Weekly Update for June 11, 2021

Dear Siblings in Christ,

This Sunday evening our Family Vacation Bible School begins. This is a new format and time slot conceived during the worst of this pandemic, and I think it will be an exciting time for children and their families to experience together. Please pray for the leaders and the families participating in this year’s VBS, that they may have an experience that enriches their faith together.

See below for other things happening this Sunday and beyond, including a new Adult Sunday School series led by Lewis Galloway and Lewis Johnson, a new Sunday morning time of connection and devotion led by Ansley, and our second Shelter worship service happening in just over a week.

Craig Foster
Associate Pastor for Discipleship and Communications

THIS SUNDAY – JUNE 13
8:30am Traditional Worship (Chapel)
9:30am Sunday School for All Ages
9:45am Summer Choir (Choir Room)
10:30am Traditional Worship (Sanctuary)
10:30am MorningSong (Fogartie Hall)

We stream our 10:30am Sanctuary and MorningSong services live each Sunday. Stream on:

FPCSpartanburg.org/worship for bulletins, Bible readings, sermon info, and more.
YouTube on your smart TV, streaming device, or almost any other device.
Facebook to join with a community of people worshipping together online.

However you join us, please:

Check in through the ShelbyNext app or sign the online guestbook to let us know you worshipped with us.
Consider giving online or through the ShelbyNext app as a regular act of worship.

Trouble with the livestreams? Check out this information on the church website.

9:30am Sunday School for All Ages
Adults: “Welcome to the One Great Story” (Social Hall)
This summer, you are invited to join an adult class on the great sweeping story of the Bible. We will be guided by the new book by Dr. George Thompson entitled "Welcome to the One Great Story." Led by Dr. Lewis Galloway and Dr. Lewis Johnson, the class will help us understand how to interpret the wide variety of literature in the Bible and how the many stories of the Bible come together to tell one great story. This class is designed for all levels of familiarity with the scriptures. Copies of the book will be available for $28 in the Social Hall for those who want to go deeper than what is covered in class.

Adults: “Connection and Mountaintop Moments” (Parlor)
Grab coffee and come catch up with church friends in the Parlor. Rev. Ansley Page will offer a devotion and discussion around mountaintop moments in Scripture and how they connect with our stories. A little extra lift for your Sunday morning!

Children & Youth Sunday School
Preschool Sunday School (Room C110)
Elementary Sunday School (Room C201)
Nursery, 6 months – 3 years (Room C105)
Middle School Students – Middle School Classroom
High School Students – High School Classroom

9:45am Summer Choir (Choir Room)
Anyone high school age or older who has been fully vaccinated is welcome to be a part of Summer Choir. Come to the Choir Room at 9:45am, and we will take care of the rest...the music is manageable, and there are experienced singers to make your experience fun and comfortable. Questions? Contact Holt Andrews at rhandrews@fpcspartanburg.org.

NEXT WEEK
Women’s Summer Bible Study – Wednesdays at 6pm
Young Adult women are invited to join a Bible study this summer on Wednesdays from 6-7:30pm at the home of Donna Pulliam. The study will follow the book “Open Your Bible” by Raechel Myers and Amanda Bible Williams. We will meet each Wednesday in June and July, except for June 16^th. Please contact Leslie Lang if you would like to be a part of this study!

Yoga – Thursdays at 12noon in the Activity Room
Bring your mat and enjoy lunch time yoga with instructor Leslie Lehman each Thursday at 12noon.

Shelter: A Contemporary Worship Experience – Sunday, June 20
6:00pm in Fogartie Hall
This service is for all who may hear God speak clearest through melody or seek the feeling of God’s presence in the beating of a drum. We hope to see you in Fogartie Hall at 6pm on Sunday, June 20!

Family Life Center Summer Hours – Beginning Monday, June 14
Monday-Thursday: 9am-5pm
Friday: 9am-1pm

Weekday Bible Studies and Other Groups

Wednesday Men’s Bible Study: Wednesdays at noon, in person and on Zoom (Join in)
6:30am Men’s Bible Study: Fridays in the Small Private Dining Room
7:00am Men’s Bible Study: Fridays in the Arthur Center
In person and Zoom Group Workouts – Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 7:15 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. (Email Colleen)

Having Zoom Trouble? Need a Password?
The current password for most church events is “5834531” (which just happens to be the church phone number as well). Please visit www.fpcspartanburg.org/zoom for tips on how to get the most out of your Zoom gatherings.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Hospitality Cart Drivers Needed
Our Sunday morning Hospitality Cart needs a few new drivers! If you would like a fun task at the church that enables you to meet lots of people, then this is for you. Our rotational schedule means you would drive once every 6 to 8 weeks. Please contact Marsh Rogers if you are interested in serving the church through this ministry.

Other Opportunities in Ministry Finder

OTHER NEWS
Order Tartan Banner by July 23! (Order Here)
First Presbyterian Church will hold its annual Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans Worship Service on Sunday, October 31, 2021. At our Kirkin’ service, we remember ancient times, as well as past and present kith and kin, while asking God’s help and blessings in the future through special music and a procession of bagpipes and tartans. The tartan fabrics are ordered from Scotland, so we need your order and payment by Friday, July 23, 2021. The cost of a banner is $135. For more information, visit fpcspartanburg.org/tartan. If you have any questions, please contact Lynise Clarke.

Summer Book Discussion - Thursday, July 29 at 12noon
Join Leslie Lang in the Small Private Dining Room on Thursday, July 29th at 12pm to discuss the book, "I'm Still Here" by Austin Channing Brown. This book has been on the NY Times bestseller list and was referenced in a recent sermon by Rev Lang. It gives a firsthand account of a black woman growing up in the United States, and how she has experienced racism in her own life. All are welcome. Invite a friend, and bring your lunch if you'd like.

These Days Devotionals (July-September) Now Available
Strengthen your faith with These Days, an inspiring and uplifting daily devotional! Stop by the church office to pick up your copy, or if you would like us to mail you a booklet, please fill out this form. Limited copies are available, and they are first come, first serve.

FPC Weekday School Hiring Teachers
The FPC Weekday School will be hiring teachers for the 2021-2022 school year. If you are interested, please contact Kris Graham at kgraham@fpspartanburg.org or (864) 208-2148.

FPC Health Guidelines
First Presbyterian Church is observing CDC Health Guidelines. As Jesus said, “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Thank you for your understanding.

Questions about your Church Membership?
If you have any questions or comments about your church membership, please email Lynise Clarke. You may also use contact Lynise to update any changes to your information (addresses, phone numbers, etc). Thank you.

ShelbyNext App
The ShelbyNext App is not showing the Directory. Shelby is aware of this issue and is working to resolve it. While this is being corrected, please feel free to access your ShelbyNext account (including Church Directory) from your internet browser: firstpres.shelbynextchms.com/user/login.

LOOKING AHEAD
June 13-16 – FOCUS FPC Family Experience
June 20 – Shelter Service
July 4 – Worship as one in the Sanctuary at 10:30am / Food Drive for TOTAL Ministries
July 11 – Young Adult Social at Spartanburgers Game
July 18 – Shelter Service
August 13-15 – Women’s Connection at Montreat
August 20 – Young Adult Fellowship at the Criterium
August 29 – Rally Day
September 25 – Young Adult Event: Northside 5k

More activities and events can be found in First News.