Phone 501-329-6483 ● Fax 501-450-7794 ● office@fpcconway.org ● www.fpcconway.org

The Intercom is published monthly to keep members and friends informed of FPC programs and to report news about FPC’s people. Email articles and news to

office@fpcconway.org or leave them at the church office. Deadline for submissions is the 22nd of the month prior to the month of publication, unless noted.

April 2014

April Lectionary

Sunday, April 6

5th Sunday in Lent Ezek. 37:1-14; Ps. 130

Rom. 8:6-11; John 11:145

Sunday, April 13

Palm/Passion Sunday Palms: Matt. 21:1-11; Ps. 118:1-2, 19-29

Passion: Isa. 50:4-9a, Ps. 31:9-16, Phi. 2:5-11

Matt. 26:14—27:66 or Matt. 27:11-54

Sunday, April 20

Resurrection of the Lord/Easter Acts 10:34-43 or Jer. 31:1-6; Ps. 118:1-2, 14-24

Col. 3:1-4 or Acts 10:34-43

John 20:1-8 or Matt. 28:1-10

Sunday, April 27

2nd Sunday of Easter Acts 2:14a, 22-32; Ps. 16; 1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31

Lenten Luncheon Series Schedule

The Lenten Luncheon Series hosted by the Faulkner County Unit of Church Women United (CWU) will be hosted at

various local churches on Thursdays at noon.

Date Location Co-Host

April 3 ......................... First United Methodist Church, 1610 Prince St. ................ Christ Temple Holiness

April 10 ....................... Wesley United Methodist Church, 2310 E Oak St. .......... Ebenezer United Methodist Church

Local pastors and lay persons lead the weekly devotionals with scripture, prayer, and

music at noon throughout the Thursdays of Lent. The simple luncheon of soup, cornbread,

drink, and dessert is provided for a suggested donation of $4 per person. Broken china

jewelry will be available for purchase at the luncheons to benefit the Women’s Shelter of

Central Arkansas.

Join us for a meaningful walk through the Lenten season with Christians from fellow

churches in our community.

EASTER EGG HUNT—SUNDAY, APRIL 13

Children and families, you’re invited to join us for our annual

Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, April 13, starting at 2:00 p.m.

There will be designated hunting areas

for toddlers, preschool, and elementary

children through 4th grade.

Bring a basket or container to

gather eggs and enjoy a snack

with us following the hunt.

Easter Candy Collection

Please help us prepare for the annual Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, April 13, by donating sacks of individually wrapped candy. Please no peanut products. This year we have invited the children from our FPCEM—Preschool to join us.

To allow time to stuff the eggs, we would like to receive the candy by Sunday, April 6. Baskets to receive your donations are in the narthex. Thank you.

CALLING all BEARS !!! CALLING all WARIORS !!!

Yes! You who are UCA and Hendrix alumni, we need your support!

Yes! You who are staff, faculty, and friends of college students, we need your support!

Friday, April 25, at 7:30 p.m.

Join us for dessert and coffee to kick off the new Friends of UKirk.

Admission is $5 at the door with silent auction items galore! All funds raised will go to support the UKirk Ministry of Conway.

April 2014—p. 2

2014 Session Assignments

Christian Education:

Jennifer Bell.......................... 339-8884

Jamie Gates ......................... 514-3305

Renée Hunter ....................... 329-9837

Congregational Life

Larry Dunn............................ 329-4348

Evangelism & Membership

Jim Ford ............................... 514-5030

Missions & Outreach

Sally Roden .......................... 329-9138

Nominating Committee

Arvil Burks ............................ 329-5467

Personnel

Sally Roden .......................... 329-9138

Susan Davis ......................... 517-7512

Property

Tommy Mebane ................... 499-6534

Stewardship, Budget, & Finance

Sharon Lessenberry ............. 329-1671

Susan Davis ......................... 517-7512

Technology

Jim Ford ............................... 514-5030

Worship

Karen Young-Vinson ............ 327-5452

Clerk of the Session

Jane Hawk............................ 327-4208

Assistant Clerk of the Session

Sharon Lessenberry ............. 329-1671

Andrew White, Moderator

Lea Ann Moore, Vice-Moderator

Mary Mosely, Secretary

Class of 2014

Wesley Folds

Henry Hawk

Randy McPherson

Mary Mosley

Susan Sexton Smith

Class of 2015

Ama Aggrey-Bekoe

Carolyn Mebane

Becky Oswalt

Tom Sinclair

Andrew White

Class of 2016

Jason Cameron

Trudy Jordan

Lea Ann Moore

Sheila Parsons-Talley

Robby Thompson

Diaconate

F R O M T H E I N T E R I M P A S T O R …

Why is it Holy Week? Palm Sunday (April 13) to Easter (April 20)

In the early centuries of the church, faithful followers of Christ wanted to be

in Jerusalem to remember the events of the passion of Jesus. Pilgrims came

to the locations mentioned in the gospel stories: the Temple, the garden of

Gethsemane, Golgotha, and others. Along the streets of Jerusalem, they shared

prayers and services of devotion to remember what Jesus did and how his death

and resurrection changed their lives. It was hard to travel then, preventing some

from the pilgrimage to actual sites. Churches found other ways to recall the

story of Jesus’ last days, his suffering, death, and resurrection. The liturgies of Holy Week evolved to fill this need, to tell the story.

Let us all join the FPC pilgrimage of Holy Week beginning Palm Sunday,

April 13.

On Palm Sunday we recall the crowds who welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem

in triumph as their Messiah and King. Riding a borrowed donkey, palm branches were laid

before him with garments, too. In our service we will invoke memories of that joyous procession with one of our own. Special music by Alisa Coffey, harpist with the Arkansas Symphony

Orchestra, will be shared. But the service ends with indications of the dark events that are ahead

during the week…

On Maundy Thursday we gather in close fellowship to observe the sacrament of the One who

was about to give his life on the cross and who gave his disciples a new commandment to love

one another. (“Maundy,” from Latin mandatum for “commandment.”) He taught his followers to

be loving servants. In our communion service we acknowledge the real presence of Jesus in the

elements of bread and wine. My belief is that attendance at Maundy Thursday communion draw Christians into a fuller understanding of the Resurrection, and that one cannot really fully grasp

the meaning of the Resurrection without joining others remembering “the Upper Room” and

commemorating his sacrificial death. If you have seldom or never attended Maundy Thursday

communion, I hope you will this year, with children, too. The time is 7:00 p.m.

On Good Friday in the evening we recall the crucifixion of Jesus with a service of Tenebrae

(shadows) in the sanctuary. For this very somber service, the sanctuary is draped in liturgical

black. The time is 7:00 p.m.

On Easter Sunday we rejoice in the joyous proclamation that the grave could not hold Jesus,

that he is risen! Risen and alive today! Easter has always been the most important celebration

in the life of the church. All our senses are engaged in this victory celebration of life over death.

I encourage everyone to invite someone to join in the jubilant worship of the church on this great

day either at sunrise (informal 7:00 a.m. in the Memorial Garden) or at 10:00 a.m. in the

sanctuary with Holy Communion and confirmation for six youth. Can the pilgrimage of Holy

Week increase your faith? It can.

Grace and peace always,

P.S. Easter special offerings are the most ancient expressions of “over-and-above giving” in our

faith family. Please plan and give as generously as you can to One Great Hour of Sharing for

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Presbyterian Hunger Program, and Self-Development of

People. Generous giving increases our faith, too.

Believing and BelongingBelieving and BelongingBelieving and BelongingBelieving and Belonging————You Are InvitedYou Are InvitedYou Are InvitedYou Are Invited

All current and recent visitors in worship and other All current and recent visitors in worship and other All current and recent visitors in worship and other All current and recent visitors in worship and other

church events who would like to know more about life church events who would like to know more about life church events who would like to know more about life church events who would like to know more about life

in Christ within his body the Church are invited to attend in Christ within his body the Church are invited to attend in Christ within his body the Church are invited to attend in Christ within his body the Church are invited to attend

“Believing and Belonging,” on Sunday evenings at “Believing and Belonging,” on Sunday evenings at “Believing and Belonging,” on Sunday evenings at “Believing and Belonging,” on Sunday evenings at

5:30 p.m., April 6 and 13.5:30 p.m., April 6 and 13.5:30 p.m., April 6 and 13.5:30 p.m., April 6 and 13.

We will meet at the interim pastor’s home, 18 Stagecoach, We will meet at the interim pastor’s home, 18 Stagecoach, We will meet at the interim pastor’s home, 18 Stagecoach, We will meet at the interim pastor’s home, 18 Stagecoach,

Conway, and take time to get to know one another and teachings of Christ and their meaning in Conway, and take time to get to know one another and teachings of Christ and their meaning in Conway, and take time to get to know one another and teachings of Christ and their meaning in Conway, and take time to get to know one another and teachings of Christ and their meaning in

our Reformed and Presbyterian tradition. Those who decide to join the church will meet with the our Reformed and Presbyterian tradition. Those who decide to join the church will meet with the our Reformed and Presbyterian tradition. Those who decide to join the church will meet with the our Reformed and Presbyterian tradition. Those who decide to join the church will meet with the

Session on April 15 at 6:30 p.m.,Session on April 15 at 6:30 p.m.,Session on April 15 at 6:30 p.m.,Session on April 15 at 6:30 p.m., and be recognized in worship soon afterwards.and be recognized in worship soon afterwards.and be recognized in worship soon afterwards.and be recognized in worship soon afterwards.

April 2014—p. 3

Birthdays 1 Molly Keller

Damon Warbritton

2 Julie Gillaspy

4 Annette Greenland

5 Sarah Wittenburg

6 Elizabeth Phares

10 Sally Roden

11 David Peters

13 Pam Joslin

14 Howard Reed

15 Abby Cameron

16 Art Gillaspy

17 Charles Phares

18 Lisa Jenkins

22 Tom Cothran

24 Sheila Parsons-Talley

Terry Reynolds

26 Katherine Bradshaw

Larry Dunn

27 Randy Spooner

28 Brad Doty

29 Violet Fannin

30 Rick Damico

Landon McCoy

Anniversaries 4 Tommy & Carolyn Mebane

13 Robert & Pam Joslin

16 David & Dyann Rankin

20 Jimmy & Nancy Higgins

22 David & Ann Peters

26 Doug & Jane Martin

Green Tips: Earth Day

• Reduce non-toxic cleaning products.

• Reduce paper use. Use rags instead of paper towels and cloth napkins

instead of paper ones.

• Plant for the planet.

AprilAprilAprilAprilAprilAprilAprilAprilAprilAprilAprilApril Birthdays & Birthdays & Birthdays & Birthdays & Birthdays & Birthdays & Birthdays & Birthdays & Birthdays & Birthdays & Birthdays & Birthdays &

AnniversariesAnniversariesAnniversariesAnniversariesAnniversariesAnniversariesAnniversariesAnniversariesAnniversariesAnniversariesAnniversariesAnniversaries

March Session Synopsis

Session held its monthly meeting on March 18 with 12 elders present and two were excused. Also present were Transitional Pastor, Howard Reed; Director of Christian Education, Theresa Spragins; and Clerk of Session, Jane Hawk.

Items approved:

The spring curriculum for Heads, Hearts, & Hands class, “Old Testament Stories from the Backside.”

Organization of a support group for UKirk Ministries of Conway, “Friends of UKirk Conway” with a kick-off dessert and silent auction for Friday, April 25, at 6:30 p.m. with profits benefiting Friends of UKirk Conway Ministry for use in the coming year's program.

Request from the Stewardship, Budget, & Finance committee for a task force to be formed by Session to complete the following three goals: 1. Establish best operation model between FPC and First Presbyterian Christian Education Ministry (FPCEM). 2. A financial analysis of FPCEM to determine all costs involved. 3. There will be nine active FPC members on the task force. These goals have a completion date of July 1, 2014.

Herman Ellis was approved to serve as Disbursing Treasurer for this year in addition to Tom Cothran.

After reviewing comments received from the congregation regarding the proposed Congregational and Corporation By-Laws, Session voted to revise the By-Laws to include some of the suggestions.

The clerk reported the 2013 Church Statistical Report received a Session email approval and was forwarded to Presbytery.

The Weekly Prayer List Is Available to YouThe Weekly Prayer List Is Available to YouThe Weekly Prayer List Is Available to YouThe Weekly Prayer List Is Available to You

The same prayer list that is posted in the narthex on the red bulletin boards each week is now also available to you for your personal prayer life each week. You may pick up a list from the gold box on the visitor stand in the narthex. There should be enough copies to satisfy the demand. The list includes addresses in most cases, so should you choose to do so you can send a card or note to a person so listed, assuring that you are holding them up in prayer

in addition to wishing them well. (And if you have any suggestions about the listings, you can call or send a note to Ken Upham, our Parish Associate for Pastoral Care and Evangelism: 329-2575 or joyorken@tcworks.net.)

Celebrate Earth Day—April 22

Visit the Solar Under the Sun/Living Waters info-trailer from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. here at the church to learn about the PCUSA mission program that brings clean water

and solar electricity to communities in need.

We also encourage you to see the award-winning documentary “Chasing Ice” at Hendrix College on Monday, April 21, at 7:00 p.m. This presentation will take place in Worsham Hall in the Student Life and Technology Center on campus. The event, hosted by the Hendrix

Environmental Concerns Committee, is free to the public and refreshments will be served. You may see a trailer on YouTube.

April 2014—p. 4

SERVING THIS MONTH

LITURGIST April 6 Susan Davis April 13 Michael Vinson April 20 Michael Vinson April 27 Susan Davis

ACOLYTE April 6 Lewis Jeffery April 13 William Bell April 20 Communion April 27 Jillian Bradshaw

CHILDREN’S MOMENT April 6 Theresa Spragins April 13 Mark Cooper April 20 Trudy Jordan April 27 Howard Reed

CHILDREN’S PROGRAM April 6 Wesley & Angie Folds April 13 Lars & Melissa Seme April 20 Vicky Browning and Ann Peters April 27 Matt & Jennifer Bell

VIDEOTAPING April Jim Watkins

PROJECTION April Andrea Moore

GUEST CENTER April 6 Sandra McCoy April 13 Amy Thompson April 20 Dora Cunningham April 27 Sheila Parsons-Talley

USHERS April Bernice Chapin, Bo Denton, Pam Reynolds, Terry Reynolds, Rodney Rice, and Richard Talley

VISITATION April 6 Henry Hawk April 13 Julie Adkisson April 20 Rodney Rice April 27 Jerry & Jody Bass

SANCTUARY SET UP April 6 Virginia Driggers and Clara Martin April 13 Bernice Chapin and Maybeth Johnston April 20 Bill & Sandra McCoy April 27 Bill & Rosanne Johnson

Sharing Brings Joy.

To Others. To God. To Us: One Great Hour of Sharing on Palm and Easter Sundays

“Hope does not disappoint us because God’s love

has been poured onto our hearts.” Romans 5:5

First Presbyterian will celebrate One Great Hour of

Sharing with Presbyterians and other denominations

as we receive special offerings during worship on

Palm Sunday, April 13, and Easter Sunday, April 20.

In places like Tucson, AZ; Haiti; Kirkwood, MO;

Cameroon; Plaquemines Parish, LA; and most

recently Hattiesburg, MS, those most in need are

finding hope and help through the work of

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Presbyterian Hunger

Program, Self-Development of People, and their

partners in ministry. These are programs supported

by the One Great Hour of Sharing offering. You may

watch the bulletin inserts to learn about specific

ways these mission dollars assist those affected by

natural disasters, provide food to the hungry, and

help build strong communities in this country and

around the world.

Many of us enjoy the abundance of God’s blessings,

but by living an open-handed life and sharing these

blessings with others, we can offer an outward sign of

thanksgiving for the presence of Christ in our lives

while bringing joy to God and to our sisters and

brothers. Since 1949, Presbyterians like us have given

generously to the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering,

making an impact both at home and abroad. As we

share together, we sincerely thank you for your

continued investment in our response to meet the

needs of the most vulnerable members of God’s

family. Please plan to use the offering envelopes

provided and give generously as we continue our

witness to those in need.

Ash�Wednesday�ThanksAsh�Wednesday�ThanksAsh�Wednesday�ThanksAsh�Wednesday�Thanks����We began our observance of Ash Wednesday with a soup

and bread supper hosted and served by our WOW crew.

The Congregational Life Team would like to express our

appreciation to the following people who provided the

homemade soup: Julie Adkisson, Larry Dunn, Toni Edsall,

Jane Hawk, Sue Heily, Trudy Jordan, Marie Kesler, Paula

Lee, Debbie McConkie, Lea Ann Moore, Becky Oswalt,

Shelly Vangsnes, and Betsy Williams. We also express our

thanks to Pastor Howard Reed who prepared the loaves of

homemade bread. The soup and bread were delicious, and

we had many positive comments from people who attended,

which numbered 80-85 folks.

Menu for April WOW Meal

April 2—Baked ham, p�ato salad, peas, salad bar, rolls, and desse$

April 2014—p. 5

Preschool Hours (M-F): Early Care: 7:45-8:30 a.m.

Preschool 3 & 4: 8:30-11:30 a.m.

Extended Care: 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

After Care: 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Kid’s Day Out Hours (T & Th): Early Care: 7:45-8:30 a.m.

Kid’s Day Out: 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

After Care: 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4 5

9:30 PWCT 6:00 Christian Ed. Mtg. 6:00 Mission Mtg. 6:30 Evangelism Mtg. 8:00 FPC—TV Ch. 21

8:45 ReFit 4:15 Confirmation Class 5:30 WOW Dinner* 6:00 Children’s Choir 6:15 Ruth Floyd Ringers 6:30 Adult Bible Study* 6:30 Youth Class 7:15 Chancel Choir

12:00 Lenten Luncheon @ First UMC+ 5:30 Daily Bread 6:00 FPC—TV Ch. 21

8:45 ReFit

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

MORNING FELLOWSHIP 9:00 Sunday School* 10:00 Worship* 11:30 Worship Mtg. 11:30 Cong. Life Mtg. 4:00 Youth Handbells 5:00 Youth Choir 5:30 Youth Group 5:30 Believing and Belonging Class***+

8:45 ReFit 9:00 SAM Trip to Garvan Woodland Gardens+ 3:45 Jail Ministry 4:00 Evening Prayer 6:00 Fitness Class

9:30 Bible Study 6:30 Deacon Mtg. 7:00 UKirk @ZAZA+ 8:00 FPC—TV Ch. 21

8:45 ReFit 6:15 Ruth Floyd Ringers 7:00 Chancel Choir

10:00 Circle 1** 12:00 Lenten Luncheon @ Wesley UMC+ 6:00 FPC—TV Ch. 21

8:45 ReFit

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

MORNING FELLOWSHIP PALM SUNDAY 9:00 Sunday School* 10:00 Worship* 2:00 Easter Egg Hunt+ 4:00 Youth Handbells 5:00 Youth Choir 5:30 Youth Group 5:30 Believing and Belonging Class***+

8:45 ReFit 10:00 Circle 2 3:45 Jail Ministry 4:00 Evening Prayer 6:00 Fitness Class

9:30 Bible Study 6:30 Session Mtg. 7:00 UKirk+ 8:00 FPC—TV Ch. 21

8:45 ReFit 6:15 Ruth Floyd Ringers 7:00 Chancel Choir

MAUNDY THURSDAY 5:30 Daily Bread 6:00 FPC—TV Ch. 21 7:00 Maundy Thursday Service

GOOD FRIDAY 7:00 Tenebrae Service

8:00 Men’s Breakfast 9:00 Property Mtg. 10:00 Prayer Shawl Group

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

EASTER MORNING 7:00 Sunrise Service 8:00 Breakfast MORNING FELLOWSHIP 9:00 Sunday School* 10:00 Worship*

OFFICE CLOSED

8:45 ReFit 3:45 Jail Ministry 4:00 Evening Prayer 6:00 Fitness Class 7:00 “Chasing Ice”+

9:30 Bible Study 3:00 Solar Under the Sun Info-Trailer+ 7:00 UKirk+ 8:00 FPC—TV Ch. 21

8:45 ReFit 6:15 Ruth Floyd Ringers 7:00 Chancel Choir

9:00 SAM Breakfast+ 6:00 FPC—TV Ch. 21

8:45 ReFit 7:30 Friends of UKirk Kick-Off+

PW Spring Gathering & Pink Hat Day

27 28 29 30

MORNING FELLOWSHIP 9:00 Sunday School* 10:00 Worship* 4:00 Youth Handbells 5:00 Youth Choir 5:30 Youth Group

8:45 ReFit 3:45 Jail Ministry 4:00 Evening Prayer 6:00 Fitness Class

9:30 Bible Study 6:00 Technology Mtg. 7:00 UKirk+ 8:00 FPC—TV Ch. 21

8:45 ReFit 6:15 Ruth Floyd Ringers 7:00 Chancel Choir

* Childcare available.

** At Trudy Jordan’s House, 14 Sequoia Dr., Greenbrier

*** At Howard Reed’s House, 18 Stagecoach, Conway

+ See Article

April 2014—p. 6

“Bear one an)her’s burdens and so fulfill the law 4 Christ.”

~ Galatians 6:2

OUR MEMBERS: Irene Johnson Barbara McKittrick, death of Irv McKittrick Ruth Rogers

OUR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS:

Jeffrey DuBose, grandson of Maureen Leverett James Hays, father of Jim Hays Jean Parrack, College Square resident LeAnn Skinner, friend of Debbie Shannon

THOSE SERVING IN OUR ARMED FORCES:

Chad Brown, son of Joe and Sharon Brown Jonathan Dalke, nephew of Bud and Debbie McConkie Jeffrey DuBose, grandson of Maureen Leverett John Robert Gaunt, great nephew of David Chance John Griffin, son of Ken and Karen Griffin, stationed in El Paso

Cameron Hueston, friend of congregation Steve Jensen, son of Barbara Watkins Shawn Keeter, friend of Debbie Shannon Ethan McCullough, grandson of Jack and Jackie Bridgman

Tim O’Connell, son-in-law of Pattie Howse Bryan Overton, son of Debbie Shannon Jack Smith, grandson of Paula Lee, assigned to Afghanistan

Drew Stephens, friend of the McConkie family Jordan Thrasher, grandson of Jimmy and Nancy Higgins Seth Tribett, son of Toni Edsall, Air Force, deployed to Saudi Arabia

Senior Adult Ministry

Fellowship Hall

Thursday, April 24

9:00 a.m.

Come enjoy the fellowship and

share some great food.

Senior Adult Ministry Spring 2014 Outings

Garvan Woodland Gardens Crystal Bridges Museum April 7, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 2:00 p.m. May 1– 5:00 p.m. May 2

Ready to shake off some of that cabin fever? Make plans to travel with the SAM group to these great venues this spring. Cost for each trip will be $10 to the van fund, admission fee, and the purchase of your meals.

We still have a couple of seats on the van for our trip to Hot Springs for the Garvan Woodland Gardens Tulip Festival. Due to the cold, the bloom schedule is running a little behind. As of March 20, a few of the tulips have begun to bloom so the SAM trip should hit at about the right time. Dogwoods, Kurume and species azaleas, tulips, tree peonies, wildflowers, and camellias are all on the bloom calendar for this outing. An on-sight sandwich shop is available for our lunch or you may bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in this beautiful setting. Admission to the park is $10 per person.

Crystal Bridges Museum is a treasure nestled in the NWA city of Bentonville. This wonderful museum is home to a rich, private collection of art and hosts several traveling exhibits each year. In addition to the artwork inside, there are hiking trails on the grounds and many outdoor sculptures for visitors to enjoy. The restaurant Eleven is open for lunch and dinner with a variety of choices for your dining. Admission to the museum is free. However, in order for us to have adequate time to take in all that is available at the museum, this will be an overnight outing. Hotel accommodations will be $60 per person for a double occupancy room. Those traveling alone will have the option of staying with a roommate or reserving a single room at the rate of $120 per night. La Quinta of Bentonville will be our shelter for the night.

Sign-up sheets are located on the east narthex bulletin board and next to the kitchen. A minimum of six participants will be needed to make each of these trips.

Help feed the youth!

Please sign-up to help:

April 6, 13, 27

May 4, 18

Sign-up sheets are posted by the kitchen and on the

east narthex information board.

PW Spring Gathering & Pink Hat Day

A reminder to all Presbyterian Women that our Spring Gathering and Vera

Lloyd Pink Hat Day will be held jointly Saturday, April 26, on the Vera Lloyd Campus

in Monticello.

Our church van is reserved for the trip and we can take additional cars, if necessary. Make your reservation with your circle leader or call Bettye Balmaz at 327-5998 or 336-7333. The Pink Hat Day is conducted each year by the Vera Lloyd Presbyterian Home honoring all Presbyterian Women, and they really go all out to show us how appreciated we are by them. Dress is casual. Decorate a hat and expect to have some fun. Ladies, you don’t have to be in a circle to be included. Come see the campus and see how important our contributions are in the lives of over 400 children a year.

April 2014—p. 7

New Member Bios

Heather (Christian) Martens was raised in and around Vicksburg, MS, the youngest of three

children. Matthew, also the youngest of three, was raised in Pasadena, TX. They met when

Heather moved to Houston, TX with her faithful companion, Sweet Pea, to complete her

doctoral internship in school psychology at HISD. Matthew was living with his canine, Lucy,

in a particularly fabulous part of town, and a friend of a friend of a friend, y’know. The dogs

even got along! After completing her PhD and working for a year full-time for HISD, Heather

accepted a job as a school psychologist in Kodiak, AK, and off they went! After only a year,

Heather’s talents were noticed by the new superintendent, and she was hired as Special Services

Director, where she would affect change for the next four years. Matthew worked for the daily

newspaper, a local printing company, and finally the local public radio station. Then, at 08:31

on the morning of December 12, 2010, this little human family doubled in size when Aldous James and Ivy Adele Martens joined

the world. It’s been a bit of a blur since then, but a few facts are certain. The Martens Family moved from Kodiak, AK to a cute little

house with a big yard in Conway, AR in July 2012. Heather had accepted a position to teach school psychology in the doctoral

program at UCA. It also wasn’t certain the family could handle another long, dark winter in the Last Frontier. Currently, the family

is blessed to have schedules (and family and friends) that allow Heather to work, Matthew to attend school at UCA (Computer

Science major) and allow the littles to attend Kid’s Day Out here at First Presbyterian. Life is truly good.

Lois Giorgis moved to Conway with her husband, Guy, in 1982. Originally from Illinois, Lois earned a

BFA from Rockford College and a master’s degree from Illinois State University. She has worked as a

church secretary, a high school counselor, and a college dean. She is now retired and able to concentrate

on her first passion—art. She has been drawing and painting since childhood, and has worked in oil,

watercolor, pastel, and acrylic. Her paintings range from the abstract to the realistic. She has painted more

than 100 portraits. A signature member of the Mid-Southern Watercolorists and the Conway League of

Artists, Lois has won numerous awards and currently sells her works through Art on the Green. About five

years ago, she began sculpting in alabaster, which she says takes a great deal of patience. Lois also has a

passion for gardening and says she is “cheered to see the spring flowers poking up” each year. Lois and Guy have been married for

47 years. She has two children and three step-children.

We also received new members on Sunday, March 23. We welcome Toni Edsall and Bob & Ann Jeffery to our community of faith!

Look for their bios in the May Intercom.

April 3 ........ Serve with UKirk at Daily Bread Ministry 5:00-6:00 p.m. April 6 ........ Fellowship Trampoline Park—No Sunday lunch this month April 8 ....... ZAZA—Jordan will lead a devotional at 7:00 p.m. April 15 ...... Breakfast for Dinner—come help cook April 22...... Amanda will lead a devotional at the church at 7:00 p.m. April 29 ..... Karen Akin is bringing dinner and a discussion topic at 7:00 p.m. Ministries of Conway

Cooper Family ThankCooper Family ThankCooper Family ThankCooper Family Thank----YouYouYouYou Linda and I want to express our deepest gratitude for the many kind expressions and gifts you shared with our family that now

includes Jim’s wife, Melody. Your generous support of Jim and Melody’s marriage is humbling in so many ways. Your generosity

reminds us of how little we do in return for you. The wedding shower sponsored by Julie Adkisson, Peg Falls-Corbitt, Pam George,

Renee Hunter, and Pam Joslin was heart-warming. Your many personal comments to Jim, Melody, mom, and dad have been especially

endearing.

Jim has prayed for a long time that God would introduce him to the right woman. He never complained or whined. Yet, he longed to

have a woman to love as I have loved Linda. He also longed to be loved as Linda has loved me. Linda and I considered marriage a

long shot for Jim considering his circumstances. As Jim would say, “The customs in Kenya make it hard for courting.”

As you know, Jim and Melody married on February 22. They are now in Kitale with Jim’s extended family which now includes 188

orphans. They live in a small two bedroom house without the luxuries of our home in Conway. Yet, Linda and I know Jim is happier than ever. We pray that Melody can acclimate and fall equally in love with her new family in Kitale.

Why so much verbiage? Do I know how to say thank-you any other way? It is very important for Linda and me to let you know that

your recent support for Jim continues to make possible his response to God’s call. Jim has assumed many roles, including the

preaching and teaching at the Tent Church. He helps feed the children at the feeding center. Jim presently teaches Bible to the kids at

the academy. He assists mission teams. He teaches devotions at the orphanage and assumes the role of big brother to the many girls

and boys. As Jim says, “I simply make myself present and available. I am not the boss.”

Again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping make Jim’s desire to serve possible. Our family, including Jim and

Melody, are blessed by you. The orphans from the Kipsongo are equally blessed by you. Yes, you serve the housing, feeding, schooling,

and medical care of hundreds of orphans through your support for Jim and now Melody.

NON-PROFIT ORG.

US POSTAGE PAID

Conway, AR

Permit No. 234

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

2400 PRINCE ST, CONWAY, AR 72034

Interim Pastor: Howard Reed

Director of Education: Theresa Spragins

Director of Music/Organist: Lyle Rupert

Pianist: Clara Martin

Church Administrator: Suzie Puckett

Communications Specialist: Sarah Hays

Sexton: Tina Brown

Children’s Ministries

Preschool/Kid’s Day Out Director:

Teresa Crosson ...................513-9881

Conway Cradle Care Director:

Diana Byrd .........................730-0017

Nursery Director: Kelsey Powell .....................499-0417

Palm Sunday, April 13Palm Sunday, April 13Palm Sunday, April 13Palm Sunday, April 13 ................. 10:00 a.m. -- Palm Sunday Worship 2:00 p.m. -- Easter Egg Hunt

Maundy Thursday, April 17Maundy Thursday, April 17Maundy Thursday, April 17Maundy Thursday, April 17 .......... 7:00 p.m. -- Maundy Thursday Service

Good Friday, April 18Good Friday, April 18Good Friday, April 18Good Friday, April 18 .................... 7:00 p.m. -- Tenebrae Service

Easter Sunday, April 20Easter Sunday, April 20Easter Sunday, April 20Easter Sunday, April 20 ................ 7:00 a.m. -- Sunrise Easter Service 8:00 a.m. -- Breakfast 9:00 a.m. -- Sunday School 10:00 a.m. -- Easter Sunday Worship