“Parental Pride”
“These are the commands, decrees and laws
the Lord your God directed me to teach you …
so that you, your children and their children after them
may fear the Lord your God as long as you live….”
(Deuteronomy 6:1-2)
Who knows what a family of lions is called? ….
Yes, a “pride” of lions! I wondered why, so I asked AI* for more information. AI waxed poetic about the family structure of lions and how they all work cooperatively (females are the hunters and caregivers, males are the defenders and protectors, cubs learn social and survival skills through observation of the adults), and then also mentioned that lions are perceived as being regal, powerful, and dignified. “Pride” seems to capture that image.
Interesting. You know what I had expected to find? A link to Proverbs 17:6!
“Children’s children are a crown to the aged,
and parents are the pride of their children.”
(Proverbs 17:6)
It appears that lions excel in cooperating, care giving, protecting and teaching. That is really what the proverb is insinuating about “parents being the pride of their children”! Without good parents, lion cubs or human children will not be ready for adulthood, and will likely either damage their world, or be damaged by their world. In biblical context, of course, “being ready for adulthood” includes being raised to “fear” (“hold in awe,” that is), honor, and be led by God. That sentiment is expressed in texts like Deuteronomy 6:1-2 (above).
“Parents are the pride of their children.” A good parent who has taught us what we need to survive and thrive as a part of God’s creation and Kingdom! Let’s honor them (various ways mentioned in what follows)!
MOTHER’S DAY SLIDESHOW
Mother’s Day is this upcoming Sunday. During worship on Sunday, a slideshow will be offered honoring the mothers of those who submit:
1. A picture of their mother (the picture may include their children),
2. Their mother’s name, and
3. A verse of scripture that would likely have been special to the mother in some way. (This one is optional, but I hope people will choose one. If help is needed in choosing one, Pastor Bill is willing to assist.)
4. We are offering more time for this project; please have the above information:
a. To the church office by Wednesday (May 6), or
b. Text (785-320-1652) or
c. E-mail (whatseitz2c@gmail.com) them to Pastor Bill by Thursday (May 7).
MOTHER’S DAY FEAST
The men of the church will again be doing our best to “WOW” the mother and mother-figures of the congregation following worship this Sunday. Women, you don’t want to miss the feast! Men, we need all hands on deck to assist in making this a wonderful weekend. If you have not already signed up to help but would like to, please send a “reply” e-mail stating such.
MEN’S MINISTRY NEWS
As I mentioned last month, a ministry has been started among the men of the church! Those who have joined us really do have a great time in fellowship, fun, and feasting on food and a devotional.
In fact, we have heard that there are some men who cannot join us in the morning hours because of their work schedules, and others who cannot join us in the evening hours for the same reason. Therefore, May holds not one but TWO men’s events!
Men, please join us for either or both of the following:
Ø Monday, May 11, 6 p.m. at “The Rack” on the UARM Campus. All-you-can-eat, DELICIOUS food for only $10! You can’t beat that!
Ø Thursday, May 21, 10 a.m. in the church fellowship hall. The menu is omelets made to your preference.
GRADUATION NEWS
On Sunday, May 17, we will be celebrating the graduation of five young people who are a part of the life of the church:
© Anna Burt
© Willam Gorsuch
© Caleb Seitz
© Victoria Spearman, and
© Christian Staggs
In lieu of a pot-luck that day, our Christian Education Committee and Presbyterian Women are throwing a graduation feast for these students, and all are invited. Feel free to write a congratulatory card for any / all of the students and offer it to them that day.
Each one of these students will be given a book as well, and we are asking everyone to sign them. These books are currently available in the office if you would like to come by and sign them prior to the 17th.
FATHER’S DAY SLIDESHOW
Remember what was said above about the Mother’s Day slideshow? We will be doing the same for Fathers on Father’s Day, so use the above rules and send pictures anytime between now and June 16.
“May the Lord bless and keep you …” always! Pastor Bill
* Not “Al,” short for “Albert” or “Alfred.” AI stands for “Artificial Intelligence.” Most of you know this, but those who still prefer rotary phones and 8 track tapes might find this information useful. J
† ♥ † ♥ † ♥ † ♥ † ♥ † ♥ † ♥ † ♥ † ♥ † ♥ † ♥ † ♥ † ♥ † ♥ †
Text Box: RED: Churchwide Event held at FPC.
BLUE: Event held away from FPC, or holiday.
May, 2026 Calendar:
Sunday: Fellowship Hour at 9:00 a.m.
Sunday School at 9:45 a.m.
Worship at 11 a.m.
Wednesday: LIFT (Living in Faith & Trust) at 5 p.m.
May 2: Presbyterian Women’s Meeting – New China @ 10 a.m.
May 5: Mission Committee Meeting – 5 p.m.
May 10: Mother’s Day Lunch following Worship
May 11: Men’s Ministry Meeting 6 p.m. @ “The Rack” (on the UARM Campus)
May 12: Building & Grounds Committee Meeting – 10 a.m.
May 12: Membership & Evangelism Meeting – 5 p.m.
May 16: Graduation Reception for Anna Burt & Caleb Seitz – 1 p.m. – Fellowship Hall
May 16: Ouachita Strings Recital – 4 p.m.
May 17: Graduation Luncheon honoring all Graduates! All are welcome!
May 19: Fellowship Meeting – 1 p.m.
May 21: Men’s Brunch – 10 a.m. – Fellowship Hall
May 25: Memorial Day – Office Closed
May 26: SFA Meeting – 1 p.m.
May 28: Session Meeting – 5:30 p.m.
May 31: Helping Hands Sunday – 9:00 a.m.
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES:
7 – Tatelynn Pullen 18 – JoAnn Coogan
9 – Lois Morrow 23 – William Edwards
11 – Effie Dantiacq 25 – Annet Forsyth
15 – Linda & Jim Murphy 31 – Joyce Phelps
SERVING THIS MONTH:
Ushers: Jason Gilchrist & David Spurgin
Communion Preparers: Susan Seitz
Communion Servers: Garrett Lundberg, Judy Thompson, Earl Harrell
William Edwards, II & Annette Hays
SPECIAL COLLECTION SUNDAYS:
May 3: Personal Care Collection
May 24: Goodland Academy
† ♥ † ♥ † ♥ † ♥ † ♥ † ♥ † ♥ † ♥ † ♥ † ♥ † ♥ † ♥ † ♥ † ♥ †
The following was sent by Peggy Ward recently. It was addressed to all of us … so here you go!
“Dear Friends of FPC Mena,
Thank you for the kindness and generosity you showed our family during Rick’s memorial service in January. Rick and I were members there almost two decades ago, and I know he would have been deeply touched to know we returned “home” for his memorial. Likewise, I was greatly comforted to be home again during this difficult time.
Your hospitality was just perfect – and truly unexpected. The care you put into hosting the service, along with the food and drinks provided afterward in the fellowship hall, created a welcoming space for our friends and family to gather, visit, and support one another. Thank you, dear friends, for your generous and gracious hospitality.
I am also deeply grateful to those of you who attended Rick’s memorial, even after so many years. It was a true gift to reconnect with you. Thank you for your love and support – your presence was a tremendous blessing (and comfort) to me.
I am especially grateful to you, Pastor Bill. Even now, three months later, I remain deeply thankful for you. Though we had never met before, you welcomed me as if I were family. Your kindness, immediate hospitality, and willingness to help lead the singing reflected Christ’s love in such a powerful way. The love, humility and compassion you showed were inspiring and reflected incredible grace. Thank you!
Mena FPC, I will always remember the love and compassion you showed our family. Truly, you live out the love we are called to give:
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)
Thank you for everything!
With gratitude, love and prayers,
Peggy Ward
