COLLEGE & YOUNG ADULTS

We are located in Chico, California, next to the CSUC campus. Our mission is to anchor young people in a lifelong journey of Christ-centered, spiritually healthy, Kingdom-oriented growth within the family of God

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UPCOMING EVENTS

BIDWELL PRES COHORT

Our Mission is to Equip Young Adults in Their Kingdom Calling.

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ONGOING & SEASONAL

Study Hall is designed to give Chico State and Butte College students a welcoming, distraction-free environment to prepare for finals—complete with everything you need to succeed: free coffee, tea, and brain-boosting snacks, strong Wi-Fi, plenty of quiet study space, and free parking right next to the entrance. Conveniently located in Downtown Chico, right next to Chico State, with a secure rear entrance.

Study Hall will return in the spring semester!

For nearly 80 years, Urbana has been one of the most influential student missions conferences in North America—challenging and equipping young adults to step boldly into God’s mission. Held only once every three years, Urbana is moving to a new home: Phoenix, Arizona.

At Urbana 25, members of Gen Z will be invited to witness what God is doing through the global Church and to discover their unique role in His mission. Designed for young adults (ages 17–28) and their leaders, Urbana 2025 offers a powerful opportunity to connect with the worldwide body of Christ, wrestle with deep questions of faith and purpose, and be equipped to make a lasting impact. See Details Here.

A new conversation every week. A space for authentic conversation surrounding God and meaning. Sunday afternoons at Naked Lounge. Come to listen or come to talk. See the meeting schedule here.

Come Enjoy Good Food & Hang Out With New Friends!

Bidwell Presbyterian Church
208 W. 1st St
Room 012
(Lower Level)

Worship Night is a time to share a meal, enjoy rich and meaningful music, and enter into heartfelt worship that recenters your spirit. If you’re looking for a place to be encouraged and grounded, this is for you. Stay tuned for our next gathering!

For CSU and Butte College Students! Go here to learn more.

Before we get into last week’s topic of Naked Conversations, we would like to announce that next Sunday, December 14th, is the last Naked Conversations of the semester! But don’t worry too much, we will pick right up once school starts up again!

Now, on to last week’s topic:

We started our conversation with the definition of the term Omnism:

“Omnism is a belief system that acts as the common thread amongst religions. Omnism beliefs suggest that every religion is an interpretation of universal truth and spiritual origins. Each religion contains wisdom, and no religion is necessarily right or wrong. They’re all the same package wrapped in different-styled papers.“

How does this concept sit with you? Does it resonate? Do you agree- or disagree with it in some way?

Is every religion the same thing?

When someone from another religion compared to yours prays, are they praying to your God? Is their God, or Gods, the same thing as yours? If not, why?

If you consider yourself a Christian, and ascribe to the concept of Omnism, why Christianity? Why not another religion?

Who is Jesus?

Does it matter what other religions say about Jesus?

Is there such a thing as objective truth? Or do we all have our own truths?

Do you think that other religions are “wrong”? If so- do you think it’s okay to express that?

Is conflict or tension always bad?

Would you die for your current beliefs?

Would you live for them?

If you could be certain what you believed was true, how would that change how you live and interact with others?

Join us next week for the last Naked Convos of the semester!

#nakedlounge #nakedconversations

Need a place to cram, or simply catch your breath before finals??

Join us for our open Study Hall in Room 012 at 208 W 1st St Chico, CA, on December 14th, 2025! It will be open from 6:00 p.m. to midnight!

We’ll have:
• Reliable WiFi
• Quiet, cozy space to focus
• Free parking next to Chico State
• Free brain food
• Coffee and tea to keep you going
• Space for prayer and unwinding

Whether you’re grinding through a paper, prepping for exams, or just need a peaceful space to reset, you are invited. Come study, come relax—-just come as you are!

#chicostate #buttecollege #fellowship

Throwback to our college & young adult art day!!! Keep your eyes out for the next one👀👀👀

#chicostate #buttecollege #fellowship

CHRISTMAS PREVIEW IS UPON US! Step into the wonder of the season at Bidwell Presbyterian Church’s Christmas Preview! Enjoy peppermint ice cream and hot chocolate as you take in the sights and sounds of Christmas! And you can help SERVE the ice cream and cocoa too!! If you’re extra cool: you can join fellow young adults in serving the unhoused some hot cocoa! We’ll meet at 5PM on the church patio and head out together to serve hot chocolate from 5–6 PM! Come be part of something real, uplifting, and rooted in love. Bring a friend—and your open heart. Let’s be good neighbors together!

WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9TH??? The only correct answer is joining us for a game of CAPTURE THE FLAG! Two teams, two flags, first to capture the other team’s flag wins! Come with clothing suited for chillier weather and let the games begin! We meet at 6:45 pm on the front church patio, and the game will last until 8:15 pm on Chico State’s campus!

When: 11/9/25, 6:45pm-8:15pm
Where: Meet on the front church patio at 208 W 1st St, Chico, CA 95928.

#fellowship #goodneighborclub #buttecollege #chicostate

With Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, fast approaching, our last Naked Conversations topic was on how we honor the dead.

Many cultures around the world practice not only remembering the dead, but also interacting with those who have passed into the afterlife. Japan has the Obon Festival, Cambodia has Pchum Ben, and China has the Hungry Ghost Festival, just to name a few. Many of these traditions believe that in some way, our deceased ancestors and family members come to visit us during these windows of time. Which brought up some questions:

If you believe in an afterlife, do you think people you know can interact with us in some way after death?

Do you think those who have passed away “need” something from us? Can they feel neglect? Do they need celebrations like these to feel remembered?

Is it good to honor these people after they have died in this way?

How do you honor those who have passed away?

If you ascribe to the teachings of Christianity, some passages in scripture are particularly strict against any type of communication with the dead. (Deuteronomy 18:10-12, Leviticus 19:31, 1 Samuel 28, to name a few).

Does this view conflict with holidays or traditions listed above? How do you interact with that?

Join us next time, (11/9/25) for the next Naked Conversation topic!

#nakedconversations #nakedlounge #buttecollege #chicostate

Yes, we had to do it again…

We had to cancel yet another naked conversations.

If this feels like the end of the world, I get it.

But do not fear. Because Jesus has overcome the world. And also we will be back the following Sunday 😌

Looking to build friendship and have fun after a busy week? We know life’s busy and it can be a challenge to be social. That’s why Bidwell Pres has a thriving young adult community that regularly has inclusive, fun events. On November 2nd (Sunday night), we’ll provide dinner in BPC fellowship hall and tons of fun games. Just register with your name and number, show up on November 2nd at 6 PM, and enjoy a night of fun and friendship. Don’t miss out on an easy opportunity to connect and recharge in Chrisitan community. Join us for Game Night - where laughter and community meet!

#fellowship #buttecollege #chicostate

What separates person from non-person?

Is there a separation between humanity and the rest of creation? If so, what is it?

Aristotle’s “natural ladder” illustrates humans at the top of the ladder, with the rest of creation below it, arranged in the order of most to least “rational.”

Kant, as well, believes that what separates a being from a thing is rationality.

Do you agree?

If not, what does separate being from thing?

Is the ability to mourn a better criteria than rationality?

On a similar note—
A lawyer named Steven wise decided to challenge the idea that we are separated from other beings on the basis of rationality, and advocated for animals, specifically chimpanzees, to be legally considered a person in order to ensure minimal rights regarding their health and wellbeing, as chimpanzees are very comparable to humans when it comes to rationality. He was unsuccessful in his efforts and won no court cases before his death, however, in 2022, Ecuador became the first country ever to recognize personhood in chimpanzees during a court case, granting them minimal rights and protection.
How does this sit with you? Legally, should we be offering personhood to animals? What defines personhood?

To make it even broader, other countries, even rivers and forests have been legally granted personhood, such as New Zealand’s whanganui river, and India’s Ganges River. In 2008, Ecuador became the first country to change its constitution to state that nature has the same rights as people. What do you think about that?

If we shouldn’t view them as persons is there a level of respect that should be there anyway? If so, what?

#nakedconversations

Join us this Sunday, 10/12, for pickleball at 20th street community park, Chico, from 7pm-9:30pm!! You can bring your own paddle, or we can provide you with one! See you on the courts!!

#pickleball #community #goodneighborclub #buttecollege #chicostate

Happy October!!! Locations and event descriptions are all found in the link in our bio!!! 🍁🍁🍁🍁

Join us for a FREEEE breakfast, on the first Sunday of every month, from 9:30am-10am, and 11:15am-11:30am!!

For nearly 80 years, Urbana has been one of the most influential student missions’ conferences in North America—challenging and equipping young adults to step boldly into God’s mission. Held only once every three years, Urbana is moving to a new home: Phoenix, Arizona.

JOIN US at Urbana 25, where members of Gen Z will be invited to witness what God is doing through the global Church and to discover their unique role in His mission! Designed for young adults (ages 17–28) and their leaders, Urbana 2025 offers a powerful opportunity to connect with the worldwide body of Christ, wrestle with deep questions of faith and purpose, and be equipped to make a lasting impact!

What’s the cost?? Just book your flight!
• Arrive in Phoenix by 5:00 PM on Sunday, 12/28/25
• Depart any time on Thursday, 1/1/26

What we include:
• One hotel room bed with BPC in Phoenix
• An all-inclusive Urbana Conference Pass

Register by October 31 (Halloween) to join us!!!

This edition of Naked Conversations was on the topic of the health of the world, and the concept of justice. Here were some questions we discussed:

Is the world getting worse or better?

The world is improving in education, health and disaster prevention globally. These areas are improving, what isn’t improving?

Do you really think social justice makes a difference on the grand scheme of things?

What does justice mean for you?

What moral responsibilities do we have with each other?

Do we have a moral responsibility for people in other countries and parts of the world?

How do you practice justice?

#nakedconversations #chicostate #buttecollege #fellowship

Come join us for a day full of art today!!! Starting at 3:30pm-5pm in room 012 @ 208 W 1st St, Chico, CA 95928! Paint and canvas are provided!!!

#chicostate #buttecollege #fellowship #chico #goodneighborclub

OUR FIRST MONTHLY WORSHIP NIGHT IS TOMORROW!!!!🤩🤩🤩 And we are PUMPED!!! Come out to Bidwell Pres, September 7th, for worship night in the fellowship hall 6-8pm. FREE dinner included!!!🥳🤩

See you there!!

#worshipnight #music #bidwellpres #bidwellpresbyterian #chico #chicoca #downtownchico #downtown #community #chicostate #buttecollege #collegeministry

Happy 1st of the month!!!🤩 Here’s what we’ve got going on!!☀️ Comment what you’re most excited for!😍

#college #csuchico #goodneighborclub #chicostate #buttecollege #bpc #bidwellpres #simplechurch #worshipnight #artday #collegeministry #community #service #friends #love #downtownchico

WELCOME BACK, STUDENTS!!! 🤩😍🥳

We cannot wait to see you this week!! From Pickleball to serving the unhoused, there are endless opportunities to connect and create community this week! Remember to click the link in our bio for more details on ALL of these events!🤩

SEE YOU SOON!!! 🎉 Drop a comment if you’re a new student!! #chicostate #buttecollege #wildcats #roadrunners

#bidwellpres #chicostate #buttecollege #college #collegevibes #collegeministry #welcometochico #chicoca #chico #downtownchico #youngadults #youngadultministry #fyp #community #love

This week’s edition of Naked Conversations surrounded the topic of salvation. Here are some questions that got brought up:

- How do you define salvation?
- What framing of the gospel did you grow up with?
- Can you lose your salvation? How far can one stray from God while still being “saved”?
- Is salvation more about what we’re saved from (sin, death, judgment) or what we’re saved for (new life, purpose, relationship with God)? Or both?
- How does salvation impact the way you live today?

Join us next time, every Sunday at Naked Lounge Chico, 1pm!

#nakedconversations #nakedlounge #chicostate #buttecollege

Poem:
Whenever there is birth or death,
The sacred veil between the worlds
Grows thin and opens slightly up,
Just long enough for Love to slip,
Silent, either in or out
Of this our fragile, fleeting world,
Whence or whither a new home waits.

And our beloved ones draw near,
In rapt anticipation, or
In weary gratitude, they stand;
Our loved ones stand so close, right here,
Just on the other side
Of Eternity.

Last week we discussed the spiritual realm: do we believe in it, what’s the relationship between the physical and spiritual realm, why do we split them in two? Is the veil thinner at different times of year, what are healthy and unhealthy approaches to understanding and engaging with this aspect of the spiritual realm? How do you think Jesus interacted with the spiritual realm? Was the veil thin for Jesus? Is Jesus our thin veil? Do we live in a way that recognizes and fully realizes our eternal spiritual impact? Do we walk in that? How can we?

N.T. Wright (paraphrased): “Jesus is present, but hidden behind the invisible veil separating heaven and earth. This veil is pierced during prayer, the sacraments, scripture reading, and work with the poor. It’s then that the veil seems thin.”

#bidwellpres #collegeministry #ministry #nakedconvos #nakedconversations #theology #nakedlounge #buttecollege #chicostate #csuchico #college #collegestudents #community #spiritualrealm

Last week at Naked Conversations, we discussed the topic of free will. Here are some questions that got brought up:

- Do you believe in predestination?
- How much moral responsibility do we have if God predestines all our actions?
- Can God change his mind?
- Can God override human beings?
- Can God “not know” something?
- Is there a right and wrong choice to everything? Do you ever feel like there is?

#nakedconversations #chicostate #buttecollege

Calling all Young Adult Musicians in the Chico area!! Play an instrument? Sing? DM us!! We have a growing young adult community that needs you! 🫂♥️

#music #musicians #callingallmusicians #wheremymusiciansat #pullup #jamsesh #worship #musiccommunity #bidwellpres #chicostate #buttecollege #fyp #musiciansneeded

Our LAST THEOLOGY PUB of the Summer is tonight!!!🥲 Join us as we discuss LGBTQ+ and the church, at Winchester Goose, 7:00PM!!🍻

Listen to our pre-pub podcast on the website, link in bio!!🍻

See you then!!🤩

#chicostate #chico #chicoca #buttecollege #collegeministry #college #bidwellpres #lgbtq #ministry #goodconversations #theologypub #summer

Exploring the “Languages of God”
The phrase “languages of God” can be interpreted in several ways, often referring to both literal languages and metaphorical ways in which God is believed to communicate.

1. Sacred or Divine Languages
Some religious traditions believe that God has a specific, sacred language or set of languages associated with divine communication:
• Hebrew: In Judaism, Hebrew, especially Biblical Hebrew, is considered Lashon Hakodesh (לשון הקודש, “Language of Holiness”) and holds a significant place in religious texts and services.
• Aramaic: Some parts of later books in the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) are written in Aramaic, as well as some Jewish prayers and the Talmud.
• Greek: Koine Greek is the original language of the New Testament.
• Latin: The language of the Roman Empire.
• Sanskrit: In Hinduism, Sanskrit is considered the language of the gods (“Devavani”) and is the primary liturgical language.

2. God’s Communication Through Various Channels.
Beyond specific languages, some perspectives suggest that God communicates through a broader range of “languages” or ways of reaching people:
• Scripture
• Desire: God is seen as capable of instilling new desires within individuals that align with His purposes.
• Dreams and Visions
• Opened and Closed Doors
• People and Promptings: God may speak through the advice or encouragement of others and through the inner leadings of the Holy Spirit.

• Some believe that Jesus, himself, embodies the “Language of God”. In this view, understanding God’s heart and mind comes through understanding and knowing Jesus.

• NT Wright argues against reducing God’s word to Scripture alone, suggesting that God’s word is also a “strange personal presence, creating, judging, healing, recreating,”

Questions:
• What is your personal language with God?
• Is there any form of communication that you think God cannot, or chooses to not speak to us through?
• How do you wish God spoke to you?
• How does God actually speak to you?
• Have you ever experienced something that you thought was God speaking to you, but you were unsure?
• Can God’s voice be uncertain?
• Is poetry/art a language of God?

#chicostate #chico #bidwellpres

AUGUST EVENTS ARE OUT! Join us for any of the events below! Check out our website for more details!

August 5th: “How to read a Bible” study @ 8pm over zoom!
August 6th: Theology Pub, 7pm @ the Winchester Goose!
August 25th: Pickleball at 20th street park @ 7:30pm!
August 27th: Jon & Bons @ 7pm!
August 28th: “Worship on the Patio” starring @juliacherishmarie on the church patio @ 7pm!
August 31st: Serve the unhoused dinner with us at Church on the Street, starting at 5:45pm!
August 31st: Join us for Jon & Bons at 7:30pm!

#fellowship #goodneighborclub #chicostate #buttecollege

How can you reconcile the reality of evil with a belief in a good God? And for some context: That is a question that has challenged people for centuries. If you were an ancient pagan, you wouldn’t ask that question, because you didn’t believe there as a “good God” to begin with—all the gods were petty and violent, and you just lived your life in a perpetual “duck and cover” mode, trying not to tick any of them off. If you are a Buddhist or Hindu, you wouldn’t ask the question either, because you don’t believe in a singular “good God” either—all is one, and even what we call evil is still just a part of the ultimate reality, of which you are a part.
The problem of evil really only comes up in Christianity, because Christianity teaches that there really is a good God, there really is evil, and that God hates evil. If so, then why does God allow evil to exist in the first place? Hence, the problem of evil—a uniquely Christian conundrum.

Which leads us to the questions we asked last week:

If you believe in a good God, how do you reconcile bad things happening? What questions has that brought up for you?

Has your belief in god ever been shaken by bad things happening?

Has that ever led you away from God?

N.T. Wright says, “God chose the appropriate and necessarily deeply ambiguous route of acting from within his creation, from within his chosen people, to take the full force of evil upon himself and so exhaust it.” That is the message of cross: that is how God deals with evil—he actually uses it up to bring about redemption.

Instead of looking to avoid it, Christians are to take evil upon themselves, just like Christ did, and let it exhaust itself and die, so that resurrection and new life can come. “Evil is still a four-letter word,” Wright says, “but thank God, so is love.”

How can we participate in the suffering of Christ? — to bring about the salvation of the world bit by bit? What does that mean?

How can we suffer with others well?

TONIGHT!!!🤩 Join us @parksidetaphouse at 7PM!! We will discuss AI and God — should AI write our prayers? How does AI influence spirituality? Listen to the pre-pub podcast by clicking the link in our bio! Come for questions, good drinks, and even better conversation!! 🍻

See you soon!! 🥳

#bidwellpres #chicostate #buttecollege #collegeministry #ministry #college #chico #chicoca #theology #theologypub

Close your eyes. What mental images are summoned when you think of the word Heaven? Are these different from the images you thought of as a child? How? What images are summoned when you think of the word Hell? What about new creation?

Last week we discussed the concepts of heaven, hell, new creation, and what it all has to do with the gospel. Here are some of the questions we asked:

• Can you have an accurate view of God and the Gospel when relying heavily on Heaven vs. Hell language?

• How has the “Heaven vs. Hell” narrative shaped your understanding of God and the gospel?

• Does a focus on “new creation” offer a more complete and hopeful perspective on God’s plan? Why? Why not?

• In what ways does our view of the concepts of heaven and hell influence our relationship with God?

• If you were to change your views of heaven and hell how would that change your relationship with God and the gospel?

• Do you think we “go” to heaven or hell? Are they actual places?

• Is there a “hell”?

• is there a “Heaven”?

During our conversation we really camped in the topic of afterlife. We discussed three different perspectives on Hell, specifically — 1.) Eternal conscious torment
2.) Annihilationism (conditional immortality)
3.) Ultimate reconciliation (Christian universalism)

Scripture: “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” 2 Corinthians 5:8 However, NIV says: we are confident, i say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the lord.”

Thank you for sitting in this uncomfortable space as we dove, head first, into one of the hardest conversations we can have, as we wrestle with our own beliefs!

See you next time!!🤍

#heaven #hell #newcreation #deconstruction #bidwellpres #college #collegeministry #chicostate #buttecollege

“People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it. But Jesus called for them and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.’” Luke 18:15-17

N.T. Wright: “Little children, trusting, adventurous, eager, ready to be drawn into stories and dramas, are just the sort of people the kingdom is for.”

Here are some questions we discussed last week:

- What does it mean to be more childlike? What did Jesus mean by that?
- Would you have approached Jesus as a child? What do you think you would have thought about him? What would have kept you from approaching him?
- Why has God created us to grow up to be adults if it’s “better” to be a child?
- As a child did you feel like you could receive love easily? What keeps you from love?
- Do you think your inner child feels safe with you?
- Does your inner child feel safe with God?
- How can we be more childlike? What does that entail?

#nakedconversations #nakedlounge #chicostate #buttecollege #fellowship

Solid chat about Jesus, science, and the science-friendly church! Very fun crew this past week. #bidwell #ibelieveinscience #church #wearechico #chicostate #buttecollege

Join us for Theology Pub, tonight!!🤩

Where: The Commons Social Emporium🍻
When: 7pm!! ⏰
Why: BECAUSE IT’S AWESOME! We intentionally have relevant conversations over drinks about God and the world in which we live! 🌎 📖
Topic: “I believe in Science…and Jesus.” Tonight we will dive into the relationship of Science and Faith! 🧬 Click the link in our bio and find “Theology Pub” on our website to listen to our pre-pub podcast!!✨

We create a safe space to eat, drink, and do theology. “Speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into Christ.” - Ephesians 4:15. We would love to see you there!🍻

#theologypub #theology #bidwellpres #chicostate #buttecollege #college #collegeministry #chico #thecommons #practicingtheology

We’re having another “How to Read the Bible” study! And it’s — TONIGHT!!

When: 8-9pm!
Where: …anywhere!! That’s right! Our study is held completely on Zoom! Message us for the Zoom link and password!
What: Join us as we discuss the genre of poetry in the Bible, and deepen our ability to read the Bible comprehensively!!😍

Can’t wait to see you then!💛🫣

#chicostate #buttecollege #college #bidwellpres #biblestudy #howtoreadabible #zoom

These last several months of Naked Conversations have been phenomenal — all because of YOU! Thank you for showing up with questions, an open and empathetic mind, and a willingness to sit together in the mystery. Our journey of truth-seeking is often permeated with a lot of mystery! And we know that it can feel uncomfortable sometimes, especially when we walk away from a conversation with even more questions than we started out with. We’re thankful for everyone who makes the choice to sit with us in that space. Together, we are creating a beautiful, truth-seeking, authentic community! One conversation at a time.🤍 :)

#nakedconversations #mystery #bidwellpres #chicostate #buttecollege #college #nakedlounge #chico #downtown

Come share your poetry with us! We are having an open mic for those who wish to share their poetry. Some of us will be sharing God centered poetry (surrounding the topic of God, however messy). There will also be an anonymous drop box for people who want to share their poetry without speaking it in front of others. All are welcome!!

#chicostate #buttecollege #fellowship #bettertogether #chico

I want you to close your eyes and think back to this last week, or last couple weeks. I want you to think of something that someone said to you that really affected you. Was it positive? Was it negative? How did it influence your mood for the rest of the day? Do you still feel its impact?

The Bible uses the tongue as an example of a powerful force. James 3:5-6 describes the tongue as a small part of the body that can boast greatly and compares it to a small spark setting a large forest on fire. James 3:8 adds that the tongue is untamable, a restless evil full of deadly poison. The Bible also highlights how words can be used for good! Proverbs 15:4 states that a soothing tongue is a tree of life, while a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. Proverbs 16:24 likens gracious words to a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. But are our words really that powerful? Or are they just words?

• Do words hold power? How?
• Do all words hold power? How much power?
• Do our powerful words have limitations? If so, what are they?
• Do we abuse our power by not realizing it?
• Do some words carry more weight than others?
• Are some words inherently bad?
• What gives words power? Are all words powerful?

The Law of Attraction is a philosophy that suggests that your thoughts and feelings attract corresponding experiences and outcomes into your life.

• Are there any similarities between the law of attraction (or, more commonly referred to as manifestation) and prayer? What are the differences?
• How does the idea that our words can bring ‘life’ or ‘death’ resonate with you?
• Have you ever stopped to honor the power of our words?
• In what ways could we better steward our words?

Thank you for meeting us in the mystery of it all!! Join us every Sunday for a new convo! Naked Lounge, 1pm! See you then?

#bidwellpresbyterian #collegeministry #nakedconversations #youngadults #ministry #deconstruction #community #prayer #chicostate #chico #buttecollege

Happy July 1st!! As we head into a bright new month, we pray you find moments of tangible worship — especially among the mundane and often overlooked. Find your worship, find moments to rest, and let’s celebrate July and all it has to offer us!!

#ministry #bidwellpres #collegeministry #chicostate #buttecollege #july #summer

Celebrating Eric and Anne Marie in Benicia! Congrats to the newlyweds!! So glad they moved to Chico and connected with the Bidwell Pres fam!

I want you to close your eyes, and imagine yourself at a big, beautiful table. Is it made of wood? Stone? What does it feel like? Where is the table? Is it on the beach? In a home? What’s the most ideal scenery for you? Now, imagine looking across from you. Who sits opposite you? Who sits on either side of you? Who are the people you want to be seated at this table? Imagine all of your favorite people. Imagine all of them there. Imagine their laughter.

Now, imagine someone else coming into the room, and taking a seat right next to you. They sit close enough to you that your shoulders and arms are touching. You turn to see their face, and it’s the face of someone that you don’t want to sit next to. You didn’t really want them invited. You didn’t want them in your space. Who is this person? How does this make you feel? Stay with that feeling.

Okay, now you can open your eyes.

According to sociologists:
“Ingroups and outgroups are sociological concepts that describe the dynamics between groups of individuals based on identity and social interaction. An ingroup refers to a group that individuals identify with and feel an emotional attachment to, often contrasted with an outgroup, which is the group that ingroup members oppose or view with resistance. The existence of outgroups enhances ingroup cohesion, as members often define themselves in opposition to others.”

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” Matthew 5:43-48

Here’s some questions we discussed at the last Naked Conversation:

⁃ Have you ever felt closer to somebody if you both look down on the same person?
⁃ If we’re so strongly called to love our enemies, what about those we simply don’t “like”?
⁃ What does “othering” look like today?
⁃ Have you ever felt othered, or like you’re in the out group? How did that feel?
⁃ Have you ever “othered” yourself?
⁃ Jesus often sat at the table of outsiders, how can we emulate that today while still maintaining healthy boundaries?

It’s that time again!! Ever felt the Bible was CONFUSING?!! Same!! Join us TONIGHT from 8-9pm, on Zoom, for our “How to Read the Bible” study!!🤍

Tonight we will be discussing biblical narrative: setting, design patterns, and the gospels. Cannot wait to dive into illumination and understanding with you all!

Message for details to log on!

#college #chicostate #buttecollege #collegeministry #thebible #howtoreadthebible #God #love #community

Join us for the next theology pub this Wednesday! 7pm at the Banshee in downtown Chico! create a safe space to eat, drink, and do theology. “Speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into Christ.” - Ephesians 4:15.

#fellowship #theology #bettertogether

Close your eyes, and think back to an early memory with a parent or caregiver that you were close with. What does this memory feel like? Is it positive or negative? How do you view your caregiver? Do you feel secure? Pay attention to any feelings that come up during this exercise, and take note of details. There are no right or wrong answers here.

Last week we talked about Attachment Theory, which is a psychological theory focusing on the long-term relationships people form, particularly with caregivers in early childhood. This theory categorizes us into four attachment styles: secure, anxious, disorganized, and avoidant.

We looked at research articles and excerpts from studies: “One useful way of identifying where our attachment patterns might be having a particularly strong effect on our relationship with God is to examine what we feel that God is like. Unlike purely Biblical knowledge or knowledge about God based solely on doctrine, this knowledge is deep and emotional and rooted in relational experiences with God. Our experiential knowledge of God seems to be associated with our attachment to parents. This means that our experiential knowledge of God goes deep-the way that we experience God and what we find him to be like hangs in part on a scaffolding of relational knowledge that was given to us. What this also means is that when we discover a conflict between our doctrinal knowledge and our experiential knowledge, there is a good chance that attachment patterns are at work.”

Which of the four attachment styles do you identify with the most? Is it a combination of two?

How do our attachment styles, and our earliest relationships, impact our relationship with God?

How would understanding this help our relationships?

Is there any relation to how you view God’s character, and your childhood relationship with your father?

What does it look like to have an avoidant attachment style, and how does that look in relationship with God?

Do our attachment styles give us unique ways to express interaction with God?

#chicostate #buttecollege #bidwellpres #psychology #nakedconversations #college #collegeministry #ministry #nakedlounge #downtownchico #chico

June 2025 Rafting trip = success!!! Big thanks to @lomaricawildernessexpeditions for taking us out on this epic adventure!!!

#Fellowship #chicostate #buttecollege #rafting #whitewaterrafting

Has the Bible ever felt overwhelming or confusing?! Yeah…same…you’re not alone!! Join us tonight as we unravel the mysteries of these ancient texts, and see how they apply to modern day!

Tonight!!! Join us again for our “How to Read the Bible” Study, on Zoom, from 8-9pm! Message us for the link!!🥳 See you then!🤩

#zoombiblestudy #chicostate #buttecollege #bidwellpresbyterian #biblestudy #college #collegeministry #zoom #fyp

“Our holy Fathers and Mothers speak of sin, festering within us, as an illness. So we aren’t guilty, but sick — and we need to seek a cure.”

Saint Sophia DC echoes this:

“Our orthodox Faith defines sin as an illness that is in need of healing, not as a crime that requires punishment. The Church is a hospital for the soul whose therapists… first sought therapy and then became the therapists.”

“The normal Greek word for ‘sin’ namely hamartia, means ‘missing the mark’: shooting at a target and failing to hit it. This is subtly but importantly different from being given a long and fussy list of things you must and mustn’t do and failing to observe them all.

N.T. Wright defines sin as a failure to live up to our birthright. If sin is ‘missing the mark’, our sin is not just about falling short of God or God’s commandments, etc. It’s about falling short of our own inherent natures.

A falling short of being authentically human.

Sin is an act of de-creation. It doesn’t make us more human. It actually makes us less human. It strips us of our humanity.”

Romans 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus”

Here are some questions we discussed at the last Naked Conversation:
- How would you define sin?
- How were you raised to view sin? Has that changed at all?
- Do you think that sin makes us less human?
- How does the idea of sin being an illness sit with you?
- What’s the difference between condemnation and conviction for you?
- When you do something wrong or make a mistake, do you find yourself feeling condemned by others? Or Condemning yourself?
- How can we treat ourselves with less condemnation this week?

#nakedlounge #chico #chicostate #buttecollege #fellowship

“The 10 commandments are neither rules nor guidelines, but rather a vision of God’s best.”

“You cannot take the 10 commandments out of the context of worship.”

Exodus 20:4-5
“You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God.”

Definition of idol: Something you put above God – anything you turn to for salvation.

Here are some questions we discussed last week:

- What do you think of when you hear “10 commandments”? What perceptions do you have?

- How have these perceptions changed over time?

- Do you think that rules can be an idol? Could the ten commandments ever become an idol? How?

- How do you feel the 10 commandments have shown up in your life?

#nakedconversations #chicostate #buttecollege #nakedlounge #fellowship

Are you ready for an exhilarating day on the American River? We are taking a group of up to 20 young adults on the South Fork American River for a day of whitewater rafting and fellowship! At no cost to you!

Register at the link in our bio!

Where/When to meet:
Bidwell Presbyterian Church Parking lot at 7:00am! You can leave your car here to carpool with the group to the destination.

What to bring:
- At least two 32oz water bottles
- Swim suit or clothes that can get wet
- Water shoes or shoes that can get wet (no flip flops)
- All personal emergency medical supplies (e.g. inhaler or epi-pen)
- Sunscreen
- A packable lunch!

We can’t wait to raft with you!

#rafting #chicostate #buttecollege #chico #fellowship

“Without some deconstruction, everything becomes idolatrous. The prophets were religious deconstructionists”- Richard Rohr

Last week’s topic for conversation was “deconstruction,” and the different phases of construction, deconstruction, and reconstruction.

“Deconstruction means dismantling. Taking a part. Unbuilding. It’s like taking a part a house to examine the frame and foundations. It’s what builders do when looking for mold.”

Here were some questions we discussed:

How do we navigate deconstructing around established, constructed brothers and sisters in Christ? What about older individuals?

Is deconstruction any similar to the stages of grief? How so?

If you are in a stage of deconstructing,
How can you make space for your own deconstruction or alternatively, other peoples doubts or reconstruction?

Is there anything in your life that you can reconstruct?

#fellowship #nakedlounge #nakedconversations #buttecollege #chicostate

Have you ever felt overwhelmed or confused after trying to read the Bible?? Well, you’re not alone! The Bible can be a really difficult piece of literature to understand sometimes. But we can help with that!

Join us this summer on Zoom to learn how to read the Bible together!

When: every other Tuesday, 8-9pm! Starting May 27th!

Where: —anywhere!! We’ll be meeting over Zoom, so whether you’re rock climbing (with cell service) or chilling on your couch with a blanket, you can join in on the learning!

DM us if you’re interested and we will send you the Zoom link! We can’t wait!🤩

#bidwellpres #bpc #presbyterian #summer #summervibes #summerbiblestudy #howtoreadthebible #collegeyoungadults #college #chicostate #wildcats #chico #buttecollege #bcpride #roadrunners #collegeministry

“Our culture is so fixated on dying and going to heaven when the whole Scripture is about heaven coming to earth.” -N.T. Wright

“Jesus’s resurrection is the beginning of God’s new project not to snatch people away from earth to heaven but to colonize earth with the life of heaven. God’s kingdom in the preaching of Jesus refers not to postmortem destiny, not to our escape from this world into another one, but to God’s sovereign rule coming ‘on earth as it is in heaven.’

Judaism uses the concept of ‘bringing heaven to earth’ in a different way. While some religions focus on ascending to heaven, Judaism emphasizes the idea of bringing God’s presence and principles down into the world through actions and mitzvot (commandments). This means living and striving in a way to make the world a more just place.”
-N.T. Wright

Here are some questions we discussed at our last conversation:
Do we have limitations with bringing heaven to earth? What are they? Do they change with seasons?
Does bringing heaven to earth start with bringing heaven to ourselves?
How can we personally bring heaven to earth this week?

#nakedconversations #nakedlounge #chicostate #buttecollege

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RAY MEDINA

PASTOR OF COLLEGE & YOUNG ADULTS

(530) 343-1484

(M-F)

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO WORK WITH YOUNG ADULTS? College students and young adults are full of curiosity and energy. I’ve found they long for authentic forms of community, gritty opportunities to serve, and deeper dives into matters of faith. They think outside the box and courageously challenge the status quo. I myself became a committed follower of Jesus precisely during this phase of life and it changed my whole trajectory! It’s a life phase full of wonder and opportunity!

WHY DO YOU THINK COLLEGE MINISTRY IS IMPORTANT? People in this life stage have remarkable exposure to human diversity and schools of thought. From the standpoint of faith, there is this remarkable opportunity for God to enlarge one’s perspective in a way that leads to greater awe and wonder toward God’s diverse world. That being said, those same college years can lead some to shed their faith like an old High School Letterman Jacket. The difference between owning one’s faith and embracing wonder versus shedding one’s faith comes down to an authentic Christian community, a deeper grasp of Christian faith, and a sense of call toward some aspect of Christian ministry. These are all things the church should do and (in step with the Spirit) can do well!