"Open Wide Your Hearts"

As I mentioned in my Rally Day sermon, I do not think there could be a better theme for a stewardship campaign than, “Open Wide Your Hearts.” What is the “Way of Christ” if not the call to open wide our hearts to the world? To God first and then, with God’s leading, to our neighbors. For those who already live with hearts wide open this is a call to open them even wider. Wider to love, wider to service, wider to giving your time, talent, and treasure.

I have said this before, but most ministers I know do not particularly love stewardship season. We do not like asking for money. In my experience, ministers who were raised in the South struggle with talking about money because most of us were taught that it is impolite. However, if you have been paying attention these last several weeks as we have worked our way through Luke’s gospel, you will have noticed that Jesus had no such reservations. He spoke often and forcefully about how we should think about our money and use it to God’s glory.

Each year, I remind myself that though I am a part of leading our annual stewardship campaign, I am not doing it for myself or even for the church, but because God calls us to give. It is God who tells us that giving is essential to discipleship. It is God who calls us to give of our resources to the church and to do so generously.

In the giving of ourselves and our resources, we are reminded that everything we have belongs to God. And when we give sacrificially, we understand more deeply, the nature of God’s abundant provision. As Jeff Smith reminded us last year in his stewardship talk, we are not called to give until it hurts, but to give until it feels good. God gives to us with a joyful heart and asks that we do the same in return. That we give until it feels good.

In the next few weeks, you will receive a stewardship packet which will include a letter, a snapshot of some of the many ministries we have been involved in the last year, and a pledge card. As you read over these materials and consider how you will give to God in the coming year, I encourage you to ask yourself, “what does it mean for me to open wide my heart?” May we all find ways to open wider our hearts and give with joy.

Grace and Peace,

Will

Spotlight on Service - Lois Cooley

If you have ever admired the landscaped beds at our church, the beautiful daffodils in the spring, the glorious seasonal flowers in the pots by the front stairs or in the stunning elevated large pots in the Columbarium, you should thank Lois Cooley. A certified Master Gardener, Lois has faithfully overseen for many years the planning, buying, planting, and much of the upkeep for the church grounds.

Lois gets her hands dirty! She has a crew of helpers - Becky DelSavio, Annette Hull, Doreen Magaha, Sarah Roggenkamp, and Harriett Williams - but they all look to Lois for direction and advice on all things garden-related. This group has been doing the mulching, heavy pruning, and weeding, but they are now turning most of these chores over to others.

In October or early November, you may notice that the spring and summer flowers have been replanted for the winter and early spring. You can be sure that Lois was behind this miracle!

Can't attend the Fall Festival but still want to help? Check out our Amazon Wishlist. This list includes requested games, decorations, and prizes that can be purchased

and sent directly to the church. 

Click Here to Shop the Fall Festival Wishlist

A Note of Thanks from Pastor Ally

Dear Beloved Community,



As I write this final note to you, my heart is overflowing with gratitude. These past two years have been a treasured gift. You welcomed me so warmly into your lives, invited me to share in your joys and sorrows, challenged me to grow and learn, and allowed me to walk alongside you as your associate pastor.

The celebration we shared on my final Sunday will stay with me always. It was beautiful and generous in every way, a reflection of who you are as a people: gracious, thoughtful, joy-filled, and rooted in Christ’s love. Your words, your gifts, your laughter, and your care for me revealed once again the generosity and boundless joy of this community. As I said that morning: my God, we are rich! Thank you for your love, support, and generosity. Thank you for sharing your faith and allowing me the privilege to walk with you.

At the same time, as we give thanks for what has been, we also honor the practices of our denomination that guide us in times of transition. In keeping with the policy of Foothills Presbytery, when a pastor concludes their ministry in a congregation, the pastoral relationship officially ends. This means I will not be able to participate in weddings, funerals, baptisms, or provide ongoing pastoral care. This is not about lessening the love we share, but about creating the space needed for you to receive and embrace new pastoral leadership when the time comes. Though you do not yet know who God will call here next, I rejoice for them already, because I know they will be blessed by your warmth, your openness, and your faith, just as I have been blessed. Out of deep love and respect for you, I will honor these boundaries, trusting that God continues to provide for all your needs.

Though our roles have shifted, the bonds of Christian fellowship remain. I will always give thanks for you, pray for you, and celebrate the ways God is at work through you to bless this community. Please know that I carry your stories and your example with me. They have shaped and prepared me for the ministry that lies ahead, and for that I am eternally grateful. How lucky am I to have experienced such an amazing first call.



Paul’s words to the Philippians echo in my heart for you: “I thank my God every time I remember you” (Phil. 1:3). And I leave with confidence in the promise that “the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion” (Phil. 1:6).

With deep gratitude and love,

Ally

Faith Formation News

Children who have participated in Kids Connection in September are invited to play percussion this Sunday, October 5, for World Communion Sunday. Please meet Mrs. Lisa in the sanctuary at 10:50 a.m.

Cherub Choir for pre-school and younger elementary children will sing in 11:00 am worship on November 9th. Rehearsals are on October 19th and 26th and November 2nd during the Sunday School hour.

Join us for Christmas music! Rehearsals for Joygift begin Wednesday, October 15th at 7:30 p.m. Please RSVP to Lisa Dillard.

Joyful Noise Ringers will meet on November 2nd from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. We will rehearse for 3 weeks and play in worship on November 23rd. No experience is required and all ages are welcome. RSVP to Lisa Dillard by October 26th.

Save the date! Joygift Christmas Worship Service is December 7th at 6:30 p.m.

Mission and Outreach News

Thank you for all of the ways this congregation supports the Backpack Buddies Pantry. As food costs rise, the need is ever greater and this important ministry of our congregation would not be possible without your help. 

We are currently providing weekend food for 71 students at Dunbar Child Development Center and Greer Middle. This adds up to 852 items each week going out of the pantry.

We invite you to set up recurring donations through our Amazon wishlist. Click HERE to shop for needed items.

With our deep gratitude,

Amy Couch, Marguerite DeMaria, & Ansley Wright

Thank you to our Helping Hands deacon’s ministry for completion of an improvement project at Dunbar Child Development Center. Paul Govan and Kamin Lambertson recently rebuilt a cedar fence on the Dunbar property. 

An Update from Our

Mission Partners at Café Justo

We have received word from Cafe Justo that they are experiencing some delays in getting their coffee beans from Chiapas to the roaster in Agua Prieta. The main reason is that the last coffee crop production was much lower than expected causing them to run out of coffee. They are trying to find new farmers to provide the coffee needed until the next harvest season starts in the middle of October. 

They report that global warming and the associated climate changes are the primary factors in the lower production of coffee that they are experiencing and that this is an issue happening across the world. Brazil has been in a declining coffee production curve for the last 10 years and being the number one coffee producer is driving their prices and cost of production to the highest levels in 46 years.

Thank you for your understanding and patience as our friends at Cafe Justo work to address these challenges.

Upcoming Fellowship Opportunities

Luanne Baker

Barry Groce

Beverly House

Arnette Johnson

Carol & John McClimon

Grayson Marpes

LibAnn Smith

Susan Solomon

Thank you so much to everyone for the prayers, meals, and loving care you have surrounded our family with the last several months while my mother has been sick. She is home and improving all the time. We are so grateful for the support of this community of faith. 



With love and thanks,

Maggie Wentzky

FPC Greer Financial Summary

Year to Date Actual Income

as of 08/30/2025 = $575,272.00

Year to Date Budgeted Income

as of 08/30/2025 = $589,134.00

Variance = (-$13,862.00)

Organ Fund Update - as of 09/15/25

Cost of Project = $394,890.00

Receipts Received = $360,286.00

Variance = (-$34,604.00)

Thank you for your generous support of the

mission and ministry of FPC Greer!

Do you want printed boxed offering envelopes for 2026? In an effort to be good stewards of the church’s resources, we are asking you to let us know your preference so we can order accordingly. Please contact Christi Yenser in the church office to share your response. Thank you!

Click HERE to learn more about how our congregation's giving to Foothills Presbytery moves us forward together in shared mission and ministry.

Click HERE to View the Latest Church Photos!

The next issue of First News is October 28. If you have content for the newsletter, please email it to Lisa Johnson at lisaj@fpcgreer.org by Monday, October 27.