Fridays at First Podcast

This week on Fridays@First, Richard shares a lighthearted look at a packed season, gives thanks for your 2027 commitments, and highlights the November 15 Congregational Meeting, Hollis Angel Trees, and an upcoming Egypt trip. Plus, hear what’s ahead for Sunday as we welcome our FPC handbell choir, students and staff from First Presbyterian Academy, and continue in the sermon series called:“Missed...

Join Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons for this week's Fridays at First as he shares a humorous Scottish perspective on Halloween, trick-or-treating, and the return to standard time. He also reminds us of Commitment Sunday, November 1, when Covenant Partners are invited to prayerfully make their financial commitments for 2027 in support of First Pres ministries. Dr. Gibbons highlights the upcoming Congrega...

Join Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons for this week’s Fridays at First as he reflects on his recent visit with seminary students in Minneapolis. He also highlights Commitment Sunday and the opportunity for our congregation to prayerfully support the mission of First Pres in 2027. Looking ahead, Dr. Gibbons shares details about the Veterans Appreciation Luncheon, Operation Christmas Child Shoebox opportuni...

Fridays@First | A Season of Gratitude, Generosity, and Christmas Celebrations As Stewardship Sunday approaches, Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons shares a heartfelt message of gratitude for the generosity and faithful support of our First Pres congregation. This week on Fridays@First, he reflects on the importance of stewardship, looks ahead to Commitment Sunday on October 25, and encourages us to prayerfu...

Fridays@First | Greetings from Egypt and What's Happening at First Pres Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons is back from Egypt with stories and highlights from his visit with our ministry partners! This week on Fridays@First, he shares his experiences at the Presbyterian Church's 125th Annual Prayer Conference in Luxor, the dedication of a new church, and a meaningful visit with our partner congregation at A...

What’s happening around First Pres? This week on Fridays at First, Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons is joined by co-host Michelle Ward, who sits down with Children’s Ministry Director Tina Jones and Fine Arts Director Chelsea Fraser to talk about “Are We There Yet?”—a moving new art exhibit exploring the fostering and adoptive experience through sorrow, hope, pain, and joy. Rev. Dr. Gibbons also shares wh...

Fridays at First with Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons Join Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons of First Presbyterian Church in downtown Greenville as he looks ahead to a busy fall weekend. Richard highlights the new Congregational Survey focused on discipleship ( https://bit.ly/fpc_survey2026 ), the growing 8:30am worship service and new Sunday breakfast, and opportunities to join the Christmas Choir. He also share...

Fridays at First with Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons Join Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons for a look at what’s happening at First Presbyterian Church as we head into a busy fall season. Richard highlights upcoming kickoff events for the ladies of Radiance and Above All Bible studies, featuring author and podcaster Cleere Reaves; New Member Weekend; the new “Are We There Yet” art exhibit exploring fostering and...

Join Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons for a look at what’s happening at First Presbyterian Church in Greenville, SC, as we begin a new season of growing deeper in faith and becoming more connected to the life of the congregation. This week, Richard highlights opportunities to Grow@First, including the kickoff of the Wednesday Night Men’s Bible Study and his lunchtime and evening Deep Dive into Romans seri...

Join Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons for Fridays at First, the podcast of First Presbyterian Church in Greenville, SC. In this week’s episode, co-host Michelle Ward sits down with Rev. Don Feuerbach, Pastor of Congregational Care, to talk about his ministry and the exciting things happening this fall. Dr. Gibbons also highlights some upcoming events, including the Fine Arts Ministry Activate lecture, the...

Fridays at First is hosted by Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons, who shares highlights and updates from life and ministry at First Presbyterian Church. This week, Dr. Gibbons is joined by co-host Michelle Ward for a conversation about his new sermon series, “Not Just Sundays,” exploring the book of Revelation and what it means to live out our faith every day—not just on Sundays. They’ll also discuss staff...

In this episode, we look ahead to an exciting fall at First Presbyterian Church! Hear about Broadway at First, a special evening of music and fellowship featuring talented singers from the First Presbyterian Choir; upcoming DivorceCare and GriefShare support groups; and Alpha, a welcoming place to explore questions about Christianity and faith. We also share an important staff update as Rev. Charl...

Fridays at First | On a Mission – Season Finale In the final episode of our On a Mission summer series, Michelle Ward sits down with Tatum Hill, founder of His Dwelling, a ministry providing temporary refuge for girls escaping domestic abuse while offering hope, practical support, and the love of Christ to vulnerable women and children in the Cape Town, South Africa community. Hear Tatum’s incredi...

On a Mission Podcast | FCA at Furman University What does it look like to live out your faith on a college campus? In this episode of  the Friday's @First Summer Series, On a Mission, Michelle Ward and Eric Swofford sit down with Josiah Howard and Amarilis Harper of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) at Furman University to discuss how God is transforming lives through campus ministry. Fro...

FRIDAYS AT FIRST SUMMER PODCAST SERIES: ON A MISSION! This summer, join co-host Michelle Ward and FPC’s Director of Global and Local Engagement, Eric Swofford, for a special three-part Fridays at First podcast series, On a Mission: Discovering God’s Purpose—Across the Street and Around the World. Through personal stories, practical conversations, and inspiring ministry insights, this series explor...

This week on Fridays at First, Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons celebrates our nation's 250th birthday and highlights several exciting events taking place in Greenville and at First Presbyterian Church. Learn more about the upcoming Proclaim Liberty Concert, Greenville's community-wide Independence Day celebrations, and special Patriotic Services on June 28 featuring patriotic music, a military color guar...

This week on Fridays at First, Michelle Ward brings us updates as to the goings on in the church. This includes the Proclaim Liberty Concert, an opening reception for "Hidden Pictures", and our special patriotic Sunday services June 28. On June 28 there will be 2 services at 9:00am and 11:00am in the sanctuary only, and the service will be live-streamed on Fox Carolina's website. On July 5 there i...

This week on Fridays at First, Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons reflects on an extraordinary week of ministry at First Presbyterian Church, where more than 245 volunteers shared the love of Christ with nearly 650 children through Vacation Bible School, Day Missions, and Music Camp. Co-host Michelle Ward also visits with several volunteers whose faithful service helped make the week such a success. Dr. Gib...

This week on Fridays at First, Dr. Richard Gibbons shares exciting ways First Presbyterian Church is celebrating our nation’s 250th birthday, including special patriotic worship services on June 28 and the upcoming Proclaim Liberty concert on July 1. He also congratulates this year’s graduates, highlights the Father’s Day Men’s Choir, and welcomes Fine Arts Director Chelsea Fraser for a conversati...

This week on Fridays at First, Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons shares updates on VBS and Day Missions and highlights upcoming summer fellowship opportunities at First Presbyterian Church. From youth basketball and ice cream socials to missions and worship, hear how our church family is staying connected, serving together, and growing in faith throughout the summer season. Co-host Michelle Ward has a conv...

Join Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons each Friday for a warm and thoughtful look at the life of First Presbyterian Church and the rhythms of the season ahead. In this week’s episode, Dr. Gibbons reflects on the meaning of Memorial Day, shares highlights from the upcoming Greenville Scottish Highland Games (including his seersucker kilt appearance), and previews several exciting events at First—including a...

This week on Fridays at First, Dr. Richard Gibbons and co-host Michelle Ward highlight a joyful and music-filled season at First Presbyterian. From the “practically perfect” upcoming Mary Poppins Jr. production to the Children’s Choirs’ end-of-year showcase, there’s plenty to celebrate. The episode also features a special interview with high school seniors Gray Philipsen and Laila Harvey, who refl...

Fridays at First is your weekly snapshot of life at First Presbyterian Church in Greenville, South Carolina, hosted by Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons and co-host Michelle Ward. Each episode highlights upcoming events, church initiatives, and meaningful moments in the life of the congregation—from special services and Bible studies to community outreach and seasonal celebrations. This week’s episode feat...

Join Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons for this episode of Fridays at First from First Presbyterian Church, as he shares a lively preview of the upcoming Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans service, complete with pipes, drums, and a touch of Scottish flair. Along the way, he highlights opportunities to support the student mission trip to the Dominican Republic, invites women to a spring luncheon, and looks ahead to a b...

In this episode of Fridays at First, Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons invites you to prepare your heart for Holy Week as the church gathers to celebrate Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Easter Sunday. From the joy of the children’s palm processional to the solemn beauty of the Maundy Thursday communion service, and the celebration of Christ’s resurrection on Easter morning, this episode highlights meanin...