NEWS FROM PIEDMONT COMMUNITY CHURCH | SEPTEMBER 16, 2026

Celebrating Homecoming Together

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Homecoming Sunday Picnic on September 13. It was a wonderful day of worship, fellowship, laughter, and reconnecting with friends—made even more special by welcoming the Chancel Choir back for the new ministry year.

A big thank-you to the NextGen Dads and Board of Trustees for serving up a delicious picnic and to everyone who helped make the day such a joyful celebration. We’re so glad to be back together!

Click here to see more photos from Homecoming Sunday.

Volunteer Opportunity!

Help Us Bring PCC to the Harvest Festival

Sunday, September 27, Piedmont Park

The Volunteer Program is looking for a few friendly faces to help staff the PCC table at the Piedmont Harvest Festival. We’ll have a fun ring-toss game for festival-goers and information about PCC’s programs and ministries. Come help us share the welcoming spirit of our church with the community!

Sign up for either the 11:00 am - 1:00 pm or 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm shift by contacting Jennifer Giessler at jennifer@piedmontchurch.org today.

Upcoming Church Events

Grow in Faith. Grow in Community. Join a Life Group Today. 

Fall Session Dates:
In-person Groups: Thursdays, September 24 – October 29, 2026
Online Groups: Wednesdays, September 23 – October 28. 2026

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 on Thursday evenings for a series of 4–6 weeks, typically meeting during four sessions each year. The evening begins with a shared meal in Guild Hall at 6:15 p.m., followed by small group gatherings from 7:00–8:00 pm in various rooms throughout the church for Bible study, discussion, fellowship, and prayer. The Life Group for parents meets from 5:30 – 6:30 pm and includes childcare. Two online Life Groups meet on Wednesdays from 3:00 – 5:00 pm.

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

LIFE GROUPS START THIS WEEK!

Stacks for Service

Sunday, October 4, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
$20 adult/$10 youth

Bring the whole family and join us in the CE Building Welcome Center for Stacks for Service—a fun afternoon of pancakes, community, and serving together! Enjoy a delicious pancake bar and a hands-on service project designed for kids and families to do together. Come hungry, connect with other NextGen families, and help us do some good in our community!

All proceeds support the work of our Mission Board. Space is limited, and we won’t be able to accommodate walk-ins the day of the event. If you’re planning to join us, please register by October 2. We’d love to have you there!

Harvest Dinner

Friday, October 9, 6:00–8:00 pm
$20 adults/$10 youth

Gather in gratitude surrounded by the warmth of our church community to celebrate the beauty of the season at our annual Harvest Dinner. Enjoy a delicious meal of turkey, seasonal side dishes, fresh salad, dessert, and beverages while reconnecting with friends, welcoming new faces, and giving thanks for the blessings of the harvest and the gift of being together. Register online or in the church courtyard on Sunday mornings.

Ongoing Classes, Groups & Opportunities

Teach. Inspire. Make a Difference. Volunteer with Nextgen.

Every Sunday morning, our NextGen space comes alive with laughter, curiosity, and growth. We are looking for passionate teachers to join this vibrant ministry. If you are ready to bring your faith, love, and energy to Nextgen we would love to welcome you to the large group team. Come help shape the next generation in a space that truly "makes our hearts sing."

Interested in serving? Contact Kerry at kerry@piedmontchurch.org, Phoebe at phoebe@piedmontchurch.org or Leslie at leslie@piedmontchurch.org today to get involved.

Project Peace: A Morning of Service

Saturday, October 3, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

The Mission Board invites you to join us on October 3 for a meaningful morning of hands-on service, teamwork, and making a difference in our community. Through Project Peace, we’ll spend three hours helping with local improvement projects, cleanup efforts, and neighborhood support activities.

This year, our team will be serving at Franklin Elementary School focusing on the garden. Volunteers will help weed, clean, and spruce up all the gardens at Franklin. More information will be given upon registration.

There are 10 positions available. No experience is needed, and family-friendly opportunities are available.  All ages are welcome, but children under 18 must be with a guardian or adult volunteer.

Come lend a hand, connect with others, and help make our community a better place. 

Register at the link below or contact Ryan McCorvie at ryan.mccorvie@gmail.com for more information. 

Online Bible Study Now Underway

Join Rev. Don Ashburn on Mondays at 10:00 am for online Bible study. This year we are studying the Gospel of Luke. To participate fully, no previous experience in Bible study is expected or required. Just join with an open heart and mind. Questions? Contact Don Ashburn at don@piedmontchurch.org.

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:

French Kiss
Friday, September 18, 7:30pm
Smuin Ballet, Lesher Center, Walnut Creek

The Cook
Saturday, September 19, 7:30 pm
Berkeley Rep, 2025 Addison St., Berkeley

NEW! Mah Jong, Anyone?

Whether you’re an experienced American Mah Jong player or have always wanted to learn, we’d love to have you join our new group. We’ll meet for the first time on Wednesday, September 23 at 2:30 pm for an organizational meeting where we’ll talk about how to make the group fun, welcoming, and responsive to everyone’s interests and experience levels. We will play a few games as well, no worries!

No experience necessary. Beginner tables will be available as needed.

Register at the link below and come join the fun!

Current Sermon Series

“Be still, and know that I am God.”

September 20
“Making Space” — Luke 10:38-42 & Mark 1:35
Rev. Steve Schibsted

September 27
“Making Space by Listening” – I Kings 9:11-13
Rev. Steve Schibsted

October 4
“Praying the Scriptures” – Psalm 1:1-3
Rev. Steve Schibsted

October 11
“Prayer as Intercession” – Romans 8:26-27 and I Timothy 2:1-14
Rev. Don Ashburn

October 18
“Prayer as Gratitude” – Philippians 4:6-7; Luke 17:11-19, Psalm 100
Rev. Steve Schibsted

October 25
“Making Space by Giving” – Mark 12:41-44
Rev. Steve Schibsted