Support Groups & Classes

Are you going through a difficult time? Do you need support, encouragement, or accountability? First Pres offers support groups and classes on a variety of topics, such as infertility, parenting teens, caregiving, co-dependency, living with cancer, and more. Many groups have come together as a result of one individual voicing a need; Caring Ministries welcomes your contact about desire for support in a specific area. You can find more classes which may be of interest on the Adult Education page.

Women's Support Group for Codependency
This group meets twice a month.

Dates: First and third Tuesdays of each month
Time: 7:00-8:00 PM
Location: G209, Geneva Hall
More Information: Group meeting times may vary throughout the year; please call Caring Ministries to check schedule at (510) 848-6252 ext. 241 or at fpcb.womens.group@gmail.com.

Solutions for Life: The Spiritual Nature of Psychological Problems
This Cloud-Townsend DVD series explores emotional problems and the spiritual issues behind them. Topics include drepression, anxiety, real/false self, personality disorders, addictions, compulsive/impulsive problems, trauma and abuse, and thinking problems.

Dates: First Friday of the month, March 7-October 3 (exceptions: 7/11, 8/15)
Time: 7:00-9:30 PM
Location: G206, Geneva Hall
Cost: Free
More Information: Contact Mike Mirabella at (510) 915-1494 and Pam Mirabella at (510) 507-2388.

Divorce Recovery Course
The pain of separation and divorce can feel unbearable and isolating. The Divorce Recovery Course openly acknowledges this pain and offers the hope of healing that is uniquely found in the Christian community through the comfort of the Holy Spirit and the encouragement of others. This course is open to anyone who is currently going through the process of separation and/or divorce or has done so in the past. Each session includes presentations and personal stories given by professional facilitators and pastors, followed by time in small groups for processing and prayer.

Dates: Sundays, September 21-November 16 (except October 19)
Time: 5:00-7:00 PM
Location: M310, McKinley Hall
Cost: $40 for materials
Childcare: Available with advance registration
Registration: Required; click here to register online.
More Information: Download the brochure or contact Katie Jones at (510) 848-6252 ext. 241 or at katiej@fpcberkeley.org.

Widows/Widowers Support Group
Have you experienced the death of a spouse recently or within the last couple years? This group provides a safe place for sharing experiences of loss and grief. Topics covered during the 10-week group include facing loss, understanding grief, letting go of the past, getting back in balance, and building a new life.

Dates: Tuesdays, September 16-November 18
Time: 7:00-9:00 PM
Location: G201, Geneva Hall
Cost: $5 for materials
Registration: Required; contact Katie Jones at (510) 848-6252 ext. 241 or katiej@fpcberkeley.org.

Caregivers Support Group
For those caring for family members or friends. Gather with other caregivers to give and receive support and encouragement.

Dates & Time: Fourth Saturdays, 9:30-11:30 AM
Location: W102 (Church Lounge), Westminster Hall
More Information: Contact Sarah Guerra-Orantes at (510) 381-1728 or at sarahorantes@hotmail.com.

Parents With Challenging Teens
This confidential group meets for monthly prayer and support for issues including mental illness and drug/alcohol abuse. For more information, contact Debbie Whaley, Associate Pastor of Caring Ministries, at (510) 848-6252 ext. 241 or at debbiew@fpcberkeley.org.

Facing Infertility Support Group
Are you struggling with primary or secondary infertility? This group meets regularly to pray for one another. For more information, contact Katie Jones at (510) 848-6252 ext. 241 or at katiej@fpcberkeley.org.