If you have questions about the adult ministries of Fox Valley Presbyterian Church, please contact Susan Strasser, Adult Ministries Committee Chair.
Sunday Morning Christian Education
2025 Adult Education Track
Books and Bagels
July 27 and August 24, 2025
Heads up! Summer reading ahead!
Our summer Books and Bagels adult education program continues on the fourth Sundays of July, and August in the Conference Room at 9:00 am. Participants need to acquire their own books, which are generally available from our local libraries. Please join us for interesting and lively discussions. The books for July and August are:
July
The Small and the Mighty by Sharon McMahon (non-fiction)
This book presents twelve unsung Americans who changed the course of history from our country’s founding to the civil rights movement. Angie Bateman will facilitate our discussion.
August
The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd (novel)
The first lines of the book read “I am Anna. I was the wife of Jesus ben Joseph of Nazareth…”. From this intriguing beginning, explore with us the fictionalized account of Jesus’s life through the eyes of Anna, his wife. Paige Temple will facilitate our discussion.
Spiritual Connections Between Christianity and Buddhism
July 20
On July 20, spiritual leader Bill Epperly will lead an adult education class on the spiritual connections between Christianity and Buddhism. We will gather in the Conference Room at 9:00 am. Bill teaches at DePaul University in Chicago and has completed three years of training in mindfulness. Our time with Bill was made possible by a Lilly grant awarded to Pastor Michelle.
(Sources: Susan Strasser’s May 2, 2025 email; minutes of June 8, 2025 meeting of the Adult Ministries Committee.)
The Bible With and Without Jesus
Fall 2025
Our fall adult education track will focus on The Bible With and Without Jesus. This series, written by Amy-Jill Levin and Mark Zivi Brettler, focuses on how Jews and Christians read the same Bible passages differently. The authors show what the texts meant in their original context and then, how over time, Jews and Christians have come to understand these same texts. Participants will obtain their own guides - the sources for the guides and more details will appear here in in church publications.
(Source: Minutes of the June 8, 2025 meeting of the Adult Ministries Committee.)
Questions about Adult Ministries: Contact Susan Strasser (strasser23@gmail.com)
Coffice Hours with Pastor Michelle
Mark your calendars for the fourth Thursday of the month and join Pastor Michelle during her coffice hours. Come and chat about church, life and anything else. Bring along a friend or two who wants to find out more about FVPC.
Pastor Michelle’s coffice hours will resume this fall after her return from her sabbatical.
Enneagram Classes
Have you heard of the Enneagram? This powerful, ancient spiritual Christian tool can help us to better understand ourselves and our motivations. Discovering our numbers can help us navigate our emotional and mental landscapes which can lead us to a healthier self, healthier relationships and deeper connection to God.
On October 18, 2025, we will be offering a one-day Enneagram workshop. This one-day workshop is designed to help participants discern their Enneagram number through a combination of videos, workbook exercises and discussion. Breakfast will be provided and we will include a break for lunch. We will meet in the Great Hall, 8:30 am-4:00 pm.
This one-day Enneagram session is designed to be a first step on the Enneagram Journey, and the day will include time to discuss options for continued exploration. We encourage you to invite a friend to join you for this workshop!
The cost for the Enneagram workshop is $20.00 for the workbook. Questions? Please email Laurie Musielak or Becky Pearce. To register for this workshop, email Laurie.
Earth Stewardship
EcoWalks
Our Earth Stewardship Team sponsors quarterly EcoWalks, led by a naturalist, in accessible locations in local forest preserves. Our EcoWalks are designed as intergenerational experiences and take place on Saturday mornings.
Our Summer EcoWalk takes place on August 9. Read more about it.
Organizer for these events: Jeff Mengler
Silent Prayer Hour
In our fast-paced world, finding a quiet time to pray and listen to God can be a challenge.
Beginning August 6, the Sanctuary will be open for a quiet time devoted to reflection and silent prayer each Wednesday, from 2:00-3:00 pm and from 6:00-7:00 pm. All are welcome - no need to sign up or register. Come when you can and stay as long as you like.
We are seeking a few additional volunteers to help launch this new ministry. If you feel called to support our community in prayer, or if you have questions about the silent prayer hour, please contact Becky Pearce or Jean Williams.
Organizers for this event: Becky Pearce and Jean Williams
(Posted 7/10/25. Source: Dorene Tieche’s 7/9/25 email.)
Presbyterian Women
All women of the church are invited to participate in a Presbyterian Women (PW) circle, which is affiliated with the PC(USA) national Presbyterian Women organization. The Sewing Circle meets on Monday mornings. The Knitting Circle (those who do all forms of handwork are welcome) meets in the afternoon on the second and fourth Mondays of the month.
Contact the church office to be put in touch with a current Circle leader.
Congregational Revitalization through Community Organizing
Through our membership in the Fox River Valley Initiative we have access to training that will teach us how to build meaningful relationships and have purposeful conversations as we seek to love, grow, and serve together. We also have the opportunity to participate in events to educate ourselves and help make our community a better place. Contact Pastor Michelle to learn about the next FRVI actions or meetings.