Welcoming Our New Pastoral Interns

One of the great joys of church life at First Presbyterian Church is watching young men grow in their faith and calling through our pastoral internship program. Each year, the Lord sends us faithful, teachable, and servant-hearted individuals who bless our staff and congregation in countless ways. They lead Bible studies, disciple students, serve at events, and immerse themselves in nearly every corner of church life. Our current pastoral interns include: William Lewis (Missions – 3rd year), Joel Semwezi (Pastoral Care – 3rd year), Eric Wu (Senior Minister – 3rd year), Alec Grooms (Discipleship – 2nd year), and Rufus Terry (Seniors – 2nd year). This year, we are thrilled to introduce two new interns joining our team:

Carter Moorer (Young Professionals – 1st year) grew up right here in Columbia and studied accounting at the University of South Carolina. He comes to us through our College Ministry. Carter has a passion for connecting with people – whether through basketball or exploring the best local food spots in town. As he steps into this internship, he is excited to be stretched in new ways and to grow under the guidance of the wise men and women on our staff. His eagerness to learn and humble spirit are already a blessing to our community.

Jackson Schwartz (Youth – 1st year) hails from Duluth, Georgia, and recently graduated from Georgia College & State University with a degree in mass communications, specializing in film, TV, and digital media. Jackson came to faith during his college years through the ministry of Campus Outreach. Since then, he has discipled other young men and developed a heart for helping students grow in their walk with Christ. After serving as one of our summer youth interns last year, he felt a calling to full-time ministry and study.

Please help us welcome Carter and Jackson when you see them around the halls or at church events. These young men are already demonstrating great character and love for the Lord. I am grateful for the opportunity we have to pour into them – and be blessed by them in return.

In Christ,

Josh Squires

Associate Minister of Counseling

Children’s Choirs and Youth Chorus Important Dates

Registration is now open for the Children’s Choirs and Youth Chorus. Please register by Sunday, August 3. Below are some important dates for these choirs:

August 17 - 5:00 p.m. New Family Orientation

August 17 - 6:15 p.m. Cherub Choir resumes

August 20 - 4:00 p.m. Primary & Junior Choirs resume

August 25 - 6:30 p.m. Youth Chorus resumes

Pursuit of Godliness

All women are invited to attend the July Pursuit of Godliness dinner in Jackson Hall on Tuesday, July 15. Carson Taylor will be our speaker. Doors open at 5:45 p.m., and the program begins at 6:00 p.m. Please register on the church app or website.  

Encouragers Ice Cream & Trivia

Singles 50+ years old are invited to build your own ice cream sundae and play trivia with the Encouragers on Thursday, July 17, at 3:30 p.m. in the Small Dining Room in Jackson Hall. Please sign up on the church website or app. 

Dr. Mark Ross

Dr. Mark Ross is our Summer Lectures speaker this Sunday, July 6. Dr. Ross is the First Presbyterian Church John R. de Witt Professor of Systematic Theology and Associate Dean of Erskine Seminary Columbia. With over thirty years of pastoral and teaching experience, Dr. Ross is a much sought after speaker and lecturer. He is also the author of Let's Study Matthew. He is married to Connie, and they have two adult children. 

Church Library

Looking for some good reading material this summer for pleasure or for study? Please visit our website at firstprescolumbia.org/library to access our catalog of books. You may search by title, author, subject, or by entering a keyword. Then come to the church library located in The Bridge, Room 200, to check out your selection Monday through Friday and on Sundays. We also offer a wide selection of books available for purchase in the Coffee Shop on the first floor of The Bridge, as well as other locations around the church campus.

For children’s books, please visit the Children’s Library located on the first floor of the Education Building. If you have any questions or need assistance, please email library@firstprescolumbia.org.

July Calendar

5-11      Appalachia Youth Mission Trip

15          Pursuit of Godliness Dinner - 6:00 p.m. in Jackson Hall

18-28    College Ministry Northern Ireland Mission Trip

17          Encouragers Ice Cream & Trivia - 3:30 p.m. in the Small Dining Room

20          The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper during the 6:00 p.m. Worship Service

For more information on any upcoming events, please check our website at firstprescolumbia.org or our church app.

Church Family

Congratulations to:

Brianna and Jason Alsum on the birth of their daughter, Leah Anne Alsum, on June 21.

Items for Church Family

Please contact Lisa Eargle at leargle@firstprescolumbia.org.