Inward and Outward Together: Join Us On the Journey

At First Pres, adults in all stages of life and faith find avenues for deepening relationship with God, self, and others through exploring Scripture and spiritual practices in authentic community. Small and larger groups meet on Sundays and throughout the week.

Guided by our First Pres mission statement, the following pathways help us discover where God is at work in our lives and world, drawing us into the lifelong journey of following Jesus.

🧭 We Are: Navigating our journey together

📖 Called by God: Listening to the voice of God speaking through scripture and our lives

🌀 Transformed by Grace: Creating space for practices that open us to the transformation of the Spirit

💙 Strengthened in Community: Coming together to share authentically from our journeys of life and faith

We invite you to join us in journeying inward and outward together this year through our Adult programming. You can find brief descriptions of our upcoming offerings below. More information and registration for each opportunity is available below or by visiting our calendar.

SUNDAYS at 9 am

💙 Building Families of Faith (January 15 to February 19, 9–10 am, Calvin Room; Facilitators: Christina Davis, Tyler Davis, Rosemarie Eichner-Raja) Our community of parents with children (birth–5th grade) gathers to explore, learn, and encourage one another on our shared journey. Join us for conversation, questions, and fellowship. To register, click HERE.

🌀 Lectio Divina: Encountering God in Prayer (January 15 to February 5, 9–10 am, Geneva Hall, G208; Facilitators: Jill Boyce, Sandy Buscheck, Claudia Jordan-Koch) Lectio Divina, “divine reading,” is an ancient prayer practice of listening deeply, without imposition, to the voice of God through scripture. Join us as we listen for the God who guides us. To register, click HERE.

💙 Holy Ground: Real Talk About When We Find Ourselves Lost (Panel Discussion, February 26, 9–10 am, Gym and on YouTube) The season of Lent diverts us from our familiar paths and invites us to journey with Jesus through wilderness terrain. Join us for honest conversation about those seasons when we find ourselves lost and what we discover on this holy ground.

🧭 Starting Point | Exploring Connections, Engagement, & Membership at First Pres (Sundays, March 5 to April 2, 9–10:15 am, Register by February 28) Whether you’re new to First Pres, curious about what animates us, want to get involved, or are ready to explore making this your home church, Starting Point is for you.

📖 Encountering Jesus for the First Time, Again: A Narrative Journey in the Shadow of the Galilean (Sundays, March 5 to April 2, 9–10:15 am, Geneva Hall, G202) Read and discuss Gerd Theissen’s engaging story as biblical scholar Michael Barram helps to unpack some of the social, cultural, political, economic, and historical dynamics that surface in the book.

🌀 The Enneagram: A Journey Toward Transformation (Sundays, March 5 to April 2, 9–10:15 am, Geneva Hall, G208) The Enneagram is an ancient tool that invites Christians on a journey of transformation by helping us be more mindful of our motivations and behavioral patterns. To register, click HERE.

💙 Eight Dates: Essential Conversations for a Lifetime of Love (Couples, Sundays, March 5 to April 2 & April 23 to May 21, 9–10:15 am, Calvin Room) Committed relationships and lasting love are not by chance; they’re by choice. Join us for a series of fun and constructive conversations, suitable for couples at all stages of life, based on literature by John and Julie Gottman, PhD. Click HERE to register by February 27.

💙 Building Families of Faith (March 5 to April 2, 9–10:15 am, Geneva Hall G206) Join us for conversation, questions, and fellowship as we learn and encourage one another on our shared journey, holding firm to our commitment to building families of faith.

SUNDAYS, After Worship, Dates and Times Vary

💙 Connect(her) | God’s Story for God’s People (January 8 to May 21, 11:45 am–12:45 pm, Geneva Hall, G206) Women of all circumstances are invited to deepen our relationship with God and one another through sharing our stories and prayer. The Story, a condensed version of the Bible’s teachings, will help us explore the narrative of God’s great love and the unfolding plan for our redemption and purpose.

💙 Open Door Community Group (January 8 to May 21, 11:45 am–12:45 pm, Geneva Hall, Room G205) The Open Door Community Group gathers for a time of connection, conversation, and prayer using the weekly Questions for Reflection based on the Sunday message. We welcome all to join our community at any time.

🧭 Newcomer Lunch Gathering (February 26, 11:30 am–12:45 pm, Calvin Room, Register by February 22) Whether you are a first-time visitor or have been attending for a while, we want to welcome you and get to know you over lunch. You’ll get to meet our pastors and hear about our vision and mission as a church and how you can get involved.

💙 Sunday Morning Study (Ongoing, 11:45 am–1 pm, Geneva Hall, G214) We explore one book of the Bible at a time, using questions that help us to more fully understand what God is saying to us and where God beckons us outward. We are currently studying the book of Ezekiel.

💙 Koinonia (Ongoing through May 21, 11:45 am–12:45 pm, Geneva Hall, G213) A group of adults at varying stages of life and faith, we gather for conversation and study, engaging deep questions of faith and looking beyond answers to a fuller understanding of how God’s wisdom shapes our lives.

THROUGHOUT THE WEEK

📖 Coffee & Conversation with Pastor Tom | Farewell Discourses in the Gospel of John (Tuesdays & Thursdays, January 17 to February 23, 8:30–9 am, Virtual via Zoom) In preparation for Lent, join Pastor Tom in exploring the Farewell Discourses in John 13-16 to discover their guidance for our own journey of faith.

💙 Faith & Film Series (Co-sponsored by New College Berkeley, Fridays, January 13, February 10, March 10, 7–10 pm, Geneva Hall, G202) Examine the potent medium of film in exploring themes such as love, faith, and our yearnings for the “sacred.” Each month, we’ll view a film and host a thoughtful conversation.

📖 Women’s Bible Study (Fridays, January 6-May 19, 9:15–11 am, Virtual via Zoom; Facilitator: Pat Phillips) All are welcome to join our diverse community dedicated to sharing our lives and studying God’s Word. This season, we will explore , “New Testament Characters.” Email Pat Phillips at [email protected] for information and Zoom links.

💙 Men’s Connect Breakfast (Saturday, February 11, 8 am, Westminster Hall, Mears Room) Men of all ages are invited to gather in an intentional space created for fellowship and supporting each other in life and faith. We will offer blessings to one another through reflection, great food, and facilitated dialogues.

💙 Community Groups for Lent (February 26 to April 2, Days and Times Vary) Gather in small groups to encourage and care for one another and explore how God’s word inspires, shapes, and directs our lives. Register between February 12–22.

💙 A Contemplative Lenten Retreat (Saturday, March 11, 9:30–11:30 am, Virtual via Zoom) Join us for reflection, confession, and prayer as we contemplate God’s great love for us and our aching world amidst a pandemic and time of social turmoil.