Adult Groups

We offer a variety of learning programs for adults that seek to educate, enrich, and build community among our congregation. As people of faith, we believe that we have a responsibility to continue the lifelong process of seeking further understanding of who God is and the meaning of His purpose in our lives. We also believe that we should continue to grow as individuals, parents, and community members. Our recurring programs are listed below, with special programs described on our News Page.

“Evicted” Book Study

Sundays Jan. 29, Feb. 5, and Feb. 12 from 11:15 am – 12:15 pm

Join the Spiritual Growth and Mission ministry teams to read and reflect on “Evicted”, a book by Matthew Desmond that shows us how the unhoused fall through the cracks in our society. The group will meet for one hour following worship in the Ren Room. You can get your own copy of the book or contact the church if you need a copy. A theological guide will be made available to group members to help guide the group’s discussions.

Thursday Morning Bible Study

Join us every Thursday at 9:30 a.m. for a lively discussion, led by Rev. Tim Vance, about how the Bible connects us with God, one another and what’s happening in our world. You will be joining a group of fun, curious and caring people who bring their own diverse perspectives and insights. Your presence and voice will only enhance our study and time together.

Women’s Programs

Our Women’s programs create a vibrant and dynamic environment where women of all ages can find a place to grow in their relationship with Christ and each other. From weekly Bible studies to monthly dinners, we are passionate about community, sharing our faith, and personal growth. Whether you are a new mom seeking encouragement and prayer or someone with a lot of questions about the Christian faith, you are welcome.

Vawter’s Daughters

Vawters’ Daughters are the women of FPCSM. The name of the group pays homage to Emma and Jennie Vawter who established a Sunday School in downtown Santa Monica which grew into First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica. Vawters’ Daughters gather for a potluck dinner on the first Friday of each month, traditionally in the home of a volunteer host or in the Renaissance Room at the church. Currently we enjoy a Zoom Happy Hour to help us through the pandemic. Gatherings are casual, social in nature, and are intended to provide an opportunity for women at the church to get to know each other, share joys and sorrows, and just have a fun time together.

First Pres Chancel Choir

The choir invites you to join us in making music! We will teach you, regardless of your level of expertise. The choir needs volunteers. Rehearsals are held on Thursdays from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. To join the Chancel Choir, contact Mark Alan Hilt at mhilt@hw.com.

We Are Committed To

Growing in our Faith as a Community
The Christian life was never meant to be experienced alone. We believe that as the church we are called to share in each other’s joy and sorrow. We are called to support and challenge each other. We seek to be a group of people that will do all these things as we also learn to love each other as Christ has loved us.

Integrating into the Spiritual Life of our Neighborhood
As members of First Presbyterian Church, Santa Monica we have served, lived in, and loved the city of Santa Monica for over 130 years. It is our hope that our group can be a light to our neighborhood through acts of kindness and mercy. We also hope to be a refuge for people lost among the isolating shuffle that is life on the Westside.

Solid Christian Teaching
We are rooted firmly in the scriptures. We seek to be a place where people are challenged to use critical thinking, historical contexts, and rich biblical meditation to make informed choices about how best to live a life honoring God.

Integrating into the Whole of the Church Body
There are many places on the Westside of Los Angeles to worship that focus solely on the needs of people in their 20s and 30s. We believe one of our greatest strengths is our connection to the larger church. Our greater church body consists of all generations and backgrounds. We work hard to make sure we have an outward focus that connects us people from all other walks of life in the city.

We are diverse in our work backgrounds

We are young professionals, college students, married couples, and full-time parents. No matter what your resume looks like you welcome to come and join us.

…in theology

Our group is composed of Christians that self-identify as liberal, conservative, somewhere in between, and nothing at all. We believe this makes our community stronger. It challenges us to seek out God’s truth beyond our established traditions.

…in our places in this spiritual journey

Some of us are very new to the faith, some of us were born and raised into it. No matter how long you’ve been a Christian or how well versed you are in the bible you are invited to join us. Also, this is a safe place even if you are not a Christian and just looking for a place to be curious.

…in our cultural backgrounds

Some of us were born and raised in Santa Monica, others come from across the world. While our meetings are in English we are a group whose first languages at times include, Mandarin, Russian, Spanish, and Japanese.

Overall, if you are interested in joining a group of people in their 20s and 30s committed to learning what it means to be following after Jesus as a community, you should come join us! For more information about these programs, call the church office at 310.451.1303, or email us at info@fpcsantamonica.org.