Our church continues to provide a variety of in-person, online, and hybrid opportunities for adults to engage in faith formation at times and places convenient for them. We offer regular, on-going small group studies as well as short-term interest groups by topic. As we resume safe in-person gatherings, additional offerings will be added. Be sure to visit frequently to see available options and what’s new.
“O give thanks to the Lord, call on his name, make known his deeds among the peoples…Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually.”
Psalm 105:1, 3-4
opportunities for faith formation
Casting the Pageant: Meeting the Characters of Christmas
with the Rev. Dr. Allan R. Hilton
sunday shorts (short-term studies)
Adults not participating in an on-going Sunday morning class or small group may choose to try out something new…Sunday Shorts.
Choose a short-term option that interests you and participate on Sunday mornings during the Faith Formation hour (9:30 AM) as you are able. Options will change periodically and you may select another topic as it fits your schedule and your interests.
Stay tuned for our next Sunday Short for the Season of Lent – Coming February 2024.
Jubilate! seeks to encourage women of First Pres to bond through worship, faith development, fellowship, and fun. Featuring a large group worship/instruction time and small group discussions hosted by trained leaders, Jubilate helps women of all ages joyfully connect, pray, experience in-depth group and individual bible study, and get to know each other better.
Jubilate!
NEW STUDY WINTER 2024 – Speaking Wisely: Exploring the Power of Words
Registration coming in January. Kick-off Sunday, January 28.
If you were not able to participate in the previous Jubilate small group studies, you may want to study on your own!
Want to be more intentional with your daily devotions in 2024?
Our 2024 suggested daily devotional guide is by Paul David Tripp. He unpacks a gospel-centered idea each day in a way that is easy to read and understand. If you’re looking for a daily encounter with scripture, try New Morning Mercies.
Those who want a Bible “read through” next year might like to try The Story: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People. This reads like a novel, with 31 chapters that highlight major themes of the Bible.
study the bible on your schedule
new testament studies
old testament studies
Faith Formation Through Travel!
April 2024 – Greece: In the Footsteps of Paul the Apostle
First Pres Travelers are taking a trip to Greece and the surrounding area to journey in Paul’s footsteps and learn more about his preaching, his writing, and his missionary travels. We will be hosting study sessions to prepare for this trip.
Watch the complete story of Paul: The Apostle to the Gentiles
This trip is FULL. Stay tuned for our next opportunity to travel together.
sunday offerings
Studying the Revised Common Lectionary, presented in a lecture format with rotating teachers.
Facilitator: Pat Patrick
Meeting Sundays at 9:30 AM in Gallant Chapel.
In-depth Bible study for mature adults who enjoy approaching Scripture from a different point of view. Facilitator: Jane Terry
Meets Sundays at 9:30 AM in Room 122.
Lecture format in a casual setting, typically using contemporary studies based on a biblical book or theme. Facilitators: Scott Carothers, Brent Copeland, Bill Manson.
Meets Sundays at 9:30 AM in Room 216.
Deep, challenging give-and-take discussion with a small group of inquisitive minds, usually prompted by an academic lecture via DVD. Facilitators: Jean Mahaffey, Holt Ivey, & Jim Roser.
Meets Sundays at 9:00 AM (note earlier start time) with hybrid approach: In-person Room 212, and via Zoom. Those interested in participating via Zoom, please contact the class facilitator(s) to get a link to the weekly meeting.
A lively group with plenty of give-and-take as they discuss the lesson. Studying the Narrative Lectionary. Facilitator: Jennifer Stewart, with class members leading the occasional lesson.
Meeting Sundays at 9:30 AM in the Family Life Center Lounge.
Wednesday night live offerings
First Pres offers mid-week activities called, Wednesday Night Live (WNL), from September through November and January through March as a time for Bible study, choirs, and dinner together.
Busy moms, busy families, busy life! Why not unplug on Wednesday evenings while your kids are attending Wednesday Night Live programs? Recharge in a very casual atmosphere with fellowship, a devotional thought, and reflection that will help you reboot for the remainder of the week. Facilitator: Catherine Ryan, with occasional guest leaders
Meeting Wednesdays at 5:30 PM in Room 214 when Wednesday Night Live is in session.
Watch for a new Pastor’s Choice in January!
Meeting Wednesdays at 5:30 PM in the Chapel when Wednesday Night Live is in session.
other weekday offerings
These men enjoy study, fellowship, and service. They select a book of the Bible or a faith topic, discuss the weekly reading, pray together, and provide care for our church family and the wider community through an extensive Prayer Card ministry. This group welcomes men who would enjoy these activities of faith and fellowship. Facilitators: John Brown, Lee Terry and David Segers
Meets Wednesdays at noon in the Family Life Center.
Biscuits and Bible Study
Facilitator: Dr. Dennis Tedder
Following the Narrative Lectionary, men will examine the text for the week and help the pastor “workshop” the upcoming sermon.
Meets Second and Fourth Fridays at 8 AM in the Kirk
A small group of women who enjoy sharing deep conversation on a biblical theme and supporting each other with care, prayer, and wisdom for raising children and beyond!
Hosted by Katie Beth Johnson at The Bee Hive, 510 N Main Street
Normally meets alternating Wednesdays at 9 am. Contact Anne Tedder at atedder@fpcandersonsc.com for any updates on meeting schedule.
This women’s bible study is shepherded by Lynn Cantrell and studies a variety of topics chosen by the group.
Meets Mondays at 1:00 PM in Room 212.
The Women’s Lunchtime Circle meets monthly for lunch, fellowship, and a study. This fall they are using The Gratitude Diaries and Rhythms of Renewal to focus on gratitude as a spiritual discipline.
Normally meets second Monday of the month at 12:00 PM (noon) in the McDougald Room of the FLC. Jane Terry and Kathy Hall are facilitators for this group.
Anne Tedder
Coordinator of Adult Faith Formation
atedder@fpcandersonsc.com
Engaging adults in practices to strengthen their Christian faith for “real life” is the primary focus for Anne, who joined the transitional Faith Formation Team in December 2020 as the coordinator for adults. She has a long history of service with various non-profit agencies including Anderson YMCA, Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina (the Easley and Clinton communities), Presbyterian College, and Thornwell Home and School for Children.
She has served on the staffs of Bethesda Presbyterian Church in Camden (Children’s Ministry) and Government Street Presbyterian Church in Mobile, Alabama (Young Adult Ministry). She has a Master’s Degree in Christian Education from the Presbyterian School of Christian Education (now Union-PSCE) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from the University of South Carolina.
Anne has been married to her husband, Dennis, for 38 years and is the mother of two grown sons. She likes to walk/talk with friends, workout at the Y, play all kinds of games (ask her to teach you one), read, bake bread, and travel. After leading a church trip to Scotland in 2022, she is busy thinking about where we might go next.
