If you’re new to First Pres or looking for new ways to engage with others and Scripture, you are invited to participate in any of our three Sunday morning Emmaus Communities (ECs). These intergenerational communities meet on Zoom in groups ranging between 20–65+ people, and are a great place to connect with adults in all stages of life and faith.
Advent 2020
Thanks to all who purchased toys and gift cards for Sharing the Joy of Christmas. Your generosity surely brought smiles to Harbor House Oakland families and children this holiday season.
Practices to Live By | Alternative Liturgies for God’s People
SUNDAY, JANUARY 10–MAY 23, 2021
11:15 AM–12:30 PM on Zoom
This year, ECs are exploring and embodying several key counter-formational practices of the people of God found in Scripture: vocation, hospitality, sabbath, justice, and testimony. Christ commissioned his disciples to be his witnesses—at home, in our local communities, to the ends of the earth. But what does witness look like in our current context burdened by pandemic, polarization, and the bitter fruit of racial injustice?
The arc of Scripture suggests that perhaps the Church’s most powerful witness is its life together—a community grounded in the ways of God and growing together through the cultivation of intentional practices. May these alternative practices—liturgies of our community—shape us more in the Way of Jesus and help us more fully witness to Christ’s radically subversive Kingdom.
May these alternative practices—liturgies of our community—shape us more in the Way of Jesus and help us more fully witness to Christ’s radically subversive Kingdom.
For more information about Emmaus Communities, please contact Michelle Vecchio-Lyzenga, Minister for Christian Formation, at michellev@fpcberkeley.org, or Janet Sanders, Director for Christian Formation, at janets@fpcberkeley.org.
Exploring an Emmaus Community
We have three communities ranging in size from 20+ participants (ECs 4+1 and EC5) to 65 participants (EC3). Each EC upholds the community values in their own unique way. You are invited to “stop by” any of our ECs gatherings on Zoom on Sunday mornings at 11:15 AM. Please see below to request a link to the Zoom meeting.
We are here to help you find an EC that works for you. For more information about our specific communities, please contact Janet Sanders at janets@fpcberkeley.org.
| Emmaus Community | Send email request for Zoom meeting link to: |
Emmaus Community Team |
| Emmaus Community 3
11:15 AM–12:30 PM |
linda@slhawk.com | Facilitator: Michael Barram
Hosts: Tyler & Christina Davis, Steve & Linda Hawkins, Daly & Claudia Jordan-Koch, Clark Sept |
| Emmaus Community 4and1
11:15 AM–12:30 PM |
avonleong@gmail.com | Facilitators: Pat Phillips, Christin Cooper, Avon Leong
Hosts: Ray & Barbara Pedersen |
| Emmaus Community 5
11:30 AM–12:30 PM |
gammillre@comcast.net | Facilitators: Chris Corwin, Rev. Mark Stryker
Host: Elwanda Gammill |
EC Mission and Values
Emmaus Communities (ECs) are spaces where we weave together the study of Scripture and conversations to deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ and one another. ECs also seek to serve those in need locally and globally through our mission partners. In our communities we uphold these values:
- Christ’s presence—shaping our hearts and illuminating our conversations
- Welcoming all—ECs are always open and eager to welcome all who are looking for connection and community
- Confidentiality—ECs are a safe place where we respect the diverse voices and stories
- Caring—through mutual support, heart-felt encouragement, and prayer we commit to care for each other
- Deepening relationships with one another—becoming the beloved community
- Honoring a balanced use of time—community, study and conversation, and prayer are equally essential to our life together
- Serving others—following Jesus we move outward as participants in God’s mission
Welcome To Emmaus Communities (ECs)
EC Joint Gathering
Sunday, January 24
11:15 AM–12:30 PM
Join on Zoom
Practices to Live By | Alternative Liturgies for God’s People
