To encourage us in our faith and help us become more faithful followers of Christ, in addition to excellent sermons in our worship services, learning opportunities are offered in the Adult Discipleship classes which are incorporated into our programming. Special one-time guest speakers are invited periodically. A very popular program called Discovery, usually offered several times during the year, helps us to experience how God is at work in our lives now.

Additional growth opportunities are found in Men’s Ministries and through Women’s Ministries. Women’s Ministries includes a summer Bible study series, an opportunity to participate in three Circles, and other opportunities provided by the Women’s Ministries Group, including women’s retreats and special events. Each fall, men from our church participate in a Men’s Retreat that includes men from Hope Presbyterian in Richfield, Eden Prairie Presbyterian and our church. “Finding Hope and Healing” provides support for those facing the challenge of going on after someone they love has died.

Faith Church maintains an active Stephen Ministry program, offering 50 hours of Stephen Ministry training each year for those who wish to become Stephen Ministers. For persons already trained as Stephen Ministers, Faith Church offers Stephen Ministry continuing education and an annual retreat. People from our church (or our friends and neighbors) who would like a trained and caring Christian friend to be with them during times of life’s challenges are encouraged to contact our pastor or a Stephen Ministry leader to request the support of a Stephen Minister.

Opportunities for growth also include participation in a small group or in Unidos en Cristo. Parents have an opportunity for some time by themselves while their children enjoy activities at Faith Church in our Wednesday Parents Morning Out program and in our monthly Parents Time Out opportunities, which give parents some time alone once a month on a Friday evening or Saturday morning.

Although Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) no longer meets in our church, many men and women from our congregation participate in this in-depth Bible study program. Several BSF classes for women, for men, and for young singles are offered in our area.

In addition to the opportunities to increase our knowledge and understanding, opportunities to express our love for Christ by loving and serving others are also an important part of our life. We provide numerous ways to volunteer to serve our congregation. Our “Beyond Us” program (service and missions) leads us in serving people outside our church. Those on Facebook can follow news and photos of our local and international projects on our “Beyond Us” Facebook page. We also serve our community with others in Community Days of Service.

Many from our congregation are involved in various aspects of our music ministry (including choir and our praise & worship team). People also assist the Deacons in their work and participate in our prayer ministries (prayer chain, prayer group, new Sunday afternoon monthly congregational prayer).

Loving and glorifying God through the Arts is a special emphasis in our congregation’s mission. We sponsor and host Faith Community Theater, a wonderful community theater experience that is open to people inside and outside of our congregation. The productions of musicals such as the 2010 production of Bye, Bye Birdie the 2011 production of The Sound of Music, and the 2012 production of Annie by Faith Community Theater provide another opportunity to participate and to connect with others. Faith Community Theater is directed by Steve Zehr, Director of Worship and Fine Arts at Faith Church.

Our Palette Club, provides special opportunities for those who enjoy painting. An expansion of our emphasis on the Arts is the new Faith School of the Arts that we began in 2012.

Ways to relax and build relationships with one another are also offered. There are monthly breakfasts for Senior Adults. We have an active Second Halfers group offering fellowship, adventure and learning for adults in mid-life and beyond. Other activities include Men’s Softball and Golf Teams, Volleyball, and card groups that enjoy playing Bridge and 500.