For Adults

Current classes
Ongoing adult ministries
Support groups

Discipleship and Ministries for Adults
Adult Discipleship opportunities are a vital part of the life of our church family. We are committed to enabling and equipping disciples of Jesus Christ along every stage of faith development. To that end, we offer a variety of venues by which our members and friends can continue to mature in their faith journey.

Now recruiting for the 2012 FPC Softball season!
Come out and join a fun, competitive, co-ed, multi-church, Christ-centered softball league and get to know some more folks from our FPC family and the Lehigh Valley.  This is the fourth season for the three FPC teams, and we're looking for an FPC 3-peat for the championship!  Signups are January through March, with practices starting in April. The season runs late April through July. Players of all ages and abilities are welcome. All games are played at 6:30 p.m. at the Hanover Township Community Center. There is typically one game per week on Mon., Tues or Thurs. (occasionally two games per week). Please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to sign up or for more info.

CLASSES 

Generous Justice
The next study for K-Groups and other adult small groups is Generous Justice, by Timothy Keller. This book explores a life of justice empowered by an experience of grace—a generous, gracious justice. Join us as we journey into the realm of justice and compassion. Download and print the Generous Justice curriculum.

Hearts and Minds
Hearts and Minds honors the Presbyterian values of intellectual curiosity and scholarship, and welcomes seekers of life’s meaning no matter where on the journey of faith and life they find themselves.

We don’t offer creeds to define ourselves, and we don’t give pat easy answers to life’s complexities and ups and downs, but we’ll walk together to help each other discover what and why and in Whom we believe.

We affirm that the best learning comes in community where it’s safe to ask life’s questions that most compel, fascinate, or trouble us. We approach these questions as people of faith, followers of Christ, and citizens of the 21st century.

During Spring of 2012 we will meet each Sunday at 9 a.m. in the Parlor from January 22 through May 20. We will finish our study of human sexuality and homosexuality from a biblical perspective. We’ll follow that with a look at death and dying as Christians in this country, a study that promises to take us into another cultural firestorm: health care, medical ethics and the very meaning of LIFE itself.

For more information email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Journey to Freedom: Crown Financial Course
Want to start off the New Year making financial decisions God’s way? Take the Crown Financial Journey to Freedom class and learn to apply God’s wisdom to everyday financial decision making. Sundays, Jan. 8 through Feb. 12, from 10:15 to11:30 a.m, in Room 408. To sign up, or for further information, Call Dean or Linda bartholomew at 610-395-8756
View the money map online at www.crownmoneymap.org.

Marriage Ministry Spring Book Class: “Do You Want to Get Well?”
Sundays, Jan. 29 through March 18, 2012, 10:15 to11:30 a.m. in Room 400. Join us as we continue to study James Spence’s powerful book. To register, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  by Jan. 15. Books are available for $12 for those who would like to read the first seven chapters before joining this class— This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to purchase a book.

Habla español? Esta invitado/a a nuestro estudio Bíblico en Español para estudiar la Palabra, orar y reunirnos como hermanos en Cristo.
CUANDO: El primer Sábado de cada mes, empezando el 6 de Noviembre 2010 a 7:30 de la noche.
ADONDE: Primera Iglesia Presbiteriana de Bethlehem, 2344 Center St. Bethlehem, PA 18017. Sala 420. Si puede confirmar su participación seria apreciado. Contacte This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   al 610-317-6162, ext. 209.

Spanish Bible Study
Habla Espanol? You are invited to join our Spanish Bible Study to study the Word, pray and have fellowship.
WHEN: The first Saturday of each month beginning November 6, 2010 at 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem, 2344 Center St. Bethlehem, PA 18017. Room 420.  RSVPs are welcome but not necessary. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or call 610-317-6162, ext. 228.

View current Men's Ministry classes and studies

Back to top

ONGOING ADULT MINISTRIES

Inquirers Ministries
This ministry is for those considering membership in our church and is offered three times each year (fall, winter and spring). In addition to introducing new members to the specific life of our church and denomination, the curriculum reviews the basics of the faith, focusing on the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Each class ends with a retreat that includes worship and the Lord's Supper. Because of the small group model used throughout this process, most new members remain in small-groups as they are embraced into the life of the church. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   for more info.

Adult Inquirers Class
During the one session Inquirer's program, pastoral staff and small group leaders will share the mission, vision and goals of our church, familiarize you with many of our ministry opportunities and guide you in your profession of faith. We look forward to helping you make deeper connections with our congregation. Childcare will be provided by reservation only. If you would like to join the Inquirers (new member) class, contact Yovita for more info.

Small Group Ministries—Known as "K-Groups"
A significant segment of our congregation is committed to discipleship through the small group model that has been a strong part of our heritage since the 1950s. These small-groups offer the possibility of growth through in-depth Bible study, prayer and fellowship. Most small groups meet at least two times a month (our traditional Koinonia Groups), with other groups meeting weekly. Small group leadership training is offered throughout the year as well as an annual gathering. Once a year, members of the small-groups gather for a fall kick-off.

Networking for Life Ministry
The Networking for Life Ministries was formed in response to the current job-loss situation, but is an ongoing initiative to help connect members who have employment needs to member who can help. Read more ...

Financial Counseling Team
Are you having a tough time weathering the current economic storm? Do you have questions regarding your finances? Would you like to learn practices that can help you avoid financial difficulties? A Financial Counseling Team (FCT) has been formed by church members who have a head for numbers and a heart for helping. Their vision is to introduce you to biblical financial principles that will help you manage your financial struggles caused by the current economic crisis. These principles lay a foundation for financial independence and will help you understand how the God who loves you wants to help improve your life financially as well as spiritually. Team members would like to meet with you in person or over the phone to confidentially address your financial situation, answer your questions and provide the help and support you need. Additionally, from time to time, the team members will teach classes that will help educate you on biblically based financial principles that will help prevent future financial difficulties.

Who are the members of this team? The team members are made up of a group of individuals with varying professional experiences that qualify them to give financial guidance, such as

- CFP’s
- CHFC’s
- CPA’s
- business, education and medical professionals.

The team members are: Mike Baittinger, Paul Barbehenn, Dave Beaver, Ruth Bell, Marie Boltz, John Edwards, Taylor Ernst, Juan Kauer, Cindy King, Jack McDowell, Sue Mickley, Bob Rupel, Vince Stravino, Rob Touzeau, Bob Weed and Phyllis Wertman.

How do you get in touch with a Financial Counselor? Call the church office and request to speak to a member of the Financial Counseling Team and a counselor will be in touch with you.

Do you have to be a member of FPC Bethlehem to use the services of the FCT? You do not. Although we are reaching out proactively to our members at First Pres, we are also reaching out to the entire community. So if you know of family members or friends who could use sound Christian financial advice, let them know they can contact the FCT message line for assistance.

What types of services will this team provide? Help or advice with financial issues such as creating and staying within a budget, mortgage and refinancing options, debt reduction, smart saving and prudent spending.

What does this service cost? There is no cost to you! The service is free. The FTC was formed in the spirit of humble servant-hood to freely give time, talents and knowledgeable advice to help you gain control of your finances.

We recognize that it may be difficult for some of you to share your financial struggles with others. Please do not let that deter you from getting help and getting on the road to financial freedom. Remember, all information is handled confidentially.

Additional financial resources:
AARP Special Report: 99 very practical ways to save money—even for young people!
Available programs at the Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley (CACLV)

Our team is looking for new members. If you (or someone you know) have a head for numbers and a heart for helping, please contact John Edwards at 484-281-3392.

 Back to top

---

SUPPORT GROUPS

Single Adults Learning Together
All singles invited to meet in the parlor at 11:45 a.m. on the second and fourth Sundays of each month. 

Job Seekers Arise!
Mondays, 7 to 8 p.m. in room 408. All people looking for spiritual and emotional support while job-searching are welcome. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   for info.

Christian 12-Step Support Group
Wednesdays, 7 to 8 p.m. in room 408.

Files:

Disciple Registration form_distributed.pdf

[Disciple]