https://youtu.be/ucQ6vpfdIjg Fall brings all kind of new routines, and at First Pres, that means new opportunities to fuel your walk with Jesus by connecting to others in one of our many discipleship groups. Here’s a rundown of what’s starting.
Sunday Mornings
We gather to worship during two services each week, but between the services, from 10:15-11 a.m., there are ways for you to connect and grow. Stay after first service or come before second and join us for one of these groups. All of these groups start Sept. 11.
Parents with Young Children
This group brings together parents who want to have Bible study and fellowship while keeping an eye on nursery-age children in the nursery. The group discusses the day’s sermon discussion questions, shares prayer concerns and discusses parenting young children. Facilitator: Caitlin Berkey.
The Heidelberg Catechism
This group spends its time looking at the Heidelberg Catechism. Each week the group discusses two questions from the catechism, studies the scripture and works their way through important doctrines and topics such as the Lord’s Prayer, the Ten Commandments, the Apostles Creed and everything in between! Meets in Room 203. Facilitated by Scott Dove.
Church History – Part 1 – The Early Church
This class will be using the monumental video teaching series by Dr. W. Robert Godfrey. Part one covers the ancient church in 12 lessons addressing persecution, expansion of the church, development of theology, apologetic response to heresies and notable church fathers. Class time will be evenly divided between video presentation and class discussion. Facilitators: Jeff Jordan and Lyle Jacobsen. Room 201.
The Book of Romans
Paul’s letter to the Christians in Rome lays out what we believe about God’s salvation through Jesus and how we respond. This group will study this important book of the Bible. Facilitator: Frank Sprinkel.
B.F. Wilson Class
The B.F. Wilson Class will continue to meet and study scripture, as they have for many decades. Join them as they dig into God’s word and apply it to today. Facilitator: Roger von Seldeneck.
Renovation & High Schoolers
Join us in Showker Hall from 10:15-11 a.m. for discussion, intergenerational relationship-building, Bible learning and some snacks. We will be joining with high-school and college-age students to get to know each other, discuss the Gospel of John (with guided questions), and expand your sphere of influence. Bring your Bibles!
College Brunch
College students can gather in Showker Hall for brunch and discussion groups based on each week’s sermon.
Middle School
Sunday for middle schoolers will be held in the third-floor middle-school room and will include discussions about scripture and how it applies to our everyday lives.
High School
Join us in Showker Hall from 10:15-11 a.m. for discussion, intergenerational relationship-building, Bible learning and some snacks. We will be joining with some college-age students and adults to get to know each other, discuss the Gospel of John (with guided questions), and expand your sphere of influence. Bring your Bibles!
Children’s Sunday School
Children in preschool through second grade use the “Jesus Story Book Bible” curriculum, which encourages children to see Jesus in the entirety of Scripture while noticing God’s redemptive work throughout the Bible.
Third through fifth graders study the same Scripture passages as the younger children, but directly from Scripture as they learn methods for studying and discussing the Bible. I
Children also will be memorizing a passage of Scripture together and praying with and for each other each week.
Children’s Sunday school is held in the following class groups:
- Preschool (3-5 years old)
- K-2nd Grade
- 3rd-5th Grade
Preschool classes are held on the first floor near the nursery. All other classes are on the second floor, right up the stairs from the sanctuary.
Sunday Nights
Youth Large Group
We gather for worship, food and fellowship. We’ll also hear a message from a fellow follower of Jesus who will help us apply our faith to real life. Sundays, 6:30-8 p.m., Showker Hall. Starts Sept. 11.
Young Adult Small Group
Young adults (ages 20-39) are invited for Bible study and prayer foreach week from 6-9 p.m. the Augst home. For details, call 540-820-7297.
Midweek
Youth Small Groups
Middle- and high-school students gather for friendship and for a Bible study. And, of course, chicken biscuits! Wednesdays, 6:30 a.m., Chick-fil-A. Starts Sept. 14.
The Book of Books (Women’s Study)
Discover the grand sweep of scripture and see Jesus from the Table of Contents to the maps of your Bible. Open to women of all ages. Feel free to bring your lunch if you’d like. Taught by Lila Gardner. Tuesdays at noon in Room 205. Starts Sept. 13.
Mothers of Young Children
This group furthers their understanding and love for God’s Word through scripture-based studies and topic-based studies such as godly parenting and Christian living. Childcare is provided for preschool-aged children and younger. Facilitated by Rachel Lemn. Wednesdays, 9:15-11:15 a.m. Starts Sept. 7.
Men’s Groups
We have a variety of men’s groups that meet throughout the week. Contact Russell Lee for more information or to get connected to a group.
Psalms
What does it mean to be blessed? The Psalms help us learn to communicate with God, to be honest, open and to put our focus on who He is. One might also say that many of the Psalms teach us the way of blessing. The Psalter begins by saying “How blessed is the man …” in Psalm 1 and that theme continues throughout the book. What does it mean to be blessed? Who is blessed? How? Can you be blessed when you are broken? What is God’s purpose in blessing? Good questions that we will explore as we continue our journey to sample the Psalms this fall. Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 29-Nov. 3 via Zoom. For more information or to request a zoom link contact Mary Duryea.
Special-Focus Groups
GriefShare
GriefShare is a group that supports those who are grieving a loss. Meeting weekly for three months, the groups includes teaching and community with others walking through grief. Meets Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. starting Sept. 14-December 14.
Connections Class
The Connections Class is for anyone who wants to know more about what we believe at First Pres. It is a requirement for becoming a Covenant Partner, but becoming a Covenant Partner is not required after taking the class. Meeting on Sundays from 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Four Sundays starting Sept. 18.