A Note from Pastor Leslie

There was a terrible car accident on Malvern on the way to drop the boys off at school this morning, causing traffic back-ups and some creative (and not so creative) detours. Before we got close enough to see that there was an accident but when we were already sitting still on the street, I hear from the backseat, “is this the start of eclipse traffic?” Luckily (for everyone except the poor people in the car accident) the answer was no.

Officials in the community have been preparing for years for this weekend and for Monday’s big eclipse, without much of a real guess as to what is really going to happen. NASA assures us that the nearly 4 minutes of totality will be like nothing we have ever seen before. The estimates of how many visitors will make their way to Hot Springs to watch the sun go dark, however, vary so greatly that it is almost comical. Here at the church, we’ve gotten at least one phone call from people traveling here for the eclipse who wanted to know if they could come worship with us on Sunday.

The unknown is hard to plan for, as city officials could attest this week. Sometimes the uncertainty is how much extra toilet paper a city will need to have on hand for an influx of visitors and sometimes the unknown is something much scarier. Regardless of what it is, the promise from God is the same. We read in Isaiah 42:16

I will lead the blind by a road they do not know;

by paths they have not known I will guide them.

I will turn the darkness before them into light,

the rough places into level ground.

These are the things I will do, and I will not forsake them.

I hope you find joy in the moments of darkness, those astrological ones we will experience on Monday and the emotional ones that come every other day, knowing that God will not forsake us.

Communion Sunday and FPC Blessing Box

This Sunday, and the first Sunday of every month, is Communion Sunday and the FPC Blessing Box food collection. You are encouraged to bring food for the Blessing Box or give a check made out to the church with Blessing Box on the memo line. Please remember those less fortunate.

Pop-Up Sunday School - April 14 at 9:30 a.m.

You walk past pictures and information about the school that we sponsor in Haiti each time you are in Fellowship Hall, but how much do you know about what our sponsorship really does? Susan Turbeville, Executive Director of Haiti Education Foundation (or HEF) will be here to share with us some of the history of this incredible organization (with some names that should be familiar to our congregation) as well as update us on current conditions at “our” school. This is an exciting opportunity to learn a little more about this incredible mission partner of ours.

Called Congregational Meeting

There will be a brief called Congregational Meeting on Sunday, April 14, following worship for the purpose of approving updated terms of call for Rev. Roper.

First Pres Carpool

The Christian Discipleship committee is wanting to survey the congregation to see if there are any members willing to transport a member who does not drive at night and are missing out on Family Night Supper and other evening church meetings or events. If you are willing to give a member a ride, please email the church at office@firstpreshotsprings.org or call Tammy at the church office 501-624-5646. 

WW Game Day

The Christian Discipleship would like to know if there is anyone in the church that would be interested in starting a game day for Widows and Widowers. Please contact the church office if you have ideas, know people that might be interested, and any suggestions for starting this type of activity at our church are appreciated.

Mystery Member of the Week!

It's time for another sleuthing mystery! We have asked a church member 8 questions about themselves. Do you know who it is? 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?

Mansfield, LA

2.      What was your first job?

Keeping children at a Mother's Day Out.

3.      What is your favorite vacation spot?

It is a tie - Paris, France or Denver/Boulder area because when we visit there we get the added bonus of visiting with our daughter.

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

The Man from Snowy River and Pride and Prejudice (Matthew MacFadyen as Darcy).

5.      What hidden talent do you have?

I enjoy picking plants for particular spots - lots of fun!

6.      What was your favorite subject in school?

Art class.

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

A fine arts painter and of course, multi-media, while we are just wishing.

8.      Why do you love First Presbyterian Church?

I love our church because we do a lot for our community, collectively and our services are beautiful and renew all our spirits.