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.
Join a member of the West Bank Protective Presence (sponsored by the Center for Jewish Nonviolence) for an unfiltered look at life under occupation—alongside local activists fighting for justice on the ground. Come learn what West Bank solidarity demands, and how we can be involved.
Social Justice Sewing Academy Quilt Building Workshop
October 3rd from 10am to 4pm
in the Social Hall
The Social Justice Sewing Academy, SJSA, invites local quilters and sewing enthusiasts with any level of experience from the greater Sacramento area to participate in a special Quilt Building Workshop! We will assemble quilt tops by adding improvisational sashing to premade blocks created by SJSA youth artivists from across the country. These collaborative quilts often highlight themes of equity, justice, and belonging.
This is a fun time of group creativity with a delicious home cooked meal provided.
--Please register below, so we will know how many to set up for and how many for lunch. (please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions!)
--Bring your sewing machine, rotary cutting tools and mat, and some neutral thread, and your favorite basic sewing supplies. Everything else will be provided!
You can learn more about The Social Justice Sewing Academy at www.sjsacademy.org
Pizza & Propositions
September 20th and October 11th
INFORMED VOTERS! There are 11 propositions on the state ballot this cycle, some of which directly contradict each other. Invite your friends and neighbors to join our discussion of the pros and cons of each proposition, sharing our questions, expertise, research, concerns, and perspectives. We don't tell you how to vote, but we'll help you understand more clearly why you choose what you do. And, of course, pizza!
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.
Deeper Dives have been intellectually and conversationally stimulating. We have been learning, interacting, having rich conversations, while being led by some amazing Parkside facilitators. Because of that, we will be continuing our Deeper Dives!
With a jammed packed August and September, however, scheduling will be adjusted. There will be no Deeper Dive session in August, but we will be back for a September and October Deeper Dives and then reconvene at the top of the 2027 calendar year with quarterly sessions. This will allow for all that is taking place at Parkside, while still having rich opportunity for deeper learning.
Please stay tuned and prepare your calendar for our September session. Date, TBD. We look forward to connecting as we dive a bit deeper into our scriptural sermon texts. There's so much to explore. Thanks for exploring with us!
Dates for new sessions coming soon
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 Dive.