Sundays
Faith and Family
Starting January 12, Weekly, Room 216
Coordinated by Liz Forney
Parents of children from birth through high school are invited to join this class for a time of connecting with other FPC parents to explore our own faith as well as gather resources for how to support our children in their faith development. We'll be looking into topics like prayer, doubt, how to talk about God, family rituals that deepen faith, the character of God, how the Bible was compiled, why serving others matter, and so much more.
Contact Liz Forney Liz.Forney@gmail.com if you have any questions.
January 26, 2025
Led by Dr. Jocelyn Schauer MD
The Ghost in the Machine: Artificial Intelligence, Faith and Community
January 12 through February 9, Agape Classroom
Led by David Forney & Jay Sanderford
What is the role of artificial intelligence in the church? How can the Christian community integrate the capacities and benefits of emerging technologies into engagement, learning and service opportunities for the church community.
January 26, 2025
AI in Congregational & Community Life
Led by Jay Sanderford
Fresh Practices: Embracing Active Spiritual Practices
January 12 through February 9, Chapel
As we prepare for the joys and challenges of 2025, this five-week class reviews a number of spiritual practices for First Pres members. Each week will focus and highlight on a single practice—such as Lectio, Prayer, Song and Art. Guest presenters will guide the participants through these spiritual practices as a vital part of spiritual growth.
January 26, 2025
Journaling as Spiritual Practice
Led by Hannah Crosby & Leslie Lee
Wellbeing and Creating a Christian Culture of Respect
February 15 through March 2, Agape Classroom
This three-week series focuses on emotional health and well-being for individuals, families, and communities. We will discuss specific strategies and approaches to address difficult conversations steeped in disrespect and discrimination with interactive sessions that provide participants with relevant applied practice experiences.
Immigration
February 15 through March 2, Chapel
What do our Christian beliefs say about immigration? Over a three-week period, our community plans to discuss the challenges of immigration from multiple perspectives: from the immigration from Egypt to the Promised Land to today’s challenges in immigration across the globe. What is our responsibility as a Christian community? Several texts will be available as resources for class participants.
Hard Sayings of Jesus
March 9 through April 13, Agape Classroom
This three-week series focuses on emotional health and well-being for individuals, families, and communities. We will discuss specific strategies and approaches to address difficult conversations steeped in disrespect and discrimination with interactive sessions that provide participants with relevant applied practice experiences.
Grief
March 9 through March 23, Chapel
Grief can be overwhelming and bring intense emotions that may affect our perceptions and perspectives of our faith journey. How can we navigate a path to living with our grief while continuing to grow in our faith that loved ones are in the hands of God. We will provide resource texts to support our study and growth in our faith journey.
Climate Justice
April 6 & April 16, Chapel
Do our actions affect the earth, nature and climate? This two-week class focuses on our responsibility to protect and care for the world created by God. The search for climate justice embodies not only a love for nature and the earth but the impact of risks to the health of people and communities. Guest speakers will share their expertise and insights on climate justice and the role of the Christian community in seeking that path.
Sport as Path to God
April 27, May 11 & 18, and June 1 & 8, Agape Classroom
This class is based on the text “The Secret Game” by Scott Ellsworth. This story of courage, and determination that has lessons about where and how mutual respect, communication and learning can benefit all who elect to engage in exploring new insights and opportunities to gain experience and embrace the beliefs and values communicated by God and Jesus Christ.
Mondays
Men's Lunch
The Men’s Luncheon Group is focused on fellowship, an opportunity for the men of the church to gather, break bread, and share a time of fellowship. We typically have a speaker at our meetings, church members and others who can share knowledge and experience on a wide variety of topics. We usually introduce our speakers around 1:00 pm, presentations are in the 30-to-45-minute range and with time for questions. We plan to be done by 2:00 pm.
Second Monday of each month at 12:30pm, Agape Classroom
Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina is a spiritual practice of scripture reading that involves both meditation and prayer. It promotes a time of communion with God and an ability to increase our knowledge of God's word. Traditionally Lectio has four separate steps: reading, meditating, praying, and contemplating. Each time the scripture is read, the group reflects upon its meaning which is then followed by prayer and contemplation on the Word of God. Contact Debbie Rexrode for the Zoom link.
Monday Evenings, 7:30pm - 8:30pm, Zoom
Tuesdays
Wednesdays
Tuesday Morning Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina is the practice of reading scripture, meditating, and praying. Traditionally, it has four separate steps: read, meditate, pray, contemplate. It is not intended to be a study of God's Word but rather a way for each person reading or meditating to experience God's Word for them.
Tuesdays, 8:00-9:00am, Zoom
Elizabeth Circle
We come together with group concerns, prayer, business and Bible study. This year our Bible study will be presented by PW/Horizons. Mission projects vary yearly according to our group interests and community needs. We have consistently supported the World Fellowship of the Least Coin. Together we are a fun, caring group who support one an-other and love to welcome new members.
First Tuesdays, 12:30pm, Room 216
Presbyterian Women Circle 6
Circle 6 is a group of women who are interested in fellowship, thought-provoking discussion, developing close friendships and sharing Christ’s love through serving others. Please feel free to bring your lunch and come early for fellowship. This year we will focus on the Horizon's Bible study. "What my Grandmother taught me." by Merryl Beain. Our mission projects include providing floral arrangements during Advent for the homebound of our church, recycling cards for St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, Least Coin, Georgia’s Friends food pantry, and Meals on Wheels pet food pantry.
Second Tuesdays, 1:00pm
Thursdays
Quilt Sowers
Quilt Sowers of FPC enjoy the 3F’s—fellowship, friendship and field trips—while creating and sewing quilts of all sizes for an abused women’s shelter, children’s quilts for the baptized children in our own church family, and other quilted items. Members bring a bag lunch and stay as long as their schedule allows. We try to hold 2-3 Sew-a-thons each year, enjoy tak-ing day-long field trips to quilt shows or “favorite” quilting shops, and sell our quilts twice a year during Fellowship Hour. The group likes to say “if you can sew a straight line, you can become a quilter”, and we love welcoming and mentoring “new-to-quilting” members!
Thursdays, 10:00-4:00pm, Room 216
Special Activities
Winter/Spring Supper Club
Starts Saturday, January 11
Led by Jill & Jim Campbell
Jim and Jill Campbell invite all past and new participants to a kickoff gathering for the Spring Supper Club at their home on Saturday, January 11. This informal event will feature finger foods and the opportunity to meet others interested in joining. At the gathering, participants will be assigned to groups of 8–10, with plans to meet monthly in February, March, April, and May for dinners hosted in members’ homes.
The Supper Club is a wonderful way to connect with fellow First Pres members of all ages, share meals, and build deeper relationships. Each group will decide on the dates and times that work best for them—there are no set rules!
Don’t miss this chance to enjoy food, fun, and fellowship. To join, contact Jill Campbell at jilldoov@comcast.net. Please RSVP with Jill by January 4.
Weekly Women's Bible Study
We encourage you to join us without concern with it being "mid-year." We are studying Genesis, but each chapter in the study guide looks at a different chapter in Genesis. So, if you wish to "catch up," you can do so at your leisure and still be able to fully participate in our discussions. Women of all ages welcome; church or preschool membership not required. Coffee provided. Bring Your Own Mug, some curiosity, and most importantly, yourself.