BASICS & FOUNDATIONS

Basics & Foundations is one of the longest standing Formation Classes at First Pres. Led by Larry Kreider various other teachers, the class is large format and lecture style covering various topics from the Scriptures to deep dives into the sermon series. Most of the folks in the class have been at First Pres for quite some time and would love to have you join their Formation Family!

DATE: Sundays at 10:15am
LOCATION: EMC, 310 + ZOOM
INSTRUCTORS: Larry Krieder, Paul Gibson, and others…

BIBLICAL NARRATIVE

An adult Sunday morning class that offers weekly lessons focused on the content of the Bible. Each year we work through an overview of the Biblical narrative in some manner, and then take a season to look at a particular book or theological theme in the Bible. The class is hosted by Servants in the Son, organized by Al Williams, and taught by Rev. Dr. Case Thorp and guest lecturers. This is a great place to invest if you are hoping for biblical teaching and ample time to connect with other participants in weekly table discussion.

SUBSCRIBE to the class email for supporting resources throughout the study!

DATE: Sundays at 10:15am
LOCATION: EMC, 330 + Facebook & fpco.org/live
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Case Thorp

 ENCOUNTER

Encounter the Trinity in Community

This is a class on guided spiritual practices in which people are able to come, learn, and grow familiar with practices that they might never otherwise engage in from lack of discipline or know-how. This class is a step into the wondrous world of an invitational life with God, yoked to Jesus' light. Experience meaningful, authentic encounters with God.

DATE: Sundays @10:15

LOCATION: EMC 300

INSTRUCTORS: Lisa Brockman, Chris & Anna Pratt

FIRST CONNECTIONS

First Connections is designed specifically for incoming Covenant Partners, or anyone who wishes to learn more about First Pres. Classes can be taken as part of a series, or stand-alone. Topics: Core Values & Strategic Priorities, Generosity, Missions, Belonging, Reformed Theology, and Presbyterianism.

The seminar meets for 6 Sundays each quarter:

FALL ‘26 | KING PARLOR | 10:15AM

September 13 - Reformed Theology, Leigh Swanson

September 20 - Vision, Dr. Jack Peebles

September 27 - Generosity, Dr. David Swanson

October 11 - Belonging, Rev. Tanner Fox

October 18 - Mission, Rev. Alexa Holcomb

October 25 - Presbyterianism, Dr. Case Thorp

Our Covenant Partner Process:

First Connections Video Series

First Connections Podcasts

First Connections Series: Vision with Dr. Jack Peebles

First Connections Series: Belonging with Rev. Tanner Fox

First Connections Series: Mission with Rev. Alexa Holcomb

First Connections Series: Generosity with Dr. David Swanson

First Connections Series: Reformed Theology with Leigh Swanson

First Connections Series: Presbyterianism with Dr. Case Thorp

PARENTS CLASS

This once-monthly class creates space and time for parents of all ages & stages to share encouragement and ideas around Biblical parenting. Connect and grow with other parents in your Church Family as you gain practical tools and wisdom to structure your home and family life. The format is primarily presentation-based with opportunity for round-table discussions, Q&A, and fellowship.

MONTHLY SUNDAY SEMINAR

10:15AM | LEE FELLOWSHIP HALL

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Healthy Families

➡️ September 20 — Dr. Paul & Tara Gibson ⬅️

Healthy families are the foundation for healthy parenting.

This class is for more than just parents. Engaged couples, couples with children, couples without children, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and anyone who wants to build healthier family relationships are all welcome.

Why? Because children are raised within a family system. The health of that system has a profound impact on the children growing up within it. Even the best parenting strategies can fall short when the relationships and emotional environment of the family are unhealthy.

Together, we’ll explore what it looks like to build trust and emotional safety within a family system. We’ll talk about how the way we communicate, handle conflict, express emotions, and relate to one another can either strengthen or undermine the health of our families.

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Healthy Parenting

➡️ October 18 — Dr. Paul & Tara Gibson ⬅️

This session will focus more specifically on parent-child relationships.

We’ll explore practical ways parents can spend meaningful and productive time with their children so that each child can experience a growing sense of trust, connection, and emotional safety. We’ll also consider how parents can model some of the most important qualities we hope to see in our children—including honesty, vulnerability, forgiveness, and grace.

Most importantly, this won’t just be a class to attend. Parents will leave with practical “homework” designed to help them identify clear next steps toward building greater trust and emotional safety with their children.

Our hope is that these two sessions will give families both a deeper understanding of what makes a family healthy and practical tools for putting that understanding into practice.

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➡️ November 15 — Host: TBD ⬅️

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Save these dates and contact Taylor Boutelle for more info!

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➡️➡️ Justin Earley Video ⬅️⬅️