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].
The Wired Word
The Wired Word is a group that discusses the intersection of our faith and the latest headlines. If you wonder where Jesus Christ is in the midst of a pandemic, political divisiveness, or a mass shooting, the Wired Word is a great place to ask these questions.
Read this week’s lesson here (updated every Thursday).
Class meets on Sundays between worship services (10-11 a.m.) in rooms 16/17 on the lower level. All are welcome!
Anxiety and Mental Illness
The Faith Formation Committee is sponsoring a three-part series on anxiety, mental illness, and loneliness scheduled for Sept. 17, 24 and Oct. 1 at 10:00 in the Rec. Room.
There will be professional discussion leaders providing insights to these issues, and time available in each class period to ask questions and share your thoughts.
The schedule of topics is as follows:
· Sept. 17: “Understanding Anxiety and Depression,” led by Jane Anderson of Mosaic Counseling
· Sept. 24: “Grief from Personal Losses and Daily Issues We Live With,” led by Beth Bolthouse from the Grief Club of West MI
· Oct. 1: “Battling Mental Health Issues at Every Age,” led by a group of panelists from our church who will share their professional experiences regarding mental health issues
We Believe and So We Do
Throughout the summer, the “How to Read the Bible” group will shift gears a bit and examine how what we believe as Christians impacts how we live our lives. All too often major Christian beliefs (doctrines) seem both unnecessarily complicated and moreover irrelevant for our day-to-day lives. Yet the truth of the matter is that the basic tenets of the Christian faith are eminently practical. We will discuss such issues as: How might the doctrine of the Trinity direct us to love our neighbors – and our enemies! How might our understanding of Jesus’ death for our salvation impact what we think about conflict and violence? How might our understanding of the Lord’s Supper call us to serve the poor and oppressed?
Because our summer schedules are somewhat more irregular, there is an optional email list to keep you informed about the group schedule. To be added to the list please email Matt at [email protected].
Led by Dr. Matt Bruce
This class has concluded, but you may watch class recordings by clicking on the links below:
YogaFaith
Led by Melisa Overway
What: Whole body worship, yoga through a Biblical lens, meditation, prayer, rest
Who: All are welcome
When: The 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month, 7-7:45 p.m.
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 the Sue, the PW Chairwoman, for more information: PW Chairwoman.
Discussion Groups
There are various discussion groups that meet during the week.
Monday Afternoon Bible Study – Grow in your faith and learn more about God’s Word in a supportive and welcoming small group setting. Our current book is Who is the Holy Spirit by Jennifer Houlihan. All are welcome. Group facilitator is Winnie McNergney.
Tuesday Morning Bible Study, Come and discuss the featured book with fellow friends and meet others who are all on journeys to learn more about faith and what the Bible tells us. Our current study is the Book of Romans. The group is open to all and meets in the lounge on Tuesdays from 9:30-11 a.m. Group facilitator is Carmen Jeisy.
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. This study this season is Ray Vander Laan’s Holy Land Series. Contact Lee Brink with questions.
Thursday Morning Breakfast Discussion Group meets from 7:00 – 8:00 am at Russ’ Restaurant in Grand Haven to discuss the scripture readings for the upcoming Sunday worship service. If possible, please contact the church office or Bob Day at [email protected] to let us know if you plan on attending. This will help us plan ahead for table space.
Thursday Night Discussion Group The group meets on Thursday evenings from 7-8:30 in rooms 16 & 17.
This group provides an opportunity for each of us to learn from noted authors, as well as from each other within an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding.
Our current book is called A Gentle Answer: Our Secret Weapon in an Age of Us Against Them, by Scott Sauls. Contact Linda Gritter for more details.
