Campus Programs
No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.
Campus Spirituality Study to Begin
An exciting research project called lifeMAPS will investigate leadership development among UC Berkeley undergraduate students, and the role of meaning, purpose, spirituality, religion and faith in their lives. It will help community-based organizations, especially those that are faith-based, understand how they can support students in their spiritual development. Jenn Morazes, MSW, M.Div., is the Project Director. She is a doctoral candidate in the School of Social Welfare, and her dissertation work focuses on stress, coping and college students. She is a seminary graduate of the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, MA. The study is being underwritten by the Fund for Development which is committed to furthering campus ministry at FCCB.
Weekly Activities
Wednesday 10:00-11:00 am (may change based on participants schedules)
Interfaith Text Study
In this weekly study group, Rabbi Dorothy from Hillel Jewish Center and Rev. Shelly Dieterle of First Congregational Church of Berkeley provide discussion and reflection of sacred texts and ask how they inform our call to social justice. Twice a month we host guest facilitators from Muslim, Jewish and Christian faiths. Come hear familiar and unfamiliar stories, share your thoughts, and learn from others. Various text translations are provided. Students of all faith perspectives and spiritual curiosities and experiences are welcome, including undergrads and grads. To receive weekly notices on topic, text and facilitator, join the Facebook group - Interfaith Text Study at Cal. Group meets in the Multicultural Center in MLK Student Union (entrance beside elevators).
Wednesdays, 6:00-7:30 pm (6:00 pm program; 7:00 pm free dinner)
Spirit Practice
Rest Your Mi…Feed Your Spirit: Feeling dragged down by the challenges of class, papers and the academic grind? Come nourish your spirit with us as we engage in progressive Christian practices and fellowship that provide renewal and deeper awareness of God’s presence. Free family-style meal provided. Everyone is welcome—seekers, doubters, faithful, questioning…! Every Wednesday we meet in Plymouth House at 2340 Durant (just west of Dana).
Various days and times
Covenant Group
These student-led groups of 6-8 people meet each week for mutual support and to go deep into spiritual issues and topics of interest to group members. If you”re looking for a tight-knit group to grow with and to belong, this group is for you. Each member covenants with other members to be a part of the group for the semester to assure a safe and stable place for spiritual exploration and growth.
Monthly and Special Opportunities
Saturday, January 31, all day near Stanford University
NCal Progressive Christians Service Retreat
Progressive Christian students from campuses across Northern California gather to serve at St. Anthony’s Dining Hall. We’ll serve lunch and paint their building followed by dinner, fun, and worship. Overnight option available. RSVP by Jan 28 to sdieterle@fccb.org.
First Sundays of the month (Feb 7, Mar 7, Apr 4, May 2), 11:30AM @ Durant House, 2330 Durant Ave
FEAST—lunch, current issue conversation
Start the month off by sharing table fellowship with other students and engaging in current issues. Together we’ll engage with our wild world through a faith-filled perspective.
Meetings—Last Sundays of the month (Jan 31, Feb 28, Mar 28, Apr 25) @4PM. Sign-ups—Variety of volunteer times and opportunities at meetings
Homeless Service-Learning
YEAH! Serve Berkeley homeless youth, learn why homelessness exists and what we can really do about it, and change lives! YEAH (Youth Engagement, Advocacy and Housing) provides support for homeless young adults in Berkeley. First group meeting Sunday, January 31 at 4:00 pm in the library @ 2345 Channing Way (FCCB).
Second Sundays@FCCB (Feb 14, Mar 14, Apr 11, May 9)
Spirit Band
Love to sing jazz, gospel and other spirited songs? Interested in playing an instrument solo or as part of the band? Wefd love to have you! Try us out at rehearsals and the monthly Jazz Gospel Service at FCCB. Two rehearsals occur the week prior to second Sundays. Contact Rev. Shelly at sdieterle@fccb.org for more information.
Worship Opportunities
First Congregational Church of Berkeley (FCCB), a progressive Christian church in the heart of Berkeley. Sunday worship: 10:00 am; Enter on Dana @ Durant.
Glide Memorial United Methodist Church (Glide), a spiritual movement rooted in empowerment, recovery and personal transformation. Sunday celebrations 9:00 and 11:00 am; 330 Ellis Street (Ellis & Taylor), San Francisco. www.glide.org/Celebrate.aspx
Upcoming Events
Sunday, Sep 5
VOCATION MENTORING PROGRAM
What does “Let Your Life Speak” mean to you?
Students and mentors share life stories and visions of the future in small groups.