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WORSHIP TIMES 9:00 a.m. DayOne Worship in-person in the Fellowship Hall and livestreamed 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Sanctuary Worship in-person in the Sanctuary and livestreamed SANCTUARY WORSHIP The traditional service at First Presbyterian takes place in our beautiful sanctuary. Organ music reverberates amongst the century-old space, which is bathed in light filtered through magnificent stained glass. The order of worship is traditional but less rigid than you may expect. It is an ideal service to slow down, escape from the hectic nature of modern life, and gather in the presence of God in a space which has hosted such worship since the 1890s. Slip inside this special room and let the presence of God be made manifest in your life. DAYONE WORSHIP Our casual service, held at 9:00 in the church’s fellowship hall, invites you to a unique style of worship. Come in, grab a cup of coffee and prepare yourself for a worship service that meets you where you are. At Day One you will find elements of traditional worship in a coffee house setting, blending a subtle liturgical movement with a modern feel. The contemporary band mixes praise songs, re-imagined traditional hymns and the occasional blue grass tune to bring forth an eclectic feel. NURSERY CARE Childcare is available from 8:40 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Sundays on the third floor. The nursery is attended by at least 2 background checked and well-trained employees. Our nursery is ages birth to 6 years old. After that, we encourage children to be in worship. We look forward to meeting you and your little one(s) soon! Frequently Asked Questions What should I wear? Please wear something comfortable. You might see more people in their "Sunday best" in the traditional service, but you'll find people wearing jeans and t-shirts in both services. What do I do with my kid? We don't have "children's church" necessarily. The children of this church are wanted in our regular worship services. We have a children's moment during the service, but after that, they go back to sit with their adults. We provide "Kid Packs" at the entrances to each service that have books, coloring sheets, and fidget toys to keep your child entertained if they need it; we just ask that you return them at the end of service so they can be refilled for the next week. We also have a nursery for children ages 0 to 5 (or 6 if your little one needs a little extra time) that is attended from 8:40 am to noon, but all children are welcome and wanted in worship service. Wiggle worms are expected! Kids are going to be kids, right? If you are breastfeeding, please know you are welcome to do so wherever you are most comfortable. If you would prefer a more private area, the nursery has a comfortable chair and a pillow for you and your child. If I have more questions, who do I ask? If you have a question before service, you can ask an usher or a pastor. If you have a question during the week, feel free to call the office or email us!

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. 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. In 2024, we served over 1200 meals. First Sunday Supper happens at 5:00pm 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, Boys and Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity, Community Dental Clinic, Monarch 61, the Hamilton Center, 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.

Prayer List Current Prayer Concerns: Louise Simmons, aunt of Anneke Mikles Frankie Beckman Suzanne Tripp Gayla Newman David Shipman Janet Harper Leigh Merry June Boyd Doug Cotton Debbie Beckman John Aubrey Eddie Thiele Sarah Yantis Plunkett, sister of Marshall Yantis Charles Adams Lenora Bullington Carol Whiteneck Katie, who is fighting breast cancer Marta Jones, friend of Pamela and Marshall Yantis Continuing Prayer Concerns: Karla Harkins, death of husband Chuck, former members Micah Rego and Heather Barret, death of their grandmother JoAnn Winstead Mary Ann Lockwood Bobbie Wohlford Janet Green, sister of Pamela Yantis Susan Roberts Gary Peters Chip Cole, brother-in-law of Laura Cate Long Term Prayer Concerns: Davis Ziegler, grandson of Brenda Davis Brayden Bates, great-great nephew of Vivian White Manivan Chanthorn

Welcome to FIRST PRESBYTERIAN OUR MISSION It’s pretty simple for us. Our mission is to serve Jesus Christ. It’s hardly earth-shattering for a church to say this, but the truth is that throughout history, when churches have actually served Jesus, the results have been, well, earth-shattering. Churches have done amazing things in this world by serving Jesus first and foremost, and we like to believe that from time to time our dedication to Jesus leads to amazing things. As you explore this website and get to know our congregation, you should find that serving Jesus has led to real transformation in our community and congregation. About Be Inspired SUBSCRIBE Thanks for submitting! "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7 Give

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. Educational opportunities Pastor's Class Led by Phillip or Tasha Blackburn. This class meets on the third floor 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. Children's Sunday School This class is planned and taught by Director of Children's Education, Taylor Kronberg, and a team of volunteers. Children ages 3-6 meet in the nursery and children ages 7-11 meet in the middle classroom on the third floor. Vacation Bible School Each summer we host Vacation Bible School (VBS) for children ages 3 to 11 (entering 6th grade). Stay tuned for information on VBS 2026! Youth Class For youth ages 12-18 years old. This class is located on the third floor. King Speaker Series Our King Speaker Series is named after the Minnie King Trust which helps fund our spiritual education. We invite authors and interesting people to come speak with us about their lives and expertise. Click here to learn more about our series and our past guests.

OUR STAFF REV. TASHA BLACKBURN 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 Phil have two children, Calum and Alena. Tasha loves reading mysteries and watching bad tv. TASHA@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 Fort 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 Fort 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 and three grandchildren. Jean enjoys reading and sewing in her time away from work and watching Hallmark movies with her cat. 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 recently completed her Doctorate in Biblical Studies. 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 is a Fort Smith native. She graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts dual-degree in History and African & African-American Studies and is currently at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary in their Master of Divinity program. 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. TAYLOR@1PRES.ORG

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Three things you should know about First Presbyterian Church of Fort Smith: We believe that men and women are created completely equally. 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.

Join us for Compassion Camp this year! Sign up online. Open to ages 3 years old through 5th grade. We'll talk about what every living thing needs in God's creation. Vacation Bible School 2026 May 26 - 29, 2026 for ages 3 years old to those who have finished fifth grade VBS 2026 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 2026. See you there!

Readings of the Week Luke 6: 17-23 Numbers 14: 1-4

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.