The Acacia Class meets on the third floor of the Education Building in room # 309. It is named for Acacia wood, the only wood mentioned in building the Ark of the Covenant, the tabernacle, and the altar in the Bible. The Acacia tree represents the wise value attached to the family, the diversity within families, and the durability demanded for growing healthy families.
Ethan Vessels is the teacher, and currently the class is studying the New Testament. Members range in age from 25 to 55. A comforting atmosphere of fun, fellowship and laughter prevails during class, and Acacia is known as the class with the best snacks! Social events during the year include a Super Bowl party, dinners out with babysitting provided, a summer picnic, and a white elephant sale. Sale proceeds are used to help area families at Christmas time.
The Adult Fellowship class meets on the third floor of the church building which is handicapped accessible via an elevator. For the last few steps, there is an electric chairlift available. A variety of age groups make up the membership with a significant portion being senior citizens who have had a diversity of life experiences and educational achievements. It used to be a much bigger class, but still maintains about 30 regular members present each week.
There are currently two teachers that share the responsibility of leading the class in the Sunday lesson. Use of Bibles is encouraged during the study, and several are available in the classroom.
Social events are now scheduled intermittently. Ladies Night Out is held at the end of April and an Ice Cream Social in July. Other meeting times will be decided upon and announced ahead of time. This class prides itself on being a very friendly, caring and loving group.
The Seekers meet on the first floor of the church building in the former Ladies Lounge adjacent to the Putnam Street entrance. All adult ages are welcome. The group is generally small, permitting lively discussion. The class uses the Judson series of Bible lessons. The class has infrequent social events. Teachers include Gary Frye and Joyce Marr.
The Singles and Doubles Class has been active at First Baptist Church for over 60 years and currently has approximately 40 members. This priesthood of all believers understands that the ministry belongs to the whole church and that they are called to love and serve God, to bear witness to Jesus Christ and to care and pray for others.
Through Bible study and discussion led by teachers who are class members, the class seeks to uniquely enhance the individual's spiritual growth and offer many opportunities to serve the Lord.
Monthly social events include dinners out, miniature golf, an ice cream social, an annual white elephant exchange with soup and dessert supper, and Christmas caroling for church members who are shut-in and in nursing homes. These events provide a time of fellowship and the opportunity to get to know class members better.
Class members participate in a community outreach project that provides a free lunch the second Saturday of the month to those in need of food and/or fellowship. Members also collect items all year long to fill shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.
All church visitors and members not attending Sunday School are invited to visit any Sunday morning and take part in class discussions, as well as attend social events.