“Belonging in a World of Borders”

The Future of Faith
Belonging in a World of Borders

Berkeley, CA | Jan 29-31, 2026

This winter, we will gather to explore belonging in a world of borders. 

In a world marked by borders and riven by divisions, stories of belonging, kindness, and generosity endure. More than that, they carry the power to inspire a better future as people of faith embody their lessons. We will explore how stories of belonging can guide us toward lives of collective flourishing, even in a world where exclusion so often prevails.
 
Through guest speakers, group conversations, coffee breaks, and embodied practices, we will explore the sacred potential of collective dreaming to shape a future of faith that reflects our deepest aspirations for life together.

Speakers & Guides

Schedule

Our gathering begins at 6:30 pm PT Thursday and concludes at 12:00 pm PT on Saturday. This is a draft schedule and subject to change. All times on schedule below shown in Pacific Time (PT).

6:30 PM Registration

7:00 PM Welcome

7:30 PM Session 1: Pádraig Ó Tuama

8:30 AM Coffee & Pastries

9:00 AM Morning Prayer

9:15 AM Session 2: Adriene Thorne and Tyler Sit

10:30 AM Break

11:00 AM Imagination Workshop & Small Groups

12:00 PM Lunch (in groups or on your own)

3:00 PM Optional Outdoor Activity: Sacred Spaces: Grounding Practices for Belonging (with Sally Steele)

5:00 PM Optional Events

  • Dinner in Groups 
  • Happy Hour ($29; separate registration)  

7:00 PM Session 3: Pádraig Ó Tuama

8:30 AM Coffee & Pastries

9:00 AM Morning Prayer

9:15 AM Session 4: Gail Song Bantum and Megan Pardue

10:30 AM Break

10:45 AM Imagination Workshop

11:15 AM Community Panel & Closing Ritual

12:00 PM End of Gathering

Details (Cost, Travel, Covid Safety…)

We will be meeting at First Presbyterian Church Berkeley (2407 Dana St). We have reserved rooms at a discounted rate at the Graduate Hotel, a block away from the church (details provided upon registration). 

  • Regular Registration: $99 (reduced rates and pay-it-forward rates also available during registration)
  • Evening Sessions: $20 (reduced rates and pay-it-forward rates also available during registration) 

Conference Location

First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley
2407 Dana St, Berkeley, CA 94704
(Corner of Dana St & Channing Way, one block west of Telegraph Ave) 

Arriving by Public Transit

From BART (regional rail)

Nearest station: Downtown Berkeley BART (on the Richmond–Millbrae/SF and Antioch–SF lines). Bay Area Rapid Transit

Walk from Downtown Berkeley BART (about 15–20 minutes, mostly flat):

  1. Exit the station to Shattuck Ave & Allston Way.
  2. Walk east on Allston Way toward the UC Berkeley campus.
  3. Turn right (south) on Dana Street.
  4. Continue about 6–7 blocks.
    First Presbyterian Berkeley will be on your left at Dana & Channing (2407 Dana St).

By bus from Downtown Berkeley BART:

Several AC Transit buses run from the BART area toward the church, stopping within a 2–3 minute walk at Dana St & Haste St or Durant Ave & Dana St. 

Typical options (check schedules for exact times):

  • Line 6 – “Downtown Berkeley / Telegraph / Oakland”:
    • Board near Downtown Berkeley BART (on Telegraph/Bancroft area).
    • Get off at Dana St & Haste St.
    • Walk 1 block south on Dana to Channing; church is on the left. 
  • Lines 22, 27, 51B also stop within 2–5 minutes’ walk (Dana & Haste or Durant & Dana). 

Tip for attendees: Use a transit app (Clipper, Transit, Moovit, Google Maps) and enter “First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley” as your destination for real-time BART and bus options. 

From Major Airports (using public transit)

These are sample routes you can share; travelers should confirm current schedules.

From Oakland International Airport (OAK)

  1. Take the Oakland Airport Connector (BART) to Coliseum Station.
  2. Transfer to a Richmond-bound or Antioch-bound BART train.
  3. Get off at Downtown Berkeley.
  4. Walk or transfer to an AC Transit bus as described above.

From San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

  1. Board BART at SFO Airport toward the East Bay.
  2. Transfer as directed (often at MacArthur or 19th St/Oakland) to a Richmond or Antioch train.
  3. Get off at Downtown Berkeley, then walk or take AC Transit to the church.

Local Bus Stops Near the Church

Nearest stops (about 2–5 minutes’ walk): 

  • Dana St & Haste St (very close—about 1 block north)
  • Residence Hall Unit 3 / Channing at Telegraph
  • Durant Ave & Dana St
  • Bancroft Way & Dana St

Buses serving these stops typically include 6, 22, 27, 51B (subject to change).

Driving & Parking (for people who aren’t using transit)

  • First Pres operates a parking garage at 2407 Dana St, with posted rates (approx. $1 per 20 minutes; daily max around $10, and often validated parking on Sundays). 
  • Additional public garages are nearby, such as Telegraph–Channing Garage (2450 Durant Ave) and several City of Berkeley facilities in the Downtown/Southside area. 

Full refunds up to 7 days before event. 

Sponsors

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