Are you looking for ways to grow in your faith and in community this summer? Join a Summer Study with SBPC where you can spend some time with C. S. Lewis, or dig into Galatians, or study abundance or vocation … or dip into one of the other topics offered at various times in a variety of formats. Some groups have a limited number of participants, so be sure to sign up early to get your spot! Reach out to kristi@solanapres.org with any questions.
Come! Be Mentored by C.S. Lewis in the Christ-formed Life! - Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis - book study with Mark Vermaire
Times & Dates: Tuesdays, 6:30-8:00pm, June 10 - July 29, 2025.
Location: SBPC room MC-103
Description: "Mere Christianity" was the phrase C.S. Lewis used to mean "A basic Christianity shared by all God's people who follow Jesus." He originally gave these chapters as weekly radio addresses in England during World War II. People were uncertain, afraid, struggling with life. C.S. Lewis wrote to ground and guide them more fully in the life of Jesus. If you're wanting a refresher on the Christian faith, or wrestling with the idea of Christianity, or simply want to keep growing as a Christ-follower, join us as we grow together as the people of Jesus.
Creation and Calling: Theology, Vocation, and Work - Mini course with PLNU Professor Tyler Womack
Times & Dates: Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00pm, June 11-July 16 (skip July 2)
Location: SBPC - Room MC-103
Description: What does my job have to do with what I do and say every Sunday morning? How should we think about the relationship between money and discipleship? What is my vocation or calling? In this summer study we will try to think rigorously and faithfully about just these sorts of questions. By looking at the history of the concept of "vocation" and then re-situating that notion firmly with the Christian doctrine of creation we will, hopefully, gain a clearer sense of why work and faith seem so hard to bring together. This, in turn, will allow us to think with refreshed imaginations about how our whole lives might bear witness to the Creator God who has come to dwell among us.
Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman - book study with Heather & Dyami Caliri
Times & Dates: Tuesdays, 6:30pm, July 8-Aug 5
Location: the Caliri Home, Encinitas, CA 92024
Description: If you're wondering how to faithfully follow Jesus amidst current violence, anxiety and political upheaval, Thurman's book, published in the late 1940s, is a prophetic, practical guide. Martin Luther King Jr. reportedly carried this slim volume in his briefcase while organizing the Montgomery bus boycott; it taught him how to stay grounded in God's truth in the middle of terror. Thurman addresses fear, deception, hatred, and their antidote, love, with tremendous candor and insight.
The Epistle of Paul to the Galatians - Bible study with Bill Funke & Robert Trout
Times & Dates: Sundays, 9-9:45am, June 08- Aug 10.
Location: SBPC Campus, Room MC-101
Description: This is a verse-by-verse study of the book of Galatians to behold and exalt Christ for our spiritual nourishment and enlightenment. We will use the Bible to interpret the Bible, so please bring your Bible and cross references, and leave your footnotes, commentary, and books about the Bible at home. All translations are good. We strive to keep the oneness of the Body of Christ and pray the Lord will guide and feed us during this time.
Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World- book study with Kelly Sharp
Times & Dates: Mondays, 9:30 AM to 11 AM, June 30-Aug 4
Location: SBPC picnic table & lawn north of Debin Hall
Description: This book has me laughing out loud, both at the author's funny stories as well as at myself- my mistaken efforts to earn God's love through service, gripping tightly to my own agenda instead of serving His, and thinking I deserve accolades for putting work before worship. I want to try prioritizing being still with God instead of being busy and see how it changes my life. Join me in practicing being a Mary- valuing an intimate relationship to God over being a perfect servant (parent, spouse, employee, neighbor, volunteer, etc!). Kids welcome.
5 Misadventures in the Christian life – Theodyssey book study with Joyce Wilkins
Times & Dates: Mondays, 6:30pm-8:00pm, July 7-Aug 11
Location: the home of Joyce Wilkins, Encinitas
Description: While our journey with Christ starts out well-intentioned, many get lost in spiritual misadventures – beliefs and practices that sound good, but instead lead into a cul-de-sac, leaving us spiritually apathetic, tired, cynical, or even burned out. This 6-week study helps us get unstuck. There is also a podcast series that accompanies each lesson.
The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer - book study with Karen Karagozian
Times & Dates: 6:30pm, every other Monday night
Location: (online) Google Meet
Description: More about the book here.
Ten Women of the Bible by Max Lucado - book study with Anita Power
Times & Dates: Tuesdays, 10am-noon, starting June 10
Location: the home of Anita Power (La Costa/Carlsbad)
Description: Enjoy a time of rest, reflection and great conversation.
The Generosity Factor by Ken Blanchard and S. Truett Cathy - book study (and dinner) with Danielle & Jason Kruger
Times & Dates: Wednesdays, 6pm, 6/11, 7/9 & 7/30 Dinner Provided!
Location: the Kruger home, Solana Beach
Description: Dinner and discussion! This book is a parable that demonstrates the virtues of generosity. It is the story of a meeting between the Broker--a young man on his way up the corporate ladder who has the illusion of success, yet deep inside feels insignificant--and the Executive--the CEO of a very large and successful company who claims the greatest joy in his life is his ability to give to others. This story will forever change your definition of success.
