FPC E-News 2/6/2025

First Presbyterian Church

February 6, 2025 E-News

Upcoming Service for the Lord's Day

5th Sunday after Epiphany

Scout Sunday/Souper Bowl of Caring

Sunday, February 9, 2025 ~ 10:30 a.m.

Preacher: Rev. Leslie Roper

Sermon: "Are You Ready for a Miracle?"

Scripture Lessons:

Luke 7:1-10 and Luke 7:11-17

A Note from Pastor Leslie

I often give Jeff a hard time because he once got college credit for a class in walking. I mean, I got P.E. credit for tennis, but walking??? He assures me that the class was taught by a world champion speed walker and that there is more technique involved than one might think, but that has never kept me from teasing him a little.

While he was taking walking, I was busy with the much more academic course in comedy, taught by one of our English professors. We traced comedy in literature from ancient Greek plays through television situation comedies, but I loved it most because it allowed me to write a paper on what is hands-down the funniest thing I have ever watched on television- Mary Tyler Moore’s episode with the funeral of Chuckles the Clown. I’m not sure I ever laugh quite as hard in my life as I do when Mary tries to stifle her own laugh as Chuckles’ famous saying is quoted at his funeral: a little song, a little dance, a little seltzer down your pants.

That episode gives me a good laugh, but it always also makes me reflect a little on what it is we do as a community of faith. We share in the moments when joy comes bursting out in barrels of laughter as we do in the moments when only the sound of tears can be heard, and every moment in between. We live out Paul’s instructions to the faithful in Romans 12 when he tells us to “rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep”. I think it speaks loudly that Paul doesn’t tell us to go find people who are weeping when we are weeping or to gather with those who laugh when we are overcome with joy. That would be easy. Instead, he tells us to meet people where they are. We are called to weep when another is weeping, not because we share their grief but because we value them and grieve that they are broken. This is what makes the tapestry of our community so lovely.

We don’t have to respond to what is happening around us in the same way in order to be a community. We just have to be willing to step into another person’s experience and join them there. So this week, remember that we don’t have to understand why someone is weeping or why they are laughing, we just have to be willing to sit with them in the messiness of their life. And in those moments, we live and we share God’s love.

Scout Sunday - This Sunday, February 9

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. 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.

Boy Scout Troop 1 Fundraisers

Immediately following worship this Sunday, February 9, Boy Scout Troop 1 will have a table set up in the Fellowship Hall. They are selling a variety of first aid kits for home, workplace, auto, outdoor, pet, an ultimate survival kit, etc. Be sure to stop by their table and show them your support!

They would also like to invite you to help support them by having dinner at Freddy's this Tuesday, February 11, 4:00-8:00 p.m. Be sure to mention "I'm here for the fundraiser" at checkout.

These fundraisers are to help our Scouts raise money to pay their way for a whitewater rafting trip this summer. FPC is host organization to this FIRST and oldest Boy Scout Troop in the state. Help us show them our support!

Souper Bowl Sunday - This Sunday, February 9

In 1990, Souper Bowl of Caring began with a simple prayer from a single youth group:

“Lord, even as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us be mindful of those without a bowl of soup to eat.”

Since then, more than $193 million has been generated for local charities across the country through Souper Bowl of Caring. It has become a powerful movement that transforms the time around the Big Game into the nation’s largest celebration of giving and caring for those in need.

Through this mission, people learn they can make a positive difference in the world as they collect food, raise money and serve at hunger-relief charities and show caring and compassion in local communities across the country.

This Sunday, February 9, our young people will have soup pots at the doors to collect donations after worship. Share in God’s love for our neighbors in need and give generously. All of the donations collected will go directly to our food pantry to help feed our hungry neighbors.

Family Night Supper

Called Congregational Meeting

There will be a brief called Congregational Meeting on Sunday, February 16, following worship for the purpose of approving updated terms of call for Rev. Roper.

Thank You!

A BIG thank you to everyone that donated items for our "Filly Feed" bags! Multiple bags and 7 door prizes are ready to go to the Oaklawn Chapel. The women in the barn area will enjoy these bags filled with items donated by our Presbyterian Women.

Start saving items for the 2026 bags, as we will be asked to fill another 25. Keep your eye out for any makeup samples and body products.

Again, thank you!!!

Spa City Youth Bowling Night

Pizza and bowling... What a great way to bring our youth together! It was a lot of fun watching them compete and socialize with one another.

Our youth program is growing, but there is always room for more. For more information, feel free to reach out to the church office.

Murry's Dinner Playhouse

After a great lunch and watching the play, Social Security, everyone came back happy and laughing. It was very obvious they had a good time. If you missed out, another trip may be in the works!

Who Knows?

Do you recognize this Yamaha Grand Piano? It is located in the Fellowship Hall by the parlor doors. Do you know its history? Where it came from? How long FPC has owned it? Who has played it? Has it always been in the Fellowship Hall? We want to hear your story!

If you have the answers, email them to office@firstpreshotsprings.org and we will post the updates in next week's newsletter.

First Presbyterian Newsletter

Every week we send out an updated church news email. If you would like to be added to the email list, please contact the church office, (501) 624-5646. Alternatively, if you or someone you know would like to receive a paper copy, please call the office.

The 2025 Flower Board is available to sign up to donate Sunday flowers!

Located on the wall by the 2 large closets in the Fellowship Hall, pick your date, add your name and special dedication. If you do not wish to write it on the board, or if space does not allow, please call, email or visit the office. You may do this at any time well in advance of your day. Cost is $38.50

If you have church news

or announcements for the newsletter,

please email the church office by

noon on Wednesdays.

Thank you!

God Bless You on Your

Special Day!

Share your birthday blessings with our graduating Seniors! Each month on the 3rd Sunday, we celebrate church members' birthdays and ask those celebrating this month to make a donation in honor of their birthday to our scholarship fund. Thank you for supporting our graduating seniors!