pastor

Holly Patton

I had grown up in Atlanta with a big chaotic family and completely "un-churched". I had no idea that knowing God could actually result In forgiveness, grace, and new beginnings. This knowledge led to my quest to know Him, myself, and others more.

I was busy raising my two sons alone, working multiple jobs, and not finding much satisfaction, joy or peace along the way. So after this experience, many doors opened up. Mostly the door of my own heart was opened and Gods generosity and extravagant love and grace poured in.

One unexpected door was after believing I was signing up for a graduate program in counseling, I quickly learned that God does not call the equipped, rather God quips those who are called. Imperfect, skeptical, and full of mistakes, God was calling me to ministry. I got my Masters of Divinity at MTS by commuting for two days a week for over three years. It was the most difficult thing I’ve ever done and yet the most rewarding and life-changing.

I had always felt connected to the divine presence of God outside by experiencing the immense miracles and beauty of nature. It has and still does take my breath away; but this experience was different. It was personal. It was intimate. It was with Christ. I can’t explain it. I only know it to be true with all of my being. That has led me and continues to lead me my current path of ministry that I'm able to share with all kinds of people through God's love.

I have pastored several churches since being ordained in 2006. I am overflowing with gratitude to be at First Christian Church Sherwood. This church has always had a spirit of kindness and genuine authentic love. I fit here; I am grateful. I hope that you will feel the same love, grace, and warmth of knowing that you are loved by this community and mostly by God in Christ.

I personally believe that it is the questions we ask that being us closer to God. So ask away and come visit this delightful group of fellow travelers of the way...

Peace be with you!

music

John & Belinda Birdsong

Belinda Birdsong was born in Walnut Ridge and lived in northeast Arkansas where she began her piano studies before moving to Heber Springs at the age of 8. There she continued her piano lessons and was in the Heber Springs High School band for six years. After graduation, she entered Ouachita Baptist University where she participated in band and choir and received her degree in Elementary Education. She taught in public and private schools from 1975 through 2010 at the pre-K, Kindergarten, second grade, and third grade levels. She served several churches as pianist, choir member, and children's Sunday School teacher before coming to FCC in October 2011. She and John have been married since 1973 and have two adult children, Hillary and Joseph.

John Birdsong was born in Heber Springs where he spent most of his youth and also studied piano there. He was in the high school band and after graduation entered Ouachita Baptist University where he participated in band, choir, and the Singing Men of Ouachita. He graduated with a degree in Religion and Philosophy, then went on to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, where he received a Master of Divinity degree. He has served several churches as pianist, organist, music minister, youth minister, Sunday School teacher, and pastor, and has been with FCC since October 2011. He sang for two years with the Conway Men's Chorus under the direction of Sam Huskey. For several years he was a salesman for a church organ company and received organ training in numerous workshops and clinics. John has also operated an independent piano and organ service business since 1975.

secretary

Joy Cagle

Joy became church secretary in 2002, prior to that time she served as the church custodian and bookkeeper. Joy also spent many years teaching Sunday School, Children's Church, played with babies in the nursery, and served on a variety of ministries.

Joy is pictured here with her husband Don. They were married in 1980, moved to Sherwood and started attending FCC in 1986. Joy and Don have three sons, Justin, Derrick and Nicholas, all three boys were raised attending FCC Sherwood and were active in worship, Sunday school, acolytes, youth, missions and other great activities the church had to offer.

youth

Carla Flowers

Bio coming soon!