Congregational Meeting

On Wednesday, January 21, 2026, a Congregational Meeting was held in our Family Life Center, immediately followed by a business meeting of The First Presbyterian Church Corporation. Dr. Stewart focused our attention on Psalm 115 challenging us on the worship of idols in our lives and specifically considering potential idols of Satisfaction, Security, and Significance. He pointed out the Scriptures teach us that we become like who or what we worship. Therefore, we embrace the faithful worship of Almighty God as we intentionally seek to become more like Christ through the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Lee Harvin (Chairman of the Sanctuary Project Coordinating Committee) reported on how well the transition from our Sanctuary into our Family Life Center for worship has gone so far. He expressed deep appreciation for how our congregation has responded, and specifically thanked Evan Wilson and the Sanctuary Project Committee for their planning over the past few years, and for their initial execution of our project which is presently on schedule. Thanks to the diligence of many First Presbyterian Church volunteers, our organ has been safely removed in record time, allowing our general contractor to begin the first phase of construction. Please continue to pray for the safety of all workers as they renovate our Sanctuary. Dr. Stewart also expressed his appreciation for how our church family has embraced worshipping our Lord in the Family Life Center and specifically thanked Brad Martin, our Deacons, and our Sextons for their hard work to enhance our worship.

Mr. Kenneth Richey was once again elected to serve as our Church Treasurer, and Jay Thompson (Chairman), Chris Daniels, Tom Evers, Sara Folks, Helen Laffitte, Alan Lord, and Carolyn Taylor were elected to serve as our Nominating Committee for this year.

Our Executive Director, Bruce Stallings, presented our Membership Report revealing that our Lord grew our membership roll in 2025 from 3494 to 3514. The Lord providentially called Home 22 brothers and sisters during 2025. Dr. Stewart thanked the Lord for these Saints and prayed for their families.

Immediately following the Congregational Meeting, Mr. Ken Wingate (Secretary of the Corporation) opened a business meeting of The First Presbyterian Church Corporation. He explained the relationship between the corporation and the congregation and reported that one of our missionary houses was sold in 2025, and the proceeds were designated to our World Missions Committee. Joe Walker (President), Ken Wingate (Secretary), and Kenneth Richey (Treasurer) were elected as officers of the Corporation by acclamation, and our business meeting was adjourned.

WOC Prayer Emphasis Luncheon

The Women of the Church invite all women to join us for a luncheon on Tuesday, February 3. The luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m. in Jackson Hall. Afterwards, the program will begin at 12:15 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Our speaker will be Catherine Stewart, and our topic will be “Praying the Psalms: Meeting God in Prayer.” The cost for this event is $8. Childcare is available with registration from 11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.

First Friday Organ Concert at Centennial ARP

Friday, February 6, 11:45 a.m. Lunch; 12:30 p.m. Concert

During our Sanctuary renovation, Centennial ARP is graciously hosting some of our concerts. For February, Thomas Russell will play works of Bach, Vaughan Williams, and Duruflé on Centennial's Sanctuary organ. Lunch will precede the concert in Centennial's Fellowship Hall. Centennial ARP is located at 1413 Laurel Street, 29201. 

Lighthouse for Life Information Meeting

Please join us in the Small Dining Room after the evening service on Sunday, February 1, to hear about the Lighthouse for Life ministry. Lighthouse for Life is committed to combating human trafficking by providing survivor support through education, care, and advocacy, and by educating communities in prevention and intervention efforts. They are founded on the belief that every person is created in the image of God and worthy of freedom, dignity, and restoration. Please consider attending to learn more about this ministry and how you can get involved.

Souper Bowl of Caring 

Students will be collecting donations after each worship service on Sunday, February 8, to support local ministries. There will also be boxes in the Atrium and The Bridge to collect non-perishable goods to be donated to the Harvest Hope Food Bank. You can also contribute online through the church website or app. Please select the “Souper Bowl of Caring” fund.

Men’s Wild Game Supper

Registration is now open for the annual Men’s Wild Game Supper on Thursday, February 12, at 6:00 p.m. Our speaker will be Steve Maye, founder of Lead With Character, Inc., a non-profit ministry dedicated to helping Christian men flourish as husbands, dads, and leaders. 

Cost is $15.00. We encourage men to bring their friends and family of all ages to this special event. Click here to register.

Save the Date! High School Spring Retreat

Our High School Winter Retreat, originally scheduled for January 23–25, was canceled due to the weather. It has been rescheduled as a spring retreat on March 6 - 8 at Bonclarken Conference Center. More information and registration coming soon!

Church Family

Christian sympathy is extended to:

Kerrie and Greg Ammons and family on the death of her father, Lee Arthur “Mac” Allen, on January 24.  

Items for Church Family

Please contact Lisa Eargle at leargle@firstprescolumbia.org.