Winter Classes

Michael McDowell, Associate Minister  • 860.529.1575, x201 •  michaelm@firstchurch.org
Arlene Eriksen, Administrative Assistant  •  x211 •  arlenee@firstchurch.org

Sundays

“OUR FATHER’S WORLD”
On the Care of Creation
Sundays at 8:45 a.m.

Join Greg and Ellen Gilson Voth as they host a class discussing Christian stewardship of creation and our response to the environmental crisis. The text being used is Our Father’s World by Ed Brown, Executive Director of Care of Creation, an environmental missions organization. This class meets in the Morgan House Chestnut Room on Sundays at 8:45 a.m. For full details, call Greg or Ellen at 860.563.7340.

DISCIPLES IN PROCESS
Sundays at 8:45 a.m.

Meeting in the Morgan House Oak Room on Sundays at 8:45 a.m., this class began a study of Genesis on Sunday, January 8, using J. Vernon McGee’s book Genesis: Chapters 1-15. The class is open to all, and is facilitated by Janice Johnson.

COUPLES’ CLASS
Sundays at 8:45 a.m. — Crazy Love

The God of the universe is crazy about you! His love is the most powerful thing in the world and He wants to give it to you, so you can live for Him. Sharing from his own life struggles and sacrifices, author Francis Chan issues a call for selfless, Christ-like living. Let the love you have received from God impact your life like never before. God calls each of us to a passionate love relationship with Himself. Crazy Love, Chan’s 10-week DVD study, helps us move beyond the status quo and pursue the relentless, all-powerful love of God! Live like never before—selfless and Christ-like. This popular class, open to all couples, meets in the Morgan House Drawing Room at 8:45 a.m. on Sundays. For details, call Steve and Lisa Peery at 860.757.3853.

GENESIS
Sundays at 8:45 a.m.

Looking at the biblical patriarchs, beginning with Abraham in Genesis 12, we are examining the text of Genesis in detail and placing it in its historical and archeological context. Taught by Dr. Glenn Sunshine, we are also looking at the theological significance of the accounts as we work through the text. The class meets in the Fireside Room on Sundays at 8:45 a.m.
  
Tuesdays

THE PRODIGAL GOD:
Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith
FOR SENIORS — Tuesdays, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., Feb. 14 – March 27

Come and discover, during Lent, the amazing depths of God’s extravagant love, in a new Bible study for our senior members/attenders and all other interested adults, led by Pastor Mike McDowell, meeting in the Morgan House Drawing Room. This study, written by Tim Keller, Pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, will include time for group discussion, developing new friendships, and prayer. Cost is $20 for the hardcover book and also a discussion guide. To register, call Marilyn Danielson at 860.529.1575, ext. 213.

AN INVITATION TO THE PSALMS
FOR WOMEN — Tuesdays, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.

At the center of the Bible is the Book of Psalms. This great collection of songs and prayers expresses the heart and soul of humanity. So ladies, please join Faye Smith as she facilitates this fascinating study of selected Psalms. The group meets in the Library.

Tuesdays or Thursdays

MEN’S MORNING BIBLE STUDY
“DOING THE RIGHT THING” — DVD Series Starts Mid-January
6:45 to 8:00 a.m. (Videos start promptly at 6:55)

This powerful 6-week DVD series begins January 17 in the Fireside Room for our Tuesday group, and January 19 in Conference Room 1 for our Thursday group, facilitated by Bill Lynch and Jon Vining. The videos feature Chuck Colson, Ben Stein, and our own Glenn Sunshine, moderated by Brit Hume. Each is about 30 minutes long and will be followed by our 30-minute discussion. Come and enjoy an inspirational time of study, discussion, and fellowship. For details, call Arlene at 860.529.1575, x211.

Wednesdays

BELIEVING GOD: Experiencing a Fresh Explosion of Faith
FOR WOMEN — Wednesdays, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Registration is now open.

Do you take God at His Word, or do you just believe in His existence and the salvation He offers? Based on Isaiah 43:10, this 11-week DVD study with Beth Moore comes face-to-face with the question of what it means to believe God. Facilitated by Judy Carson and Erika McKee, this class will meet in the Morgan House Birch Room. Please register with Arlene at 860.529.1575, ext. 211, or arlenee@firstchurch.org..

SACRED RHYTHMS
Wednesdays, through Feb. 15, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Registration is now open.

This six-session DVD study links the disciplines of the Christian faith to the most compelling desires of the human soul. Sessions include Desire: Longing for More in the Spiritual Life; Honoring the Body: Flesh-and-Blood Spirituality; and A Rule of Life: Cultivating Your Own Sacred Rhythms. The class will not only study each discipline but experience it during class time. Led by Pastor Mike and Cindy McDowell, we’ll meet in the Worship Room. All are most welcome! Cost of the study guide and book is $22; please register with Arlene at 860.529.1575, ext. 211, or arlenee@firstchurch.org.

PROVERBS
FOR WOMEN — Wednesdays, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Join facilitator Christina Jagel in a study of Proverbs, a book known for its divine wisdom and sound moral instruction. Using a study guide by Kathleen Buswell Nielson, this class meets in the Morgan House Chestnut Room. NOTE: We will not meet on February22.
FIRST PLACE 4 HEALTH: GIVING CHRIST CONTROL
Wednesdays, Jan. 11 to March 28, 6:15 to 8:00 p.m.
Registration is now open.

Join us for this life-changing 12-week class designed to help us intentionally live out the Great Commandment: And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and love your neighbor as yourself. Our community focuses on putting Christ first in four areas of life—emotional, spiritual, mental, physical—through Bible study, small group support and focused prayer. Led by Suzanne Edgaro, we meet in the Morgan House Drawing Room. Alums pay $20 for the study book; newcomers also purchase a resource kit. For details, contact Suzanne at 860.721.8303 or s.edgaro@gmail.com. To directly enroll, contact Arlene at 860.529.1575, x211. You can also print a registration form. Visit the FP4H table in the Wells Area on Jan. 8!

PRAYER CLASSES
Christian Healing Ministries

These classes educate people about healing prayer. The levels should be taken in order, as they build upon each other. They are scheduled periodically throughout the year and teach the biblical basis of prayer and how to pray for others. Watch for dates and times.

•  LEVEL 1 — This introductory course teaches students how to be effective prayer ministers. Topics include Scriptural Foundations of Healing, Gifts of the Holy Spirit, and Introduction to Deliverance Prayer. For details, or to enroll, call Arlene at 860.529.1575, x211.

•  LEVEL 2 — In this level, participants develop a more in-depth understanding of healing ministry. Topics include Healing of Marriage, Healing of Wounds of Divorce, Healing of Abortion, and Conception-to-Birth Prayer.

•  LEVEL 3 — This level covers areas of prayer that require a deeper understanding, and advanced training for effective prayer ministers. Healing of Addictions, Healing of Our Emotions, Ministering to the Seriously Ill, and Ministry of God’s Holy Angels are among the topics covered.
 
 
Thursdays

BETA: Learning to Apply God’s Word to Your Life
Thursdays, Feb. 2 through March 8, from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.

Studying the Bible can seem overwhelming, especially if you don’t have any experience. On Thursday, Feb. 2, facilitator Terry Shook will kick off a six-week study of the Bible, based on a book written by Nicky Gumbel, the beloved pioneer of the Alpha course. This class will meet in the Morgan House Birch Room. This is an opportunity for people who have very little or no experience with the Bible to gain some tools in studying God’s living Word with confidence and discover its relevance and power for today. For details, or to sign up, call Marilyn at 860.529.1575, x213.

WOMEN IN SCRIPTURE
EVERY OTHER THURSDAY, through May 31, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

WOMEN — This devotional study meets in the Morgan House Dining Room, led by Nancy Ryszkiewicz, who facilitates the discussions and prayer time. You are encouraged to bring a Bible, notebook and pen. For information, please contact Nancy at 860.881.8136.

Saturdays

SATURDAY MORNING MEN’S PRAYER BREAKFAST
With discussion of Scripture — Ongoing

All men are invited to gather in the Fireside Room from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. for prayer, discussion of Scripture, fellowship, and a hearty breakfast. For more information, please call Bud Reading at 860-794-2733.

We are a community

of Jesus followers

who love God, love one another,

and make disciples.