April 6
EXPLORING THE FAITH
​What Does It Mean that We Are an Earth Care Congregation?
Speaker: Susan Whitlock
Host: Jane Dutton
Susan Whitlock, Session member and Chair of the Worship Committee, will lead a discussion on our church’s designation as an Earth Care Congregation. She will guide the group through the Earth Care Pledge and share what this recognition means for our congregation as we continue our commitment to environmental stewardship.
EXPLORING THE BIBLE
​The Parables of Jesus
Host: Ed Koster
Through in-depth study and group discussion, we’ll delve into the cultural context, spiritual meanings, and contemporary relevance of Jesus' parables. This class offers an opportunity to deepen your understanding of Scripture and discover new insights into the teachings of Christ.
FIRST FRIENDS
Christianity and World Religions:
Buddhism
Host: Carole Pawloski
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In session three titled Buddhism, Adam Hamilton gives an overview of the beginning of Buddhism, focusing on the life and teaching of Siddhartha Gautama, who became the Buddha. He describes the central ideas of Buddhism and what it has in common with Christianity, as well as how the two religions are different in important respects.
April 13
EXPLORING THE FAITH
Listening for the Heartbeat of God:
A Quick Look at the Celtic Spirituality of
J Philip Newell
Speaker: Rev. David Prentice-Hyers
Host: David Yntema
How might the ancient traditions of Britain, Ireland, and the Celtic diaspora shape and give meaning to our current spiritual moment? David Prentice-Hyers will examine the prayers, patterns, and sensibilities of the Celtic Tradition through the writings of J. Philip Newell and others.
EXPLORING THE BIBLE
​The Parables of Jesus
Host: Ed Koster
Through in-depth study and group discussion, we’ll delve into the cultural context, spiritual meanings, and contemporary relevance of Jesus' parables. This class offers an opportunity to deepen your understanding of Scripture and discover new insights into the teachings of Christ.
FIRST FRIENDS
Christianity and World Religions:
Judaism
Host: Carole Pawloski
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Join us for the session in Christianity and World Religions, featuring Judaism from Adam Hamilton’s video series. This class will explore the history, beliefs, and practices of Judaism, highlighting connections and distinctions between Judaism and Christianity.
FOLLOW ME
Honor God’s Diversity!
Affirm People Who Are Marginalized (Genesis 1-2)
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Follow Me is an engaging adult discipleship class that explores biblical themes and spiritual practices to help deepen your faith. Each session encourages discussion and reflection on how we can actively follow Christ in our daily lives.
Classes will not meet on Easter Sunday, April 20.
April 27
EXPLORING THE FAITH
Museums and Forgiveness: Reconsidering Our Not So Silent Gallery Spaces​
Host: Margie Reynolds
​Often seen as places of comfort and escape, museums also reflect a complex and sometimes troubling past. No museum type is exempt—zoos, art museums, botanical gardens, and science collections all hold contested histories. This talk, led by Margie Reynolds, will explore cases of looted artifacts, unethical acquisitions, human exhibits, and the exclusion of marginalized groups, asking how we can address these issues today.
EXPLORING THE BIBLE
​The Parables of Jesus
Host: Ed Koster
Through in-depth study and group discussion, we’ll delve into the cultural context, spiritual meanings, and contemporary relevance of Jesus' parables. This class offers an opportunity to deepen your understanding of Scripture and discover new insights into the teachings of Christ.
FIRST FRIENDS
Christianity and World Religions:
Islam
Host: Carole Pawloski
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In session five titled Islam, Adam Hamilton discusses the beginnings of Islam with a focus on the life of Muhammad. He describes the main beliefs and practices of Islam, including its sacred text, the Quran, and shows its similarities and differences with Christianity.
FOLLOW ME
Honor God’s Diversity!
Center Voices from the Margins (Matthew 15: 21-28)
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Follow Me is an engaging adult discipleship class that explores biblical themes and spiritual practices to help deepen your faith. Each session encourages discussion and reflection on how we can actively follow Christ in our daily lives.
May 4
EXPLORING THE FAITH
When Faith Takes Form
Speaker: Mark Borst
Host: Jane Dutton
What does it mean for a church building to have architectural and liturgical integrity? And why does it matter in a post-denominational, post-Christian era? Join us for an in-depth look at four architecturally significant West Michigan churches, and what they teach us about design stewardship and corporate worship.
EXPLORING THE BIBLE
​The Parables of Jesus
Host: Ed Koster
Through in-depth study and group discussion, we’ll delve into the cultural context, spiritual meanings, and contemporary relevance of Jesus' parables. This class offers an opportunity to deepen your understanding of Scripture and discover new insights into the teachings of Christ.
FIRST FRIENDS
Christianity and World Religions:
Christianity
Host: Carole Pawloski
​
In session six titled Christianity, Adam Hamilton gives a broad overview of the Christian faith using John 3:16 as a “gospel in miniature” that contains the good news of Christianity in a simple, straightforward, yet powerful statement. He shows how Christianity’s teachings are similar to other religions in some ways, but differs in others, most significantly in the Christian teaching that Jesus is the son of God, fully human and fully God.
May 11
EXPLORING THE FAITH
Christian Nationalism in Modern America (Part 1)​
Speaker: Rick Ostrander
Host: Sid Smith
Christian Nationalism is a widely discussed and controversial movement in modern America. For some it is a call to moral renewal, while for others it represents a fundamental threat to American democracy. This first session will define Christian Nationalism, explore its historical roots, and attempt to explain its current revival in modern America.
EXPLORING THE BIBLE
​The Parables of Jesus
Host: Ed Koster
Through in-depth study and group discussion, we’ll delve into the cultural context, spiritual meanings, and contemporary relevance of Jesus' parables. This class offers an opportunity to deepen your understanding of Scripture and discover new insights into the teachings of Christ.
FIRST FRIENDS
Tree of Life
Host: Carole Pawloski
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This series invites participants to explore the rich biblical symbolism of trees and their connection to faith, growth, and spiritual renewal. Through scripture, discussion, and reflection, this class examines how the Tree of Life appears in Christian tradition and what it teaches us about God’s presence in our lives.
FOLLOW ME
Honor God’s Diversity!
Work for Liberation While Challenging Oppression
(Numbers 27 1-11; Luke 6:20-31)
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Follow Me is an engaging adult discipleship class that explores biblical themes and spiritual practices to help deepen your faith. Each session encourages discussion and reflection on how we can actively follow Christ in our daily lives.
May 18
EXPLORING THE FAITH
Christian Nationalism in Modern America (Part 2)
Speaker: Rick Ostrander
Host: Sid Smith
Christian Nationalism is a widely discussed and controversial movement in modern America. For some it is a call to moral renewal, while for others it represents a fundamental threat to American democracy. This second session will assess the theological merits of the movement, explore the extent of its influence in modern America, and consider its future prospects.
EXPLORING THE BIBLE
​The Parables of Jesus
Host: Ed Koster
Through in-depth study and group discussion, we’ll delve into the cultural context, spiritual meanings, and contemporary relevance of Jesus' parables. This class offers an opportunity to deepen your understanding of Scripture and discover new insights into the teachings of Christ.
FIRST FRIENDS
Planning for Fall 2025
Host: Carole Pawloski
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Join us as we plan for the Fall 2025 session of First Friends! This meeting will focus on selecting the curriculum and shaping the direction of the class to ensure a welcoming and meaningful experience for newcomers. All are invited to contribute ideas and help create a thoughtful and engaging journey in faith and fellowship.
