Wednesday Nights at First Pres

GTW - Wednesday Nights at First Pres

Our 11 weeks together will include a five-week class schedule bookended by evenings of worship and ending with a four-week lecture series. 


Wednesdays August 28 through November 6, 2024

Worship and Prayer Nights, 6:15-8pm, August 28 and October 9

Early Hour Classes: 3:30-5 p.m. Wednesdays, September 4 through October 2

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

Evening Hour Classes: 6:15-8pm Wednesdays, September 4 through October 2

GTW + Kids GTW + Youth Group

Lecture Series October 9 (introduction),16, 23, 30 and November 6

GTW Registration GTW Kids Fall Discipleship Magazine

Saints, Sorrows, and the Psalms

It happens to us all—we believe with certainty in the hope we have in Jesus. But there are times in our lives when we wonder about that hope. Our circumstances may deteriorate, or we fall into a kind of spiritual apathy, wondering if we should even get out of bed. Earlier Christians called this the sin of sloth or the listless condition of acedia. How do we respond to such a condition? In addition to the fall sermon series Who Cares?, our Fall Lecture Series will explore how some prominent Christians turned to the Psalms for help and comfort during such times. We will begin on October 9 with a potluck dinner, worship led by the Youth Praise Team, and a presentation by Brandi Walters, a member of our Christian Counseling Coalition. Brandi will help us distinguish between this spiritual condition and clinical depression.

Topics and speakers for this series are:

Oct. 9 Introduction to Fall Series during All Church Prayer and Worship Night - Brandi Walters

Oct. 16 Martin Luther - Pastor Tim McConnell

Oct. 23 Dietrich Bonhoeffer - Pastor Jim Edwards

Oct. 30 C. S. Lewis - Brad Hale

Nov. 6 Amy Carmichael - Pastor Junior McGarrahan

Facilitated by Rev. Rochelle Bruhn, MDiv, MA in counseling Ministries retired BC Hospital Chaplin

This class is for caregivers of loved ones with extended illnesses or conditions requiring constant care. Join us to gather, encourage one another, and explore God’s current call on our lives, His provision, community, rest, and mysterious hope. Because caring for an ailing loved one demands flexibility, attend when you can and leave when necessary. The door is open.


This class is offered during our Daytime Discipleship Opportunities.  Wednesdays, September 4 - October 2; 3:30-5 p.m.

Led by Pastor John Goodale and Ty Saltzgiver

Embrace the gift of the years still before you! In this class, inspired by John Goodale’s book Finishing Well, we’ll explore ways to make our remaining years among our best years.

We’ll explore some of the following topics:

• Ending Strong: How can we make our last years our best years?

• Leaving a Legacy: How can we leave something behind that will ripple into the lives of others?

• Living to Our Potential: How do we live out the great potential God has placed within us?

• Cultivating Gratitude: How can we more fully celebrate the good that fills our lives?

This class is offered during our Daytime Discipleship Opportunities. Wednesdays, September 4 - October 2; 3:30-5 p.m.

Facilitated by Pastor Pat Hartsock

This in-depth Scriptural study is designed to cause in-depth growth and development in our everyday Christian lives. As listed below, five major areas will be addressed by five exceptional teachers of God’s Word.
• The Consecration and Sanctification of Our Minds – Taught by Pastor Jim Edwards
• The Consecration and Sanctification of Our Emotions – Taught by Evie Bodett
• The Consecration and Sanctification of Our Wills – Taught by Pastor Tim McConnell
• The Consecration and Sanctification of Our Hearts – Taught by Marguerite Hermanson
• The Consecration and Sanctification of Our Souls – Taught by Pastor Pat Hartsock
This class is offered during our Daytime Discipleship Opportunities. Wednesdays, September 4 - October 2; 3:30-5 p.m. and during our evening classes from 6:15 - 8 p.m.

Led by Pastor Junior McGarrahan

Every day, we encounter clashes of political opinions, cultural differences, and moral conflicts. As followers of Jesus, we are called to live according to the principles of God’s Kingdom, demonstrating that Jesus, as ruler of all, offers a life of peace and abundance. In fact, we flourish as faithful citizens of the Kingdom of God. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) and the Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6) provide essential guidance for kingdom living. Join us as we explore Jesus’ teaching, which interprets the Ten Commandments. Through living His way, we point people to Him and the new life He offers.


This class is offered during our Daytime Discipleship Opportunities. Wednesdays, September 4 - October 2; 3:30-5 p.m and during our evening classes from 6:15 - 8 p.m.

Led by Karen Boden

Throughout Scripture, God reproves Israel for neglecting the widow, orphan, stranger, and needy. In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus tells the story of the Good Samaritan when answering the question, “Who is my neighbor?” The answer: “The one who showed mercy toward him.” One overarching theme throughout Scripture is justice and mercy. Each week, we will have a panel of local mission partners covering topics such as food insecurity, homelessness, youth, foster care, and refugees. These discussions provide us with opportunities to learn more about our partnerships and ways to express justice and mercy.


This is offered during our evening classes, September 4 through October 2, 6:15- 8 p.m.

Led by Christie Lee

Traumas and day-to-day stressors can create survival patterns that hinder healthy relationships with self, others, and God. The goals of this workshop include identifying the traumas that have led to patterns interfering with healthy relationships and learning new ways to break free from outdated patterns.


This class is offered during our evening classes, September 4 - October 2, 6:15 - 8 p.m.


Led by Tammy Coleman

Join us for a charitable conversation as we explore whether God designed male and female persons for a marital relationship of equality or hierarchy. Whether you’re dating, married, widowed, single, skeptical, supportive, or simply curious, you’re invited. In this 5-week study, we’ll examine Scripture, christian tradition, reason, and experience, paying particular attention to the Trinitarian relationship and its implications for Christian marriages. We’ll delve into the “problematic” passages in the New Testament and consider matters of creation, sin, and new creation. We will also discuss the challenges in lived reality and explore our unique spiritual giftedness, intended to complement one another in relationships.


This class is offered during evening classes, September 4 - October 2, 6:15 - 8 p.m.



Led by Mateen Elass

Are you tongue-tied when skeptics challenge your Christian convictions? Frustrated when profane viewpoints seem to prevail in groups you’re part of? Would you like to learn how to steer conversations naturally, pointing people to serious consideration of Christ and overcoming objections to the gospel in congenial ways? Join us as we explore Greg Koukl’s book Tactics (10th Anniversary Edition) for practical wisdom on utilizing everyday conversations to emphasize the preeminence of Jesus Christ over present convictions. You can purchase your copy of Tactics on Amazon.

This class is offered during our evening classes, September 4 - October 2, 6:15 - 8 p.m.


Led by Suzanne Gradin

Women, join us as we explore the unwavering life found in Christ as we delve into the first two chapters of 1 Peter. Discover how to keep your heart and mind focused on heavenly things and stand firm in unshakable hope.

This class is offered during our evening classes, September 4 - October 2, 6:15 - 8 p.m.



Rich and Shelly Howard (One Family, onefamilyhwl.org)

Toddlerhood (18 months through 4 years) is an amazing, spontaneous, engaging, yet challenging period for both children and parents. This class provides practical and relevant concepts that parents can apply immediately, covering topics such as structure, routine, toddler conflict, proper instruction, encouragement, and correction. We’ll explore various issues, including:

• The “why” of parenting

• The importance of structure and routine

Understanding toddler conflict and obedience

• Conveying right and wrong messages

• Effective instruction, encouragement, and correction

We highly recommend that both parents attend together to get on the same “parenting page.” The cost is $65 per couple or $45 for single parents, which includes a course workbook. There’s an early bird special of $55 per couple or $35 for single parents if registered by August 23, 2024, please use discount code EARLYBIRD. For those retaking the class with a workbook, the cost is $45.


This class is offered during our evening classes, September 4 - October 9 (Skipping September 25), 6:15 - 8 p.m.

Led by Steve Alvarez


The Songwriters Workshop provides a space for connecting and collaborating on music. Participants share ideas, offer encouragement, and provide assistance as needed. Our focus is on exploring how Jesus may be moving within our own community. Sometimes, the best motivation comes from knowing that others want to hear more of what you’ve been working on during the week.

This class is offered during our evening classes, September 4 - October 2, 6:15 - 8 p.m.

For Kids + Students

Infants through kindergarteners enjoy our fun and safe Nursery rooms with loving caregivers from 5:45 to 8:15 p.m.  No Registration Needed.

1st 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  GTW will go from 6:15 to 8 p.m. in the 3rd floor Gym.  Please register your kids with the button below.

6th-12th graders meet at the Weber Street Center (we are in the midst of a naming war lol) for At the Table, an intentional time where the youth gather for dinner, fellowship, and Bible study from 6 pm - 8 pm. No Registration needed.

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. This service is offered for free to our congregation. To register for RightNow Media, send your email address to Ina Meyer at imeyer@firstprescos.org or call Ina at 719-884-6117.

Contact Ina