Latest News
How to Ask Good Interpretative Questions
This Sunday, join us at 9:15am for a morning of faith formation and worship led by Dr. Jennifer Bashaw. Dr. Bashaw will be with us throughout the morning, beginning with a special Sunday School class in the Fellowship Hall centered around how to interpret the Bible....
New Wednesdays@First Courses Sept 24-Oct 15
Our next round of Wednesday courses begins September 24 and runs through October 15. MidWeek Supper is served 5:00–6:00pm in the Fellowship Hall, followed by these learning options 6:00–7:00pm. October 22 will be a “Breathe” week, with the next round of fall courses...
“What Can I Do?”
Among the many barriers to meaningful service and community engagement, most prominent is not knowing where to start. Between the multiple economic crises our most vulnerable populations are experiencing and the flurry of social posts and commentary shining a light on...
Deacon Nominating Committee Announcement
The Deacon Nominating Committee invites all church members to submit names of servant leaders for consideration to serve on the Diaconate. This group of sixteen individuals will begin their three-year term on January 1, 2026. The Deacon Nominating Committee has agreed...
Recital of Organ and Violin Music Scheduled
Father and son duo Dr. Charles Tompkins and Gregory Tompkins will present a recital of music for organ and violin (as well as selections for solo organ and solo violin) in our Sanctuary on Sunday, September 28, at 3:00pm. The program celebrates the completion of a...
The Branch—September 22, 2025
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Save the Date—Church Picnic!
Mark your calendars for an afternoon of fun at the annual Church Picnic! The whole church and wider community are invited to the fall Church Picnic on Sunday, October 19, 4:00-7:00pm. Like last year, this year’s Picnic will be held in the FBG Garden and parking lots...
“Always Room” in Our Youth Family
What an amazing weekend! Our Fall Retreat continues to be one of the most meaningful highlights of the year, and this year was no exception. Together, we launched our new theme, “Always Room,” with a weekend filled with worship and fellowship. Our theme is grounded in...
Engaged Aging Fall Kickoff and Trivia Night: Fun and Festive!
Many thanks to all who helped make our 2025 Engaged Aging Fall Kickoff and Trivia Night such a fun and festive evening. We had close to 140 people join us around the tables as we enjoyed good food, great company, and some interesting trivia questions that were...
Meet Ben Brock: The Friendly Face at the Front Desk
Please join me in welcoming Ben Brock to the staff at FBG! Ben is the friendly face and helpful voice you will see and hear when coming to the church. —Jenna Manning, Director of Church Operations “Hello! I’m Ben, the new receptionist at First Baptist Greenville. I...
Welcoming Dr. Edgardo Colón-Emeric
This coming Sunday, we are privileged to welcome Dr. Edgardo Colón-Emeric as our guest proclaimer in worship. Dr. Colón-Emeric serves as the Dean of Duke Divinity School, where Matthew and I know him best as our Christian Theology professor. Dr. Colón-Emeric is a...
The Branch—September 15, 2025
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Find Your Next Great Read at FBG!
Coming and going from the sanctuary, you may have noticed a new cart standing in the Narthex or reception area, filled with books for all ages! Pastor Carol recently suggested that some people might like to check out a book without walking through multiple hallways,...
Step Into the Circle of Care
The causes of spiritual malaise can be varied and complex, but a good starting place is to discern whether they come from a lack of fulfillment or—to play with words a bit—“fillment.” While the Christian life is one of service, we can suffer when our basic human needs...
Affinity Groups Continue by Popular Demand
FBG piloted affinity groups this summer and they were a smashing success! An affinity group is a small group of people that share a common interest or an “affinity” in a wide range of hobbies, activities or life stages. This summer, we experimented with arts and...
From the Senior Minister (September 7, 2025)
This week, I am excited to travel to Turkey with a group from First Baptist to sail along the coast, following in the footsteps of Paul. We will be visiting Ephesus and other significant sites from his missionary journeys. While I am away, you are in for a special...
The Branch—September 8, 2025
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Fall into Fitness at the AYMC
Fall is the perfect time of year for a mini-reset, with so many of us getting back into our post-summer church and school year routines. What better time to create some new habits and routines to improve your overall wellness?! The Activities & Youth Ministry...
Youth Ministry Kicks Off a Joyful New School Year
What an incredible start to our Youth Family’s school year! Recently, we had the joy of gathering with new and familiar faces as we launched into another exciting season together. Our Block Party was full of energy as we welcomed many new families and celebrated the...
FBG Bake-Off!
We had a blast at our Wednesdays@First Bake-Off on August 20! Congratulations to our category winners: Peggy Paul (Cookies & Brownies), Candy Cochran (Pie & Cobbler), Boggs Howard (Cake), and Edith Hardaway (Allergy-Friendly). —Camille Loomis Rehnborg,...
September Fun
Engaged Aging Fall Kickoff and Trivia Night Friday, September 5 at 4:30 pm All in our Engaged Aging community are invited to a fun evening at the Fall Kickoff. The evening begins at 4:30pm with a reveal of the new fall lineup and a reflection on the past year. A...
Good Grief
Have you noticed that the standard-issue advice people tend to give to grieving people is the same advice they give to adolescents? We say: “It gets better.” With apologies to everyone who ever said that with good intentions, I keep that kind of advice in my...
The Branch—September 2, 2025
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FBG YOUTH Family 2025-2026
Together, we can create a space where everyone feels invited, included and at home in this family of faith. Week after week, we gather knowing we belong to God, to each other, and to our Youth Family. Our hope is that both youth and parents will find joy, purpose, and...
FBG Kids Is Back for Another Amazing Year!
Get ready to dive into our theme of Making Space as we learn, grow and have so much fun together. Check our yearly calendar to learn more about upcoming events and opportunities! —Bridget Kokolis, Minister of Children
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