Weekly eNews

May 19, 2023

Greetings FPC family,


This weekend is yet another exciting Sunday in the life of our church and community. At our 11 o'clock service we will be recognizing our High School seniors, celebrating their accomplishments and blessing their journeys into the next chapter of life. I hope that you will join us this Baccalaureate Sunday and reflect on that time in your own life. The days, months, and possibly years after finishing high school are often a sacred, liminal space. There's so much potential and excitement, but those feelings are regularly accompanied by anxiety and uncertainty. Even as our seniors prepare to take this next step in their lives, we, as the church are called to remain true to the vows taken at baptism. We must continue to nurture their faith, be a supportive community of love, and most importantly PRAY, PRAY, PRAY for this wonderful group of young people. Join us this Sunday for worship and then commune on the Church lawn after the 11 o'clock service for a reception for our high school seniors. See you there!


Peace be with you

Rev. John Daniel DeBevoise

Associate Pastor for Youth and Campus Ministries

This Sunday (Baccalaureate Sunday)

8:45am - Traditional Worship Service (Chapel)

8:45am - MorningSong Worship Service (Fogartie Hall)

9:45am - Sunday School for All Ages

11:00am - Traditional Worship Service (Sanctuary)


Reception honoring the 2023 high school class in the Chapel courtyard area immediately following the 11:00am Worship Service.


Stream our services live on FPCSpartanburg.org/worship, YouTube, or Facebook.

This Week

Remembering Their Service

Respond by May 22


On Sunday, May 28, the church will honor your loved ones who have served in the United States Armed Forces and have passed on. We will print the information in the worship bulletin. Please contact Joanie Shackleton (jshackleton@fpcspartanburg.org) prior to May 22 with the name of the person, their rank, branch of service, and dates of service.

Next Sunday

Pentecost Worship

Next Sunday, May 28


On Sunday, May 28, we will celebrate the birthday of the Christian Church and the power of the Holy Spirit with ONE Worship service at 11:00am in the Sanctuary. This service will be a time to open ourselves to God’s creative new future. Remember to wear red, which symbolizes the work of the Holy Spirit.

Summer Studies

Godspeed Sunday School

Begins Sunday, June 4


Th is summer, through our joint Adult Sunday School class and worship, we will slow down to explore the kind of life and relationships into which God invites us. Join us for this study entitled Godspeed written by Julie and Matt Canlis and featuring videos from N.T. Wright, Eugene Peterson, and others.


Gather in Fogartie Hall at 10:00am each Sunday in June and July (not meeting July 2) as your pastors lead us in seeking to “slow down in order to catch up with God.” Come as often as you are able!

C.S. Lewis Summer Book Study

Thursday Mornings, June 1 - July 13


Interested in reading and discussing C.S. Lewis's Mere Christianity with a group? Come join us this summer on Thursday mornings from 10-11am in the Arthur Center! We will start on June 1 and end July 20.


If you'd like to be added to the email list, please contact Leslie Lang: llang@fpcspartanburg.org 

Younger Women's Summer Study

Monday Evenings in June


We will meet on three Monday evenings (June 5, 12, 26) from 6:00-7:30pm on Donna Pulliam's porch and discussing No Cure for Being Human by Kate Bowler. If you would like to be added to the email list, please contact Leslie Lang, Donna Pulliam, or Carter Smith

Summer Women's Bible Study

Wednesdays, June 21 - July 26


Join Ansley Page in the Arthur Center, Wednesdays, June 21– July 26, 7:00pm for a group study of The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus by Adam Hamilton. A comprehensive and easy-to-read walk through the themes of Jesus’s life and ministry. Each week we will open the Bible and talk through what it means for us today. Perfect time to connect with faith sisters and grow in faith! For the novice and the scripturally well-versed.


Mark your calendars, order your book, and RSVP to apage@fpcspartanburg.org.

Book Discussion for Parents


Summer is a great time for reflection and for changing things up. Let’s take the opportunity to join other parents to reflect on today’s kid pressures of performance, comparison, and individuation. Join Ansley for a study of Bags: Helping Your Kids Lighten the Load by Chris Sasser. For the parents of older elementary – college age.


RSVP to apage@fpcspartanburg.org if you are curious or interested so we can find dates and times that suit you.

Calling Readers and Thinkers...


Join Ansley Page for a few summer evenings to discuss No Cure for Being Human (and other truths I need to hear) by Kate Bowler. This church history professor wrestles with cliché and truth as she reflects on the evolution of her faith after her stage 4 cancer diagnosis at 35.


RSVP to apage@fpcspartanburg.org if you are curious or interested so we can find dates and times that suit you.

Service Opportunities

Hand in Hand Ministries

Accepting Food Donations


Our Hand in Hand community ministry is always accepting non-perishable food donations to help support Spartanburg families in need! They also accept monetary donations through the church giving site.


To learn more about the mission of Hand in Hand and see how you can help those who need it most, visit their website at handinhandspartanburg.org.

Sunday Greeters Needed!


Looking for an easy way to get involved in the church? Come share your smile and help greet on Sunday mornings! We need three greeters each Sunday- one to welcome those coming to Sunday school from 9:30-9:55 and two to welcome Sanctuary worshippers from 10:30 to 11:00. All you have to do is stand outside your assigned door and welcome people as they arrive! (You are welcome to bring your kids to help as well!)  We just ask that you bring your warm smile and friendly face.

Click Here to Sign Up!

There are many more opportunities for service available in our Ministry Finder.

Other News

Montreat Women's Connection

August 11-13


The Keynoter for the 2023 Montreat Women’s Connection Conference is Kate Bowler. Kate is a three-time New York Times bestselling author, podcast host, and an associate professor of American religious history at Duke University. Other conference leadership includes the Rev. Kathryn Johnston as preacher and Dr. Margaret Aymer as Bible Scholar.


First Presbyterian Church has reserved spaces for 28 women to go to the conference. We have also reserved the entirety of the charming, historic, (and air conditioned!) Glen Rock Inn for our group, right in the heart of Montreat, with ample gathering space for participants to enjoy together. Meals will be in Assembly Inn.


For more information about the conference, visit fpcspartanburg.org/events/montreat-womens-connection. Click the button below to register!

Register for the Women's Conference

JOY Fellowship Spring Luncheon

Wednesday, May 31


On Wednesday, May 31, all church members are invited to the JOY Fellowship Spring Lunch at 11:30am in Fogartie Hall. The guest speaker is our very own Rev. Ansley B. Page. There is no charge for the luncheon, but reservations are needed for planning purposes. Join us as we Radiate Joy! (This event is planned by our Just Older Youth Fellowship Committee.)


Click the button below to sign up:

Sign Up Here

College Graduate Recognition

Send Names by July 10


We would like to recognize our members who have graduated from college or graduate school in the August edition of First News. If you or a member of your family graduated this past winter or spring, please contact Ian Ritchings (iritchings@fpcspartanburg.org) by Monday, July 10 with the Graduate’s Name and the University.

Presbyterian Promise Scholarship


The Presbyterian Promise Scholarship is a commitment by Presbyterian College (PC) to recognize students for their merit and affiliation with the Presbyterian Church. PC seeks to develop students academically and spiritually in this signature scholarship. Students who are members of Presbyterian churches will receive a scholarship for a minimum of $20,000 per year for up to four years—that’s an $80,000 commitment.


For more information visit presby.edu/admissions/tuition-aid/presbyterian-promise/

Blood Drive

Sunday, June 25


Please mark your calendar for the next blood drive that is scheduled for Sunday, June 25, 2023. If you donated during the February 12 blood drive, you will be eligible to donate again on Tuesday, April 11, 2023. By using code 9BBW, First Presbyterian Church will be credited with your donation.


To donate during the June 25, 2023 blood drive, please refrain from donating after Friday, April 28, 2023.

Stickers Available


We have stickers available around the church! It's a square design with a blue background, featuring our church name and cross symbol.


Get yours from the tables outside of Fogartie Hall or the Perrin Room.

FPC Spartanburg Sermoncast

Available on All Podcast Platforms


Missed last week's worship service? Want to revisit your favorite sermons while on the road, at work, or anywhere at all? Now you can! Plus: Listen to Rev. John Daniel's new Confirmation Podcast series!


All of it is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you find your podcasts.

Gym Hours

Sunday

Monday-Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Closed

7am-8pm

7am-2pm

8am-12pm

Please note: You must bring your church card to have access to the fitness center.

Looking Ahead

  • May 21 - Baccalaureate Sunday
  • May 28 - Day of Pentecost
  • May 29 - Memorial Day (CHURCH FACILITIES CLOSED)
  • May 31 - J.O.Y. Spring Luncheon
  • June 5-8 - VBS
  • Sundays in July - ONE Worship Service @ 11:00am (with a Special Music Focus Each Week)


More activities and events can be found in First News.

Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  YouTube