Welcome to First Presbyterian Church

100 years of ministry
Established 1904 

 

WHO WE ARE...

First Presbyterian Church, a part of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), is a congregation of approximately 300 members. 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.

 

OUR MISSION...

 

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 9:45 a.m. on Sunday. For children ages 4 years -sixth grade, the inJoy after school program with its rotation style Bible study is held on Wednesdays from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Vacation Bible School is held for one week 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. Senior Adults enjoy a Brown Bag Bible Study on Thursdays at noon. 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" programs is held each Wednesday beginning at 6:00p.m. Women's groups meet monthly and Men's groups meet every other Tuesday for fellowship, Bible Study and outreach. Youth meet Sunday and Wednesday evenings for fun, fellowship and study. Youthang, Polarthang, mission work and other annual trips are also enjoyed by the Youth. An annual family camp is held each summer at a nearby church camp/ranch. Participation in the Presbytery's camping program and the Synod's Mo-Ranch summer program is 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 Al-Anon, Randy Sams' Shelter for the Homeless, Salvation Army, Evergreen Ministries which provides housing for the disabled, Friendship Center, Literacy Council, Domestic Violence Prevention and other local ministries. Angel Quilts ministers to chemotherapy patients. The Next Step/Continuing Care program aims to mentor families who are ready to move beyond crisis management. Boy Scout Troop #223 is sponsored by FPC. 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. A very talented Director of Music & organist lends his skills to provide a quality music ministry. The installation of a new pipe organ in June 2000 enhances worship services with wonderful sounds of music. Opportunities abound for participation in three choirs, four handbell groups, a change ringing band and instrumental playing. 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. The Chancel Choir joins annually with two other downtown churches for a special concert event.

 

*Periodically, First Presbyterian Church hosts change ringing gatherings for ringers from all over the U.S., Canada, & England.

 

DIRECTIONS/LOCATION...

 

First Presbyterian Church is located five blocks east of the downtown post office on the Arkansas side of Texarkana at the corner of Sixth and Pecan Streets.