“Trouble of the World”

While exercising this morning, I was listening to Mahalia Jackson, whose voice is both earthly as the soil and heavenly as the stars. Earthly, because it is deeply rooted in the suffering of this world, and particularly the suffering of African Americans. Heavenly, because her voice was clearly a gift from God, but also because she used it to call to heaven and to transport suffering souls there, even if only for a moment. Her voice carries, no matter what she is singing, both a call to action and a rock-solid faith that can move even the hardest heart to dream and hope beyond the trouble of the world.

It was Jackson who set the stage for Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. She readied the hearts of those gathered with her earthly, heavenly voice so they might be open to the glimpse of the kingdom Dr. King was about to share. A glimpse he might not have shared if not for her calling out from behind him, “tell ‘em about the dream, Martin, tell ‘em about the dream!” She sounds a little impatient. As Dr. King worked through his prepared speech, I imagine her thinking, “come on now, that’s not why we’re here! I opened their hearts, now you need to fill them with the truth of kingdom come!” Of course, King did not need too much prompting. He got the message and we were given the dream.

When I listen to a song, I hear the tune rather than the words. This morning, after listening to Jackson’s recording of “Trouble of the World,” I looked up the lyrics and my first thought was, no, this isn’t right, there was lot more than this. Her voice, carrying in it all her suffering and that of her family, including her grandfather who was enslaved, fills all the spaces of the song. Her voice carries so much pain. But she does not keep it, she takes it somewhere else, she delivers it from the souls whom she is carrying it for and takes it straight to God. There is so much more between the lines of her soulful voice, the shed blood of her ancestors and their persistent hope. Persistent hope in a God who she knew would redeem all the suffering of the world. Here are the words…

Soon it will be done

Trouble of the world

Trouble of the world

Trouble! of the world

Soon it will be done

Trouble! of the world



Going home! to live! with God!

No more! Weapin’ unwilling

No more! Weapin’ unwilling

No more! Weapin’ unwilling

Going home! to live! with my Lord!

Powerful as these words are to read, I would encourage you to listen to Mahalia Jackson sing them. You might just catch a glimpse of the kingdom. You might just find some hope. Your suffering soul might just find an answer. Your hardened, cynical heart might just be melted and opened to the promises of a world redeemed. You might just remember why we gather each Sunday to lift our voices to God. Because the God Mahalia Jackson sings to, that she carries all her pain to, that gifted her with that earthly, heavenly voice, is the same God that calls all of us sinners to come home. 

Grace and peace,

Will

Join Us for These Events!

The APNC is meeting weekly and we are in the process of scheduling several initial "getting to know you" interviews with potential candidates. We continue to receive applicants and invite you to share the position within your own personal network.

We ask that you keep the APNC in prayer as we work to discern the gifts of candidates and how they may best meet the needs of our congregation. We will provide regular updates as we move through this process and are available to answer any questions you may have.

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. 

We are so grateful every day for the musicians of First Presbyterian Church and the ways that they give of their time and talents so freely and joyously! 

Click on the stewardship graphic to see the Resounding Joy Handbell Choir in action.

Children & Youth News

Check Out These Photos from the Kids Connection Kickoff on September 16th!

FPC Greer Financial Summary

YTD actual income as of 8/31/26 = $668,905.00

YTD budget income as of 8/31/26 = $606,826.00

Variance = +62,079.00

YTD actual expenses as of 8/31/26 = $710,642.00

YTD budget expenses as of 8/31/26 = $674,500.00

Variance = ($36,142.00)

**Note: the total expenses number includes $171,594.00 that has been paid towards the roofing project for the church in 2026.

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

Music News

Upcoming Children & Youth Music Dates

Kid’s Connection kids will provide music in 11:00 a.m. worship on October 4th. Please meet for rehearsal at 10:45 a.m. in the children's music room.

The Young Singers' Ensemble (3rd-12th grades) will sing on November 8th at 11:00 a.m. worship. Practices will be held on Sunday mornings beginning October 18th with options offered to rehearse in between worship services or after 11:00 a.m. worship. Please contact Lisa Dillard or Maria Kithcart for more information.

Meet the Newly Elected Elders and Deacons

At a congregational meeting held on September 20th, these folks were elected to serve as Elders and Deacons:

ELDERS - CLASS of 2029

Kamin Lambertson

I was born in Boston and raised in a Coast Guard family. We lived all over the country from the west coast of Florida to southeast Alaska. After finishing high school, I joined the Merchant Marine in Houston, Texas and retired, 50 years later, as Captain while living in New Orleans, Louisiana. I have been married to my wife, Debbie, for 47 years.

Debbie and I joined First Greer in 2020 where we have made many new friends and enjoyed many opportunities to serve in the church and the community. I have previously served as a Deacon. We keep our boat near Lake Jocassee and enjoy hiking and camping. 

Ginger Mauney

I recently retired as Manager of the Greenville Tech Foundation. I am married to Stuart, and we have three adult children—Alexandra, Steadman, and Grady. Our sons live in Greenville, while Alexandra lives in Minneapolis where she serves as an Associate Pastor for Families, Youth & Children at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

I currently serve as Chair of the Diaconate and as co-chair of the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee. I feel called to serve as an Elder because I want to give back to a church that means so much to me and to follow Christ’s example by leading through service - with compassion, faithfulness, and love.  

Margaret Nesbitt

I am a lifelong Presbyterian and joined First Greer in 2018. My husband Mike and I relocated from Northern Ireland due to his job transfer. Our two sons, David and Andrew, are married and live in England. I enjoy reading, hiking, and gardening.

I am a member of the Sisterhood Class, Book Club, Circle, and the Joyful Noise Handbell Choir. As a Deacon, I chaired the Care of the Congregation committee through which I got to know many in our church family. I feel called as an Elder to serve with compassion, encourage others, and discern God's will in this family of faith.  

Nick Nicholson

I am married to my high school sweetheart, Missy (a CPA and logistics expert), and we have two grown daughters, Mary Kate and Zoe.

I have been a member at First Greer since 1997 and have sung in the choir, taught adult Sunday school, served as Chair of the Diaconate, and served on the Session several times in a variety of roles, including Clerk of Session and Chair of Personnel.

I am a lawyer with Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, PA and serve as the firm’s Managing Director. I like to travel, read about history, cook, grow vegetables, and lift weights. I look forward to serving the church again and am excited to see what the Lord has in store for this family of faith.

Leigh Ryan

I live in Greer with my husband Tim and our kids, Wills and Jules. I work for Ardd+Winter, a lighting manufacturer representative agency, where I lead a team of sales people in SC, GA, TN, and FL and work on commercial and industrial construction projects here in the Upstate . 

In my free time, I enjoy walking our dogs, doing yoga, reading, and spending time with my friends and family.

I feel called to serve as an Elder at First Greer because I want to give back to this community of faith that has supported me and my family so much over the past ten years.

Patty White

I have been a member of First Greer since 1992. I am married to Jeff White and have two adult sons who grew up in this congregation. I have previously served as both a Deacon and an Elder. I currently serve on the Evangelism and Worship committees and am a member of the Sisterhood Sunday School Class.

I am retired from the Institute for the Advancement of Community Health at Furman University. I enjoy crocheting amigurumi (dolls and animals) in my spare time. I look forward to serving to give back to our church some of what it has given me. 

DEACONS - CLASS of 2029

Crystal Buff

I have been a member at First Greer since August 2022. As a stay-at-home mom to Charlotte and Caroline, I have found great purpose in serving my family and caring for the people God has placed in my life. I value people’s time, gifts, and talents, and I believe everyone should feel seen, appreciated, and loved. These values, along with a desire to serve others with a humble and willing heart, are why I feel called to serve as a deacon and use the gifts God has given me to strengthen His church.

I enjoy serving as a children's Sunday School teacher and volunteering with Vacation Bible School.

Brian Fulkerson

My wife, India, and I have been members of First Greer for 20 years. Our daughter Ashlyn, a sophomore at Blue Ridge HS, has grown up in this church. I am originally from the Pittsburgh area but grew up in Gaffney. India and I are both Clemson graduates.

I work in the Retail Card Services division of TD Bank. I am an Eagle Scout and enjoy photography, working on computers, horseback riding, snowskiing; and am an avid Steelers and Penguins fan.

I enjoy helping with the Youth Group and assisting with the church's multimedia needs. First Greer is a special place and I feel called to serve as a Deacon to give back to the church I love.

Gayle Johnson

I am a mom to a wonderful adult daughter and an aging but active Quarter Horse. I joined First Greer in June 2024.

I enjoy singing in the Chancel Choir, assisting with worship as a children's sermon leader, and serving as a volunteer with the children and youth in this congregation.

I feel called to serve as a Deacon because this church has opened my heart in ways I never expected. This congregation has helped me to be more open to hearing the call of God in my life. I want to share my energy, love, and faith with others and serve our church community in a meaningful way. I am both excited and humbled to have this opportunity.

Charlotte Koehler

My husband Bill and I joined First Greer in August 2000 after Bill retired from the Army and we moved back to my family home on W. Poinsett Street. I am a retired nurse and taught nursing at USC Upstate.

Being involved in the Church and serving others has always played a prominent role in my life. As a military family, we moved frequently and finding a church home was always a priority.

I have previously served as a Deacon and taught high school Sunday School for several years. I currently led the Explorers Sunday School class.

Meg Kontowsky

After moving back to South Carolina, I began attending First Greer and joined in August 2022 by transfer of membership from Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church in Sun City, Arizona.

I enjoy helping people. God has blessed me many times throughout my life and I feel serving as a Deacon will allow me to grow in my faith.

I love spending time with my husband, Don, our family and friends, and enjoy traveling, quilting, cross-stitch, bowling, and reading.

Jonnie Sarvis

I am a retired teacher who has been married to “the other Johnny” for 56 years. We joined First Greer in November 2025. We have two children and five grandchildren who are either in college or have recently graduated. Since I retired from teaching, most of my time has been spent either helping with the grandchildren or supporting my husband in his work. 

I have prayed that God would give me opportunities to spend my time serving Him and serving others and I feel that this is His answer. I am open to Him using me in whatever way that best furthers His kingdom here on earth.  

Amy Smith

My family joined First Greer in March 2020. I am married to Chris and the mother of Lily, a recent College of Charleston graduate and MUSC employee, and Lucy, a sophomore at the College of Charleston. I am a kindergarten teacher at Brushy Creek Elementary. 

When I am away from my classroom I like to spend time reading, walking, cooking, and gardening. I enjoy teaching the Elementary Sunday School Class and volunteering with Vacation Bible School. I am humbled by this opportunity to serve again as a Deacon.

Linda McDaniel: Class of 2028

I have been a member of First Greer since 2014. I have one daughter, one son, and four grandsons – Kyle, Kayleb, Kayden, and Kendall. I am retired from my horse farm, The Ponypatch, which I turned over to my daughter. I am a member of the Sisterhood Sunday School class and have served as a Dunbar Buddy.

I enjoy gardening, spending time with my grandsons, traveling, camping, and kayaking. I most recently served as a Deacon in 2023 where I was a member of the Mission and Outreach Committee.

Opportunities for

Fellowship and Study

Mission & Outreach News

Each month, our congregation's Backpack Buddies Pantry supports students at Dunbar Child Development Center and Greer Middle School by sending food home every weekend. The need for this service continues to grow which requires the pantry to be restocked on an almost weekly basis.

We especially need juice boxes (any flavor) and cans of vegetables such as carrots, green beans, and green peas in both 8 oz. and 15 oz. sizes.

Drop off your donations at the church or click HERE to shop our Amazon Wish List and have your order shipped directly to the church. Thank you for your faithful support of this ministry!

Luanne Baker

Amy Caldwell

Betty Hancock

Bonnie Holmes

Cindy Moore

Terri Moss

Rachel Branham Nizolak

Dave Orr

Myra Wood

Carolyn Wright

We offer our deepest sympathy to the family of Jo Earnest. Jo passed away on September 5th following a period of declining health. 

Our sincere sympathy to Bob Castello and family. Bob’s brother, Tim, passed away on September 4th in Pittsburgh.

We extend deepest sympathy to Cecile Orr and family. Cecile brother, Tom Stripling, died unexpectedly on September 22 at the age of 85.

News from the Session

Click HERE to read an update from the Clerk of Session,

Val Hendrickson.

The next issue of First News is October 27. If you have content for the newsletter, please email it to Lisa Johnson at lisaj@fpcgreer.org by Monday, October 26.