First Pres is here to support the community during this challenging time. We don’t want you to feel alone. We’re better together, ministries are continuing to meet and new events are happening. This page can help you find out what’s happening in our community.

May 14, 2021 Update:
COVID-19 cases in Alameda County have been at the state’s Orange-Moderate virus tier for several weeks, which allows worship services—outdoor and indoor—with restrictions. We are following public health guidance from the CDC, the State of California, Alameda County, and the City of Berkeley. The Coronavirus Task Force of volunteers and staff (with health and facilities expertise) are working within the public health guidelines for our reopening plan.

Here are some important things to know:

• We recommend getting vaccinated. This is for your safety in general and for our return to church. We are encouraged that of 275+ who took the April 30 vaccine poll, 98% are fully or partially vaccinated (82% fully, 16% partially). There’s more good news this week that 12 to 15 year olds are able to begin receiving the vaccine.
• First Pres will have our own safety standards. While we are still required to adhere to the most stringent of state, county, and city public health restrictions. We currently maintain standard safe practices including a campus log, health screen, masks, distancing, sanitizing, etc. We are monitoring public health key indicators to help us move forward (or pull back if necessary).
• Our campus is still closed to the public. Since closing campus last March, leadership has approved some ministries and events on (or from) our campus, including Cornerstone Children’s Center (since last June), Saturday Street Meal “to-go” meals and services, worship leadership from the sanctuary, “drive-through” events, and more.
• We are working to expand ministry gatherings on our closed campus in the coming weeks and months. We are taking an approach to start small, test, and scale up. Based on the success of these events, we hope to ramp up to be able to request and secure Session’s required approval in order to reopen campus.
• The Worship and IT team continue to work toward one Sunday 10 am worship service—in person simultaneous with livestreaming. Our plan is to begin on our closed campus with pre-registration for limited numbers; continue standard safe practices for masks, distancing, and sanitation; and build to increase capacity. We will need volunteers to help! Thanks to all who already volunteered, if you missed signing up earlier, click here.

Thank you for your patience. Please join us to pray for our efforts. We are excited about our work as we’re getting closer to being able to be on campus! Stand by for more information to come. If you have questions, email the Coronavirus Task Force via info@fpcberkeley.org.