Christian Formation for Adults

Whether in Sunday school, small groups, or even in individual study, we strive to think critically about our faith—by examining the Scriptures, delving into book studies, and sharing our observations with one another.
Members take an active role in shaping class content and leading groups, participating in challenging discussion, scriptural engagement, and, ultimately, fellowship.

Explorers Forum
Explorers enjoy discussions on a wide-ranging of topics including current events, political, social, and theological issues. Everyone is invited to participate as we laugh, learn, and grow together. Grab a coffee or water from the cart outside The Parlor before or after the gathering.
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Explorers Forum
9/14 -- The theme for Explorers Forum this year is Transitions and Connections: What Holds Us Together When Things Change? In this time of transition in the church, and transition in the country, what sustains you and keeps you coming back to First and Central?
9/21 -- Meet Emily Balantine Erb, our new Director of Music Ministries. This is an opportunity to learn more about Emily and her vision for our music program and music outreach.
9/28 -- NO EXPLORERS FORUM
We will use this time for a listening session with our consultant, Bill Owen.
10/5 -- Representative Sarah McBride will speak on topics of her choice.
10/12 -- Church Finances and Stewardship - Ellen Roberts
Focus on Finances: What is the status of F&C’s finances? How is our money spent? How have recent changes in our pulpit and on our organ bench affected our expenses? Why are we running a deficit budget when we have a $10 million endowment? As we look ahead to the 2026 Stewardship Campaign, get the answers to these and other finance questions you have from Ellen Roberts, treasurer and Finance Committee chair.
10/19 -- Kathie Stamm, a member of the board of directors of St. Michael’s school and nursery, on Walnut St. will talk about the history of the school, the families they serve, and a potential opportunity for outreach in our community.
10/26 -- Randy Clayton - Life Cycle of Churches
11/2 -- Randy Clayton - Church Size and Growing Churches
11/9 -- Poetry
11/16 -- Gene Thompson - Mystics Part 1
Mystics are often referred to as catalysts for growth of maturity. We need more of them to reduce the dangerous gap between rapid growth of technology and very slow growth of collective maturity. Come hear more about mystics and see if you in fact have had experiences of mystical “flavor”.
11/23 -- Gene Thompson - Mystics Part 2
Mystics are often referred to as catalysts for growth of maturity. We need more of them to reduce the dangerous gap between rapid growth of technology and very slow growth of collective maturity. Come hear more about mystics and see if you in fact have had experiences of mystical “flavor”
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It’s a spiritual practice – going to work every day in the pursuit of justice, with our young people and the institutions that support them. So when I am feeling especially challenged and filled with doubt, I remember why it’s called a practice – and I practice on.
—Cindy


Tuesday Bible Study
Meet via Zoom, with your beverage of choice in hand! Come and enjoy warm fellowship, lively discussion, and prayerful insights into the Scriptures that will be part of the coming Sunday service. Everyone is invited.
Tuesday mornings at 8:30-9:15 am

Walk the Labyrinth
Our mission is to make the labyrinth available to all who are interested in learning from it, to provide a place for reflection and peace, and to nurture a community that will share in the experience. Labyrinth walks are generally scheduled on the third Thursday of the month from Noon to 4.m.
To learn more and see the schedule, please visit our labyrinth page.
