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.

You’ll hear highlights from the beloved Christmas Joke Hotline, featuring delightful jokes submitted by children in our congregation (and a note about one “granddad” who was disqualified!). Rev. Gibbons also previews upcoming children’s Christmas Eve services with live nativities, offers heartfelt thanks to the many musicians and volunteers behind the sold-out Christmas concerts, and walks through the full schedule of Christmas Eve worship services—both in person and via livestream.

Joined by fan-favorite co-host Michelle Ward, the conversation also includes details about the FOX Carolina Christmas Eve broadcast, opportunities to volunteer, upcoming Grow@First discipleship offerings, and a preview of Sunday worship as we light the final Advent candle and reflect on Luke 2:1–7.

Whether you’re preparing for Christmas worship or simply looking for a moment of encouragement, this episode invites you to slow down, listen deeply, and rejoice in the wonder of Christ’s birth.

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 updates on this year’s First Pres Christmas Joke Hotline, where children 12 and under can call in with their best Christmas jokes. Richard shares highlights from the many young voices who have already participated and reminds families to call before December 23 for a chance to be featured in the Christmas Eve children’s services.

Richard walks through everything happening at First Pres this Christmas season—five Christmas Eve services, livestream availability for loved ones far away, a schedule of December worship services, and our sold-out Christmas Concerts kicking off this weekend. He also highlights the FOX Carolina Christmas Eve Special at 10:00pm, a cherished tradition for those worshiping from home.

Looking ahead to Sunday, he invites the congregation to welcome the Benedict family as baby Reid is baptized and encourages everyone to read Luke 1:26–38 & 46–47 in preparation for the next Advent message.

Finally, Richard welcomes genial co-host Michelle Ward, who sits down this week with guests Linda Sholtis and Matt Mullet for a conversation about volunteers on Christmas Eve.

Slow down, take a breath, and join us for another meaningful—and joyfully festive—episode of Fridays at First.

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 Christmas Concerts, and offers important reminders about campus safety during the busy holiday season. Co-host Michelle Wards speaks with Modern Worship Director Graydon Tomlinson for an update on the recent Christmas for a Cause concert, the upcoming Service of Remembrance, and Christmas@First concerts. Finally, Dr. Gibbons previews Sunday’s message from Luke 1:8–20 and invites the congregation to join in welcoming baby Elizabeth Gray Barr for her baptism. Tune in for encouragement, updates, and a warm start to your Advent weekend.

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 from Isaiah,” focusing on Isaiah 9:2–6 and its hopeful message as we prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming.

This episode also features Part 2 of our important and heartfelt conversation on alcohol addiction, where two members of our congregation continue sharing their personal journeys, the role of faith in their recovery, and the hope they have found along the way. Dr. Gibbons also provides information on how listeners can reach out with questions or encouragement.

Fridays at First Podcast Hosted by Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons

This week and next, join Dr. Richard Gibbons for a powerful two-part Fridays@First series on faith and recovery. Two members of our congregation share their courageous journeys of overcoming alcohol addiction and how their faith helped them find hope and healing—an inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss, especially as we approach the holiday season.

Also in this episode: updates on our Hollis Angel Tree, Christmas Concerts, Communion Volunteer opportunities, and Operation Christmas Child shoebox collection. Dr. Gibbons previews this Sunday’s baptisms, special music participation from First Pres Academy and North Greenville University students, and our continuing “Insights from Isaiah” sermon series.

Listen, like, subscribe, and share this week’s episode with family and friends.

In this week’s episode of Fridays at First, Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons shares a full and meaningful weekend ahead at First Presbyterian Church.

He begins with the launch of our 13th Annual Hollis Angel Tree, featuring Christmas trees throughout the church filled with angels representing children from Hollis Academy. Learn how you can participate through our new Amazon Wish List or by purchasing gifts directly for the Hollis Christmas Store—an outreach that strengthens relationships with families and reminds them of the hope of Christmas.

Next, Richard highlights the opening of our new art exhibit, Witness to Faith: The Biblical Art of Sadao Watanabe. Featuring original works by Japan’s foremost Christian artist, this collection portrays biblical stories through traditional stencil-print techniques and opens tonight at 6:00pm in the Lenz Gallery.

Co-host Michelle Ward interviews Academy Head of School Rob Brown and Early Education Principal Leslie Hatten from First Presbyterian Academy. They discuss enrollment and the upcoming Moment for Missions in worship services on November 16.

He also previews a meaningful Sunday at First Pres, including a special Veterans Appreciation moment led by retired Marine Colonel Craig Bailey, a Congregational Meeting to elect the 2028 class of elders and deacons, and the joyful baptisms of Elizabeth “Hollis” Parr and Laura Jane Lilly.

Finally, Richard invites listeners to prepare for Sunday’s sermon as we continue our study of Isaiah 59:1–2 & 21, exploring how our daily choices shape our prayer lives.

Tune in for updates, encouragement, and a look at how God is moving in our congregation this week.

Fridays at First — The Weekend Ahead This week on Fridays@First, Dr. Richard Gibbons shares a lighthearted look at Halloween, Daylight Saving Time, and neighborly humor before expressing heartfelt thanks for your remarkable response on Commitment Sunday. He also highlights upcoming events, including the Congregational Meeting, Hollis Angel Tree outreach, and plans to celebrate Rev. Stan Johnson’s faithful ministry to First Presbyterian. Co-host Michelle Ward talks with Rev. Don Feuerbach about “ONEPrayer", an upcoming worship service with local churches. Plus, hear about Sunday’s Egyptian Mission Trip commissioning, a baptism, and our focus on Isaiah 55:6–11. Don’t forget to set your clocks back—and join us for worship this weekend!

This Week on Fridays@First It’s Commitment Sunday at First Pres! Dr. Gibbons invites the congregation to join together in a prayerful act of commitment as we dedicate our 2026 pledges during worship. Learn how your generosity continues to impact lives both within our church and throughout our community.

Also in this episode: details about the upcoming Congregational Meeting on November 9, the Veterans Appreciation Luncheon on November 6, and how you can be part of Operation Christmas Child this season. Plus, ticket information for our beloved Christmas@First concerts coming December 13 and 14.

Co-host Michelle Ward interviews Col. Craig Bailey, the new chair of the Military Ministry at First Presbyterian. He shares what the ministry does and discusses the upcoming Veterans Appreciation Luncheon.

Then, Dr. Gibbons shares a preview of Sunday’s message as we continue exploring the Old Testament book of Isaiah, focusing on Isaiah 43:1–3. We’ll also celebrate the baptism of Robert Grier Williams III during the 8:30 service—please remember to keep the Williams family in your prayers.

Join us for encouragement, updates, and insights from God’s Word—all happening this week at First Presbyterian Church of Greenville.