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 . . .
Many parts but one body in Christ
Although the women of 1st Pres are many, we are one in Christ.
Jesus prayed, “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” John 17:20-21 ESV
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12 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
Morning Studies
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Leaders: Sandy Hartley & Phyllis Holwerda
Tuesdays from January 13 - April 29
9:30am - 11:30am at Red Bank Baptist (4000 Dayton Blvd)
Interactive Bible study & discussion
Study: Ruth and Esther by Kathleen Nielson
Study Description: Women of the Covenant will explore Ruth and Esther with a study by Kathleen Nielson that explores the lives of these two courageous women and how God’s providence and faithfulness shine through their stories. With clear insights and thoughtful questions, it helps readers connect these books to the larger story of redemption. Join us as we grow in faith, wisdom, and trust in God’s sovereign care.
Contact: Sandy Hartley lorshartley@comcast.net
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Leader: Sue Sawrie, with Margaret Rollins & Glenda Henegar
Tuesdays from January 13 - April 29
9:45am - 11:30am at Red Bank Baptist (4000 Dayton Blvd)
Video/discussion, group study
Study: the book of Esther
Contact: Margaret Rollins mrollims50@gmail.com
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Leaders: Lynn Jones & Scottie Cain, with Melissa Guinn
2nd & 4th Tuesdays from January 13 - April 14
10:00am - 12:00pm in Room F01
Bible study & discussion
Study: 1 Samuel: At His Feet Studies by Hope A. Blanton
Study Description: Our study of 1 Samuel will walk us through the rich narratives of Hannah, Abigail, and David. We’ll learn of God’s character, his lovingkindness, his provision, his discipline, and his protection of his people, which never fail. Women are invited to join us as we study 1 Samuel, through devotional reflection, gospel-centered insights, and practical application rooted in God’s unfolding story of grace.
Contact: Melissa Guinn melissamguinn@gmail.com
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Leaders: Abby Craig & Christy Dyer Gultom, with Aly Logan
Jan. 20, Feb. 3 & 17, March 24, April 21
10:45am – 12:00pm in Room F01
Teaching & group discussion
Study: Never Alone by Jeannie Cunnion
Study Description: For many women, motherhood feels like simultaneously the greatest responsibility in the world and the most difficult one. Thankfully, we do not walk alone. God is with us in our motherhood—gently strengthening, helping, and restoring us. He is tender and compassionate with us on our hard days of mothering, our very present help in every season. This study is geared towards moms of babies and toddlers to share in this exciting and exhausting time of learning. Join other moms in the journey as we seek tons of grace from God to figure out these little mysteries.
Contact: Aly Logan aly.logan44@gmail.com
Evening Studies
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Leader: Kittie Stauffer
2nd & 4th Tuesdays from January 13 - April 7
5:30pm – 6:30pm in Room F01
Bible study & discussion
Study: Joy Beyond Agony by Jane Roach
Study Description: We will be studying the book Joy Beyond Agony which deals with the true meaning of the cross of Jesus Christ. This Scripture-based study that walks through the final days of Jesus’ life, revealing the deep joy found in His suffering, death, and resurrection. Through thoughtful questions and biblical insight, it helps readers see the beauty of the gospel more clearly. Join us as we journey through this powerful book together, growing in our understanding of Christ’s love and finding joy beyond life’s hardships
Contact: Kittie Stauffer misskittie0515@gmail.com
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Leaders: Lara Scruggs, Scottie Cain, & Carrie Schumpert, with Charlene Hatmaker
2nd & 4th Tuesdays from January 12 - April 28
6:15pm - 8:15pm in Room 204
Large group fellowship & teaching followed by small group discussion
Study: ESV Illuminated Scripture Journal: 1 Peter
Study Description: “Be hopeful!” In 1 Peter believers are shown how, in Christ, we have an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. Peter, an eyewitness of Jesus, challenges us to look beyond our current circumstances to our future inheritance. He describes believers’ true identity in Christ and ultimately helps readers discover what it means to experience the Living Hope they have in Christ.
Contact: Charlene Hatmaker charMTW@hotmail.com
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Leaders: Phyllis Holwerda & Janette Barnes, with Chris Page & Norma Cates
3rd Tuesday
5:45pm - 8pm in the Coffeeshop
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
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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
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!
Women’s Retreat – February 27 - March 1, 2026, at Fall Creek Falls
Woman at the Well – March 2026
First Pres Women 2025-2026 Leadership Team
Chair: Nancy Hill
Chair-Elect: Carrie Schumpert
Past Chair: Marilyn Bonderud
Treasurer: Liz Clem
Recording Secretary: Carol Schoner
Nominating Chair: Jay Dunn
Communications Chair: Charlene Hatmaker
Bible Study Chair: Christy Dyer-Gultom
Hospitality & Special Events: Elissa Clark, Deb Gruner, & Lauren Tignor
If you have any questions about First Pres Women’s Ministry, please contact the current Chair, Nancy Hill.
Other ministries for women
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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.
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Connects and offers a network for First Pres families who homeschool.
Contact Liz Parkhurst to learn more.