WOMEN’S MINISTRY

The 1st Pres Women’s Ministry is a Word-based, relationally-oriented ministry which exists to serve and help equip the women of our church to grow in their knowledge of God, live to His glory, and extend His kingdom in their lives, homes, church, communities and throughout the world in a way that complements and supports the vision of First Pres.

By God’s grace we strive to do this through Bible studies and fellowship gatherings.

This year’s theme for our women is . . .

We love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19)

In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent His only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:9-11 ESV

For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 ESV

Our Bible Studies are the core of the 1st Pres Women’s Ministry—they’re where we grow together in Christ and our knowledge of God’s Word. We are excited to be able to offer several studies to choose from, all at various times and frequencies and studying various topics.

Join us for Bible Study

Register for Bible Study

Morning Studies

  • Group discussion and teaching

    Dates: Begins May 26

    Time: 10:00 - 11:30 AM

    Location: Red Bank Baptist (4000 Dayton Blvd.)

    Teachers: Sandy Hartley, Phyllis Holwerda

    Description of study: Heirs of the Covenant by Susan Hunt, Stephen Estock, and Karen Hodge. Updated in 2026, this book explains how the content of the covenant is lived out in the context of the covenant community, and how it leads to transformed lives that are passionate to glorify and enjoy God by making disciples who glorify and enjoy him.

Evening Studies

  • Format: Bible study and discussion

    Dates: Tuesday evening, June 9-July 21

    Time: 6:30 - 8:00 PM

    Location: 1st Pres

    Teachers: Cherie Brown, Christy Dyer-Gultom, Liz Parkhurst

    Spiritual Disciplines: Bible Study and Sabbath Rest, Keeping up with our do-it-all culture is not only exhausting, it can also hinder us from seeking the Lord. How can we grow in devotion to God in a world of endless distractions? Join us as we take a closer look at the spiritual disciplines of personal Bible study and Sabbath rest using two short, practical booklets: Bible Study by Glenna Marshall and Sabbath Rest by Megan Hill.

  • Leaders: Phyllis Holwerda & Janette Barnes, with Chris Page & Norma Cates 

    3rd Tuesday

    Summer dates: June 16, July 21, August 18 

    5:45pm - 8pm in the 1st Pres Student Center

    Dinner, fellowship, prayer, & Bible Study  

    Study: Life in the Spirit by J. I. Packer (available as a free download) 

    Study Description: Life in the Spirit by J.I. Packer is a brief yet rich exploration of the Holy Spirit’s role in the Christian life, focusing on how the Spirit empowers, guides, and transforms believers to live more fully for Christ. Women are invited to join us in our monthly time of fellowship and studying this book together as we seek a deeper understanding of the Spirit’s work in our lives and grow in faith and fellowship. 

    Contact: Norma Cate nrcate48@epbfi.com

  • Leader: Sandy Hartley & Suzanne Kim 

    4th Mondays from January through May 18 (will meet the 3rd Monday in May)

    5:30pm - 7:00pm in Room F03-F

    Study: Daughters of the Covenant by Susan Hunt, Barbara Thompson, Karen Hodges 

    Study Description: Based on Titus 2:1;3-5, two older women teach biblical womanhood to younger women, married or single. We are looking to start a new group of six to eight women to meet at a convenient time for the women who participate. The study would meet monthly for the study and at other times for dinner. Please sign up if interested in joining this new group.   

    Contact: Sandy Hartley lorshartley@comcast.net

Register for Bible Study

Join us at Fellowship Gatherings

Our fellowship gatherings give us the opportunity to build community, have fun, make new friends, deepen existing relationships, and encourage one another in our walk with Jesus. Below are our upcoming events—mark your calendars and stay on the lookout for more details on each one by subscribing to First Pres’s weekly email announcements, or via the events page!

Summer Suppers: June 25-6:00-8:30pm

Lunch at the Whistle Stop Cafe:  July 9 & July 29

Woman at the Well-July 16-6:30-8:00pm

Game Night-August 13-6:30pm

First Pres Women 2026-2027 Leadership Team

Chair: Carrie Schumpert

Chair-Elect: Tiffany Dorizas

Past Chair: Nancy Hill

Treasurer: Liz Clem

Recording Secretary: Carol Schoner

Nominating Coordinator: Michelle Bower

Communications Coordinator: Charlene Hatmaker

Bible Study Coordinator: Liz Parkhurst

Hospitality & Special Events: Dee Lapihuska

If you have any questions about First Pres Women’s Ministry, please contact the current Chair, Carrie Schumpert.

Other ministries for women

  • A Christian women's 12 step program committed to recovery. Some of the needs addressed include perfectionism, control, codependency, eating disorders, or coping with the addictions of a family member or friend. Meeting on Tuesdays 12:00 - 1:00pm in Room F03-F.

    Contact leader Gail Pinchak to learn more.

    More information about our Congregational Care ministry can be found HERE.

  • Connects and offers a network for First Pres families who homeschool.

    Contact Liz Parkhurst to learn more.