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Adult Ministry

We offer a wide variety of classes for adult learners of all ages and stages. Whether you are a new Christian seeking to deepen your faith and knowledge of Scripture or a lifelong learner, there is a class for you.

You will find our church school classes friendly, challenging, inviting, interesting, Spirit-filled, lots of fun, and a great way to meet people! If you are not sure which class is right for you, just try them all! There is something for everyone.

Sunday Morning Adult Church School Classes, weekly, 9:30 - 10:15AM
Sharing the “US” in the PC(USA), Room 213
Teacher: Walter Jones
Designed to blend inquirers and members alike, long-time Presbyterians and those new to this church or any church, this class will strengthen each of “US” as we share the comforts and challenges of discipleship in our own place and time. Our class will work together: Examining our basic Christian beliefs and the practices and the people that distinguish “US” as a denomination and as a local congregation; Exploring our collective place in the wider church family; Enjoying a bond of respect, openness and friendship as we grow in spirit and knowledge.

Walter is a Presbyterian minister who grew up in Dalton and is a child of this church. Walter and his wife Jeane have recently returned to Dalton after serving churches in the Atlanta area until June of last year. The Joneses hope you will join them each week in exploring the faith that binds “US” together.

Gospel Christianity, Room 211
Teachers: Bob and Heidi Bethel, Chuck Harris
This is a class just for adults 25-40ish, single or married, who wish to explore their faith, values, beliefs, work, goals, and commitments through the lens of our Christian faith. What is the Good News of Christianity and how does it apply to your life, your job, and your daily life?
Visitors and new members are always welcome!

Christian Ethics, Room 210
Teachers: John McMillian and Tyler Downing
What is Ethics and Why Does It Matter?
Applying Personal and Professional Ethics in our Daily Lives!

This course will be in a discussion format and cover topics such as: Reasons to study ethics; the definition of business ethics; the economic, legal, moral, and religious aspects of ethics; the nature of moral decision making in organizations; the importance of beliefs and philosophies on personal decision making; and many other related topics including some case studies.
A wonderful class for learners of all ages!

Great Themes of the Bible, Room 206
Teachers: Susan Bisson, Bob Hubbs, Hilliard Jolly, Dan Strain, and Coy Temples
This fall the Covenant Class will study Great Themes of the Bible using the book of the same title by W. Eugene Marsh, Old Testament Professor Emeritus, Louisville Theological Seminary and author of The Mighty Acts of God. The class will explore major doctrines of our faith such as: God, Sin, the Law, Messiah, Covenant, Grace, Salvation, Worship, Service, Reign of God and many others in scholarly yet understandable format. The Covenant Class is a class for all ages interested in exploring in-depth, the biblical and theological aspects of our faith. It is taught by a team of seasoned, insightful teachers that you are sure to enjoy!

Faith Alive, Room 207
Teachers: Bettye Jo Wilson
This unique discussion-based class invites you to see and to share through selected Bible passages and prayer how God is working in your life and the lives of those around you. How do you learn to experience God in your daily faith journey? How do you discern God's will for your life? Join this class and experience your faith afresh and alive!

The Men’s Class, Scout Hut
Teachers: Murray Lumpkin, San Dover
The Men’s Class is open to men of all ages. Each week they have lively Bible study and discussion along with the added enjoyment of great homemade refreshments and a scenic environment in our Scout Hut. This Fall the men will be continuing their journey through Scripture as they work through the Gospel of Luke. They are always open to new members and new topics. Come join them.

More Learning Opportunities for Adults:
In-Depth Bible Studies: DISCIPLE and KERYGMA
If you make my word your home you will indeed be my disciples.—John 8:31 (The New Jerusalem Bible)


What is DISCIPLE?
DISCIPLE is a program of disciplined Bible study that focuses on the disciple as learner, believer, follower, proclaimer, and servant. All DISCIPLE classes are designed to provide the closeness and fellowship of a small group and offer study, prayer, support, and servanthood. It covers both Old Testament and New Testament, drawing upon the work of scholars to aid our understanding of the Bible.

This Fall we are offering DISCIPLE II
DISCIPLE II is a 34-week study (17 weeks of OT, 17 weeks of NT) that moves through the biblical stories of Genesis, Exodus and Luke, Acts. All students need to have a good study Bible and a DISCIPLE II Study Manual. DISCIPLE II will be offered at the following times:
  • Thursdays, 9:30-11:30 AM, beginning August 20, led by Jean Strain, Room 212

  • Sundays, 5:30-7:30 PM, beginning August 23, led by Mike and Lin O'Neill, Room 212
There is a fee of $34 to cover your materials.

Kerygma Bible Study, Room 210
Teacher: Ruth Lee Hair
Kerygma is an in-depth non-denominational Bible Study that explores many key biblical and theological concepts. This year the class will study Paul's Letter to the Romans in the fall semester followed by the Gospel of Matthew in the spring.
  • Thursday mornings, 9:00-11:00 AM, beginning August 20
There is a fee of $22 to cover your materials.

Note: Pre-registration is required for all DISCIPLE and KERYGMA classes. Contact Jean Strain, 706-278-8161, jstrain@firstpresdalton.org

A 2nd Cup with Tyler Downing, Wednesdays, 10:00—10:45 am.
Bring Bibles and join Tyler each week for a fascinating Bible study as together we explore the biblical, theological, and historical context of the Scripture. This fall Tyler will be exploring the Minor Prophets: Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Micah, Malachi, and others.

Pentz Street Bible Basics, Wednesdays at Noon, Pentz Street Station
Are you exhausted from being plugged in and on call 24/7? Do you find it difficult to set aside time for Bible study and devotion?

If you are a business person or professional, take an opportunity to unplug for an hour and recharge your spiritual batteries as you join Mickey Shealy for a light lunch and Bible study each week at Pentz Street Station coffee shop. This Fall, Mickey and company will be exploring Old Testament Bible basics. How did the Bible come to be? How and when was the Bible written and compiled into the form that exists today? What are the great themes of Scripture and what do they mean for us today? How can I apply God's Word to my life and work? Join Mickey and company each week as together we explore Bible Basics, Wednesdays at noon.

Wednesday Lectionary Bible Study, 6:45 - 7:30 pm in the Adult Commons
On Wednesday nights Mickey Shealy will conduct a study of the sermon scripture for the coming Sunday. The 45-minute class will explore more deeply the text, language issues, historical context, and most importantly scripture’s application to one’s life. Childcare is provided up through 5th grade.

Women's Ministry at First Presbyterian
Women’s Monday Bible Study - Mondays, 12:00
Ladies, please come each week and join our special guest teacher, Ruth Hicks and our own Noel Temples as they lead us in Bible study, prayer, and fellowship. This Fall, our Monday Women's Bible Study will be exploring a Beth Moore Study, Daniel: Lives of Integrity, Words of Prophecy. This timely study shows how individuals can live with faith and integrity in today's self-absorbed society. Open to all women in our congregation and the community. Please come and bring a friend. New location- The Recreation Place Cafe and Shop. Begins September 14.

Presbyterian Women's Circle meets the 1st Tuesday of each month at noon in our Adult Commons. The meetings consist of a catered lunch ($5) followed by a devotional and either a Special Bible Study or a visit from a Community Leader. Presbyterian Women encourages all members of our congregation and visitors to join them each month.

Young Women’s Bible Study, meets weekly, on Wednesdays, 5:00—6:00, in the Adult Commons
Our young women meet each week for an engaging time of fellowship, food, and Bible Study. This fall, our young women will begin a six-week study, The Sacred Echo, by Margaret Feinberg, which explores our interactions with God through prayer. When God really wants to get our attention, he doesn't just say something once, he echoes. God speaks persistently to us through a Sunday sermon, a chance conversation with a friend, Scripture reading, dreams, and many other ways. As God's voice echoes to us we are invited and encouraged to echo back through prayer. Come learn more this fall.
Visitors are always welcome. Childcare is available for children under three. For older children, consult the Wonderful Wednesdays children's schedule.

Men's Ministry at First Presbyterian
Men’s Prayer Breakfast - Tuesdays, 7:00-8:00 am, at Pentz Street Station Coffee Shop
Start your day off right! Join our men’s group each week for a devotional study, prayer, and a delicious home cooked breakfast prepared by Ginger Downing and friends. Nothing beats homemade biscuits, eggs, bacon, grits and gravy along with a big helping of great fellowship, prayer, and Bible study to start your day off right! Make plans to join the men each week. You’ll love it!

Support Groups at First Presbyterian
Grief Recovery ® Outreach Workshop - From time to time, we each face tremendous challenges in life. The circumstances in your own life or in the life of someone you know may have changed dramatically as a result of recent loss or from the cumulative effects of a long ago loss. For twenty-five years, the Grief Recovery® Outreach Program has helped thousands of individuals cope with the emotional pain caused by death, divorce, and other major losses. Whether your loss is from: Death of a Loved One, Divorce or End of a Relationship, Loss of Career, Loss of Trust, Loss of Substance Dependency, Loss of Dreams, Loss of Health, Job, or Security, the Grief Recovery Outreach Program will guide those who wish to resolve their loss issues and move beyond their grief to a richer quality of life.

For more information on these classes, call the Church Office, 706-278-8161