Equipping the Saints!

Presbyterians have a long and honored tradition of promoting the education of its members.  Our belief is that an educated disciple is a more effective disciple and witness for Jesus Christ.  Equipping the saints for ministry is a core task of the church, one that we take very seriously at First Presbyterian Church.  Offerings include age-appropriate classes for children using the Workshop Rotation Model as well as offerings for youth and young adults, plus a variety of classes for adults.  Adult classes vary widely in age and focus.  Adult learners are encouraged to visit several classes before making a decision on joining a class.  Church membership is not a requirement for participation in Sunday School or evening classes.  Current offerings of our Education Department are as follows:

Share Sunday School Class

Ladder of Faith Sunday School Class

The Ladder of Faith Adult Sunday School Class meets in the church library.  It is multigenerational, and focuses on contemporary issues of faith through Bible study, discussion and reflection.  The class has used works by Philip Yancy, Warren Wiersbe, Timothy Keller, The Wired Word and others as resources for discussion. The class, like the resources they choose, tend to approach to issues of faith and life in fresh new ways.  Visitors are always welcome.  Come to the Church Library on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m.  (the Library is the room closest to the coffee pots!)

Sojourners Sunday School Class

Computer Labs

The church has two complete computer labs:

One is located in the church library on the first floor and is open to members and visitors. Consisting of six workstations, the lab provides users access to word processing, spreadsheet and graphics programs.  The lab uses Linux with a graphical interface that is similar to what people are used to in Windows.  The lab has high-speed access to the Internet via the church’s DSL service.  Content filtering is used on all Internet traffic to help protect against access to inappropriate sites.

The newest lab is upstairs in children’s Sunday school area and is part of the Workshop Rotation Model used at First Presbyterian.  Five Windows XP computers are used for multimedia learning about Bible stories, biblical characters, Bible word puzzles, and other hands-on approaches to faith learning.  While Internet access can be made available to the Sunday School lab, it is normally not enabled.

Sunday School for Children

Sunday school is provided for children 2 years old and above.  Classes are divided by age and age-appropriate materials are used in all classes.  The new Workshop Rotation Model provides a multi-sensory approach to biblical learning.  Class venues include a drama amphitheater, music room, arts and crafts area, computer lab and mini-movie theater. Classes begin at 9:00 am and finish at 9:50 am.  Children are encouraged to attend worship at 10:00 am, where a children’s message is always included as part of worship.  Children in the 2^nd Grade and below then attend Children’s Chapel following the children’s message while older children are encouraged to remain with their parents in worship.

Sunday School for Adults

There are several Sunday School Offerings for Adults.  All classes meet from 9:00 a.m. until 9:50 a.m.  The Munson Class meets on the second floor and is led by the Reverend Phil Pinkerd.  The Ladder of Faith Class meets in the Library, the Contemporary Class meets in the Session Room and the Share Class meets in the Parlor on the ground floor.  During the summer months, all adult and youth meet in the fellowship hall for a combined special topics class. 

Men’s Bible Study

An ecumenical group of men gather on Thursday mornings at 7:00 am in the Session Board Room for coffee, donuts and Bible Study.  The group consists of members from First Presbyterian Church as well as those from Episcopal, Baptist, and Lutheran churches. 

Women’s Weekly Study

Wednesday Evenings

W.E.A.V.E. night (Wednesday Evening Activities InVolving Everyone) include opportunities for both young and old.  Wednesday evening is also choir night.  The Pastor’s Bible Discussion Class meets in the Parlor at 5:15 p.m.. The Wednesday Evening schedule for Fall 2011 is as follows: