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.

Are you reading Worship 365? Download the free study guide.

SEMINAR: 5 Tips and Strategies to Survive the Great Recession and Beyond
Wednesday, Feb. 24, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Room F3/F4. If you’ve been adversely affected by the recession, received a cut in salary, are out of work, looking for ways to stretch your money or need a financial plan, then you’ll want to attend this seminar! Download the registration form here. The seminar is free. For more information, contact John Edwards, 484-281-3392.

CURRENT CLASSES

“Going Deeper with the Sermon”
This is an ongoing class on Sundays, from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. in the Parlor. Bible study and discussion following  the sermon. Would you like to go a little deeper into the topic of the sermon? Come and join the discussion. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , ext. 207, for more info.

Are You a Leader?
Sundays, Jan. 10 through March 14, from 10:15 to11:30 a.m. in room 416. If you have leadership experience in church activities, business, social life or you feel called to serve a group, please join us for this 4-week series on the fundamentals of leading a small group. There will be discussion and insight into how you can help a small group be more effective and how you can discover other leadership opportunities within the church. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more info.

“Your Whole Life, The 3D Plan for Eating Right, Living Well and Loving God” by Carol Showalter and Maggie Davis. Join us for a 12-week book study, weekly goals, a do-able exercise plan, tips for living well, daily spiritual readings and more. Class begins Sunday, Jan. 17, 10:15 a.m. in the chapel. Sponsored by the parish nurses. Book, journal and pedometer will be available for purchase. Sign up by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or just join us! 

What’s Next? “The Prodigal God” by Timothy Keller
This study provides a fresh look at the well-known parable of the prodigal son and the elder brother. Whether you know this parable like the back of your hand or have no idea what a parable is, this study offers a chance to grow your heart, your mind and your faith. The book and discussion guide, along with optional DVD, create a great opportunity for both small groups and individuals alike.

Getting Started with “The Prodigal God”
Jan. 17, 6 p.m. in the Kirk Center (Note: this is a new location). If you are a K-group leader, a small group leader, or are interested in joining a new group, come to our training event. This is an opportunity to hear about The Prodigal God (including how to lead a small group through it), and it is a chance to provide feedback on how your group is doing and how the church can help you grow deeper. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more info.

The Parable of the Prodigal Son and the Elder Brother
Wednesdays at noon and 7 p.m. beginning Feb. 24. Jack Brace, Bill Freeman and Cody Sandahl will lead a series during Lent that takes a deeper look at the Parable of the Prodigal Son and the Elder Brother. The material will be supplemental to The Prodigal God, so you will find plenty to talk about whether you are reading the book or not.

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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. Next  Inquirers Class begins Sundays, January 24 through February 14, from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 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, Ruth Bell, John Edwards, Taylor Ernst, Juan Kauer, Jack McDowell, George Mowrer, Bob Rupel, Vince Stravino, Rob Touzeau, Bob Weed and Phyllis Wertman.

How do you get in touch with a Financial Counselor? Call the FCT’s message line at 610-317-6162, ext. 328. Leave your name, number and a brief message 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.

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.

Job Seekers Arise!
Mondays, 7–8 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, 7–8 p.m. in room 206.

Click here for more Men's Discipleship and Ministry offerings.

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