Classes

First Pres offers many ways for adults to interact and grow in relationship with one another as they grow in their faith. Whether it’s a Sunday morning Christian education class, a midweek Bible study or a meditation class, there’s something for everyone. We hope you will dive right in and get involved.

Scroll down to see class offerings, or check out the bible studies.

Rituals and Ceremonies Across Religious Traditions

Wednesdays, March 1, 15, 22, 29 and April 5 / Sanctuary / Dr. Mladen Turk

During Lent, we are very fortunate to have an Engage and Encounter class that is being taught by Dr. Mladen Turk, Baltzer Distinguished Chair of Theology and Religion; Professor and Chair, Religious Studies at Elmhurst University. Dr. Turk teaches broadly in the areas of history of Christianity in 19th and 20th centuries and religious traditions of South Asia.

Over five classes, Dr. Turk will be teaching on Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Chinese Religions and Japanese Shinto. Not only will we have the opportunity to learn about the origins of these faiths, but we will be learning about the rituals and ceremonies that define many of these religions. Hence the name of the class is Rituals and Ceremonies Across Religious Traditions.

This class is designed to compliment the sermon series during Lent on the Apostles’ Creed. Since we are spending a number of weeks in worship examining one of the most central rituals in mainline churches, the recitation of the Apostles’ Creed, it makes sense to examine the rituals of other faiths. The hope is that, as foreign as these other religions can feel, you will discover a lot of crossover between the rituals found in Christianity and faiths from the rest of the world.

Exploring the Book of Confessions

Sundays, through April 2 / 9:00 am / Boardroom / Rev. Ken Hockenberry

As Presbyterian Christians, we are people of faith who continually seek understanding. From the early days of our Reformed Tradition, we have emphasized the value of education for people of all ages. Whenever
we pass by a public school, we see the results of Presbyterians from generations ago pushing for public education to grow an informed citizenry. We also see the value of growing in our understanding of the faith we profess.

You are invited to join our Adult Sunday School class as we explore the Book of Confessions, part of a curriculum series published by our church, called Being Reformed; Faith Seeking Understanding. Led by Rev. Ken Hockenberry, Stated Clerk of Chicago Presbytery, this class will help participants grow in understanding the foundational elements of our faith, guided by using our heads, our hearts and our hands.

Wednesdays, February 1, 8, 15, 22 and March 1, 8, 15 / 7:00 pm / Room 102-104

This six-week class covers the most important cornerstones of your job search or career journey, including self-assessment, budgeting, resume building, marketing, networking, interview preparation, and negotiations. Whether you’re on the hunt for a new job or seeking a change in your career path, you don’t have to face these challenges alone. Sign up now! Register by January 31.

To register send an email to [email protected] with your full name, email address and phone number. Once we receive your registration email, CTR will reach out with meeting information for our first session. The CTR email can also be used for any questions.

Coffee: Grounds for Discussion and Service

Sunday mornings starting Sept 11 / 10:30-11:30 am / Room 110/112

Monday Morning Men’s Bible Study

Mondays / 8:00 am / Parlor / Rev. Alex Lang

The Monday Morning Men’s Bible Study Group, which resumed its meetings earlier this year via Zoom, is now meeting both in person and on Zoom. Men of all ages are invited and encouraged to join us. We have a great group of guys who share a wonderful camaraderie and fellowship while studying, learning about, and sharing our views on the word of the Lord.

We meet every Monday morning in the Parlor. The doors are open at 7:30 am, and our meetings start at 8:00 am and run about an hour. For those who choose to meet in person, coffee and breakfast treats are served. And, for those who cannot or choose not to meet in person, we continue to utilize Zoom – and the church’s new Owl camera – which allows all participants to interact with each other, whether online or in person.

If you are interested in joining us, or would like additional information, please reach out to either Bill Dillon at [email protected] or Dave Berkow at [email protected].
Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Honor God’s Diversity

POSTPONED! New dates TBD

Boardroom / Laura Carlson, PhD

Every Sunday from 9:00-10:00 am, Laura Carlson, First Pres member and Clerk of Session, will be leading a class based on the PC(USA) curriculum entitled Honoring God’s Diversity.

God calls for us to invite everyone to the table and make everyone feel they belong. Join Laura as she explores ways we can strengthen our community by appreciating and understanding the different talents, abilities, and voices in our community. Living in community means being united in God’s love across differences as a people of faith, listening to all, helping each other, and welcoming everyone.

In Genesis we are reminded that we are created equally in God’s image; yet sometimes our words or actions fall short of that vision. A community that lives out God’s love is one where we affirm God’s love for everyone, listen to each other, practice empathy, focus outward as well as inward, and celebrate our differences.

Educational Archives

We’ve held many classes through the years, some of which have been documented on video. Click the button below to look through our past classes and watch at your leisure.