Classes, Workshops, Discussions

Parkside is always providing education workshops, classes and discussions throughout the year on a variety of topics reflecting Parkside's interests and values.

My Spiritual Self - A 6-week Lenten Journey

We are Traversing Grace over this Lenten season. Come gather to have genuine, open, and safe reflective discussion about our spiritual selves. This event is for the members of Parkside, presenting them with opportunity for self-reflection and spiritual growth as they consider their spirituality and how they exist as spiritual beings from a Christ-like perspective. Sunday mornings and Wednesday evening options will be available. We seek to be more grounded in our spiritual selves as we traverse grace over the 2026 Lenten season. We hope to see you there!

Sundays from 9:30-10:15am in the Social Hall

Wednesdays from 5:45-6:30pm in the Sanctuary

More About Our Facilitators

Marji Miller

I came to Parkside in late 2016, with my husband, George, looking for people who were as horrified by the election as we were. I have loved being part of this amazing church ever since. I’m an ex-pastor, a church junkie, a Bible nerd and a most-of-the-time devil’s advocate. I have a BA in history, an M.Div. and a MA in psychology, but that was many years ago, and much of my real education is post-school, and informal. I’m currently in school taking accounting since I got elected to be the church treasurer. )-: I love dogs, cats, ancient history, hiking, rocks, dinosaurs, and, of course, the Bible.

Lisa Pshide

My husband and I joined Parkside in 2022, drawn here because of the strong social justice focus. While my career took me down a different path, I majored in history in college, focusing on ancient history. This involved study of ancient religions, including analysis of Biblical text from an historical perspective. I carry Jesus in my heart not only as a religious prophet, but also as a compelling historical figure. I look forward to hosting lively discussions about the Bible not only as a religious document but as a seminal historical treatise.

Mark Sawyer

Born and raised in Carmichael, Mark is a UC Berkeley alum and received an MDiv from the Candler School of Theology. After working in early childhood education for 25 years, he retired and met his fiance', Olu. Now he works with SacACT on affordable housing advocacy, as part of his larger theological vision of ending the isolation and precarity of young families.

Deeper Dive

Want to explore more historical context from the sermon scriptures or maybe some added theological discussions surrounding the sermon text? Great. Meet us immediately following service once a month, for those moments of diving deeper into the text. Meetings will be from 12-1pm in the Church Office.

  • Sunday, February 22nd

  • Sunday, March 22nd

  • Sunday, April 19th