NEWS FROM PIEDMONT COMMUNITY CHURCH | AUGUST 5, 2026

Another Great Year for Backpack for Success!

Our recent Backpack for Success was a tremendous success! In partnership with CityTeam, our children came together and packed over 100 backpacks to serve students in our community for the new school year. It was a joy to see our kids actively put their faith into action and preparing their hearts for the year ahead through service.

All of the backpacks and supplies were generously donated through Piedmont Community Church. Each backpack was fully stocked with everything young students need for school including binders, folders, ruled paper, a pencil box with pencils and sharpener, highlighters, scissors, markers, glue sticks, an eraser and ruler and a welcome back to school note of encouragement written by NextGen kids. The project is coordinated by members of the Mission Board.

Upcoming Church Events

NextGen Launch

Sunday, August 16, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Christian Education Building – Welcome Center

Registration Deadline: Friday, August 14.

Celebrate the start of a brand new ministry year with us. Whether you’re new to NextGen of have been part of our community for years, this is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with friends, meet new families, get to know your child’s leaders and our staff and hear about all that’s ahead this fall.

Stay for lunch, games and activities for the whole family. Help us plan for your family and friends by registering by Friday, August 14. We look forward to celebrating the start of a new ministry year with you.

Ongoing Classes, Groups & Opportunities

Life Groups Start Soon!

Fall Session: Thursday, September 24 – Thursday, October 29

Life Groups provide an opportunity to grow in faith, build meaningful relationships, and experience Christian community in a welcoming and supportive setting.

A Life Group is a small group of 8–12 people who gather for a series of 4–6 weeks, typically meeting during four sessions each year. In-person Life Groups meet on Thursday evenings, beginning with a shared meal in Guild Hall at 6:15 pm, followed by small group gatherings from 7:00–8:00 pm in various rooms throughout the church for Bible study, discussion, fellowship, and prayer. A Life Group for parents also meets on Thursdays from 5:45 – 6:45 pm and then joins for dinner at 6:15. Childcare is available. Our two online Life Groups meet via Zoom on Wednesdays at 3 pm.  

Register online beginning August 9.

For more information, contact Rev. Don Ashburn at don@piedmontchurch.org.

Join Our AV Ministry Team

Help create a meaningful worship experience by serving behind the scenes on our Audio & Visual Ministry Team. We currently have openings for Camera Operators, Video Switch Operators, and Audio Mixers. Whether you enjoy technology, have an eye for detail, or simply want to learn something new, there's a place for you. Camera Operators capture the action, Video Switch Operators coordinate the live video presentation, and Audio Mixers ensure both the congregation and online viewers experience clear, balanced sound.

No experience? No problem. Training is provided, and we welcome anyone with a willingness to learn and serve. If you'd like to use your gifts to help bring worship to life, we'd love to have you on the team! Contact Jennifer at Jennifer@piedmontchurch.org for more information.

Congregational Care Ministry is Growing

The Congregational Care Ministry of Piedmont Community Church is a group of lay people and clergy who offer care and support to people in our congregation. At present, the focus is on connecting with people who are unable to physically attend church events. Trained lay volunteers are currently connecting with and visiting nearly 30 people on a regular basis. If you would like to be connected with a lay visitor, please contact Rev. Don Ashburn at don@piedmontchurch.org. 

Our team, Don Ashburn, Suzie Skugstad, Jan Ghirardelli, Ruth Brousseau, Patty Dunlap and Carolyn Chun, is continually exploring new ways to offer care and support so that no one in our community “falls through the cracks.”  Contact any member of the team if you have ideas about how we can make this happen. We'd love to hear from you. 

Piedmont Community Church Theater Group

From Broadway hits to local gems, this group of theater enthusiasts enjoys a variety of live performances throughout the Bay Area. Whether you're a longtime theater fan or simply looking for a fun outing, you're welcome to join us for any production. For more information, contact Linda McClain at lindamcclain@me.com or Judy Wright at rbwright1@me.com.

Upcoming Shows:

The Full Monty
Thursday, August 13, 8:00 pm
Potluck picnic beforehand
Woodminster Summer Musicals, Joaquin Miller Park, 3540 Sanborn Dr, Oakland

Orpheus Descending
Sunday, August 16, 2:00 pm
Oakland Theater Project, 1501 MLK Jr Way, Oakland

Rumors
Friday, August 28, 8:00 pm
Potluck picnic beforehand
Woodminster Summer Musicals, Joaquin Miller Park, 3540 Sanborn Dr, Oakland

Milestones

In Memoriam
With grateful hearts, we remember Dick Rahl and Elin Hansen and give thanks for their lives, faith, and presence in our church community. We hold their families and loved ones in our prayers.

A memorial service celebrating Dick's life will be held on Saturday, August 8 at 11:00 am in the Sanctuary at Piedmont Community Church. All are welcome.

A memorial service celebrating Elin's life will be held on Saturday, August 22 at 2:00 pm in the Sanctuary at Piedmont Community Church. All are welcome.

Summer Sermon Series

David: Everyday Spirituality

August 9
By the Brook Besor — 1 Samuel 30
Rev. Steve Schibsted

August 16
A Costly Omission — 2 Samuel 18 (selected verses)
Dr. Stephen Main

August 23
Exposed by Light — 2 Samuel 11: 1-18; 25-27
Rev. Don Ashburn

August 30
When God Says No — 2 Samuel 7:1-29
Rev. Steve Schibsted

September 6
Finishing Well — 1 Chronicles 28 & 29 (selected verses)
Rev. Steve Schibsted