Sunday School Classes begin at 9:30 a.m. and end at 10:30 a.m.
ADULT BIBLE CLASS (ABC) Covenant Hall (Room 315)
Teacher: Sandy Sturch (210.494.7157)
Contact: Sheila Figueroa (210.822.4082)
We are studying the greatest sermon Jesus ever preached: the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7). The Lord’s Prayer, the Beatitudes and the Golden Rule are all here. This in-depth study includes lecture and discussion. There is a strong emphasis on application of Scripture to our personal lives and the ongoing work of the Spirit today. ABC supports selected mission projects, shares prayer requests and gathers for lunch several times a year. Class members voluntarily provide refreshments each week. For all ages and levels of Bible background. Newcomers are welcome to join the study at any point along the way.
ARTHUR GRAY JONES CLASS Room 312
Teacher/Contact: Blair Labatt (210.734.5934)
The Arthur Gray Jones class has been in continuous existence since the 1920s. Its most distinctive feature is that it begins with a vigorous hymn-sing in the choir room. The class then adjourns for a lesson using the “Present Word” curriculum, which generally alternates between Old Testament and New Testament books. The fall quarter’s texts will be on “Covenant Communities” in the books of Joshua, Judges, Ezra, Nehemiah, Mark and 1 and 2 Peter. This class has a long tradition of warm fellowship and good discussion.
BASECAMP: Grounded in Christ, Ready to Climb Room 108
Contact: Courtney Duphorne (
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Basecamp is a fellowship of young adults parenting children (birth–5th grade). Basecamp seeks to grow disciples of Jesus Christ through prayer, fun, relationships, and service to one another, the church and the community. Sunday morning gatherings center on an interactive study. Monthly opportunities for fellowship include men’s golf outings, adult dinner parties, family swim parties and an annual family mission project.
BRIDGES: Connecting to Christ and Others Room 302
Contact: Holly Youngquist (210.366.3222,
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Susan and Dirk DeKoch (210.822.0367,
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Married or single adults who have children in middle school and older are welcome to join this fellowship. The class format is typically a Bible study with rotating teachers and occasionally includes limited book studies. A strong fellowship component includes Sunday lunches and dinner groups. There will also be mission and outreach opportunities throughout the year. We are focused on learning and serving together and getting to know each other.
CHRISTIAN THINKERS THROUGH THE AGES Room 308
Class Leaders: Doug McNeel (210.695.9765), Craig Bell (210.696.7850),
Michael McMains (210.494.1887), John Flanagan (210.275.6911),
Mark McBryde (210.804.1964), and Karen Lyons (210.626.8985)
The current course topic is The Good, the True and the Beautiful, exploring the struggle between good and evil in the human heart. We began by reading Augustine’s Confessions, which movingly recounts his efforts to know “the Good, the True and the Beautiful” and his experience of temptation and sin, which obstructed his quest to know God fully. We will study the Garden of Eden story and other biblical readings regarding the corruption of human innocence, the psychology of temptation and the path of genuine repentance. Most importantly, we will explore the spiritual resources available to us for our own journey out of sin: the Holy Spirit, the word of God, the mediation of Christ, the power of prayer, the sanctifying power of divine love and the motivating power of divine grace. For all ages.
GENESIS II Room 224
Teacher: Janet Anderson (210.479.2161)
Contacts: Janet and Greg Anderson (210.479.2161), John and Ann Carter (210.499.4375), Chaney and Tripp Stuart (210.824.3972)
Genesis II is composed of mainly 30-somethings to 50-somethings, but all ages—couples and singles—are invited and are welcome! We are a Bible-focused class and enjoy learning the Word. This fall, we’ll study the New Testament and how the lessons taught by Jesus Christ are as fresh and relevant today as they were 2,000 years ago. The class format is primarily lecture, with time for questions and group discussion. We start class with a time to visit (including doughnuts and coffee), followed by a time for prayer concerns and praises, and then our study. As a smaller class, we have the unique opportunity to get to know one another in a more intimate setting and group dinners are scheduled throughout the year. The “welcome mat” is always out and everyone is always welcome.
MIGHTY ACTS OF GOD Room 304
Teachers/Contacts: Marilyn and Dick Ellis (210.493.5828), Harvey Howell (210.499.0858), Jackie Richards (210.545.5113)
A pilgrimage through the “greatest drama ever enacted,” this class provides a Bible overview using as primary references the Bible and the well-loved book, The Mighty Acts of God, written by Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary scholars Arnold Rhodes and Eugene March (revised 2000). Designed as a two-year survey, fall 2009 begins with the New Testament and Christ’s good news that “the Kingdom of God has come near.” Underlying themes are the Lordship of Jesus, the centrality of Scripture and application of the lessons to our lives today in a warm, welcoming atmosphere for study, fellowship and opportunities for service. This class is for adults of all ages and levels of Bible background. Join us and experience the kind of faith knowledge that empowers us all to become coworkers with God.
NEW COVENANT CLASS Room 301
Contacts: Becky and Ed DeWees (210.826.6666)
Moderator for reading and discussion: Don Crews
The New Covenant Class is a gathering of adults who want to learn about and discuss the Christian faith through a Bible-based lesson that connects with their own life experiences. Each week, we read the Bible together, verse by verse, chapter by chapter, and discuss what we have read while seeking the meaning of the Scriptures for our lives. Enjoy an opportunity to ask questions, engage in stimulating discussion and support one another as we seek to live lives that honor God. We also enjoy dinners together at various times throughout the year. Visitors and new members are always welcome.
SOULHOUSE Room 226
Teacher: David Mustol
Contact:
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The young adults of First Presbyterian Church seek to enjoy God, grow as disciples of Jesus Christ and mature as children of God. Young Adult—what does it mean? We tend to be in our 20s or early 30s. We tend to be single or just married. We tend not to have children, but kids are always welcome. If this is you, join us! Young adults also participate in various activities and small groups throughout the year. Come join our group!
THE UNCOMFORTABLES CLASS Room 228
Teacher: Neil Williams (210.523.1653 or 210.601.2362)
This is a discussion class exploring contemporary issues of faith in our world. This year we begin a study of C. S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity, one of the seminal works of 20th-century Christian apologetics. By examining his thoughts and ideas on faith, we can better learn how to live and witness our own faith in challenging times. We begin the series with an overview and commentary on C. S. Lewis’s life by one of our own class members. Attendees vary in age, generally 40s–70s, some employed, some retired. All are welcome.
Children
Our vision: Teach children that worship is an important part of their life even at a very early age (worship); equip families to study, pray and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ (grow); and give children and families the opportunity to serve and give generously (serve).
CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES
9:30–10:30 a.m.
Contact: Shelley Craig, Godly Play Coordinator (210.271.2741,
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Children’s Sunday School is for ages 2–Kindergarten. During class, we have Bible story time, music, crafts and, most importantly, play time. We offer Godly Play as a Sunday school option for ages 4 years through kindergarten.
Frogs
2 years old as of September 1
Room 116
Turtles
3 years old as of September 1
Room 115
Big Fish
4 years old as of September 1 thru Kinder
Room 122
Godly Play I
4 years old to Kindergarten
Room 125
Godly Play II
4 years old to Kindergarten
Room 128
CHILDREN IN WORSHIP
Teaching children that worship is a vital part of their lives, even at an early age, takes priority and intention. For that reason, the Children and Family ministry team encourages families to take the time to worship together as a family before Sunday School at the 8:30 a.m. traditional worship service or after the 9:30 Sunday School hour, at the 10:45 a.m. contemporary worship service or 11:05 a.m. traditional worship service.
WEe Worship
11:10 a.m.
Contact: April Kuper, Nursery Coordinator (210.226.2732,
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WEe worship is our preschool worship time on Sundays. Children who are in childcare during the 10:45 and 11:05 a.m. worship services participate in WEe worship. We walk to the Guthrie Bryant chapel located on the second floor near the Sanctuary. Children learn the order of worship through their own Bible story in a praise-filled worship service.
CHRISTOPOLIS SUNDAY SCHOOL
Grades 1–4
9:30–10:30 a.m.
Contact: Kathy Timberlake, Children’s Ministry Director (210.271.2721,
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Because children learn in a variety of ways, FPC offers an exciting workshop rotation model of learning the Bible. Christopolis is a city where each classroom is a different venue such as drama, art, computer, multimedia, etc. Each room is an exciting place where the child learns major Bible stories and a faith lesson through the different child-friendly workshops. Students first gather in Town Square for a short worship assembly for music, prayer and announcements before moving to the different classes. Parents are reminded to pick up their students promptly by 10:35 a.m., so that their teachers can attend worship. Click here for details.
highfive.5@fpc
Grade 5
Room 132
9:30–10:30 a.m.
This high energy class is designed for 5th grade, knowing they need their own space for fellowship, teaching, prayer and fun activities.
JOY MINISTRY
Contact: Carrie Jowers, JOY Ministry Coordinator (210.271.2720,
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This ministry embraces children with special needs and provides a welcoming place for them to attend Sunday morning and Wednesday night activities, where they hear God’s Word and enjoy fellowship. JOY students have special shepherds who work one-on-one with each child.
Youth
YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL
Grades 9–12: New Covenant Building, 1st floor
Grades 6–8: New Covenant Building, 2nd floor
9:30–10:30 a.m.
Teachers: Adult volunteers
Contacts: Coby Cagle (210.271.2724,
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Katy Evans (210.271.2722,
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Youth Sunday School is for all students in grades 6–12. Our goal is to create a safe space where students can have fun, meet new friends, enjoy old friendships, interact with a loving adult mentor and dig into the Bible. This year we’ll study various books of the Bible as well as topics like Advent and healthy relationships. We hope to see you there!
CONFIRMATION FOR ANY YOUTH IN GRADES 8–12
Room 300 (Small Groups meet in New Covenant Building)
9:30–10:30 a.m.
Contact: Ruthie Seiders, Pastor for Family Ministry (210.271.2714,
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In the Presbyterian Church we have a tradition of celebrating our young people when they are ready to make a commitment to the life of the church in a formal way. We do this through the process of Confirmation. This class meets Sunday mornings during the 9:30 a.m. education hour and is open to all interested youth in grades 8–12. Through teaching of Old and New Testament surveys, Church history and worship we explore what it means to be a follower of Jesus as Presbyterian Christians. Students learn through interactive large group teaching, small group discussions and one-on-one mentoring with an adult from the congregation. The 2009–2010 process includes a one-night retreat in January. We celebrate our young people in May at a special dinner, joined by their parents, mentors and officers of the church. At this dinner, students read their faith statements and take their vows of membership. On Pentecost Sunday they are publicly received in worship.
UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Contact: Scott Fleming, Director of University Ministries (210.271.2723,
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College-age students generally attend the SoulHouse young adult class. Note: SoulHouse will be attending other Sunday morning classes during the fall semester, but their class will resume in the spring semester. The Fire and The Well are our two mid-week ministries on the campuses of the University of Incarnate Word and Trinity University.
Life Groups
Life Groups are an indispensable part of our response to God’s call to renew minds and redeem lives with the steadfast love of Jesus Christ. Our strategy to achieve this mission as a church is to worship regularly, grow intentionally and serve generously. Life Groups unite these three elements as we seek to develop genuine Christian community that goes beyond Sundays.
Life groups are founded on four pillars:
Study the Sunday Scripture passage for deeper understanding and life application.
Support each person’s relationship with Jesus Christ by being a caring and loving community.
Pray weekly for each other and for our ministry partners in San Antonio and around the world.
Serve by participating in an outreach project beyond the walls of First Presbyterian, hopefully at least once a semester.
Sign up to be in a Life Group today! E-mail us to find out more.
Grow 
