Christian Education

Jesus Christ said, “go make disciples of all nations . . . teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matt 28:20). He taught that we are to love God with all our heart, all our soul, all our strength, and all our mind. Christian Education is an exercise in learning to love God with our minds. As we study Holy Scripture, theology, and the human condition, we discover that ‘to know God is to love God’. As we worship together, we learn more about God through the proclamation of God’s Word, reading Holy scripture, reciting the Church’s creeds, and sharing in the common life of God’s people. ‘Learning Christ’, however, should not stop when we leave the sanctuary. At First Church we believe that Christian Education is a lifelong process— it comes through worship, continued study, and learning together. The great church historian, Jaroslav Pelikan, reminds us that “The church is always more than a school . . . . But the church cannot be less than a school.” In order for our faith in Jesus Christ to grow we commit ourselves to a life of Christian Education: learning to love God with all our heart, all our soul, all our mind, and all our strength. All ages are invited and encouraged to become active learners of the faith through Christian Education.

 

CLASSES & STUDIES
First Church encourages continued faith development by offering numerous classes throughout the year in three major areas: Bible Study, Faith Formation, and Christian Living. Classes range from six to eight week sessions, year round. Course catalogs are distributed and placed online before each session.

COMMUNITY GROUPS
As Christians we are called to be connected to one another in community. If you want to meet people and grow in your relationship with God, being a part of a Community Group is the best place for you. Community Groups are intimate groups that commit to meet and connect with each other during the week. They encourage one another to grow in their understanding of the Gospel as they live out their faith.

SUNDAY SCHOOL
First Church offers Sunday School Classes for all ages. Classes meet from 9:30 to 10:30am each Sunday and vary by topic and format. These classes encourage us to strengthen our faith through study, service, and group connection.

FORUMS & SEMINARS
First Church offers additional educational and spiritual formation opportunities throughout the year ranging from one-time classes to church-wide events. Past guests have included Bishop Will Willimon, Deaconess Clara Ester, and Charlotte Thomas from the United Methodist Children’s Home.

CALL TO ACTION

In addition to our Sunday worship, we are encouraging each person to pick (at least) one weekday class, Sunday School class, or Community Group to be a part of.  Click HERE for a full list of Sunday School classes and locations. Click on the graphic below to sign up for our 2019 Fall Classes.