Christian Education

Sunday School for Children

Sundays, 9:45 a.m.

Infants and Toddlers

Our very youngest members are cared for on Sunday mornings during Sunday School by church member volunteers.

Infants: Room 108
  Toddlers: Room 114

 Preschool Children

Two and Three year olds: Room 212

Amanda Hughes, Susan Herold, Melissa and David Hunt, and Whitney Vincent will use Bible Quest curriculum to focus on going to church, the baby Moses, and thanking God.

Four and Five year olds: Room 112

Pam and John Kuyk, and Anna and Dee Campbell are the teachers. Using  WeBelieve curriculum, they will experience God’s creation: creation of the world, of a people, and of a lineage.

Covenant Kids  (1st-5th)

Come to the Chapel at 9:45 for important “beginnings!” Following chapel time, rotating workshops on the 3rd Floor of the Education Building (art, music, computer, temple, cooking, drama and A/V) provide hands-on Bible story investigation. 

Fall Bible studies include:
The Beatitudes
Peacemaking
David and the Lion’s Den
Advent: The Births of John and Jesus

Sunday School for Youth

Sundays - 9:45 a.m.

MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH (6-8th)

Room 406, Education Building

Katie Sawrey, Mary McCoy, and Suzanne Meyer will inspire youth using Bible Quest and other resources to create an exciting year filled with hands-on fun and learning.  “Choices” will initiate this year of investigating faith issues and where we fit in. Movie clips along with scripture help to jump-start the discussions.

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH  (9-12th)
Youth Lounge, Activities Building

Choices” will initiate this year of investigating faith issues and where we fit in. Movie clips along with scripture help to jump-start the discussions. Lead teachers are Claire Butler and volunteers.

Sunday School for Adults

Sundays - 9:45 a.m.

Adults can choose from a broad menu of Sunday morning church school classes, varying in curriculum and format.  Basic to being Presbyterian is  learning about the Bible, faith and Christ. Everyone is encouraged to review the list of classes, to discern their own need, and to select classes accordingly. Listed here alphabetically are class plans available at the time of printing. Visitors and new members are welcome to attend any class on any Sunday.

Inquirers’ Class

9:45 a.m. in the Ruffner Room

An orientation class (Inquirer’s Class) for visitors and new members is offered quarterly.  Visitors and new members will enjoy a casual atmosphere as they study and discuss the basics of the Christian faith, Presbyterian beliefs,  history of the Presbyterian Church and of First Presby, an overview of programs and classes, and membership information. (This is a three-week series.) Contact: Robin Harlow, 343-8961.

The next Inquirer's Class series is scheduled for March 2, 9, and 16 at 9:45
am in the Ruffner Room.  This is an oreintation class for visitors and new
members and includes a church tour.  All newcomers are encouraged to contact
Robin Harlow at 343-8961 or robin@firstpresby.com for information about
classes and activities at First Presby.

Please join us in the Ruffner Room, which is located straight through the left-hand double doors at the front of the Sanctuary. There is child care for little ones and Sunday School for bigger ones. To find out more, call Robin Harlow, 343-8961, or email robin@firstpresby.com.

COVENANT CLASS

Room 403, Education Building

The Covenant Class enjoys in-depth Bible study, a chapter, a verse, at a time. They began in September with the Old Testament book of First Samuel. This class is ready to welcome visitors and new members who are looking for a close and caring church family. Class facilitators: Larry and Darlene Kerr, 925-0098.

the class

Room 204, Activities Building

The class is a friendly group of adults who study the Bible and social issues. They enjoy class discussions and social activities. The class agenda and information are posted here.  Class contact: Bill Mullett, 342-3779.

Discovery Class

Bud Francis Recreation Room, Activities Building

The Discovery Class seeks to bridge the weekday life of work and family responsibility with the need for spiritual nurture and growth. The class is composed of folks from all walks of life, many of whom are parents of children, youth, and young adults.  The class agenda and information are posted here.  Class contact: Rick Francke, 345-8579.

Foundations Class

Room 109, Activities Building

The Foundations Class is a group of self-defined “still-young adults” roughly 30-50 years of age. This is a non-traditional type of class with a casual atmosphere incorporating contemporary, inspirational music and fellowship.

Planned topics of discussion include “Christian symbolism in Grimm’s Fairy Tales” with Rick Francke, “The Travels of Paul” with Otis O’Connor, and “Critical New Opportunities in Christianity” with Rev. Bill McCoy.

Come and try out the Foundations Class! Visitors and new members are welcome at any time. Class contact: Andy Stewart, 342-8983.

KOINONIA CLASS

Room 412, Education Building

This class has both married and single adults, mostly in their 40’s-50’s, who enjoy studying daily spiritual applications and Biblical understanding. Class contact: John Bolt, 342-3698. Oct. 15 — “PCUSA Confessions: A Brief Statement of Faith” Oct. 22 — “Cartoons of Muhammad: Free Speech or Sacrilegious Offense?” Oct. 29-Nov. 12 — “Responding to Terrorism” Nov. 19-26 — “What do Presbyterians Believe?” Dec. 3 — “Seasons of the Church Year” Dec. 10 — Wrapping of presents for Covenant House family Dec. 17 — “Celtic Christianity: An Introduction”

RAINBOW CLASS

Room 214, Education Building

The Rainbow Class is for adults who are mentally challenged and is open to the Charleston community. If you know of someone who could benefit from this class, please contact one of the leaders listed below. The teachers seek to guide individuals along their faith journey to the best of their personal abilities through very basic Christian stories. Class activities and fellowship times are held throughout the year. Class.  contacts: Jean O’Connor, 346-4047, and Susan Herold, 342-0860.

RUFFNER CLASS

Room 201, Activities Building

This is a class for middle-aged to older adults, many of whom are joyful grandparents! Concerned about applying the Christian faith to everyday life and current issues, the Ruffner Class focuses on Bible study and the Bible’s relevance. Class contact: Charles Glotfelty, 744-5231 Oct 1-15 — “Spirituality” led by Jane Smith Oct. 22-Nov. 5 — The Covenants led by Suzanne Meyer Nov. 12-19 — Bob Newman will teach on a topic of his choice. Nov. 26 — TBA Dec. 3-17 — “Christian Hospitality and Evangelism” led by Debbie Jarvis

SENECA CLASS

Room 405, Education Building

Our newest class, Seneca, is composed of couples and singles in their 20’s and 30’s. Come to the Seneca Class to explore your faith, build lasting friendships, learn what various denominations believe, and explore the role of church in the community. Class contact: Emily Hopta, 346-4429.

Sojourners Class

Room 411, Education Building

The Sojourners’ Class is a diverse group, including both couples and singles, and with a wide range of ages and interests.  In addition to the normal Sunday School and socials, the class maintains a special ministry to Smith Street Station, a subsidized apartment house for low-income residents.

They are studying Richard Foster’s classic book, Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth.  This book explores the central spiritual practices of the Christian faith and provides a path for spiritual growth. It celebrates 12 classical disciplines, which are divided into three movements of the Spirit: inward, outward and corporate.

Additional upcoming topics include discipleship, service, science and the Christian faith, and different worship styles.  Please feel free to attend at any time. Class Contact: George Keller, 744-3152.

Trinity Bible Class

Room 203, Activities Building.

This class of middle-age and older adults studies the Bible using “The Present Word” curriculum. Seasonal socials include a luncheon in December. The fall series starts with an Old Testament survey focusing on “God’s Living Covenant,” and continues into December with “Jesus Christ: A Portrait of God.” Teachers: Susanne Meyer, Otis O’Connor, Kay Lamb, and Chris Zinn. Visitors are always welcome. Class contact: Marian Patton, 344-0303.  

Weekday Study Groups

DAYBREAK: A Bible study group for parents of young children

Wednesday, 6:45 p.m. in Room E-411. Join this group for the fall study of “The Patriarchs” by Beth Moore. Child care is provided in the church’s playroom (ground floor under the Chapel).

CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER

Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. in the Ruffner Room. "Listening for the Presence of God." Experience this type of prayer as you spiritually engage the word of God.

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY

9:30-11:30.m. Thursdays in the Ruffner Room.

Currently they are studying "The Book of Daniel" by Beth Moore. The facilitator is Georgie Francke. They use a daily workbook, video and discussion to explore the scripture. If you would enjoy being with women who study the Bible together, please come on Thursday morning.

THURSDAY MORNINGS is the time for a Bible study of the scripture focus for the following Sunday worship. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the downtown Shoney's Restaurant for breakfast and discussion. (Breakfast is optional.) The facilitator is Lyle Sattes.

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