FaithWalk

Learning to Follow Jesus More Closely 

FaithWalk is First Church's collection of opportunities to grow deeper in discipleship through learning and reflection. The FaithWalk experience takes a number of forms: "courses," retreats, book discussion groups, "movie nights" with subsequent discussion, and, of course, studies and other learning experiences.

The FaithWalk ministry intends to help Christians become deeper followers of Jesus Christ. Following Jesus manifests itself in a number of dimensions, including loving Jesus; following him every day; growing deeper in faith; inviting others to know Jesus; forgiving quickly and reconciling eagerly; helping people in need; and working for the transformation of the world. Every experience we offer under the FaithWalk banner is intended to help Christians grow in one or more of these dimensions.

The following studies are being offered in January of 2010:

Career Transition Support Group

Tuesday evenings, beginning 1.5.2010

7:00-8:30 pm

Room 113

Facilitator: Tonya Smith

This is a group for those who have experienced job loss and those wishing to change careers. Many questions arise in our minds, hearts, and spirits when we receive that pink slip or are told that our job no longer exists. The group meets for information, discussion, encouragement, and support, and is led by a trained facilitator. Ongoing

Parenting With Love and Logic 

Wednesday evenings, beginning 1.6.2010 

6:30-7:30 pm

Room 208

Discussion leader: Michelle Schroeder

Materials fee: $20 

Parenting With Love and Logic will help parents with the challenge and joy of parenting. The study is intended to provide parents with ways to raise responsible, independent children who understand that behaviors and choices have consequences, while giving parents pointers on how to make sure that the life lessons in accountability that children must learn are given in an atmosphere of love and support. 6 sessions

Catch 

Wednesday evenings, beginning 1.6.2010

6:30-7:30 pm

Room 211

Study leader: Holly Bandel

Catch is a six-week study about connecting with people in our community and attracting them to become a part of our faith family. Learn how to fish for people as Jesus has commanded, and how to make a difference in other people's lives. Join Pastor Holly Bandel in exploring how we may do this individually and as a church family. 6 sessions

Nooma 

Thursday evenings, beginning 1.7.2010

7-8:30 pm

Room 211

Discussion leader: Andrew Hamilton

Nooma is an odd-sounding name for a six-week Bible reflection experience designed by Rob Bell, the dynamic young pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The study will consist of viewing a creative, engaging 12-minute video that explores a topic in Christian faith and living, and then reflecting together on the video. "Nooma" is an English spelling of the Greek word for "Spirit," and the intent of the video series is to use music, visuals, and the spoken word to allow you to move deeper in your own understanding of Christian faith. 6 sessions 

Financial Peace University

Sunday afternoons, beginning 1.10.2010

4:30-6:30 pm

Room 230

Facilitator: Mark Lucke

Registration fee: $95

Financial Peace University is a 13-week video-based learning experience from Christian author and financial expert Dave Ramsey. This study will help students learn how to recover from financial difficulties of the worst kind, how to take responsibility for gaining financial peace, and how to view family finances and live a financial life from a Christian standpoint.Your registration fee supplies you with a Membership Kit containing Dave’s book Financial Peace, audio CD’s of all 13 of Dave’s lessons, a workbook, budgeting forms, and a bonus CD containing a financial calculator and other worthwhile pieces of financial software. 13 sessions

How to Read the Bible/How Not to Read the Bible 

Monday evenings, beginning 1.11.2010

7-8:30 pm

Room 211

Study leader: Mark Lucke

In church, from pastors, and from other Christians, you hear it over and over: "You should read the Bible regularly!" But the Bible's not an easy book to wrap your brain around. How does a Christian go about reading and understanding it? This 4-week study will introduce you to the Bible, what's in it, and how to read it with understanding, as well as helping you steer clear of unhelpful ways of reading the Bible that are unfortunately all too easy to encounter. 4 sessions

Bariatric Support Group

Second Tuesday of each month, beginning 1.12.2010

7-8:30 pm

Room 215

Group leader: Dr. Martin Deschner

Led by professional counselor Dr. Martin Deschner, this group provides encouragement and support to maintain the challenging and often difficult diet and lifestyle changes needed by those who have had bariatric surgery. The friendly and open format of the group provides a supportive environment in which to share. Ongoing

Wednesday evenings, beginning 1.20.2010

7:00-8:30 pm 

Room 205

Hurts, habits, and hangups can keep us from experiencing the depth and joy of our faith. In this eight-week study based on the Beatitudes, Pastors Rick Warren and John Baker outline eight life choices that enable transformation, spiritual maturity, and healing that lead to lasting happiness. 8 sessions 

Register for these studies by filling out a registration form at the Adult Ministries table on Sunday morning, or by calling the church office, 972-423-4506.