Whether you are a student at the University of Arkansas, John Brown University, NWACC, or a student home for this season, there’s a place in our church family for you!
First United Presbyterian Church is a warm and welcoming environment where you can worship, serve, and enjoy a loving church community. Finding a local church family while you are attending college is complicated! We want to support you however we can. FUPC is committed to being a church family, holding tightly to what Paul says in Romans: “We, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another.” We strive to be a body of Christ where people are noticed and known, where conversations are easy and encouraging, and you are able to meet and get to know people of all ages, from small children to older adults.
We know that college students are busy, so we want to extend and open invitation (with no pressure) to you. We hope you will consider participating in some of the activities going on at First United Presbyterian Church. We are proud to be an intergenerational church, with opportunities for you to enjoy fellowship and service with other college students as well as children, teenagers, and older adults. Below, please find some of the fellowship, service, and worship opportunities available for students.
Young Adult Lunch
During this strange time of COVID-19, Young Adult Lunch is on hold. We are hoping to reignite this monthly event as soon as possible!
Prior to COVID-19, college students and young adults were invited on the first Sunday of each month to enjoy a meal at a local restaurant together. This meal is free for students and young adults. It is graciously paid for by an anonymous member of our congregation. We meet in the Gathering Place (outside the Sanctuary) just after 11 am worship to decide where we want to eat!
Sunday Morning Worship
All college students are invited to join us for Sunday morning worship each week. At First United Presbyterian Church, we believe that worship is at the very core of who we are as Christians. Coming together as people of God to spend time in worship is a central part of our life in Christ.
This church family works hard to make Sunday mornings as welcoming and participatory as possible. We currently worship at 8:30 am outdoors and in-person, and at 11 am in-person and via livestream. Visit our page on worship at FUPC to learn more!
College students are also invited to participate in worship leadership. Opportunities exist for you to lead liturgy, to lead music, to sing in the choir, to offer a children’s message, or even to preach!
Service Opportunities
First United Presbyterian Church is a service-oriented community. If you haven’t visited our campus, we’re located at the top of a large hill in the middle of Fayetteville. We are constantly talking about getting “off the hill” and into the community, striving to be the hands and feed of Jesus.
There are many opportunities to serve with us including construction, food prep, working with teenagers, teaching children, international mission trips, or serving the hungry and homeless at 7-Hills, Sunday Supper, or the Cooperative Emergency Outreach.
If you have a heart for service, connect with us!
Host Families
Are you a student who has traveled to NWA to attend a local university? If so, you may be interested in a host family! Families from our congregation are excited to serve as your “family away from home!” This relationship is flexible, and can be whatever you need it to be. Do you miss hanging out with people who aren’t college-aged? Do you want a family to attend church with? Do you need a place to do some laundry and get away from the dorm for while? Do you just want to know someone nearby is praying for you? Members of First United Presbyterian Church want to fill this role in your student experience.
United Campus Ministry
United Campus Ministry is a faith-based community on campus at the University of Arkansas. We offer scheduled programs and informal opportunities to connect with other students. There are Bible studies and small groups to engage and explore your faith. As well as retreats, conferences, mission trips, and internships to learn about your unique personality and how your gifts/talents can be used to serve others. Engaging with a campus ministry is a great experience! To learn more about the ministry check UCM out on Instagram @ucmuofa or on Facebook.
FUPC is committed to United Campus Ministry, and our pastors, staff, and various church members are actively involved in welcoming, meeting, and reaching out to students there.