adult discipleship

Discipleship is many activities focused on enhancing the ability of adults to live as Christ would have us live. We are called as a church, and as individuals, to love God, to love one another, and to make disciples. 


Discipleship helps us to learn more about God and helps us grow in our ability to love one another and to grow as disciples.  


Everyone is encouraged to routinely participate in fellowship before and after service on Sundays. Weekly and special opportunities to grow include classes, retreats, and small groups.  


For any questions contact Alisa Coats-Clemans.

adult education

Please mark your calendars now as you plan to grow in faith and understanding in 2024. Our Discipleship Commission is excited to offer these new programs. 


All programs begin at11:30AM on Sundays right after worship.

  • LEADERSHIP TRAINING SERIES

    March 24, April 21, May 19 

    Leader:  Krista Mikalatos

    This training course has been designed for the current leaders of EWPC (elders, deacons, community groups) but also future leaders.  And God may be calling you into leadership in the community. Come and be inspired.


    Krista is from the Pacific Northwest,  but has also worked in Asia and multiple cities along the West Coast. Krista worked for Campus Crusade for Christ for 24 years serving in many different roles, including the National City Staff Professional Development Director. She is a graduate of Western Seminary with a Masters in Intercultural Studies. She is passionate about community development and advocating for vulnerable people. 

  • Leading yourself - March 24

    We will look at the assumptions of leadership versus the reality of leadership. We will also examine the obstacles to leadership including the Myth of the Perfect Leader. This unit will include an assignment that is focused on growing in self-awareness. 

  • leading together - April 21

    We will build on the importance of leadership being together and not a solitary endeavor. A key part of working together is building understanding and empathy for each other. This unit will include an assignment that requires working together with someone in the group. 

  • Leading as God's Call on Your Life - May 19

    Where are we going? Building God's Kingdom can happen in many ways and there are many parts to play. This unit will include more reflection and dreaming about what God might be doing through each of us and the church. 

Small Groups Book Study

Join a small group for the all church book study that follows our Eastertide sermon series! 


Small groups begin meeting week of April 7. We offer a number of small groups that meet on various days during the week so you can find one that works best for you!


Our Goals

  • Make new friends in our faith community
  • Read a book where new friends share their perspective on difficult topics
  • Ask each other questions
  • Lean into the Wisdom of the Holy Spirit
  • The book is available in the lobby or on Amazon

You can register for any of the groups listed below here or on the sign up sheet in church lobby. More information on the meeting places and faciliators is available on the registration link.


Small Groups

Sundays, 2:30PM via Zoom (Theology Book Club)

Sundays, 7:00PM in person (Alicia's home)

Mondays, 1:00PM in person (Tylers' home)

Tuesdays, 10:00AM in person at the church

Wednesdays, 5:30PM (with light dinner) at the church


Schedule

March 31 – Read in advance:  Introduction, Chapter 1 – “War! What is it Good For?”

April 7 - Chapters 1 & 2 – “A Loving God and Loving Pizza”

April 14 – Chapter 3 – “Joy and  Happiness”

April 21 – Chapter 4 – “Fighting for Peace”

April 28 – Chapter 5 – “Patience”

               Guest Preacher:  The Rev. Amy Delaney

May 5 – Chapter 6 – “Kind of a Big Deal”

May 12 – Chapter 7 – “Goodness”

May 19 – Chapter 8 – “Great is My Faithfulness Because it is Right”

Pentecost

Guest Preacher – The Rev. Deborah Kimbrough

Series Ends

Optional closing Session – Each Small Group Decides

June 2 – “I Can’t Help It – Self Control” and Epilogue

Theology Book Club

2nd & 4th Sundays @ 2:30pm

This is an informal group that reads a wide variety of books that are theologically themed. 


Sometimes we complete a book discussion in one meeting,
other times we spend multiple Sundays. 


We agree as a group how long we spend on a book,
and then decide together what we will read next.


Several days prior to each meeting book notes will be sent out.

Please contact Ronda Peterson if you are interested or join us on Zoom.  


Current book: We'll be reading "Loving Disagreement" during the all church book study and meet every week based on the schedule shown above.

evening bible study

When: Wednesdays at 7:00PM


Where do we meet?  In person at the church - we may add Zoom hybrid, depending on interest.  


What is it all about?  Pastor Joyce will send us the biblical passages  to study in advance, then we'll dive into them together on Wednesday evenings. 


Get out your commentaries, grab your bible or open your favorite Bible app translation and join us as we study God's Word!


I'm in. What's next?  Just show up at 7:00PM on Wednesdays!


Send any questions or express your interest in joining via Zoom to info@eastwoodspres.org

Spiritual renewal

Take a break from the daily grind for a time of companionship, fun, relaxation, good food and spiritual growth at an off-site location. 

 

Men's and Women's weekend retreats are planned annually. Check back here and stay tuned to our Events page for 2024 date announcements!


Next Men's Retreat: October 25-27, 2024

Next Women's Retreat: November  1-3, 2024

The Walk to Emmaus

A Journey with Christ


The Walk to Emmaus is a spiritual renewal program intended to strengthen the local church through the development Christian disciples and leaders.  The program's approach seriously considers the model of Christ's servanthood and encourages Christ's disciples to act in ways appropriate to being "a servant of all."


"While they were talking and discussing, 

Jesus himself came near and walked with them."

- Luke 24:15


The walk to Emmaus is an experience of Christian spiritual renewal and formation that begins with a three-day short course in Christianity. It is an opportunity to meet Jesus Christ in a new way as God’s grace and love is revealed to you through other believers.


The Walk to Emmaus experience begins with the prayerful discernment and invitation from a sponsor.  After one accepts this invitation they complete an application.  The Emmaus leaders prayerfully consider each applicant and in God’s time, the person is invited to attend a three-day experience of New Testament Christianity as a lifestyle.


The objective of Emmaus is to inspire, challenge, and equip the local church members for Christian action in their homes, churches, communities and places of work.  

Emmaus lifts up a way for our grace-filled lives to be lived and shared with others.



Contact Cynthia Younger if you are interested in this program or you just want to lear a little bit more about future opportunities to take this Walk. You can also find out more about our local Walks to Emmaus here.