A Note from Pastor Leslie

In 2017, we watched the eclipse from Batesville, where we thought it was impressive that we had over 95% of coverage. And it was pretty cool. My sister drove to Missouri to be in totality and told me afterwards that it was so impressive that she would never again miss the chance to be in totality if she could get there. It’s not that I didn’t believe her, but I’m not sure that I really took her seriously.



Well, after watching Monday’s eclipse, I will without hesitation say that my sister was 100% right. 

Psalm 19 tells us, “The heavens are telling the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.” The skies on Monday certainly told of God’s glory, and God’s artistry was painted across space. I don’t think I will ever get tired of hearing peoples’ stories about how they experienced that momentous event, or of how they experienced God in what happened.

It was easy to take notice of God’s paintbrush Monday afternoon as the temperatures dipped and the skies darkened and the bursts of light from the sun shone in a vibrant ring around the darkened moon. But Monday night, lightning lit up the sky as a storm rolled through and washed the yellow pollen film off of the world around us. On Tuesday, I noticed the purple irises around the side of the house standing at attention. And on Wednesday, even with the grey skies, the sounds of the chirping birds formed a symphony.

So let’s all pay attention- to the sights, to the sounds, to the smells, to the feeling of God’s glory being told to us by creation, each and every day. Because, whether we stop to take notice or not, it is there!

(photo from the Hot Springs National Park Facebook page)

Called Congregational Meeting

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

Pop-Up Sunday School - This Sunday, 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.

Sunday's Deacon Meeting

This Sunday's Deacon meeting has been cancelled. The next meeting will be Sunday, May 12, at 11:30 a.m.

Solar Eclipse Glasses

If you still have your eclipse glasses from Monday's event, please do not throw them away. Bring them to the church and place them in the box located in the Fellowship Hall. The glasses will be sent to underserved communities and schools around the world to use during future solar eclipses. Thank you!

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!

This week's mystery member is Ann Hiers. She loves our church because of what we do for our community, but we love what she does for our community as well. Watch for next week's newsletter as we will have asked 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?

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.