Thank you for your interest in visiting Covenant Presbyterian Church of Fort Smith on a Sunday morning! We look forward to meeting you in person and have provided the following Q&A for your visit.
What to Expect When Visiting Covenant Presbyterian Church on a Sunday Morning.
Why Do You Worship on Sunday?
While all Christian life is worship (Romans 12:1), we are called specifically to regular assembled worship as Christ’s church (Hebrews 10:25). As our Lord resurrected on the first day of the week, so we assemble every Sunday. At Covenant we assemble for Lord’s Day worship at 10:30 AM We follow a liturgical pattern of worship.
Where is the Church Building?
Our address is 120 North 9th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas. We are located in historic downtown Fort Smith at the corner of North 9th and B Streets. Our Fellowship Hall is located directly across North 9th Street.
Are the Parking Lots Close By?
Parking is available in the Brunwick Center parking lot (south), and in the lot adjacent to our Fellowship Hall. Parking is also available in the gravel lot northeast of our church building on B Street. On-street parking is also available on both 9th and B Streets.
What Do People Typically Wear?
On Sunday mornings, the attire of our congregation varies widely but may generally be classified as business casual. Regardless, please wear what makes you most comfortable for worship.
When Should We Arrive on Sunday?
On Sunday mornings, we serve a light breakfast for adults and children in our Fellowship Hall at 9:00 AM, followed by Sunday School for all ages at 9:30 AM. Our worship service begins promptly at 10:30 AM in our church sanctuary and typically concludes at 11:45 AM.
What is Adult Sunday School?
Every Sunday morning at 9:30 AM, our Adult Sunday School class meets in our Fellowship Hall as a large group. Through interactive lectures, the class typically focuses on answering the fundamental doctrinal questions: What do we believe? And why do we believe it?
Do You Have a Nursery for Toddlers?
We have a nursery available during Sunday School and our worship service for children up to three years old.
What About Young Children and Youth?
Our Nursery and Children’s Sunday School Classes (K–5th Grade) meet on the first floor of our main church building. We also offer Sunday School Classes for middle school and high school ages.
Do Children Participate in the Worship?
Children are welcome and encouraged to participate in worship services at Covenant. We don’t mind a little wiggling and whispering; that comes with being little. Be sure to pick up a Children’s Worship Bulletin and some crayons on your way into the sanctuary to use during the sermon (Parenting in the Pew by Robbie Castleman is a helpful resource).
How Accessible is the Sanctuary?
Because our church sanctuary is on the second level, an elevator is available through our ground-level, east-facing door. Deacons are present to assist in navigating the narrow hallways and doors of our 19th-century church building.
What is the Sanctuary Seating Like?
Our sanctuary is furnished with cushioned pews, with cushioned church chairs in our balcony and overflow seating area.
Do You Have Bulletins Available?
To help you prepare for worshipping with us, you can browse our weekly bulletins on our Order of Worship blog page to get a feel for our order of worship each Sunday.
What is Your Worship Style?
Our Sunday morning worship service is traditional. Services consist of congregational hymns, choral anthems, Scripture readings, responsive readings, prayers, preaching the Word, and a Benediction.
What is the Style of Preaching?
We focus on the exposition of Scripture in our preaching from the pulpit. This means that our pastor works through Scripture, viewing it as the inspired Word of God. Typically, he explains the original authors’ context and intent and then applies the biblical truths to our lives today.
Are Visitors Required to Give?
You will notice in the Bulletin that the offering is a regular part of our worship. Ushers pass an offering plate down each aisle during the service, but visitors should not feel pressured in any way to give. Visit our Online Giving page to learn more about joyful giving at Covenant.
How Do You Define Communion?
We believe that the Lord’s Supper (Communion) is a sacrament of the Lord Jesus Christ wherein, by giving and receiving bread and wine, according to Christ’s appointment, believers feed upon His body and blood for their Spiritual nourishment, for growth in grace, and to nourish their union with Christ.
When Do You Serve Communion?
We celebrate the Lord’s Supper on the first Sunday of every month and other special services throughout the year. For most services, the congregation remains seated and is served by the church officers, row by row. The officiating minister will instruct the congregation in preparation for the Lord’s Supper and lead the congregation in receiving the sacrament together at one time. Unbelievers, unrepentant believers, and non-communing children are to abstain from receiving the sacrament. The elements used in Communion are unleavened bread (gluten-free bread is available) and wine (both fermented wine and unfermented juice are available).
How Do You Define Baptism?
We believe that baptism is a sacrament of the Lord Jesus Christ wherein the washing with water in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, signifies and seals our engrafting into Jesus Christ, the partaking of the benefits of the Gospel, and our engagement to be the Lord’s. We consider all baptisms administered with water, in the Name of the Trinity, by one duly authorized and ordained, to be valid.
Do You Baptize Believers?
For those interested in baptism after newly professing their faith in Jesus Christ, baptism is administered when their faith is professed publicly for the first time, and they take their baptismal vows. If you are a new Christian or are interested in learning more about making a profession of faith, contact the church office to schedule a meeting with a minister.
Do You Baptize Infants?
We believe that children of believers are members of Christ’s visible and external Church by birthright and are, therefore, entitled to the sacrament of baptism. Before a child’s baptism, at least one parent must be a current member of Covenant Presbyterian Church of Fort Smith. Parents are asked to contact the church office to schedule their child’s baptism at least a month before their requested baptism date.
Any Other Questions?
Please feel free to contact the church office with any questions! Call 479-242-PRES or email info@cpcfs.org.