A Note from Pastor Leslie

On Sunday night, Jeff and the boys and I headed downtown for our first ever St. Patrick’s Day parade in Hot Springs, and, let me tell you, it did not disappoint. Even with all that I had heard, I was simply not prepared for the size of the crowd gathered to watch the festivities (nor their enthusiasm). As I drove to church that morning, I saw businesses along Central hanging elaborate balloon displays outside their entrances and that should have been a tip-off- Hot Springs takes its St. Patrick’s Day celebrations seriously!!

This coming Sunday in worship, we have another parade to celebrate. Let me be really clear, though, in admitting that I do not have unrealistic expectations, nor do I want you to, about what will happen in the sanctuary this week!! There will be no beads flung from decorated floats and our selection of refreshments offered to those attending will be significantly less elaborate. I can make no promise of Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders in our crowd, nor do I expect quite so many coordinated outfits.

I do hope, however, that there are some similarities between last Sunday’s crowd down the street and ours this week. I won’t lie- I would LOVE to see this sanctuary a little more crowded on Sunday morning as we recognize Palm Sunday, but there were other characteristics that I hope we can duplicate as well. I noticed that everyone at the parade was happy to see everyone else who showed up. While green was certainly the theme of the day, no one was chastised for not wearing enough of it (nor even for not wearing any at all). Everyone was welcomed, because everyone was there for the same reason- to celebrate a holiday, maybe to celebrate their own family heritage, and maybe just to celebrate a beautiful spring day in our lovely city. Those parts reminded me JUST of what church should feel like- a community gathered together, welcoming anyone who wants to join, with a common purpose.

So, I invite you to our parade this Sunday. And I hope maybe you’ll invite a friend. There will be palm branches for all of us to wave, and there will be a spot in the pews with a great view, just for you!

Holy Week is Upon Us!

The Worship Committee here at FPC has prepared another wonderful week of activities during this Holy Week meant to deepen your spirituality and enhance your celebration of the Resurrection. Try this year to take part in all of the opportunities for an even more joyous Easter Morning!

Sunday, March 24^th, at 10:30 a.m.—Palm Sunday

We will wave our palms as we sing our “Hosanna”s while we stand with the crowds hoping to catch sight of Jesus on his way into Jerusalem.

Thursday, March 28^th, at 6:00 p.m.—Maundy Thursday

At this special evening service, share with the disciples in the Last Supper and hear the powerful story of the crucifixion in word and song. As we leave the service, you’ll be invited to drop the nail provided into a metal bucket as we listen to the echo of Christ’s sacrifice through the centuries.

Sunday, March 31^st, beginning at 9:30 a.m.—Easter Sunday

Begin your day with breakfast with your church family, complete with an Easter Egg Hunt for all kids and grandkids! Worship will celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord with bells and with brass as we boldly proclaim that Christ Is Risen, Christ Is Risen, Indeed!

One Great Hour of Sharing

The One Great Hour of Sharing will be received Easter morning during worship. Each gift to One Great Hour of Sharing supports efforts to relieve hunger through the Presbyterian Hunger Program, promote development through the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People, and assist in areas of disaster through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.

2nd Annual Lenten Lunch Series

This coming Monday, March 25, is the final Lenten Worship and Lunch in this series. The host church is Grand Avenue Methodist (841 Quapaw Ave) with the Rev. Chip Hatcher preaching. We will begin at 12:05 p.m. with a brief time of worship followed by a soup lunch.

Easter Lilies

If you would like to contribute to the lilies that decorate the sanctuary for Easter, please click here for an order form. The deadline to order is this Sunday, March 24. A list of donors, “in memory of” and/or “in honor of”, will be listed in the Easter Sunday bulletin. You may also contact the church office (501-624-5646 or office@firstpreshotsprings.org) to place your order.

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.

Presbyterian Women's Spring 2024 Gathering

PW is planning to attend the Spring Gathering at Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center on Saturday, April 13. We will depart from First Presbyterian at 7:45 a.m. At the Gathering, items will be collected for Ferncliff's PDA Center 'Clean Up Buckets'. The cost is $25.00 per person and the deadline to register is April 1. For a registration form, click here. For a list of supplies needed, click here. The registration form and supply list can also be found on the table in the hallway outside of the Sanctuary.

Mystery Member of the Week!

It is time again 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?

E. Palestine, OH

2.      What was your first job?

Water Ski Show Performer

3.      What is your favorite vacation spot?

New York City

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

I Love Lucy and any Charlie Dickens Movies

5.      What hidden talent do you have?

Resourceful

6.      What was your favorite subject in school?

English

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?

I love everything about FPC. The smallness, closeness and intimacy of the church. It feels like home; my heart is here.