How Does Your Garden Grow?

If you have ever tried to grow a garden in a South Carolina summer, you know that steady watering, lots of nourishment, and a bit of shade can make all the difference. In a similar way (though with fewer wilting leaves), the Young Professionals Ministry seeks to cultivate an environment where young adults in Columbia can grow and flourish—despite the many external pressures they may face. And as Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 3:7, “Neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” We labor, but we do so dependently, trusting the Spirit to bring fruit.

Over the last several months, the Lord has opened new doors on two key campuses in our city: the USC School of Law and the USC School of Medicine. Through ongoing partnerships with the Christian Legal Society (CLS) and the Christian Medical & Dental Associations (CMDA), we have been able to host regular “coffee tabling” events—small moments of hospitality that often lead to meaningful conversations, prayer, and new connections. These touchpoints allow us to meet students who may never walk into our church on a Sunday but are eager for community, encouragement, and spiritual care. We are grateful for the relationships forming and the opportunities to bear witness to Christ in places where stress, pressure, and loneliness often run high.

Would you join us in prayer for this new outreach? Ask the Lord to awaken hearts to His grace, draw wandering souls back to Himself, and raise up a generation of young adults who love Christ, His Church, and this city for His sake. Beseech the great Vinedresser to make our community like “oaks of righteousness” (Isaiah 61:3) that “bear much fruit, showing themselves to be His disciples" (John 15:8). We remain grateful for our congregation’s ongoing support, encouragement, and prayers. We could not do this work without you!

Want to learn more about the Young Professionals Ministry? Visit our page on the church website or find us on Instagram: @fpcyoungpros.

Josh Fleming

Director of Young Professionals

Congregational Meeting

A Congregational Meeting has been called for Sunday, November 16, to be held immediately following each of the morning worship services for the purpose of electing officers and adopting the 2026 budget. 

Missionary Presentation

On Sunday, November 30, Ben and Trish Alexander (church-supported missionaries) will be sharing about their ministry with World Witness in Chelmsford, England. Please join us in the Small Dining Room of Jackson Hall after the evening service to hear what the Lord is doing in England.

Operation Christmas Child 

It’s time to return your shoeboxes! Filled shoeboxes can be returned to the Atrium no later than Friday, November 21. A donation of $10 per box to cover shipping and handling is requested. Thank you to all who have participated!

Holiday Canned Food Drive

The Local Outreach Committee of the Diaconate is sponsoring a canned food drive to benefit those in need during the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season. Canned goods may be dropped off at The Bridge, the Atrium between Jackson Hall and the Family Life Center, and the Ministry Building on Sunday, November 16 and 23. Please join us as we seek to help the needy this holiday season!

Green Apron Brigade

Have you considered how you can serve our congregation? The Green Apron Brigade can use you! The Green Aprons assist Chef Rich with serving at church fellowship events throughout the year. Responsibilities may include bussing tables, serving food, and more. Most events require 3-5 volunteers, but larger events require more. If you are interested in serving, please contact Lisa Eargle in the church office at leargle@firstprescolumbia.org, and she can add you to the email list. 

Church Family

Congratulations to:

Cortney and Richard Smith on the birth of their daughter, Ashley Blythe Smith, on October 30.  

Carson and Austin Taylor on the birth of their son, Everett Byrne Taylor, on November 10. Grateful grandmother is Ann Taylor. 

Christian sympathy is extended to: 

Jane and Claude Prevost on the death of her mother, Julia Ann Eleazer, on November 2.

Norman and Lisa Kent on the death of his mother, Augusta Josepha Kent, on November 3.

Amanda Claytor on the death of her grandmother, Catherine Ford, on November 4.

David and Barbara Shealy on the death of his aunt, June Metze, on November 7.

Items for Church Family

Please contact Lisa Eargle at leargle@firstprescolumbia.org.

November Calendar

14-16    Middle School Fall Retreat - Bonclarken Conference Center

16         College Lunch - following the 11:15 worship service in Jackson Hall

18         Discipleship Together - Dinner at 5:30 p.m. in Jackson Hall followed by speaker Rev. Josh Squires in the Sanctuary

26         Encouragers Thanksgiving Meal - 11:30 a.m. in Jackson Hall

27-28 Church offices are closed for the Thanksgiving holiday

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