Adult Ministries
First Church feels called to the continual mission of encouraging and equipping disciples through an array of adult educational opportunities. From short term to long term studies, and from topical to Biblical, we have something for everyone.
- Sunday School
- Bible Studies/Small Groups
- United Methodist Women
- Going Strong
- Other Opportunities
- Support Groups
We offer a variety of Sunday School classes which meet at 9:00 am from September through May. Visit any or all of them!
Aldersgate – Age Range: 40’s-70’s – A very active class which is Bible oriented and involved with various service projects. Class is discussion-based.
Ambassador – Age Range: all ages – The class focuses on prayer, Christian friendship and Bible study.
New Fellowship – Age Range: 30+ – Bible study, family and social issues, and missions are the focal points of this class.
New Wine – Age Range: 45+ – Their mission is to share their faith and reach out to give and receive support to the broader community.
Nova – Age Range: 40’s-80’s – Reaffirm God’s word through Bible study.
We also have a new adult class for anyone who is new to the church or not yet connected to a class. It is for all ages and will focus on Bible study.
All are welcome to participate in any of the following activities.
We are currently doing a church-wide study by Isaac Wardell called Liturgy, Music, and Space. It leads us through discussions about the songs we sing, the words we pray, and the heart of why for 2,000 years we have gathered to worship our Triune God.
Other studies are offered throughout the year.
Women’s Bible Study
Women of all ages can choose one of two times: Tuesdays from 7-9 p.m. or Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon. The studies have been by such authors as Beth Moore, Priscilla Schirer, James MacDonald, and Ann Voskamp. There is a fall study from September through November and then usually 2 winter/spring studies.
Men’s Small Groups
There are currently two groups. The Tuesday Men’s Small group meets every Tuesday at 7 p.m. and the Wednesday group meets every other Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Prayer Group
Every Thursday at 9:30 am a group gathers to pray… for those on our prayer list, for those who have turned in prayer cards, for First Church, for the church in general, for our area, our nation and our world.
The Purpose of UMW: “The organized unit of United Methodist Women shall be a community of women whoe purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a cfreative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.
We currently have 3 “Circles” which meet on different days and a new Circle may shortly be formed to meet in the evening.
Friendship Circle – meets the third Thursday of the month from 11-12:30
Rebecca Circle – meets the third Friday of the month from 12:30-2:30
Susannah Circle – meets the second Wednesday of the month from 9:30-11:30
Network Sisters – receive information via email
Going Strong is a group of active retirees of the church and the community. On the second Thursday of the month they meet for a program from 1-2 pm. In October and May they usually take a bus trip to a place of interest in Northeast Ohio and in December they have a Christmas Luncheon at the O’Neil House in Akron. All are welcome to attend the meetings.
Prayer Shawl Ministry – This group of ladies crochet, knit, or fringe shawls for those in need of prayer. Once completed, the ladies pray over the shawl and deliver it to the person for whom they’ve prayed.
Care Committee – This group helps to provide a meal following a funeral or memorial service for members who have lost a loved one. The majority of the meal is catered, but committee members bring in desserts and take care of set up, serving and clean up.
Men’s Time Out – The men of the church gather on the first Saturday of the month for a time of fellowship, discussion, and a light breakfast.
Several support groups make their home here at First Church.
Al-Anon – For family and friends of alcoholics, this group meets every Wednesday at 1:00 a.m. Newcomers should come at 12:30 p.m.
Alzheimer’s for Caregivers – A time for family and caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s to gather for support. They meets the first Tuesday of each month at 1:00 p.m.
CODA – (Co-Dependents Anonymous) – Meets every Saturday at 10:00 a.m.