CHRISTIAN EDUCATION & FELLOWSHIP

FOR ADULTS

Grow in faith, deepen your understanding of Scripture, and build meaningful relationships with God and neighbor.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

Join us for a series of studies throughout the church year. Each gathering offers a chance to grow in faith, share conversation, and explore how Scripture speaks into our lives today.

LENTEN STUDY:
"SERMON ON THE MOUNT" 
begins Monday, Feb. 23

 

This Lent, go deeper into the surprising blessings of the Beatitudes with a book study on Jesus’ Alternative Plan: The Sermon on the Mount by Fr. Richard Rohr. You’re invited to read along, but advance reading is not required to participate. Each week, Rev. Nicole Chapman-Farley will offer brief chapter summaries and guide the group into thoughtful conversation around the book’s themes and emphases.

 

Class meets Mondays in Lent:

2:00 PM — in person, Dougherty Room

6:00 PM — on Zoom

 

RSVP by Thursday, February 19 to receive all the details, including weekly reading selections and Zoom information.

RSVP

WOMEN'S MINISTRY EVENTS

WOMEN'S SPRING RETREAT
MAY 2, 2026

Co-chairs: Cari Beecher, Gabrielle Devlin, Barb Klein & Mara Ventura

SMALL GROUPS AND BIBLE STUDIES

WOMEN'S MINISTRY

Our Women's Ministries are dedicated to bringing Women of Christ together in fellowship with one another.
 

The Women's Ministry Board sponsors spring and fall retreats, as well as seasonal worship opportunities such as the Ecumenical Advent Service led by women in ministry. Come to our retreats or join or ministry board! Reach out to Rev. Amy Heinrich to learn more.

EMAIL

WOMEN’S DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY

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.
 

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.

WEDNESDAY MORNING BREAKFAST & BIBLE STUDY

Wednesdays from 7:00 - 8:30 AM on Zoom

Contact: Carol Braunschweig through the church office. 847-362-2174

WOMEN'S CIRCLES

Our Women's Circles gather once a month (September through May) for a Bible or book study, fellowship, and prayer. These groups are devoted to nurturing and caring for one another. Women of all ages are encouraged to participate! 

Ruth Circle
3rd Tuesday

7:15 AM in homes

Polly Vente

Esther Circle
4th Tuesdays

7:00 PM Dougherty Room

Stephanie Hamrick

Hannah Circle 
2nd Fridays  

9 AM in homes

Liz Tanner

Lydia Circle
1st Fridays  

1 PM in homes

Patti Hudak

Rebecca Circle
4th Monday

7 PM in the Parlor   

Jessie Pazdell

Please email Michelle for the group leaders contact information.

MEN’S SOUNDING BOARD

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.

 

MEN’S ZOOM BIBLE STUDY

Tuesdays, 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Contact: Brian Tischendorf through the church office. 847-362-2174

Join the Men’s Zoom Bible Study for weekly fellowship, prayer and topical Biblebased
lessons. We are a locally-led group with members from several different states
and churches. We gather in person quarterly for a fellowship lunch. No homework!

RESOURCES

LIBRARY

The church library is a valuable resource for books and other materials used in our adult and children’s faith formation  programs. Drop by anytime the building is open and take a look at the wide range of offerings. Small groups may reserve the library for meetings through the church office.  The library is open to suggestions for books on specific topics, or by particular authors. (read more)

SPIRITUALITY ROOM 210

The Spirituality Room, located on 2nd floor of the Faith Formation Wing in Room 210, is open for individual use whenever the doors of the church are open. Small groups are encouraged to schedule the use of the room through the church office.

INQUIRER'S CLASS

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.

EMAIL MICHELLE
SIGN UP FOR OUR NEXT CLASS