Adult Discipleship

“For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.” (Mt. 18:20)

From the Greek verb manthanō (μανθανω) a disciple means “to learn, to be apprised of, to increase one’s knowledge,” From this one term there is derived two other words: mathetes (μαθετες) which means “a learner, a pupil, one who follows the teaching of someone else,” and matheteuō (μαθετευω) which means “to follow the precepts and instructions of another.” At First Presbyterian we take to heart both meanings, to learn and to follow.

There are many engaging opportunities here at First Presbyterian church to learn and to serve including Sunday School, Small Groups, Wednesday Programs, Mission Trips and Retreats.

Sunday Morning Opportunities
The A.C. Adams Class (Room 127) is dedicated to the study of the Bible as the inspirited Word of God. As we search the scriptures, we’ll have an open discussion about how they apply to our lives.

Graham Landrum Discussion Class (Parlor) The lesson material is always from the Present Word Bible Study Series, with members sharing the teaching responsibility. Combining Bible study anddiscussion of current events, both men and women are encouraged to join.

Inductive Bible Study Class (Room 125) An Inductive study that attempts to provide a natural approach to understanding the Scriptures by following three essential steps. 1.Observation (What does it Say?) 2. Interpretation (What does it Mean?) 3. Application (What does it mean For Us?)

College Class (Room 127) Currently discussing the Gospel of Mark. This class boasts the three most engaging facilitators: Craig McDonald (Faculty at King College), Brandon Story (Faculty King College), Betsy Turnbull (Faculty Virginia Middle School) at First Presbyterian
Church. This group always promies lively and faitfhul discussion facilitated with home made baked goods offered every Sunday during the School year.

Friendship Class is a class for special people who study God’s love for all God’s people through Old and New Testament stories.

Small Group Opportunities
Sunday Evenings (Couples) (Bible Study); contact Cecily Strang (968-2442)
Tuesday Afternoon (Women) (New Testament), contact-Jackie Burt (968-1105)
Tuesday Evening (Book Study), contact-Ernie Pennington (669-4688)
or Beth Flannagan (764-7875)
Presbyterian Women (2nd Tuesday of the Month) (Sept.-May) 11:30 am, contact Church Office (764-7176)
Wednesday Lunch (Women) (Book Study), contact-Betty Millard (968-1382)
or Scottie Bales (323-8952)
Thursday Morning (Men) (Upcoming Sermon Text), contact Gordon Turnbull (764-7176)
Thursday Evening (Young Adult & Young Family) (Upcoming Sermon Text), contact Dave Welch (968-7190)
Thursday Evening (Couples), (Book Study), contact Tammy Connolly (968-3831) or Nancy Cook (878-2625)

Wednesday Activities
One of the highlights of our Church life. It is a midweek opportunity, a time of renewal in fellowship, learning and worship. Wednesday night activities are designed to be broad and intergenerational in nature. Dinner is always family style which allows for open conversation and fellowship. The typical schedule is as follows:
4:45 pm[Choir (3rd – 6th grade); Hand Bells (7th – 12th grade); Nursery provided for the entire evening]
5:30 – 6:10 pm Dinner (Family Style)
6:10-6:20 pm [Announcements & Table Games]
6:20 – 7 pm [Adult Learning Programs; Jr. High Bible Study; Children’s Bible Study]
7:15 – 8:45 pm [Sanctuary Choir; Senior High Bible Study]

Other Discipleship Opportunities
Women’s Retreat – open to all women who want to grow in faith, enjoy fellowship and be encouraged in the faith journeys. Held annually in March.
Fall Church Wide Retreat (suspended for 2010)– an opportunity for church members to come together in the mountains of North Carolina for worship, recreation, and learning.