Adult Ministry
Adults
Adult faith formation can happen in many places including worship, Sunday School, conversations over coffee, small groups, service opportunities and more. Our goal is to offer a variety of programs and opportunities to help you grow and mature in your faith.
Ongoing Small Groups
Small Group 2: Men's Small Group
This is a casual Tuesday morning gathering for men of all ages to discuss their lives and faith. Interested? Contact website@rpcjax.org
Small Group 3: Women (30s)
Mondays at 7:30 pm, twice a month.
A group for women in their 30s. They meet to build spiritual friendships and deeper connection to God. Group meets once/month in a small group member’s home and once/month at a restaurant.
Questions? Email us.
Small Group 4: Women (30s + 40s)
RPC “Church Ladies” small group - the 3rd Thursday each month at 7:00pm - rotating location Interested in learning more? Contact Elise Fallucco.
Small Group 5: Women (40s + 50s)
Third Tuesdays at 7:00 pm. A group of women mainly with children in high school and college who gather once a month for fellowship and a chance to share their lives and pray with each other. Interested in learning more? Contact Emily Heeg.
Small Group 6: Women (20s)
2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 7:30 pm
This group of women in their 20's meets regularly for study and fellowship. If you are interested in this group email us.
Ongoing Bible Studies
New Monthly MORNING Women’s Bible Study
Salad Luncheon on September 8
In September and May, this group joins other women of the church for a salad luncheon at noon in Bittinger in place of their typical fellowship time. Please come for this special time of connection and bring a salad to share. There will still be a Bible Study offered after the luncheon. (see afternoon Bible Study section)
Led by Nancy Schneider
All women are invited to a new monthly Bible study exploring Finding Resilience, Joy, and Our Identity in Jesus Christ.
The group begins at 10:45 AM with light refreshments and time for conversation and connection.
At 11:00 AM, Nancy Schneider will lead participants in a thoughtful and encouraging study of Scripture, focusing on familiar passages in the New Testament.
For this first meeting, the Bible study will be followed by a salad luncheon. Women are invited to bring a salad to share and stay after the study for an additional time of connection and fellowship.
This group will typically meet on the first Monday of each month, and women are invited to participate each month as they are able.
Come and be part of a welcoming community of women growing together in faith.
Meeting Dates for MORNING Bible Study:
October 6
November 3
December 1
January 5
February 2
March 2
April 13
May 4 (includes Salad Luncheon)
New Monthly AFTERNOON Women's Bible Study
Salad Luncheon on September 8
In September and May, this group joins other women of the church for a salad luncheon at noon in Bittinger Hall. Please come for this special time of connection and bring a salad to share. There will still be a Bible Study offered after the luncheon.
All women are invited to this monthly Bible study exploring Finding Resilience, Joy, and Our Identity in Jesus Christ.
October 6 and onward:
This group gathers at 12:30 pm for a time of connection and fellowship. Many participants bring their lunch/snack to enjoy during this time.
At 1:00 pm, Emily Heeg leads the group in a thoughtful and encouraging study of Scripture, focusing on familiar passages from the New Testament.
This group will typically meet on the first Monday of each month from 12:30 - 2:00 pm.
Meeting Dates for Afternoon Bible Study:
October 6
November 3
December 8
January 5
February 2
March 2
April 13
May 4 (includes Salad Luncheon)
Pastor Brian's Bible Study (1st and 3rd Wednesdays)
1st and 3rd Wednesdays in the Thompson Parlor.
Join your fellow Riversiders and Pastor Brian on the first and third Wednesday of the month at 10:00 am for an ongoing study of various books in the Bible. This conversation-based class will begin with the Gospel of Luke, and offers an opportunity to study scripture in community.
You are also invited to come at 9:30 am to enjoy some relaxed conversation time with donuts and coffee.
Adult Sunday School Classes
Beginning September 14
Sundays at 9:30 am
Short Term Series - Exploring the Gospels with Pastor Brian, A Beginner's Journey
September 14, 21, and 28 at 9:30 am in Thompson Parlor, Education Building Room 200
Teacher: Rev. Dr. Brian Lays
Whether you’re brand new to the Bible or just want a fresh look at the life and teachings of Jesus, this 3-week class is for you. Together, we’ll explore the four Gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John - learning who wrote them, why they were written, and what makes each one unique. You’ll discover the central stories of Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection, and how these accounts continue to shape our faith today.
Parents of Young Children: Faith and Family
Education Building Room 306
Beginning September 14
This ongoing class is designed especially for parents navigating the joys and challenges of raising children.
We’ll begin our class this fall by joining the church-wide study, Exploring the Gospels with Pastor Brian: A Beginner’s Journey, for the first three weeks. This shared time will deepen our understanding of Jesus’ life and teachings and give us a foundation for conversations about faith at home.
More Than Words: 10 Values for the Modern Family (based on the book by Erin Wathen)
After the first three weeks, this group will begin a parenting segment. We’ll reflect on how to move beyond surface “family values” and cultivate a wholehearted, faith-filled lifestyle rooted in love. Each session will include Scripture, honest conversation, and practical ideas for living out these values in our homes and communities.
Exploring the Book of Acts
Exploring the Book of Acts
Teachers: Ed Pratt Danals and Rev. Dr. John Ragsdale
Education Building Room 302/303
Beginning September 14
The first Christians experienced the risen Christ in profound and mystical ways that formed them into a radically new kind of community. Join two of Riverside’s talented teachers for an ongoing, in-depth study of the earliest record of their lives in the Book of Acts. Together, we’ll explore the stories of the early church, the power of the Holy Spirit, and what these ancient words mean for us today. Whether you’re brand new or a longtime member, you’ll find a warm welcome and thoughtful conversation.
Rev. Dr. John Ragsdale
After working in banking and finance for fifteen years, John responded to a call to ministry. John attended Columbia Theological Seminary for his master’s and earned his doctorate from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. He served as the pastor of churches in Orange Park, Gainesville, Jacksonville, and Green Cove Springs, Florida, as the Executive Director of the Montgomery Presbyterian Center, and as Mission Coordinator for Leadership of the Presbytery of St. Augustine, retiring from full-time ministry in 2013. John and his wife, Sally, have two sons and live in Jacksonville, Florida, and Cashiers, NC.
Ed Pratt-Dannals
Ed Pratt-Dannals has been a member of RPC for about 35 years and has taught a Bible-based adult Sunday school for the majority of those years. For his career, he was a public school teacher, principal, and ultimately superintendent here in Duval County. He has been married to his wife, Jo, for 49 years and has 2 adult children and 5 grandchildren who live in North Carolina.
Underwood Class
Teacher: Clay Boone
Education Building Room 305
Beginning September 14
Looking for a place to grow in faith, connect with others, and dive deeper into Scripture? This welcoming adult Bible study meets year-round and explores the International Sunday School lessons in a friendly, conversational setting.
College Students
Our ministry with college students of our church focuses on a few things.
- Going to Montreat College Conference in January
- College Secret Pal Ministry (each college student has a "secret pal" who will send them encouraging notes / gifts throughout the school year. They are revealed at the end of the school year!) If you know someone who should have a Secret Pal, please call the Church Office, (904) 355-4585.
Need help getting connected to a college ministry at your school? Contact
rpcyouthadmin@rpcjax.org
