First Presbyterian Church is committed to providing a variety of opportunities for people of all ages to increase in their understanding of God’s call to serve Jesus Christ in all areas of life.
Christian Education (CE)
- Develop and maintain Church School for all ages
- Provide varied opportunities for regular Bible Study and other educational events (Wednesday Night Live)
- Recruit and train teachers and leaders
- Church officer training
- Provide nursery and childcare needs
- Offer new member classes with assimilation of new members into the life of the church
- Provide opportunities for Youth Group, Confirmation Class, Vacation Bible School, etc.
2024 Christian Education (CE) Ministry Team
- Sue Pedersen
- Jim Rollins
- Jim Weatherbee
- Bold Italicized: Chair
- Bold: Current Officers
- Pastor serves on all ministry teams, ex-officio
Sunday School for All Ages
“Dear God, I think about you sometimes even when I’m not praying. Elliott”
– Children’s Letters to God, Compiled by
Stuart Hample and Eric Marshall
(Meet in the Christian Education Building 8:45 a.m.):
Adult Class (Room 2): Led by talented and dedicated teachers, adults engage in Biblical study that relates to current issues and faithful living. This class uses “Being Reformed” curriculum published by the PC(USA), supplemented by appropriate resources and references. Lively discussion can be found here.
Children’s Class (Room 8): A broadly-graded class is available for children in first grade and older. Using curriculum specially designed for various ages. The children are also encouraged to participate in age-appropriate creative and interactive activities that incorporate the Biblical message.
Nursery (Room 3): Infants through Kindergarten age children are cared for in a bright and inviting atmosphere. Nurturing caregivers engage the children in creative play with Biblical themes.
Bible Study
Groups meet during the week for Bible study. Studies may focus on individual books of the Bible, themes found in scripture, spiritual practices, current events and challenges of modern Christian living. Special studies are often offered during the seasons of Advent (Christmas) and Lent (Easter).
Confirmation Class
Young people in 8th grade or older engage in a time of study and fellowship and they prepare to confirm for themselves their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. These classes are usually led by the Pastor and Elders of the church.
Inquirer/New Member Classes
Periodically, classes are held for those who wish to learn more about the Presbyterian denomination and First Presbyterian Church in particular. Attention is focused on Presbyterian beliefs, history and polity.
Library
First Presbyterian Church is blessed to have an extensive church library. Maintained by volunteers, the shelves are packed with religious, theological, historical, and biographical volumes, a quite current selection of Biblical reference material, as well as a wide variety of classical and modern fiction. Current issues of denominational news publications and devotional magazines are also available. Due to the continued generosity of church members and friends, there are books that will appeal to children, youth, and adults.
Camps/Conferences
The Presbytery of Florida, of which First Presbyterian is a member church, maintains Dogwood Acres, a beautiful camp in the Vernon, Florida area. Summer camps welcome children and youth each year. It is also a popular place for church retreats and picnics. The Presbytery often gathers for special events in this peaceful setting. Click Here For More Information
“Montreat Conference Center is one of three national conference centers affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA), annually visited by over 35,000 people seeking physical and spiritual renewal in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina.” (from www.montreat.org.) Click Here For More Information
First Presbyterian encourages its members to participate in the connectional nature of the PC(USA) by taking advantage of these places and programs for Christian growth and fellowship that help to define and inspire our faithful journeys together as disciples of Jesus Christ.