Related Events

International Justice Mission Benefit Dinner

October 14, 2008   |   6:30 PM
Join the International Justice Mission at the Fairmont Hotel for the 2008 San Francisco Benefit Dinner. IJM is a Christian human rights organization that rescues victims of violence, slavery, sexual exploitation, and oppression around the world. The featured speaker is Gary Haugen, IJM President and CEO. To learn more about the Benefit Dinner, visit www.ijm.org/benefits or contact Bob Nelson at bnelson@pacunion.com.

Call+Response

October 16, 2008   |   6 & 8 PM
Join us for a free showing of this first-of-its-kind feature documentary film, to be released nationally on October 10. Call+Response goes deep undercover where slavery is thriving from the child brothels of Cambodia to the slave brick kilns of rural India. Luminaries on the issue such as Cornel West, Madeleine Albright, Daryl Hannah, Julia Ormond, Ashley Judd, Nicholas Kristof, and many other prominent political and cultural figures offer first-hand account of this 21st century trade. Click here to see a preview of the film. UPDATE: there are no more tickets available for these showings. We encourage you to see this film during its opening weekend, as this will increase the likelihood that it will receive more attention and theater showings nationwide. Click here to view theaters and showing times. For more information, please contact the conference registrar at gccregistrar@fpcberkeley.org.

A Conversation on Worship and Justice

October 16, 2008   |   9 AM-4 PM and
October 17, 2008   |   9 AM-12 PM
For a day and a half prior to our Global Church Conference, First Pres Senior Pastor Mark Labberton will host a conversation for pastors, mission leaders, and worship leaders about how we are and can strengthen our congregation's life in relation to worship and justice. The conversation will involve biblical and theological reflection, as well as discussion of issues in leadership and practice. $20 will cover snacks and Thursday’s lunch. Please register with Patti Nicolson (pattin@fpcberkeley.org).

Trade as One Boutique

October 17-19, 2008   |   Check GCC schedule for boutique hours
Trade as One is a fair-trade organization that exists to change the lives of the global poor. The organizations from which products are sourced work with the poorest of the poor, the abused, trafficked, and those suffering from HIV/AIDS. By meeting others' needs through the vehicle of trade, consumers have the opportunity to create a powerful and sustainable way to change the world for good. Trade as One will have a boutique of gift items available for purchase at various times throughout the conference. Purchases can also be made online at www.tradeasone.com.

Hope Walks

October 26, 2008   |   12 PM-4 PM
Come walk to give hope to orphans and vulnerable children, who, like children anywhere in the world, want to be embraced with love and to have a secure future. Hope Walks raises money for children and orphans affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Participants in the walk are provided with education about the global orphan crisis. Walk either a 1.5- or 5-kilometer route through the Berkeley campus of the University of California. For more information and to register, click here.

Lotoba Project Exhibit

October 18, 19 & 26, 2008   |   Click here for exhibit hours
Learn about and support Lotoba, a peanut butter-based nutritional product that is currently in production in Goma, DR Congo. Appropriate for all ages, the Lotoba Project exhibit will be housed in the Youth Lounge on the ground floor of McKinley Hall. This interactive exhibit is free and will be open to the congregation and the general public during GCC weekend and the Sunday of Hope Walks. For more information, please contact Andrew Hoeksema at (510) 848-6252 ext. 249 or at andrewh@fpcberkeley.org.. 

Gift World

November 23-26 & 30, 2008   |   Click here for gallery hours
Gift World is both an alternative gift marketplace and an art gallery. Stories of those who have experienced Christ’s hope in the midst of suffering will be told through original artwork by members of First Pres. You can purchase gifts that make a difference and support the various ministries of mission partners who serve locally and throughout the world. With each gift purchased you will receive a card and a gift description to give to your family and friends this Christmas season. 

2009 Global Church Conference

October 16-18, 2009
Why and how can it be that many Christians around the world who suffer so greatly and have so little live with such joy and demonstrate such great generosity? Meanwhile, many others who have so much and are spared some of life’s worst sufferings frequently experience such an acute shortage of joy and hold things so tightly. At the root of this commonly observed contrast are profound elements of the suffering love of God, as well as of the call to follow Jesus Christ. It is precisely the One who carries our sorrows who also gives us joy. And the One who says “take up your cross” also says it will be our way to find true life.

At our Global Church Conferences so far, we have learned from our Majority World sisters and brothers about power, about HIV, about poverty, and about slavery. In 2009, we want them to lead us into knowing joy in whatever circumstances and especially in the midst of a world of suffering. At a time when the world will possibly be in a place of great vulnerability, the 2009 GCC will be an especially welcome gift and perhaps our hearts will be even more able to receive it. Please check back for conference details and registration in Summer 2009.