Exploring Discipleship Multiple Ways


What does it mean to be a disciple of Christ in the real world? That was the question explored by a group of men who gathered for a men’s retreat at First Presbyterian on Saturday, September 12.


Parish associate Rev. Dr. Greg Palmer looked at key moments in Jesus’s ministry—the cleansing of the temple and the Last Supper—in the context of what else was happening with Jesus and his community at the time. After Greg’s presentations, men in small groups discussed the challenges of practicing their faith in daily life.


Conversation at tables focused on questions posed in three different breakout sessions. Te first group of questions asked about how a person knows he’s a disciple and the criteria or behavior that allow one to determine an answer. Te second group of questions pertained to challenges and failures men experienced in their faith lives. And the third group addressed attitudes or habits that need to change and the commitments men were willing to make to each other about their faith.


Te day concluded with a celebration of the Lord’s Supper.


First Presbyterian hosted a local workshop on Stephen Ministry attended by people from numerous area churches on October 3.


Stephen Ministry, a vibrant and compassionate form of pastoral care that has been practiced at FPCA for several years, engages members of a congregation in one-on-one


ministering to people who are going through difficult times. Trained ministers often meet and talk with care receivers who are going through job loss, divorce, grief, or other challenges. Relationships formed in Stephen Ministry can help people find comfort and hope.


Te workshop included sessions by Stephen Ministry trainers on ministering to people who are grieving, an introduction to Stephen Ministry, and how to care in a distinctly Christian way.


Stephen Ministry is often life-changing for those who go through training and minister to others during a time of need.


NEW ADULT SHARING OPPORTUNITIES


Beyond retreats and training for outreach, First Presbyterian also has added opportunities for spiritual formation on Sunday mornings aimed at adults interested in meeting to talk and share.


PRESBY PERK is back on the Sunday morning Spiritual Formation schedule and meets in the Commons from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. The casual conversation format gathering is led by the Presby Perk Team: Laurie Boucher, Cindy Cianela, Kelly Hess, and Jack Treadway. Conversation topics vary according to the interests of the participants.


PARENTS COFFEE AND CONVERSATION meets four times through the academic year, and is an opportunity for parents in particular and all adults in general to gather and discuss ways in which we can nurture the children of our congregation and support parents. Debra Romberger, PhD, LPC, leads the discussions, held in the Commons from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. The first session focused on how to encourage Bible reading in the home. Other conversations on the 2015–16 calendar:


• November 15: What is the significance of space in our relationships? • January 24: Communication among adults in a family setting • March 20: The importance of mindfulness in our spiritual formation


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