CHILDREN'S SUNDAY OPPORTUNITIES

NURSERY (9:00 A.M. through noon)

Led by our wonderful, Darlene Wiley and a host of volunteers, the children have a chance to play, socialize, and hear that Jesus Loves Me!

PRESCHOOL CHILDREN (10:00 A.M.)

Children ages 3-5 are invited to their 1st floor room where Kim Reed and Julie Curtis share the teaching as they present the bible stories in a wide variety of age appropriate activities.

THE PROMISED LAND (10:00 A.M.)

Children in kindergarten through 6th grade participate in the "Promised Land" which follows the workshop rotation model. This unique method allows for the children to study the same story for a month.  Each week they will travel to a specially designed room to experience their lesson through such ways as drama, art, cooking, storytelling, visual arts, and much more.  This "workshop rotation method" has been highly praised for its multi-sensory approach.  In fact, church educators from around the Midwest have come to see the facilities for this program!  (click here to see the "Promised Land" in action)

Laz's Lab	Land of Milk & Honey	Tent Tales
Solomon's Temple	GPLN (God's Promised Land News)	Parable Playhouse
Paradise Picture Room

YOUTH (10:00 A.M.)

Youth in 7th to 12th grades are invited to meet in their very own youth room (downstairs Fireside Room) where Tom Byers and David Frey team teach the scriptures!

YOUTH GROUP (4:00-6:00 P.M.)

Youth in 7th to 12th grades are invited to bring friends and meet in their Fireside Room every Sunday evening (unless a special event is planned - click here for youth updates).  This relaxed and outgoing group makes it easy for friends and first time visitors to join anytime!!!!!  Visit the YOUTH GROUP PAGE for additional information, events and pictures.

ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

Adult Sunday School Classes (10:00 A.M.)

There are 3 adult classes that focus on a variety of topics with a wide variety of leaders.  In addition, there are short term opportunities offered throughout the year.  Watch for these updates!

              Merrimates Class (2nd Floor)
              The Merrimates gather at 9:45 a.m. on Sunday morning for coffee, light refreshments, and     

              conversation.  At 10:00 a.m. they begin their study or presentation.  Dave and Jean Kolda are

              the leaders for this class and are blessed to have a host of presenters who are members of our

              faith community and give generously of their to share some aspect of their faith journey. The

              Merrimates also meet socially several times during the year!!!    The warmth and welcoming

              nature of this group could be the means of the spiritual growth and fellowship you are seeking.

             All are welcome. Come and see!

               Potpourri Class (Main Floor Parlor)

               Sue Church and Flower Jenkins help to organize this group who meet in the Parlor Sunday   

               mornings at 10:00 a.m.!  Everyone is welcome to come and share new ideas and explore old

               ideas. This friendly and diverse group's goal is to mold diversity into community.  All are

               welcome.  Come and See!

                This and That  (2nd Floor / Covenant Room)            
                Holly and Dave Easterbrook convene this group that began as a small group of parents with

                younger children but welcomes all  who want to study various topics and interpret our

                everyday lives in a Christian context.   All are welcome.  Come and See!

                Book of Acts  (2nd floor / follow the signs)

                Doc Rushing will lead the group in a study on the book of Acts. 

Weekday Adult Opportunities

COVENANT DISCIPLE GROUPS

Meets outside of Sunday morning (click here to discover more info)

Here’s what we do:
 We meet weekly for an hour only.
 Time is spent in sharing what is going on in our lives and our church.
 When difficulties occur for one of our group, we discuss how each of us can help.
 In addition we talk about how we can further serve God as His disciples.
 We also read scriptures and share our understanding of the passages as well as how each relates to our lives.
 From time to time we discuss our role as Christians in local, national and world situations.

Lenten Devotional

Education offers you the opportunity to share in daily devotions by clicking on the "Alive with Christ" Devotional above.  You will find a calendar where you can click on devotional for that day.  Because this devotional was written by First Church family for 2011, the dates listed on the actual devotion will be different than the actual 2012 date. 

Why Does the Date for Easter Change Each Year?  The explanation starts with the fact that early Christians elected to link the date of Easter to the Hebrew calendar. The New Testament states that the Resurrection took place on the first day of the week following Passover. Sunday is the first day of a Jewish week; the Passover falls on the day of the first full moon after the Spring Equinox, which can fall on either March 20 or 21. So, go to your calendar, and find the first day of spring - then find the first full moon immediately following that. And Easter will be the first Sunday after (or on) that first full moon.

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In Celebration and Remembrance of "ALL SAINTS DAY", click on a booklet below to read a short devotional

   "All Saints"           "Memories"            "Memories"             "Memories"         "Memories"        

   Devotional                                          Miriam Olson          Maxine Jones    Peggy Soderberg

  By Pastor Mary  By Diana Green  By Virginia Dinkel   By Mary Peters   By Wishart Bell     

    "Memories"

By Pauline Medhurst