A Note from Pastor Leslie

In the Presbyterian Church, Easter is a season, not a single Sunday. But, if we take Easter seriously, we live each and every day wearing Easter-colored-glasses, our lives changed by the story we tell.

We are an Easter people, a people who already (and always) know that the story has a happy ending. Not only the story of Jesus on the cross, but the story of humanity, too. We know that the promise of the coming Kingdom of God means that as much as some days bad news seems to be the victor, good news is coming. We know that anger can win a fight, but love wins the war. We know that while we may feel the sting of disease, the heartbreak of separation, the agony of death, God finishes our story with healing and with reconciliation and with resurrection. One of my favorite Frederick Buechner quotes (and that’s tough because I often love what Buechner has to say) is that “resurrection means that the worst thing is never the last thing”. As Easter people, when we see tragedy, we know that God is not finished yet. Now, maybe God is going to finish things on this side of death and maybe we have to wait for the other, but the promise we know to be true from God is that good news is coming. Buechner explains further: “The worst isn't the last thing about the world. It's the next to the last thing. The last thing is the best. It's the power from on high that comes down into the world, that wells up from the rock-bottom worst of the world like a hidden spring. Can you believe it? The last, best thing is the laughing deep in the hearts of the saints, sometimes our hearts even. Yes. You are terribly loved and forgiven. Yes. You are healed. All is well.”



I don’t know about you, but there are times in my life when I don’t feel the laughter from deep in the hearts of the saints. There are times that I read the news and weep. There are times that I answer my phone and am silenced by heartache. There are times I listen to the report of a doctor, the pain of a parent, the fear of a child and wonder how on earth good news can be sprouting up from deep in the heart of our broken world. Those are the moments I feel anchored in Good Friday, and those are the moments I most need to remember that I always, ALWAYS, have one foot in Easter. So, happy resurrection. May we always live our lives marked by the foolish-looking hope and constant assurance that Good News is on the way!

Birthday Cake Sunday

This Sunday is “Birthday Sunday” where we honor our members and friends celebrating birthdays in the month of April. Following worship, we invite members, friends and guests to the Fellowship Hall for Birthday Cake. Please join us!

Spa City Youth

The Spa City Youth will meet this Sunday, April 21, at 5:30 p.m. Come to Westminster Presbyterian ready for dinner and fun!

Last week we had a great time bowling. You won't be disappointed in what we have planned for you this coming Sunday!

Pop-Up Sunday School - Haiti Education Foundation

Last Sunday at Pop-Up Sunday School, Susan Turbeville, Executive Director of Haiti Education Foundation (or HEF) talked about the incredible teachers and students who are standing up against the unrest in Haiti by ensuring the education of the next generation. We also got an update on our school (St. Luc’s) and heard about how we can help with the incredible work going on. We appreciate Susan for taking the time to educate us about this important topic.

Saying Goodbye

Following worship last Sunday, we bid farewell to our longest standing members, Judi and Bill Creason. For longer than anyone can remember, they have been active members and made a big impact on the life of our church. We sure are going to miss them and wish them well on their next adventure.

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?

Russellville, Arkansas

2.      What was your first job?

Selling and delivering the GRIT newspapers.

3.      What is your favorite vacation spot?

Sandy Beaches

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

Hallmark Movies and Mysteries

5.      What hidden talent do you have?

Cooking (roast, stew, potato salad, pimento cheese...)

6.      What was your favorite subject in school?

Science and History

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

To be a better writer an communicator.

8.      Why do you love First Presbyterian Church?

The friendship of the church members, along with a great environment to worship God.