CAREGIVERS GROUP
We know there are members of our congregation who are unable to be active in the life of the church, or of the community. There are many special needs of persons who are homebound due to illness, disability, or increasing age. We have formed a group of caring visitors from our church. These individuals visit and check on members who need an extra visitor from time to time. This is an important ministry of our church, as we extend Christian love and service to those who need our attention and care.
Let us know if you or someone you know might be in need of a regular visitor, or if you are willing to serve as a visitor in this Caregivers Ministry.
HOMEBOUND COMMUNION
Each time the entire congregation celebrates Communion (usually about six to eight times a year), we extend the Sacrament of Communion to our members who are unable to attend Sunday worship. This is done by visiting members in their home or place of residence.
The ministers and elders of the church go out and offer the Lord’s Supper to each member who has requested it, or who has been previously contacted and wishes to receive Communion. All who are baptized are invited to the Lord’s Table, so caregivers and family members are often included in the brief service of Communion done in the home.
Contact the church office if you or someone you know wishes to be placed on our homebound Communion list.
EVANGELISM
The Evangelism Committee at First Presbyterian Church has a mission. Our mission is many-fold: to welcome visitors and new members to our congregation, to assess the needs of inactive members, to create a great spirit of welcome and hospitality, and to spread the good news of what First Presbyterian Church is doing in the community and in the world. We are involved in advertising special events, inviting the community to participate in musical offerings, educational programs, and fellowship opportunities.
MISSION
So often churches focus their attention too narrowly upon themselves and the wants and needs of their members. In Matthew's account of Jesus' life, we find the Great Commission in which Jesus calls his followers to "make disciples of all peoples...teaching them all that I have commanded."
Therefore, First Presbyterian Church is committed to seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance and enabling power in reaching out beyond its walls to address the needs and concerns of those across the street, down the road, and around the globe. We desire to teach them about Christ and to communicate and demonstrate his ministry of love and compassion.
Additional information may be found in our "Sharing God's Love" mission outreach brochure which details how individuals may volunteer their time and gifts to further the gospel.
HUNGER MONTH
During the month of October we sponsor several activities to raise funds to fight the battle of hunger in Fort Smith and around the world. One of the most fun is the Annual Session Cook-off and Presbyterian Women Bake Sale.
SHARING BASKET
This program takes the concern of hunger a step further by asking congregation members to contribute groceries throughout the year. Food is distributed to local people who request assistance. We also deliver food each month directly to a family in need who is made known to us through various service agencies.
SHARING TREE
Working alongside of Inter-faith Community Center, the Boy Scouts and several other agencies, we are able to provide not only food but clothes and toys to more than 38 families through the Annual Sharing Tree at Christmastime. Congregation members donate and purchase gifts which are individually wrapped and hand-delivered. It's a huge undertaking but one which always brings joy, satisfaction, and smiles to all involved.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
One of the most exciting and challenging efforts for this congregation was in raising funds and teaming up with a family to build a house from the ground up. In January, 1989, three members of the church fired up with enthusiasm helped organize the 340th affiliate of Habitat for Humanity in Fort Smith, Arkansas. They raised funds and teamed up with a family to build a house from the ground up. Since that time 50 houses have been built in the area with the help of many Presbyterians.
PRESBYTERIAN GUEST HOUSE
Located across from the Sanctuary on "B" Street, the Guest House, "A home away from home" is an outreach ministry for individuals and families, generally from out of town, who have loved ones receiving ongoing medical treatment such as chemotherapy or dialysis. The suites are private and include a bedroom, sitting room, kitchenette and bathroom. There is a community living and dining room, library, kitchen and laundry.
MEALS-ON-WHEELS
Meals-on-wheels is not a specifically Presbyterian ministry; however, we have a large number of volunteer drivers from this congregation. They team with others in delivering hundreds of meals to shut-ins all over town.
HAITI MISSION PROJECT
In 1993, members of First Presbyterian Church in Fort Smith, Arkansas began a close relationship with fellow Christians in the country of Haiti. Members raised $25,000 which constructed a church, a school, and a medical clinic in the very remote village of Bois de Gauche. The church, village and clinic are named “Bon Samaritan” because we have been a “Good Samaritan” to this village. Since that time, various offerings and groups from this church have provided scholarships that allow children of this village to attend school and receive a nutritious meal.
OTHER MISSION OPPORTUNITIES
There are numerous other projects, programs and service agencies which require a labor of love. Members are encouraged to participate. Some who are not physically able instead provide leadership abilities or financial assistance.
We are an ecumenical body welcoming the chance to work with others to further care for those in need and advance the Kingdom of Christ.
MUSIC MINISTRY
From the very beginning, song has been the voice of Christian worship. It grows out of our need to express ourselves in gratitude and praise to the Creator. Music comes from our creative spark of God's own creativity. In the Old Testament, the Book of Psalms or Songs contains human expression of praise, Jubilation, confession, mourning and adoration. In the New Testament, Paul exhorts us to "speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs." We continue in the Biblical tradition by making music a significant part of our worship. Many opportunities exist for musical expression at First Presbyterian. We hope that you will consider being a part of a vital, exciting music program. Opportunities are afforded in the following areas:
CHANCEL CHOIR
The Chancel Choir is our adult choir made up of singers who love the art of choral music. They sing in the 11:00 a.m. worship service each week, and therefore serve as worship leaders. They also present special seasonal programs at various times throughout the year. Although focusing on traditional and classical anthem literature, a variety of musical styles is used over the season. Any adult with some singing skills is welcome to join. Music reading skills, while helpful, are not required. The Chancel Choir rehearses on Wednesdays from 7:00-8:30 p.m.
ST. CECILIA HANDBELLS
This is our adult handbell group, which performs music for 4 and octaves of bells. Membership is open to any who are interested, though music-reading skills are strongly recommended. St. Cecilia rehearses on Wednesday afternoons at 5:30 during the school year.
LOGOS SINGERS
As a part of our Worship Skills in our mid-week youth program, children ages 4 through 6th grade will participate in singing for worship. We strive to introduce a love of music through body movement, rhythmic games, and singing.
DayOne BAND
This group of singers and musicians create the music for our DayOne Contemporary worship service. Acoustic guitar, keyboard, drums, bass, and vocalists are all involved.
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
All women of the church are members of Presbyterian Women and are given the opportunity to serve the church through participating in P.W., Circles, and Service Guilds. The objectives of this organization are to build leadership skills, to enjoy fellowship, to encourage lives of prayer, to perform acts of service, and to be grounded in Bible study. The ultimate goal is that all women of First Presbyterian Church grow in the knowledge of Christ and are strengthened as members of the church.
The work of Presbyterian Women impacts every area of the church and serves as an outreach into the community and world as well. Day and evening Circles meet monthly for fellowship and Bible Study. Service Guilds meet monthly and focus on sewing, knitting and baking projects that will meet various needs in the church and community. All women of the church are sincerely invited to participate in a Circle and/or Guild of their choice. Please join us! There is a place of service for every woman of the church.
Presbyterian Women is directed by a Women’s Council that meets monthly and consists of officers and chairperson of committees and Circles.
Likewise, let us know if you are willing to help with this special ministry.
Circles, Christian Service
Click here for recipes from the PW Christmas Luncheon
Guilds: Sewing, Knitting, Baking, Wedding Guild
