Kit Novotny ponders the nature of arrivals and departures and the signs of what is to come. Along with the waiting and impatience is the good news that God is already on the way.

Minister of Community Life Rachel Bauman explores suffering, faith, and fairness through the story of Job, a righteous man who is tested by God. By the end, we understand that the world consists of both good and evil, order and chaos, suffering and joy.

January 26, 2020 • 10 am • Molly Baskette • First Church Berkeley UCC firstchurchberkeley.org

Rachel reflects on the story of the meeting between Mary and her cousin Elizabeth, both pregnant. Each of is like Mary—with a miracle within us ready to be birthed—and each of us is like Elizabeth—able to recognize and bless the miracles we see in others.

In the story of Jesus visiting the home of Mary and Martha, Molly Baskette finds empowerment in both women and the way that Jesus interacted with them. Jesus calls them and all of us to be deeply aligned with who we know ourselves to be.

In the wake of the 2016 election, guest speaker Steve Almond wrote “Bad Stories: What the Hell Just Happened to Our Country.” He challenges the “bad stories” that have come to shape us as a people. Can we dream up new stories?

November 3, 2019 • 10 am • “Beyond the Binary: Saint and Sinner” • Molly Baskette • First Church Berkeley UCC Luke 19:1-10

July 7, 2019 • 10 am • Love God, Full Out! Then, Love Neighbor • Kit Novotny

October 13, 2019 • 10 am • “The Whole Story” • Rev. Diane Weible • First Church Berkeley UCC Galatians 3:25-29

April 26, 2020 • 10 am • Walk to Emmaus • Molly Baskette • First Church Berkeley UCC firstchurchberkeley.org