About FaithHopewell

Faith Hopewell Cumberland Presbyterian Church 

3895 Harrison Street, Batesville, AR 72501 

 

What are the Cumberland Presbyterian Church’s historical roots?

History of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church

Faith Hopewell is part of an international denomination, known as Cumberland Presbyterians, originating in Tennessee in 1810. While we certainly view the Presbyterian Church (USA), the Presbyterian Church of America and Evangelical Presbyterian Church as fellow servants of Christ, we are not affiliated with other Presbyterian denominations.

What does Faith Hopewell Cumberland Presbyterian Church believe?

Salvation and predestination

Also, while the Cumberland Presbyterian Church does have Calvinistic roots, it rejects the doctrine of predestination. Instead, we believe God invites every person to repentance and discipleship; each person has the opportunity to accept or reject that offer and must make a personal commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior for personal salvation. We also believe the salvation of those who have believed in Christ is held secure.

The Confession of Faith of Cumberland Presbyterians presents our full doctrinal statement. There are nearly 100,000 members in 18 states, as well as Columbia, Hong Kong, Japan, and Liberia.

Baptism

We baptize both children and adults who have come to an age of accountability upon professions of faith (believer’s baptism). We also believe that baptism of the believer does not “save” him or her; salvation comes by grace, through a profession of faith. We baptize young children of professing Christian parents as a sign of God’s covenant of grace with them and us. The sacrament of baptism of children compares to circumcision in the Old Testament or the dedication of infants as practiced in other fellowships. Like circumcision, baptism is done in obedience and is a mark of the individual being included in the family of God. Infant baptism is not recognized as a means of salvation. Those baptized as infants and young children must, at an appropriate time, accept Christ as Lord and Savior and thereby affirm and validate their own profession of faith in Jesus.

We do not require re-baptism for admission into the church and we recognize as valid the modes of sprinkling, pouring, and immersion.

Communion

We typically celebrate this sacrament on the first Sunday of the month. We practice open communion and invite everyone who professes Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior to participate, regardless of church affiliation.

Our belief is that the bread and cup do not become the body and blood of Christ. However, we affirm that the risen Christ is spiritually present during our observance and that He nourishes, strengthens, and encourages us during the Lord’s Supper as we remember His sacrifice on the cross, and we examine ourselves in the light of His grace.

Who serves at FHCPC?

Our pastor, Rian Puckett

Bro. Rian and his family moved to Batesville, Arkansas, to become the pastor of Faith-Hopewell in August 2014. Rian is a graduate of Bethel College (University) in McKenzie, Tennessee, and a graduate of Memphis Theological Seminary. In addition to his service in the church, Bro. Rian also serves as President of the Batesville Ministerial Alliance, a church camp board member for the Presbytery, a representative on the Coordinated Care Network, and as a member of the Rotary. Rian also teaches and coaches for the Salem School District. The Puckett family includes Rian’s wife Michelle, Director for Bright Beginnings, and their two children, Colby and Brooklyn.

Currently, Rian also serves as our youth director at FHCPC.

Church elders

Worship leader

Janet serves as Worship Leader at Faith Hopewell. Janet works as Postmaster General in Cave City, Arkansas. Janet grew up in Leslie, Arkansas. Her parents and grandparents are primarily responsible for her love of gospel music. During Janet’s lifetime, she remembers plenty of impromptu sing-alongs when the family gathered together.  Janet met her husband, Jason, at Faith Hopewell.  They married in 2004 and have two children, Tyler and Sierra. You will recognize Janet on Sunday mornings by her infectious smile.

 

Treasurer

Gary Anderson has served as the Treasurer for more than 30 years. Gary is a longtime educator in the area, having served in both Cushman and Batesville School systems as School Superintendent. Gary and his wife,  Brenda, have been mainstays of Faith-Hopewell. Gary is one of the few remaining charter members. Faith Hopewell is grateful for Gary’s continued service and involvement in ministry.

Administrative Assistant

Tracy Buie Smith is the glue holding Pastor Rian, the elders, and other staff members together. A member of the Batesville community for almost her entire life, Tracy brings her bright smile, resilience, and mixed bag of great skills to the team at Faith-Hopewell Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Some of her contributions include creating PowerPoint slideshows for Sunday morning service, creating weekly church bulletins, and serving as liaison between home-bound church members and the pastor. Tracy’s willing spirit makes her a joy to serve with at FHCPC. Tracy joined FHCPC after a long, discouraging church search. When Tracy joined FHCPC, she claims she gained “a whole new outlook on the church. God renewed my faith.”