The goal of First Pres' adult education program is to provide educational experiences that encourage and equip members and friends to discover meaningful and relevant connections between their Presbyterian Christian faith in Jesus Christ and living in today's world. These educational experiences are fostered, for example, through book studies, music, art, field trips and keynote speakers.

Here are some examples of recent educational offerings at First Presbyterian Church of Cranford:

At a Lenten Study Series offered on Wednesday nights, participants read selections from "Were You There? Finding Ourselves at the Foot of the Cross by Erik Kolbell. Kobell shows us that in the Passion of Jesus, we hear the story of one person but the echoes of many. The response to Jesus' predicament by various groups and individuals runs the gamut of human response and emotion, and helps us explore the spiritual basis of decisions we make in today's world. Sections of the book were discussed and each class also contained a Bible study component incorporating parallel readings from of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Advent through the Eyes of Those Who Waited was a special two-part study series presented by Rev. Valencia Norman and Director of Christian Education Mary Beckhusen. Participants focused on the special calling of Mary and Elizabeth and had the opportunity to view and discuss famous artist's depictions of The Annunciation and other biblical moments.

Future adult education opportunities will include education events led by our Spiritual Enrichment, Presbyterian Women and Church Life teams, book discussions, "Bible 101" and Family Nights held in conjunction Youth Fellowship.

For more information, click here.

Adult Education Team Responsibilities

1. To provide educational experiences that encourage and equip members and friends to discover meaningful and relevant connections between their Presbyterian Christian faith in Jesus Christ and living in today's world. These educational experiences can be fostered, for example, through book studies, music, art, field trips and keynote speakers.
2. To develop and offer a comprehensive program of Adult Education that focuses particularly on biblical literacy (i.e. becoming better and more confident Bible readers), God's Presence and call in current events, Presbyterian identity in relationship with other Christian and interfaith movements, and relating Christian faith to the joys and challenges of daily life.
3. To provide members and friends with opportunities for ecumenical and interfaith experience and learning.
4. To foster an atmosphere that characterizes First Presbyterian Church as a "teaching church" that encourages and equips its members and friends to learn and grow in faith throughout all stages of life.
5. To maintain and resource the Church Library with up-to-date books, electronic media and other materials to promote reading and learning as foundational to Christian faith and discipleship