Adult Ministries: Groups
The Bible teaches that the Christian life is one of community, not isolation. Groups are a means for us to make new friends, be a part of a caring community, and grow spiritually through the study and application of the Bible. These groups are communities of up to twelve people meeting together on a regular basis for the purpose of growing in relationship with the Lord. New groups are forming regularly.

Some are men’s groups, some are women’s groups, and others are mixed. Most groups are ongoing and you can join at any time. Groups with a fixed curriculum that can only be entered at certain times are listed at the end.

Select a group of interest according to the descriptions and contact the group leader for more information, or contact Pastor Rick Waters at 322-3572 or richarddwaters@comcast.net or DG Giordano at 322-3572 or dgiordano3@comcast.net to discuss which group may be ideal for you.

Leader's Resource List

SUNDAYS

Sermon Talk
This ongoing group discusses the Scripture from that Sunday’s sermon. You will enjoy the fellowship here as you learn more about God’s Word. Visitors and new members are always given a warm welcome. Join leader Howard Berthold at 9:30 a.m. in Room 201 of the Evangelical Center.

Matthew Study
Matthew's gospel interweaves a strong Jewish knowledge of the expected Messiah with a first-hand account of the actual Savior. Every detail of this book confirms Jesus' deity and proves He is the Messiah of Israel and the Savior of the world. Join leaders Paul Braunegg and Dawn Guerrisky from 9:30-10:30 in room 102, Life Center.

Semper Fidelis Class
This class is designed for our senior members. Currently this ongoing class is studying the International Bible Lesson Series. Join leader Chuck Garner at 10:45 a.m. in Room 202 of the Evangelical Center.

New Hope Center Sunday Morning Group
This ongoing group is currently studying the KJV International lesson series on "The New Testament Community." Join leader Evelyn Stauffer at 9:15 a.m. in Room 215 of the New Hope Center (1157 Market St.)

Bible Study Group
Kathy Choate leads a group at 6:00 p.m. at her house in Williamsport. Currently doing a study of Romans by Max Lucado. E-mail Kathy at kchoate3@comcast.net for more information.

DivorceCare
This group is a special weekly support group and seminar conducted by people who understand what you are experiencing. You'll learn how to deal with the pain of the past and look forward to rebuilding your life. Divorce Care is nondenominational and features biblical teaching for recovering from divorce and separation. You will become part of a small group of people who are experiencing separation and divorce. You'll have a chance to talk about the information presented during the DivorceCare seminar featuring 32 renowned experts on divorce and recovering. You are welcome to begin attending the group any time, as each lesson is “self contained”. Join leaders Lou Anne Bloom, Doug Foster, and Pat Braunegg from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in Room 102 of the Life Center. New this fall will be Divorce Care for Kids, for children ages 5-12, led by Jessica Durn and Jennifer Cooley. For more information about DivorceCare: pick up a brochure at one of the "Information Centers" or check out the DivorceCare website at www.divorcecare.org.

Women’s Group:
Nancy Somers and Carol Spearly lead a group that meets at 6:30 p.m. in Room 202 of the Evangelical Center. Current study is "The Beatitudes" by John Stott. Contact Nancy or Carol for more information.

MONDAYS
Mixed Group:

First Place
Want to be healthier, lose weight, and feel better--mind, body, and soul? First Place is a Bible study for a healthier YOU! Inclused team work and God help. Join leader Sandy Murray at 7:00 p.m. in Room 308 of the Life Center. The old adage "today is the first day of the rest of your life" is perfect for this study. For more information or to join our First Place group, contact Sandy at 322-5927.

Men’s Groups:

Men's Group
Are you a man in your 20's or 30's? If so, this is the group for you! Currently studying Mark. Meets Monday evenings at 7 p.m. Please contact Jon Smock at jonsmock@gmail.com if you are interested.

Bible Study Group
A group of men who desire to become more godly men by endeavoring to:

Know their creator better


Be closer to their family and children


Tear down the walls of division


Come to know God’s love

This group is currently doing a study by Chuck Swindoll, “Revelation—Unveiling the End.” Bill Peck will lead the group, assisted by Wayne Fausnaught. The group meets from 5:15 – 6:15 p.m. at Wayne’s home in Williamsport. For more information, please contact Wayne at 326-5525.

Women’s Groups:

Stitching for Service
Always wanted to Knit or Crochet? Already love it and would enjoy the fellowship of others as well as doing it for a service project? Join the needlework group from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Room 102 of the Life Center. Our projects this year range from knitting 7" x 9" blocks for "Warm Up America" to crocheting or knitting the afghan pattern of your choice for Gatehouse (Hospice unit at Divine Providence Hospital) to the sweaters for the Guidepost "Children of the World". There's a project for any level of skill including the total beginner. Instructions are provided for all projects. The fellowship will keep you warm through the winter months and our work will keep others warm! If you have any questions, please call Barb Harbach (323-5035) or Barb Lynn (322-4398).

Young Adult Group
This ongoing group is an accountability group with all participants helping to lead. They are currently studying I and II Corinthians. Contact: Tanya Igou (323-1759) Meets at 7:00 p.m. at a member’s home.

Bible Study
The popular name for this group is “Women of Faith.” From September ’08-May’09, Gerry Fausnaught and Martha Gandy will be leading the group in Disciple Bible Study. The group is full at thise time, but will be open to new women in the summer of 2009. Anyone who is interested in taking Disciple should contact DG Giordano 322-3572 or dgiordano3@comcast.net

Women’s Group
Judy Stauffer is leading a new Bible Study group for women on the book of Acts. The group meets at 7 p.m. at the New Hope site in the Fellowship Room. For more information, contact Judy Stauffer at 326-4369 or Barb Lynn at 322-4398.

TUESDAYS
Women’s Groups:

Christian Classics Book Group
This group is for women who love to read and discuss great Christian literature, with the goal of applying what we learn to our lives. It meets the first Tuesday of every month at D.G. Giordano’s house in Williamsport. For more information, call Barb Lynn at 322-4398, or D.G. at 322-9966, or at dgredeemed@comcast.net. Here is the fall line-up of books:

October:
The God I Love: A Lifetime of Walking With Jesus. By Joni Eareckson Tada.


November:
The End of Reason: A Response to the New Atheist. By Ravi Zacharaias.

Daytime Bible Study
Join leaders Carol Spearly (435-2173) and Judy Thrash for a Bible Study at 11:00 a.m. in Room 110 of the Life Center. Current study is on the Gospel of John. For more information, please contact Carol.

Women's Bible Study
Currently studying the "Women of Faith" series. Join leader Candrus Tallman at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesdays in room 201 of the Evangelical Center. For more information, please contact Candrus.

WEDNESDAYS
Mixed Groups:

Small Group Bible Study
Curent study is the video series called "What's So amazing About Grace?," by Phillip Yancey. The study is an honest look at the meaining of grace; its presence and absence in the world and in the church. Led by Scott Taylor and April Manley. Meets at 6:00 p.m. in room 215 at New Hope Center (1157 Market St.).

Pastor's Bible Study Group
Current study is by Max Lucado on the book of Ephesians. Paul's focus on the church reminds us that through salvation we become a part of God's family: a place where we can experience true belonging. Led by Pastor Rick Waters at 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Room at New Hope Center (1157 Market St.).

Wednesday Night Group Bible Study
Leaders are Kathy Tupper-Grafius and Connie Hull. Currently studying "Heaven:Finding Our True Home" by Douglas Connelly. Heaven is hard for us to picture. We think of floating on clouds and playing harps or walking on streets of gold. While we know we want to go there, we are a little nervous about what it will be like. This study provides us with a biblical perspective on heaven--something richer and more exciting than we could even imagine. The group meets at 6:00 p.m. in Room 103 of the Evangelical Center.

Men’s Groups:

Eye Openers
A group for men trying to get the right start on the day. This group's mission is to help men focus on Jesus in every aspect of their lives -- encouraging them to act with love and integrity within their families, their communities and their places of work. The group generally studies various Christian reading materials. Join leader Ron Frick (327-2131-work or raf1021@comcast.net) from 6:00 to 7:15 a.m. at M&T Bank, 101 West Third Street, First Floor, Williamsport. For more information, please contact Ron.

Men of God - A.M.
A group for all men to grow in Christ through study, sharing and service. Studies focus on books and characters of the Bible. Join leader Glenn Burgess (320-7383) from 6:00 to 7:00 a.m. in Room 102 of the Life Center. For more information, please contact Glenn.

Men of God - P.M.
A group for all men to grow in Christ through study, sharing and service. Studies focus on books and characters of the Bible. Join leader Steve Tallman (435-3672) from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in Room 202 of the Evangelical Center. For more information, please contact Steve.

Women’s Group:

Daytime Bible Study: "The Flock"
"That the World May Know/Faith Lessons" - Host Ray Vander Laan (a teacher and historian) will transport you to the Holy Land and reveal the Bible's intriguing historical context and its significance to modern believers, illuminating life-changing 'faith lessons' that will ignite your faith, strengthen your convictions and inspire you to confront your world. . New members can join any time. Join leader Barb Coup (322-4845) at 11:00 a.m. in Room 110 of the Life Center. For more information, please contact Barb.

Moms Seeking God’s Face
This group requires a commitment to spend daily time with God and to attend weekly group meetings. This group involves fellowship, prayer, study, serving and outreach. Join leader Kandy Fausnaught (326-5181) and Lori Boos at 6:00 p.m. in Room 101 of the Evangelical Center. Currently studying "Living Beyond Myself--Exploring the Fruit of the Spirit" by Beth Moore. Genuine freedom comes only through a life filled with the Holy Spirit. such a life displays the character traits the bible calls the fruit of the Spirit. For more information, please contact Kandy.

Bible Study Group
Join leaders Jeanne Baker and Jan Warren at 6:00 p.m. in Room 105 of the Evangelical Center. Currently studying "The Christian Adventure: Beginning the Exiting Journey of Faith" by Bill Bright. Designed to provide you with a sure foundation for your faith, and to help you share your faith joyfully with others. If you have been living in spiritual defeat, full of ups and down, this study will show you how to enjoy the adventure of a full, abundant, purposeful and fruitful life in Christ.

THURSDAYS
Women’s Group:

M.O.P.S. (Mothers of Preschoolers)
For mothers and their children (birth through kindergarten), MOPS provides a caring atmosphere where women interact, encourage and learn from one another by applying biblical principles to everyday situations. This group meets the second and fourth Thursdays of every month from 9:15 to 11:45 A.M. in the church lounge. For more information, contact Gwynne Kinley at 323-3525 or gwynnekinley@hotmail.com.

Stonecroft Bible Study
A study of the Bible aimed to help you experience a personal relationship with God. Led by Forey Breitenbach. Meets at 1:15 p.m. in the Fellowship Room of the New Hope Center.

SATURDAYS

Men’s Group:
Bible Study and Accountability Group
This group is currently studying "Men's Secret Wars". Join leader Tim Fausnaught (326-5181) at 7:00 a.m. at Wegmans. For more information, please contact Tim.

Women's Group:
Join this newly formed small group to study the book of James, sometimes referred to as "a how-to book on Christian living." Author Elizabeth George will walk us through this short, powerful book in the New Testament focusing on prayer, perseverance, patience and planning for the future. The lessons are rich, yet concise - the perfect balance for a busy woman who wants to stay grounded in God's word. Meets at 9:00 a.m. and is led by Kristin Takach. Meeting in Room 308-Life Center

INFORMATION ON GROUPS WITH A SPECIFIC STARTING DATE

DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY-- Classes fill quickly—sign up ASAP!
Disciple Bible Study has made a major impact on people of all ages at First Church over the past decade. Disciple is an in-depth study of the Bible that has helped the faith of many to come alive or to grow. Its graduates find themselves loving God and others more, with confidence in the knowledge that they are better equipped to serve others at First Church and beyond. Please prayerfully consider whether this is the right time for you to take Disciple. All Leaders at First Church are strongly encouraged to take Disciple Bible Study.

Disciple I is a 34 week overview of the Bible from Genesis through Revelation. Daily Bible study is required.

Disciple II is a 32 week long study that is open to anyone who has completed Disciple. It is an in-depth study of Genesis, Exodus, Luke, and Acts. Daily Bible Study is required.

For more information or to register for a group, contact D.G. Giordano at dgiordano3@comcast.net or 322-3572.

The Truth Project
Background: Bill and Cindy Peck were led by God to attend a Truth Project training weekend in 2006, and led a pilot group at First Church in January of 2007. Since then, close to 100 people, from college students through adults have participated in a Truth Project through First Church. Some of those participants were from other churches, and they have taken it to their churches, so it has impacted many throughout the Susquehanna Valley.

The Truth Project is a fascinating exploration of a Christian worldview. It looks at such questions as “what is truth?” and “community and involvement—God cares, do I?” Some of the topics involve theology, sociology, history, and the state, and what scripture has to say about those topics. The Truth Project is a 13 week DVD study put out by Focus on the Family. Attending a Truth Project really makes you think. Contact Cindy Peck at 323-3304 for more information, or if you would like to consider joining a Truth Project.

Followers Life - Join Us!
If you have not yet taken the important step of becoming a member, ask yourself these questions: Are you ready for the next level of commitment to Jesus Christ? Are you ready to publicly say you will support this congregation of His church with your prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness? If your answer to these questions is “yes!” then you need the following information:

The path to membership at First Church is called A Follower’s Life. It focuses on topics of faith and being connected at First Church. Please call the church office or talk to Pastor Rick Waters or Groups Coordinator D.G. Giordano if you have questions.

VARIOUS

T.A.S.K. FORCE (To Assist And Serve With Kindness)
This is a hands-on ministry involved in various tasks which support other ministries. Examples are table/chair set-up, flower planting and care, yard work, painting, etc. To assist and serve with kindness.
The group meets whenever need arises. Contact: Dave Spearly 322-3572

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