Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Location: Berkeley YWCA, 2600 Bancroft Way, Berkeley

Join us a couple of days early for Haven’s traditional candlelight service!

Highlights of the evening:

• 🎶 Traditional carols sung together.

• 📖 A heartfelt reading of the Christmas Story.

• 🕯️ Candle-lighting to illuminate the season’s hope and peace.

• 🍪 Christmas cookies and cocoa to wrap up the night with warmth and connection.

This family-friendly gathering is perfect for all ages. Invite your friends and neighbors to this special evening of light and joy. Let’s celebrate the wonder of Christmas together!

Mark your calendars and join us after our Christmas Service for Haven’s Annual Christmas Party and Potluck on Sunday, December 15th! It’s a day filled with joy, delicious food, and festive fun as we come together to celebrate the holiday season.

Feast and Festivities:

After our Sunday service, we’ll gather for a potluck feast. Bring your favorite dishes to share and let’s enjoy a meal filled with community and connection. Don’t forget about our White Elephant Gift Exchange and Ornament Exchange:

🎁 White Elephant Gift Exchange (6th Grade and Up):

• Open to youth (sixth grade and above) and adults.

• Bring a wrapped White Elephant gift ($20 limit).

• Gifts can be re-gifted, silly, unique, or traditional – the choice is yours!

🎄 iIft Exchange for Haven Kids (Pre-K to 5th Grade):

• Each child should bring a wrapped gender neutral gift $15 or less.

How You Can Help:

✨ Sign up to bring a dish for the potluck! While not required, if you can make an alternative version of your dish for those with gluten or dairy sensitivities, that would be greatly appreciated!

✨ Lend a hand! We’ll need help with a few quick tasks following the service to get the party rolling smoothly. Also consider joining our planning Zoom on Monday, December 9 if you are able.

This is a wonderful opportunity to come together, share laughter, and celebrate the season in true Haven style. We can’t wait to see you there! ❤️

Mark your calendars for a heartwarming Crafting Advent Sunday Connection on Sunday, December 8th, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Washington Elementary! This festive gathering is perfect for all ages and a wonderful way to celebrate the season as a community.

What to Expect:

✨ Holiday Crafts: Get creative with fun and festive crafting activities.

🎶 Carols: Lift your spirits with timeless holiday songs.

📖 Godly Play Advent Story: Experience the wonder of Advent through an engaging, intergenerational storytelling session.

🤝 Connection: Enjoy meaningful time together, building relationships and celebrating the joy of the season.

Bring your friends and family, and join us for this special morning of creativity, music, and connection. Let’s make this Advent Sunday one to remember!

Stay tuned for more details, and we look forward to sharing this joyous time with you. ❤️

We’re excited for an evening of soul-stirring worship and connection with the gifted Drananda Summons, but due to a scheduling mix-up, this event will now be happening in January—date and location details to be announced soon.

Stay tuned for updates in upcoming emails, where we’ll share everything you need to know as plans are finalized. This gathering will be a powerful time of music, spiritual connection, and celebration that you won’t want to miss. We can’t wait to come together in the new year for this unforgettable evening!

We have some wonderful events on the horizon for our kids and youth this October and we’d love for everyone to join in!

Haven Youth Talk: Bible Study
Thursday, October 24th (plus more dates to come) | (5pm-6:30pm)

This engaging Bible study group is designed for our youth to explore topics of the Bible, community, and connection. During this time, we’ll dive into meaningful discussions, explore how faith can be relevant in everyday life, and strengthen friendships within the Haven community. Expect a mix of conversation, interactive activities, and plenty of space to ask questions in a supportive environment. Snacks provided! 

These sessions will be hosted at the Martens' home in Berkeley.

RSVP to Drananda to confirm and get the address if you need it!

We are thrilled to announce a momentous occasion in our community!  On Sunday, October 6th, we will be celebrating Caleb’s renaming ceremony—a powerful and joyous milestone in his journey.  This important event will be a heartfelt part of our service and marks more than just a name change; it’s a profound moment of affirmation and identity. We’re excited to share in this pivotal chapter of Caleb’s life and to stand with him in love and support. 

After the ceremony, we’ll continue the celebration with lunch, refreshments, and cake. Join us to help make this day unforgettable!

If you’d like to support Caleb as he steps into this new stage in his life, check out his registry HERE!

Haven is excited to announce our first service opportunity at Berkeley’s Dorothy Day House since Covid. On Sunday, September 29th, from 2 - 6 pm, we have the chance to serve our unhoused neighbors in partnership with this vital organization, located in the Veteran’s Memorial Building in Downtown Berkeley.

Volunteers will assist staff in preparing and plating dinner for the evening. Space is limited, so we are seeking two groups of up to three people per group, each taking a two-hour shift. Volunteers must be twelve or older to participate.

This is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference and explore whether this could be a meaningful, ongoing service partnership for Haven. Those who serve are encouraged to share their experience with Haven leadership afterward as we consider if this could be a good ongoing service partnership for our community.

Sign up for a shift using this Google Sheet. We look forward to serving with you!

🌈 Join Haven Berkeley at Oakland Pride 2024 - Celebrating Inclusivity and Connection! 🌈

Get ready to celebrate Pride Month in the East Bay with Haven Berkeley! We’re thrilled to invite you to Oakland’s annual Pride event, where we come together from all over the Bay Area and beyond to celebrate our LGBTQIA+ community and share the inclusive space we’re creating at Haven.

Event Highlights:

• Parade March: Be part of the excitement as Haven Berkeley proudly marches in the Pride parade! Join our contingent for a vibrant 30-minute (or less) walk, spreading love and unity along the route. The parade begins at 11 am.

• Interactive Booth: Visit our Haven booth at the event venue! We’re bringing the fun with lick-and-stick tattoos, stickers, and possibly homemade keychains and bracelets. Plus, we’ll have informative literature about Haven Berkeley and the welcoming community we offer.

How to Participate:

• March in the Parade: Walk with us to showcase our support for the LGBTQIA+ community. It’s a chance to make a visual statement of unity and acceptance. All ages are welcome to join! Marchers are encouraged to wear Haven shirts (we can provide one if you need it) and bring their own signs and decorations. We will also have candy to distribute to those we meet along the way.

• Booth Shifts: Spread smiles at our booth by signing up for a 2-hour shift between 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Engage with event attendees, distribute our awesome giveaways, and share the spirit of Haven Berkeley. While the festival charges an admission fee, all who are signed up to volunteer at our booth will have their admission covered.

RSVP to March, Volunteer, or let us know if you need a t-shirt: Secure your spot by filling out our easy Google Sheet. Let us know if you plan to march and choose your booth shift timings. We recommend signing up early to get your preferred time slot.

Interested in Helping at the Booth or Marching in the Parade?

Fill out this Google Sheet to let us know how!

We can’t wait to celebrate and connect with you at Pride 2024! Keep an eye out for more event details as we get closer to the date.

Let’s stand together in the spirit of love, inclusivity, and community. See you at Pride!

We are excited to announce the return of our Community Conversations this summer. In the past, we’ve enjoyed watching films, documentaries, and reading books together, followed by rich discussions. This summer, we invite you to participate in both of these engaging activities.

Prior to August 25th: Read The Exvangelicals.  Join us on Zoom Sunday, August 25th from 7-8:30 PM to participate in a book discussion.

"The Exvangelicals" by Sarah McCammon explores the growing movement of people leaving the white evangelical church in America. Part memoir and part investigative journalism, McCammon draws on her personal experiences growing up in an evangelical family and her work as an NPR political correspondent to examine the origins, stories, and cultural impact of this generational shift away from evangelicalism. The book offers an intimate look at the reasons why many millennials and Gen X individuals are deconstructing their faith, addressing issues like religious trauma, political alignment, and the search for a new spiritual identity.

You are welcome to join us for either or both sessions. We look forward to exploring these thought-provoking topics and enjoying meaningful conversations with you!

Stay tuned for more details and don't forget to mark your calendars!

Zoom links will be included in the weekly newsletter the Friday before each event. If you miss the newsletter or need the link, you’re welcome to contact our Admin for help!

Date: August 11th, 2024

Time: Festivities start at 10 AM and will continue until 4 PM, or as long as people want to hang out!

Location: Strawberry Creek Picnic Area, 1260 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA

Get ready for a fun-filled day of games, activities, and community bonding at our annual Field Day! This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the summer weather, delicious food, and great company. Strawberry Creek Park offers recreational opportunities, including basketball, tennis, and volleyball, as well as a school-age play area and space for picnicking.

What’s on the agenda?

• Delicious Potluck BBQ: Bring your favorite dish to share!

• Refreshing Snacks and Drinks: We’ll keep you cool and hydrated.

• Fun Group Games: Activities for all ages to keep everyone entertained. There may even be some fun competition and potential prizes…

• Community Bonding: Meet new friends and reconnect with old ones.

Invite your friends and family, and don’t hesitate to spread the word to strangers—we love making new friends! The more, the merrier!

Check out the signup sheet here!  We have lots of food and drink options, plus random snacks and things like coolers and sunshades that will help make the day go smoothly! 

We can’t wait to see you all there!

We are excited to announce the return of our Community Conversations this summer. In the past, we’ve enjoyed watching films, documentaries, and reading books together, followed by rich discussions. This summer, we invite you to participate in both of these engaging activities.

Prior to July 28th: Watch the film Bad Faith (trailer linked). Join us on Zoom Sunday, July 28th from 7-8:30 PM for a discussion.

"Bad Faith: Christian Nationalism's Unholy War on Democracy"  (website linked) is a documentary film that exposes Christian Nationalism as a powerful anti-democratic force in America. The film explores how this movement, which seeks to establish a theocracy privileging Christianity over other faiths, has infiltrated the Republican Party and poses a significant threat to American democracy. Through interviews with experts, religious leaders, and Christian Nationalists themselves, the documentary traces the origins and growth of this ideology while sounding an alarm about its potential to undermine constitutional principles.

You are welcome to join us for either or both sessions. We look forward to exploring these thought-provoking topics and enjoying meaningful conversations with you!

Stay tuned for more details and don't forget to mark your calendars!

Zoom links will be included in the weekly newsletter the Friday before each event. If you miss the newsletter or need the link, you’re welcome to contact our Admin for help!

🌈🍕 Join us for a Pride Pizza Party! 🍕🌈

• 📅 Date: Sunday, June 2nd, 2024

• 🕰️ Time: Service: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

• Pizza Party: 12:15 PM - 2:00 PM

• 📍 Location: Washington Elementary
  2300 Martin Luther King Junior Way
  Berkeley, CA

We are excited to welcome Jenn Luna as our special guest worship leader for the service. You won't want to miss the inspiring music and spirit they bring!

Celebrate Pride with us in style! After our June 2nd service, we're throwing a vibrant Pride Pizza Party. Wear your best Pride colors and attire as we honor love, acceptance, and inclusivity. 🌈❤️

Haven will provide delicious pizza for everyone (invite your friends and family to the service and the party!), and we'll have Pride-themed cupcakes and other sweet treats and drinks for all to enjoy! 🎂✨ Feel free to bring a dish or drinks to share if you'd like, but it's not required.

Let's come together in solidarity and celebration! Join us for a joyful afternoon of community, fun, and delicious food. 🌟

Come one, come all, and let's make this Pride celebration unforgettable! See you there! 🏳️‍🌈✨

Join us for an enchanting evening of music and reflection at the Be Still Concert featuring Audrey Assad, Kate Lamont, Aisea Taimani, and our very own Keith Watts on Saturday, May 11th at All Souls Episcopal Parish in Berkeley, CA. Experience the soulful journey of hope and healing through Audrey's latest EP, "Be Still," as these talented musicians delve into our collective stories and sacred moments together.

Save the date!
📅 Saturday, May 11th
⏰ 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM PDT
📍 All Souls Episcopal Parish 2220 Cedar Street Berkeley, CA 94709

If you'd like to meet early for dinner at 6 PM in Berkeley, contact Leah. Otherwise, we'll see you at the event! Don't miss this unforgettable evening of music and connection. Reserve your spot today! 🌟

(You can find more information and reserve your spot (suggested donation of $25) here!)

Join us for a special event featuring Cara Meredith, a writer, editor, and part-time minister. A former high school English teacher and nonprofit outreach director, she holds a master’s in theology and is author of The Color of Life (Zondervan) and the forthcoming Church Camp (Broadleaf). She and her family call East Oakland home.  

Join us on the first Sunday in April to hear Cara's inspiring insights and experiences as she leads us in a special teaching.

As we bid farewell to winter and welcome the blossoming beauty of spring, Haven Berkeley joyfully invites you to our Easter celebration! Join us as we commemorate the spirit of resurrection and renewal amidst the vibrant colors of the season.

This year's festivities promise to be unforgettable, filled with laughter, music, and cherished moments with loved ones. Mark your calendars for a special celebratory service followed by a delightful party on the grounds of Washington Elementary. Our morning begins with a heartwarming service at our regular time and place, 10:30 am - 12 pm, where we'll be joined by the talented Berkeley High Jazz combo, featuring our very own Haven-ite, Elliott Martens. Experience the fusion of traditional worship and lively jazz as their ensemble enriches our celebration.

After the service, the excitement continues outdoors with our Easter Celebration from 12 - 2 pm. Indulge in a potluck lunch shared amongst friends and neighbors, and don't miss the thrill of the Easter Egg Hunt for children ages 5th grade and younger.

To ensure every child's participation, we kindly request families to contribute 10 to 12 pre-filled eggs per child. While all eggs are welcome, we encourage non-sugary treats to promote healthier choices. Visitors to Haven are warmly welcomed to join in the egg hunt festivity!

The celebration wouldn't be complete without the harmonious melodies of live jazz from the Berkeley High jazz combo. Let their enchanting tunes serenade you as we revel in the spirit of Easter together.

If you'd like to contribute to our potluck lunch or volunteer to help make this day even more special, please sign up using the link below! Your support and involvement are deeply appreciated in creating an unforgettable Easter celebration for our community.

Come one, come all, and join us in embracing the joy of Easter at Haven Berkeley. Whether in person or via Zoom, we look forward to celebrating this meaningful day with you and your loved ones.

This effort is part of the global movement of Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimages happening in 18 countries and 145 cities. You can read more info about the global movement here.

Collectively, we will walk for 22 miles, the distance from Gaza City to Rafah (either all or in sections), walking with millions who have been displaced, fleeing their homes amid the ongoing violence.

The East Bay- Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage will take place on March 23rd, 2024. It will begin at 7:00 AM in Berkeley and end at 7:00 PM in Alameda, with various stops along the way. Our route, subject to minor change, may be viewed here. 

For more info about the East Bay event, use this link.

Full Event Info
📅 Date: Saturday, March 23rd
🕖 Total Time: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

The first leg will be from roughly 7 AM to 10 AM beginning at Cesar Chavez Park and ending at St. Columba. It will include an opening ceremony and then about 5 miles of walking through Berkeley. 

Berkeley Leg Info
🕖 Time: 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM
📍 Starting Point: Cesar Chavez Park, Berkeley
📍 Ending Point: St. Columba

Our very own Ginny Prince will be representing Haven as the point person for the first leg of the walk. We encourage all interested members of our community to join Ginny during this time. However, you're welcome to walk for longer if you choose.

To RSVP or for more information, please contact Ginny. Don't forget to wear your Haven T-shirts to represent our community during the pilgrimage. Feel free to invite friends and family of all faiths to participate in this meaningful event.  And bring water and wear sunscreen!

Let's come together in solidarity and support for peace.

Mark your calendars for an evening of soul-stirring worship and deep connection with the extraordinary Keith Watts! On Saturday, March 16th, from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm, prepare to be swept away by the mesmerizing melodies and spiritual inspiration that Keith brings to our Haven Berkeley community.

This isn't just another worship night; it's a journey of the spirit, a convergence of souls seeking connection, and a celebration of the divine. Keith's incredible talent will guide us through an experience that transcends the ordinary, leaving you uplifted and inspired.

You won't want to miss this unforgettable evening. Join us and let the music of your soul harmonize with Keith Watts on a night where we connect, celebrate, and find the sacred rhythm of our community.

Don't forget to register for the Pre-Worship Night Pizza (And Veggies!) Dinner from 6:20 PM to 6:50 PM in the entryway/lobby at Washington Elementary. Then, stick around for the uplifting music with Keith Watts starting at 7:00 PM. Use this link to register for the Pizza Dinner so we know how many to buy!

(NOTE: There will be no gathering the following day, Sunday, March 17th.)

We're honored to welcome Yu-Shuan Tarango-Sho, Founding Director of Sacred Roots, as our special guest speaker on February 18th. Yu-Shuan, a 1.5-generation Taiwanese American settler, brings a wealth of experience in anti-oppression facilitation, coaching, and spiritual accompaniment. As a proud advocate for non-institutional unlettered education, she has spent over 20 years building liberatory pedagogy centered on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Yu-Shuan's commitment to equity extends to her roles as a family engagement specialist, program developer, and consultant. Join us for this enriching event as we learn from her profound wisdom and transformative journey.

🗓️ Date: Sunday, February 18th

🕕 Time: 10:30am

📍 Location: Washington Elementary

Save the date!  On February 14th, immerse yourself in the reflective spirit of Ash Wednesday with our Zoom service at noon. This brief, half-hour service marks the commencement of Lent, providing an opportunity for shared observance.

Feel free to bring ashes however you may come by them, and after the service, we extend an optional half-hour for open prayer.  It's a moment to connect, contemplate, and embrace the significance of the season.

The Zoom details will be shared in the newsletter the week before the service.  Any questions?  Reach out to our Admin for assistance.

Let's embark on this Lenten journey together.

🗓️ Date & Time: February 14th, Noon
📍 Location: Zoom (Details in Newsletter)
🔥 BYOA (Bring Your Own Ashes)

Join us for a heartwarming Christmas Eve Service on Sunday, December 24th, at 6:30 PM. Located at the Berkeley Chinese Community Church, our festive gathering promises an hour or less of joyous celebration. Embrace the spirit of the season as we come together to hear the Christmas story, harmonize in carol singing, and illuminate the night with candles.

Following the service, revel in a brief in-person connection time featuring delightful cookies and cocoa. While we aim for a live and in-person experience, we're exploring the possibility of a hybrid virtual livestream, contingent on the WiFi availability at the center. Stay tuned for updates – if feasible, we'll bring the Christmas magic to you virtually. Don't miss this enchanting evening of community, carols, and candlelight!

Mark your calendars and be sure to join us on Sunday, December 17th, for our enchanting Christmas Pageant!

A Play Like No Other: This year's pageant will be truly unique. Our talented kids and youth are in the process of writing the script and will be performing their own heartwarming rendition of the Christmas story during the service. Be ready to be dazzled by their creativity and spirit. The show will be accompanied once again by a group of talented musicians from Berkeley High Jazz.

Feast and Festivities: After the pageant, it's time for our annual Christmas potluck and party. Bring your favorite dishes to share, and get ready for a delightful feast. And, of course, we can't forget the White Elephant Gift Exchange and Ornament Exchange – a chance to exchange fun and quirky gifts, spreading laughter and joy.

Children in Haven Kids will participate in an ornament exchange (please bring a wrapped ornament for each child).  Children in Haven Youth (sixth grade and above) and adults will participate in a White Elephant Gift Exchange. Please bring a wrapped White Elephant gift for each adult/tween. We are hoping for a mix of re-gifted/silly/unique gifts, as well as purchased or more traditionally appealing gifts (no more than $20, please). Keep that in mind while you are preparing, and feel free to ask Leah or our Admin any questions.

Special Note: Now is the time to sign up for a dish you'd like to contribute to the Potluck!  Please click on this link to choose how you'd like to participate.  If you have a dish in mind and are open to making an alternative version for those in our community with sensitivities or allergies, that would be a wonderful way to showcase your culinary skills and express care for your fellow community members.  We have a few members who are gluten and/or dairy-intolerant, so feel free to test your skills and try a new recipe for the party!

We also have a handful of random tasks following the service to help the party get started as quickly and smoothly as possible!  Please check out this link to sign up for anything you're willing to help with!

Mark your calendars for a joyous Advent Sunday on December 10th! Join us from 10:30 AM to 12 PM as we come together for a special Connection Sunday filled with heartwarming festivities.

What to Expect:

• Pageant Prep: Dive into the excitement of the upcoming pageant as we prepare and rehearse for this magical event.  This could include costume design, prop assembly, or maybe a sneak peek behind the scenes into rehearsal!

• Crafting: Unleash your creativity with festive crafting activities that will add a touch of wonder to our celebration.

This is a wonderful opportunity to connect, create, and share in the spirit of the season. Invite your friends and family to join us in this festive gathering.

Stay tuned for more details, and let's make this Advent Sunday a time of joy, unity, and anticipation!

Mark your calendars for an evening of soul-stirring worship and deep connection with the extraordinary Keith Watts! On Saturday, November 18th, from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm, prepare to be swept away by the mesmerizing melodies and spiritual inspiration that Keith brings to our Haven Berkeley community.

This isn't just another worship night; it's a journey of the spirit, a convergence of souls seeking connection, and a celebration of the divine. Keith's incredible talent will guide us through an experience that transcends the ordinary, leaving you uplifted and inspired.

You won't want to miss this unforgettable evening. Join us and let the music of your soul harmonize with Keith Watts on a night where we connect, celebrate, and find the sacred rhythm of our community.

(NOTE: There will be no gathering the following day, Sunday, November 19th.)

Calling all Queer, Trans, and LGBTQ+ identifying humans looking for community here at Haven! You are invited to a community gathering to connect, have some fun, eat some food, and spend time with one another in a safe, LGBTQ+ space.

On August 19 at 3pm, we will be gathering at Alisa’s home in Fremont. Feel free to bring a light snack (cookies, chips, veggies, etc) to share with the group. Please RSVP to Alisa no later than August 13.