First Christian Church has a rich history of serving God’s people. For example, we have participated in the Our House ministry to the homeless by preparing and serving meals each month, holding Emmaus Walk retreats, hosting a traveling Puppet Ministry, collecting teddy bears for distribution through the local Police Department, helping with Habitat for Humanity building projects, partnering with a local elementary school to teach them about gardening, and many more service opportunities. Today, our rich history of service continues through the ministries listed below. We are blessed to be part of the great work God is doing in this community and in the world!

Food Pantry

Each Saturday, volunteers gather to offer bags of food to residents in the local communities of Sherwood and Jacksonville. (Guests will need to bring a photo ID and proof of residency.) The food pantry operates from 10:30 am – 12:00 pm. Recipients drive-up to check-in with volunteers and inform them of their household needs. The volunteers inform the preparers of the food carts so they can gather food items and have them ready when the recipients make the short drive to the pick-up area outside Chalice Hall. FCC’s food pantry has been in operation for over 40 years. We are grateful for the partnerships with Sherwood United Methodist Church, Arkansas Food Bank, Dollar General and many individuals who contribute to support this important ministry.

In case of inclement weather, the food pantry will be closed on Saturday.

Also, below is a list of other food pantry missions in the area should you not be in our service area.

https://www.foodpantries.org/ci/ar-north_little_rock

Click here to visit the USDA Nondiscrimination Statement website.

free food pantry

In 2017, a Free Food Pantry box was established on the west side of the church as part of an Eagle Scout project. The church and anonymous individuals contribute non-perishable food items to the Free Food Pantry. These items are available to people in need 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

garden project

In 2024, the church established some raised and container garden beds in order to grow fresh food to be given as part of the weekly Food Pantry ministry. Our hope is to expand offerings each year.

elementary school outreach

In 2023, FCC began partnering with an elementary school in the Pulaski County Special School District to provide food to 20+ students to take home each weekend during the school year.

keep sherwood beautiful adoptions

  • Pickthorne Park – FCC is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the park and reporting and safety issues related to park equipment to the proper authorities.

  • Shelby Drive and Sherer Drive – FCC has adopted two streets in Sherwood to keep litter-free.

  • Sponsorship of a trash barrel at Sherwood Municipal Complex – FCC underwrites expenses incurred in the maintenance of this repository.

green chalice program

FCC is proud to be designated a Green Chalice Congregation, meaning that we are recognized for being good stewards of God’s creation. We are mindful of examining church practices to minimize our carbon footprint. Currently, FCC has two opportunities for disciples to live out their faith caring for creation:

  • Collection of aluminum cans – cans are collected, crushed and recycled with proceeds helping support the costs associated with the church garden.

  • Collection of pop-tops for Ronald McDonald House – FCC has joined the “Pop Tab Pandemonium” to help support families of hospitalized children.

week of compassion

Week of Compassion is the relief, refugee and development mission fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. This group partnered with Rolling Fork Rising to send volunteers for two weeks to assist in the city’s rebuilding efforts following an EF-4 tornado that devastated the town on March 24, 2023. In May 2025, FCC was glad to send disciples to Rolling Fork, MS, to assist with rebuilding of homes.

sharing of resources

FCC is blessed to have wonderful facilities that can be shared with groups to extend God’s generosity. Some groups pay rental fees while others do not. Either way, we are glad to extend what we have been given to bless others. Below are some sharing partnerships:

  • Early Voting Site

  • AARP Tax Preparation

  • Woodcarving Club

  • Volleyball Club

  • Great River Regional Office of the Disciples of Christ

First Christian Church extends its deep gratitude first, to God for the amazing and abundant opportunities to serve, and second, to the multiple partners who contribute to make these ministries and the love of God come alive. We can’t wait to see what God will do next!

You are invited to join these ministry outreach efforts. Please reach out to learn more, ask questions, propose partnership ministries, and/or contribute by contacting FCC in whichever way is most comfortable for you. Contact us.