Small Groups at First Church
First Congregational Church of Long Beach is delighted to offer a variety of small group fellowship opportunities for church members and their friends. These groups are organized around themes and are designed to help us get to know each other better, forge new friendships, and deepen existing connections. Please take a look at the various groups described below, and consider whether any sound fun to you. You can contact Kirsten Pickus for more information or to get connected with any of the groups.
Adult Education
Adult Education is a weekly group for First Church members and friends who are interested in reading and discussing a UCC Daily Devotional. The group meets on Sundays at 8:45 AM when there is not a conflicting adult education class. Participants gather in the Pownall Room and discuss the joys and challenges of a spiritual life, share concerns, and seek support in an atmosphere characterized by respect and compassion. Participants must be adults and able to follow the leaders’ guidance about the importance of creating a space in which everyone is able to contribute. Leader is Chris Bobo.
Golf Group
The Golf Group meets every Saturday morning at Recreation Park 9 Golf Course, also known as Little Rec, to golf and enjoy each other’s company. This group requires previous golf experience, as it’s not a substitute for lessons, but is welcoming of a variety of skill levels. Participants are asked to commit to golfing with the group on a regular basis, although it need not be weekly. Interested members will receive a weekly email asking for a commitment for the upcoming Saturday (usually around 9:30 a.m.) and will be responsible for paying the course the approximate $15 fee. The leader is Pam Chapin. Reservations are required.
Parks and Picnics Group
The Parks and Picnics Group meets at various outdoor events in and around Long Beach to enjoy Concerts in the Park, Movies in the Park, Movies at the Beach, Shakespeare at the Aquarium, and other fun community events. Feel free to participate once or attend every event! The more, the merrier! For more information, please contact Kirsten Pickus.
Senior Coffee and Conversation
The Senior Coffee and Conversation Group is a monthly gathering of seniors who enjoy socializing with one another, as well as occasional field trips and special programming. The group meets on third Tuesdays at 10 a.m. in the Koinonia Room and is hosted by the ministers.
Serendipity Events
Serendipity events are small gatherings centered around a meal at a member’s home in which the guests don’t learn the address of their event until 24-48 hours beforehand. Events are typically on Saturday evenings, but the summer months usually include a brunch. Guests also don’t find out who else will be present at their gathering until they walk into the host’s home. Events include a meal, a game to help everyone get to know one another better, a few pre-determined conversation starters suggested by our ministers, and hopefully lots of good times with good people!
Anyone who is interested in participating in a Serendipity Event as a host or guest will need to indicate their desire to participate each time an event is announced. First-time participants will need to complete a short survey highlighting food allergies and preferences. Everyone who is able to serve as a host (or co-host) is encouraged to volunteer, as we want to be able to accommodate all interested guests. Coordinators are Kirsten Pickus, Sara Schoenfelder, and Randall Goddard.
Women’s Group
The Women’s Group is a monthly gathering of multigenerational members who have a desire to deepen their connections with one another and create a space for sharing life’s challenges and joys. The group welcomes women who are mothers to young children and grandmothers to adult children, women who are nurturers and women who are creators. Participation requires a commitment to attend regularly in an effort to foster a sense of community and connection. The group does not have a spiritual focus per se, but is a sacred space for nurturing relationships. Meetings are on third Sundays of the month at 11:30 AM – 1PM. Leaders are Kirsten Pickus and Miriam Seneviratne.
Women’s Book Group
The Women’s Book Group meets monthly at Clara Watson’s home in Garden Grove. Participants are adult women who read a chapter or two of a book each month and meet to discuss spiritual issues in a small group environment. Members commit to regular attendance in an effort to foster a sense of community and comfort in sharing experiences. Group size is limited, and gatherings include a potluck meal, followed by a time of personal sharing and a discussion of the book chapters. Meetings are currently held on second Tuesdays at 6 p.m., though the meeting time and day is based on members’ availability. For more information, contact Clara Watson or Miriam Seneviratne.