WOMEN
AT CORAL RIDGE
Our primary means of spiritual growth comes through the study of the Word; it is life-giving, all-sufficient, and our final authority. The word of God is transforming in the life of a believer.
Our primary means of spiritual growth comes through the study of the Word; it is life-giving, all-sufficient, and our final authority. The word of God is transforming in the life of a believer.
CORAL RIDGE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BIBLE STUDIES
Our Bible studies are designed to take us on a journey that is God-centered and transformative. They are God-centered in the sense that the focus of our studies is on God as he has revealed himself to us in history with his words and deeds now recorded for us in sacred scripture.
The Bible is a living word. The God who speaks and acts throughout the pages of redemptive history is the same God who continues to speak to us today through the scriptures by the Holy Spirit who originally inspired their writing. As a living and active word, the Bible has a saving and transformative effect on all who read it and are captivated by its message.
THE CONTINUING JOURNEY
As these Bible studies take us on God-centered, transformative journey, each lesson is designed to build upon the previous lesson. The same is also true as we move from one study to the next; each study builds upon the previous studies and in some particular way advances them.
From the New Testament perspective, the Servant has already come. Jesus has already lived, died, and risen from the dead, and he is now seated at his Father’s right hand, having fulfilled his mission as the Suffering Servant of the Lord.
SUMMER READING PLAN
KINGDOM CITIZENS IN A CORINTHIAN WORLD
The upcoming Bible study is entitled Kingdom Citizens in a Corinthian World. Together as a Church, we will explore Paul’s calling to God’s people to be faithful in a hostile culture. We will be encouraged to pursue holiness, unity, and gospel witness in every area of life. We hope you’ll join us!
LISTEN DAY BY DAY
THROUGH OUR
SUMMER READING PLAN
Follow along on your favorite podcast app as each day’s scripture is read aloud by Pastor Rob Pacienza, Pastor Caleb Koornneef, Pastor Andrew Siegenthaler, and Allison Siegenthaler.
HEAR FROM OUR COMMUNITY
Real Stories of Faith & Community
There is something powerful about women from all walks of life coming together to lean into the Word of God. At Coral Ridge, this is more than just a Bible study—it’s a place where spiritual growth meets genuine connection.
Watch the video to hear directly from women in our community about their experiences in our latest study on Ephesians. Whether you are looking for deep doctrinal teaching or a supportive circle of friends, there is a place for you here.
Q: We’ve been studying the life and writings of Paul for the past year, how is 1 Corinthians unique to the canon?
A: Like the other letters of the New Testament, Paul writes with a specific purpose in mind. For example, we just looked at his letter to the Ephesians and learned that it was a circular letter. It was meant to be read and circulated among the churches in Asia Minor. Thus, his purpose in writing Ephesians was to reveal certain mysteries that had previously been veiled (the mystery of God’s will, the mystery of Christ, the mystery of marriage). So, Ephesians is a letter to the church in general; every bit significant to the church in every generation as it was to the church in the first century.
As for Paul’s letter(s) to the Corinthians, they were written to address specific problems that were going on in the church. The letter entitled “1 Corinthians” was written in response to a report that came from members of a woman named Chloe (perhaps one of the house churches in Corinth). According to Chloe’s report, the Corinthians were being divided along party lines (I follow Paul, I follow Apollos…). Much of this had to do with their mistaken understanding of Christian ministers, the nature of the ministry, and the Christian life. So, Paul corrects these erroneous views in chapters 1 – 6 of first Corinthians. And in chapters 7 – 16, he responds to various questions that came from the Corinthians themselves (e.g., concerning marriage, spiritual gifts, the resurrection).
Paul was aware of his unique calling as an apostle and “steward of the mysteries of God.” So, all his letters should be viewed in this way. He was writing as a divinely inspired apostle. Jesus himself continues to speak to us by the Holy Spirit through Paul and the other writers—of both the Old and New Testaments. This is why scripture is the living word of God.
TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR THROUGH
THE PORTRAITS OF GRACE GALLERY
Walk through the life, ministry, and theology of Paul.
WHY JOIN OUR STUDY?
RITA CEFALU
When did you come to a saving knowledge of Jesus?
Long story short. I came to know Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord on April 29, 1982, when the Holy Spirit led me to a Bible bookstore. The store owner discerned that I was searching, and he prayed with me. The name of that Bible bookstore was The Guiding Light. The Lord truly has a sense of humor. I certainly needed that light to guide me to Jesus, and I had no idea about the shaping influence books would have in my life. It’s been a great journey of growing in a relational knowledge of the one true God through Jesus Christ whom he has sent (John 17:3).
Where do you like to meet with the Lord?
I enjoy meeting with the Lord every morning together with my husband in prayer, on Sundays for corporate worship, and whenever I take a walk or ride my bike, I praise the Lord for the magnificence of his beautiful handiwork in creation.
RITA CEFALU
When did you come to a saving knowledge of Jesus?
Long story short. I came to know Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord on April 29, 1982, when the Holy Spirit led me to a Bible bookstore. The store owner discerned that I was searching, and he prayed with me. The name of that Bible bookstore was The Guiding Light. The Lord truly has a sense of humor. I certainly needed that light to guide me to Jesus, and I had no idea about the shaping influence books would have in my life. It’s been a great journey of growing in a relational knowledge of the one true God through Jesus Christ whom he has sent (John 17:3).
Where do you like to meet with the Lord?
I enjoy meeting with the Lord every morning together with my husband in prayer, on Sundays for corporate worship, and whenever I take a walk or ride my bike, I praise the Lord for the magnificence of his beautiful handiwork in creation.
JEN PACIENZA
When did you come to a saving knowledge of Jesus?
At Westminster Academy, in Miss Neal’s sixth grade Bible class.
Where do you like to meet with the Lord?
Sinking into the couch in the living room with a Bible and pencil in hand.
JEN PACIENZA
When did you come to a saving knowledge of Jesus?
At Westminster Academy, in Miss Neal’s sixth grade Bible class.
Where do you like to meet with the Lord?
Sinking into the couch in the living room with a Bible and pencil in hand.
ALLISON SIEGENTHALER
When did you come to a saving knowledge of Jesus?
The Lord called me when I was eight years old, through a gospel presentation at Awana Club.
Where do you like to meet with the Lord?
I meet with the Lord every morning at my east-facing, fourth floor window. Sky, water, palms, and glory!
ALLISON SIEGENTHALER
When did you come to a saving knowledge of Jesus?
The Lord called me when I was eight years old, through a gospel presentation at Awana Club.
Where do you like to meet with the Lord?
I meet with the Lord every morning at my east-facing, fourth floor window. Sky, water, palms, and glory!
DIANE KANELL
When did you come to a saving knowledge of Jesus?
I grew up in the Church and always thought I was a Christian, but in my early thirties the Lord opened my eyes and my heart and I realized I was a sinner and Christ died for my sins. I was so humbled and so wanted to know Him and His Word. That desire has never left me, and I thank God for His saving grace in my life.
Where do you like to meet with the Lord?
I like to meet with the Lord each morning in my favorite chair in my study.
DIANE KANELL
When did you come to a saving knowledge of Jesus?
I grew up in the Church and always thought I was a Christian, but in my early thirties the Lord opened my eyes and my heart and I realized I was a sinner and Christ died for my sins. I was so humbled and so wanted to know Him and His Word. That desire has never left me, and I thank God for His saving grace in my life.
Where do you like to meet with the Lord?
I like to meet with the Lord each morning in my favorite chair in my study.
PAULA SMITH
When did you come to a saving knowledge of Jesus?
I “grew up with Jesus” as my best friend and can’t remember a time when He wasn’t my Savior.
Where do you like to meet with the Lord?
I almost always pile up in my special chair in the family room, surrounded with my Bible, books, notebook, and coffee.
PAULA SMITH
When did you come to a saving knowledge of Jesus?
I “grew up with Jesus” as my best friend and can’t remember a time when He wasn’t my Savior.
Where do you like to meet with the Lord?
I almost always pile up in my special chair in the family room, surrounded with my Bible, books, notebook, and coffee.
MY HIEN DOMEIKA
When did you come to a saving knowledge of Jesus?
On December 10th, 2021, I found myself in an unexpected place that would mark a significant turning point in my life—Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I was invited to a Christmas concert and had intended to enjoy the festivities, but what unfolded that night turned out to be much more than just a performance.
It was Pastor Rob Pacienza’s message that truly spoke to my heart and left me in wonder. Amidst all the music and performances, he asked a question that pierced through the festive facade: “Do you really know the true meaning of Christmas? Christmas is not about all the presents under the tree, the beautiful lights, decorations, parties, or gatherings…” His words resonated deeply with me, stirring something inside that had been sleeping far too long. I realized that I did not know the true meaning of Christmas.
As a child born and growing up in Hanoi, Vietnam, I had always associated Christmas with commercialism—presents piled under a faux tree, a flurry of shopping, and decorations that felt more about emotional excitement than meaning. Yet, deep down, I sensed a greater significance to this holiday, a richness I hadn’t yet grasped.
That concert ignited a spark within me. The seed was planted. I remember walking out of the church feeling different, driven by a newfound determination to seek out the true meaning of Christmas and, more importantly, the essence of Christianity.
Then, on December 13th, 2021, I sought out a Christian friend and nervously asked for help accepting Jesus into my life. I sat there, tears streaming down my cheeks, overwhelmed by the gravity of this moment. I always knew that there was someone or something greater over me through my trials and journey in life. When this moment came, it felt like everything I had been searching for was finally within reach.
My friend guided me through a simple yet powerful prayer, inviting Jesus Christ into my heart as my Lord and Savior. At that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace and joy over me like I had never experienced. This was not just a new beginning; it marked the start of a deeper relationship with God, allowing me to learn about His love, grace, and the transformative power of faith.
Where do you like to meet with the Lord?
I like to start my day with the Lord by studying His Word or engaging in devotional reading. I feel His presence and the Holy Spirit surrounding me each day, whether I am on my way to work or in a quiet moment of reflection. I give thanks to the Lord every time I pause to admire His grandeur creation.
MY HIEN DOMEIKA
When did you come to a saving knowledge of Jesus?
On December 10th, 2021, I found myself in an unexpected place that would mark a significant turning point in my life—Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I was invited to a Christmas concert and had intended to enjoy the festivities, but what unfolded that night turned out to be much more than just a performance.
It was Pastor Rob Pacienza’s message that truly spoke to my heart and left me in wonder. Amidst all the music and performances, he asked a question that pierced through the festive facade: “Do you really know the true meaning of Christmas? Christmas is not about all the presents under the tree, the beautiful lights, decorations, parties, or gatherings…” His words resonated deeply with me, stirring something inside that had been sleeping far too long. I realized that I did not know the true meaning of Christmas.
As a child born and growing up in Hanoi, Vietnam, I had always associated Christmas with commercialism—presents piled under a faux tree, a flurry of shopping, and decorations that felt more about emotional excitement than meaning. Yet, deep down, I sensed a greater significance to this holiday, a richness I hadn’t yet grasped.
That concert ignited a spark within me. The seed was planted. I remember walking out of the church feeling different, driven by a newfound determination to seek out the true meaning of Christmas and, more importantly, the essence of Christianity.
Then, on December 13th, 2021, I sought out a Christian friend and nervously asked for help accepting Jesus into my life. I sat there, tears streaming down my cheeks, overwhelmed by the gravity of this moment. I always knew that there was someone or something greater over me through my trials and journey in life. When this moment came, it felt like everything I had been searching for was finally within reach.
My friend guided me through a simple yet powerful prayer, inviting Jesus Christ into my heart as my Lord and Savior. At that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace and joy over me like I had never experienced. This was not just a new beginning; it marked the start of a deeper relationship with God, allowing me to learn about His love, grace, and the transformative power of faith.
Where do you like to meet with the Lord?
I like to start my day with the Lord by studying His Word or engaging in devotional reading. I feel His presence and the Holy Spirit surrounding me each day, whether I am on my way to work or in a quiet moment of reflection. I give thanks to the Lord every time I pause to admire His grandeur creation.
BETH PETERSEN
When did you come to a saving knowledge of Jesus?
I grew up in the church and always thought I was a Christian, but in my early thirties the Lord helped me realize I knew Christ in my mind, but not in my heart. Since then, the desire to know him better has never left me.
Where do you like to meet with the Lord?
I meet with the Lord briefly in the morning and more deeply in the evening before I go to bed.
BETH PETERSEN
When did you come to a saving knowledge of Jesus?
I grew up in the church and always thought I was a Christian, but in my early thirties the Lord helped me realize I knew Christ in my mind, but not in my heart. Since then, the desire to know him better has never left me.
Where do you like to meet with the Lord?
I meet with the Lord briefly in the morning and more deeply in the evening before I go to bed.
ISAIAH | PART II
Listen along with this audio format of the book of Isaiah. Allison Siegenthaler reads through Chapters 40-66 as we dive into our Spring 2025 study.
ISAIAH | PART I
Listen along with this audio format of the book of Isaiah. Allison Siegenthaler reads through Chapters 1-39 as we dive into our Fall 2024 study.
WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM?
Join our study leaders on a deep dive into the main topics of our Fall 2023 study about the person and ministry of Jesus Christ: “Who Do You Say That I AM?”
STUDY OF RUTH
This conversation unpacks the historical, social, and religious times leading up to the story of Ruth and one family’s journey of redeeming love.
SUSTAINED BY THE POWER OF THE WORD
This study seeks to encourage women to consider how God’s people have been sustained by His Word from creation and will continue throughout eternity.
THE KINGDOM OF GOD
A conversation with Dr. Rita Cefalu and Dr. T. Desmond Alexander
BETH PETERSEN
Beth has been at Coral Ridge since 1969. God led her to work in ministry in 1981. Beth has a desire to see women grow closer to God and each other. She has seen the fruitfulness of this ministry grow over many years and looks forward to seeing how God continues to work through this group of women.
“Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.” -Isaiah 43:1b