news and announcements
Newcomer Groups and Neighborhood Groups
Friday, September 5, 7-9pm
Joining a Newcomer Group (6 weeks) is the primary way to get introduced to other new-ish folks at Christ Church and interact with the vision and mission of Christ Church. These groups typically gather around the table for dinner or dessert with a focus on:
Weeks 1-2 Getting to know one another
Weeks 3-4 Getting to know our life journeys and questions
Week 5 Getting to know Christ Church
Week 6 What’s Next?
Joining a Neighborhood Group (15 weeks) is the best way to connect with others in the Christ Church community, explore and deepen your faith, serve the church, and love your neighbors. These groups of 8-14 people meet in apartments and homes throughout the Bay Area during the week to share a meal, talk about the issues of life, pray together, discuss the Sunday scripture and sermon, and strategize creative ways to serve the church and love our neighbors.
Please visit our Google map to sign up for a Newcomer Group or Neighborhood Group nearest you.
Post-Worship Community Meal in Rockridge
Sunday, September 7 at 6:30pm
Christ Church of Rockridge
Make plans to join us for a relaxed and informal community meal, gathering around the table with friends old and new in the Christ Church community. The cost will be $5 per person and kids are free.
Morning Prayer - Berkeley
Tuesdays at 7:15am
Christ Church of Berkeley Office
Join us for morning prayer centered upon readings from the Psalms and New Testament. Our time together looks like so:
7:15 Read Scripture and pray together
8:00 Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Please arrive on time as we will begin promptly. You may leave early as needed or stick around for coffee and conversation.
Morning Prayer - Rockridge
Thursdays at 7:15 am
Jonathan and Catherine St. Clair’s House
Join us for morning prayer centered upon readings from the Psalms and New Testament. Our time together looks like so:
7:15 Read Scripture and pray together
8:00 Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Please arrive on time as we will begin promptly. You may leave early as needed or stick around for coffee and conversation.
Members Meeting
Sunday September 14, 9am
Mineral Springs Picnic Site - Tilden Park
Members of Christ Church, please join the Christ Church Pastoral Staff to (1) discuss the state of our vision both for the church and broader community and to (2) pray over our hopes, fears, dreams and needs. Because we highly value the input of our members, and have only two member meetings per year, we consider these meetings essential to the health of our church, and assume that all members will be able to attend unless providentially hindered.
Please bring your own coffee or perhaps pick up a box of coffee and doughnuts for communal consumption.
Christ Church at the Park
Sunday September 14, 11am
Mineral Springs Picnic Site - Tilden Park
In lieu of our regular worship services in Berkeley and Rockridge, both sites will convene at the Mineral Springs Picnic Site in Tilden Park for the following festivities:
9:00 Members meeting
11:00 Worship service
11:45 This Year at Christ Church
12:15 Picnic
Bring a picnic blanket, a folding chair, footballs and frisbees. We will be serving Top Dogs (with a vegetarian option), the cost will be $3 per person, and kids eat free. We kindly ask that you bring the following for up to a dozen people:
Last name A-G: Drinks
Last name H-P: Chips/Fruit
Last name Q-Z: Dessert
This is a wonderful opportunity to bring along friends, neighbors, and co-workers and introduce them to the Christ Church community in a beautiful, fun, and relaxed setting.
Carpooling
Driving Directions
There are many ways to reach Mineral Springs in Tilden Park, which is located off of Wildcat Canyon Road between Inspiration Point and the Botanic Garden. For Google maps, key in the latitude and longitude below.
From Berkeley, you may take Grizzly Peak Road, east on Shasta (0.5 mi), right on Wildcat Canyon Road (0.8 mi), and left into Mineral Springs Picnic Area (if you get to the Inspiration Point you’ve gone too far).
From Oakland or the east, you may take the Orinda exit from Highway 24, go north toward Orinda Village and Richmond on Camino Pablo. Go about 3 miles, left at the light onto Wildcat Canyon Road for 3.1 miles. pass Inspiration Point, and right into Mineral Springs Picnic Area (if you get to the Botanical Garden you’ve gone too far).
If the lot is full, and it probably will be if it is a nice day, you may park on the shoulder of the road if your vehicle is completely off the road and is not in a “No Parking Zone”.
Public Transit
Take BART to the downtown Berkeley station. Take the #67 AC Transit bus, which leaves once an hour at 50 minutes past the hour. Go to the end of the line and get off at the Brazilian Room in Tilden. Walk about 1 km on Wildcat Canyon Road past the Botanical Garden to the Mineral Springs Group Picnic Area. The return bus leaves once an hour at 15 minutes after the hour. The adult (18–64) one-way fare is $1.75; the youth (5–17) and senior (65+) fare is $0.85.
Morning Prayer - Berkeley
Tuesdays at 7:15am
Christ Church of Berkeley Office
Join us for morning prayer centered upon readings from the Psalms and New Testament. Our time together looks like so:
7:15 Read Scripture and pray together
8:00 Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Please arrive on time as we will begin promptly. You may leave early as needed or stick around for coffee and conversation.
Morning Prayer - Rockridge
Thursdays at 7:15 am
Jonathan and Catherine St. Clair’s House
Join us for morning prayer centered upon readings from the Psalms and New Testament. Our time together looks like so:
7:15 Read Scripture and pray together
8:00 Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Please arrive on time as we will begin promptly. You may leave early as needed or stick around for coffee and conversation.
Connection at Christ Church
Saturday September 20, 5-8pm
Jose and Laura Figueroa’s House
If you are new to Christ Church or a regular attender, Connection at Christ Church is a wonderful opportunity for you to learn more about our purpose, vision, and mission, as well as how to best participate in the life and ministry of our church.
Our gathering will be a potluck dinner limited to 15 people, and we will let you know what to bring after we finalize the guest list. Also, please remember to bring $5 to cover printing costs for materials.
Please note that those interested in becoming members at Christ Church must attend (1) Connection at Christ Church, (2) then Commitment to Christ Church, (3) and finally a personal membership interview discussing the covenant vows that will be agreed upon in an installation service during Sunday worship.
Curious? - My Problems with Christianity
Sundays, Sept 21 through Oct 12 - 12:15pm in Berkeley / 6:45pm in Rockridge
Whether skeptical of Christianity, curious about it, or committed to it, each and every one of us harbors questions and problems that either fuel our doubt or erode our faith. Often we do not have a safe place to converse over these questions without feeling belittled or judged. Now we do! Join us as we discuss four questions that many of us share in common.
September 21: Can’t God just forgive without having to sacrifice his son?
September 28: Why is the Bible so culturally regressive and out of date?
October 5: Does following Jesus mean that I will lose my freedom?
October 12: How can anyone say that Christianity is the only true religion?
Post-Worship Community Meal in Rockridge
Sunday, September 21 at 6:30pm
Christ Church of Rockridge
Make plans to join us for a relaxed and informal community meal, gathering around the table with friends old and new in the Christ Church community. The cost will be $5 per person and kids are free.
Morning Prayer - Berkeley
Tuesdays at 7:15am
Christ Church of Berkeley Office
Join us for morning prayer centered upon readings from the Psalms and New Testament. Our time together looks like so:
7:15 Read Scripture and pray together
8:00 Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Please arrive on time as we will begin promptly. You may leave early as needed or stick around for coffee and conversation.
Morning Prayer - Rockridge
Thursdays at 7:15 am
Jonathan and Catherine St. Clair’s House
Join us for morning prayer centered upon readings from the Psalms and New Testament. Our time together looks like so:
7:15 Read Scripture and pray together
8:00 Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Please arrive on time as we will begin promptly. You may leave early as needed or stick around for coffee and conversation.
Curious? - My Problems with Christianity
Sundays, Sept 21 through Oct 12 - 12:15pm in Berkeley / 6:45pm in Rockridge
Whether skeptical of Christianity, curious about it, or committed to it, each and every one of us harbors questions and problems that either fuel our doubt or erode our faith. Often we do not have a safe place to converse over these questions without feeling belittled or judged. Now we do! Join us as we discuss four questions that many of us share in common.
September 21: Can’t God just forgive without having to sacrifice his son?
September 28: Why is the Bible so culturally regressive and out of date?
October 5: Does following Jesus mean that I will lose my freedom?
October 12: How can anyone say that Christianity is the only true religion?
Morning Prayer - Berkeley
Tuesdays at 7:15am
Christ Church of Berkeley Office
Join us for morning prayer centered upon readings from the Psalms and New Testament. Our time together looks like so:
7:15 Read Scripture and pray together
8:00 Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Please arrive on time as we will begin promptly. You may leave early as needed or stick around for coffee and conversation.
Morning Prayer - Rockridge
Thursdays at 7:15 am
Jonathan and Catherine St. Clair’s House
Join us for morning prayer centered upon readings from the Psalms and New Testament. Our time together looks like so:
7:15 Read Scripture and pray together
8:00 Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Please arrive on time as we will begin promptly. You may leave early as needed or stick around for coffee and conversation.
Curious? - My Problems with Christianity
Sundays, Sept 21 through Oct 12 - 12:15pm in Berkeley / 6:45pm in Rockridge
Whether skeptical of Christianity, curious about it, or committed to it, each and every one of us harbors questions and problems that either fuel our doubt or erode our faith. Often we do not have a safe place to converse over these questions without feeling belittled or judged. Now we do! Join us as we discuss four questions that many of us share in common.
September 21: Can’t God just forgive without having to sacrifice his son?
September 28: Why is the Bible so culturally regressive and out of date?
October 5: Does following Jesus mean that I will lose my freedom?
October 12: How can anyone say that Christianity is the only true religion?
Morning Prayer - Berkeley
Tuesdays at 7:15am
Christ Church of Berkeley Office
Join us for morning prayer centered upon readings from the Psalms and New Testament. Our time together looks like so:
7:15 Read Scripture and pray together
8:00 Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Please arrive on time as we will begin promptly. You may leave early as needed or stick around for coffee and conversation.
Morning Prayer - Rockridge
Thursdays at 7:15 am
Jonathan and Catherine St. Clair’s House
Join us for morning prayer centered upon readings from the Psalms and New Testament. Our time together looks like so:
7:15 Read Scripture and pray together
8:00 Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Please arrive on time as we will begin promptly. You may leave early as needed or stick around for coffee and conversation.
Curious? - My Problems with Christianity
Sundays, Sept 21 through Oct 12 - 12:15pm in Berkeley / 6:45pm in Rockridge
Whether skeptical of Christianity, curious about it, or committed to it, each and every one of us harbors questions and problems that either fuel our doubt or erode our faith. Often we do not have a safe place to converse over these questions without feeling belittled or judged. Now we do! Join us as we discuss four questions that many of us share in common.
September 21: Can’t God just forgive without having to sacrifice his son?
September 28: Why is the Bible so culturally regressive and out of date?
October 5: Does following Jesus mean that I will lose my freedom?
October 12: How can anyone say that Christianity is the only true religion?
Morning Prayer - Berkeley
Tuesdays at 7:15am
Christ Church of Berkeley Office
Join us for morning prayer centered upon readings from the Psalms and New Testament. Our time together looks like so:
7:15 Read Scripture and pray together
8:00 Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Please arrive on time as we will begin promptly. You may leave early as needed or stick around for coffee and conversation.
Morning Prayer - Rockridge
Thursdays at 7:15 am
Jonathan and Catherine St. Clair’s House
Join us for morning prayer centered upon readings from the Psalms and New Testament. Our time together looks like so:
7:15 Read Scripture and pray together
8:00 Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Please arrive on time as we will begin promptly. You may leave early as needed or stick around for coffee and conversation.
Morning Prayer - Berkeley
Tuesdays at 7:15am
Christ Church of Berkeley Office
Join us for morning prayer centered upon readings from the Psalms and New Testament. Our time together looks like so:
7:15 Read Scripture and pray together
8:00 Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Please arrive on time as we will begin promptly. You may leave early as needed or stick around for coffee and conversation.
Morning Prayer - Rockridge
Thursdays at 7:15 am
Jonathan and Catherine St. Clair’s House
Join us for morning prayer centered upon readings from the Psalms and New Testament. Our time together looks like so:
7:15 Read Scripture and pray together
8:00 Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Please arrive on time as we will begin promptly. You may leave early as needed or stick around for coffee and conversation.
Connection at Christ Church
Saturday October 25, 5-8pm
Jose and Laura Figueroa’s House
If you are new to Christ Church or a regular attender, Connection at Christ Church is a wonderful opportunity for you to learn more about our purpose, vision, and mission, as well as how to best participate in the life and ministry of our church.
Our gathering will be a potluck dinner limited to 15 people, and we will let you know what to bring after we finalize the guest list. Also, please remember to bring $5 to cover printing costs for materials.
Please note that those interested in becoming members at Christ Church must attend (1) Connection at Christ Church, (2) then Commitment to Christ Church, (3) and finally a personal membership interview discussing the covenant vows that will be agreed upon in an installation service during Sunday worship.
Converge Forum - Adam Hochschild
Monday, October 27, 7-9pm
The Gaia Arts Center
Join us for a presentation, onstage discussion, and Q & A with Adam Hoschild, author of Bury the Chains: Prophets and Rebels in the Fight to Free an Empire’s Slaves.
Hochschild teaches narrative writing at the Graduate School of Journalism at the University of California at Berkeley, and spent half a year as a Fulbright Lecturer in India. His books have been translated into twelve languages and four of them have been named Notable Books of the Year by The New York Times Book Review. His Bury the Chains: Prophets and Rebels in the Fight to Free an Empire’s Slaves, was a finalist for the 2005 National Book Award in Nonfiction and won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for History. Hochschild has written for The New Yorker, Harper’s, The New York Review of Books, Granta, The New York Times Magazine, and many other newspapers and magazines. His articles have won prizes from the Overseas Press Club, the Society of Professional Journalists and elsewhere. He was a co-founder of Mother Jones magazine and has been a commentator on National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered.” He lives in San Francisco with his wife, sociologist and author Arlie Russell Hochschild. They have two sons and two granddaughters.
A $5 donation is suggested.
What is Converge Forum?
Converge Forum features lectures, performances, and onstage conversations with writers, artists, musicians, and leading thinkers. Featured guests are asked to articulate the important ideas and relevant viewpoints that inform their work and creative process. Converge Forums are offered in hope that all who attend will be enriched and challenged by the distinctive perspective that faith can add to our lives. This is also an excellent opportunity to introduce friends, neighbors, and colleagues to the Christ Church community.
Morning Prayer - Berkeley
Tuesdays at 7:15am
Christ Church of Berkeley Office
Join us for morning prayer centered upon readings from the Psalms and New Testament. Our time together looks like so:
7:15 Read Scripture and pray together
8:00 Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Please arrive on time as we will begin promptly. You may leave early as needed or stick around for coffee and conversation.
Morning Prayer - Rockridge
Thursdays at 7:15 am
Jonathan and Catherine St. Clair’s House
Join us for morning prayer centered upon readings from the Psalms and New Testament. Our time together looks like so:
7:15 Read Scripture and pray together
8:00 Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Please arrive on time as we will begin promptly. You may leave early as needed or stick around for coffee and conversation.
Conversations in Spiritual Formation
Sundays, November 2 to December 7 -- Berkeley 9am and Rockridge 6:45pm
Conversations in Spiritual Formation is an opportunity to learn and dialogue about the basics of Christian faith and practice. We explore and discuss the lifestyle implications of Christian scripture, theology, worship, history, and mission. We will explore the Lord’s Prayer (Berkeley) and the rhythms of Daily Prayer (Rockridge). Meet in the Panoramic Room at 9:00am and at the St.Clairs at 6:45pm (5945 Keith Ave, Oakland—2 minute walk from Rockridge BART). Please bring your own coffee in the morning, and diversify the wine and cheese selection in the evening.
Morning Prayer - Berkeley
Tuesdays at 7:15am
Christ Church of Berkeley Office
Join us for morning prayer centered upon readings from the Psalms and New Testament. Our time together looks like so:
7:15 Read Scripture and pray together
8:00 Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Please arrive on time as we will begin promptly. You may leave early as needed or stick around for coffee and conversation.
Morning Prayer - Rockridge
Thursdays at 7:15 am
Jonathan and Catherine St. Clair’s House
Join us for morning prayer centered upon readings from the Psalms and New Testament. Our time together looks like so:
7:15 Read Scripture and pray together
8:00 Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Please arrive on time as we will begin promptly. You may leave early as needed or stick around for coffee and conversation.
Parenting Roundtable
Saturday November 8, 8:30 to 10:30am
College Avenue Presbyterian Church
"Whatever you do, don’t talk about faith, politics, or parenting!” We are breaking the rules, so take the relational risk and join us for a discussion on parenting led by Christ Church staff and some of our own Christ Church parents. Parenting is often lonely as fear and anxiety prevent us from conversing with other parents about helpful models in which to parent. We will discuss (1) Biblical rationales for parenting, (2) the relationship between love and discipline, (3) a vision for missional parenting, and (4) sharing helpful resources. The event will be held at College Avenue Presbyterian Church and is open to parents and those expecting to become parents. Please RSVP by Sunday, November 2 and bring $10 per family to cover breakfast and childcare.
Conversations in Spiritual Formation
Sundays, November 2 to December 7 -- Berkeley 9am and Rockridge 6:45pm
Conversations in Spiritual Formation is an opportunity to learn and dialogue about the basics of Christian faith and practice. We explore and discuss the lifestyle implications of Christian scripture, theology, worship, history, and mission. We will explore the Lord’s Prayer (Berkeley) and the rhythms of Daily Prayer (Rockridge). Meet in the Panoramic Room at 9:00am and at the St.Clairs at 6:45pm (5945 Keith Ave, Oakland—2 minute walk from Rockridge BART). Please bring your own coffee in the morning, and diversify the wine and cheese selection in the evening.
Morning Prayer - Berkeley
Tuesdays at 7:15am
Christ Church of Berkeley Office
Join us for morning prayer centered upon readings from the Psalms and New Testament. Our time together looks like so:
7:15 Read Scripture and pray together
8:00 Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Please arrive on time as we will begin promptly. You may leave early as needed or stick around for coffee and conversation.
Morning Prayer - Rockridge
Thursdays at 7:15 am
Jonathan and Catherine St. Clair’s House
Join us for morning prayer centered upon readings from the Psalms and New Testament. Our time together looks like so:
7:15 Read Scripture and pray together
8:00 Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Please arrive on time as we will begin promptly. You may leave early as needed or stick around for coffee and conversation.
Connection at Christ Church
Saturday November 15, 5-8pm
Jose and Laura Figueroa’s House
If you are new to Christ Church or a regular attender, Connection at Christ Church is a wonderful opportunity for you to learn more about our purpose, vision, and mission, as well as how to best participate in the life and ministry of our church.
Our gathering will be a potluck dinner limited to 15 people, and we will let you know what to bring after we finalize the guest list. Also, please remember to bring $5 to cover printing costs for materials.
Please note that those interested in becoming members at Christ Church must attend (1) Connection at Christ Church, (2) then Commitment to Christ Church, (3) and finally a personal membership interview discussing the covenant vows that will be agreed upon in an installation service during Sunday worship.
Conversations in Spiritual Formation
Sundays, November 2 to December 7 -- Berkeley 9am and Rockridge 6:45pm
Conversations in Spiritual Formation is an opportunity to learn and dialogue about the basics of Christian faith and practice. We explore and discuss the lifestyle implications of Christian scripture, theology, worship, history, and mission. We will explore the Lord’s Prayer (Berkeley) and the rhythms of Daily Prayer (Rockridge). Meet in the Panoramic Room at 9:00am and at the St.Clairs at 6:45pm (5945 Keith Ave, Oakland—2 minute walk from Rockridge BART). Please bring your own coffee in the morning, and diversify the wine and cheese selection in the evening.
Morning Prayer - Berkeley
Tuesdays at 7:15am
Christ Church of Berkeley Office
Join us for morning prayer centered upon readings from the Psalms and New Testament. Our time together looks like so:
7:15 Read Scripture and pray together
8:00 Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Please arrive on time as we will begin promptly. You may leave early as needed or stick around for coffee and conversation.
Morning Prayer - Rockridge
Thursdays at 7:15 am
Jonathan and Catherine St. Clair’s House
Join us for morning prayer centered upon readings from the Psalms and New Testament. Our time together looks like so:
7:15 Read Scripture and pray together
8:00 Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Please arrive on time as we will begin promptly. You may leave early as needed or stick around for coffee and conversation.
Conversations in Spiritual Formation
Sundays, November 2 to December 7 -- Berkeley 9am and Rockridge 6:45pm
Conversations in Spiritual Formation is an opportunity to learn and dialogue about the basics of Christian faith and practice. We explore and discuss the lifestyle implications of Christian scripture, theology, worship, history, and mission. We will explore the Lord’s Prayer (Berkeley) and the rhythms of Daily Prayer (Rockridge). Meet in the Panoramic Room at 9:00am and at the St.Clairs at 6:45pm (5945 Keith Ave, Oakland—2 minute walk from Rockridge BART). Please bring your own coffee in the morning, and diversify the wine and cheese selection in the evening.
Morning Prayer - Berkeley
Tuesdays at 7:15am
Christ Church of Berkeley Office
Join us for morning prayer centered upon readings from the Psalms and New Testament. Our time together looks like so:
7:15 Read Scripture and pray together
8:00 Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Please arrive on time as we will begin promptly. You may leave early as needed or stick around for coffee and conversation.
Morning Prayer - Rockridge
Thursdays at 7:15 am
Jonathan and Catherine St. Clair’s House
Join us for morning prayer centered upon readings from the Psalms and New Testament. Our time together looks like so:
7:15 Read Scripture and pray together
8:00 Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Please arrive on time as we will begin promptly. You may leave early as needed or stick around for coffee and conversation.
Conversations in Spiritual Formation
Sundays, November 2 to December 7 -- Berkeley 9am and Rockridge 6:45pm
Conversations in Spiritual Formation is an opportunity to learn and dialogue about the basics of Christian faith and practice. We explore and discuss the lifestyle implications of Christian scripture, theology, worship, history, and mission. We will explore the Lord’s Prayer (Berkeley) and the rhythms of Daily Prayer (Rockridge). Meet in the Panoramic Room at 9:00am and at the St.Clairs at 6:45pm (5945 Keith Ave, Oakland—2 minute walk from Rockridge BART). Please bring your own coffee in the morning, and diversify the wine and cheese selection in the evening.
Curious? - Advent Q and A
Sundays, November 30 through December 21 - 12:15pm in Berkeley / 6:45pm in Rockridge
All of us experience a sense of wonder and awe around the holiday season. Each year, the Christian Church celebrates Advent (meaning “coming” or “arrival” ), a four-week period leading up to Christmas. For the church, this is a time of remembering the promises of Jesus’ first coming, and hoping in his promise to come again. We know that many will attend Christ Church during this season who probably have many questions concerning Christianity. Some will be new to faith, others will simply be investigating it, and still more will have believed for years but have never had a safe place to pose questions. At the conclusion of each Advent Service we will have a 20-minute Q and A facilitated by the Christ Church pastors. This event will take place on the Mezzanine of the Berkeley site, and in the Coffee Room of the Rockridge site. All are welcome.
Morning Prayer - Berkeley
Tuesdays at 7:15am
Christ Church of Berkeley Office
Join us for morning prayer centered upon readings from the Psalms and New Testament. Our time together looks like so:
7:15 Read Scripture and pray together
8:00 Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Please arrive on time as we will begin promptly. You may leave early as needed or stick around for coffee and conversation.
Morning Prayer - Rockridge
Thursdays at 7:15 am
Jonathan and Catherine St. Clair’s House
Join us for morning prayer centered upon readings from the Psalms and New Testament. Our time together looks like so:
7:15 Read Scripture and pray together
8:00 Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Please arrive on time as we will begin promptly. You may leave early as needed or stick around for coffee and conversation.