October 2025

Choosing Love in a Fragile World

Community Reflections on Good Soil

In reading Jeff Chu’s book and digesting his remarks from our Fall Gathering, a theme emerged: choosing love.

Love, as Jeff reminds us, is not a feeling—it’s a deliberate, often difficult, choice. And love is not separate from faith and justice—it’s foundational. In both his book and our live conversation with his Farminary professor, Rev. Dr. Kenda Creasy Dean, we were invited into a bold expectation that love will grow when we choose it.

Jeff writes, “My mom's example reminds me that I believe in a difficult love. This kind of love doesn't shy away from discomfort, and it doesn't mistake discomfort for danger. It subordinates our theological disagreements to the clear call to feed the hungry and clothe the needy. It shows up, as courageously as it can, even in the midst of confusion” (pg. 164).

In a time when our social fabric feels fragile, when relationships are fractured and cultural disagreements take center stage, Jeff’s words invite us back to love as a regular, faithful discipline. Love that cultivates courage. Love that seeks justice, not power. Love that serves as soil for God’s goodness to grow in this world.

Join Us for November: In My Grandmother’s House by Rev. Dr. Yolanda Pierce

• Watch the Fall Gathering remarks from Yolanda Pierce
• Read on your own timeline and join the conversations
• Stream the Live Conversations twice a month to hear what the book is stirring in Peter, Sophie, and special guests Mihee Kim-Kort and Lisa Sharon Harper.
• Each month’s content includes book excerpts, videos, supplemental readings, plus prayers and poetry.

→ Join today as an individual or become a church partner.

Winter Gathering Registration - The Future of Faith: Belonging in a World of Borders

In a world marked by borders and riven by divisions, stories of belonging, kindness, and generosity endure. More than that, they carry the power to inspire a better future as people of faith embody their lessons. In January 2026, we will gather to explore how stories of belonging can guide us toward lives of collective flourishing, even in a world where exclusion so often prevails.

• Begins Jan 29, 7:00 pm and concludes Jan 31, 12:00 pm
• First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley (2407 Dana Street, Berkeley)

Our keynote speaker will be Pádraig Ó Tuama, theologian, poet, and conflict transformation practitioner. His book, Borders and Belonging, will be a featured text in our Spring 2026 network curriculum. Pádraig will be joined by an inspiring lineup of speakers, including Adriene Thorne, Gail Song Bantum, Megan Pardue, and Tyler Sit and embodied practices with Barbara Lyon.

We’re grateful to offer sliding scale ticket prices for this event. As you are able, consider contributing at the higher level to support more equitable access. Tickets include single evening options as well as the full three-day gathering. Details on the hotel and other travel plans will be shared shortly!

Fall Preaching Justice Workshop

Preaching justice is not just about knowing topical issues, but also about how we prepare and deliver messages that are fit for our communities. Join us for a virtual workshop featuring practical wisdom from Rev. Adriene Thorne and Rev. Megan Pardue, along with space for group conversation. The event is open to all members of the Faith and Justice Network - another great reason to sign up for November.

Join the Faith & Justice Network!

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