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].
Adult Classes
For questions about any of the offerings below please contact the office at [email protected].
How to Read the Bible: Back to the Basics
The Bible is where Christians expect to hear God speaking—but reading it isn’t always easy. Open the Bible at random and you may land on a psalm, which is a human song addressed to God, rather than God speaking to us. Or you may open to a bit of history, or a proverb, or a parable, or one of those famously long lists of names. But you might just wonder what the heck God might be saying to when you read, “You shall not round off the hair on your temples or mar the edges of your beard” (Leviticus 19:27). Sometimes reading the Bible can feel like reading someone else’s mail!
This winter, come join the “How to Read the Bible” group as we go back to the basics and learn how to read Scripture in ways that help us hear what God is saying to us today. Together, we’ll explore the different genres of the Bible—history, poetry, theology, wisdom sayings, and more—and learn how historical, cultural, and context of the ancient world shape what we read.
Along the way we will answer questions like: Did this really happen (did God really command Israel to kill all the Canaanites)? Why did God tell Israel not to eat shellfish, but Christians still do? What is Jesus’ Parable of the Unjust Ruler all about?
We will also give special attention to using a study Bible, so bring one if you have one! And if you don’t we are more than happy to make recommendations. 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:
Exploring The Atonement
Between worship services (10-11) on January 11 and 18, grab a cup of coffee and join us in the Recreation Room as we explore the meaning and mystery of The Atonement together.
As Christians, we believe that Jesus died for our sins. But what does that actually mean? How does
Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection restore a right relationship with God—a process of reconciliation the Church calls Atonement?
Over the centuries, Christians have explored different ways of understanding how this reconciliation works, and the Church has never settled on just one explanation. Join Bob Day for an engaging conversation as we explore the meaning of “at-one-ment,” deepen our understanding of who God is, unpack the complexities of the Trinity, and examine the classic ways Christians have understood reconciliation through the cross and resurrection.
To watch class recordings, click on the links below:
Class documents may be found here: Exploring the Atonement
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.
Adult Groups
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 – Meeting in Room 16/17 on Thursday evenings from 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., the Thursday Night Discussion Group offers an opportunity for group members to learn from each other and noted authors in an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding.
Our book selection from February through March 5, 2026, is Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim Encounters Christianity, by Nabeel Qureshi. Please join us for this “engaging and thought-provoking unexpected journey from Islam to Christianity” (Book Back Cover).
Please contact Katie Norton for more details.
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
