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.