Fall 2025 Discipleship at First Church
At First Church, discipleship is more than a class—it’s a way of life. Our discipleship opportunities invite you to come and enjoy fellowship with others, learn God’s Word and grow in spiritual depth, and live with an outward focus by sharing Christ’s love in our church, our city, and beyond. Whether you’re new to First Church or a longtime member, there’s a place for you to plug in, find community, and grow in your walk with Christ.
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES
WEEKLY BIBLE STUDY CLASSES
FOCUSED CONNECTIONS
YOUTH AND CHILDRENS
Sunday morning Sunday School classes
9:30 a.m. Sunday mornings in various locations
Pastor’s Study
Rev. Dan Hutchinson, Jacob Thompson | Room E104
Rev. Hutchinson is teaching on Genesis during the fall 2025 semester. This class focuses on studying the Bible and the foundations of faith.
Young Adult Ministry
Rev. Julia Metcalf | Room E201
Singles and young couples in their 20s and 30s who are looking for meaningful community and rich, biblically focused conversation about life and obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Cornerstone
Kim Jones, Teresa Raybourn | Room E102
Explore the foundations of the Christian faith: the Bible, the Trinity, creeds, history and why we believe what we believe.
Covenanters
Henry Haskell, Tom Philp | Room E101
Gather to learn from and discuss challenging books, lectures and scripture. We may not always do the reading, but we always join in the conversation.
Faith & Family
Jessica and Jeremy Case | Room 206
Gather to study God’s plan for our lives in the midst of raising a family. Also meet for fellowship and fun outside of class.
Harbingers
Ted Jacobs, Dan Richmond | Room E202
Singles and couples with deep roots in the church, who enjoy a mix of worship, study, service, mission projects, fun and fellowship. Tend to be more self-directed/taught with interpersonal discussions.
Morning Glory
Charity Nyingi, Urbanus Masuku | Kirkland Library
Anchored in Prayer. Rooted in the Word. Each session includes guided prayer, scripture reflection and discussion, and intercession for the Worship service, church community and leadership team.
Reflections
Dr. Patrick & Dana Grogan | Room E103
Nurture our Christian faith through in-depth study, reflection, enjoy fellowship, discussion, prayer and joining to help others through mission outreach.
Shepherds
Renie Francis, Sadik Gassid | Room E203
A class for every season of life featuring lively discussion, Bible study, fellowship and hands-on mission work. Join us as we grow together in faith and friendship.
Sojourners
Margaret Holdridge | Room E204
Couples and singles who enjoy Bible study, discussing relevant issues facing the contemporary Christian and serving our Lord through mission and ministry.
Sowers
Richard and April Dericks | Room E205
Parents of young children (newborn to elementary age). Growing in our faith through fellowship, book studies, and guest speakers.
The Vine
Scott Rodehaver | Room E100
Couples, singles and parents who walk alongside one another while exploring the Word, we strive to live what it means to truly follow Jesus Christ.
Westminster Forum
Sherye Halliburton, Cathy Akin | Room E200
Guided by Jesus, strengthening faith through Bible study, discussions, and missions
Weekly Bible study classes
throughout the week at various times
Sundays
Pastor’s Study (Foundations)
Sunday mornings 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Room E104 | With Rev. Dan Hutchinson
“Genesis - Where It All Begins”
Join Rev. Dan Hutchinson for an in-depth study of Genesis. Explore its historical, theological, and literary depth as we trace themes that point to Christ and lay the foundation for the rest of Scripture.
Mondays
Men’s Monday Bible Study
Mondays, 12 p.m.-1 p.m., Room E103
Enjoy fellowship, lunch, and Bible study with other men. Each semester features a new book of the Bible—with this fall’s focus on the book of Luke—and discussion centered on life application.
Tuesdays
Precept Bible Study
Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m., Room E100,
Led by Denise Rounds
What does it mean to be holy and to know and love God deeply? Study 1, 2, and 3 John while exploring what it means to live a holy life and deeply know and love God.
Wednesdays
Courage, Dear Heart: Stories of Heroic Sacrifice and Surrender to Jesus
Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.; Sept 10 – Nov 19, Room E103
Boxed lunch available by reservation here.
In this inspiring class, we’ll journey through the stories of men and women who, like Lucy in the darkness, cried out to God—and followed Him when He answered. Their lives, drawn from the Christian Heroes Then and Now series, are testimonies of contagious courage and sacred surrender.
Each week, we’ll enter the story of a life transformed by that whisper: “Courage, dear heart.” These faithful witnesses came from all walks of life—some from privilege, others from poverty—but each, in their own way, reached a point of desperate dependence on God. In that place of surrender, their courage became contagious. Bearing witness to their stories, we’ll find ourselves invited to risk and dare and sacrifice more—not because of their strength, but because of their testimony to the faithfulness of God.
Thursdays
Hearts for the Lord
Thursdays, 10 a.m.; Room E313
Study None Like Him by Jen Wilkin, a look at ten attributes of God and how understanding them helps us grow as Christ-followers.
Parenting Book Discussion Group
Second and fourth Thursdays monthly
11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.; Room E100
A book-based discussion group for parents of elementary through teen-
aged kids, focused on raising children with wisdom and faith.
Saturdays
Before the Rooster Crows
Saturdays, 8:45 a.m. | Room E103
Led by Phil Rounds
Prepare your heart for Sunday worship by reflecting on upcoming hymns and Scripture readings in a warm and thoughtful setting.
Focused connections
Offering a unique lens on discipleship—shaped by life stage, creativity, or calling.
Your Hope in Jesus – How to Share It!
Led by Jerry McCoy
Learn to share your faith through testimony and biblical motivation. This ten-week practicum includes strategies you can use to help new believers grow in Christ. Begins mid-September. For more info, contact Emma Myatt.
Young Adult Ministry
Led by Rev. Julia Metcalf
Connect with other young adults through Bible study, theology chats, guest speakers, home dinners, and local service projects. Build lasting friendships through worship, fellowship, and mission.
Seasons Women’s Gathering
Mondays monthly, 6:30–8 p.m. | Miller Library
A monthly gathering for women in all seasons of life to connect with God’s Word, each other, and the church. Led by Rev. Julia Metcalf and Sarah Savage.
Lunch & Learn
Mondays monthly, 1:30–3 p.m. | Miller Library
A speaker series for retirement-aged adults and their guests, focusing on shared interests and life in this season.
Watercolor the Stained Glass Windows
Tuesdays, Sept. 16–Oct. 21, 12:30–2:30 p.m. | Tower Room
Begins with a stained-glass tour by Ronda Falkensten, followed by painting sessions led by artist Mary Lee Weaver. $20 fee. Limited to 15 participants.
Small Groups (K Groups)
Koinonia means fellowship—and that’s the heart of K Groups. These small groups meet regularly for study, discussion, and deeper discipleship. Contact Elizabeth DeVore or Emma Myatt for more info.
Spiritual Formation Events
Saturday morning retreats and prayer gatherings offered several times a year, designed to help deepen your walk with Christ. Dates to be announced.
Book Table Resources
Faith-focused books available on Sunday mornings in the Atrium. Additional titles may be checked out from the Kirkland Library in the Bernsen Building.
Youth Ministries
Pathfinders is our middle school ministry for students grades 5 through 8.
Exodus is our high school ministry for students grades 9 through 12.
Pathfinders Sunday School – Discipleship for students grades 5 through 8.
9:30 a.m. in the Powerhouse.
Exodus Sunday School – Discipleship for students grades 9 through 12.
9:30 a.m. in the Powerhouse.
P.O.W. (Pathfinders on Wednesdays) – Students in grades 5 through 8 gather to fellowship and learn about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Wednesdays, 6-7:30 p.m. (September-May) Location: Powerhouse.
AMASS Exodus – Students grades 9 through 12 meet on Wednesdays for worship, Bible study and fellowship.
Wednesdays, 6 p.m. (September through May) in the Powerhouse.
First Church Kids
Awana - Bible lessons, scripture memory, and games for ages 2 years old - 4th grade. Sign up for 2025-26 season here.
Wednesdays, 6:00 p.m., Wiseman Hall.
Sunday School – Infants to 4th grade learn God’s Word through engaging stories and activities.
Sundays, 9:30 a.m., Children’s Area
K2Quest - Special worship time for Kindergartners - 2nd graders
During the 11:00 a.m. service, after the Children’s Moment in the worship service.