Bible Study Groups
Our desire is for every member to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” and to walk in the Word daily (2 Peter 3:18). One way we do this is through Bible study. We have men’s, women’s, and co-ed Bible study groups that meet at various times and locations.
Spring 2024
Philippians | Living a Joyful Life of Paradox
Why are we studying Philippians?
Grace and peace are part of Paul’s greeting as he begins this book, but they also describe some of the benefits Christians enjoy as we trust Christ. Paul will challenge us to delve into the rich depths of grace as we learn from Christ’s example of humility and service. We will be challenged to pattern our lives after Christ’s example, compelling “us to form communities that ‘shine as stars’ in the midst of a darkened world and be filled with peace and unity.” (bibleproject.com)
STUDY RESOURCES
Groups will use one of the following books which may be purchased from the bookseller of your choice. The links below provide a brief preview of each book. Check with your group leader before ordering a book. (NOTE: Books will not be available for purchase on the night of the Bible Study Kickoff)
Check with your group leader before ordering a book. (NOTE: Books will not be available for purchase on the night of the Bible Study Kickoff)
In All Things by Melissa Kruger
Philippians: A 12-Week Study (Knowing the Bible Series)
OTHER RESOURCES
Bible Study Kickoff & Reception | January 14, 6 p.m.
Guest Speaker: Jay Miller
Jay Miller is Lead Pastor of Parkway Presbyterian Church in Cumming, Georgia. Jay has a Master of Divinity degree from Erskine Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from Florida State University. Jay is a former First Pres staff member and before entering the ministry, he worked as a seventh grade Language Arts teacher, and as a Sports Anchor for WRDW in Augusta. Jay and his wife, Amy, have been married for 16 years and have four children: Grant (13), Lily Reese (10), Lyla (5), and Hazel (4 months).
BE PART OF A BIBLE STUDY
If you were in a fall Bible study and want to stay in that group, you do not need to re-register. If you were not part of a Bible study in the fall, or if you would like to change which group you participate in, then now is the time to sign up, you do not need to wait for the kickoff.
First Pres Sunday Evening
Meets: Sunday, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Location: First Presbyterian Church
Leaders: Suzi Vital & Debbie Fredenberg
Book: In All Things by Melissa Kruger
Open to all women, all ages. Child care is available with registration.
Start Date: 01.21.24
South Carolina Super Parish
Meets: Tuesday, 6 – 8 p.m.
Location: Cindy Britt’s and Patricia Cahill’s homes (rotates)
Leader: Cheryl Whitcomb
Open to all women, but members are primarily from the South Carolina super parish.
Start Date: 01.23.24
Columbia County Super Parish
Meets: Tuesday, 6:50 – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Donna Jones’ home
Leaders: Kevin Baura & Donna Jones
Book: In All Things by Melissa Kruger
Open to women from any parish, this intergenerational group meets in Columbia County.
Start Date: 01.16.24
First Pres Wednesday Morning
Meets: Wednesday, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: First Presbyterian Church
Leader: Amber Barrett
Open to all women. We meet as a large group for teaching and split into small groups for discussion and prayer. Child care is available with registration.
Start Date: 01.17.24
National Parish
Meets: Thursday, 6 – 7 a.m.
Location: Cafe Dulce
Leader: Claire Weaver
Book: In All Things by Melissa Kruger
Open to all women, especially those whose schedules or stage of life make it difficult to attend traditional small group studies.
Start Date: 01.18.24
Lake Forest Parish
Meets: Thursday, 1 – 2 p.m.
Location: Patricia Sims’ home
Leader: Julie Hanna
Book: Individual preference
Open to all women.
Start Date: 01.18.24
Young Adult – Lake Forest Parish
Meets: Monday, 6:45 – 8:15 p.m.
Location: Sara Price’s home
Leaders: Sara Price & Asher Allen
Open to women in their 20s and 30s, single or married.
Young Adult – Open
Meets: Monday, 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Location: Member Home (TBD)
Leader: Joy Brown & Margaret Daniel
Open to women in their 20s and 30s, single or married.
Downtown Parish (This group is full.)
Meets: Thursday, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Judy Down’s home
Leader: Elena Boone & Diane Hubbard
Book: In All Things by Melissa Kruger
Open to all women. Meets in person but if anyone needs/wants to join via Zoom, they can!
Start Date: 01.25.24
Pleasant Home Parish
Meets: Tuesday, 8 – 9 p.m.
Location: Brad Williams’ home
Leaders: Luke Niday & Billy English
Open to all men, of all ages.
Lake Forest Parish
Meets: Wednesday, 6 – 7 a.m.
Location: John Price’s home
Leaders: John Price & Josh Lane
Open to all men, but members are primarily from the West Augusta area.
Savannah Rapids Parish
Meets: Wednesday, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Russ Morgan’s home
Leader: Russ Morgan
Book: Philippians by N.T. Wright
Open to all men.
First Pres Open Parish
Meets: Wednesday, 7 – 9 p.m.
Location: First Presbyterian Church
Leader: Bruce Van Peursem
Open to men from all parishes.
Start Date: 01.17.24
First Pres Downtown Parish Morning
Meets: Friday, 5:30 – 7 a.m.
Location: First Presbyterian Church
Leader: Brian Martin
Start Date: 01.19.24
Pleasant Home Parish Davis Road
Meets: Friday, 6 – 7 a.m.
Location: Mike Harris’ office, Cornerstone Senior Living
Leaders: John Fender & Mike Harris
Open to all men, of any age, who live anywhere in the CSRA.
West Augusta Super Parish
Meets: Friday, 6:15 – 7:15 a.m.
Location: Jim Scarbrough’s home
Leader: Jim Scarbrough
Book: Let’s Study Philippians by Sinclair Ferguson
Open to all men, but members are primarily from the West Augusta area.
Start Date: 01.12.24
Palmetto Parish
Meets: Saturdays (2x/month), 7:30–9:30 a.m.
Location: Alternates between Zoom and in person at Sam Acevedo’s home
Leaders: Gerald Killian & Sam Acevedo
Open to all men, but primarily those living in the Palmetto Parish. Contact Gerald Killian (803.257.4721) if you’d like to join.
Young Adult – Lake Forest Parish
Meets: Monday, 6:30 – 8 p.m
Location: John Price’s home
Leaders: John Price & Will Long
Open to men in their 20s and 30s, single or married.
Young Adult – National Parish
Meets: Wednesday, 6:30 – 8 p.m
Location: Jeff Westergreen’s home
Leaders: Jeff Westergreen & Evan Wood
Open to men in their 20s and 30s, single or married.
Young Adult – Open
Meets: Monday, 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Location: Member Home (TBD)
Leaders: Chris Williams
Open to men in their 20s and 30s, single or married.
South Carolina Super Parish (This group is full.)
Meets: Wednesday, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Byars and Morris homes (rotates)
Leaders: Michael Byars & Byron Morris Sr.
Book: Knowing the Bible Series | Philippians: A 12-Week Study by Ryan Kelly
Intergenerational group made up of men primarily from the South Carolina Super Parish.
Start Date: 01.24.24
Redeemer Class Midweek Bible Hour
Meets: Thursday, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: First Presbyterian Church
Leader: Jim Knight
Co-ed group hosted by the Redeemer Sunday School Class. All are welcome. Currently meeting.
Restorers Couples Group
Meets: 2nd & 4th Wednesday, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Location: John and Leslie Fender’s home
Leaders: Josh Click & John Fender
Couples group primarily for members of the Restorers Sunday School class. Meets in Columbia County.
Staff Contacts
Mike Phillips, Associate Pastor of Shepherding
Ken McHeard, Associate Pastor of Christian Formation
Amber Barrett, Women’s Ministry Discipleship Coordinator
Liz Reid, Discipleship Administrative Assistant