Small Groups

Small groups are an important part of First Pres. These unique gatherings are designed to help people connect with others over a shared experience or interest, and all groups are intended to assist in growing in our faith and sharing God's love. Some of these groups are growing and changing; others may be started as the need or interest arises. If you would like to join or lead a small group, or have questions, please contact Pastor Karol.

  • ALPHA is an acronym describing our small group: accountability, learning/laughter, prayer/participation, honesty/humor, action in community. We have individuals and couples who come together to study and share our lives, including joys and concerns. We meet from 5:30-7pm on the 2nd and 4th Sundays, September - May, at the church (or virtually). We have done service projects, Bible studies, book discussions, and video-led series; we take turns sharing leadership and bringing dessert.

    Contact Becky Mentzer

  • We plan short-term studies (3-6 weeks) a few times a year, offering a time for spiritual development and fellowship. We also offer Saturday morning gatherings and overnight retreats once or twice a year. All women of the church are welcome anytime.

    Contact ann lamkey

    contact Irene DenBesten

  • The Freeman Small Group is made up of retired individuals or couples who gather once or twice a month to study and for fellowship.

    Contact Bryan & Jo Ann Freeman

  • “JOY” (Just Older Youth) is an informal monthly lunch gathering of adults (60+ and older) to enjoy fellowship with one another. Over lunch, we will reflect on our life journeys of embracing transitions and finding JOY in where we are. We will meet on the last Tuesday of every month at noon.


    Contact Pastor Chris Schilling

  • These women come together to knit, crochet and fellowship with one another from 9:45-10:45 on the 3rd Sunday of the month, September - May, in the Chapel on the lower level. We create items of love and comfort such as prayer shawls, afghans, prayer squares, baby blankets, and winter items. Late in the year we sponsor an Artisan Sale where handmade items are sold, with proceeds going to a designated non-profit organization.

    contact Becky Mentzer

  • This group of men gathers weekly throughout the year to enjoy Bible study, prayer, fellowship, a sharing of joys and concerns, and to support each other. We *normally* meet every Monday morning at 8am at the Original Pancake House.

    Contact Rob Kelley

  • We gather to share the joys and challenges of being busy moms. We meet from 5:30-7pm on Sunday nights for bible study and fellowship, occasionally going out to dinner instead of the regular meeting. Recent studies have centered on books by female Christian authors. We are a casual group and rotate leadership, although expectations are not high as we are all busy moms!

    CONTACT melissa walles

    CONTACT caitlin wilcox

  • This women's small group focuses on being a new creation in Christ. We plan a study with discussion and share our joys and concerns. We meet from 5:15-6:15pm on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month in the library.

    Contact Barb Lemmon

  • We are a group of women who share a similar life stage. As recent empty nesters, most of us are moving into the "next chapter" of our lives...adult children establishing independence and getting married, welcoming grandkids, and navigating retirement. We seek to study the Word, pray for each other’s joys and concerns, and enjoy fellowship with each other. We meet from 7-8:30pm on the first and third Tuesday of the month, September - May, in members’ homes. At least twice a year, we participate in mission outreach opportunities as a way to serve others.

    Contact Sabrina Smith

    contact Betsy Stout

  • Four couples meet monthly at varying locations for fellowship, study, and service.

    Not accepting new members at this time

  • The focus of this group is friendship and fellowship, conversation and connection. This is a gathering for those in a certain stage of life, not necessarily a certain age range. That stage of life where you still think you’re young, but you also secretly know you’re not as young as you used to be. That stage of life when your time is given away in big measures – maybe to kids, career, or something else. That stage of life when, if you’re a parent, you’re still figuring it out. We gather monthly for dinner on a weekend evening at various locations.


    Contact Matt Wilcox

  • We read books and articles and watch DVDs, mostly with a progressive Christian outlook. Leadership of discussions and material selection is shared by the group. We meet from 9-10:30am on Thursday mornings in the library and virtually.

    contact Carol Schrantz

  • This women's group gathers for fellowship, study, and various outreach activities. We meet from 1-2:30pm on the 1st Friday of the month in the church library or on the patio. We support a teacher at a Sheridan Elementary School to supply her students with school supplies, treats, and field trip expenses. We have also supported Mom and Me Camp (for kids whose moms are incarcerated) with cookies for the first day of camp.

    contact e'lane tufts