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Teens, Conflict, and Instant Communication
This August the FPC Youth studied Biblical examples of conflicts in relationships....with family, with friends, with authorities, with God. Click here to read Jane's reflections on what our youth have learned, especially in light of our culture of instant communication. There are lessons for all of us....
Praise Party!!!!
 FPC Youth once again helped to lead games and recreation for Vacation Bible School. This year's theme was "Praise Party: Worshiping God with Head, Heart, Hands, Feet and Soul!" Thanks to our youth for doing such a great job!!
Souper Bowl of Caring on Sunday, February 7th
 Following worship Sunday, FPC youth were at each door with containers for your contributions to the Souper Bowl of Caring. Begun by the youth of Spring Valley Presbyterian Church in South Carolina twenty (!) years ago, this has grown into a nationwide time of giving to local food projects. The almost $800 from our collection will go towards our monthly dinners for the Randy Sams' Outreach Shelter. Thanks for your generosity!
Prayer Journaling
The FPC Youth learned how to create Prayer Journals. Along the way, Rev. John taught us three different ways to journal to help us get the most out of our own experience journaling. Prayer Journaling can really deepen your prayer life and connection with God.
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Annual Projects
Thanksgiving Baskets. Every November, members of the church donate a massive amount of groceries to give to local needy families. The youth gather, sort, pack and distribute the food goods. In 2009 we delivered an amazing 57 baskets to families!
Rose Hill Project. Last winter the youth prepared and placed wreaths upon the graves of Veterans at Rose Hill Cemetery here in Texarkana. A family member of one of the veteran's contacted us asking if we could clean the head stones. Using only water and soft bristled brush, FPC Youth with a few guest youth from 2 other area churches, cleaned to 247 headstones! This act of respect and kindness drew attention from people across Arkansas. The Disabled American Veterans Association, honored the church with an award for its efforts. Placing the wreaths and maintaining the graves are now an annual commitment of the youth.
Randy Sams Meal Service. Once a year youth prepare and serve meals to homeless people at the Randy Sams' Outreach Shelter. This is a great opportunity for our youth to make a face to face difference in the lives of those in need in our community.
Vacation Bible School Leadership. Youth help with everything from photography to leading recreation for our V.B.S.
Senior Sunday. Each year in May when we honor our graduates the youth of the church lead every aspect of worship.
PLUS... Souper Bowl of Caring, collecting pet food for local animal shelters, mission trips, fun trips, camps and plenty of fellowship!
Youth Group Thanksgiving Basket Food Drive a Success!
Thanks to the generosity of FPC members and friends, the FPC Youth delivered 57 boxes of food (feeding over 350 people!) to needy families so that they could have a good Thanksgiving in 2009.
However, hunger is an ever-growing problem that calls for on-going prayer and action.
More information on hunger both in America and the world can be found at these websites: Presbyterian Hunger Program, Harvest Texarkana, Feeding America, Food Research and Action Center, and Bread for the World.
Another interesting link is the blog Food and Faith which examines not only hunger, but also justice issues connected to food and food production, and suggests how people of faith can become better stewards of food resources.
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