Church
School
Church School Classes for Adults
FPC offers adults a multitude of choices for the 9:45 a.m. Sunday Church School hour. If you are not presently attending a class, consider visiting few classes. You can choose one from the following:
- The Journey (Young Adult Class) (Stock Building, Rm. F108)
For those still in college or out; single or married.
- Inquirer’s Class (Baucom Parlor, across from
the Sanctuary) A class for new church members or for those interested
in joining First Presbyterian. Sessions provide information about the
church's history, beliefs, and mission and provide opportunities to meet
members of the congregation and staff.
- Ed Greer Class (Stock Building, Rm. E201) A study/discussion
class that includes Bible study and elective study related to current
issues.
- Faithbuilders (Stock Building, Rm. F109) A class that
focuses on spiritual development and family issues, using a varied curriculum
and other resources. Many of the members are parents of teens and young
adults.
- Fides (Stock Building, Rm. E106) A discussion-oriented
class for married couples, focusing on building a sense of community
and family with one another through the teachings of Jesus Christ.
- Koinonia Class (Memorial Hall, Salisbury St. side)
A large adult class of couples and singles with teaching responsibilities
shared by a team of teachers using the Uniform Lessons Series.
- Phoenix Class (Stock Building, Rm. F108) This class
is for singles and married couples in their late 20s to early 50s. The
curriculum deals with current issues and biblical themes and is taught by a
team of teachers. The text is usually a recently published scholarly study of a Christian theological topic that is selected because of its relevance to a contemporary audience. This class emphasizes discussion and encourages members to raise questions about each topic.
- Rick Brand Class (Stock Building, Rm. F119) This class is a group of mixed-age adults exploring the serious challenges of Christian living in a global, contemporary society. What lessons can we learn from our forerunners in the faith and from those who travel alongside us on life’s journey? How can we be better, more faithful Christians? The teaching is facilitated by a group of educators and former educators, but a lot of the learning comes from the lively and spirited discussion by all members of the class. Recent topics have included Micah 6:6-8; John Calvin; Kings I & II; Christianity, Judaism and Islam; and spiritual growth.
- Seekers (Old Education Building, Rm. 102) A class designed
for in-depth Bible or book study with discussions taught by a team of
teachers.
- Tom Albright Class (Stock Building, Rm. F111) A large
class of adults with several teachers. This class studies biblical
texts related to leading a Christian life and spiritual development.
- Vanguard Class (Vanguard Room, Sanctuary Building) A Bible-oriented class of men and women of all ages, focused on worship through song, scripture, Bible lecture, and discussion. The Uniform Lessons Series is used.
Church School Classes for Children top >
FPC considers ministries to children
to be an essential part of the church's overall mission. A full-time staff member,
Sarah Lien Finnerty, serves as Director of Children's
Ministries. Contact her for more information about Church School classes for children
and youth, or to make suggestions.
Children's Church
During the regular worship service, children ages 5 and older who wish to
attend Children's Church are escorted from the sanctuary by a teacher directly
after the Children's Sermon. Their parents pick them up after the service.
Nursery and Preschool Division
A loving, safe, and age-appropriate environment welcomes our young children
into our church family via our nursery. Paid staff assist volunteer leaders
in providing activities and Christian learning opportunities and TLC. Children
ages two to four hear, explore, and celebrate biblical stories about the
life of Christ and key Bible characters. "Play–n-Worship" classroom materials are
used for the older preschoolers.
Our Nursery and Preschool Division comprises the following age groups:
- Crib Babies
- Toddlers
- 2-Year-Olds
- 3- and 4-Year-Olds
Elementary Division
Elementary-age children explore major biblical stories, events and characters
and how those stories speak to their own lives. Creative activities such
as art, drama, puppetry, music and writing involve the children in active
learning. Teachers use "Live B.I.G!" (PCUSA) resources to structure the lessons.
Our Elementary Division comprises the following age groups, with classes available
during the Church School hour (9:45-10:45 a.m.):
- Kindergarten
- Grades 1 and 2
- Grade 3
- Grades 4 and 5
Church School Classes for Youth top >
FPC considers ministries to children
to be an essential part of the church’s overall mission. A full-time staff member, Beth Thaxton,
serves as Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries. Contact her for more information
about Church School classes for children and youth, or to make suggestions.
The following Church School classes are available for youth during the
Church School hour (9:45-10:45 a.m.):
- Grades 6 - 8: This class follows the Covenant People
Presbyterian Curriculum. Topics include living within a covenant, being
disciples, baptism, communion, and many others.
- Grades 9 - 12: This class studies various electives,
each led by different teachers. Topics include "being Presbyterian",
self-esteem, preparing for college and career, and many other areas of
interest to this age group.
- Confirmation Class: This class is an activity-based
program exploring the student’s journey of faith and growth in Christ.
Its purpose is to prepare our young people for their confirmation as full
communing members of the church. Confirmation class is for 8th graders
and up and runs from November through Palm Sunday.
Adult
Classes