GTW-Wednesday Nights at First Pres

Winter GTW - Wednesday Nights at First Pres

Our 10 weeks together will include a five-week class schedule, Ash Wednesday service on February 14, and a five-week Lenten Lecture Series. Our first hour (5-6 p.m.) you are invited to bring-your-own dinner to the Worship Center. We will provide cookies and beverages. Classes run January 10 through February 7. 


Schedule:

Wednesdays January 10 through March 20, 2024

Early Hour: 5-6 p.m. Beverages and cookies provided

Evening Hour: 6:15 – 8 p.m. Wednesdays, January 10 through February 7 (5 weeks)

GTW + Kids GTW + Youth Group

Lenten Lecture Series February 21, 28, March 6,13 and 20

Nursery childcare for infants through preschoolers is available from 5:45 to 8:15 p.m.

Kids GTW from 6:15 to 8 p.m. in the 3rd floor Gym.

Youth Groups: Middle School and High School from 6:15 to 8 p.m. in the Weber Student Center.


GTW Registration GTW Kids

The Greatest of These Is Love - Lenten Lecture

During Lent, Pastor Tim will be preaching from the Gospel of John, which begins with greatest act of love known to us – God coming to live with us in the person of Jesus. During our Lenten Lecture Series we will explore what it means to love God and others as Jesus loved. Is love “squishy” or is it a strong caring for others? Does love take God’s commands seriously? Join us as we think about these things with a wide-ranging team of speakers and topics.

Feb. 21 Love: The Chief Ethic - Rev. Dr. Mateen Elass

Feb. 28 The Order of Loves from St. Augustine - Rev. Dr. Tim McConnell

Mar. 6 Love and Worship -  Rev. Dr. Junior McGarrahan

Mar. 13 Love and Sex in a Time of Crisis -  Dr. Brad Hale, Director, Nicaea Study Center

Mar. 20 Love in the Letters of John -  Rev. Dr. Jim Edwards, New Testament Professor Emeritus, Whitworth University

Led by Pastor Joel Adams

“Is love a fancy or a feeling?” a poet once asked. Or is it either? What is love? Our culture would like to define it as accepting and validating everyone no matter what they do. But is that love? What does God say? The little epistle of 1 John speaks of love perhaps more than any other book of the Bible. It shows what true love is, relating it to other important concepts like righteousness and belief. True love will bear fruit such as true righteousness and correct belief. Join in as we take a five-week look through the book of 1 John, in a study underpinned by translation and exegesis of the Greek text. And maybe along the way you’ll have to rethink or redefine your conception of love.

Led by Dave Freehling

More than a story of a man and a big fish, Jonah asks us some hard questions: What could God ask of you that you would dread to do or might even refuse? Through Jonah God challenged His people to be open to caring and sharing even with enemies. The lesson of Jonah is that God’s grace extends farther than we suppose. Let’s explore these themes for ourselves and learn how deep is the Father’s love for us.


Led by Tammy Coleman

Are you among the many who find the Bible difficult to understand? Do you avoid reading the Bible because of its complexity? Come join us as we explore ways to better understand our sacred text. We will survey various Bible study aids and delve into the rich tapestry of literary genres comprising the Bible to include historical narrative, legal material, poetry and wisdom literature, prophecy and apocalyptic writings, gospels, and epistles. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how genre influences interpretation and meaning of the text.

Led by Junior McGarrahan

The father of Father Brown is a leading literary and theological figure in the early 20th Century. His writing is witty and thought-provoking. Based on three Chesterton works, Orthodoxy, Heretics, and The Everlasting Man, our conversations will center on his pathway to faith and his apologetic arguments for the Christian Faith.


Led by Dorothy Alvarez

We know that we should not worship idols and very few of us have shrines to an assortment of deities in our homes. But is there a way in which God’s command is still relevant today? Are we in danger of worshiping idols today? How do our idols affect our sense of self, our identity? What is the hope God offers us? We’ll look at passages throughout Scripture to learn about idols, the dangers they pose, and how to live in God’s freedom.

Led by Suzanne Gradin

What is God’s calling on your life? How are you uniquely made to carry that out? Whether you’re in a new season in life or simply sense an invitation to go deeper in your current situation, join us for this retreat-style class that helps you decipher how to live your life intentionally.



Facilitated by Mateen Elass, Mike Harvy, and Pastor Pat Hartsock

Wednesday, January 31



Facilitated by Mateen Elass, Mike Harvy, and Pastor Pat Hartsock

February 7. 

Led by Ray Wallander and Pastor Junior McGarrahan

Wednesdays, January 10 – February 7 3:30 – 5 p.m.

Explore how the bible has come to us down through history so that we can read it in our own language, as can hundreds of other cultures. With so many translations over the centuries, is the bible a reliable word from God?


For Kids + Students

Infants through preschoolers enjoy our fun and safe Nursery rooms with loving caregivers from 5:45 to 8:15 p.m.

Preschool through 5th graders to focus on deepening their faith and relationship with God in a small group and discipleship-focused program on the Third Floor. Our Kids Winter GTW will go from 6:15 to 8 p.m. in the 3rd floor Gym.

Students experience Jesus together with intentional community and belonging from 6:15 to 8 p.m. in the Weber Student Center.

Recommended RightNow Media Studies

Own your faith by leading yourself and those close to you through a RightNow Media study. As an active participant of the First Pres community, you have full access to RightNow Media, an online and on-demand library of Bible studies and videos for kids, students, parents, married couples and more. Getting access to your own RightNow Media account is simple. Email your request to Ina Meyer at imeyer@firstprescos.org and you will receive an invitation email from RightNow Media within 24 hours to set up your own account.

Contact Ina