Christian Education for Adults

How involved is God in our lives—and in the world? Who is this God we worship, and what does it mean to believe that God loves us and the world? (John 3:16)

In this four-week class, we’ll explore God's nature and activity through conversation and reflection on topics such as miracles, prayer (and its purpose), God’s love, and how Christians understand who God is.

This is a discussion-based class, offering space to ask questions and share perspectives as we seek together to better understand the God “in whom we live and move and have our being.” (Acts 17:28)

Advent Study: Hope Restored
by Walter Brueggemann
Mondays, 2:00–3:00 PM (In Person) or 6:00–7:00 PM (Zoom)
November 24–December 15, 2025

This study explores Brueggemann’s vision of a “gritty, wide-awake” hope that refuses to accept injustice and calls God’s people to imagine new possibilities. We’ll see how the Hebrew Bible and the life of Jesus reveal a tenacious shalom that breaks through struggle and suffering. Together, we’ll reflect on what this hope might look like in our lives and in the world today.

Books are available through your favorite bookseller.

Registration will open closer to the start date.

Winter Study: Revelation for Everyone
by N.T. Wright
Wednesdays, 12:00–1:00 PM (In Person or Zoom)
January 7–28, 2026

Revelation’s vivid images can feel overwhelming, yet Wright helps us see its message as one of courage and hope. We’ll look at how John’s vision speaks both to the first-century church and to our own complex, modern world. This study invites us to hear Revelation not as fear, but as good news of Christ’s triumph.

Books are available through your favorite bookseller.

Registration will open closer to the start date.

Lenten Study: Jesus’ Alternative Plan
by Richard Rohr
Mondays, 2:00–3:00 PM (In Person) or 6:00–7:00 PM (Zoom)
February 23–March 30, 2026

The Sermon on the Mount offers a radically different way of living—one grounded in love, justice, and humility. Rohr unpacks Jesus’ teachings, showing how they upend conventional wisdom and invite us into a new way of relating to one another. This study will help us consider what it means to follow Jesus’ “alternative plan” today.

Books are available through your favorite bookseller.

Registration will open closer to the start date.

Women’s Fall Retreat– Saturday, October 18, 2025
9:00 AM-1:30 PM
Ragdale Retreat Center, Lake Forest, IL
Led by Rev. Amy Heinrich

Co-chairs: Mary Kovatch, Ruth Schneider & Dana Sullivan

You are invited to our Women’s Retreat: Finding Balance on Saturday,October 18, 2025 (9:00 AM–1:30 PM) at the beautiful Ragdale Retreat Center inLake Forest. Led by Rev. Amy Heinrich, this day offers space to pause, breathe,and reconnect with God and one another.Our time together will include gentle yoga led by Stephanie Bersh (with optionsfor chair yoga), prayer, conversation, a contemplative walk, reflection, and ashared meal. Surrounded by the peaceful setting of Ragdale, we’ll explore whatit means to live with greater balance—body, mind, and spirit. Cost: $35 (includes catered lunch)$5 Early Bird discount (until Sept. 21)

We warmly invite you to join us for our annual Ecumenical Advent Worship Service on Wednesday, December 10. This year marks the 21st anniversary of this cherished service led by women in ministry, a beloved tradition that offers a time of peace and reflection amidst the busy holiday season.

The evening will begin at 6:45 PM with a festive reception in the church social hall, where we’ll enjoy the warmth of twinkling lights, delicious sweets, and savory treats. At 7:30 PM, we’ll move to the chapel for worship, where we’ll reflect, sing, and journey together toward the joy of the season.

This service is open to all! We hope you will join us for this special evening of worship and fellowship.

Men’s Overnight Retreat – Friday, Nov. 21 - Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025
Siena Retreat Center, Racine, WI

Led by Rev. Dr. Phil Butin

Our culture prizes image, achievement, and strength. Yet in his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul reminds us that Christ’s way is marked by transparency, humility, servanthood, and vulnerability.

At this retreat, men of all ages are invited to step away from daily demands and join the men of First Pres for learning, conversation, reflection, and practical application. Together, we’ll explore how these Christ-like qualities can shape the way we live and love—at work, in our neighborhoods, in our families, and in our church.

Thursdays (weekly) 9-11 AM in the Conference Room
Contact: Jan Ellen Shawgo through the church office. 847-362-2174

All sessions are held at First Presbyterian Church unless otherwise noted.

Fall 2025: Sept 18 – Nov 20

The Ten Commandments by Adam Hamilton: Explore the enduring relevance of these ancient laws and how they shape our lives today.

Holiday Gathering: Dec 4

Social Hall Decorating & Lunch Outing: Help decorate the Social Hall for the Ecumenical Service, then enjoy lunch together at a local restaurant.

Winter 2026: Jan 8 – Feb 12

Embracing the Uncertain by Magrey deVega: A timely study for navigating life’s unpredictability with faith and courage.

Early Spring 2026: Feb 19 – Mar 26

Parables by Josh Scott: Unpack the deeper meanings behind Jesus’ stories and how they challenge and inspire us today.

Late Spring 2026: Apr 2 – May 7

The Bible With and Without Jesus by A.J. Levine & Mark Brettler: A fascinating look at Jewish and Christian interpretations of shared scripture.

2nd & 4th Saturdays, 7:30 am to 9:30 AM ( In Person & Zoom)

Contact: David Heusinkveld through the church office. 847-362-2174

Join us on the 2nd & 4th Saturdays, 7:30 am to 9:30 AM (In Person & Zoom) for study, conversation, and prayer as we explore passages of scripture, passages of life, contemporary issues, and literature for men. Our goals are fellowship, and to learn and grow in our Christian faith. For inspiration we typically rely on a book selection and cover a chapter per session with discussion leadership rotating among members. If this sounds like something you might enjoy, we'd welcome having you join our conversation and fellowship.

Explore what Presbyterians believe, what is distinctive about our Reformed heritage, and why our church is governed the way it is. This is a wonderful way to get to know our staff better and gain a deeper understanding for our priorities and passions, our ministries and missions. If you are curious, this class is for you!

Our classes are designed for those who are seriously considering joining the church as active members, those who need a refresher course, and those who are searching and discovering God’s leading in their lives. If at the end of the inquiring process you want to become an active member, there are simply two requirements—professing Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and baptism. We recognize all Christian baptisms. However, if you haven’t been baptized, a baptism date will be scheduled during a Sunday morning worship service.