Studies/Workshops

theeffect holds regular and semi-regular workshops and studies and hosts special speaker events, seminars, and workshops on topics related to both spirituality and the activities of daily living that form the balanced physical and relational foundation without which a true spiritual formation is not possible. Regular and semi-regular workshops and studies are listed below, but check our Featured Events and Calendar for details on all upcoming events.

Women’s Bible Study/Discussion Group
Every Wednesday morning, women gather to study and discuss scripture on a particular topic, but beyond study and text, there is always time for genuine connection. There is great coffee and baked goods and a warm, safe environment to sit and share and talk about what is really pressing in each other’s lives. This time of connection and prayer often leads into and dovetails with the study itself, but sometimes it’s the whole session. Spirit and relationship over program: kind of an effect thing.

See our Featured Events for the content of our current study and Calendar for all events and activities.
Needed materials are available at the studies.

Wednesday mornings @ 9:00AM
More information:  949-547-7096

Personal Development Workshop/Courses
theeffect is all about empowering people to engage their own spiritual journeys. This is not a passive or vicarious Way that Jesus laid our for us…we need to travel ourselves. What does that look like? How do we go about it? What are the tools that are at our disposal? Beyond Sunday morning and an intellectual understanding of our religion or faith, what more is there?

Fortunately, there is a rich tradition within Christianity in what is often called the contemplative life. It is a lifetyle marked by a stripping away of everything that is false, distracting, and illusionary, everything that keeps us from knowing the truth that makes us free of needing such illusions and distractions in our lives. The tools range from contemplative practice, meditation and centering prayer, to understanding the purpose of personal devotions and quiet time, to guides such as the enneagram, all geared toward helping us cut through the noise to who we really are and what presence is all about. The workshop is designed in short 4-6 week courses always at the same time and place.

See our Featured Events for the content of our current study and Calendar for all events and activities.
Needed materials are available at the studies.

Wednesday evenings @ 5:00PM
More information:  949-547-7107

Midweek Book Study
Our midweek study is not a bible study, but always deals with subject matter relating to scripture, religion, contemplative living and other issues that shed light on ongoing spiritual formation and a deepening of our understanding of spirituality. Moving beyond the entry level, corporate experience of religious gatherings, these studies are geared for those who are interested in further navigating their interior journeys.

Studies are sometimes classes on specific topics such as the Jewish Jesus or the Development and Transmission of Scripture or they can be book studies on books relating to spiritual life, often selected by the group itself. Some studies are purely conversations on topics introduced by group members, but all studies are fully participatory: everyone has opportunity to speak and listen, teach and learn. We don’t attempt to persuade and indoctrinate—we’re here to share ideas and be exposed to new concepts that each person decides are helpful or not along their own journey.

See our Featured Events for the content of our current study and Calendar for all events and activities.
Needed materials are available at the studies.

Wednesday evenings @ 6:15P
More information:  949-547-7107

Open Bible Study/Discussion Group
Every Sunday morning, before our regular Sunday gathering at 10A, a small group gathers to discuss scripture in a more in depth way. Topic by topic and verse by verse, looking at various books and passages always from a first century, Hebrew point of view. If we’re really to follow Jesus, we need to first understand his message as his first Hebrew hearers would have understood it. If we’re going to get to the treasure, we first need to be digging in the right spot. Here’s an opportunity to grab a cup of coffee and a bagel and take some time to dig in, then flow into musical worship and a further message in our regular gathering. Topics vary on week by week basis, call number below for more details.

Sunday mornings @ 9:00AM
More information:  949-413-2528

4th Step Workshops
theeffect also conducts 4th step and other 12 step workshops on a semi-regular basis. If you have a need for Step work or help in other areas and the workshop you need is not immediately upcoming, just call the number below for assistance.
More information:  949-218-2228, Option 3