The Spire First Presbyterian Church
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The Spire
First Presbyterian Church
May 2020 Greenwood, SC
A Message From Our Pastor....
Our lives have been uprooted. Our routines are get back to life as usual. To these questions, the
unfamiliar. And like King David, we find our- Bible answers clearly in two ways. First, Ecclesi-
selves asking “How long, O Lord?” For King astes 3 reminds us that there are seasons in life.
David, in Psalm 13, it is a two part question.
He asks “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me There will be ups and there will be downs. What-
forever? How long will you hide your face from ever struggles we are facing now, will pass. Every
me?” It is very common to wonder where God is season in life is temporary. But there is an ever-
in times of trouble. It is also common to feel like lasting joy on the way.
we have done everything we can to connect with
God and yet still feel like He is “hiding” His face Second, in every season we should grow. We ap-
from us. Maybe we even feel forgotten. But the proach every trial in our life as an opportunity to
beauty of God’s amazing love is that God loves strengthen our faith and learn. God challenges us
us too much to abandon us. God has already to not get back to life as usual. Use this time to
moved mountains to be closer to us. So it makes evaluate what we can do better than before the tri-
no sense that God simply walks away. Instead, al arrived. This shelter in place order has caused
the Bible reminds us repeatedly to consider the us to practice Sabbath and rest. We have been
many ways God has brought us through. And moving at a breakneck pace and rarely observe
every time we grow. The old spiritual says: the Sabbath. Now we recognize how wonderful
rest is for us. Families are eating meals together,
We’ve come this far by faith talking more, sharing undivided attention. God’s
Leaning on the LORD glorious creation of nature provides a healing
Trusting in His Holy Word balm for the war torn spirit. Right now we have
He never failed me yet time to step outside and feel that touch.
Oh’ can’t turn around
We’ve come this far by faith God doesn’t want us to go back to how our lives
were before. Nor has God forsaken us. The sto-
When God seems far away, keep on moving ries of the Bible account for many of these les-
forward. God is working to set things right. We sons. Now let us move through this time to the
have to be patient and keep vigilant in our pur- other side, having learned, grown and become a
suit. Keep the lantern burning. God is on the better person.
way. The time is not right yet.
Blessings,
Today we want to know ‘How long?’ it will be be-
fore we can gather again. How long do we have
to sit in our homes? How long before we can
Pastor Kyle
Here I Am, Lord
Those words came easily for George Wilson when the Lord called his
name. George, who brought a spirit of peace, love, and commitment
RECENT HOSPITALIZATIONS: Our Christian prayers and sympathies are extended to the people of this church, heard Heaven’s call and there was no
(Home unless noted) to the family of Jane Goforth upon her passing on hesitation. He immediately answered, “Here I am, Lord.” and George
Kitty Crosby April 10, 2020; to Dr. Jukie Leary and his family upon
Jo Graham Wilson went home.
the passing of his sister, Dianne Leary, on April 13,
Erwin Abell -- SRH
2020; and to Jim Booth and his family upon the pass-
Don Boyce -- SRH George, who served as associate minister of First Presbyterian, was
ing of his wife, Nancy Booth, on April 21, 2020. We
an inspiration to so many of us uplifted by his calming and sincere
share with them the joy of the promise of resurrec-
tion and eternal life.
demeanor. He made visitation a source of comfort and strength for
Congratulations to Jay & Linsey An- the sick, lonely, and those who were in need of a friend.
derson on the birth of their daugth-
er, Reagan Jay Anderson, on April 6, George knew firsthand the tribulations of the world. Having retired as a colonel in the U. S. Air
2020. Grandparents are Steve & Sally Force and service in Vietnam, he saw so much of man’s inhumanity to his fellow man. There-
Anderson; to Charlie & Susie Lloyd after he chose to serve the Lord and went to seminary to become a minister. He was not electric
on the birth of their daughter, Ha-
zel McKale Lloyd, born on April 10, 2020; to Marilyn
or dynamic in the pulpit, but his people skills were extraordinary. His words were always reas-
Towne on the birth of her grandson, Everett Carter suring. He and his wife, Pat, earned a revered place in the history of this church.
Towne, born on April 12, 2020. Parents are Sara & Jus-
tin Towne of Atlanta; and to Steve & Carol Skinner on It can be said the Lord has welcomed a loyal soul while this world grieves its loss. George got
the birth of their granddaughter, Sylvie Anne Skinner, to fly one more time … and soared on eagles’ wings as he slipped the surly bonds of earth to
born April 27, 2020. Parents are Nathan & Sarah Skin- meet his Maker.
ner of Danvers, MA.
- Bill Collins
GENERAL INFORMATION
As of time of printing, Sunday morning services are being streamed using You Tube (search for “First SPECIAL SERVICES
Pres Greenwood”), Sunday school lessons, Bible studies, children’s activites, etc will be on Facebook May 3
or Zoom. Be sure to watch for the Pastor Update emails, Facebook, and our website for updates.
Communion
Feel free to call the church office if you have any questions. If you are not on the Pastor’s Update
email list, please contact the front office to be added. Contact Lea at 864-229-5814 or office@first-
The Rev. Dr. Brad Christie preaching
greenwood.com
May 10
We will have communion Sunday, May 3rd, during our online service so you are encouraged to get Mother’s Day
your own elements in order to participate.
May 24
Please contact your committee/team chairs for information on your meetings. Baccalaureate Sunday
The church office has new hours. Monday - Thursday, 8-4 and closed on Friday. May 31
Pentecost Sunday
The church office will be closed Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day.
FPC Family Ministry
New
What’s new in the library?
Parent Resource
It Wasn’t Supposed To Be This Way
Lysa TerKeurst wrote a book with this title, and it is excellent.
And, wow, who knew how true it would be right now!
Things are not like we thought they would be.
And it is perfectly okay to be sad or grumpy.
But God . . .
But God offers us the unexpected, perhaps even the forgotten. Have you enjoyed
slowing down with your family? Have you relearned what quality time really is? Come check us out!!!
Have you had enough time to go outside and smell the fresh air, see the beautiful
colors, and hear the birds sing? Do you have a new appreciation for teachers and
medical staff? Are you more mindful of the lonely or homebound? Have you gotten
creative in connecting with others? Have you received or sent a hand-written note?
Have you had time to just be still? Do you find yourself more relaxed?
Have you eaten more home-cooked meals?
Yes, it’s okay to grieve the way you thought it would be;
but, thank God for the good He shares in the midst of our new normal.
Fifth Grade Graduates
Easter
Highlights
Jamie Ortiz, Katelyn Rouse, Phyllis
Collins (awesome 5th grade mentor),
Blu Beckham, Robbie Holmes,
Brady Lloyd, and Ella Din (not pictured). July 5 - 9 VBS
Traditional Style or Join our FPC Facebook Group if you haven’t already.
Good-Bye LOGOS – Hello Youth!
Physical Distancing Style!
Our Teen Circle enjoyed a wonderful lunch given by Circle 4.
Many thanks to Martha Ann Davis and Peggy Hammett.
YOUTH NEWS
Hello FPC Greenwood!
My name is Gordon Tubbs and I am your new Associate Pas-
tor for Youth Ministry. My journey into professional ministry
began a decade ago, when I left active duty Navy, and began
the long road of pursuing the call. I attended Regent Uni-
versity in Virginia Beach, VA; and earned a B.S. in Organi-
zational Leadership and Management as well as a M.Div. in
Chaplain Ministry. Along the way I was dutifully serving in my
home church, FPC Norfolk, in a number of ways: junior and
senior high youth group, Nicaragua missions trips, contem-
Emma Collins, Lily Collins, Laura Margaret Fennell, porary worship team (lead guitar), young adult Bible study,
Lauren Griggs, Shirley Gardner, Amy Fennell. and men’s ministries.
Not pictured: Erika Jo Buchanan, Anna Kate Erickson,
Liza Evans Justesen, and Blair McClendon. I met my wife, Brett, in church, and we dated for a little over a year before getting engaged,
and later married on July 4th, 2015. We have an energetic bundle of joy who we call John, our
son, who turns 3 on May 19th! We are excited to get him plugged in at Noah’s Ark so he can
make friends. Although we may have to delay his birthday party just a little bit, because we
are closing on the new home we bought in Greenwood, located in the Broken Ridge neighbor-
hood (Chinquapin area). We are hoping to be fully moved in by Memorial Day, and take a quick
break before my first day on the job on June 1st! In the mean time I have been connecting with
the youth and others online.
My mother’s side of the family hails from South Cakalacky, having settled in Columbia after
Koinonia means...Christian fellowship or communion, WWII. My mother, Pamela, attended Brookland-Cayce High School there, and later USC. Grow-
with God or, more commonly, with fellow Christians. ing up, I spent many a summer on the golf course with my grandpa Jim, who passed away a
few years back. My grandma Barbara is still living in West Columbia. So as I told the nominat-
Have you met your group? Got questions? Ask Elise or Libby Bell. ing committee, there is plenty of palm oil in my blood! I am so glad God called me to the South
and to FPC Greenwood!
I know during these uncertain times it has been difficult to make plans and connect with folks,
but God has not forsaken us and he will see us through this pandemic and restore us for His
FPC Physical Distancing Appropriate Faith Opportunities glory! And so my family and I look forward to meeting all of you when the time comes.
Wednesdays: Fridays:
5:00 – Legoz via Zoom
5:30 – LOGOS via Zoom
10:00 Having A Mary Heart in A Martha World Wom-
en’s Bible Study (Zoom)*
TWIG 2020:
6:00 – Youth via Zoom Together We Impact Greenwood has now
6:00 – WNF Men’s Bible Study Zoom Sundays: been postponed until summer of 2021.
6:30 – WNF Women’s Group Zoom 10:00 - Sunday School for Adults with Brad Christie We are currently working with the school
beginning May 10 (Zoom) systems on future dates.
Thursdays: 10:00 - Fun with Hymns with Steve Skinner (Zoom)* Many thanks to all of you that have
Proverbs with Pastor Gordon and Brett (Facebook) 11:00 – Sunday School for Children with Elise Collins worked so hard on the project!
BigStuf 2020:
(Zoom) BigStuf is June 8-12
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO… Big Stuf Payment Plan
Also, check out Facebook for funnies, lessons, book readings, show and tell, church highlights, Where’s Dr. Col- 3rd installment $100 due Mar 27th
lins?, and more.
Lindsey Lee (8th)
Laura Margaret Fennell (13th) 4th installment $100 due April 24th
5th/Final installment $100 due May 29th
*To sign up for certain Zoom sessions, you need to contact the office Monday through Thursday be- Jenna DuBose (20th)
tween 8:00 a. m. and 4:00 p. m. and Lily Collins (28th)
As of time of printing, BigStuf is tentative.FPC
‘s
2020 Graduates FPC
our ‘s
our
graduates! confirm
ands
High School !
CONFIRMATION 2020
Retreat Highlights
Rachel Carter Dawsey Collins Eric Gardner Eliza Nix
EHS GHS EHS GHS
College
Not pictured:
Colby Stone
Lander
Grace Logan Walt Stevens
Hollingsworth Schlageter Wofford Katie Williams
Wofford The Citadel USC
Bennett Erickson, Laura Margaret Fennell, Thomas Goff, Lauren Griggs,
Mykal Hite, Henry Logan, and Freddie McClendon.
If we missed you, please send a photo to dce@firstgreenwood.com, Many thanks to Gordon Tubbs for a guest appearance,
and we’ll get you in the June Spire! We want to celebrate you! and to our outstanding lesson facilitators:
Frank and Penny Cannon and Jukie and Cindy Leary.MISSIONS/OUTREACH STEPHEN MOMENT...
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN/SALVATION ARMY FOOD PANTRY May 2020
“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, for-
The First Presbyterian Food Pantry was started about 1987 and administered by the Church Pastors and Staff. In Janu- getting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things
ary 2003, to relieve the workload on the staff, the Food Pantry was relocated to the Turner House and staffed by trained
which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God
church volunteers. Our doors were open at Food Pantry on Tuesday and Thursday each week, from 1pm to 3pm. For
in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3: 13-14 NKJV
the years 2003 through 2005, we served 3620 adults and children. Most of those served were without personal trans-
portation and lived in a one square mile of our church. In January 2006, a partnership with the Salvation Army was
formed to expand the Food Pantry hours of distribution. The Salvation Army with their full-time case worker has been In May, we will probably begin to return to some new normal ways of behavior. Hopefully, the
able to distribute food to needy individuals, while the supply lasted, every afternoon for 5 days a week. coronavirus will be seen mostly in our rearview mirror. If you think about how you coped with
weeks and weeks of social distancing, you may have also noticed that good things walk hand in
Our Church members and Noah’s Ark children have been very generous in supporting this Food Pantry, with donations hand with bad things. We have grown together as friends, families, neighbors, church members,
of food items. Our Church has also made monetary contributions to the Salvation Army through the Benevolence and citizens.
Program. Mission Outreach Team continues to deliver food and Benevolence donations. The chart below shows First
Presbyterian Church donations for the past 5 years. Our staff at First Presbyterian made many sacrifices and adapted to new and different situations.
Individuals and staff have helped church members by sending handwritten letters and cards,
Year # Food Items Monetary Donations making many videos and live services, and maintaining the cleanliness of our church. I would
2019 1028 $2000
like to say thank you to all of these groups and individuals that have reached out to me and many
2018 916 $2000
others. Each one of you pleased your Heavenly Father and blessed many in need!
2017 1535 $2000
2016 1312 $2000
2015 1187 $1500 Stephen Ministers in our church have used many methods to keep in touch with their Care Re-
ceivers. Don’t forget! Stephen Ministers are available and ready to listen and pray with you. Call
We prayerfully request that our congregation continue to donate food items. At this time, need is even greater. Food on us! We are here for our church members!
items that are much appreciated are peanut butter, grape jelly, canned beef stew, spam, small canned ham, spaghetti
sauce, canned fruit, canned vegetables, soup, and individual packages of grits. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the
called according to His purpose.” Romans 8: 28 NKJV
Thank you for your support. If you have questions, please contact Dave Hyde, 223-1160.
Let us pray. Thank you, Lord, for supporting us in these unusual circumstances. Help us to cope
with the changes that have happened in our lives. Help us to continue to show love to others. In Jesus’
name, Amen.
SERVING OUR COUNTRY
Sandra Cobb
Our very own Dr. Christo-
Stephen Minister/Leader
pher Collins has been de-
(sandcgor@gmail.com)
ployed (no, we don’t know
“Stephen Ministry is Christ Caring for People Through People.”
where). Christopher, Elise,
and the kids are so grate-
ful for the packages and cards that you have sent to
If you are burdened and would like someone to share the load, please ask for a Stephen Minister.
him. Please continue to keep him and his family in
Contact Brad Christie (nbc@erskine.edu) or Kyle Hite (kyle@firstgreenwood.com) at the church.
your thoughts and prayers during this very stressful
ALL Stephen Ministry is conducted in strictest confidentiality.
time. With everything going on in the world, his re-
turn home has been delayed. He hopes to be home
in August.Presbyterian Women News
Wow!! What a great and fast these last two years have been. It has been
quite an honor to be the Moderator for the Presbyterian Women at First
Presbyterian Church. We have accomplished a lot, had many projects,
provided meals, and made mistakes. But without the wonderful Coordi-
nating Team members and the women of the church none of this would
have been possible. I have been blessed with a great team to work with
and they are always willing to do whatever is asked of them.
ONLINE WORSHIP
We will not be having our final CT meeting in May (maybe, in June??), but I would like to take this There are several ways to view/listen
time to thank everyone for all the help these last two years. You have been such a great and caring The Nominating Committee is
team to work with. You will be in great hands with your new Moderator, Donna Feldmaier.
to Sunday’s service. You can get to the
looking for nominations for new live stream at https://firstgreenwood.
officers for next year. com/live-stream/.
Women’s Sunday has been postponed due to the virus. We hope to reschedule in August or September.
If you would like to nominate You can listen to the sermon online.
someone, please email your Just go to www.firstgreenwood.com.
Alice Jo Dickey, Moderator nominations for: If you don’t have a computer, you can
still “attend worship” from the comfort of
Elder (3-year term), your own home. We can mail you a CD
USED PW CIRCLE BOOKS Youth Elder (1-year term),
Please remember to drop off your used PW Circle Books to the front office.
or a DVD or the service.
Deacon, 3-year term),
These gently used books are donated to New Faith Presbyterian Church
Youth Deacon (1-year term), Do you receive Kyle’s Pastor Update
for their ladies to study and enjoy.
and Trustee (5-year term). each week by email?
If not, call the church office
Please email your nominations to (229-5814) or send us an email
nominating@firstgreenwood.com. to office@firstgreenwood.com.
Please include why you feel this
person(s) would make an effective Don’t have a computer?
officer of the church. Contact the office and we can mail you
transcript of the sermon.
During this time of social distancing, there are alternative methods
for sending your tithes and offerings to the church. You can mail your
offerings to First Presbyterian Church, PO Box 426, Greenwood, SC 29648.
If you have offering envelopes, note that they are mailable envelopes.
Just add a stamp, seal, and mail. There is no need to put the offering
SESSION UPDATE envelope into another envelope.
Below are some of the highlights from the April stated meeting of the Session:
1.) Elders volunteered to be commissioners at next Presbytery meeting. Online giving is another good option for many members.
2.) Discussed when to restart activities. You can use the Giving link at the top of the church webpage,
or contact Nan Smith, Financial Administrator for assistance.
3.) Discussed financial opportunities for Noah’s Ark. Nan can be reached at 864-229-5814 or finance@firstgreenwood.com.Noah’s Ark News notes
During these unprecedented days, most of us have thought of or know a senior in high
school or college that we have been thinking of during the last few weeks. Here at Noah’s
You want some Cheese with that Whine? Or
Ark, we have been especially sad for our special “seniors” - our K4 students. Many of How to find JOY in Church every Sunday
these precious children have been with us since they were babies, and we have watched Sometimes the only comment I hear about a hymn is similar to “FIVE Verses!? Too many”—as if singing a
them grow up. We were all looking forward to our last few weeks together and are sad hymn was mostly about punishment rather than nourishment. Well, sometimes the comment is correct. If
we were not able to enjoy so many fun activities and events! A very special part of our K4 the verses don’t express our thoughts, or don’t address the subject matter, they don’t really need to be sung
year is our Graduation and at some point we will have a special recognition for our classes! at all.
Ms. Amanda, Ms. Kathryn, and Ms. Patty have been in contact with their classes through
notes, packets, Zoom, Facebook, and other methods along with ALL our other teachers at BUT, if those verses are part of a larger narrative, they need to be sung! For instance, singing only the first 2
Noah’s Ark! Please remember all these sweet students during this time and especially keep stanzas of “A Mighty Fortress” ends up being a hymn of praise to Satan! And singing the first and last stanzas
our K4 students in your thoughts and prayers as they head into the big world - we send makes for an incoherent mash-up. Not conducive to fully-engaged* worship.
them all our love and prayers. What might promote a more joyous attitude than looking merely at the bother of it all? Perspective is every-
thing! In order of consideration
Krispy Kreme THANK YOU! • Your Heavenly Father LOVES to hear you sing—no ifs, ands, or buts. It’s not all about you.
Thank you for your support of our Krispy All of us at Noah’s Ark Preschool would like • Singing increases feelings of well-being and contentment. If this is not your experience, you’re doing
Kreme Fundraiser! Even though we changed to thank you for ALL of the help and support it wrong. We can easily correct that. Sing louder.
to vouchers, we made over $1200.00!! that you have given us this school year. • Look for those melodies or words that resonate with YOU. Words like “potentate,” “whilst,” “ineffa-
From donating items at the beginning of the bly,” or perhaps “damnation”—sing those REAL loud. Perhaps those phrases in praise of wine, or beauty—or
year for our Wish List Tree, supporting our a thought about loved ones in heaven such as “and mystic sweet communion with those whose rest is won”
SPIRIT NIGHTS, purchasing donuts for our will strike your heart. And those sublime moments may be in the fifth verse!
fundraiser, participating in our Giving Tree • And also remember there may be those in the congregation who desperately need to hear the assur-
project for the Hospice House, to buying ance of God’s care and love for them, EXPECIALLY if they are so burdened they can’t sing. Do be the one to
books at our Book Fair, but most of all to encourage them by your fully-engaged participation!
being the most supportive and loving FPC
*Fully-engaged: worship that involves body, soul, mind, and strength!
congregation around - we THANK YOU!
‘s
What a wonderful feeling it is to always
know that you are going to support all of Palmetto Girls Sing PGS
our endeavors even before we ask!
Due to the COVID virus, Palmetto Girls Sing has not been able to hold our normal
rehearsal schedule. Since March 9, our rehearsals have taken on an e-learning
style. The Palmetto Girls Sing staff used YouTube to record rehearsals for the girls
for several weeks. Now, we are having sectional rehearsals through Zoom to keep everyone see-
ing and singing together.
Once our government and health officials feel it is safe to gather in larger groups again, we will
have a few rehearsals and present a concert. We aren't sure what that will look like, since we nor-
mally fill the sanctuary for our spring concert, but we will keep you informed!
FPC
Unfortunately, our trip to New Orleans this summer has been cancelled by officials in New Orleans.
‘s We are hopeful that we will have another opportunity to participate in this festival as it is hosted
our every summer!
Noah’s Ark We plan to host auditions for our 6th year of PGS in late July. More information
families! will be available soon.
Thank you all for your continued support!THE SPIRE - (USPS 736-430) is published
monthly by the First Presbyterian Church, 108 E.
Cambridge Ave., PO Box 426, Greenwood, SC 29648-
0426. Periodicals paid at Greenwood, SC. POST-
MASTER: Send address changes to First Presbyterian
Church, PO Box 426, Greenwood, SC 29648-0426.
@
Phone: (864) 229-5814 Fax: (864) 229-3489 e-mail: office@firstgreenwood.com
Temporary Office hours: M-Th 8:00-4:00 web-site: www.firstgreenwood.com
Senior Pastor Administrative Secretary Church Treasurer
The Rev. Dr. Kyle Hite Ms. Lea Jones Mr. Tommy Davis
Parish Associate Financial Administrator Clerk of Session
The Rev. Dr. Brad Christie Ms. Nan Smith Ms. Beth Meyer
Director of Christian Education Building Superintendent Moderator of Deacons
Mrs. Elise Collins Mr. Allen Mitchell Mr. Bob Bowers
Director of Music Ministries Sexton Moderator of Presbyterian Women
Mr. Steve Skinner Mr. Vince Plotczyk Ms. Alice Jo Dickey
Teaching Pastor and Organist Noah’s Ark Director Chair of Endowment
The Rev. Bob Glick Ms. Kim Masters Mr. Jay NexsenYou can also read
