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
let's think about...
This summer we are considering how to incorporate “Sabbath rest” into our lives… and not just on Sunday! We will explore the Old Testament roots of Sabbath and how we can honor Sabbath today as we try a “Change of Pace.”
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.
It’s a Sunday Short for Summer!
All adults are invited to join us for a four-week study on Honor Sabbath in the Kirk on Sundays at 9:30 AM. We meet July 9, 16, 23, and 30.
On-going adult classes are welcome to break for these four weeks and join in!
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 FALL 2023 – Philippians: God’s Guide to Joy
Registration coming in August. Kick-off Sunday, September 10.
If you were not able to participate in the previous Jubilate small group studies, you may want to study on your own!
Drawn In Bible Studies by Eugene H. Petersen
Want to be more intentional with reading scripture in 2023?
Adults who would like a year-long reading plan are invited to try Grace-Full Love by the Week by Beth Templeton. Beth is a Presbyterian pastor from Greenville and has recently published this daily devotional guide which focuses on one scripture passage per week. By reading the same scripture for seven days and letting Beth help us reflect upon it in a slightly different way each day, we may find depth, clarity, and be moved in new ways during our devotional time. Each week stands alone, and you can start anytime!
The book is $20. Click here to purchase.
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. Meetings are June 25, September 17, November 12, January 21, February 18, and March 17. All meetings are at 4 PM in the Kirk.
Watch the complete story of Paul: The Apostle to the Gentiles
This trip is FULL. If you would like to be on the waiting list, email atedder@fpcandersonsc.com.
sunday offerings
Post-college to mid-30’s, forming new friendships as they explore matters of faith. Facilitators: Dennis & Anne Tedder, Drake & Gail Saylors, Fred & Sandi Tolly.
Meeting Sundays at 9:30 AM in the Parlor. Stay connected with the Gateway Facebook Page.
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, & Henderson Wise.
Meets Sundays at 9:30 AM in Room 216.
Bible-based video and book studies designed for mature adult couples and singles who will contribute to the discussion to grow their faith and grow closer as a group. Facilitator: Mike Kay.
Meets Sundays at 9:30 AM in Room 214.
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 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.
This class formed from many of those participating in Sunday Shorts last year. Studying the Revised Common Lectionary. Facilitator: Jennifer Stewart. Lead by various members of the class.
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 parents, 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 a brief bible study, fellowship, and reflection that will help reboot for the remainder of the week. Facilitator: Catherine Ryan
Meeting Wednesdays at 5:30 PM in Room 214 when Wednesday Night Live is in session.
Watch for short-term adult studies offered by one of our Pastors.
March 2023 – What Way do YOU pray?
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 and David Segers
Meets Wednesdays at noon in the Family Life Center.
Biscuits and Bible Study
Facilitator: Dr. Dennis Tedder
Meets Second and Fourth Fridays at 7:30 AM in the Kirk
Young women enjoy coffee, conversation, and a devotional thought.
Hosted by Katie Beth Johnson at The Bee Hive, 510 N Main Street
Contact Anne Tedder at atedder@fpcandersonsc.com for 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.
This organization of the PC(USA) meets in Circle groups to focus on bible study and contributing to PW mission. It offers large group programs for all women two times a year, usually in the fall and spring. PW is directed by a Coordinating Council of elected officers.
Daytime Circle meets second Monday of the month at 12:00 PM (noon) in the McDougald Room of the FLC. Jane Terry is the facilitator 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.
