“Sabbath Rest”

Next summer I will be taking a three-month sabbatical leave which is graciously granted by the church after six years of service. It is hard to believe that April 2027 will mark my 6th year serving this incredible congregation and will also be my 20th year of ordained ministry. Trust me when I say that I understand what a privilege it is to have this opportunity to step away from the daily work of the Church. And I am confident that, as research has shown, this time will be a blessing to both the congregation and to my family.

Sabbatical leave for a pastor is not meant to be a time of intensive study, but, rather, a time to rest and restore, to renew familial ties, and to disengage from the challenges and stress of pastoral ministry. I trust I will return with renewed energy and excitement for the future of First Greer and with a heart open wide to where God’s spirit is leading us together.

My sabbatical plans are fluid as I wait to hear about a Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal grant I applied for and that the Session approved back in March. Grants are awarded at the end of August, so my family and I are anxiously awaiting the news. If I do receive the grant, we plan to spend a portion of our time traveling across Europe. The rest of my time will be spent with extended family, being outdoors, reading, and trying to improve my golf game.

One of the great things about applying for the Lilly grant is that it helps you to intentionally focus your sabbatical on rest, renewal, and involving the congregation. The renewal grants are extremely competitive and I know many gifted colleagues who have applied and did not receive one. However, if I do not receive the grant, the intensive process of applying for it will help me to plan a meaningful sabbatical leave, one that will benefit both this congregation and my family.

I want to thank you for this opportunity for renewal and rest but, more importantly, for the absolute blessing and privilege it is to serve as your pastor.



Grace and peace,

Will

Back to School Kickoff

on August 9th!

Reflections on the 227th PC(USA)

General Assembly

by Ameka Cruz, Commissioner



When I first agreed to serve as a commissioner at the 227th General Assembly in Milwaukee, I will admit I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I knew I was stepping into a major denominational event, but nothing quite prepared me for the sheer depth, reverence, and spirit of community I experienced over those days.

I served on the Constitutional Interpretation and Bills and Overtures committees, which were both truly eye-opening. As Presbyterians, we often talk about our polity, our constitution, and the Book of Order. From a distance, those words can sound formal or administrative, but being there in person changed everything for me. I stood in awe as I witnessed the immense care, deep reflection, and prayerful deliberation that went into the business brought before the commissioners and advisory delegates during the Plenary meetings. Every debate and vote was grounded in a desire to faithfully serve God and love our neighbors by actively striving to dismantle barriers, care for the vulnerable, and build a vibrant, inclusive church family.

One of the highlights of my time in Milwaukee was encountering the vibrant diversity of the PC(USA). Meeting fellow commissioners and attendees from across the country opened my eyes to the incredible tapestry of voices and cultures that make up our denomination.

The most memorable moment came when the assembly voted to approve Puerto Rico as the host site for the 228th General Assembly. As the decision was announced, commissioners and delegates from Puerto Rico came to the stage with tears of joy in their eyes, proudly waving the Puerto Rican flag. Seeing their pride and deep gratitude was a powerful witness to the unity and love that binds us together in Christ.

It has been eleven years since God led me and my family to FPCG and we became Presbyterians. My experience in Milwaukee at the GA 227 was a wonderful reminder of why I fell in love with this denomination in the first place. I returned home with a renewed spirit, a deeper love for our church family, and immense gratitude for this opportunity.

Thank you for trusting me to serve on your behalf. It was an extraordinary honor to represent our congregation and Foothills Presbytery.

In Christ's service,

Ameka

The APNC is carefully reviewing and thoughtfully considering all information being submitted to us via the Church Leadership Connection (CLC). The CLC is the system used by the PCUSA to match churches with potential candidates. We appreciate your prayers as we seek to discern how the information we are receiving may or may not align with the needs of our church. We are confident in the process and thankful for your patience. We welcome your questions and will continue to keep you regularly updated on our progress. 

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. 

Children & Youth News

Our Senior Highs and their chaperones had a wonderful time at the Montreat Youth Conference the week of July 12-18.

FPC Greer Financial Summary

Year to Date Actual Income

as of 06/30/26 = $521,540.00

Year to Date Budgeted Income

as of 06/30/26 = $455,034.00

Variance = +66,506.00

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

Music News

News from the Session

To keep the congregation informed about the work of the Session, here are some highlights from the first half of 2026. We are grateful for your faithful support of and participation in the many ministries of this congregation, as we share God’s love with our community and the world.

❖ In January, the Session approved the 2026 church budget, the Stated Meeting schedule for the Session, and the schedule for communion. 

❖ The Session approved the calling of two congregational meetings in the first half of 2026. In February, Reverend Shelburne’s terms of call were approved by the congregation, as was the slate of nominees, presented by the 2025 Officer Nominating Committee, for the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee. In June, the congregation approved the slate of nominees for the 2026 Officer Nominating Committee. 

❖ Representing FPCG, Elder Fred Hyslop served as commissioner to the February meeting of Foothills Presbytery, and Elder Carrie Edmonds served as commissioner to the Presbytery meeting in May. 

❖ Having previously tasked the Personnel Committee with the hiring of a Temporary Associate Pastor, the Session approved a contract with Reverend Emily Proctor to begin in late March. 

❖ The Session approved the baptism of Greyson Michael Nizolak, with the sacrament celebrated during 11:00 worship on March 15.

❖ The Faith Formation Committee recognized high school and college graduates during worship on May 3. 

❖ On May 18, the Session hosted a luncheon meeting with four candidates for confirmation. All four candidates were shepherded by an Elder mentor and completed confirmation classes with Reverend Shelburne. The meeting included the sharing of faith statements and examination of the candidates. All four candidates were approved for full membership at the May 18 meeting, and they made their public profession of faith during 11:00 worship on Pentecost Sunday, May 24. 

❖ The Faith Formation Committee, supported by many others from the congregation and staff, planned and implemented a fun and meaningful week of Vacation Bible School for about 55 children during the week of June 1. 

❖ The Budget and Finance Committee reported that the first six months of 2026 have seen a steady financial position for our church. 

❖ In June, the Property Committee reported the final completion of the roof replacement. 

❖ At their June meeting, the Session approved the work to date of the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee as presented by APNC co-chair Ginger Mauney. The completion and approval of the Ministry Discernment Profile allows a description of our search to be posted online for viewing by potential candidates. 

❖ At each Stated Meeting, the Session shares “joys and concerns,” and in response celebrates with and prays for our congregation. 

With gratitude on behalf of the Session,

Val Hendrickson, Clerk  

Fellowship Opportunities

Mission & Outreach News

Thank you to everyone who donated school supplies

in support of Greer Community Ministries!

We had a great response with over 400 items collected.

Special thanks to Becky McKay and Suellen McConnell who delivered the supplies to GCM. 

Tom Magaha

Stuart Mauney

Terri Moss

Cole Thomason

Myra Wood

Carolyn Wright

Click Here to View the

Latest Church Photos

From Summer Events!

The next issue of First News is August 25. If you have content for the newsletter, please email it to Lisa Johnson at lisaj@fpcgreer.org by Monday, August 24.