January 11
EXPLORING THE FAITH
Sharing Our Land:
Immigration and Our Faith
In this three-session Adult Faith Formation series, we will gather to reflect on what it means to share our land faithfully in a time of complex and often painful immigration realities. Together, we will explore how current deportation and refugee resettlement policies shape the lives of individuals, families, and communities, listen to the voices and responses of immigrant communities, and consider how faith-based organizations are offering care, advocacy, and hope. Grounded in Christian commitments to love, compassion, justice-seeking, and discernment, this series invites thoughtful learning and faithful conversation. Co-sponsored with the FPC Mission Committee.
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Raiding the Heartland:
An American Story of Deportation and Resistance
Host: Sidonie Smith
Dr. William D. Lopez—Associate Chair and Clinical Associate Professor of Health Behavior & Health Equity at the University of Michigan School of Public Health; Senior Advisor at Poverty Solutions; and Faculty Associate in the Latina/o Studies Program—will examine the lasting effects of ICE workplace raids on individuals, families, and communities, particularly in small towns and rural areas. Grounded in both research and advocacy, and attentive to the power of storytelling in public health, Dr. Lopez will explore not only the devastating consequences of these raids but also the resilience, hope, and resistance of immigrant communities as they rebuild in their aftermath.
EXPLORING THE BIBLE
​Reading Revelation
Host: Ed Koster
This class will explore Revelation in its historical context and examine how its vivid imagery speaks to both the early church and to us today. Together we will uncover the themes of faith, perseverance, and God’s ultimate renewal of creation, gaining tools to read Revelation not as a code to be cracked, but as a vision of encouragement for Christians in every age.
FIRST FRIENDS
Forgiveness: The Divine Answer
Host: Carole Pawloski
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Join us for a guided discussion of Forgiveness: The Divine Answer by Adam Hamilton. Led by Carole Pawloski, this class will explore the Christian call to forgiveness and its power to heal relationships, restore community, and deepen our faith.
January 18
EXPLORING THE FAITH
Refugee Resettlement in Southeast Michigan through Jewish Family Services​
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Mira Sussman, Director of Community Engagement at Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County, will share the history of JFS refugee resettlement in Southeast Michigan, the scope and impact of its services, and the current challenges facing resettlement work amid shifting U.S. immigration policies and reduced resettlement opportunities. She will also highlight meaningful ways individuals and congregations can support and engage in this work through volunteering.
EXPLORING THE BIBLE
​Reading Revelation
Host: Ed Koster
This class will explore Revelation in its historical context and examine how its vivid imagery speaks to both the early church and to us today. Together we will uncover the themes of faith, perseverance, and God’s ultimate renewal of creation, gaining tools to read Revelation not as a code to be cracked, but as a vision of encouragement for Christians in every age.
FIRST FRIENDS
Forgiveness: For Better or Worse
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This class centers on a guided discussion of Adam Hamilton’s Forgiveness: For Better, For Worse. Together, we will explore how forgiveness shapes our relationships, strengthens community, and calls us to faithful living in both challenging and grace-filled moments.
January 25
EXPLORING THE FAITH
​Serving Christ in the Borderlands
Host: Diane Hockett
Mark Adams, U.S. Coordinator of Frontero de Cristo—a nonprofit organization supporting migrants along the Arizona border—will join us via Zoom from the borderlands to share stories of migrants and the profound impact of border experiences on individuals and families. Formerly a commissioned ministry of the PC(USA), Frontero de Cristo continues its vital work as an independent nonprofit, offering accompaniment, advocacy, and practical support to immigrant communities.
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EXPLORING THE BIBLE
​Reading Revelation
Host: Ed Koster
This class will explore Revelation in its historical context and examine how its vivid imagery speaks to both the early church and to us today. Together we will uncover the themes of faith, perseverance, and God’s ultimate renewal of creation, gaining tools to read Revelation not as a code to be cracked, but as a vision of encouragement for Christians in every age.
FIRST FRIENDS
Forgiveness: Seventy times Seven
Host: Pam Ehrhart
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Join us for a thoughtful discussion of Adam Hamilton’s Forgiveness: Seventy Times Seven, a chapter that explores Jesus’ call to limitless forgiveness and what it means to practice forgiveness deeply and faithfully in our daily lives. Led by Pam Ehrhart, this class will invite reflection on how grace, mercy, and reconciliation shape our relationships and spiritual growth as followers of Christ.
