Fridays at First Podcast

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 to Richard’s musings on emergency preparedness—including a memorable trip to Costco in search of a generator—and reflections on surviving the storm with warmth, wit, and perspective.

The episode also looks ahead to the upcoming Yellow Bag Weekend, highlighting how donations benefit Miracle Hill Ministries and recalling last year’s especially fashionable finds.

Finally, Richard is joined by co-host Michelle Ward and guest Chelsea Fraser from the Fine Arts Ministry, who shares exciting updates on new art initiatives coming soon to First Pres.

Practical updates, meaningful ministry moments, and a few laughs—all wrapped into one snowy episode of Fridays at First. Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy the listen.

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 you stay connected to what God is doing at First Pres and how it shapes our shared life of faith. Episodes often include conversations with ministry leaders and guests who help us explore both the joys and challenges of following Christ in today’s world.

In this week’s episode, Dr. Gibbons highlights the upcoming retirement of Rev. Stan Johnson, shares details about New Member Weekend, and previews the launch of the new Sunday morning series “Tough Topics in a Digital Age.” He is also joined by Stephanie Johnson for a thoughtful and compassionate conversation on the sensitive topic of abortion.

Whether you’re a long-time member or new to the First Pres community, Fridays at First is your weekly guide to what’s happening, what’s coming, and how to prepare your heart for worship.

New episodes drop every Friday.

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 of Rev. Stan Johnson after more than 22 years of faithful service.

Michelle is joined by Tiffany Boggs, Women’s Ministry Discipleship Coordinator, for a conversation about entering the new year with intention, gratitude, and spiritual focus. Together, they highlight upcoming discipleship opportunities for all ages, including the Pastor’s Bible Study with Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons, featuring a deep dive into the book of Romans.

The episode also previews Communion Sunday and a special musical offering with guest Dr. Benjamin Harlan. Tune in for encouragement, community news, and ways to grow deeper in faith as the new year begins at First.

Fridays at First 

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

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

Fridays at First

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

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.