There are many ways of getting involved in the FMCSF community. One great way is to join a small group, such as:
- Discipleship Groups. These groups meet monthly during the school year, one in the East Bay and one in San Francisco and are led by group members based on topics of discipleship that they want to explore. More info below.
- Supper Cooperatives. There are supper clubs that meet weekly in the East Bay (Mondays) and San Francisco(Thursdays).
- Men’s Beer Group. A (usually) monthly gathering of men in the congregation to connect informally and enjoy tasty beverages (including non-alcoholic options).
- Quilting Group. The quilting group works on baby quilts and a big quilt that is hand-quilted for Mennonite Central Committee every other year or so.
Each year at our congregational retreat in September members of the congregation suggest and form small groups, hence groups are subject to change from year to year. It’s exciting to see new group leaders and new groups form, while also recognizing that groups do not need to exist in perpetuity.
In the fall of 2015 a Discipleship Group formed and in 2016 two Discipleship Groups, one on either side of the Bay, took shape. These groups focus on the intersection and integration of contemplative practice and activism.
These groups meet monthly and regular attendance is an expectation. After forming in the fall the groups are closed for the rest of the year. The Discipleship Groups are an opportunity to go deeper on issues of discipleship with a committed group of people. Topics explore by the groups include: capitalism, racism, whiteness, contemplative prayer, dreamwork, and movement history. Each year members of the groups decide what topics they will explore together and participants take turns facilitating.
Committees
Another way that First Mennonite members get involved in the church community is by serving on one of our committees. Following the Anabaptist belief in the priesthood of all believers, our congregation is structured so that all members share in the responsibilities and ministry of the church. The basic work of the congregation — including worship, education, outreach, and community life — is accomplished through standing committees that are organized annually and through ad hoc committees when special needs arise.
Each year in the spring we have a Gift’s Discernment Sunday where everyone has the opportunity to indicate ways in which they would like to share their gifts with the congregation. This includes nominating oneself for a committee or being nominated by someone else. Most committees meet monthly and share a meal together as part of their time together.
Mennonite Voluntary Service
The Mennonite tradition – taking its lead from the life of Jesus – has long stressed service to others as an essential way to live out one’s faith, and we at FMCSF follow in that tradition.
We support our Mennonite Voluntary Service (MVS) unit in the Lower Haight neighborhood of San Francisco. The unit is home for a group of volunteers who serve full-time in local nonprofit agencies. This program is supported nationally by Mennonite Mission Network and is one of ten units across the country.
This year MVSers are serving at DISH (Delivering Innovation in Supportive Housing), The Gubbio Project and Homeless Prenatal Program.
Since 1975, volunteers have served in the San Francisco MVS program across a broad variety of placements and fields including:
- Helping people who are homeless or disadvantaged in obtaining housing, medical care and legal aid
- Assisting people living with HIV/AIDS
- Campaigning against the death penalty
- Working for a cleaner, sustainable environment
- Nurturing children through arts and recreation
Many MVSers also choose to stay in San Francisco after they complete their terms. Our congregation benefits greatly from their ongoing investment.
Calendar
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