Sundays
Faith and Family
Starting January 12, Weekly, 10:00am, Room 216
Coordinated by Liz Forney
Parents of children from birth through high school are invited to join this class for a time of connecting with other FPC parents to explore our own faith as well as gather resources for how to support our children in their faith development. We'll be looking into topics like prayer, doubt, how to talk about God, family rituals that deepen faith, the character of God, how the Bible was compiled, why serving others matter, and so much more.
Contact Liz Forney Liz.Forney@gmail.com if you have any questions.
February 23, 2025
Non-Violence: Beyond Turning the Cheek
Earth Care Climate Justice
February 16 through March 9, 10:00am, Chapel
Do our actions affect the earth, nature, and climate? This class focuses on our responsibility to protect and care for the world created by God. The search for climate justice embodies not only a love for nature and the earth but the impact of risks to the health of people and communities. Guest speakers will share their expertise and insights on climate justice and the role of the Christian community in seeking that path.
February 23, 2025
This week's Class will be in the Library
Practical Sustainability
Led by J. Tyler, LEAP, Residential Energy Use & Climate Justice
March 2, 2025
Healthcare and Climate Change
Kimberly Barker, UVA Staff and Climate Activist
Spiritual Practices in Lent
February 23 through March 2, 10:00am, Agape Classroom
Lent is a time for reflection and introspection. This class will discuss the role of prayer as a spiritual practice by helping us to communicate more freely with God.
February 23, 2025
Swimming in the Sea: The Spiritual Practice of Prayer
The Rev. Gordon Lindsay
March 2, 2025
God Be In My Head, Heart, Eyes & Feet—Diving into the Ancient Sarum Prayer,
Rev. Jay Sanderford
Hard Sayings of Jesus
March 9 through April 13, 10:00am, Agape Classroom
Led by David Pettit & Ann Bear
This discussion class is based on a book entitled “ Hard Sayings of Jesus.” This text presents a collection of statements and teachings made by Christ in the New Testament that are considered difficult to understand or demanding in their implications. These sayings often require interpretation and deeper reflection due to their seemingly counterintuitive nature. These discussions are designed to provide spiritual exploration into the spirit of the word that goes beyond the direct translation of these statements. A text will be provided to participants.
Wellbeing and Creating a Christian Culture of Respect
March 16 through March 30, 10:00am, Chapel
Drs. Peg Plews-Ogan, & Greg Townsend and Jann Balmer will lead this three-week series. The class focuses on emotional health and well-being for individuals, families, and communities. We will discuss specific strategies and approaches to address difficult conversations steeped in disrespect and discrimination with interactive sessions that provide participants with relevant applied practice experiences
The Welcome of God: Immigration and Refugee Issues
April 6, 13, 27, May 11, 18, 10:00am, Chapel
What do our Christian beliefs say about immigration and refugees as part of our community? Over five weeks, our community plans to discuss the challenges of immigration and refugee settlement from multiple perspectives: from the immigration from Egypt to the Promised Land to today’s challenges in immigration across the globe. What is our responsibility as a Christian community? Several texts will be available as resources for class participants.
Sport as Path to God
April 27, May 11 & 18, and June 1 & 8, 10:00am, Agape Classroom
This class is based on the text “The Secret Game” by Scott Ellsworth. This story of courage, and determination that has lessons about where and how mutual respect, communication and learning can benefit all who elect to engage in exploring new insights and opportunities to gain experience and embrace the beliefs and values communicated by God and Jesus Christ.
Mondays
Men's Lunch
The Men’s Luncheon Group is focused on fellowship, an opportunity for the men of the church to gather, break bread, and share a time of fellowship. We typically have a speaker at our meetings, church members and others who can share knowledge and experience on a wide variety of topics. We usually introduce our speakers around 1:00 pm, presentations are in the 30-to-45-minute range and with time for questions. We plan to be done by 2:00 pm.
Second Monday of each month at 12:30pm, Agape Classroom
Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina is a spiritual practice of scripture reading that involves both meditation and prayer. It promotes a time of communion with God and an ability to increase our knowledge of God's word. Traditionally Lectio has four separate steps: reading, meditating, praying, and contemplating. Each time the scripture is read, the group reflects upon its meaning which is then followed by prayer and contemplation on the Word of God. Contact Debbie Rexrode for the Zoom link.
Monday Evenings, 7:30pm - 8:30pm, Zoom
Tuesdays
Wednesdays
Tuesday Morning Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina is the practice of reading scripture, meditating, and praying. Traditionally, it has four separate steps: read, meditate, pray, contemplate. It is not intended to be a study of God's Word but rather a way for each person reading or meditating to experience God's Word for them.
Tuesdays, 8:00-9:00am, Zoom
Elizabeth Circle
We come together with group concerns, prayer, business and Bible study. This year our Bible study will be presented by PW/Horizons. Mission projects vary yearly according to our group interests and community needs. We have consistently supported the World Fellowship of the Least Coin. Together we are a fun, caring group who support one an-other and love to welcome new members.
First Tuesdays, 12:30pm, Room 216
Presbyterian Women Circle 6
Circle 6 is a group of women who are interested in fellowship, thought-provoking discussion, developing close friendships and sharing Christ’s love through serving others. Please feel free to bring your lunch and come early for fellowship. This year we will focus on the Horizon's Bible study. "What my Grandmother taught me." by Merryl Beain. Our mission projects include providing floral arrangements during Advent for the homebound of our church, recycling cards for St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, Least Coin, Georgia’s Friends food pantry, and Meals on Wheels pet food pantry.
Second Tuesdays, 1:00pm
Thursdays
Quilt Sowers
Quilt Sowers of FPC enjoy the 3F’s—fellowship, friendship and field trips—while creating and sewing quilts of all sizes for an abused women’s shelter, children’s quilts for the baptized children in our own church family, and other quilted items. Members bring a bag lunch and stay as long as their schedule allows. We try to hold 2-3 Sew-a-thons each year, enjoy tak-ing day-long field trips to quilt shows or “favorite” quilting shops, and sell our quilts twice a year during Fellowship Hour. The group likes to say “if you can sew a straight line, you can become a quilter”, and we love welcoming and mentoring “new-to-quilting” members!
Thursdays, 10:00-4:00pm, Room 216
Special Activities
Winter/Spring Supper Club
Starts Saturday, January 11
Led by Jill & Jim Campbell
Jim and Jill Campbell invite all past and new participants to a kickoff gathering for the Spring Supper Club at their home on Saturday, January 11. This informal event will feature finger foods and the opportunity to meet others interested in joining. At the gathering, participants will be assigned to groups of 8–10, with plans to meet monthly in February, March, April, and May for dinners hosted in members’ homes.
The Supper Club is a wonderful way to connect with fellow First Pres members of all ages, share meals, and build deeper relationships. Each group will decide on the dates and times that work best for them—there are no set rules!
Don’t miss this chance to enjoy food, fun, and fellowship. To join, contact Jill Campbell at jilldoov@comcast.net. Please RSVP with Jill by January 4.
Weekly Women's Bible Study
We encourage you to join us without concern with it being "mid-year." We are studying Genesis, but each chapter in the study guide looks at a different chapter in Genesis. So, if you wish to "catch up," you can do so at your leisure and still be able to fully participate in our discussions. Women of all ages welcome; church or preschool membership not required. Coffee provided. Bring Your Own Mug, some curiosity, and most importantly, yourself.