“Freely and Joyously”

School is back in session. Parents and children are adjusting to new schedules and less sleep. Teachers are getting used to their new group of students and group dynamics are beginning to emerge, giving them a vision for the year to come. Some are saying, “this is one of the best classes I have ever had,” and others are wondering, “how will I make it through today, this week, this year!” Neither can anticipate what the year will bring, both the joys and sorrows. Neither can measure the impact their instruction, patience, and grace will have on their students. Let us pray for all our teachers and give thanks for the countless ways they enrich our lives!

Unlike school, we are never “out” of church. However, we always mark the new program year with Rally Day, which is coming up on September 13. On Rally Day, we will introduce our stewardship theme, give Bibles to our 1st and 3rd graders, eat pancakes, and learn about all the many things going on this Fall at church.

This year’s theme is focused on giving of ourselves, our time, talent, and treasure, freely and joyously. On the surface this seems easy to do, but many of us who give of ourselves do not always do so freely or joyfully. Oftentimes, we find ourselves counting what we receive or what we think we should receive in return for what we give. And some of us give out of a sense of obligation and we’re not happy about it!

My wife, Sara, who is an early childhood educator, is fond of saying to her four-and five-year-olds, “be a happy helper.” She is trying to teach her students to help without expecting anything in return and that the opportunity to serve others is not a burden, but a gift. We should be grateful for the opportunity to serve and should, therefore, do so with joy. Robert Fulghum was right, “All I really need to know I learned in Kindergarten [and/or pre-K]!”

But, in a way, Jesus said it first, ““Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Some, if not most of us, could probably use a refresher course in these kindergarten fundamentals: how to share, to show respect, to ask forgiveness and to forgive, to clean up after ourselves, to be a happy helper, and a joyful giver. We learn these lessons when we are young, but we often forget that Christ’s call to give of ourselves for others is not meant to be a burden, but instead, a great joy.

As we look forward to another program year full of worship, fellowship, fun, and service, may we challenge ourselves to give freely and joyously. For joyful giving gladdens God’s heart and our own.



Grace and peace,

Will

Join Us for These

Upcoming Events!

The APNC continues to meet weekly as we move faithfully through the search process. We trust that with each step, we are making progress toward finding the person meant for this position. We will continue to share regular updates and always welcome your questions. Please continue to pray for our work together.

 

In peace and joy,

The APNC - Missy Nicholson & Ginger Mauney, Co-Chairs, Paul Govan, Kamin Lambertson, Ann Drayton Lister, Robert Lynn, Leanna McCord, and William Shelburne, Jr. 

News from the Session

At the August 9th stated meeting, the Session approved renewing the contract of Reverend Emily Proctor as Stated Supply Associate Pastor for a period of six months.

The new contract begins on September 9, 2026 and increases Emily's schedule from 20 to 30 hours weekly.

Children & Youth News

FPC Greer Financial Summary

Year to Date Actual Income

as of 07/31/26 = $572,183.00

Year to Date Budgeted Income

as of 07/31/26 = $530,705.00

Variance = +41,478.00

Thank you for supporting the mission and ministry of FPC Greer!

Music News

Come Ring with the

Joyful Noise Ringers!

This is a great opportunity to learn the art of ringing handbells with a short time commitment. All ages and ability levels are welcome.

Rehearsals are September 13 & 20 from 1-2pm.

We will play in 11:00 worship on September 27.

Sign up with Lisa Dillard by September 6th.

Upcoming Children & Youth Music Dates

Kid’s Connection kids will provide music in 11:00 worship on October 4th.

The Young Ladies’ Ensemble and the Cherub Choir will sing on November 8th in 11:00 worship.

A Note from Emily - Enjoying the Summer & Planning for Fall!

Even though for many of us, summer serves as a break from school and some of our regular church activities, we managed to find time for our younger members to get together. Our young adults had lunch together at Wild Ace and, in addition to a fun-filled week of Vacation Bible School, our elementary children enjoyed a pool party at the Wright’s, played games with our friends at Victoria Arms one Sunday afternoon, and enjoyed a pop-up Kids Connection preview night.

Two Mondays in a row our Mid and Senior High Youth volunteered at the Greer Soup Kitchen. Our middle school youth helped make bag lunches twice for Triune Mercy Center in Greenville, and the second time, we got a tour of the Triune facilities. We also had fun jumping at Big Air and playing arcade games at Pinky’s Revenge. Ten of our senior highs spent a week in Montreat, enjoying daily worship, small groups, recreation (we won the trivia contest!), hiking, bear-sightings, and rock-hopping. Only one of us had to get stitches (don’t worry, she’s fine and from now on will always wear shoes when rock-hopping)!

And, of course, behind the scenes we’ve been selecting curriculum, planning for the fall, and getting ready for Rally Day on September 13! During Sunday School, our preschoolers and elementary aged kids will be using a Bible Story Basics Curriculum, while our youth take a deep dive into the parables. Our first graders will have a special Sunday School class on worship and the sacraments leading up to World Communion Sunday. And on Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30 pm, our K-5th graders who come to Kids Connection will explore The Lord’s Prayer, enjoy music with Ms. Lisa or art with Ms. Karen, and play games with Ms. Gayle. The youth will also be gathering most Sunday nights at 5:15 pm for dinner and a program or traveling together to places like Sky Top Orchard, Paris Mountain, the Main Event, and Triune Mercy Center.

I am so grateful to all the adults in this church who give so generously of their time and help support our children and youth. From Sunday School teachers to VBS & Kids Connection Volunteers, from Youth Leaders to parents who step up to chaperone or host events, it truly takes a village to build a healthy youth and children’s ministry. As the APNC searches for a full-time associate pastor to provide ongoing support and leadership for these ministries, I’m reminded that even in transition, we have everything we need. When we keep the main thing the main thing, God’s providence and God’s grace is enough.

Peace,

Emily

Fellowship Opportunities

Mission & Outreach News

Buddy Clayton

Bonnie Holmes

Tom Magaha

Stuart Mauney

Cindy Moore

Terri Moss

Myra Wood

Carolyn Wright

We extend our love and sympathy to Wendy & John Fury and family. Wendy's father, John U. Goodman, passed away peacefully on Thursday evening, August 6th, following a period of declining health. No services are planned at this time. 

Click Here to View the

Latest Church Photos

From Summer Events!

The next issue of First News is September 29. If you have content for the newsletter, please email it to Lisa Johnson at lisaj@fpcgreer.org by Monday, September 28.