10/1/2026 FPC Facebook E-News

First Presbyterian Church

October 1, 2026 E-News

Upcoming Service for the Lord's Day

19th Sunday after Pentecost

World Communion Sunday

Sunday, October 4, 2026 ~ 10:30 a.m.

Preacher: Rev. Leslie Roper

Sermon: Our Common Bond

Scripture Lessons:

Psalm 19:1-14 and Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9,12-20

A Note from Pastor Leslie

I set out this morning looking for some good news. So much of the news coverage this week has been hard and heavy. The stories coming out of a fraternity house at Cornell University are exceedingly painful to read. Whatever your feelings are about the death penalty, the news of a failed execution attempt in Tennessee is unsettling, to say the least. Surely, I thought, I can find some good news out there to lighten my day.

Therese of Lisieux was one of the youngest women ever to enter the monastic life. She was determined to live a life of faith that would earn her sainthood, but was soon dismayed that miracles seemed to be elusive in her lifetime. Initially disheartened that this would prohibit her from obtaining her goal, she soon determined that this limitation, her smallness, could give her great joy because it let God shine more fully in her life. This shift in attitude changed her life focus, instead of striving to do great things, she determined to do little things with great love. This developed into what would come to be known as her “little way”. Eventually, it became the reason that today, October 1^st, is the feast day of Saint Therese of Lisieux in the Roman Catholic Church.

Before her early death, Therese wrote, "Love proves itself by deeds, so how am I to show my love? Great deeds are forbidden me. The only way I can prove my love is by scattering flowers and these flowers are every little sacrifice, every glance and word, and the doing of the least actions for love."

Therese set out in life looking for miraculous deeds to perform so as to earn sainthood, until she heard God’s call that she was to spread God’s love in the little things she could do. I set out this morning looking for some good news to lighten my world, until I heard God’s reminder, through a young Carmelite nun living in the 1800’s, that I should try to BE some good news in other peoples’ worlds instead.

In Paul’s letter to the Galatian church, he writes,

So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all and especially for those of the family of faith.

So let us heed Paul’s words and follow Therese’s example. Let us scatter flowers of kindness, joy, sacrifice, and love everywhere that we go. Just imagine what a difference that might make.

I can’t wait to see you on Sunday!

Worship Service: Sunday, September 27, 2026

Sermon: The Dangers of Being Right

Scripture Lessons:

Psalm 25:1-9 and 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

World Communion Sunday

The World Communion Offering works to ensure all God’s people flourish as God intends through ministries working for racial justice, gender justice, peacemaking, global witness, and ecumenical and interfaith relations. Please see the bulletin insert for more information. The World Communion Offering will be received on Sunday, October 4.

Communion Sunday and FPC Blessing Box

This Sunday, and the first Sunday of every month, is Communion Sunday and the FPC Blessing Box food collection. You are encouraged to bring food for the Blessing Box or give a check made out to the church with Blessing Box on the memo line. The number of people in our community that need help continues to grow. Please remember those less fortunate.

Ferncliff Disaster Assistance Center

The Mission Committee has planned a 1-day volunteer mission opportunity for tomorrow, Friday, October 2, at Ferncliff Disaster Assistance Center in Little Rock. We will meet here at First Presbyterian Church Hot Springs (213 Whittington Ave.) at 8:00 a.m. and plan to return around 3:00 p.m. We hope you will join us for this volunteer mission opportunity!

If you are interested in going, please let Carol Mattson know so that no one gets left behind!!

Election Reminder - Registration Deadline is Monday

Women's Wednesday Study

Twenty-five years ago, 2 Presbyterian pastors wrote Being Presbyterian in the Bible Belt. These same authors have a new book addressing the more recent development of Christian nationalism in the United States.

The Women's Wednesday Study will begin this new book, Being Presbyterian in a Dysvangelical America, on October 7 at 10:30 a.m. The authors speak to the underlying theological, biblical claims that lead to political and social consequences.

The Wednesday Study meets every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. in the Katherine Pardue White Library of First Presbyterian Church. All are welcome to join us in our weekly discussions.

Family Night Supper "Oktoberfest"

Our Fellowship Committee has something special planned for our next Family Night Supper!

Laura Lee Williard is a dynamic folk singer known for her soulful voice, engaging stage presence, and skillful blend of rhythm and finger-picking guitar. With roots in traditional folk and bluegrass, she delivers performances that are both heartfelt and highly interactive. A seasoned performer since 2002, Laura Lee has entertained audiences in venues ranging from festivals and coffee houses to schools and community settings, with a special gift for connecting with listeners of all ages. Backed by a PhD in Developmental & Child Psychology and experience as an Artist-in-Education, she brings a unique combination of musical excellence, warmth, and professionalism to every event.

Dust off your lederhosen and dirndls for a festive evening of hearty food and lively music!

The Caring Place Luncheon

The Caring Place of Hot Springs offers daily respite for caretakers of adults with dementia or developmental disability by being a safe (and caring) place for those adults to spend their days, giving their caretakers a much needed break. Your youth volunteer there almost every summer. Your mission committee has contributed financially. You also have the opportunity to support this organization! The Caring Place will hold their annual Ladies Luncheon on Tuesday, October 27, and reservations are now open. Betsy Broyles Arnold will speak about the resource she and her father (legendary Arkansas coach Frank Broyles) designed to support those who love and care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease.

Bible Trivia

Bible Trivia is a fun way to review scripture, explore biblical characters, and learn key facts to boost your knowledge of the Bible.

Every other week we will give you a trivia question with the answer given the following week. Tell us what you believe is the answer, and why, by sending it to office@firstpreshotsprings.org.

Bible Trivia: Life of Jesus

Who thought Jesus was a gardener when she saw Him after He had risen?

ANSWER: Mary Magdelane

John 20:11-15: But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb, and she saw two angels in white sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.”

First Presbyterian Newsletter

Every week we send out an updated church news email. If you would like to be added to the email list, please contact the church office, (501) 624-5646. Alternatively, if you or someone you know would like to receive a paper copy, please call the office.

The 2026 Flower Board is available to sign up to donate Sunday flowers!

Located on the wall by the 2 large closets in the Fellowship Hall, pick your date, add your name and special dedication. If you do not wish to write it on the board, or if space does not allow, please call, email or visit the office. You may do this at any time well in advance of your day. Cost is $38.50

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Thank you!

God Bless You on Your

Special Day!

Share your birthday blessings with our graduating Seniors! Each month on the 3rd Sunday, we celebrate church members' birthdays and ask those celebrating this month to make a donation in honor of their birthday to our scholarship fund. Thank you for supporting our graduating seniors!