Sex Ed 2.0: Unpacking Recent Language Around Attraction & Gender Identity
Church Office

This education night will focus on exploration of LGBTQIA+ and associated terms, definitions, and emerging research. This will set the foundation for brief discussion on recent topics of inclusion and advocacy. The conversation will emphasize intersectionality while also highlighting those of particularly suppressed experience. Open exploration will allow attendees to practice using language that is inclusive of everyone, as well as navigating compassion for different levels of learning and development within a community. Facilitated by Pearl Member Hanson Kriegel (they/them) who is a joyful creative, lover of frogs, and longtime community advocate with a Master’s in Social Work, working with trauma, queer, developmental disability, and chronic illness populations.

Good Inside, A Guide To Becoming The Parent You Want To Be
Church Office

This book is for any parent who has ever struggled under the substantial weight of caregiving—which is to say, all of us. Good Inside is not only a wise and practical guide to raising resilient, emotionally healthy kids, it’s also a supportive resource for parents intent on raising kids with non-violent and non-dominion values. Dr. Becky is a bright, thoughtful, and in-the-trenches parenting resource with valuable insights.

We are happy to arrange childcare for this event, with at least three day's notice. You can request childcare while registering.

This educational offering intends to provide information on repairing, rethinking, and rebuilding a healthier sexuality. It’s geared toward adults of all ages who are single, partnered, or married. If you have questions about sexual ethics and healthy sexuality, or if you have felt ashamed, confused, or traumatized by sexuality and sexual experiences, this offering is for you. This class will provide an introduction to deconstructing your sexual past, tools to begin the repair process, and thoughts on reconstructing sexuality in a new framework, which will include biblical and theological perspective. You can attend without talking and if you’re triggered, you’ll be encouraged to practice self-care. Led by Pearl Member and licensed therapist, Valinda Harlan, and supported by Pastor Mike.

We are happy to arrange childcare for this event, with at least three day's notice. You can request childcare while registering.

Church Office

Are you committed to raising your child, in love? Most parents quickly say “Yes!” But what does it mean to raise a child in love? In earlier dispensations, this meant maintaining parental power and control through the use of fear tactics such as shame or physical pain. Today, it is abundantly clear that such “parenting” results in trauma—for children and parents. In this offering we will explore parenting dynamics and strategies grounded in theological and developmental thought that is intentionally non-dominion and non-violent. We will then brainstorm, as a group, the complexity and goodness of love as our guiding light.

We are happy to arrange childcare for this event, with at least three day's notice. You can request childcare while registering.

Meets in the Church Office after second service.

Are you frustrated with political polarization and its impact on you and your relationships? Are you nervous about navigating life if “your side” doesn’t win? Join us as we ground ourselves for the upcoming election, explore what it means to build bridges across political differences, and set intentions for how we want to navigate what’s ahead – regardless of what side wins. This workshop will be co-facilitated by Abby Coppock and Gary Conachan.

We are happy to arrange childcare for this event, with at least three day's notice. You can request childcare while registering.

Thursdays throughout October and November (10/17-11/21), 7-8:30pm
Many people who find themselves at Pearl have either begun or are in the process of deconstructing harmful, Christian faith. Yet, what is good Christian faith? To help thoughtfully answer this important question, you’re warmly invited to participate in this six-session class. To ensure there’s space for dialogue, we’re capping this class at eight people.

To ask questions, please email Pastor Mike. By way of content, here are the topics we’ll cover:

• Week One, Thursday, October 17, Gospel as Good News

• Week Two, Thursday, October 24, Bible, Part I: Formation, Accommodation, & Inspiration

• Week Three, Thursday, October 31 Bible, Part II: Books, Sections, & Trajectory

• Week Four, Thursday, November 7, Salvation & Atonement

• Week Five, Thursday, November 14, The Afterlife

• Week Six, Thursday, November 21, Being Christian

Please note: if these dates do not work for you or the class becomes full, this content will also be offered as a weekend retreat, February 7-9, 2025.

Church Office
In the midst of a politically charged season, it can be all too easy to abide in worry, anxiety, and angst. Yet, practices exist that can help to lift our gaze toward an elevated vision of a City of Light that is so filled with love that our concerns are eclipsed by sincere hope. With this in mind, a set of ancient Christian meditations called "The Glorious Mysteries” exist, which are capable of encouraging us to expect the subversion of power that ostracizes and harms. However, more than subversion, these meditations invite us to imagine a world so spirit-filled that the “other,” whoever that may be, is cherished and freed to help make all things new. You are warmly invited to join us as we spend an evening sitting with five ancient meditations and allow them to have their hopeful way in our hearts and minds.

After Second Service, in the Church Office
As we enter into a season of political agitation and angst, we want to invite you into a conversation that encourages belonging in our communities, organizations, and culture. In this book, Brown offers us the clarity and courage that we need to find our way back to ourselves and to each other. Co-facilitated by Patti Widener and Pastor Mike.

We are happy to arrange childcare for this event, with at least three day's notice. You can request childcare while registering.

Summertime often provides opportunity to slow down and reflect on our lives. In this spirit, you’re invited to read and discuss David Whyte’s book, Crossing the Unknown Sea, Work as a Pilgrimage of Identity. For many, work can be a place where we struggle to be present or to be our honest, engaging selves. It is precisely this kind of disengagement that can be so damaging to our souls. To combat this soul-damage, this book encourages a wise exploration of our work as a means to find and free our truest selves. Interested or have questions? Please contact Mike. 

Cheri & Dan Gilbert’s Home in NE Portland
Please contact Mike with questions or to RSVP

Our Educational Evenings are offered quarterly as opportunities for our community to deepen into content that is theological, biblical, or practical over the course of 90 minutes. Refreshments are provided and everyone is invited to hang out afterward for conversation and connection. 

Depolarizing Ourselves
For people of faith, civil discourse begins when we are able to recognize the Divine in the political “other.” Seeing others through Divine Love challenges us to navigate our differences with mutual respect for one another. It’s mutual respect, not agreement, that is an essential key for healthy dialogue and connection. This workshop will help us reflect on how we ourselves may inadvertently be complicit in, or possibly even encourage, polarization. Led by Gary Conachan.

Reconciling Atonement
In the year 2024, many Christians are wondering how to make meaning of Jesus’ barbaric and unjust death on a cross as longstanding explanations for its meaning make less and less sense. In this workshop we’ll begin by overviewing the church’s wrestlings with atonement. We’ll then consider contemporary attempts at making meaning for an ancient crucifixion. Finally, we’ll conclude by considering how contemporary meaning for an ancient crucifixion is capable of much goodness, today. Led by Mike Roth.

Viewing & Discussion on Christian Feasts & Cinematic Motifs
Sunday, May 19, 6-9pm, The Eliot Tower

In May, we’re offering a sermon series that aims to celebrate the feasts of Ascension Sunday and Pentecost through film that illuminates the eternality of love (Big Night, co-directed by Campbell Scott and Stanley Tucci) and the goodness of inspiration (Amelie, directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet). As a way to deepen into this celebration you are invited to view Big Night before arriving. We’ll begin with discussion on that film. We’ll then watch Amelie and discuss it afterward. Snack food and drinks provided. Show up between 5:30 and 6. We’ll begin at 6 sharp. Facilitated by Brett Fischer and Mike Roth. Space limited. Please RSVP to reserve your spot and to receive directions.

The House of Belonging, by David Whyte
Church Office

As we enjoy the animation of life in spring, you’re invited to pause and ponder some of the ways that we experience a sense of home, here on earth. Whether you’re new to David Whyte or have read him for a long time, this book contains some of his most beloved poems, such as The Truelove, The Journey, and Sweet Darkness. Taken together, the collection illuminates the myriad ways we belong to others, to ourselves, and to the world. Questions? Contact Mike.

This book explores the tough questions that many of us grapple with. How can we recapture the confidence we once had as we stumble through the dark times that seem increasingly bleak? As bad news piles up—from climate crises to daily assaults on civility—how can we cope? Where, she asks, “Do we start to get our world and joy and hope and our faith in life itself back...with our sore feet, hearing loss, stiff fingers, poor digestion, stunned minds, broken hearts?" We begin, Lamott says, by accepting our flaws and embracing our humanity. Drawing from her own experiences, this book shows us the intimate and human ways we can adopt to move through life’s dark places and toward the light of hope that still burns ahead for all of us.

Wednesdays throughout Lent, 7-8:30pm

Catechesis is an old word that refers to an ancient idea: being shaped by religious instruction. Our hope for this class is to provide non-violent and non-dominion Christian instruction that’s accessible for both teenagers and adults. Furthermore, our hope for this class is to encourage a Christianity that’s capable of grounding us, inspiring us, and leading us more deeply into lives that flourish. Each class will cover relevant content and engaging practices that help to give Christian shape to our lives:

• 2/21, Living the Bible, Inspiration 

• 2/28, Living Incarnation, Union

• 3/6, Living Atonement, Repair

• 3/13, Living Resurrection, Wholeness

• 3/20, Living Trinity, Community

• 3/27, Living the Way, Practices

Lent is a church season during which we’re invited to slow, to simplify, and to deepen. You’re warmly invited to join us for Catechesis During Lent. Interested, have questions, or want to RSVP? Please contact Pastor Ben.

Meeting at the Gilbert’s home in NE Portland

The New Year is a season during which many of us take time to rethink life rhythms and commit to new and healthier habits. With this in mind, our New Year’s Evening of Education will offer two workshops that intend to encourage fiscal health and thoughtful engagement with the Bible. Following the workshops, we’ll gather over snacks and drinks to connect. Questions? Contact Mike. Planning to attend? RSVP with Mike for directions.

Do's and Don'ts of Personal Finance

It’s a new year and that can mean new resolutions, including getting your finances in order! Dan Gilbert—Pearl’s Treasurer and a Certified Public Accountant—has lived and breathed everything finance for over 40 years. At this workshop Dan will discuss the Do's and Don'ts of personal finances by covering a lot of ground in a short amount of time. The plan is to discuss a broad swath of content, spanning biblical attitudes toward money to practical ways to save and invest. Come to learn and get your most pressing money questions answered.

Thoughtful Engagement with the Bible

During the New Year many of us commit to reading the Bible. However, this commitment quickly becomes problematic as we encounter passages that are violent, or bigoted, or in contradiction with today’s scientific and historical findings. This workshop will begin by exploring the Bible’s formation to establish an ancient interpretational lens that encourages the use of reason. It will then provide an overview of the books in the Bible to help us better understand their content and relationship to one another. Finally, it will trace the biblical story that encourages a perspective of trajectory toward ever-increasing love.

The New Year is a season during which many of us take time to rethink life rhythms and commit to new and healthier habits. With this in mind, our next Book Discussion will consider James Clear’s Atomic Habits. Clear—one of the world's leading experts on habit formation—reveals practical strategies that will teach you how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results. Questions? Contact Mike.

Join us for our next book discussion as we read Marilynne Robinson’s acclaimed novel Gilead. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Critics Circle Award, Gilead is a hymn of praise and lamentation to the God-haunted existence that Reverend Ames loves passionately, and from which he will soon part. In 1956, toward the end of Reverend John Ames's life, he begins a letter to his young son, an account of himself and his forebears. As we read his letter, we encounter mystery, loss, beauty, heartbreak and love, and throughout the pervasive presence of Divine Love. Whether or not you have time to read the book or listen to the audiobook, you’re warmly invited to join in this discussion. Questions? Contact Pastor Ben.

Pearl offers many classes throughout the year filled with content. But there’s something to be said about an organic conversation in which any direction can be taken. At this unique offering, we’ll begin by setting a framework through which we can think about and discuss Christian ideas. Then, we’ll open the time for discussion and see where it goes. A few Christian words and theologies that could be discussed—just to get you thinking—are the Bible, heaven, the devil, atonement, faith, etc.

Questions? Contact Mike Roth.

Please note: This class is now full. Please consider attending the weekend retreat version of this class, which will be offered February 2-4 on the Oregon Coast!

Wednesdays throughout October and November (10/4-11/8), 7-8:30pm
Many people who find themselves at Pearl have either begun or are in the process of deconstructing harmful, Christian faith. Yet, what is good Christian faith? To help thoughtfully answer this important question, you’re warmly invited to participate in this six-session class. To ensure there’s space for dialogue, we’re capping this class at eight people. To ask questions or to RSVP, please email Pastor Mike. By way of content, here are the topics we’ll cover:

• Week One, Wednesday, October 4, Gospel as Good News

• Week Two, Wednesday, October 11, Bible, Part I: Formation, Accommodation, & Inspiration

• Week Three, Wednesday, October 18, Bible, Part II: Books, Sections, & Trajectory

• Week Four, Wednesday, October 25, Salvation & Atonement

• Week Five, Wednesday, November 1, The Afterlife

• Week Six, Wednesday, November 8, Being Christian

A rare combination of mystic, scholar, and activist, Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hanh is one of the most beloved Buddhist teachers in the west. In No Death, No Fear, Hanh explores life through the perspective of complexity rather than dualism and by doing so nurtures peace in the midst of pain, sorrow, and death. You’re warmly invited to participate in discussing this book as well as its connections to the way of Jesus.

Questions? Contact Pastor Mike.

Church Office

The Devil—who is called by many names in scripture and culture— takes on many forms and holds many roles within Christian perspective. But who is the devil? What does the devil do? And, where did the devil come from? This class will pay particular attention to the evolution of the devil in christian consciousness. It will also consider the contextual situation from which ideology about the devil rose. Finally, this class will consider the rhetorical function of the devil, pondering its value and role in christian life, today. Questions? Contact Pastor Mike.

What do you get when you mix a fidget, precious beads or stones, and mindfulness practice? The Rosary! The Rosary is an ancient religious exercise that invites us into the story of Jesus. On Maundy Thursday—when Jesus celebrated his final Passover with friends—we’ll take time to learn about the Rosary. We’ll then work our way through the Sorrowful Mysteries, taking time to pause and to thoughtfully reflect on Jesus’ passion—the agony in the garden, the scourging at the pillar, the crowning with thorns, the carrying of the cross, and the crucifixion. Bring along your own Rosary or use and take home a simple Rosary that we’ll provide. Questions? Contact Pastor Mike.

Book Discussion: The Unbearable Wholeness of Being: God, Evolution, and the Power of Love, by Ilia Delio
Following 2nd Service, Church Office

In a recent sermon, Pastor Mike celebrated recent conversations between Christian faith and science, and he encouraged us to read scientific-theologians such as Ilia Delio and John Polkinghorne. If that struck a chord, consider participating in our next book discussion! In The Unbearable Wholeness of Being: God, Evolution, and the Power of Love, Ilia Delio, provides a convincing case for love as the source and goal of an evolutionary process that calls humans to become increasingly loving creatures that participate in healing and co-creative work.

Every Wednesday throughout Lent (3/1-4/5), 7-8:30pm, via Zoom

Many people who find themselves at Pearl have either begun or are in the process of deconstructing harmful, Christian faith. Yet, what is good Christian faith? To help thoughtfully answer this important question, you’re warmly invited to participate in this six-session class throughout the Season of Lent. To ensure there’s space for dialogue, we’re capping this class at eight people. To ask questions or to RSVP, please email Pastor Mike. By way of content, here are the topics we’ll cover:

• Week One, Wednesday, March 1, Gospel as Good News

• Week Two, Wednesday, March 8, Bible, Part I: Formation, Accommodation, & Inspiration

• Week Three, Wednesday, March 15, Bible, Part II: Books, Sections, & Trajectory

• Week Four, Wednesday, March 22, Salvation & Atonement

• Week Five, Wednesday, March 29, The Afterlife

• Week Six, Wednesday, April 5, Being Christian

As a botanist, Robin Wall Kimmerer has been trained to ask questions of nature with the tools of science. As a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, she embraces the notion that plants and animals are our oldest teachers. In Braiding Sweetgrass, Kimmerer brings these lenses of knowledge together to show that the awakening of a wider ecological consciousness requires the acknowledgment and celebration of our reciprocal relationship with the rest of the living world. For only when we can hear the languages of other beings are we capable of understanding the generosity of the earth, and learning to give our own gifts in return.

Educational Evenings provide space for us to deepen into our Sacred Story by exploring theological and practical topics together. You will be able to attend one workshops we are offering, and afterward we will all re-gather for refreshments and conversation. Please RSVP with Pastor Ben and let us know which workshop you would like to attend, and to get the address.

Dos and Don’ts of Personal Finance  - A Christian Perspective
Facilitated by Dan Gilbert
It’s a new year and that can mean new resolutions, including getting your finances in order! Dan Gilbert—Pearl’s Treasurer and a Certified Public Accountant—has lived and breathed everything finance for over 40 years. At this workshop Dan will discuss the Do's and Don'ts of personal finances by covering a lot of ground in a short amount of time. The plan is to discuss a broad swath of content, spanning biblical attitudes toward money to practical ways to save and invest. Come to learn and get your most pressing money questions answered.

Reconstructing Christian Hope: The Good News of Apprenticeship
Facilitated by Pastor Ben Conachan
In recent centuries, the centerpiece of Christian Hope has been “getting into heaven”—and accordingly, this is what salvation has come to mean. But the Gospel of Jesus is for our whole lives, now: Good news! God is taking students in learning a way of life that is truly, deeply, good. This seminar will cast a vision for why becoming an apprentice of Jesus’ way is deeply good news, what Jesus proposes to teach us, and how we can practically enroll as students of Jesus in our every day contexts and roles. This is the first session of a forthcoming course which follows and extends our “Reconstructing Christian Faith” class, but everyone is welcome to join.

A common experience for people who are in the process of reconstructing their Christian faith is to know what to do with the Bible. If you find yourself thinking, what exactly is the Bible? Or, how am I supposed to read the Bible? Or, I don’t think I can read the Bible anymore. Then, we want to encourage you to read and discuss Rob Bell’s, What is the Bible? This book encourages an appreciation for the humanity behind the Scriptures. As Bell explains, "You cannot get to the holy without going through the human.” With this in mind, rather than asking "Why did God say . . .?” Bell encourages us to ponder, "What’s the story that’s unfolding here and why did people find it important to tell ? And, what was happening in the world at that time? And finally, what does a particular passage/story/poem/verse/book tell us about how people understood who they were and who God was at that time?" In asking these questions, Bell goes beyond the one-dimensional question of “Is it true?" to encourage a dynamic relationship with the Bible’s ability to inspire our lives for good.