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IT’S CHRISTMAS STORE TIME AGAIN The First Presbyterian Christmas Store is right around the corner. Volunteers are needed to help price gifts, do inventory, decorate, serve as shopping assistants, help set up. Most importantly, we need gifts, gift tags, gift bags, and cash donations for the store! If you are purchasing toys, only buy items priced between $10-$45, leaving the price tags on. Our Christmas store is designed to empower struggling families to purchase their own gifts. We provide quality gifts, then reduce their price tags so families can afford to buy them. You can turn in gifts to the church office or contact Mission Chair, Kim Wohlford or Keley Simpson, if you would like to volunteer. Below is a shopping list of requested toys. Please bring toys to the office by December 1. IT’S CHRISTMAS STORE TIME AGAIN For Infants to Preschoolers: Disney princess dolls, Hot Wheels trucks and cars, baby dolls, dress up tutus, musical toys, Paw Patrol toys, arts and crafts, dinosaurs, diapers, teething rings and blankets, ride on toys, push toys, doll houses, Mr. Potato Head For Grade School Children: Barbie dolls ( most kids prefer “real” Barbies and dolls of a variety of ethnicities are popular), Moana-themed dolls, OMG Dolls, LOL Surprise, Lego sets, remote control monster vehicles, PJ Masks Deluxe Figure Set or any PJ toy, arts and crafts kits, Nerf toys, light globes, super hero figures, Tonka trucks, train kits, play tents, robotic toys, Hatchimals Pixies and surprise eggs, science kits, board games For Teens and Tweens: Make-up kits, false lashes, acrylic nail kits and nail art, video games, shave kits, snack kits, skateboards and hover board, sports equipment like soccer balls, basketballs, footballs, knee pads, arts and crafts kits including paints, scooters, Marvel series books and merchandise, scarves and gloves, headphones, curling iron or straightening iron, Axe Body Spray, telescopes, dart board game, fishing poles, beanie hats, lava lamps, water color pencil set For Those with Special Needs: Night light projector, fidget toys, pinch me dough or play dough, noise canceling headphones, lavender pillow Out of town or can't get out and still want to support? Check out our Wish List ! It will come directly to the church office.

Services ONLINE GIVING PORTAL Giving is an act of discipleship at First Presbyterian Church. We are grateful to each and every person who contributes to our shared work and ministry. If you would like to contribute, you can do so here. If you choose not to contribute financially at this time, that’s ok too. Our goal here is to do the work of Jesus and there are lots of ways you can contribute to that. If you have any questions about our how we use your gifts, please don't hesitate to contact cindy@1pres.org . MAKE A DONATION

Prayer List Current Prayer Concerns: Lisha Hutchins, death of mother-in-law Ron Evans Tom Wilson Gary Peters Kat Merry Charles Adams Barry Law Linda Huff Jerry Boyd Callie Blake, granddaughter of Jacquie and Ken Wallace Lenora Bullington Father of Doris De La Rosa Gwen Dickson , mother of Gayla Newman Marta Jones, friend of Pamela and Marshall Yantis Sister of Pamela Yantis A daughter facing breast cancer Continuing Pr ayer Concerns: Mary Catherine Johnston, neighbor of Brenda Davis Chip Cole, brother-in-law of Laura Cate Sandy Terwilliger Hugh McKay Long Term Prayer Concerns: Davis Ziegler, grandson of Brenda Davis Brayden Bates, great-great nephew of Vivian White Manivan Chanthorn

vacation bible school 2025 August 4th-August 7th for ages 3 years old to those who have finished fifth grade VBS 2025 Registration Form Child's First Name Age Grade Entering Child's Last Name T-Shirt Size Parent/Guardian First Name Parent/Guardian Last Name Phone Email Street Address Street Address Line 2 City Region/State/Province Postal / Zip code Country Country Early Care is available beginning at 7:45 a.m. Check this box if you will be arriving early. Emergency Contact #1 Emergency Contact #1 Phone Number Emergency Contact #2 Emergency Contact #2 Phone Number Does your child have any medical or allergy concerns you need to share? I allow my child to participate in this event with First Presbyterian Church. If my child should need medical treatment, I give permission for my child to be transported to a hospital to receive that treatment until I can be reached. I give permission for use of photos from this event for publicity with the understanding that their image will not be identified with their name. Your Signature Clear Register Thanks for registering for VBS 2025. See you there!

Let's Connect Contact Office hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am-3:00pm. If trying to reach Mission Facilitator, Keley Simpson, please contact the church office. Address 116 North 12th Street Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901 Email info@1pres.org Phone (479) 783-8919 Social Media First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting!

LIVESTREAMS

SERVE At First Presbyterian, the word “mission” means the ways we serve others. First Sunday Supper, Changing Lanes, the Christmas Store and many other programs and projects are how we do mission. We have a couple of guiding principles in our mission work. First, we seek to empower people to change their circumstances. We want our work to help people take control of their lives. Changing Lanes is a reflection of this value. Second, we want to treat all whom we serve with dignity. We recognize the full humanity of those whom we serve and seek to see them as more than their needs. To this end our monthly meal, First Sunday Supper, is designed to give all our guests a restaurant-style experience. It is supposed to be the finest free meal in town, and one that anyone would be glad to enjoy. CHANGING LANES Fort Smith is a challenging community for people with unreliable transportation. Recognizing that poor access to transportation is a keystone cause of economic distress, First Presbyterian is developing a host of transportation mission initiatives under the heading of “Changing Lanes.” The central program is our fair car loan program. Through a partnership with First National Bank, as well as local car dealers, we are able to offer low-income clients access to fair car loans. These loans enable them to buy cars from reputable dealers at a fair interest rate. This is a small program at the moment but we believe that over the coming years it will only grow in Fort Smith. If you have forgotten what Changing Lanes is, or wondered what impact it actually makes, or just want to feel good today, watch the video linked here featuring Keley Simpson and one of our clients. This video was produced for the March 6 meeting of the Presbytery of Arkansas (all the PC(USA) congregations in the northern 2/3 of the state). UPLIFT UpLift is a small personal loan program intended to help people resolve unexpected expenses that occur in life, administered through First Presbyterian and managed through First National Bank. We offer fair low-interest rates on our loans which are to be repaid by the customer within a year. Our customers receive free budget counseling with a certified counselor through Credit Counseling of Arkansas (CCOA) as part of their loan agreement. Our goal through the UpLift program is to help our customers resolve small debts and seek financial counseling to prevent their debts from increasing or becoming chronic. We do not believe in lending money to people to remain in debt. If financial mismanagement is a problem, our customers will benefit from making a budget plan with the CCOA counselor and if necessary, receiving a credit report review. FIRST SUNDAY SUPPER Hands down the best free meal in Fort Smith, the people of First Presbyterian cook for our neighbors on the first Sunday of each month. In addition to a free meal, there is an activity for children as well as information about community services. It happens at 5:00 on the first Sunday of each month in the Family Center. CHRISTMAS STORE Each Christmas we set up a store full of brand new toys provided from the church. Rather than giving these toys away, they are sold at a drastically reduced cost. Participants come to the store, shop for their children, wrap the presents and then give them to their children on Christmas morning. We strive to empower those in need to provide for their families and get ourselves out of the way. FINANCIAL SUPPORT IN FORT SMITH Through our budget and stewardship of various trusts, First Presbyterian provides over $300,000 of support annually to local partner agencies. We believe strongly in the work these agencies do, and we understand they can do it better than we could ever hope to. Some agencies include the Crisis Intervention Center, Next Step Homeless Services, Lincoln Childcare, Interfaith Daycare, Habitat for Humanity, Community Dental Clinic, Good Samaritan Clinic and many more. FINANCIAL SUPPORT INTERNATIONALLY Haiti: Through the work of the Haiti Education Foundation, First Presbyterian sponsors the Epiphanie School outside of the town of Cherident in southern Haiti. 113 kids and 9 teachers gather there daily during the school year. We pay 80% of the costs with the students absorbing the other 20%. In addition, we provide lunch for all students and faculty 5 days/week. El Salvador: Over the past several years we have developed a strong relationship with Project Red in El Salvador. Project Red serves orphans and foster children in El Salvador by providing, housing, life skill training and education. Many of these children would end up in the rampant El Salvadoran gangs, and Project Red’s success rate in keeping kids out of gangs is outstanding.

DayOne Band Our DayOne Band contain multitudes! From modern worship songs to bluegrass, you're guaranteed to leave feeling easy like Sunday morning after this contemporary service at 9am. Chancel Choir Our Chancel Choir fills the sanctuary with traditional music during our 11 o'clock service. This talented group will whisk you away toward a feeling unique to your daily life. Handbells Don't shy away from the chimes of these bells! We offer beginner-friendly practices for anyone who wants to learn a new skill (and make some friends along the way). Pates Mcdonald Music series Life, as they say, is worth living in Fort Smith, due in no small part to the vibrant arts programs that flourish here. The Pates/McDonald Music Series has long contributed to this thriving musical culture with a rich variety of chamber music programs. All concerts in the series are free and open to the public, thanks to the generous support of our sponsors. Through the vision of Charlie and Annie Pates, and named in honor of organist Mary McDonald, the Pates/McDonald Series began as a lasting tribute to the woman who devoted her life to bringing the joy of music to the lives of others. A member of First Presbyterian Church since child-hood, Mary began her tenure as church organist in the 1955. She ministered through music quietly and selflessly. Though Mary retired in 1996, she graciously returned on several occasions to serve as Interim Organist. Throughout much of her tenure at First Presbyterian Church, Mary also directed the Children’s Choirs, Handbell Choirs, and the Chancel Choir. First Presbyterian Church is proud to host the Pates/McDonald Music Series in their memory.

Since it’ s beginning in 1950, Hobson Preschool has been committed to providing the best in preschool education to Fort Smith and the surrounding communities. We believe that each child develops according to God’s plan and has a pattern of growth that is unique to themselves. Because of this, we are committed to developing in children critical, independent thinking skills through engaging hands on activities and positive teacher interaction. At Hobson, teachers and administrators believe in caring for the whole child. Equal attention is given to social, emotional, physical and spiritual development on levels that are age appropriate and fun! We would love for you to visit our nationally accredited program, meet our well-qualified staff, and tour our facility. For more information please contact: Kesha McCain, Director at 479-783-4552 . For more information visit Hobson’s Facebook Page . To apply, print and complete the Hobson Application and return to the school office.

three things you should know about first presbyterian church of fort smith: We believe that men and women are created equal we are a "purple" church and do not preach politics we believe in the value of every person and set out to care for our neighbors

STUDY Learning is a big part of our Christian pilgrimage. At First Presbyterian we offer a variety of educational opportunities to help us as we worship God with our minds. SUNDAY SCHOOL Pastor's Class Led by Phillip or Tasha Blackburn. This class meets in the Church Library at 10:00 a.m. Adult Bible Class (ABC) A small group experience that focuses entirely on the scriptures, studying a book of the Bible at a time, led by Elder Larry Price. This class is in Room 306 at 10:00 a.m. Early childhood Class Team-taught by Heather Barret, Melissa Gay, Tammy Gay, and Taylor Kronberg, this class is for ages 3-6 years old. This class meets on the first floor of the Family Center. elementary class Team-taught by Taylor Kronberg, Bryan and Kat Merry and Greg and Ashley Vann, this class is for ages 7-11 years old. This class is on the second floor of the Family Center. youth class Led by Charlotte Scott for youth ages 12-18 years old. This class is located on the third floor. "Making Room"Series Taught by Rev. Tasha Blackburn, this class has teaching and conversation about how we can make room for good things to run wild. We will focus on celebrating, gratitude, sabbath, worship, and developing a "rule for life". This class will meet again after Christmas. Stay tuned for updates!

OUR STAFF REV. TASHA BLACKBURN CO-PASTOR Tasha grew up in Jefferson City, Missouri, where she was raised in the Presbyterian Church. She earned her undergraduate degree at Illinois College and a Master of Divinity at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. She also received a Masters of Theology degree from the University of Edinburgh’s New College in Edinburgh, Scotland. She has served in ordained ministry since 2002, working as an associate pastor in Springfield, Illinois, until 2012 before becoming co-pastor here at FPC, Fort Smith. Tasha and her husband and fellow co-pastor Phil have two children, Calum and Alena. Tasha loves reading mysteries and watching bad tv. TASHA@1PRES.ORG REV. PHILLIP BLACKBURN CO-PASTOR The Reverend Phillip Blackburn was born and raised in Oklahoma City, OK. He graduated from the University of Kansas in 1997 and Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 2001. Following his graduation, he moved to Edinburgh, Scotland and received a Master of Theology from the University of Edinburgh. He has served in ministry in Indianapolis, IN, Lincoln, IL and now Fort Smith, AR. He has been married to his wife, Tasha, since 2001 and they have two children, Calum and Alena. He enjoys sports, reading, chess and tennis. PHILLIP@1PRES.ORG KELEY SIMPSON MISSIONS FACILITATOR Keley Simpson is a native of Fort Smith, AR. She attended Arkansas Tech University and graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Psychology. Keley’s work experience includes program director for sexual assault and domestic violence services at the Donald W. Reynolds Crisis Intervention Center (formerly known as the Crisis Center for Battered Women and Crisis Center for Women) and Investigator for Crime Victims Reparation at the Office of the Attorney General Keley is a member of the Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee with the city of Fort Smith. She is also a board member for 3 local non-profits. During her free time, Keley enjoys reading and writing poetry. KELEY@1PRES.ORG GINI LAW MUSIC DIRECTOR Gini Law was born and raised right here in Ft. Smith. She has been playing in church since the tender young age of 13 and has had a steady playing gig ever since. She has served as a church musician in Ft. Smith, Conway, Maumelle, and Batesville, AR and has enjoyed adding organist to her resume since coming to First Pres. She is the proud mom of three talented kids- Victoria, Cameron, and Evan, and Gigi to Allison. In what little spare time she has, she enjoys shopping, watching crime TV, and going to the movies. GINI@1PRES.ORG MARIA MARTINEZ WELLNESS FACILITATOR Maria Martinez just completed her Masters in Social Work in May from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She has experience in both individual and group counseling, working with children, and music therapy. Maria is also fluent in both English and Spanish. She has called Fort Smith home for most of her life and has two school-aged children. The Wellness Facilitator will be focusing on emotional and mental wellness. The work will mostly be outside our church walls: working with children and parents at our preschool Hobson, working alongside helping agencies in our community, helping to fill the tremendous gaps we are seeing in mental health care in our community. MARIA@1PRES.ORG CINDY SHERROD FINANCE AND FACILITIES DIRECTOR Cindy Sherrod joined the staff at First Presbyterian Church in March of 2012. Cindy was born in Mena, but was raised and has lived most of her life here in Fort Smith. She is now happily raising her two daughters here as well. In 2008, Cindy graduated from the University of Arkansas Fort Smith with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She has an Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising from the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving. CINDY@1PRES.ORG JEAN PERDUE OFFICE MANAGER Jean Perdue was born in Fort Smith and has lived here all her life. She attended Westark College, taking various business classes. Jean worked doing Medical Billing for 45 years prior to coming to First Presbyterian. She has two grown children, Amber & Blake and two Grandchildren, Cody Ryan and Charley Mae. Jean enjoys reading and sewing in her time away from work and watching Hallmark movies with her cats curled up on her lap. JEAN@1PRES.ORG KESHA MCCAIN DIRECTOR OF HOBSON PRESCHOOL Kesha McCain is from Fort Smith. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and received a Masters in Biblical Studies in May 2015. She is currently working on her Doctorate in Biblical Studies. She has been married to her husband Timothy for 4 years. She has 2 children, Sierra and Keshaun. She is the praise team leader at her church and serves in other various ministries. HOBSON@1PRES.ORG K.C. CHANTHORN LAOTIAN LAY PASTOR In 1978, K.C and his wife converted to Christianity (Church of Christ) while they lived in a refugee camp in Thailand. K.C. came to the United States in 1979 from Laos. “My family and I had to leave our country because we could not live under the communist regime.” When K.C. and his wife arrived in Fort Smith, they joined Westark Church of Christ. In 1982, K.C. established the Laotian Fellowship at Westark Church of Christ and led one of the two Laotian congregations in Fort Smith. In 1992, K.C. learned of the Presbyterian Ministry from a relative. As a result, K.C. and some of his loyal followers joined First Presbyterian Church of Fort Smith. The Laotian fellowship has grown from 7 families in 1992 to 27 families in 1999. TAYLOR KRONBGERG DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN'S EDUCATION DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Taylor was born in Lexington, Kentucky, but claims herself as a native Fort Smith-ian. She graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts dual-degree in History and African & African-American Studies. She has attended a Presbyterian Church for most of her life and traveled to Haiti with First Presbyterian Church in March 2014 which is what inspired her to pursue her degree plan. She has been married to her husband, Conner, since 2020 and they share two children together, August and Arizona. She is a self-proclaimed "chronic over-sharer", hobby collector, vegetarian, and avid podcast-listener. TAYLOR@1PRES.ORG