Originally from South Africa, Phiwa (they, them) is passionate about helping people understand that “different” doesn’t have to mean dangerous. They invite us into the liminal space between what has been and what is yet to be, supporting those at the center towards curiosity rather than fear. The founder and director of the Salus Center, Lansing, MI’s only LGBTQ Resource …
Rev. Dr. Kelly Colwell is one of the ministers here at First Church Berkeley UCC! She loves playful and heart-opening worship, showing up to conflict and loss, and helping people find ways to share their deepest gifts with one another. Raised Catholic, Kelly loves to make space for reverence. Kelly’s research interests include online spiritual expression, community formation, and disability. …
As we enter the lovely looseness of summer, your pastors will be traveling more. There will be a few rare times when all three of them are away, such as when they are all representing our church at UCC General Synod, the UCC’s biennial national gathering! During these times, we are blessed to have gifted clergy members of the church …
This year marks our third annual Queer Pulpit Takeover for Pride Month! In addition to our own in-house queer preachers, we’re inviting in two wonderful UCC preachers to help us explore what Real Queer Love has to teach us about God’s love and our own love. Come with an open heart, ready to grow and learn. June 4 – Rev. …
Would you like to host a summer gathering or series of gatherings in your home or at the church in June, July or Aug. – a potluck, picnic, hiking, singalongs, some activity you enjoy and that you’d like to share with others? These gatherings are flexible in format (could be in-person or via Zoom). Typical offerings range from two to …
This summer join fellow First Churchers, their family, and friends in DIY training for a low-key, informal triathlon in Alameda on Sat., Sept. 2 at 9 am. It 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 …
Wanting to sing more in church? Join the drop-in summer choir on June 25, July 16, and August 6. Come at 9 am in your Sunday best to prepare the anthem for that morning’s 10 am service. Contact Derek at [email protected] for more information. All are welcome! Visit our music page for more information about the Sanctuary Choir and our …
Unfortunately we have to share the news that Ken Moorer has left the business office. We thank him for his efforts over the past month and wish him the best in all things. Please be patient with the rest of your staff and key volunteers as we cover that work and search for the next person to join our team. …
The Worship and Spiritual Life Ministry (Deacons) is sponsoring another Love Notes gathering this coming Sunday (May 28) after church. Our Love Notes are cards that we write to members of our community to whom we want to reach out with a special note of care. Please join us at our Love Notes table after church during the After Party. …