Congregational Worship
Sundays, 11:00 a.m.
The weekly congregational service is the central worship experience at Fondren. Rooted in the Reformed/Presbyterian tradition, the service follows a traditional three-part pattern.
The Gathering brings the community together in prayer and in song. Each week we set aside time to confess our shortcomings and our sinfulness. We confess not to focus on our sin but to focus instead on God’s amazing mercy and grace. Our confession is a celebration of God’s love for us. The Gathering continues through the Passing of the Peace when we greet one another in the name of Christ.
The Word is central to our worship. Through the reading of scripture, the music of the anthem, and proclamation in the sermon, God’s Word is at the heart of our worship together.
The Sending leads us out into the world. Worship is not something we do for an hour on Sunday morning. Our living is worship every day. The Sending reminds us that we are servants of God’s love and Christ’s peace, each and every day.
On the first Sunday of each month, we observe The Eucharist, the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. In the Presbyterian Church (USA) we practice what is called “open communion.” This means that anyone, not just Presbyterians, is welcome to come to the table. The sacrament of the Lord’s Supper is an act of sharing together in God’s gifts and love. Everyone from children to adults are invited to come and taste and see that the Lord is indeed good!
Special Services
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Ash Wednesday
We commemorate the beginning of the Lenten season with a service of repentance and preparation on the Wednesday preceding the first Sunday in Lent. This time of worship and the imposition of ashes begins at 6 p.m.
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Palm Sunday
11:00 a.m. Worship and Communion
Good Friday
7:00 p.m. Tenebrae Service - A solemn and candlelit reading of the last words of Christ with a tolling of the bell to mark the beginning of the wait for Easter morning
Easter Sunday
10 a.m. Brunch - A pick-up style brunch and time of fellowship in the Fellowship Hall
10:30 a.m. Flowering of the Cross - A tradition of flowering the cross on the front lawn of the church as part of our Easter celebration
11:00 a.m. Worship with Communion - The conclusion of our Easter celebration with special music, the Lord’s Supper, and the celebration of resurrection of our savior Jesus Christ with the church universal
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Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols - Join us Christmas Eve at 5:30 p.m. for this annual service celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ with readings, hymns, and communion.
Study
The Odyssey Class
Sundays, 9:30 a.m.
The Odyssey Class takes its name seriously, exploring eclectic books and topics that range from in-depth Bible study to contemporary short fiction with deep religious themes. Through lively discussion and sharing of insights, this class asks the deep, important questions of faith and enriches the spiritual lives of its members in ways that reach far beyond Sunday mornings. Members of the class take turns leading the discussions. The Odyssey Class meets in the church library.
Please note: If you would like to attend the class via Zoom, please email office@fondrenpcusa.org for Zoom instructions.
PW Circle Two & Four
Third Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m.
The Fondren Presbyterian chapter of Presbyterian Women offers three “circles” that meet monthly, September through May, for Bible study, mission, and fellowship. The circles follow the yearly Horizons Presbyterian Women Bible Study. At this time, Circles Two and Four meet in the church fellowship hall. To learn more, contact the church office at (601) 982-3232 or office@fondrenpcusa.org.
The Semi-Circle
Meeting dates vary, 6:30 P.m.
Like Circles Two and Four of Fondren’s Presbyterian Women groups, the Semi-Circle meets monthly, September through May, for Bible study, mission, and fellowship and follows the yearly Horizons Presbyterian Women Bible Study. The Semi-Circle meets in homes. To learn more, contact the church office at (601) 982-3232 or office@fondrenpcusa.org.
Please note: At this time, a nursery is available for newborns and toddlers, but our youth and children’s activities, are on hiatus. [Updated 03.01.23]
Worship at Home
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP
Each Sunday morning worship service is recorded and made available for viewing on our YouTube channel. We encourage you to subscribe to our channel.
Daily Prayer and Devotion
The practice of daily prayer has ancient roots in the Christian tradition. When we are not able to gather in church for worship, worship at home is an essential part of spiritual health. Below are links to some devotional resources as well as a short video about creating a worshipful space at home.