of Christmas”