There are many ways to put your talent to work right here at First Pres.
First Pres is dedicated to the care, nurture, and spiritual growth of individuals in our community at all stages of life and faith. We do so together, as a community, offering our various gifts for the benefit of one another.
Opportunities to serve are available on Sundays and throughout the week. Take a look to see which opportunities match your interests and your schedule.
One-time service projects also arise frequently. Check out the service calendar and subscribe to our outreach e-newsletter for news about upcoming opportunities to serve.
Worship Arts
We value community participation in worship through liturgy, music, storytelling, art, and prayer. Contact: Li-Wen Monk ([email protected], (510) 848-6252 ext. 283).
Welcome Teams
Our Sunday morning welcome teams are here to greet, assist, and extend our First Pres hospitality to community members and newcomers, both on campus and virtually. Contact: Janet Sanders ([email protected], (510) 848-6252 ext. 267).
Music
We welcome singers and instrumentalists to use their musical gifts in First Pres adult and children’s choirs, worship teams, and small ensembles. Contact: Li-Wen Monk ([email protected], (510) 848-6252 ext. 283).
Education
If you are interested in facilitating or hosting a Bible study, leading a Community Group, or volunteering in our library, contact Janet Sanders ([email protected], (510) 848-6252 ext. 267).
Children’s Ministries
We rely on volunteers to provide childcare in our nursery and for younger children through pre-K each Sunday morning, and on Sunday School volunteers help to lead our Godly Play curriculum for children four years old through fourth grade. Contact: Rosemarie Eichner-Raja ([email protected], (510) 848-6252 ext. 251).
Youth Ministries
Volunteers serve Youth Ministries in a variety of ways: by helping to lead our Sunday morning and Thursday evening gatherings, lending a hand with youth ministry events on weekends or in the evenings, offering rides for ministry trips, and assisting with the youth choir. Contact: Dave Carranza ([email protected], (510) 848-6252 ext. 289 or 266).
University Ministries
Our FoCUS program needs hosts to meet regularly with students to share life and faith. FoCUS Partner Families host students for a meal and Bible study. Volunteers also bring food for the end-of-the-semester study hall and join students in local or international service projects. Contact: Kathy Timpte ([email protected], (510) 848-6252 ext. 234).
Caring Ministries
Assisting at a memorial service reception, visiting homebound church members, or participating in a prayer team are just a few ways to serve through our Community Care Ministry. Our Stephen Ministry program offers training to support and provide emotional and spiritual care to those in need. Learn more about caring for others in our community here. Contact: [email protected].
Prayer Teams
First Pres hosts three prayer teams that meet on Zoom to pray for the needs and concerns of the church, our city, and the global community. Prayer teams meet for one hour on Monday and Wednesday mornings, and on Thursday afternoons. Join us every week, or as often as you like. For more info or to join a Prayer Team, click here or contact Janet Sanders, [email protected].
Street Meal
Our Street Meal team offers a nutritious, home-cooked meal on the second and last Saturday of the month to neighbors in need from the Berkeley community. We welcome you to be part of the cooking, hospitality, or serving crew with your friends, small group, or family. Contact: Lars Stenstedt ([email protected]).
After the meal, we invite our guests to discuss a Bible passage and how it applies to their lives. If you would like to be part of this ministry, contact Beth Thomsen ([email protected], (510) 848-6252 ext. 221). To make a clothing donation, contact Nancy Koerner ([email protected]).
Church Administration
We are often in need of help with building and grounds projects and general office work. If you are a photographer (even an amateur with a good eye!), we would love to share your images on our website and in other church communications. Contact: Sue Burger ([email protected], (510) 848-6252 ext. 224).
Reception Desk
Serve at the Reception Desk on Sunday Mornings. Come be a welcoming presence—whether helping direct people to locations around our campus or answering general questions. We need team members to serve on one Sunday each month (or more frequently) from 9 am–1 pm. If you are interested, please contact Janay Foster ([email protected]).