E-Newsletter: August 28, 2026
SUNDAY’S SERMON
The heat comes. The dry seasons come. The circumstances of life are not always favorable, but Scripture describes a life so deeply rooted in God that even when the heat comes, it remains green and fruitful.
This Sunday, August 30, in the 10:45 AM Worship Service, discover what it means to trust in the Lord, put hope in him, and remain firmly planted no matter what season comes.
And will not fear when heat comes… Jeremiah 17:8
BACK TO CHURCH SUNDAY
Fall marks the beginning of a new season, making it the perfect time to reconnect with God, with church, and with one another. Greenville First’s fourth annual Back to Church Sunday is a special opportunity to welcome first-time guests, reconnect with those who have been away, and celebrate what God is doing at our church.
The morning worship service begins at 10:45 AM, followed by Lunch on the Grounds featuring fried chicken, barbecue, coleslaw, mac and cheese, baked beans, and desserts. The church will provide the meal, allowing everyone to enjoy a relaxed afternoon of fellowship together.
As part of this year’s theme, A New Season, the congregation is encouraged to pray for family members, friends, neighbors, and coworkers who need Jesus or a church home. A simple invitation can become the beginning of a life-changing journey.
Back to Church Sunday isn’t simply about filling seats. It’s about opening doors for people to encounter Jesus and become part of a church family.
PARKING LOT EXPANSION APPROVED
At a called Church Business Meeting on Wednesday, August 26, the Greenville First church body unanimously approved the proposed parking lot expansion project and its funding plan. The vote represents the culmination of months of planning, including completed engineering drawings, project management, permitting, and contractor quotes.
The need is both practical and visionary. The current parking lot routinely reaches or exceeds comfortable capacity, with vehicles often parking on the front lawn, along the street, and across the street. The approved expansion will add 66 new spaces, increasing total parking capacity from 99 to 165 spaces.
But this project is about more than parking. Throughout 2026, the church has been challenged to become increasingly intentional about reaching people for Jesus. Parking spaces do not grow churches, but inadequate parking can become a very real obstacle to growth. The parking lot is not the mission; it is infrastructure serving the mission. The goal is to make room for more people to hear the gospel, find a church home, and experience what God is doing at Greenville First.
Current project costs total $187,793, including design fees, plan review and permitting, sitework, and landscaping. Electrical and lighting costs have not yet been finalized, so approximately $200,000 is being used as the anticipated total project cost. The current schedule allows work to begin as early as October 1, with anticipated completion within 60–75 days.
The Administrative Council considered several approaches to funding the project. Paying the entire cost from existing church funds would allow construction to begin immediately but would substantially deplete church savings. Waiting until the entire $200,000 could be raised would preserve those reserves but delay construction until at least the spring and leave the current parking limitation unresolved. Financing the entire project would allow immediate construction and preserve savings but would create approximately $200,000 in debt.
Instead, the Administrative Council recommended and the church body approved a balanced approach using existing resources, congregational giving, and limited financing.
The motion approved this past Wednesday night authorized the project at an anticipated total cost of $200,000, funded through $50,000 from existing church resources, a goal of $75,000 in congregational contributions by December 31, 2026, and financing of approximately $75,000. The plan also establishes the goal of retiring the financed amount through congregational Faith Commitments by December 31, 2027.
That means the overall plan is simple: $50,000 + $75,000 + $75,000 = $200,000
The church will provide the first $50,000 from a maturing CD. The congregation will provide the next $75,000 by the end of 2026. Approximately $75,000 will then be financed, with Faith Commitments during 2027 directed toward eliminating that debt by the end of next year.
And there is already very good news.
Of the $75,000 needed from congregational giving this year, $48,000 has already been given! That means only $27,000 remains to reach the December 31 goal.
This is an opportunity for the entire Greenville First family to participate. Gifts of every size will move the church closer to the goal. As the congregation gives together over the remaining months of 2026, progress will be shared regularly as that $27,000 balance continues to fall.
The church body has said yes to making room. The plans are ready. The project is ready to move forward. Now comes the opportunity to fund that vision together.
2026 Congregational Giving Goal: $75,000
Already Given: $48,000
Still Needed: $27,000
Deadline: December 31, 2026
Parking spaces don’t grow churches, but they can make room for the people God sends.
Click the button below to give now to the Parking Lot Fund. From the scroll down menu, find PARKING LOT EXPANSION.
FIRST THINGS FIRST
First Things First, a weekly early morning prayer gathering, resumes this week, This hour of prayer is designed to help believers seek God before the demands of the day begin. Meeting each Tuesday at 7 AM in the Worship Center, this guided time of prayer follows the pattern Jesus gave in the Lord’s Prayer and leads participants through seven focused moments of prayer and reflection.
Each week includes intentional times of Praise, Priority, Provision, Pardon, Power, and Presence, ending once again in Praise as hearts and minds are centered on God’s greatness, his kingdom, his provision, his forgiveness, his strength, and his voice.
All are invited to begin the day by seeking God together through Scripture, worship, surrender, and prayer.
COLLEGE AGE BIBLE STUDY
Life after high school brings new questions, new responsibilities, and new opportunities to grow in Christ. College Age Sunday Nights is a place to open God’s Word, build meaningful friendships, and discover what it means to follow Jesus through every season of life.
Meeting each Sunday at 7:30 PM in the Youth Lounge, this weekly gathering is designed for college-age young adults seeking biblical truth, authentic community, and spiritual growth. The study is led by Pastor Eddie and centers on the transforming power of God’s Word.
A NEW SEASON FOR 252 KIDS!
An exciting new season is beginning in 252 Kids! Tommi Bridgeman officially begins serving as our new Children’s Pastor on September 1, with her first Sunday in Kids Church on September 6 at 10:45 AM.
And the new season is getting a new look! Tommi has already been hard at work remodeling the 252 Kids Church room and creating a fresh, welcoming space for our children to learn, worship, and grow together. God has great things in store for 252 Kids and the church family is grateful to welcome Tommi to this important ministry.
Parents, make plans for your kids to be part of the beginning of this new season on September 6!
FIRST STEPS FOR TEENS
A new opportunity for middle and high school students begins Sunday, September 6 at 9:30 AM! First Church University Sunday School will offer First Steps, separate classes for teens, creating space for age-appropriate teaching, conversation, and spiritual growth. Billy Gore will teach the boys, and Ann Conner will teach the girls.
FCU Sunday School remains a great opportunity to grow deeper in God’s Word and build relationships with others. Classes are available for every age—from children and students to adults. Make Sunday School part of your Sunday morning!
OCC SHOEBOXES
The Operation Christmas Child Shoebox effort is getting an early start this year! From now through October, the focus is collecting the gifts that will go into the shoeboxes. You can help by purchasing items from the Amazon Wishlist or by giving directly to the church for shoebox supplies (links provided below).
A church-wide packing party is scheduled in October to fill and prepare the shoeboxes for shipment. Thank you for helping Greenville First share hope and the love of Jesus with children around the world.
WAYS TO GIVE
The faithful and sacrificial giving of the family and friends of the church ensure the Gospel is preached and the Kingdom of God advances onward!
Sunday in-person giving can be done by placing checks/cash/tithing envelopes in the dropboxes located at each Sanctuary entrance. To give in person during the week, see Yvette Lewis in the church office or place your offering in the dropbox located by the office door.
PRAYER REQUESTS
Prayer changes things—and you don’t have to carry your burdens alone. The Greenville First prayer team would be honored to stand with you in prayer. Whether big or small, your request matters to God.
Submit your prayer request today, and let your church family join you in bringing it before the Lord.
Email: prayer@greenvillefirst.org
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
