FORMATION:
Adult Education
Sunday Morning Classes
After grabbing some refreshments in the Fellowship Café, join one of our Faith Formation classes from 8:40 -9:40 am (summer hours).
All are welcome!
Voices of Faith: A Multimedia Summer
Owl Room | Led by Various Facilitators
July 12-September 6
This summer, we’re offering a relaxed, come-as-you-are class built around thoughtful books and conversations that brush up against faith and everyday life. Each week, a facilitator will share something they’ve been reading or listening to—a book, an interview, an idea—and open up space for reflection and conversation together.
There’s no preparation needed, and no pressure to attend every session. Each gathering stands on its own, offering something meaningful whether it’s your first time or one of many. It’s a simple way to stay connected, to be curious, and to explore where faith meets the world around us.
For the list of weekly subjects and facilitators, click on the brochure link below.
Shall We Long Endure? The American Experiment and the Christian Faith
Session House | Led by Anna Pinckney Straight
June 7 - July 5
As we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, many are asking: What sustains a people—and what helps us endure? This five-week class invites us into that question through the lens of Christian faith.
Using a sermon series from Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, we’ll explore the intersection of scripture and some of the foundational texts of our common life—engaging themes like dignity, justice, responsibility, and belonging. Each week, we’ll watch a sermon together and then enter into conversation.
This class is open to all—whether you come with strong convictions, honest questions, or simply a desire to listen more deeply. Come for one week or for the whole series—and come ready to think, to listen, and to wonder together what it might mean to live faithfully in this moment of our shared life.
Weekly Themes:
June 7 – Endowed By Their Creator (Genesis 1:24–27 & The Declaration of Independence)
June 14 – Perfecting the Union (Matthew 25:31–46 & The U.S. Constitution)
June 21 – Remember Egypt, Remember England (Deuteronomy 24:17–22; Romans 13:8–12 & The Bill of Rights)
June 28 – The Unfinished Work of the Living (Ephesians 2:19–22 & The Gettysburg Address)
July 5 – The Virtues and Vices of Moderates (Revelation 3:14–20; Philippians 4:4–9 & Letter from Birmingham Jail)
The Present Word
Session House Parlor | Taught by George Evans
The Present Word is an in-depth Bible study for adults that dives deep into God’s Word, studying the Bible over a six-year period and focusing on a specific theme each quarter. Designed by an ecumenical collaborative so that participants in multiple denominations are studying the same passages together, the goals of The Present Word curriculum are to engage in a serious study of Scripture to discover its deeper meaning and how it is relevant to our world today.
The summer quarter introduces women and men in the Bible who heard the call of God, responded in faith, and through their words and deeds, spread the good news.
Unit I, “Faithful Witnesses Testify to God’s Promises”
Unit II, “Faithful Witnesses Say “Yes” to Jesus Christ”
Unit III, “Faithful Witnesses Spread the Good News”
Sunday Afternoon &
Mid-Week
Every Wednesday
from 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Life of Prayer: The
Practice of Contemplative
Living
Owl Room and on Zoom | Led by Patrick Ryan
Guided by a seasonal book, this group journeys together along the contemplative pathway that Jesus taught in hopes of nurturing a greater awareness of the spiritual dimension in our lives. Each meeting is spent in moments in silent prayer and conversation; we share how we have seen God at work in our lives, and we discuss a chapter of a book that invites us deeper into God’s being and further into a God-responsive life.
On June 10, we begin an exploration of Leap Over a Wall, Eugene Peterson’s vibrant and unforgettable exploration of one of the most memorable—and controversial—figures in Scripture: King David.
Uncompromisingly honest and remarkably insightful, Leap Over a Wall offers the hope that every event in David’s life was, and every moment of our lives can be, a confrontation with God. This book is highly recommended for those of us who find it difficult to identify with Biblical characters.
Every Thursday
from 11:00 am – 12:000 pm
Sermon Bible Study
Library and on Zoom | Led by Anna Pinckney Straight
Join Anna Pinckney Straight every Thursday at 11:00 am in the Hawkins Library for an hour of conversation to explore the scripture from the previous Sunday’s worship and look ahead to the upcoming Sunday’s text. Together we’ll consider the historical context of these passages and their relevance for our lives today. Each session stands on its own, so you are always welcome. This is an opportunity both to learn more about scripture and preaching.
Third Sunday of the Month
from 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Calvin and Hops
(Men’s Beer and Theology)
Brewery 99, 1030 Pollock St.
Calvin and Hops is an informal monthly gathering of men (not limited to Presbyterians) to discuss theology and the life of faith. Led by Ken Wilkins, we have a beer (beer-drinking not mandatory) and usually some salty snacks brought by one of the group members. Contact Patrick Ryan for more information.
Presbyterian Women
Gatherings each month for Bible
study and fellowship, special
events, retreats, and so much more.
Presbyterian Women Circles at First Presbyterian include Bible Study and so much more. We get together once a month for Bible Study, fellowship, and to enjoy the spiritual support of other women. We also have luncheon gatherings four times a year and all the women in the church are invited to attend. Our monthly service projects range from a sock tree to infant layettes. There is a Circle and a time for everyone.
Peer Support Groups
Every other Thursday beginning on
January 16 - 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Presbyterian Men
Session House Parlor
Despite having friends, family, and co-workers around each day, most men don’t get to talk about what’s on their minds. Men often lack healthy role models to learn from. Imagine a circle of brothers that listens not only to what you say but can hear the truth beneath your words. Imagine having companions that remind you of your commitments, help clarify your vision, and provide tools for action. Imagine a circle of men that holds you in prayer and supports and challenges you in your journey toward greater Christlikeness. Presbyterian Men offers this community to all men who wish to join.
Second Tuesday of the Month,
12:00 – 1:00 pm
Grief Support Group
Chapel, 1st Floor, Ministry Center
Grief certainly doesn’t work like we expect it to. In so many situations, those who have lost a loved one have to endure awkward and sometimes hurtful conversations, even with those who love them. Grief is one of those things that many who have not endured it do not know how to talk about. With readings each month, the Grief Support Group is a small group and a rare space to share our grief honestly and be heard and understood as we do so.