Ministries:
First Presbyterian offers many ways for adults to interact and build relationships with one another as they grow in their faith. Whether it’s a Sunday morning Christian education class, a midweek Bible study or a discussion group, there’s something for everyone. We hope you will dive right in and get involved. For more information contact Rev Kristine Aragon Bruce at [email protected].
For questions about any of the offerings below please contact the office at [email protected].
Conversations with Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Join for a five-week adult ed class on Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a Christian martyr and anti-Nazi theologian, led by Dr. Dale Sullivan. The class is discussion based and focused on questions that were timely in both Bonhoeffer’s day and ours. Examples include:
- “What does it mean to proclaim the Kingdom of God?”
- “Are the only ones who can be saved those who accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior?”
- “Should we try to make America a Christian Nation?”
- … and the modern theological question of “Is God dead?”
The class meets downstairs in the Rec Room at 10:15 following the first service.
If you aren’t able to attend class, or want to see it again, watch the videos below:
How to Read the Bible: Creeds and Confessions
Exploring the creeds and confessions of the Presbyterian Church, tracing how these foundational statements of faith shape belief, worship, and life in the Reformed tradition. Join Dr. Matt Bruce in the Recreation Room between worship services (10-11 a.m.).
If you aren’t able to attend class, or want to see it again, watch the videos below:
YogaFaith
Led by Melisa Overway
What: Whole body worship, yoga through a Biblical lens, meditation, prayer, rest
Who: All are welcome
Winter/Spring Schedule: Second & Fourth Thursday of the month
Chair Yoga starts at 5:30, Yoga Flow starts at 7
Where: In the Chapel
Bring: Yoga mat, water (optional: block, pillow, blanket, eye pillow)
Participants will transition slowly from posture to posture, typically finishing with deeper, more static stretching as we surrender our hearts to God and create space for rest and worship.
Small Groups
There are various small groups that meet on a weekly basis, such as a women’s group that meets on Monday afternoons and a men’s group that meets on Tuesday evenings, just to name a few. All are welcome to any of them! Questions? Please contact Rev. Kristine Aragon Bruce [email protected].
P.W. (Presbyterian Women) Bible Studies
Various groups within P.W. known as “Circles” meet monthly. In Conjunction with a Bible Study there is also a mission focus for each P.W. Circle. All women are welcome! Please contact Sue, the PW Chairwoman, for more information: PW Chairwoman.
The circles are always glad to welcome new participants. Consider joining one of the circles that fits your schedule:
· Jane Bottje Circle, 10:30 a.m., first Monday of the month, contact Margaret Wiegert: 616-842-7161
· Ferry-White Circle, 10 a.m., first Thursday of the month, contact Pat Elenbaas: 517-290-0625
· Eight Founders Circle, 1 p.m., first Thursday of the month, contact Nita Pellegrom: 616-846-1805
· Albee-Duverney Circle, 7 p.m., first Thursday of the month, contact Lynn VanderMeer: 616-842-7037
Discussion Groups
There are various discussion groups that meet during the week.
Monday Afternoon Bible Study – This group will not be meeting in January, but will be attending the Calvin University January Series instead. The group will reconvene on February 2 with a new Lenten study. For questions, details, and to order the study book, contact Winnie McNergney.
Tuesday Morning Bible Study – This group meets on Tuesdays from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the Conference Room and is continuing a Ray VanderLaan series, The Mission of Jesus, which explores ancient Israel. For questions, contact Carmen Jeisy with questions.
Tuesday Night Men’s Group – This group is open to all men and meets in the Conference Room on Tuesdays from 7-8:30 p.m. The current study is Walk as Jesus Walked, by Ray VanderLaan. Contact John Planteroth with questions.
Thursday Morning Breakfast Group at Russ’ Restaurant, 7 a.m. – This weekly gathering is a relaxed and welcoming opportunity to explore the scripture passages that will be the focus of the upcoming Sunday sermon. Together, we’ll reflect on the text, share insights, and engage in thoughtful discussion. Whether you’re a seasoned Bible scholar or just starting to explore your faith, you’ll find a supportive community eager to learn and grow alongside you.
Feel free to come hungry! Russ’ serves up delicious breakfasts, and there’s nothing better than good food paired with great conversation.
No need to RSVP—just show up with your Bible, a curious mind, and a heart ready to connect.
Thursday Night Discussion Group/FEAST and FICTION: The Thursday night group is taking a break from our usual theological books and reading some fiction this summer. Please join us on the fourth Thursday of June, July and August at 6 pm in the Fellowship Hall for a potluck supper followed by an animated book discussion.
Our selection for June 25 is Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah. Where the Forest Meets the Stars is a magical realism debut novel about a mysterious, barefoot girl named Ursa who claims to be from the stars and appears at the cabin of a grieving ornithologist, Jo Teale, in rural Illinois. Jo, recovering from cancer, reluctantly takes Ursa in, and together with her reclusive neighbor Gabriel, they form an unlikely bond while trying to uncover Ursa’s past and witness her five miracles, exploring themes of love, loss, and healing.
Do you prefer mysteries? Join us on July 23 for Spider Woman’s Daughter by Anne Hillerman and Meet Isabel Puddles by M.V. Byrne on August 27.
Please contact Linda Gritter for more information.
Earth Care Team
First Presbyterian Church of Grand Haven is a certified Earth Care Congregation. The Earth Care team is committed to offering educational resources and service opportunities for people to actively care for God’s creation throughout the year. The ECT also works with the session to maintain and upgrade our facilities to ensure our buildings and our grounds will use energy efficiently and conserve resources.
To learn more and to get involved please email us at [email protected]. To learn more about what it means to be an Earth Care Congregation please review the content at our Earth Care Team’s website: https://sites.google.com/view/fpghearthcare
