Who We Are

Welcome to First Presbyterian Church

Among the Texarkana Churches, First Presbyterian Church, is a gem of service, study, fellowship and worship. It is a part of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Founded in 1904 with 160 members, First Presbyterian Church has always sought out Christ’s call to be actively involved in worship, learning, service and fellowship. Our congregation represents a diversity of backgrounds. People of all ages, singles and families, students and retired persons have discovered the bond of being a part of the church family at FPC.

OUR VISION…

We envision First Presbyterian Church, Texarkana, Arkansas as a family of faith, worshiping through evangelism and outreach, nurturing all believers, and bringing forth new disciples.  As a community of faith, family, and friends, all are welcome here!

WHAT WE BELIEVE…

The most important belief of Presbyterians is that we are saved by the grace of God, not by our good works. As Presbyterians we believe that God’s spirit is at work in the world today. Standing in the Reformed tradition of Protestant churches we believe that the Holy Scripture reveals the Good News about God’s love and that the Church is the body of Christ gathered to express our faith and to share God’s grace and love with others. For guidance in our faith, Presbyterians have two main sources. The Bible is the most authoritative source for faith and practice for all people. Creeds and Confessions of Faith are statements of doctrine expressing the beliefs of our church and congregation.

WE WORSHIP…

Worship is the highest priority for the people of First Presbyterian just as it was in Biblical times and throughout history. In our service of worship we hear God speak to us through scripture and sermon, and we reply with our hymns of praise, choral anthems, prayers and offerings. Thus, worship is a dialogue between the congregation and the God who stands revealed in Jesus.

We hold a traditional worship service in the sanctuary each Sunday at 11:00 a.m. Special worship services are held throughout the Christian year. These include Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday during Holy Week. The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper (Eucharist) is celebrated on the first Sunday of each month. The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated upon request.

Nursery care is provided for infants and toddlers during Sunday School and worship services.

WE STUDY…

We are committed to a strong and ever-expanding program of Christian Education. Opportunities are provided for all ages to discover the depth of the Christian faith and to understand the meaning of that faith in the present age. Church school classes begin at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday. Children through grade six use Godly Play, an exciting program using the Montessori method, to learn Bible stories and become familiar with liturgy and Christian language. First Presbyterian is the only church among the Texarkana churches who offers Godly Play. Vacation Bible School is held in the summer. Presbyterian Women have Bible Study once a month and the Men of the Church have a Bible Study and breakfast every other Tuesday at 7:00 a.m. An adult discipleship class meets occasionally on Sunday evenings. A confirmation class is held each year for children who wish to join the church. Additional classes for those interested in knowing more about the Christian faith and the Presbyterian expression of faith are held periodically.

WE FELLOWSHIP…

First Presbyterian has a variety of fellowship opportunities for all who desire to participate. A family night supper with Bible Study or special “Stew Pot” program is held each Wednesday beginning at 6:00p.m. Regular game nights are held monthly for all ages. An annual family camp is held each summer at a nearby church camp/ranch. Youth meet Sunday and Wednesday evenings for fun, fellowship and study, and participation in presbytery camping programs, Youth Triennium, and Montreat conferences are encouraged.

WE SERVE…

Our faith is more than an individual relationship to God. Members serve in every aspect of community life, but as the people of God, our church is committed to ministry that seeks to respond to the human needs around us. First Presbyterian Church serves Randy Sams’ Outreach Shelter , Salvation Army, Evergreen Presbyterian Ministries which provides housing for the disabled, Mission Texarkana, Literacy Council, Domestic Violence Prevention, Heroes’ Pantry and other local ministries.

Angel Quilts ministers to chemotherapy patients. For several years the Downtown Churches Community Garden provided around 2000 lbs of fresh produce to the needy each growing season with the help produce from the local farmers from Gateway Farmer’s Market, a gleaning ministry that continues. The Memorial Orchard near the Labyrinth continues to provide fruit. Mission projects of our Presbytery, Synod, and General Assembly are also supported through our gifts of time and money.

MUSIC…

Music is very important to our congregation. Under the leadership of our organist and choral director, the Chancel Choir shares in worship each week, and the Adult Handbell Choir and Children’s Choir on special occasions. The installation of a Casavant pipe organ in June 2000 enhances worship services with wonderful sounds of music. The church tower houses eight change ringing bells that peal during special events.* During the Advent Season our church provides noon music presentations followed by lunch at the church. *Periodically, First Presbyterian Church hosts change ringing gatherings for ringers from all over the U.S., Canada, & England.