Winter/Spring 2024

Jan 7  Coffee Fellowship (bring Christmas leftovers to share)  

Jan 14  FPC Ministries in Action  

PeaceWorks, the sewing ministry, will display some of the many, many items they create and how the requests coming from our local community as well as across the state are handled.  If you have never peaked in the magic factory hidden behind the library, you are missing out! Meals on Wheels is one of our longest outreach ministries.  Come hear the heartwarming stories from members that are involved.  Breighton Larson, the newest staff member, will be sharing his vision for the Youth Ministries at FPC. 

Jan 21  The Starfish Project 

Two missionaries (the Gillaspeys’ nephew and niece) will be sharing about their work in a closed country in Asia. They are involved in a project ministering to marginalized/trafficked women from the countryside who previously worked in the red-light district but who have been rescued. The handicrafts made by these survivors will be available for purchase.

Jan 28  Church on the Street

Come meet Rev. Chris Matson, Pastor of Church on the Street (COTS). COTS believes that every human being, regardless of whether they are housed or unhoused, deserves a community where they feel at home. COTS looks a little different than most churches, but where it matters we are exactly the same. FPC is an Ecumenical partner with COTS.

Feb 4  Coffee Fellowship 

Feb 11  Stress Management 

Vicki Swier and Denise Kolba, RN, will team up to help us become informed about the Better Choices, Better Health workshops offered by SDSU Extension. These workshops are designed to help us better manage our physical and mental wellness. We will get to practice simple, yet effective methods of stress management that are featured in the workshops.

Feb 18  Sanford Clinical Trials 

Learn about the clinical trials currently being run by Sanford Health.  Clinical trials may provide innovative treatments and therapies which help to improve care.  Led by the Sanford Clinical Trials project manager

Feb 25  Jana’s Story  

You may recognize Jana Phelps by her leadership in Congregational Care at FPC, but you may be surprised to learn she is a registered nurse deeply committed to the welfare of our congregation and our community.  She has broad experiences in global missions where she has worked in eleven countries with Doctors Without Borders.  She will share “How my spirituality propels me in my Congregational Care responsibilities and in the mission field.”  

Mar 3  Coffee Fellowship 

Mar 10   Election 101 
Representatives from the Minnehaha County Auditor's Office will provide a nonpolitical overview on the work that goes into running an election and answer questions involving South Dakota Elections. Please submit all questions to Kym Christiansen (she’s in the FPC Directory) prior to the presentation. Details for how to submit questions will come later.

Mar 17 & 24  Islam and the Christian-Muslim   Relationship  led by Dr. Hans Harmakaputra

Dr. Hans was raised a Christian in Indonesia which has the largest population of practicing Muslims   He has been involved with International Peacemaking and is currently teaching a course comparing Christian and Muslim religions at Augustana University.  

Mar 31  EASTER  no class

Apr 7  Coffee Fellowship 

Apr 14  The Physical Heart of FPC  

What does it take to keep our house of worship a functioning and welcoming place?  Our facilities director will share some of the challenges we need to be aware of, plan for and share in the upkeep of, if this hub of our worship and outreach is to remain healthy and robust.  The discussion will be led by Jacob Forstein  

Apr 21  Local, Sustainable Foods 

Learn about local producers of food and their methods of sustainable agriculture.

Apr 28  Eat Well Mobile Market    

Learn the full story behind the Mobile Market and FPC’s role in this endeavor.  What does the future look like for this innovative way to lessen the food deserts in Sioux Falls?  How can we help?  Michelle Erpenbach from Thrive will lead the discussion.