First Presbyterian Church

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Little Rock, Arkansas ● Presbyterian (PCUSA) ● 11:00am

Who We Are

The beautiful church that feeds people.

Worship – The center of our congregational life is worship of God as revealed in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Encountering God through prayer, preaching, music and the sacraments empowers the congregation to serve in the community and the world.

Service – As a downtown congregation, we seek to be faithful to our call to service as a small congregation within this urban environment. Using the resources that God has given us we commit ourselves to our location at 800 Scott Street. We are committed to service through providing space and resources for non-profit community service organizations serving the poor and the oppressed of the city. We are committed to advocacy for and service on behalf of people in need in the city of Little Rock. As we are able, we will provide space and resources to nonprofit community organizations that serve the city.

Vibe
Casual, Traditional Liturgy, Downtown, Gay affirming, Inclusive, Historic, Multigenerational

Programs
Social Justice, Faith and Work, Youth Group, Choir, Missions, Adult Education, Food Pantry

Music
Traditional Hymns, Organ

Denomination
Presbyterian (PCUSA)

Networks

Presbytery of Arkansas (PCUSA)

Size
Small

Language
English

Founded
1826

Contact

Phone

501-372-1804

Website

http://www.firstpreslr.org/

Our Services

Service Times

Sunday

11:00am - Service

What to Expect

What are services like?
Services begin at 11am with the Passing of the Peace, and last until about 12:15pm. We enjoy engaging Presbyterian tradition in hymns and confessions along with our awesome organ and small-but-sincere choir. Nursery is available throughout the service, but children are always welcome in all aspects of worship. We serve Communion from an open table each Sunday.

What is the community like?
Our congregation is diverse regionally and economically, drawing members from much of the Little Rock and central Arkansas region, as well as from nearby neighborhoods. We are a warm and welcoming congregation, excited about our future and new developments as a downtown congregation. In September of 2012, we welcomed our new pastor, Rev. Marie Mainard O'Connell, and are actively engaged in issues of justice and mercy in the downtown area.

What if I'm not a Christian?
We welcome individuals at all stages of their faith journey with God. We worship the triune God of Creator, Son and Holy Spirit, and we acknowledge that it is by God's grace alone that we are saved. Since each individual is on their own path to understand and know God, we welcome you to walk alongside us. Communion is served from an open table to all who wish to commune with Christ.

Leadership

Marie Mainard O'Connell

Marie’s journey to First Presbyterian began during her undergraduate experience at Hendrix College, where she received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies in Holistic Health. Afterwards she continued her studies in community development during her Masters of Science in College Student Personnel and Administration at UCA, where she graduated with a 4.0 GPA. Marie began her career in ministry with some light student chaplaincy activities while a Program Coordinator for Student Engagement at Mary Baldwin College in Virginia. After several years of rewarding work, she move to New Jersey to attend New Brunswick Theological Seminary, where she received her Masters of Divinity and graduated Summa Cum Laude. During her education, she focused on social justice (notably an internship on human trafficking), anti-racism, and worship and preaching—as well as intentionally integrating ministry with motherhood. Marie also completed three successive student minister internships: first as a Hospital Chaplain, and then at Bound Brook Presbyterian Church and the Reformed Church of Highland Park. After moving back to Little Rock, she served as the Interim Director for Youth at Westover Hills Presbyterian Church and as a 'protest chaplain' for Occupy Little Rock. Marie enjoys spending as much time as possible with her husband James and two children, Katie and Kevin, dreaming of “the little cottage on a pond” they hope to build someday soon.