Fast Facts

an e-update on life at

First Presbyterian Church

April 2, 2026

Worship - April 5, 2026

8:00 am & 10:00 am

Decorate the Cross

This year, FPC will create a church-family flower cross to celebrate the resurrection. Members and visitors are invited to bring flowers to place on the outdoor cross in the church courtyard. Real flowers are requested, and they may be of any color or variety.

The cross will be available throughout the day on Saturday, April 4, for anyone who would like to add flowers. We invite you to help create this beautiful sign of resurrection hope and to celebrate the rich diversity of God’s creation.

Weekly Calendar

Weekly Update

Holy Week at FPC

Join us on this evening at 7:00 pm for a service of communion and gradual darkness commemorating the Last Supper and the Crucifixion.

On Good Friday at noon, join us for musical reflections on the Seven Last Words of Christ. In these final sayings from the cross, we hear both suffering and mercy—words that still speak strength and grace into our lives today. Come prayerfully listen as we prepare our hearts for the hope of the resurrection.

FPC’s annual Easter Egg Hunt will take place on April 4 at 10:00 AM on the front lawn. All are welcome to join us for a morning of fun!



We are asking for candy donations. You’ll find a box of empty eggs in the church office hallway (or fellowship hall)—simply grab some, fill them with candy, and return them to the box. We are also collecting money to cover the cost of treats -- donuts, muffins, fruit, waters, juice, etc. If you are interested in donating, please click here! Thank you for helping make this event special!

Sunday School

Lent has offered a special time of growth and learning in the Sunday School room…and a time of some serious, giggly fun. If your children haven’t been in a while, please come on and check it out. We’d love to have them…and we guarantee smiles!



Palm Sunday saw the children make paper stick-puppets for Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Click here to watch our very own "Van Buren Players” perform their retelling of the beginning of Holy Week.

UKIRK College Ministry

UKIRK has been enjoying the weekly meals and fellowship during our spring Wednesday Together gatherings. They will continue to meet on Wednesday evenings at 6pm thourghout the rest of the semester. They are still in need of volunteers to provide a meal for their meetings on 4/8 and 4/22. If you are interested, please click here! Please feel free to share the word as well!

Troop 45

This past weekend Troop 45 was seen going in two directions: While most of the Troop went on a weather-perfect campout to Natchez Trace State Park near Tupelo, several older Scouts gathered at Camp Hopewell to help a fellow Scout complete his Eagle project. The campout provided the newest of our Scouts the opportunity to campout for the first time and to begin passing requirements to earn the Scout and Tenderfoot Ranks. An Eagle project is usually one of the biggest hurdles a Scout must face to earn the rank of Eagle. The Eagle project is designed to be a benefit to the community in some way. This Eagle project was to build a firewood storage shed for a campsite at Hopewell. It included a rainwater collection barrel to help with fire suppression. Robert Hall was a great help in making this Eagle project a reality. This past weekend is a great example of Scouts finding the right place to fit in at the right time. Fun, learning, and service were had by both groups of Scouts. Cheers to Troop 45!

Music at First

The New Oxford Ensemble is an independent chamber music initiative based in Oxford, Mississippi. Featuring vocalists and instrumentalists, we present themed concerts that support emerging artists and showcase innovative arrangements, while bringing the community together through live music events. Our Spring Soundscapes Concert celebrates nature, new birth, and new creation. We invite everyone to enjoy this offering, featuring First Presbyterian Chancel Choir members Lucy Elfert, Ontarius Woodland, and Kristina Tullgren. 

Hopewell Women's Retreat

Join us for the Hopewell Women's Retreat, April 17 - 18, 2026!

Rev. Claire Berry will be our keynoter. You can see her full bio on the registration page here. All women age 21+ are invited to join us as we dive deep into the story of Esther. Our scripture focus for this weekend will be Esther 4:12-17, which is the scripture in which Mordecai says to Esther, "...And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?". Over the course of the weekend, we will discuss Esther's bravery in both, going in front of the king, and also in asking others to fast with her, as to not do this mighty task alone. Her vulnerability reminds us that there is power in naming our fears, asking for help, seeking guidance, and looking to God for support.  

More details & registration can be found here! Overnight & commuter options are available.

Presbyterian Women's Birthday Luncheon

Calling all women of the church! Mark your calendars for our annual Presbyterian Women’s Birthday Luncheon on Sunday, April 19, in the Fellowship Hall, following the 10:00 worship service. If you have any questions, please reach out to Kim Ling.

VIPs

Our April get-together will be Thursday, April 23 at 10:30 am. We will spend an hour helping with a few projects like prepping blessing bags, dusting in the sanctuary, etc. At 11:30 the Taylor Food truck will come and we'll have lunch together. The cost will be $25 per person. WE will need to give Taylor Grocery headcount, so please call the church office to sign up NO LATER than April 20. Hope you'll come and visit and enjoy lunch with your VIP friends.

Sally Hines

 Estás Invitado!

You are invited! Please join us for lunch following worship on Sunday, April 26, for an update on FPC's recent visit to our sister Presbyterian Church in Jagüey Grande, Cuba. During the visit, the friendship with our Cuban brothers and sisters deepened as we visited members in their homes, shared a game night of Uno and Cuban dominoes, learned more of the church's ministries to their neighbors, and made plans for the installation of a Living Water for the World water purification system in November. Last week the installation of a solar power system on the roof of the church was completed. This reliable source of electricity will alleviate some of the challenges from the daily power blackouts our friends endure. There is much more news to share. So make plans to enjoy some Cuban fare, hear more of the recent trip, and learn how you too can support this enriching ministry with an endearing people. 

LovePacks (lovepacksofoxford.com) is an in-school pantry that provides food for 250 children in Oxford and Lafayette County schools who experience hunger at home. This month's item is packs of peanut butter crackers. Please deliver your donation to the church office.

Leap Frog needs healthy snacks and drinks for 60 children on the dates listed below. Snacks should be invidivually wrapped or single item fruits, like apples or bananas that can be easily distributed. Drinks should be individual serving sizes as well, such as small bottles of water, juice boxes, etc. Donations can be dropped off to St. Peter's Episcopal Church Monday-Wednesday from 1:30-5:30.

Upon arrival, contact Whitney at (662)801-9698 and she will meet you with a cart for an easy drop off. 

If you have any other questions, please contact me, Laura Montgomery, at (662)544-7625. 

If you are interested in contributing, please click here.

The Doors of Hope Transition Ministry, based in the education building here at FPC, is an outreach agency that assists single parents in their efforts to become self-sufficient. Through finance and budget counseling, a limited period of housing assistance, educational opportunities, and employment services, clients learn to break crippling patterns of dependance and start new lives. Each month graduates of the program meet with current clients during the Step 2 Dinner. While sharing a meal, clients are encouraged by the success stories of their predecessors. It will soon be a new year and hosts will be needed for the dinner held in the Fellowship Hall the second Tuesday of the month. It's easy! The meal is catered. Hosts set up and then sit at table with new friends. Or if you prefer, simply drop off a dessert. Click here to volunteer and become a part of this meaningful ministry.

If you would like assistance or know of someone who does,

 please contact the church office at

 662-234-1757.

Memory Makers of Oxford (memorymakers@maxxsouth.net) is a respite day service for those with memory loss. Structured activities provide enrichment for participants while allowing a much needed respite for caregivers to take a break from the daily responsibility of caring for their loved one. They welcome donations of items on their wish list or volunteers to assist with programming. Donations can be delivered to Memory Makers, 1558 Skyline Drive, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Or a Virtual list is available here. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Memory Makers at 234-3332 for more information or visit their website here.

Need a helping hand? 

In Good Order is a group of FPC volunteers available to assist members who may need a little extra help with a yard project or light home repairs. FPC volunteers are available to change light bulbs, replace air filters, haul off a large limb in the yard, etc.  

If you would like assistance or know of someone who does,

 please contact the church office at

 662-234-1757.

Remember in Prayer 

FPC Members: The Family of Chad Russell (Jeannice Russell's son); Larry Hadenfeld; The Family of Sarah Smith; The Family of Syd Shaw; Lee Borden; The Family of Max Williams; Vaughn Grisham; William Rogers; Carey Hanson; Katie Ochs; Lilly Biedenharn; The Family of Pat Atkinson; Kay Tyler; Duke Goza; The Family of Corrine Cullen; The Family of Marjorie Selvidge; Keith Hayward; Tommy Smith; The Family of Randy Bolen; Becky Murphey; Ann Dickins; Scottye Boone; Leon McCullouch 

Family and Friends: Brett Hoyer and Family; Our sister Presbyterian Church in Jagüey Grande, Cuba.; Clifford Cobb; The Family of Carolyn McClinton; Ray Balach; Ray Poole; The Family of Dan West (Emily Freeny); Fel Macias; Jhon Johnson; The Family of Ariadne Welch; Amy Kennedy; The Family of Craig Hayden; The Family of Pat Howard; The Family of Lynda Grimes Ferris; Marshall Roberson; Lynessa Erler; The Family of Helen Dupree Brandon; Richard Bremer; Helen Luckett; The Family of Bob Flautt; Minor Atkinson; Melissa Cribbs; Mike Flautt; Steve Mistilis; Sigrid Long; Eileen Cheney and Family; Thomas Hines; Olivia Flautt; Dr. Gladys Memnon and Friends in Bongnotte, Haiti; Doors of Hope Families; Lafayette County Detention Center inmates; Parchman Prison inmates; Haven House residents

U. S. Military: SSgt Jason Freeland, USAF 17th Special Tactics Sqaudron

Please pray, too, for those with unspecified needs.

If you wish to have a name removed or added to this list, please contact the church office.

The FPC prayer chain is ready if you or someone you know is in need. This is a confidential list that is independent from the names listed above. Please contact Carlisle Wood at carlislewood@gmail.com or

662-832-8606. All requests are held in strict confidence.  

Do you feel called to bring communion to the

farthest pew? 



If you’ve been ordained as a Deacon or Elder, you are qualified. Just sign up here, and stop by the church office to get a home communion kit

before you go.  

Upcoming Birthdays and Anniversaries

This Week's Birthdays

2 Mary Cates Williams

3 Lena Johnson, Ben Smith

5 Thomas Cribbs, Tommy Cribbs

6 Jerry Wilson

This Week's Aniversaries

A If we've overlooked your birthday or anniversary and you wish to have it included in Fast Facts, please contact the church office.



These announcements are sent weekly from the church. If you don't want to receive them, or if your email address has changed, please send a message to the church office at fpcstaff924@gmail.com.