As we conclude our Lenten journey and look toward the empty tomb with joyful anticipation, we invite you to join us for these Holy Week offerings. Please see below for details.

The last Wednesdays Together is this evening! Join us for dinner at 5:30 pm, which will feature various yummy dishes made by FPC chefs. Following dinner, Kristina Carlson, will conclude her four week discussion on her book Outrageous Kindness… A Mindset, A Method, A Movement. 

Join us on Thursday 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! 

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.

Worship: 10:00 am

Remember in Prayer 

FPC Members: David Flautt; The Family of Chad Russell (Jeannice Russell’s son); Jane Henderson; The Family of Jim Gilbert; 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.

Sanctuary Floral Arrangements dates are available April 12, 19, and May 3, 17, 24, and 31. To provide flowers in honor or in memory of a loved one, contact Kate at the church office, 662-234-1757, or kohillfpc@gmail.com. Contributions to the flower fund are greatly appreciated. If you want a particular date to provide flowers on a Sunday morning, please reserve that date in advance.

Anyone interested in an FPC member directory can call the church office at 234-1757; one will be printed for you.

Sunday School

FPC in March

Last month, we hosted our annual Chili Cookoff. The Empty Bowls fundraiser was also held last month. Both gatherings brought people together for good food and fellowship. We also took advantage of the spring weather and had some clean up days! Take a peek below to learn more!

FPC Annual Chili Cookoff



A big thank you to all those that brought a pot of chili or anything delicious for the annual cookoff. Irma Buchanan was our esteemed winner with an amazing chowder. Congrats to all those that entered.

Empty Bowls Fundraiser



The Empty Bowls fundraiser was held last month on St. Patrick’s Day, bringing together neighbors, artists, and local restaurants in support of The Pantry. Several FPC members packed the house, many dressed in their best green! Thank you to all who showed up and supported the event. Together, your participation helps The Pantry continue its vital work of caring for our neighbors in need.

Camp Hopewell Cleanup



Camp Hopewell sustained significant damage during the recent ice storm. Remarkably, relatively little structural damage to buildings was sustained, but a large number of trees and limbs did come down. Last weekend FPC youth participated in a camp cleanup day. They hauled fallen limbs, cleaned the labyrinth, and demoed a damaged outdoor worship arena. The Hernando Presbyterian Church has donated funds to rebuild the worship site.  We thank our youth for their care and concern for Camp Hopewell.  

Green Presbyterians



One advantage of a mature landscape is the opportunity to divide and replant from one part of a yard to another. Last weekend several FPC green thumbs did just that. Lenten Roses and Daffodils that had overgrown some locations were divided and relocated to the new perennial bed at the front of the church. Other beds were weeded, fertilized and mulched. Plans are underway to replant the Sanctuary beds where the Foster Hollies were lost during the ice storm. Stay tuned and plan to join us for the next FPC Big Dig!

Children & Youth Faith Formation

Sunday School Round Up!

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! 

Ruth O’Dell, Corey Mauldin, & Jason Bouldin

On the first Sunday of Lent the children got to reconsider the meaning of

Ash Wednesday.

Discussing the powerful story of Jesus raising Lazarus was never so much fun.

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.

Parents of 4th & 5th graders, mark your calendars for this month's bible study on the front lawn!

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!

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

Last month, we held our gathering in the Fellowship Hall, with Carmin Blair as our guest speaker. We had a great turnout!

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

The Mission Team meets the first Monday of each month at 5:00 in the Session Room of the Sanctuary building. Please join us as we seek creative and effective means to serve “the least of these.” If you would like more information, call the church office or contact Laura Montgomery.

 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. 

Join the Fun!

On the second Tuesday of each month FPC hosts the Doors of Hope Step 2 Dinner. Approximately 30 single mothers and children are served. Following the meal an educational program is presented to the adults, while crafts and outdoor recreation are made available for the children. Last month the children enjoyed making Easter bunny "face plates." FPC volunteers are needed to serve the meal. It's easy! Volunteers pick up a prepared meal at Larson's, serve it, and sit at table with new friends. For more information or to volunteer to help serve a meal, click 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.

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.

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. For a list of requested items, click HERE. 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 at www.memorymakers.org.

 First Presbyterian Church

Oxford, Mississippi

Congressional Summary of March 16, 2026

Stated Session Meeting

The Session of First Presbyterian Church held its monthly stated meeting on Monday, March 16, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church.

1.      Communications. The Session received a letter from the Office of Stewardship and Funds Development reflecting FPC’s Peace and Global Witness and Pentecost Offerings. The Session also received letters of resignation from the Diaconate from Monte Ochs and Todd Abbott.

2.     New Business. Elder Byars was elected to serve as moderator pro tem in the event the moderator is unavailable due to travel or extenuating circumstances.

The Session agreed to defer consideration of Deacons Ochs’ and Abbott’s requests for resignation from the Diaconate until after the March 19 joint meeting of the Diaconate and Session. After discussion, the Session decided the Diaconate must elect a new moderator from among the currently serving Deacons.

The Session approved the request for baptism for Betsy Webb (Taylor Webb & Catherine Servati).

3.  Ministry Team Check-In

a.        Finance – Richard DeVoe (2027). Elder DeVoe reported that thus far in 2026 FPC has received $18,000 more in collections than budgeted. On March 3, 2026, Elders DeVoe, Ling, and Byars met with Clark Simmons from the Board of Pensions and have begun exploring various benefit package options for FPC employees.

b.        Property – Hank Spragins (2027) & Anne Doty (2028). Elder Doty reported the Property Team will address the wood rot found in certain window wells and identified several property-related issues that will be addressed at the April meeting. Elder Spragins provided an update on ongoing maintenance to the HVAC systems.

c.      Adult Faith Formation – Irma Buchanan (2026) & Ashley Callery (2028). Elder Buchanan shared a positive report from Wednesday Nights together. Kristina Carlson will continue to lead three more sessions on her book Outrageous Kindness… A Mindset, A Method, A Movement. The VIPs continue to gather, and UKirk’s attendance continues to grow.

d. Children & Youth Faith Formation – Brynnen Quick (2026) & Corey Mauldin (2027). Elder Mauldin shared the CYFF Team continues to recruit volunteers for spring and summer programming and shared the following dates:

April 4 – Easter Egg Hunt (10 am);

April 19 – Confirmation Sunday; and

May 3 – Senior Sunday

e. Membership & Hospitality – Matt Nielson (2026) & Angela Manley (2028). Elder Nielson reported a new member class is in the works, and a limited number of member directories will be distributed on April 12 for review before a final printing at a later date. The Membership and Hospitality Team will host a summer kick-off luncheon on May 17.

f.  Mission – Laura Montgomery (2026) & Michael Portner (2028). Elder Montgomery reported that FPC’s local mission efforts including Love Packs and Doors of Hope dinners are running smoothly. In Good Order has continued to respond to various needs since Winter Storm Fern. FPC received $7,500 from Presbyterian Disaster Relief and will distribute those funds to the Oxford Lafayette Community Assistance Fund. Reverend Milner shared a report on the recent Cuba Mission Trip.

g.  Personnel – Al Ling (2027) & Trey Byars (2028). No report.

h. Worship – Whitney Bolen (2027). Elder Bolen shared the following dates for the Wholeness and Healing Services during Lent: March 17 and 24. Plans for Holy Week are underway with Easter Sunday worship services at 8 and 10 am.

i. Deacon’s Report. Elders Byars and Servati shared a brief synopsis of the March 2 Diaconate meeting. 

News from the Pews

Memorials & Honorariums

~ With gratitude for contributions to First Presbyterian Church ~

In Memory of:

Pat Atkinson

Ben & Adalene Pettis

Randy Bolen

Ben & Adalene Pettis

James Chavers

Ben & Adalene Pettis

Mary Ann Cropp

Paula Smith Akers

Caroline & Cal Mayo

Ben & Adalene Pettis

Corrine Cullen

Ben & Adalene Pettis

Rex Deloach

Ben & Adalene Pettis

Jim Gilbert

Ben & Adalene Pettis

Nancy Giles

Ben & Adalene Pettis

Rev. Sam P. Marshall

Ben & Adalene Pettis

Suzy Phillips

Ben & Adalene Pettis

Marjorie Selvidge

Ben & Adalene Pettis

Syd Shaw

Ben & Adalene Pettis

Sarah Smith

Ben & Adalene Pettis

Max Williams

Ben & Adalene Pettis

Financial Summary 

Upcoming Birthdays & Anniversaries 

Session

Adult Faith Formation

Irma Buchanan (2026)

Ashley Callery (2028)

Children & Youth Faith Formation Brynnen Quick (2026)

Corey Mauldin (2027)

Clerk of Session 

Catherine Servati (2026)

Finance 

Richard DeVoe (2028)

Membership & Hospitality

Matt Nielson (2026)

Angela Manley (2028)

Mission

Laura Montgomery (2026)

Michael Portner (2028)

Personnel

Al Ling (2027)

Trey Byars (2028)

Property 

Hank Spragins (2027)

Anne Doty (2028)



Worship

Whitney Bolen (2027) 

Diaconate

Class of 2026

Stefanie Goodwiller

Marty Mauldin

Brad Mayo

Kathy Neff

Nina Patrick

Class of 2027 

Todd Abbott

Heather Harris

Caroline McIntosh

Monte Ochs

Dee Walker

Class of 2028

Rebecca Black

Jessica Holder

Elizabeth Miers

Ben Pettis

Lisa Tollison