Adult Education and Small Groups
We offer opportunities for members and friends of FPC to deepen their faith and commitment by participating in Christian studies.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
(II Tim. 3:16-17)
Interested in learning more about the Christian way of life, getting answers to some of life’s toughest questions, exploring the life and mission of Jesus, and digging deeper into Scripture? If so, plan to participate in our Adult Ed classes!
Although many of our classes have been offered on Sunday mornings and Monday evenings, we are now meeting the challenges of the Corona virus by offering some classes via Zoom, too. A variety of topics have been offered. Examples: “They Were Christians,” “The Death and Resurrection of the Messiah,” “Parables of Jesus,” “Stages of Grief,” book discussions, and Dave Ramsey's “Financial Peace.” Resources used include DVDs, books, and Scripture. More than 100 individuals have participated in at least one class during the last four years.
Lenten and Advent studies, such as “All I Want for Christmas” and “Jesus of Nazareth,” usually take place on a weekday evening after a scrumptious meal, sometimes catered and other times pot luck. Small group studies, like “How Happiness Happens” based on Pastor Jim's sermon series of the same name as Max Lucado's book, occur at times the members of the group choose. A number of small groups have been together for a several years, such as the “Up North Group,” while new ones are encouraged to form at any time; recently a Men’s Bible Study group started meeting early on Friday mornings to accommodate work schedules.
Another area that is of great interest is our Wednesday evening “Wired Word” discussions which center on hot topics in the news.
Our team has also distributed materials for individual study at home. “He Did This for You,” a Lenten study, and Jesus Calling, a daily devotional book, are in this category.
Classes are taught by Pastor Jim, members of our Adult Ed team or other FPC members who have a special interest in facilitating discussion of a particular topic.
All books, DVDs and leader guides that have been used are housed in the office conference room and are available to be checked our for individual or small group study.
Our goal is to present thoughtful and engaging learning opportunities that appeal to our innate desire to develop a closer relationship with our Lord. Check the weekly “What's Happening” email for listings of classes. We want you to participate!
We are always interested in suggestions for future studies and we welcome additional members to our team. Please contact Pam Coleman, Klaus Lehrer, Robin Osterhaven, Marcia Sumerix or Nancy Muhlig.