Worship Livestreams
Prayer Request
Devotionals
News & Social Media
Calendar
Member LoginNext Week at FPC (October 1, 2021)
Dear Friends,
This Sunday is World Communion Sunday, a day when we celebrate our unity in Christ across all those geographical, ethnic, political, ideological, theological, and all other barriers that would seek to divide Christ’s church. At the Lord’s Table we find “communion” not only with God in Christ, but also with all those who share in that sacrament across the globe and even through time. We celebrate that there is so much more that unites us than that separates us, and we remember that we are all sinners called to the table only through God’s abundant grace.
As part of our World Communion Sunday celebration, we will also be collecting food for TOTAL ministries. So see the list of items linked below and bring something to help a person in need in our community!
Craig Foster
Associate Pastor for Discipleship and Communications
WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY – OCTOBER 3
TOTAL Ministries Food Drive
8:45am MorningSong (Fogartie Hall)
8:45am Traditional Worship (Sanctuary)
9:45am Sunday School
10:00am Welcome Class (Room 2200)
11:00am Traditional Worship (Sanctuary)
5:00pm Sunday Night Youth Group
Stream our MorningSong and 11am Sanctuary services live on FPCSpartanburg.org/WORSHIP, YouTube, or Facebook.
World Communion Sunday
The first Sunday in October is designated as World Communion Sunday, which celebrates our oneness in Christ with all our brothers and sisters around the world. Paul tells us that we are to “discern the body” when we partake of Holy Communion, mindful that we note our relationship to all our brothers and sisters in Christ in the celebration. All the bread you see on Sunday morning will be donated to the Spartanburg Soup Kitchen to serve those in need.
TOTAL Ministries Food Drive
Drop off non-perishable donations for TOTAL Ministries before or after service in the marked bins in the Tower Room, Narthex, or outside of Fogartie Hall. For a list of items needed, visit fpcpsartanburg.org/total-ministries.
9:45am Sunday School for All Ages
NEXT WEEK
BBC with De Calvert and Lewis Johnson – Tuesday, October 5 at 10:30am and 7:00pm in the Arthur Center
Join us to discuss Old Abe, the story of the last five years of Abraham Lincoln’s life, the most cataclysmic years in American history. Author John Cribb will be joining both sessions! Contact Cathy Rush with questions.
Middle School Boys Bible Study – Wednesday at 3:30pm-5pm (Cottonwood Trail)
Middle School Boys Bible Study is held in conjunction with the Episcopal Church of the Advent. On Wednesdays, meet at the River Birch entrance to the Cottonwood Trail at 3:30pm for Middle School Boys Bible Study. Pick up will be at 5 pm at the Woodburn Road entrance to the trail. Transportation will be provided to WAF, if needed.
WAF Dinner and Volunteers Needed (Register Here by Monday)
Join us for dinner Wednesday, October 6 for Greek Chicken, Roasted Greek Potatoes, Spanakopita, Greek Salad, and a delicious dessert. Kids can enjoy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce, Tater Tots, Applesauce, Dessert, and a Juice Box. We encourage everyone to bring lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and tailgate with us outside for dinner! Register yourself and/or your family by Monday at 4:30pm OR register for the entire month of October at once. Weekly sign-up options are also available through October. We need WAF volunteers. If you would like to serve in some capacity to ensure WAF runs smoothly, please click here to sign up!
WAF Programs – 6:30-7:15pm
CRC – 5K-Grade 5 (Gym and Activity Room)
Youth – Grades 6-12 (High School Room)
Adults
- Poetry and the Language of Faith – Led by Dr. Lewis Galloway (Social Hall)
- The Best Yes Women’s Study – Led by Ashley Millinor and Martha Waters (Library)
- Younger Women’s Bible Study – Led by Donna Pulliam, Carter Smith, and Leslie Lang (Perrin Room)
Middle School Girls Bible Study – Friday at 3:45-5pm (Downtown Starbucks)
Middle School Girls Bible Study is held in conjunction with the Episcopal Church of the Advent. Bring your Bible, some money, and enjoy our time together!
Other Weekday Bible Studies and Groups
- Tickled Pink Women’s Study: Tuesdays at 9:15am in Fogartie Hall
- Nan & Tom’s Study: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12 noon via Zoom (Join in)
- Wednesday Men’s Bible Study: Wednesdays at noon, in person and on Zoom (Join in)
- Christians in the Making Women’s Group: Wednesdays at 10am in the Purnell Room
- Children’s Choir: Wednesdays at 5pm
- Younger Women’s Bible Study: Wednesdays at 6:30pm and Thursdays at 9am
- Bootcamp – Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 7:15 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. (Email Colleen)
- 6:30am Men’s Bible Study: Fridays in the Small Private Dining Room
- 7:00am Men’s Bible Study: Fridays in the Arthur Center
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Neighborhood Meal Ministry (More Information)
The Neighborhood Meal Ministry is planning to resume on Thursday, October 14 with adjustments for Covid safety measures. The Ministry has moved to Thursday evenings in the Arthur Center, with food service beginning at 5:15pm. If anyone is interested in volunteering or needs additional information, please contact Mary Lorick Thompson or Betsy Burrell.
Volunteer for Winter Warmth (Sign Up Here)
There is work to be done in our own backyard, and you can help with an important mission of First Presbyterian Church without leaving town. Over 20 years and 36,000 coats later, FPC is still striving to keep Spartanburg County school children warm. This year’s Winter Warmth mission will be held Saturday, November 13. The Winter Warmth Committee needs your help with set up and clean up as well as during the event. Please register to volunteer today! If you would like to make a donation to Winter Warmth, you may do so at fpcspartanburg.org/give.
Dominican Republic Mission Trip - February 5-12, 2022 (Register Here)
Join First Pres in February for a medical, dental, and construction mission trip in the Dominican Republic! Registration is open now.
Other Opportunities in Ministry Finder
OTHER NEWS
FPC Weekday School Minted Fundraiser (https://www.minted.com/about‐us)
Holiday card season is upon us. Please consider shopping Minted this year using the promo code FUNDRAISEFPCWEEKDAY. You’ll get 20% off Minted stationery, custom gifts, and more - and 15% of each order will be donated back to First Presbyterian Church Weekday School at the end of the year. Every order makes a difference!
JOY Fellowship Lunch at Clevedale Historic Inn and Gardens – Thursday, October 21
The JOY (Just Older Youth) Fellowship is BACK! Meet at the church October 21 at 11am to carpool to Clevedale Historic Inn and Gardens for lunch. Register by calling or emailing Joanie Shackleton (864-208-2132/ jshackleton@fpcspartanburg.org) by Monday, October 18.
The Peace and Justice Task Force Spotlight: Speaking Down Barriers
October’s Spotlight is on Speaking Down Barriers. This group is well-established and respected in our area and across the country. They provide encounters that transform our life together across human difference for healing and justice. Each month they host a number of meetings designed to help participants more clearly see and understand the injustice in our lives and communities. Prayerfully consider joining one or more of these gatherings, which are still being held virtually. Click this link to access all of the books being read for the 2020-2021 year. Books are available at Hub City Bookstore. Discussion of books is the 4th
Monday of each month from 12:00 noon-1:00 pm and 7:00-8:00 pm.
LOOKING AHEAD
October 3 – World Communion Sunday/TOTAL Ministries Food Drive
October 7 – Neighborhood Meal Ministry Returns (Every Thursday)
October 10 – Blood Drive
October 12 & 13 – Vaccination Clinic (Email Beth Cecil to Register)
October 13 – The Perfect Blend
October 17 – Stewardship Commitment Sunday
October 21 – JOY Fellowship Trip/Lunch at Clevedale Inn (Register)
October 27 – The Perfect Blend
October 31 – Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans
November 28 – First Sunday of Advent
More activities and events can be found in First News.