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 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.