Adults

Sunday School | Wednesday Nights | Small-Group Opportunities

Getting Connected: Small Groups at FPC Fall 2010

The Tricky Business of Forgiveness (8 meetings)
Monday mornings, September 27-November 15; 9:30-11:15 am, FPC; facilitators: Peggy Larus and Margaret Ford; register by September 10

Forgiveness is one of the things with which most of us struggle: both receiving God’s extravagant love and extending forgiveness to others. We know forgiveness is central to what Jesus taught, but sometimes we just are not sure how to move in that direction. During these eight weeks, we will explore Christ’s call to live a forgiven and forgiving life by reading a chapter a week and doing the reflection questions in The Way of Forgiveness by Marjorie Thompson. Childcare available upon request

The Top Forty Hits of the Bible (8 meetings)
Sunday evenings, October 3-November 21; 6:30-8:00 pm; at church; facilitator: Rosalind Banbury; register by September 27.

Looking at the “top forty” foundational Bible passages, we see why these texts have engaged the imagination of generations of people and raise important questions. We will see what issues get raised for us by each text and reflect how each scripture addresses who God is and who we are as human beings. Participants will read two to three chapters of scripture and answering a few reflection questions before each class.

Monday Evening Young Men’s Group (ongoing)
First and third Monday evenings, 7:00 pm- 8:00 pm, FPC parlor

This small group is designed for guys in their thirties and early forties who enjoy reflecting on how their faith impacts their lives. The group has been reading and discussing Mere Christianity, but the topics will change depending on the interest of the group. To join, email moderator Bob Priddy.

The Life You Always Wanted: Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People (7 meetings)

Tuesday mornings, October 5-November 16; 9:00-10:30 am; the first meeting will be at the home of the facilitator, Sally Brown, 2900 Mount Hill Drive, Midlothian; register by September 20

Tuesday evenings, October 5 -November 16 7:00-8:30 pm; at the church; facilitator: John Packard; register by September 20.

The heart of Christianity is transformation--a relationship with God that impacts not just our "spiritual lives," but every aspect of living. The author of our study guide, John Ortberg, calls readers back to the dynamic heartbeat of Christianity--God's power to bring change and growth--and gives us spiritual practices that are designed for ordinary people. Paved with humor, The Life You've Always Wanted is an encouraging and challenging approach to a Christian life that's worth living--a life on the edge that fills an ordinary world with new meaning, hope, change, and joy. This program helps Christians find room in their busy lives for Christ and recognize God’s call for them. This small-group study involves some homework.

Men’s Tuesday Morning Bible Study (ongoing)
First and third Tuesday mornings, 7:15-8:15 am, FPC

This men’s fellowship group meets in the church library two mornings a month to share fishing stories, golf scores, prayer concerns and to study Scripture. The Bible lesson is emailed to the group ahead of time. Hot coffee is ready as people arrive. Join us and be inspired! Contact Ian Nimmo or Bill Garrison to learn more.

Popcorn Theology: Faith Themes in Movies (7 meetings, once a month October -April) Organization meeting Thursday evening, Oct. 7, 7:00-8:30 pm, FPC, register by September 30

Do you love movies and enjoy discussing them with other people? Do you want to see how issues of faith and theology are presented in today’s culture? Then this may be the group for you! Once a month participants will gather to discuss a movie that participants have already watched. The first meeting will be to discuss format, time, place and future dates. Facilitation of the group will rotate between participants. Organizer: Rosalind Banbury.

Table Grace: Covered-Dish Suppers and Conversation (3 meetings)
Tuesday evenings, November 2, 9 & 16; 6:00-8:30 pm; at the home of hosts/facilitators Tassie and Richard Madden, 33 East Square Lane, limit 8; register by October 15.

Join us for three weeks of small-group discussion and covered-dish suppers. We will have the pleasure of getting to know each other and of reflecting on gratitude and thanksgiving. Each participating household will bring a dish to share each week, so we can enjoy relaxing dinners together.

Brothers in Christ (ongoing)
First and third Fridays, 7:00-8:00 am, Aunt Sarah’s Pancake House in midtown Richmond

This small group fellowship for men in which members can share their thoughts on various spiritual issues. Leadership is rotated throughout the group. The topic for the morning is selected by the volunteer leader from a reading or a personal experience that raises questions of faith for discussion. To join, email moderator Jim Irby .

Child of the Light: Walking Through Advent & Christmas (6 meetings)
Monday mornings, November 15 & 29, December 6, 13 & 20, and January 3 (or another day in January); 9:30-11:00 am; at the Far West End homes of facilitators Deborah Halloran and Irene Owen; register by October 29.

The Christmas season is often a chaotic, hectic race towards a “Christmas finish line,” rather than a nurturing spiritual journey. Child of the Light by Beth Richardson is an “Advent survival guide” that will help you find your quiet center amid the stressful flurry of the November/December busyness. Included in the small-group guide are daily meditations, recommended spiritual practices for the week, and reflection questions.

Other Special Opportunities

Taming Stress: Moving into Stillness (6 weeks)
Mondays, October 11 through November 15. 7:00-8:30 pm Cost is $100 per person, limit 12, register by September 29.

Does your life just get too packed sometimes? Do you feel like you are juggling too many balls? Then join us for six weeks to learn techniques to reduce your stress throughout your day. Joann Bibb, M.S., is our instructor who teaches stress management at St. Mary’s Hospital and St. Stephen’s Episcopal. Scholarships are available upon request to Rosalind Banbury.

Getting First Things First: A Women’s Retreat
Friday, January 28 to Saturday, January 29, Richmond Hill Retreat Center, register by December 1.

We wish that we could just push the “reset” button on our lives and all that we value—God, family, work, rest, social obligations—would fall into their proper places. This retreat offers refreshment and spaciousness to connect with God and others. Mimi Weaver, life coach and spiritual director, will help us reflect on what’s really important and how to get there. More information to come.