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Everyone has an opportunity to find their people at FPCD

Youth and Teens

Friendly Feasts

Presbyterian Women

Volunteer Opportunities

Learning and Growth Opportunities for Children

Children's Ministry

Sunday School for Preschool Friends (3- 5-year-olds)
We're excited to offer Frolic Preschool for children ages 3-5. This play-based Sunday school program includes Bible stories, prayers, music and more. Meet the Frolic characters who help kids explore feelings and navigate developmental milestones - Ava the lamb, Hal the hedgehog, Jo the goat, Rugus the dog and Uri the dove. Learn more by joining us for Frolic Sunday Morning Preschool.
Sunday Morning Faith Formation (Kindergarten - 5th Grade)
We're thrilled to continue Whirl Sunday School, an exciting adventure for Kindergarten through 5th graders! We'll explore a new Bible story alongside the lively Whirl kids and their fun-filled adventures each week. Parents, we've got something special for you, too! Every week, you'll receive a Family Square, packed with fun ways to explore the Bible story together at home. Prepare for a journey through the Old and New Testaments with Whirl Sunday School! Kids will love learning new Bible stories through interactive activities, catchy music, and the engaging tales of the Whirl kids. Plus, each story ties in perfectly with our weekly church lessons. We can't wait to see you there!

Youth Group

CREW (6th - 7th Grade)

and

Senior High (8th - 12th Grade)

Join Us for a “Visual Faith” Experience Following Jesus — A Sunday Morning Spiritual Journey begins September 8. On Sunday mornings, adults are invited to participate in our intergenerational Bible study "Visual Faith" with junior and senior high school students and parents. Visual Faith uses multiple everyday images of our world (and some imaginative ones) to help us consider how God is present in our world. In doing so, we will quickly realize that God is at work for each of us. In the Friday eBlast, you can preview our Sunday topics and reflect on how the week’s scripture speaks to you. Then, on Sunday, we’ll gather in small groups for an interactive, participatory learning experience that mirrors how Jesus engaged with people in the Bible. This gathering aims to deepen your faith and strengthen connections within your church family — youth, parents, grandparents, and all siblings in Christ. This program fosters meaningful connections between youth and adults as we explore and practice a Jesus-centered life. Join us at 8:50 a.m. for donuts, juice, and coffee, and stay for the 25-minute gathering at 9:00 a.m. in the John Calvin Hall. We look forward to seeing you there!
Sunday Mornings @ 8:50 a.m. with Discussion @ 9:00 a.m. in John Calvin Hall

Adults

CHAT: God's People Together (GPT)

Join Us for a “Visual Faith” Experience Following Jesus — A Sunday Morning Spiritual Journey begins September 8. On Sunday mornings, adults are invited to participate in our intergenerational Bible study "Visual Faith" with junior and senior high school students and parents. Visual Faith uses multiple everyday images of our world (and some imaginative ones) to help us consider how God is present in our world. In doing so, we will quickly realize that God is at work for each of us. In the Friday eBlast, you can preview our Sunday topics and reflect on how the week’s scripture speaks to you. Then, on Sunday, we’ll gather in small groups for an interactive, participatory learning experience that mirrors how Jesus engaged with people in the Bible. This gathering aims to deepen your faith and strengthen connections within your church family — youth, parents, grandparents, and all siblings in Christ. This program fosters meaningful connections between youth and adults as we explore and practice a Jesus-centered life. Join us at 8:50 a.m. for donuts, juice, and coffee, and stay for the 25-minute gathering at 9:00 a.m. in the John Calvin Hall. We look forward to seeing you there!
Sunday Mornings @ 8:50 a.m. with Discussion @ 9:00 a.m. in John Calvin Hall

LIVING FAITH 101:
God, Religion, Jesus, Salvation, Cross, Bible, Church: What are Your Questions?

Maybe you need a “back to the basics” on what Christians believe about faith (it’s a quest!) and religion (because “spirituality” isn’t enough), or Jesus (he’s all about Love), or any number of questions that rumble in your head and heart as you do the best you can to live in this time, this world with a little lively faith. Maybe you need hope. Maybe you need a new beginning. You’re invited to be part of a new class on all of this. In a setting of curious, comfortable conversation, some helpful video thought-starters and a journal to keep of your very own, we’ll grow together and come together through honest grappling with the questions. Join in on Tuesday evenings and let’s make a beginning together. Led by Pastor Hawkinson.
Tuesday Evenings, September 10 - December 3 @ 6:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. in Mary Martha Lounge

DISCIPLES:
Walking with Moses

Join us for Thursday morning or afternoon classes as we transform our reluctance to serve into boldness by walking in the footsteps of Moses. This powerful book and video series by Adam Hamilton takes us from Egypt to Mt. Sinai, the Nile, the Red Sea, and the wilderness, exploring the significant sites of Moses’ life. Using historical information, archaeological data, and biblical text, Hamilton guides us through the journey of this reluctant prophet who grew in his relationship with God and successfully fulfilled his role by the end of his life.
Turn your own reluctance into boldness as you examine the significant challenges Moses faced and how God shaped his character and life in powerful ways. Classes last about an hour, including prayer, scripture reading, videos, group discussion, and fellowship. All are welcome to attend on Thursday mornings at 9:30 a.m. or Thursday afternoons at 1:00 p.m.
Thursday Mornings and Afternoons, September 12 - December 19 @ 9:30 a.m. or @ 1:00 p.m. in the Disciples Room

ADULT FORUM:
Foundations on Civic Duty

In 1787, on the final day of the Constitutional Convention, a local resident walked past Benjamin Franklin and asked him, “Well, Doctor, what have we got: a republic or a monarchy?” Franklin replied, “A Republic – if you can keep it.” Foundations of Civic Duty is a three-session, non-partisan civics course for all ages of people dedicated to keeping our Republic. In this course, we will discuss the origins of American democracy, the Constitution and other Founding Documents, the structure of our government, and the role of citizens in a democracy. The course will be taught by FPCD member Jack DiMatteo, who previously worked in government in Washington, D.C., and now teaches and coaches at Deerfield High School. The course will be held at 8:30 a.m. in the chapel on September 15, September 22, and October 6.
Sunday Mornings, September 15, 22 & October 6 @ 8:30 a.m. in the Chapel

Screening of "Juneteenth" from Our Daily Bread Publishing

This class BEGINS EARLY in the choir auditorium! Explore the story of how our nation rose after the Civil War to enact its valuing of freedom for all people and the recent establishment of our newest national holiday, Juneteenth. Meet the 97-year-old who helped to make that story be remembered and how we got to the celebration. This video screening is 57 minutes long, so we’ll have to start early! We’ll meet in the choir auditorium and begin at 8:00 a.m.!
Sunday, October 6 @ 8:00 a.m. in the Choir Auditorium

ADULT FORUM:
Major Prophets, Minority Report

Dr. Brooke Lester, OT Professor, Garrett Theological Seminary teaches we have The Prophets because Israel had kings. Biblical prophecy arose with the beginning of monarchy, and biblical prophecy ended when monarchy ended. Prophecy is, at its core, a response to (and a conversation with) royal power. What, then, can The Prophets offer us today? If The Prophets still speak, is there in our culture a monarchical impulse with which The Prophets might still contend? Join us to find how The Prophets engaged, challenged, and shaped human royal power with their words and their bodies. Dr. Lester, an inspiring instructor, is Associate Professor of Hebrew Scriptures and Director of Digital Learning at Garrett Theological Seminary and a favorite teacher here at FPCD!
Sunday Mornings, October 13, 20, 27, November 3 & 10 @ 8:30 a.m. in the Chapel

FAITH AT HOME WONDER EVENT:
Worship + Learning + Brunch

Led by Author and Pastor The Reverend Traci Smith. A seamless and inspiring morning event that incorporates our time of worship and a hands-on shared experience will open our imaginations to the opportunities and adventures of sharing faith with the people we call family. Open doorways between you and God, between you and the people you love. Food for thought, fun for your creative soul — for all ages. Enjoy a delicious brunch prepared to lend you strength. Come, and bring a bunch of people you love!
Sunday, October 20 @ 9:30 a.m. begins in the Sanctuary

DISCUSSION EVENT:
Congregational Book Read - "How to Pray"

Whether you are seasoned at prayer or you don’t know where to begin, put yourself in the hands of a humble master of prayer, C.S. Lewis, in his book titled, “How to Pray.” Pick up your own copy of the book in the Friendly Office at church (a cost of $16 can be placed in the envelope, please), read the book and join for discussion over donuts on November 3, 10:30 a.m., in Mary Martha Lounge. We’ll light the fireplace and wonder about prayer together, led by Pastor Hawkinson.
Sunday, November 3 @ 10:30 a.m. in the Mary Martha Lounge

ADULT FORUM:
The Messiah: Finding Jesus in the Old Testament

Led by the Rev. Rocky Marpna, PhD Student at Trinity Seminary
“You search the Scriptures…and it is they that bear witness to me!” —John 5:39
Over three sessions, this Advent study grounded in the Old Testament will dive into the scriptures that were grounded in the Jewish past, as well as providing preamble and prelude to the idea that Jesus, the Messiah, has been coming from the beginning of time and making a home and a way for all people. Enjoy this unique vantage on the celebration of our hope.
Sunday Mornings, December 1, 8 & 15 @ 8:30 a.m. in the Chapel