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.

So you say you've just been waiting for the right moment to find out more about Parkside? To find out if this is the right place for you? A community where you can belong? Perfect! Please join us as we share more about our history, our denomination, our passions, and the different ways you can find connection while growing in your interests and passions. Here at Parkside, no matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here. We look forward to meeting you!

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Parkside members bring compassion and commitment to their social justice work, and that work includes the stress of being overwhelmed by new outrages each and every day. Unfortunately, the "flood the zone" tactics of our political opposition put us at serious risk of burnout and defeatism, which plays right into the hands of our opposition.

Fortunately, many progressives are discovering that Joy is itself a form of resistance. It turns out, when our tactics and lifestyle carve out a significant place for Joy, both our resilience and effectiveness in the daily struggle for justice and sanity can take a giant leap forward. Come learn more!

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.

James Walsh

I’ve been a member at Parkside for five years. When I am not making an appearance at Church, you can find me exploring a new restaurant or lounging inside with a good book. I’ve had a deep passion for history as long as I can remember. I earned my Bachelor’s in History at Sac State, have studied and read about history as a hobby, and have imbued my friends and family with critique of historical movies whether they asked for it or not! It’s hard to explain my passion for history without saying something grand like “I love humanity”. I am driven to find out what makes people people. This naturally led me to theology and God. How does God manifest in our lives? What is the deeper message behind passages of the Bible and how can we live its truth? I hope you’ll explore with me at our Deeper Div

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 Room 1.

  • Sunday, May 24th - Taught by James Walsh

  • Marji Miller, June 28th - I Samuel 3: 1-10 (text from May 31st sermon - Culture Me! Speak My Language!)

    Lisa Daley-Pshide, July 19th - Philemon (text from Feb 8th sermon - See It All The Way Through)