Foundations for Faith is primarily a Bible study class led by a rotating team of teachers who will focus on various themes -- Books of the Bible or other faith-based topics, such as Baptist history. The class format will consist of some lecture and lots of open discussion.

This class will be taught by Cathy Tamsberg, David Walley, Jim Jarrard, and Allen Page. These four offer a rich mix of life experiences in theological study, teaching, parish leadership, and social justice activism, which promises a rewarding and stimulating class experience. There are no prerequisites for this class, and no Bible study experience is necessary. All ages are welcome to join us.

-Steve Smith, Facilitator

With so much at stake in the upcoming election and the breakneck pace of media coverage today, it feels nearly impossible to step back and grasp the big picture. Yet, our faith offers a fuller sense of time in which to root our hope. As Rev. Jen Bailey reminds those of us "trying to build the America we want to see," our faith's "time currency" is "eternity... not election cycles."

Employing this wider lens, this course offers space for us to put this consequential moment into context. Together we will explore the themes (and wisdom) that emerge in conversation with our nation's past. Whether reviewing how religion framed the first contact between European settlers and Indigenous Americans or tracing the rise of Christian Nationalism in our time, this series draws from our history the civic and moral inspiration needed in our struggles for justice today.

Contact: Ian McPherson

Using the loving-kindness meditation as a tool to calm and care for ourselves, we learn to cultivate compassion, non-judgement, and connection. With music, chanting, and drumming, we engage in this heart-centered meditation practice with the intention of creating a circle of compassionate awareness and presence that will soften the heart, calm the mind, and radiate beyond ourselves into the world. This will be an opportunity to gather in community to pray for groundedness and kindness over the coming weeks.

Contact: Nancy Petty

We live in a time of polarization -- politically, theologically, and in many other aspects of our common life. If you are having difficulty in conversations with family or friends who hold a different political view than yours, this Sunday Group might help. Braver Angels, a nonpartisan group, teaches strategies for engaging in political conversations without demonizing,

and for constructively intervening in conversations with like-minded peers when those conversations stereotype or demonize the other side. Facilitators from Braver Angels will lead three sessions that can help you reduce or avoid the divisiveness of political polarization.

Contact: Nancy Petty

Are you thinking about joining Pullen? Pullen 101 is a unique opportunity to hear from Pullen staff and members about our history, values, and the ways in which we put our faith into action. This intimate eight-week class gives you an opportunity to ask questions and get to know other people at the church. Pullen 101 is for those who are new to the community, who are thinking about joining, or who just want to get a better sense of who we are. If you are interested in attending the class, please email Chalice Overy.

Contact: Chalice Overy