The Ministry of Showing Up

Come As You Are. Pull Up a Chair. Discover What God Can Do Around the Table.

The 2026–2027 Faith Formation year invites our church to discover what it means to live "At the Table Together." Throughout Scripture, the table is where God welcomes strangers, nourishes God's people, reveals truth, and commissions disciples into the world. This year, we will explore the many ways God meets us in community through Worshipful Wednesdays, Bible studies, intergenerational gatherings, service opportunities, and important conversations. Along the way, we will examine themes of hospitality, trust, generosity, curiosity, reconciliation, and everyday discipleship, recognizing that the table is not simply a place to gather, but a place where lives are transformed and Christ continues to shape us together.

More than a series of classes, this year's journey is an invitation to become a community where everyone has a place at the table. Whether someone is new to First Presbyterian or has worshiped here for decades, the hope is that they will discover a deeper sense of belonging, encounter Christ through the wisdom and stories of others, and leave equipped to carry God's love into the world. In a culture often marked by division and isolation, Faith Formation will encourage us to practice curiosity, extend hospitality, and become people who build communities of healing, hope, and reconciliation.

Gather

God gathers us into community through the work of the Holy Spirit, bringing together people with different stories, perspectives, and gifts. Through biblical studies, intergenerational experiences, and conversations centered on hospitality and belonging, we will discover that God's table is wide enough for all and that we are stronger together than apart.

Reveal

As we gather, God reveals God's presence through Scripture, worship, everyday life, and the wisdom of one another. This year will invite us to listen deeply, see familiar stories with fresh eyes, and discover that our understanding of Christ grows as we learn together in community.

Send

Having been gathered and transformed, we are sent into the world to share Christ's hope with others. Through service, vocational discernment, and thoughtful engagement with today's challenges, we will explore what it means to become ambassadors of reconciliation, extending God's love to our neighbors and helping build communities of healing and hope.

What’s in store for the 2026-2027 Faith Formation Year

The 2026–2027 Faith Formation year is filled with opportunities to grow in faith, build relationships, and discover new ways God is at work in our lives and in our community. Through Bible studies, intergenerational gatherings, service projects, and meaningful conversations, we'll explore what it means to live "At the Table Together"—gathering around Christ's table to learn, grow, and be transformed. Here are just a few of the studies and experiences you can look forward to throughout the year:

Fall

  • Setting the Table(5-Week Worshipful Wednesday Series)
    Launch the year by exploring meals throughout Scripture—from Abraham's hospitality to manna in the wilderness—and discover how God gathers, nourishes, and transforms people around the table.

  • Intergenerational Mosaic Night
    Create mosaic coasters while celebrating how God brings together unique people into one beautiful community through the work of the Holy Spirit.

  • Grace-Filled Conversations
    I Think You're Wrong (But I'm Listening), by Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth A. Silvers
    A four-week study on navigating disagreement with humility, compassion, and curiosity, helping us listen well, humanize others, and find common ground during a divisive season.

  • Tables That Made Us
    A storytelling series reflecting on the meals, relationships, and moments that have shaped our faith.

Winter

  • Windows of Faith
    An experiential Bible study using First Presbyterian's stained-glass windows to explore Scripture, reflect together, and discover what God reveals through biblical stories and community.

  • Lent

    Liturgy of the Ordinary
    A Lenten book study exploring how God's presence is revealed in everyday routines and ordinary moments through sacred daily practices.

Spring

  • FISH Pantry Service Project
    Serve together at the FISH Pantry as we live out the year's theme of being sent, caring for our neighbors through compassion and service.

  • Sent Into the Digital World
    Explore AI ethics and faithful Christian engagement with technology, considering how discipleship shapes our lives in an increasingly digital world.

  • Imprinted and Sent
    Discover your spiritual gifts, vocation, and calling as you learn how God equips each of us to participate in Christ's work of reconciliation.

There's Always Something Happening at First Presbyterian

At First Presbyterian, you'll find opportunities throughout the year to grow in faith, build meaningful friendships, serve others, and celebrate life's special moments. Whether you're looking for a Bible study, fellowship group, family event, or place to get involved, there's something for every generation. Get in touch with us through these resources or contacting communications@fpcknox.org.

Worshipful Wednesday

Wednesday nights are one of the highlights of the week, featuring dinner, fellowship, and engaging Bible studies and classes for adults, youth, and children throughout the year.

Men's “Squares” Fellowship and Study Groups

Our monthly Squares groups bring men together for fellowship, encouragement, and authentic conversation in small groups.

Presbyterian Women

Presbyterian Women offer year-round opportunities for Bible study, fellowship, and mission through monthly Circles, the annual Montreat Retreat, special events, fellowship and service projects.

First Fellowship & Lunch Bunch

Enjoy great food and even better company through First Fellowship events and our popular monthly Lunch Bunch, designed to help people connect and build community at the church.

Children & Youth

Children and youth experience an active year filled with Sunday School, Worshipful Wednesday programs, retreats, seasonal celebrations, mission opportunities, and milestone events. Highlights include Children's Ministry Sunday, the Christmas Pageant, Youth Sunday, Montreat, Trunk or Treat, Lake retreats, and fellowship events.

Music & Worship

Experience inspiring worship through special Choral Masterworks, organ concerts, choir and handbell groups, and beautiful seasonal services during Advent, Christmas, Holy Week, Easter, and Pentecost.

Retreats, Fellowship & Community Events

Throughout the year, we gather for events that strengthen relationships and create lasting memories, including our Congregational Retreat, Craft Fair, church picnic, potluck meals, Crockpot Cook-Off, holiday celebrations, and other fellowship events for all ages.

Serving Our Community

Putting our faith into action is an important part of life at First Presbyterian. Throughout the year, members have opportunities to serve alongside trusted local ministry partners, including Family Promise, Justice Knox, Volunteer Ministry Center, the YWCA, Habitat for Humanity, the FISH Pantry, and many others. Whether you're passionate about addressing homelessness, supporting families, promoting justice, or meeting practical needs in our community, there are countless ways to serve alongside others and make a meaningful difference.

Global Missions

Global mission has long been at the heart of First Presbyterian's calling. Throughout the year, members have opportunities to learn about and support ministry partners around the world, including our longstanding partnership with the Democratic Republic of Congo, where we have helped strengthen Christian healthcare, education, and community development for generations. We also support Congolese refugee families in Knoxville through Bridge Refugee Services. Our Mission Market, open every week at First Presbyterian, features beautiful fair trade goods handcrafted by artisans from around the world, allowing shoppers to support sustainable livelihoods while making a global impact.

Whether you're new to church or looking for a place to belong, First Presbyterian is a community where you can grow in faith, build genuine relationships, and find meaningful ways to serve alongside others. Please join us!