August Sermon Series

Paul’s Letter to the Romans provides one of the most concise, clear, and beautiful presentations of Christian doctrine in all the Bible. It is a letter that gets to the “heart of the matter” when it comes to crucial questions about sin, redemption, grace, and the life of faith for believers.

This four-week series during the month of August is an invitation for us to know Paul better and to understand how this ancient letter continues to shape our faith in Christ today.

August Combined Adult Sunday School

Sundays, 10:00am in Fogartie Hall

This four-week study explores the historical context, structure, vocabulary, themes, and influence of Paul’s magnum opus Letter to the Romans. Come learn why this single book of the Bible has been so influential to Christians throughout history and how we can fruitfully read Romans today.

Books & Backpacks

Sunday, August 13

Between and after services on August 13, stop by the Social Hall for coffee, treats and to swap some books for summer reading!

Remember to bring your backpacks to church during Contemporary and Traditional Worship (9:00am & 11:00am) and we will say a special blessing for a wonderful new academic year!

Thornwell Tidbits & FPC Lunch

Register by Next Sunday, August 20

Thornwell's campus is home to Lush Acres Farm, a 340 acre working farm providing locally produced agriculture products, learning opportunities with livestock, and family-friendly-festivals and markets throughout the year. Lush Acres Farm is an extension ministry that supports Thornwell's overall mission to support healthy communities in the name of Jesus Christ. Join us for lunch and learn more!

Make reservations for our Thornwell luncheon at First Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, August 29 at noon. We will meet in the Large Private Dining Room. There is no cost, but we need your reservations by August 20. Click the button below to register, or contact Ian Ritchings (iritchings@fpcspartanburg.org / (864) 208-2139) with your name and how many will be attending.

Lemonade on the Lawn

Sunday, August 27

After Traditional Worship on August 27, come out to the front lawn to enjoy lemonade and refreshments as a church family!

Children's Choirs

Registration Now Open

Get ready to get your shine on with this year's Children's Choirs! Kids from 4K to 5th Grade will be the stars of Wednesday evenings as they burst into song!

The children's choir lineup will be different this year, but they'll be shining brighter than ever:

• Joyful Sound (4K) - Taught by Debbie Keiser
• Angel Chatter (5K-Grade 1) - Taught by Martha Bean
• LightShine (Grades 2-5) - Taught by Marcia Andrews & March Moody

Registration is open now. The fun will begin on September 13 at 5:00pm! Click the button below to sign up!

First Steps in Music

Registration Now Open

It's never to early to teach your babies to make a joyful noise for the Lord! Our First Steps in Music program allows newborns through age 3 (and their parents) to experience music and movement together!

Registration is open now. Classes will begin in mid-September. Click the button below to sign up.

Tuesday/Thursday Adult Study

Led by Tom and Nan McDaniel

From now until August 22 & 24, Tom and Nan McDaniel will be studying the book by Peter Enns titled The Bible Tells Me So…Why Defending Scripture Has Made Us Unable To Read It.

This study is via Zoom. Please contact Shannon at shutcheson@fpcspartanburg.org for Zoom and book information. 

APNC Recommendations

Due Sunday, August 20

The Congregational Nominating Committee (CNC) needs the help of First Presbyterian Church congregants in nominating members of the church to serve on an Associate Pastor Nominating Committee. This committee will be charged with searching for our next.

The CNC is especially searching for nominees who have past or present experience serving in the areas of congregational care, older adult ministry, or other Diaconate related ministries.

Please click the button below to be directed to a form for your recommendation* – you may suggest any member of First Presbyterian Church, including yourself. Submissions are due prior to Sunday, August 20.

*You may offer additional nominations by submitting another form.

Weekday School

Substitute Teachers Needed!

The Weekday School at FPC is looking for a few more substitute teachers for the 2023-2024 school year.

If you are interested in being a substitute at our wonderful Weekday School, or know someone who would be great, please contact Kris Graham at (kgraham@fpcspartanburg.org / 864-706-0460).

Cleveland Academy of Leadership

Kindergarten Tutors Needed!

Are you able to commit to one hour a week to help end child poverty through the gift of literacy?

Kindergarten Tutors are needed every day from 9:00-10:00am at Cleveland Academy to work in small groups with students. Please contact Mary Elizabeth Evans (mewevan@gmail.com) if you are interested and able to help. 

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.

Welcome Class

Sunday, September 17

On Sunday, September 17, we will have a special Welcome Class, 12:00-2:00pm in the Large Private Dining Room. Lunch will be included. If you are interested in joining or learning more about First Presbyterian Church, please RSVP to Joanie Shackleton (jshackleton@fpcspartanburg.org / 864-208-2132); this will help us with planning. 

"This Is My Story"

What's your funniest FPC memory?

On Pentecost, we as a church said thanks to Winnie Walsh for her many years of work as our church archivist. Winnie said that the hardest part of her job was convincing people that they could be part of telling the history of our church. You have stories to tell, and we want to hear them!

In the coming months, we'll be asking you, our church family, to share your favorite FPC stories, under a certain theme.

The first story we received was from Anne Cecil: One Sunday when Bill Arthur was preaching, my 3 year old grandson (James) was visiting. James sat quietly in the pew drawing, coloring, and just doing what little 3-year-olds do. When Bill began to speak in his magnificent voice, James suddenly came to full attention, and with a voice of complete awe, said right out loud “Is that GOD?” The congregation erupted in laughter. 

Submit your story (in as much detail as possible) one of the following ways:

• Email it to archivist@fpcspartanburg.org
• Write it down, label it "archive story," and drop it off in the church office
• Tell it to Cesily or Tom King in person

We look forward to hearing all of your precious church memories!

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!

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