Many opportunities are offered to the adults at FPCE to help them grow and mature as disciples of Jesus Christ. Bible and book studies are provided through Sunday school classes, the Wednesday evening Gathering, men’s and women’s groups, MOPS, Circles, and CareRings. All of these offerings, along with special discipleship events, provide opportunities for study, fellowship, prayer, community outreach, and service to others through the discovery and use of our spiritual gifts. The Lois Mitchell Adult Library provides us with an abundance of helpful resources. It is a joy for our committee to participate in the mission of our church, “being equipped as disciples and making disciples for Jesus Christ.
Adult Sunday School
A well-rounded selection of Sunday school classes is offered to our adults during the fall, spring, and summer sessions. These one-hour classes are offered on Sunday mornings at 9:45. They provide an important opportunity for the adults of FPCE to build and deepen their relationships with each other as well as to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ. Classes are always open, so please join us this Sunday. Sunday School brochures are available to give you a complete listing of classes, teachers, topics, and room numbers.
Contact persons: Marsha Bath, the Rev. John Gruel
The Gathering
Acts 2:42, “They devoted themselves to the Apostle’s teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” The Gathering is our Wednesday evening program that provides a time for all ages to share a meal, fellowship, prayer, and study. As we live into this ministry we experience the importance of community as a major motivation to our gathering. The Holy Spirit calls the church into being as a people, and the church itself is indeed the provisional demonstration of the kingdom of God. In a culture that is increasingly individual, personal, and private we are called to demonstrate fellowship. Let us imitate the New Testament church as we gather for teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer.
Watch for information on the Fall and Winter Sessions.
Contact: Church Office, the Rev. John Gruel
Men’s Ministries
Our Small Group Bible Studies meet weekly at various locations in Edmond and Oklahoma City. Morning, noon or evening groups gather at the church, at offices, and at restaurants.
Contact person: Brad Windsor
The Friday Morning Men’s Group meets at the church at 6:30 AM. A group of 60–70 men meet in Fellowship Hall (near the offices) for continental breakfast, singing, laughing and study. The group is dismissed at 7:30 for those leaving for work. Every man is welcome and golf follows for those who are interested.
Contact person: Ron Peeler 478-1991.
We are hosting our third annual Men’s Conference in October, 2008. Our keynote speaker will be Norm Evans, a former professional football player on the 1972 undefeated Miami Dolphins Super bowl champion team. He will speak at a luncheon at the Petroleum Club in downtown Oklahoma City on Friday, October 24th. He will also speak at First Presbyterian Church on Saturday, October 25th, from 8:30 until noon. Tickets will be available in September.
Contact person: Don Boyd
Women’s Ministries
The Women’s ministry at FPCE provides opportunities for women to grow spiritually and relationally with Jesus Christ and one another. A variety of Bible study and small group opportunities are offered during the week including Journey Bible Study, Beth Moore Bible studies, and Keepers of the Home. In addition, there are four active PW Circles for women of all ages that meet regularly for Bible study and Christian fellowship and have a special emphasis on local and international missions. We have a vibrant MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) program that meets bimonthly for young moms in the community to come together for study, fellowship and encouragement during the early years of mothering. The Friday Morning Women’s Group is a weekly time when all women of the church are invited to gather at 6:30 am for coffee, fellowship, a devotional and missional opportunities. The Women’s ministry also hosts Women’s Forums periodically throughout the year and an annual Women’s retreat.
Contact person: Carol Bryant
Spiritual Formation
Spiritual formation is the process by which we are gradually formed into the likeness of Jesus Christ. It entails various spiritual disciplines. These are practices that place us in an attitude where we can receive God’s grace, some interior (solitude, silence, prayer, meditation), and some outward (service, submission, hospitality, worship). The emphasis in spiritual formation is not on imparting information but on enabling transformation of the entire person.
At FPCE, our spiritual formation program includes classes on spiritual disciplines, spiritual gifts, and contemplative prayer and meditation. These are generally small group experiences, which encourage experiential learning. We have also offered “Companions in Christ,” a small group experience that presents various types of prayer practices, methods of discernment, and exploration of vocation.
Spiritual direction, which is a one-on-one listening ministry intended to help us explore our relationship with God, is available to any who seek it. It is helpful in recognizing God acting in our lives, and responding to God in love and gratitude. Nine members of our congregation serve as trained spiritual directors.
Contact person: Curt Gruel
CareRings Small Groups
CareRings is a casual, relational small group experience. Friends, married couples, or singles can form these groups as well as individuals with similar interests or life-experiences. CareRings could include groups, for example, of widows/widowers, care-givers, singles, those with a heart for Africa, and so on. The meetings are divided into three parts - Bible study, prayer, and fellowship and are very “user friendly.”
Contact person: Mike Coldren
Adult Discipleship Special Events
The Adult Discipleship Committee periodically offers special events throughout the year that include Lenten Lunches (held once a week during Lent), Oasis Weekends, and special interest seminars. Volunteers are always welcome for planning and implementing these special events!
Contact person: Dana McLain
Lois Mitchell Adult Library
The adult library is located in Room 1228 of the Smith Wing (between the Great Hall and the Palmer Room). Our collection includes print and non-print resources that support the adult ministries of our church, nurture growth in discipleship, and provide biblical perspectives on issues affecting our lives (marriage, parenting, divorce, loss, etc.). A Reference section for study and research is provided as well as Christian fiction, general Christian books, biographies, and a collection of listening CD’s. A computer catalog is available to assist us in locating materials.
The library is open on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings for self-checkout of books. The main office personnel will assist you in library use and non-print checkout during week days. Stop by and see what awaits you!
Contact persons: Carol Harrison, Michele Baker, Libby Cahalan, and Elaine Holt