May 15, 2026

Friends,

I am taking a class called "The Roman Empire in the New Testament." One thing that has stood out to me is how much early Christians sacrificed to take themselves out of what, in the Roman World, were called guilds or associations.

Many in the "lower classes" relied on these associations for their very livelihood, and even their burial! To leave meant loss of social status and a vital safety net. While the associations would provided community for various trades (carpenters, for example), they were also tied inseparably to Roman religion. What the Christian community did was remarkable. They created their own economic networks and association, so that Christians could leave the Roman system and still be taken care of.

I've included some deeper research on this below in the newsletter!

My question for us: While our modern careers and professional networks might not require sacrifices to Roman deities, what cultural or economic systems today pressure us to compromise our Christian values? Have you ever had to make a difficult professional or social choice because of your faith?

We also request your feedback on summer Bible study ideas. Please reach out to Eric Robinson, Dave Householder or Doug DeCelle!

Adult Classes At-A-Glance

Sunday

Just Jesus | Room 203 | 10:05-10:55

Coming Soon

Lost Screwtape Letters

When? May 24 (10:05-10:55) | May 31 (9:00-9:45)

Where? The Library

Also, please consider contributing an article, devotional, poem, or to share your thoughts. I'd love to include you!

Blessings!

Eric Robinson

First Connect Class Continues! Just Jesus

Who is the real Jesus? Is he a stained glass Savior designed to sooth? Is he the revolutionary who turned over the money changers tables in the Temple? Most of us revere the Bible, but do we read it? Read it for ourselves? Do we know what Jesus actually said and did, what his words and actions meant in his time, and what they mean for today? We need to know. 

In this four week class we will seek to understand the true, Biblical message of love and justice that Jesus preached and how we can apply to our living today. 

Whether you’re a lifelong student of the Bible or just looking for a welcoming place to ask questions and share your thoughts, there is a seat at the table for you. We can’t wait to share this time together!

Facilitators: Susan DeWyngaert and Dave Householder

Dates: April 26, May 3, 10 &17

Time: 10:05 AM – 10:55 AM

Location: Room 203

First Connect Summer Bible Study!

Feedback Requested

As we look ahead to the summer, we are planning to meet together on Sundays from 9:00-9:45 in the Library in June and July.

We’d love to get your feedback on a book of the Bible or topic of study! All ideas are welcome!

Please reach out to Eric Robinson, Dave Householder, or Doug DeCelle to share your thoughts. 

ICYMI, take a minute to explore the PCUSA's Confession of 1967 and its importance. Check out the infographic and podcast episode below to dig a little deeper!

Learn more about Roman Associations and Guilds through the infographic and slide deck below!

A recent archaeological dig uncovered four lost Screwtape Letters. At least, that's one story. The more likely story is that these are four letters, written by Eric Robinson, in the voice and style of C.S. Lewis.

The letters offer a provocative look into the Book of Revelation and the highly relevant questions that emerge. Join us for two weeks as Eric leads us to unpack these letters!

When? May 24 (10:05-10:55) | May 31 (9:00-9:45)

Where? The Library

ARE YOU TECH SAVVY AND WANT TO DIG DEEPER?

Don't forget to visit our FPC First Connect Digital Resource Library.

Also, check out the NotebookLM notebook for Just Jesus, Revelation and The Screwtape Letters. You'll need to log in with your Gmail to view. When you get there, try the "chat" feature first (middle tab). Ask a question and see what happens! For example, In the Revelation notebook you might ask, "What are some of the most important symbols in Revelation?" or "What does the dragon represent?" Or you might open the Screwtape Letters notebook and ask, "Give me a brief introduction to the book."