WOMEN’S MINISTRY
Many parts but one body in Christ
At the heart of First Pres Women’s Bible Studies is the desire that we abide in Jesus, study God’s Word together, grow in our knowledge of God, bear fruit, bring glory to God, be blessed, and live in such a way as to show a lost world the beauty and truth of God's Word and His ways.
Join us for Bible Study this fall
Our Bible Studies are the core of the 1st Pres Women’s Ministry—they’re where we grow together in Christ, love, and community. We are excited to be able to offer 8 studies to choose from, all at various times and frequencies and studying various topics. We hope you’ll be able to find a study that works for your schedule and spiritual growth needs!
Morning Studies
-
Leaders: Sandy Hartley & Phyllis Holwerda
Tuesdays starting September 9
9:30am - 11:30am in the Coffeeshop
Interactive Bible study & discussion
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
-
Leader: Sue Sawrie, with Margaret Rollins & Glenda Henegar
Tuesdays starting September 9
9:45am - 11:30am in Room 204
Video/discussion, group study
Better: A Study of Hebrews by Jen Wilkin
Study Description: God “provided something better for us” in the person of Jesus Christ. Through stories of Old Testament heroes and practices, the author of Hebrews demonstrates how the new covenant is superior to the old and how Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of every promise. Explore familiar verses in context of the entire Bible, learning how to place your hopes and faith in Christ alone.
Contact: Margaret Rollins mrollims50@gmail.com
-
Leaders: Lynn Jones & Scottie Cain, with Melissa Guinn
2nd & 4th Tuesdays starting September 9
9:45am - 11:30am in Room F01
Bible study & discussion
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
-
Leaders: Abby Craig & Christy Dyer Gultom, with Aly Logan
1st & 3rd Tuesdays starting September 2
10:45am – 12:00pm in Room F01
Teaching & group discussion
Grace in Chaos by The Daily Grace Co.
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 new 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
-
Leader: Kittie Stauffer
2nd & 4th Tuesdays starting September 9
5:30pm – 6:30pm in Room 208
Bible study & discussion
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
-
Leaders: Lara Scruggs, Scottie Cain, & Carrie Schumpert, with Charlene Hatmaker
2nd & 4th Tuesdays starting September 9
6:15pm - 8:15pm in the Nell Davis Room
Large group fellowship & teaching followed by small group discussion
ESV Illuminated Scripture Journal: 1 Peter
Study Descritption: “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
-
Leaders: Phyllis Holwerda & Janette Barnes, with Chris Page & Norma Cates
3rd Tuesdays
5:45pm - 8pm in the Coffeeshop
Dinner, fellowship, prayer, & Bible 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 starting September 22
5:30pm - 7:00pm in the Coffeeshop
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
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
The year at a glance
Woman at the Well – Thursday, September 18
Women’s Retreat – February 27 - March 1, 2026, at Fall Creek Falls
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.
-
Connects and offers a network for First Pres families who homeschool.
Contact Liz Parkhurst to learn more.