• The Learning Community (our Sunday School):

Children and adults learn about God’s love by experiencing Christ’s presence in worship and community, following Jesus by showing love in service to others, and by reading about our spiritual ancestors’ experiences of God in sacred scripture.  We worship together at 10:00 a.m. each Sunday in praise and prayer, song and story.  Children come forward to join one of our pastors for a children’s time, then are dismissed to classes for age-appropriate sharing, activities, and lessons with a caring team of Learning Community teachers. 
Our classes are currently using Bible Quest curriculum, as well as some lessons specially designed by our teachers that help our children wrestle with their own theological questions.  Nursery care for infants and toddlers is always available.

• After-Church Forum and Adult Classes:
  

The Lifelong Learning & Spirituality Commission and the pastors seek to provide a variety of opportunities for Christian learning and spiritual development, including retreats, classes, and after-church educational forums.  Classes and seminars are offered frequently after church on Sunday from 11:30 to 12:30 or 1:00 p.m. and childcare is provided.  Forum leaders include noteworthy guest speakers as well as OCC leaders and teachers.  Past topics were:
“Mercy Ships", "Facing Evil in the Human Heart", "Understanding Cults", "What Peace could look like", "Christian Hacienda Project", "Forum on General Synod" "The Social Life of Stem Cells", " Heroes of the West", "Green Gathering with Garry Gardner", "Between Earth and Heaven - Trekking in Nepal", "Internet Genealogy", "Uganda and Rwanda - Challenges & Hopes".

• Bible Study:
  
  
  

  The following on-going Bible study classes are offered.

Monday Night Bible Study: 7 to 8 p.m., OCC Library.  The Rev. Frank Baldwin leads this study group.

Thursday OSV Bible Study: 10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m., Orinda Senior Village. The Rev. Lee Cruise leads this study group in the 6th floor Meeting Room.
(Just follow the directions at the door & dial #001 to get buzzed in).  All are welcome!

Library:

Orinda Community Church has an impressive church library, with special collections on spirituality, world religions, and reference works, as well as collections on special topics, such as Green Church and Open & Affirming programs.  Books and both audio and video tapes may be selected and checked out for home use during the Fellowship Hour each Sunday morning.

• Seasonal and Special Opportunities:
  
  Special seminars are offered at important times in the liturgical year, such as a major book or Bible study often undertaken during the Lenten Season before Easter.  Both Advent and Holy Week feature several special worship services:

ADVENT SERVICES:

• Advent Craft, Carols, and Fellowship.  A special evening of food and fellowship presents opportunities for Christmas crafts and caroling for all ages.
• Christmas Children’s Service.  This special late afternoon service is designed for and by children and youth to remember the stories of Jesus’ birth.
• Christmas Eve Candlelight Service.  This service of music, song and prayer captures the mystery and joy of the Christmas message.

LENTEN SERVICES:

• Ash Wednesday Service in Jewel Clark Chapel.  Receive ashes of repentance in a candlelit service of music, scripture and prayer.
• Holy Week Labyrinth.  Explore this ancient form of walking contemplation on OCC’s own canvas labyrinth in the Fellowship Hall during Holy Week.
• Maundy Thursday Service in Jewel Clark Chapel.  An informal service of music, drama, prayer and communion is offered in observance of the Last Supper.
• Good Friday in Fellowship Hall.  In remembrance of the crucifixion of Jesus, the Dancers Circle and our church musicians lead a service of movement and singing, prayer and scripture, around the candlelit indoor labyrinth.
• Easter Sunrise in the Hupp Olive Grove.  Using elements of the ancient Vigil of Easter Eve including Holy Communion and the Renewal of Baptismal Vows, worship begins in darkness and ends in daylight. Dress warmly!