January 8, 2020, 6pm, Loper Chapel What is the relationship between magic and faith? Belief and reality? Whether you are a hardcore Harry Potter fan or not, join us for an exploration of themes like adventure, magic, and love. Consider the Harry Potter universe as a window into what it means to be human – and also the impact of …
by Louise Halsey The concept of empathy, which literally means “feeling with” or “feeling into,” is one of the focal points of Non-Violent Communication, and a practice I’ve found deepens connections with oneself and others. I’m imagining ways we as a faith community could engage in this practice, and Jim and I will be offering Empathy Training Sessions for those who want …
In “How to Do Nothing,” Oakland author Jenny Odell says that birdwatching should really be called bird-listening: since most of the time you are not watching birds so much as noticing their song and working really hard to try to see where it is coming from. Listening for, and looking for, God can be like that. God is there all …
Since September 2008 (over 11 years!), longtime member Margaret Copeland has created and edited the church newsletter, The Carillon. As we move to all-digital communications in 2020 and retire the print version of the Carillon, we say thank you to Margaret for her many years of faithful service, her attention to detail, her knack for beauty and elegance in words, …
Donna Schaper, who sometimes goes by the title “Dolly Mama” and other times by “The Rev. Dr.,” who teaches leadership at Hartford Seminary to Doctor of Ministry students, and is senior minister at Judson Memorial Church in NYC, will come visit us to say what little she knows about mature and humorous spirituality at a day-long retreat at First Church …
Many thanks to everyone who made a sustaining giving commitment for 2020 through our church’s “Come Be a We” Stewardship Program. As of Dec 30th, the church received 169 sustaining giving commitments totaling $676,876 for 2020. Sustaining giving to First Church Berkeley enables our church to thrive as a faith community and place of transformation. We also want to thank …
Tuesday, January 7, 8:30 – 11:30am by Charles Taylor Happy New Year to All. Our first event of 2020 is a shift at the Alameda County Food Bank on Tuesday, January 7 – 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. If you haven’t already confirmed that you will attend, please let Ann ([email protected]) know ASAP so that I can give a final count …
Sunday, January 19 after Worship There will be a Budget Information session after church on Sun., Jan. 19 before the Congregational Budget Vote on Sun., Jan. 26th.
Mental Health Ministry Forum: January 12, 11:45 am in Loper Chapel Expressive Arts Therapy (EAT) serves as a powerful bridge between the unconscious and conscious mind. It can enhance a person’s emotional, spiritual, physical and mental well-being through its focus on “process” over traditional talk therapy, offering insight and healing for emotions and issues that may be blocked or inhibited. …