MARIETTA - First Presbyterian Church of Marietta, at 189 Church St. just off the Marietta Square, will soon begin offering adult classes for community enrichment.

The six-week classes are great for anyone interested in further developing a passion or hobby, but do not have the money or time required at many university adult education programs, according to FPC. The classes are offered to the community at-large in an effort to encourage fellowship among neighbors and substantial learning.

Registration will be 5-7 p.m. Aug. 18 at the church, along with a celebration dinner for $5-$7 for adults and $2 for children younger than 12. Online registration is also available on the FPC website at www.fpcmarietta.org.

Hour-long classes will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday evenings from Aug. 24 through Sept. 29. The costs of the classes vary, with an average cost of $10. Some classes are free.

Dinner will be available from 5-6 p.m. in the Great Hall at the church. The cost of dinner is $5 and $7 with a salad bar for adults. The cost for children under 12 is $2. Childcare will be offered for $1 per child, from ages six weeks to 4 years old. Activities and classes will be available for youth in kindergarten through high school.

Among the classes FPC are offering include: "Photography," "Parenting with Love and Logic: The School-Age Years," "Exploring Art Basics," "Historical Context of Arab/Israeli Conflict," "Yoga," "Christianity from a Kenyan Perspective," and "Survival Spanish."

Beth Crary is a single mother who works as FPC's communications director. She said the classes offered by the church are perfect for people in situations like hers.

"I wouldn't be apt to try to take a class on a Wednesday night with my three kids, but I would at the church do it, because we've got some great courses I'm really interested in and also there's childcare," Crary said. "I wouldn't have to pay for a babysitter."

A second session of classes is scheduled from Oct. 13 through Nov. 17, according to the church.