CONNECT
Here at First Presbyterian Church, we consider ourselves a family of faith. We like spending time with each other, and we enjoy finding excuses to gather for meals and celebrations throughout the year. These coordinated events are a great opportunity to meet new people, learn more about each other, and deepen our friendships. Here is a sampling of the ministries where you can get more involved and get to know our community better. All are invited and all are welcome.
COFFEE AN'
Coffee and what?? Coffee an' may be a decidedly local term if you do not hail from Northern Minnesota, but for everyone who now calls the Ely area home, coffee an' is a time to gather with friends and family for coffee and goodies. One of the easiest ways to get to know some of the fabulous folks at First Presbyterian better is to come a little early on Sunday, or hang around for a bit after our worship service. We have coffee, tea, hot chocolate, juice for the kiddos, and some kind of snack while we enjoy one another's company and catch up on life together.
CHOIR
We are blessed with an energetic choir, directed by our extremely talented Music Director, Mike Rouse. All ages and abilities are welcome to be part of this fun and welcoming group. No try outs required! We are often looking for new instrumental talent as well, so pack up that cello or trumpet and join us in the Sanctuary each Wednesday. Rehearsal begins at 4:00 and usually lasts about an hour as we practice the music and anthems for upcoming weeks.
GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner is one of the best opportunities for all the families, couples, and singles at First Presbyterian to share a meal together and get to know each other better. Groups of four to six diners get together at members' and friends' homes in the Ely area. It's easy. After you sign up, the hostess will call you with directions and your part in the meal - likely a salad, dessert or appetizer. Bon appetit!
MEMBERSHIP
Are you interested in joining our family? Several times a year Pastor Corey offers a class for anyone who is interested in learning more about First Presbyterian. The class is geared toward answering questions you may have about the church, discipleship, and our denomination: the Presbyterian Church USA, better known as PC(USA). During the class we learn a little bit more about each other as well as discussing some of the things that are unique to our own family at FPC. Keep your eyes peeled and listen for the announcements, or ask Pastor Corey when the next class is coming up. The new member's and inquirer's class is a great opportunity to get to know some other folks better, to make new friends, and to ask all those questions you have.
Let Pastor Corey or one of the Elders know if you are interested in learning more about our church family.
Let Pastor Corey or one of the Elders know if you are interested in learning more about our church family.
ADULT FORUM
At 11am on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month a group of folks from the Ely area gather at First Presbyterian for fellowship and a book discussion. Each month we focus on one book. The second Wednesday of each month we focus on the first half of the text. The fourth Wednesday of each month we focus on the book in its entirety. The texts that we read together are chosen to offer a variety of genres and discussion topics. Everyone is welcome.
Books 2022 & 2023
May 2023 Lessons in Chemistry, by Bonnie Garmus
June 2023 The Big Sort: Why the Clustering of Like-Minded America Is Tearing Us Apart, by Bill Bishop
July 2023 The Secrets Between Us, by Thrity Umrigar
August 2023 Arctic Dreams: Imagination and Desire in a Northern Landscape, by Barry Lopez
Books 2022 & 2023
May 2023 Lessons in Chemistry, by Bonnie Garmus
June 2023 The Big Sort: Why the Clustering of Like-Minded America Is Tearing Us Apart, by Bill Bishop
July 2023 The Secrets Between Us, by Thrity Umrigar
August 2023 Arctic Dreams: Imagination and Desire in a Northern Landscape, by Barry Lopez
potluck
The first Sunday of each month you're invited to bring a dish to share as we reconnect and celebrate the joys of being back together. Our potlucks will be following Worship.
sarah circle pw Women's Bible Study group
There's a Bible study group at First Presbyterian! Everyone is welcome. The group will meet at 6 pm on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month. They will be using the Horizons Bible Study syllabus and materials. If you have questions or would like more information, contact Heide or Pastor Corey.
Bible Reflection Group
Join us at 6:30am on the first and 3rd Thursdays of the month at Northern Grounds coffee shop where we explore the deeper questions of our faith.
Joy Circle
In our church Joy Circle, each person lists the "joy sightings" in their recent lives. This might be hearing the wild swans overhead or seeing a grandchild or noticing the beauty of a piece of kale. Some also sit and just listen in the beginning. We meet at 11:00am at the church every other week. If you have questions or would like more information, ask Pastor Corey or Jean Gendreau.
lunch bunch
We meet at the Grand Ely Lodge for Lunch at noon on the last Monday of the month. Please join us. All are welcome.