Now in its sixth year, First Church Berkeley’s Summer Small Groups program offers exciting opportunities to learn, explore, and be together! Three different groups are still available, covering a range of interests and providing opportunities to deepen our connections with God and with each other. Times, locations, and leaders for each group are listed in the descriptions below. To sign up for a group, contact the group leader directly via the email listed in the description.
Intergenerational Hiking Group – Gail Poust ([email protected])
Join us for easy/moderate hikes for all ages. We will hike 2-3 miles at a leisurely pace and enjoy some spiritual discussion questions. Bring a snack and water for yourself. Join for one, two, or all three hikes! Please RSVP to Gail Poust (email address above) so they know to watch for you at the trailhead.
Sat., August 27, 2 pm at Redwood Regional Park Canyon Meadow Staging Area ($5 parking fee)
First Church Triathlon – Sept 3! – Ann Naffziger ([email protected])
This summer join fellow First Churchers, their families and friends in training for a low-key, informal triathlon in Alameda on Sept. 3 at 9 am. Ann Naffziger and daughters Madeleine and Rachel are organizing the event which will approximate a sprint distance triathlon (with flexibility for those who want to do just a part of it.) It will entail a 1/4 mile swim off of the Encinal Boat Ramp in Alameda, a 10-12 mile bike ride, and a 2.5 mile run along the Bay. Anyone is welcome, but minors must be accompanied during the race by an adult, no exceptions. This will have a do-it-yourself spirit: there are no official sponsors, chip timing, professional lifeguards, etc. We’ll publish the route later in the summer for anyone who wants to do it on their own at a different day or time, wants to do it in segments on different days, or even wants to do it as a relay with others.
Start your training now and look for info here about optional group workouts later in the summer. Email Ann Naffziger ([email protected]) if you are interested and want to notified of further details as they become available.
Music Fellowship – Robin Kempster ([email protected]) & Alan Miller ([email protected])
Are you an amateur musician who would like the opportunity to share music in a welcoming and supportive group? The Music Fellowship will be a gathering where musicians of all skill levels are invited to share music with one another. Your piece can be “in progress,” and you can play the same piece more than once. Maybe you want to come the first time to listen, then join in playing a piece at a later gathering. There will be an opportunity to share practice tips with one another, and discuss other topics, such as choosing music, favorite composers, the challenges/enjoyment of making music, and individual learning methods. Listeners are welcome to attend to enjoy the music and to support those who perform.
Sat. afternoons, Aug. 13, 20, 27, 2 – 4 pm, Loper Chapel
For other questions, email Congregational Care Program Manager Louise Halsey at [email protected].