Last month, we invited the congregation to participate in a Pandemic Engagement Survey, in hopes of evaluating how we’re doing as a church serving the spiritual needs of our community, and how we might continue to adjust and experiment in the days (weeks, months, years?) ahead. We received 78 responses, and lots of thoughtful feedback – which we are still …
Accompaniment Team Urgent Needs
Our Accompaniment Team has been following up every lead possible looking for housing for Melissa and her family. Every time we ask her what her top goal is, she says “a stable place for my children to live.” Because of your generosity, we have $4000 available for her to move in to a room or shared house. We imagine this …
YSA Fence Picket Painting and Tent Drive
Young people are about to start moving into the Tiny House Village we have helped build with Berkeley-based Youth Spirit Artworks! Members and friends of First Church have lovingly created 28 twin-size quilts for the residents that we will bless in worship on August 2. You are invited to come to the church lawn for a COVID-safe socially-distanced painting party …
Blessing Homeless Youth Quilts
In conjunction with members of East Bay Heritage Quilters and staff and customers of New Pieces Quilt Shop, nine First Church members are providing 28 twin-bed-size quilts for Youth Spirit Artworks’ soon-to-be Tiny House Village for homeless youth. First Church participants who provided materials, pieced quilt tops, and/or sewed on the binding included Ann Jensen, Becky Wright, Janet McDonald, Jonell …
Rev. Kit on Parental Leave August 3-December 13
Associate Minister Rev. Kit Novotny and her family are looking forward to welcoming their second child at the beginning of September (due date September 2)! Kit’s last Sunday with us this summer will be August 2. Her Parental Leave will begin on August 3 and extend through December 13 (supplemented with some remaining sabbatical leave). During her leave, Kit’s roles …
Blue Fire Affordable Housing Committee Forming
Are you passionate about affordable housing? Are you excited that we have voted to pursue the development of affordable housing on our campus? Good news — you have the opportunity to help our vision grow to fruition! Our Blue Fire team, who has been working tirelessly for several years to get us to this place, has only just begun its …
Welcome Two New Staff Members: Rev. Kelly Colwell & Rev. Riana Shaw Robinson
Dear Congregation of First Church Berkeley UCC, After an exhaustive search for our new Acting Associate Pastor, we are pleased to announce that, Reverend Kelly Colwell will be joining the church as as the Acting Associate Pastor. Seventeen candidates from across the country applied for the position. We screened almost all of the candidates. Then we narrowed the candidates down …
