Fridays at First Podcast

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...

On this episode of Fridays at First, Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons reflects on the meaning and movement of Easter—from Palm Sunday’s celebration to the solemn beauty of Maundy Thursday and the joy of Resurrection Sunday. He highlights opportunities for worship, fellowship, and outreach, inviting listeners to experience the hope of Easter and to extend that invitation to others. Along the way, he shares...

Fridays at First is the weekly podcast from First Presbyterian Church of Greenville, hosted by Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons. Each episode begins with Richard’s signature weekly joke before bringing listeners the latest news, upcoming events, and ministry highlights from the life of the church in downtown Greenville. From seasonal celebrations like Palm Sunday and Easter to volunteer opportunities, mis...

3.6.2026

Fridays at First with Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons brings you another encouraging update from the life of the church. In this episode, Richard opens with a lighthearted reflection inspired by a family visit to the zoo. Co-host Michelle Ward sits down with Men’s Discipleship Pastor Charlie Buchanan to hear details about the upcoming Pursuit Men’s Weekend (April 10–12) in the mountains of North Carolina...

Fridays at First with Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons This week on Fridays at First, Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons reflects on a meaningful Sunday as the congregation celebrated Stan Johnson’s faithful ministry and retirement. From heartfelt receptions to a memorable Resolution presented on behalf of the Session, we give thanks for Stan’s years of service. Dr. Gibbons also looks ahead to the upcoming Pursuit...

Fridays at First with Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons takes a lighthearted and thoughtful look at life at First Presbyterian—and beyond. This week’s episode weaves together winter weather woes, a clever zoo-sized pun or two, upcoming worship highlights, and a preview of a full and meaningful Sunday ahead. From art and storytelling to mission moments, pastoral care, and even a nod to the Super Bowl, it’s...

Friday at First with Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons returns with a timely and tender conversation amid Winter Storm II. This week’s episode weaves together weather updates, congregational life, and a deeply moving interview on suicide and complicated grief. Rev. Gibbons speaks with church staff member Barbara Siebel, who shares her personal story of loss with remarkable courage and honesty. Along the wa...

This week on Fridays at First, Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons navigates a winter weekend shaped by snow, schedule changes, and a healthy dose of humor. With a significant winter storm on the way, Richard shares updates on the cancellation of Sunday services, the postponement of New Member Weekend, and the rescheduling of retirement celebrations for Rev. Stan Johnson. Along the way, listeners are treated...

Fridays at First is the weekly podcast of First Presbyterian Church in downtown Greenville, South Carolina, hosted by Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons. Each episode offers timely updates from the life of the church, thoughtful conversation, and faith-shaping insight for the week ahead. From congregational news and upcoming events to meaningful interviews and pastoral reflections, Fridays at First helps yo...

Fridays at First welcomes the new year with gratitude, celebration, and a look ahead to what’s next at First Presbyterian Church. In this episode, co-host Michelle Ward shares thanks to the many volunteers who helped make Christmas Eve services meaningful to so many guests, celebrates the joy of the Children’s Christmas Joke Hotline, and offers important updates—including the upcoming retirement o...

Fridays at First  Hosted by Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons In this special pre-Christmas episode of Fridays at First, Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons welcomes listeners to the final podcast before Christmas from First Presbyterian Church in downtown Greenville, South Carolina. Filled with warmth, humor, and hope, this episode celebrates the joy of the season while sharing important life-of-the-church updates....

Fridays at First Hosted by Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons In this week’s episode of Fridays at First, Richard reflects on the busy swirl of the Christmas season and how easy it is to lose focus amid the distractions. From a lighthearted story about forgetting his wallet to an encouraging reminder to slow down, he invites us to approach the coming days with intention, gratitude, and joy. You’ll also hear...

Fridays at First with Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons In this week’s episode, Dr. Gibbons shares a joyful invitation to the First Pres Christmas Joke Hotline—a fun way for children 12 and under to record their best Christmas jokes for a chance to be featured in the Christmas Eve Children’s Services. He also walks through our full schedule of Advent and Christmas worship services, highlights upcoming Chri...

Fridays at First Hosted by Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons In this week’s episode of Fridays at First, Dr. Richard Gibbons reflects on the meaningful moments happening in the life of our church as we approach Thanksgiving and the Advent season. He offers a warm welcome to the families bringing their little ones for baptism this Sunday and highlights the conclusion of our current sermon series, “Insights...