Weekly eNews

March 22, 2024

This Sunday – Palm Sunday – marks the start of Holy Week. Beginning with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, we will spend the coming days traveling Christ’s path of servanthood through the Lord’s Supper and the suffering of the cross toward the glory of Easter. Each step of that journey underscores the inseparable link between the death and resurrection of Jesus and our lives today. I hope you will join us in worship as we walk down that path together!

Please also be sure to note the worship opportunities ahead on both Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. In lieu of our normal WAF program on Wednesday, we invite you to instead join us for a Maundy Thursday meal and worship around tables. Details about this service can be found below – please be sure to RSVP ahead of time. On Good Friday, we will gather for a Tenebrae Service in the Sanctuary at 7:00pm.

Blessings to you all. See you Palm Sunday. All are welcome.

Peace,

Rev. Alan F. Dyer

Senior Pastor

This Sunday (Palm Sunday)

8:30am - Early Worship Service (Chapel)

9:00am - Contemporary Worship Service (Fogartie Hall)

The children will participate in a palm procession during the Service.

10:00am - Sunday School for All Ages

11:00am - Traditional Worship Service (Sanctuary)

with Palm Procession

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

Want to re-visit sermons on the go? Listen to our Sermoncast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and wherever you find your podcasts.

Holy Week @ FPC

Maundy Thursday (March 28)

5:30pm Dinner (Fogartie Hall)

6:30pm Worship Service (Fogartie Hall)

Good Friday (March 29)

9:00am-5:00pm Chapel open for prayer

7:00pm Tenebrae Worship Service (Sanctuary)

Easter Sunday (March 31)

6:30am Sunrise Service (Columbarium [Rain Location: Chapel])

Coffee provided

8:30am Early Worship Service (Sanctuary)

9:00am Contemporary Worship Service (Fogartie Hall)

10:00am Fellowship on the Front Lawn. (Hot Cross Buns will be served)

11:00am Traditional Worship (Sanctuary)

Cross of Flowers (Front Lawn)

The Cross of Flowers is an annual First Presbyterian Easter event. Members and guests are invited to place flowers on the rough-hewn cross on the lawn of the church, as they come to worship on Easter. This cross, full of spring flowers, represents the new life we receive through Christ's resurrection.

Why Jesus?

A Lent Sermon Series

Lent is a time each year for prayer, fasting and self-examination as we follow Jesus towards the cross and empty tomb. But when was the last time we asked ourselves whether or not we truly knew just who it is we are following?! Are we actually ready to walk in the footsteps of someone who invites us to find our lives by giving our lives away in service to God and others?

Our Lenten Sermon Series is an invitation to better understand who Jesus is, and in so doing, begin to learn why following him is the only way to discover the true meaning and purpose of our own lives.

Holy Week Volunteers

We are in need of volunteers to hand out palm crosses and branches on Palm Sunday (March 24, 9:00am service only), and help with the Flower Cross on Easter Sunday (March 31).

There are opportunities available for all ages (bring your family to help)! Click here to sign up for Palm Sunday, and click here to sign up for Easter Sunday.

No WAF this Week

Beware of Phishing Scams!

There are some cyber criminals out there impersonating our ministers and staff members via email. Please be cautious when receiving these emails!

Please note that emails from church staff will only come from emails that end in @fpcspartanburg.org, @shelbynextchms.com, or @firstpres.ccsend.com.

First Grade Literacy Day

Volunteers Needed

The Cleveland Opportunity Foundation will be funding a First Grade Literacy Day on Monday, March 25, and they're in need of volunteers!

This will be a fun morning of directly engaging with the students and igniting their excitement for reading through fun activities - no prep needed! Click here to sign up to help with this exciting day!

At the Well: Congregational Retreat

Register by April 1

Join your church family on May 3-5 in beautiful Montreat, NC for a weekend of relaxation, fun, and spiritual growth. There will be programming for all ages (including nursery) and plenty of free time to hike and explore Black Mountain, play games, or take a nap. 

Accommodations will be in Assembly Inn and Winsborough, with single rooms and two-room suites available in each. Scholarships are also available.

For complete information and to register by April 1, visit fpcspartanburg.org/retreat.

More opportunities for service are available in our Ministry Finder.

• March 24 - Palm Sunday
• March 28 - Maundy Thursday (RSVP for Dinner)
• March 29 - Good Friday
• March 31 - Easter
• April 13 - Churchwide Day of Service
• April 21 - Confirmation Sunday
• May 2 - Chamber Singers Concert
• May 3-5 - Congregational Retreat in Montreat
• June 3-6 - Vacation Bible School

More activities and events can be found in First News.