A Note from Pastor Leslie

I am what you would call a model cradle Presbyterian. My parents joined Central Presbyterian Church in Fort Smith just days before I made my big arrival into the world. Starting when I was 8, I attended not one, but two Presbyterian summer camps each year of my childhood, sharing my camping experience between Dwight Mission in Oklahoma and Ferncliff here in Arkansas. Montreat became my spiritual “mecca” once I started high school. I attended undergraduate at Austin College, a Presbyterian-related college. After college, I worked at the Presbyterian United Nations Office in New York City and at the Presbyterian Headquarters in Louisville, KY. I followed God’s call to Columbia Theological Seminary, a Presbyterian Seminary, and even married a Presbyterian preacher’s son. There has been almost nothing about my life that has not been categorically Presbyterian.

Over the past few weeks, between the work that I do at the Presbytery level and life here at FPC Hot Springs, I have been doing a lot of thinking about why I am Presbyterian. Clearly from my background, it was predestined, but at every point along my journey, I have been affirmed and re-affirmed that the Presbyterian Church is the place for me.

I am Presbyterian because we affirm in our doctrine and in our polity that God’s spirit continues to work through God’s people to do amazing things. We profess that we are “Ecclesia reformata, semper reformanda”. While that rallying cry has long been translated “the church reformed, always reforming”, that isn’t exactly what it means. We are the church “reformed”. Our historical roots in the Protestant Reformation led to our continued admission that the church, as an institution, is not perfect. We also confess that we are the church always, not “reforming” but “being reformed”. We, as individuals, as congregations, and as denominations, are constantly being re-formed by the refiner’s fire. But we are not the ones doing the reforming- God alone is the architect of that.

Why are you Presbyterian? I love the answers I have received from some of you when asked this question. Some stick with our faith because of the emphasis on God’s grace. Some appreciate the affirmation of our own God-given ability to reason, instead of simply being told what to think. And others just appreciate that there are snacks after worship each week!! I encourage you, this month, to think some about why you are Presbyterian, and to ask a neighbor in church one Sunday why they are. I think you’ll be glad that you did!

Scout Sunday - This Sunday, February 4

Plenty of churches can boast that they house a Boy Scout Troop, but we are the only church in Arkansas who can proclaim that we are the host organization to the FIRST and oldest Boy Scout Troop in the state. This Sunday, members of Boy Scout Troop #1 will be with us in worship as we celebrate our longstanding relationship. Come early to greet the boys and welcome their parents in worship. We will have a small reception after worship to celebrate these boys and their commitment to our community. 

Ashes to Ashes...

If you don't plan to join us for Family Night Supper, plan to take part in one of the most meaningful services of our Christian year- the Ash Wednesday Service on Wednesday, February 14, at 6:00 p.m. Beginning our observance of Lent, the season of preparation for Easter, Ash Wednesday is a time when we admit that our lives are finite and short, and that they belong in the loving care of our Master and Lord. It is a time when we are honest about ourselves, sins and all, and take comfort in knowing that God loves us just the way we are. Whether this is part of your regularly spiritual routine or it would be your first time, make plans now to attend. You will not regret it.

Lenten Lunches Are Back!

We are excited to announce our second annual series of Lenten Lunches in Hot Springs. These lunches will again take place on each Monday during Lent, with worship beginning at 12:05 p.m. and a simple lunch served right after at 12:35 p.m. The hope is that even those who are on a lunch hour from work will be able to come and be fed, both spirit and body, in our time together. The services this year will center around the “Fruit of the Spirit” from Paul’s letter to the Galatians. 

More reminders will come as the time gets closer, but if you want to get the schedule on your calendar, here it is. Take note that we host on March 11, so keep your soup recipes close at hand!

• Feb 19 at Westminster Presbyterian with Father Mark Nabors
• Feb 26 at First United Methodist with Rev. Gail Brooks
• March 4 at St. Luke’s Episcopal with Rev. Leslie Roper
• March 11 at First Presbyterian with Rev. J. J. Galloway
• March 18 at Oaklawn Methodist with Rev. David Fleming
• March 25 at Grand Avenue Methodist with Rev. Chip Hatcher

Presbyterian Women 5th Wednesday Night Out

Laughter, food, and more laughter, and more food. What a great time we had last night at Smokin' in Style BBQ. We had our own room with a great BBQ buffet where we could get as loud as we wanted. And boy, did we ever!

The PW 5th Wednesday Night Out is always so much fun and we hope you will join us for the next one on Wednesday, May 29, at 5:30 p.m. Mark your calendar now because we hope to see you there!

Filly Feed

Thanks to so many of you who contributed to the goodie bags that we sent to the Filly Feed at Oaklawn’s chapel. The Filly Feed is a chance to celebrate all of the horsewomen whose work sometimes goes unnoticed. It was a wonderful opportunity to see first hand just one example of the incredible ministry that Robi shared with us at our pop-up Sunday School. We look forward to new ways that we might be able to partner in the future!

Fill It Up!!

A few people have asked if there is something they should do if they are at church and notice that the Blessing Box is empty. The Mission Committee wants you to know that you can always fill it up!! Because not all of us carry groceries in our car, the basket on the food cart in Fellowship Hall is stocked with food that is perfect for the Blessing Box. Always know that you are welcome to grab some items out of that basket and make sure that our Blessing Box doesn’t stay empty for long.

Mystery Member of the Week!

Dr. Shane Hardin is this week's mystery member! He has been a very active member of our congregation and you probably thought you knew him, until you learned some things you didn't know. Next week, we will ask another church member 8 questions about themselves. Happy sleuthing!!

(If you are asked to be a "Mystery Member", please keep in mind that it is okay if there are some people that may guess who you are. The purpose is for people that don't know you, to learn about you, and the ones that do know you, to learn something new.)

1.      Where were you born?

Little Rock, Arkansas

2.      What was your first job?

Barbecue restaurant

3.      What is your favorite vacation spot?

Glacier National Park

4.      What movie or television show could you watch again and again?

Muppet Christmas Carol

5.      What hidden talent do you have?

I play the guitar and mandolin.

6.      What was your favorite subject in school?

History

7.      What skill would you most want to wake up tomorrow and be able to do?

Sing

8.      Why do you love First Presbyterian Church?

The members and staff.