
What weāre about
š“Ā Our events are all aboutĀ connectionĀ āĀ meeting new friends, exploring new places, and doing fun thingsĀ togetherĀ ā that aren't focused on alcohol or romance.Ā We strive to create a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive space for everyone. Thoughtful behavior is expected, and newcomers are always welcome!
š¢Ā Stay in the loop!
Make sure your Meetup notifications are turned ON so you learn about upcoming events as soon as theyāre announced by email!
š· See our Group Guidelines HERE
š·See ALL our scheduled eventsĀ HERE
š·Ā See our 10,000+ photosĀ HERE
š“ Support Our Group
We rely on annual member donations to cover Meetup fees and occasional venue rentals. If you havenāt donated yet for 2026, please consider giving $20* (cash) directly to the event hostāwith your name. *If you prefer Venmo, please ask your host for details. New to the group? Enjoy a couple of events first ā then chip in if it feels like a good fit!
š“Ā Important Notice & Liability Waiver
By participating in any New Beginnings Social Event, you and your guests RELEASE and DISCHARGE the organizers, hosts, and participants from all liability for injuries, illness, damages, death, issues relating to privacy or economic loss arising from activities, advice, or information provided. Participation is voluntary and entirely at your own risk. You are responsible for your safety, belongings, and transportation decisions. Choose carpool drivers carefully and consider leaving valuables at home.
Upcoming events
86

š Starting Over ā A 4-Week New Beginnings Relationship Series
Ā·OnlineOnlineA new year doesnāt fix everything ā but it can be the moment you begin again. Join us for a 4-week guided series on healing, clarity, and starting over. Reflect, reset, and begin again ā together.
January 7, 14, 21 & 28 | Wednesdays on Zoom
Join us this January as we explore Starting Over, a powerful four-part video series by Andy Stanley that gently walks us through what it really takes to heal, rebuild, and move forward after loss, change, heartbreak, or life-altering transitions.
Life doesnāt always go as planned. Relationships shift, dreams change, and sometimes everything feels like itās come undone. This series helps us pause, make sense of what happened, and choose what comes next ā with clarity, courage, and compassion.
Along the way, weāll explore:
- How do you come to terms with whatās happened?
- How do you process what others did ā and your own part in it?
- How long should you look back before itās time to move forward?
Our 4 Weekly Sessions:
Week 1 ā Introduction & The Three Myths About Starting Over
Week 2 ā Own It!
Week 3 ā Re-Think It!
Week 4 ā Release It!
Each week builds on the last, giving you practical insight, emotional grounding, and space to reflect in community.
This series is presented by Andy Stanley. While the talks occasionally reference scripture, the content is practical, grounded, and focused on universally relevant themes of personal responsibility, reflection, and emotional release. People of all backgrounds and belief systems are welcome.
***
š¬ Our Wednesday Evening Flow
- Welcome & Introductions
- Video Teaching (30ā45 minutes)
- Group Discussion (10-15 minutes)
- Bio Break
- Confidential Sharing Circle (45 minutes)
*We ask that cameras be on during sharing time to help create safety, presence, and connection.
***
š A Little Support Goes a Long Way
If youāre finding value in these gatherings, we invite you to consider a $15ā$20 monthly donation to help support:
⢠Our paid Zoom account
⢠Weekly preparation, curation, and handouts
⢠Ongoing care of this growing community
Venmo: @Amy-Papazian (last 4 digits: 8444)
10% of each donation supports New Beginnings ā our volunteer-led community creating friendship, fun, and fresh experiences.
Whether you give now, later, or simply keep showing up ā you matter here, and weāre grateful for you.
***
āļø Need More Support?
Youāre welcome to book a free strategy session with Amy Papazian, Divorce Coach, or call/text 650-504-8444 for more personalized relationship support.
***
š New Beginnings Social Events
Ready to reconnect with the world a little more? Our New Beginnings Social Events group offers relaxed, welcoming activities ā both in-person around the San Francisco Bay Area and online ā for connection, laughter, and new friendships. Explore whatās coming up: meetup.com/bay-area-new-beginnings7 attendees
š„ š„Ŗāļø Saturday morning coffee at Franklin Street CaffĆ© š šš»
Franklin Street Caffe, 1053 El Camino Real, Redwood City, CA, USKick off your weekend with our legendary Saturday morning coffee hangout!
Here's the deal:
š Drop in whenever you canāno pressure, just good vibes.
š Bring friends! The more, the merrier (bonus points if theyāre coffee lovers).
š Say hi to new facesāwe're all about making everyone feel like part of the crew.
š Please update your RSVP if you aren't coming, so waitlist folks can get in!
We meet on the 1st, 3rd, and (when the calendar gets fancy) 5th Saturday of each month. Come for the coffee, stay for the laughs (and maybe a pastry or two). Your Saturday mornings just got WAY better! āļø
Learn more about Franklin Street CaffƩ on Yelp.
āļø CafĆ© Etiquette
We love being welcomed by local spots like this one! Please support the venue by ordering food or beverages, thanking the staff, and tipping generously. Even when weāre seated outdoors, outside food or drinks arenāt allowed due to health code requirements.
š· See our Group Guidelines HERE
š“ Support Our GroupāØ
We rely on annual member donations to cover Meetup fees and occasional venue rentals. If you havenāt donated in 2026, please consider a $20 cash contribution (with your name) given directly to the event host. New? Enjoy a couple of events first ā then pitch in if it feels like a good fit!
š“ Liability Reminder
By participating in any New Beginnings Social Event, you and your guests RELEASE and DISCHARGE the organizers, hosts, and participants from all liability for injuries, illness, damages, death, issues relating to privacy or economic loss arising from activities, advice, or information provided. Participation is voluntary and entirely at your own risk. You are responsible for your safety, belongings, and transportation decisions. Choose carpool drivers carefully and consider leaving valuables at home.26 attendees
š„¾ GoldenĀ GateĀ to New Year's DayĀ Hike in SF- RESCHEDULED for Jan 17, 2026!
Crissy Field Center, Crissy Field Center, 1199 East Beach, San Francisco., San Francisco, CA, USUPDATE: This hike has been rescheduled for Saturday, January 17. It was cancelled due to poor weather on January 1st.
Kick Off the New Year RIGHT with an Epic Hike! Start your 2026 on the right footāliterally! We're teaming up once again with the San Francisco Bay Area Outings Meetup group for a spectacular hike, usually held annually on New Year's Day, and you're invited to join in the fun.
Hereās the scoop (2 RSVPs for all you need to know!):
- RSVP here so we know to keep an eye out for you!
- For all the juicy details (including carpooling and transit options), head over to the San Francisco Bay Area Outings page on Meetup: Golden Gate to the New Year Day Hike ā Rescheduled for Saturday, Jan 17, 2026. Note: You may need to join their group to see the information.
- PLEASE RSVP on San Francisco Bay Area Outings' page too to receive updates shared before the event. (Remember to RSVP here too!)
Weāre expecting a big crowdā100+ fellow hikers from San Francisco Bay Area Outings Meetup group will be joining us with their host, Hamid, leading the wayāso the more, the merrier!
Hike Description:
We will start from Crissy Field Center (1199 East Beach) in San Francisco at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, then walk to the midpoint of the Golden Gate Bridge and return through the heart of the Presidio.
HIKE SUMMARY:
DESTINATION: Crissy Field Center/ Golden Gate Bridge/ Presidio
DATE: 1-1-2026 (Thursday)
LENGTH: 7 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: 600 feet
START TIME: 11:30 a.m.
FINISH TIME: 4:00 p.m. (Estimate)
DIFFICULTY: Moderate (easier than our usual hikes)
š æļø PARKING: Free at Crissy Field!
BRING: sunscreen/hat, coat, at least 2 liters of water (~2 quarts), snack, rugged walking shoes, smiling face, all the usual essentials. (There is no lunch break, but a short stop to grab a snack after the GG Bridge.)
NOTE: A voluntary donation (suggested amount: $5) will be collected at the end of the hike to help support San Francisco Bay Area Outings Meetup group.
* STARTING POINT *
11:30 a.m. in front of Crissy Field Center, 1199 East Beach, San Francisco. Google Map of location: https://goo.gl/maps/NjxQjbrtT9J2
Further information on Crissy Field at URL: Crissy Field Info
Link to the route: Hamid's New Year's Day Hike
š² For day of event inquiries, text your New Beginnings' Hosts: Gabriela 415-987-9507 or Martin 650-387-1000.
āHike questions? Email Hamid (of SF Bay Area Outings): hamidsaadat@gmail.com. Text him (Day-of-event only): 408-836-3435.
āš» Feel free to use the comments section below to coordinate rides or form a group to take public transit together with your New Beginnings friends.
āļø Letās make this an unforgettable dayāfresh air, great company, and stunning Bay Area views await! š š
š· See our Group Guidelines HERE
š“ Support Our Group
We rely on annual member donations to cover Meetup fees and occasional venue rentals (like this one!). If you havenāt donated yet in 2026, please consider giving $20 (cash) directly to the event hostāwith your name attached. New to the group? Enjoy a couple of events first ā then chip in if it feels like a good fit!
š“ Liability Reminder
By participating in any New Beginnings Social Event, you and your guests RELEASE and DISCHARGE the organizers, hosts, and fellow participants from all liability for injuries, illness, damages, death, issues relating to privacy or economic loss arising from activities, advice, or information provided. Participation is voluntary and entirely at your own risk. You are responsible for your safety, belongings, and transportation decisions. Choose carpool drivers carefully and consider leaving valuables at home.15 attendees
š¶ Learn to Square Dance (Free Intro) in San Jose! ššŗ
Almaden Hills United Methodist Church, 1200 Blossom Hill Road, San Jose, CA, USEver wanted to try something social, active, and genuinely fun ā without needing a partner or any prior experience? This free introductory square dance class is welcoming, playful, and designed for beginners who want to move a little, laugh a lot, and meet new people.
No pressure. No performance. Just a friendly, joyful way to try something new.
(Because joy, movement, and laughter matter more now than ever.)
š Event Details
Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
Time: 1:00ā2:30 pm
Cost: Free
Location:
Almaden Hills Campus, Growing Hope UMC
1200 Blossom Hill Rd
San Jose, CA 95118
Especially convenient for South Bay folks.
Questions? Ask Jim: wernerjim1@gmail.com (New Beginnings member)
š” What This Is (and Isnāt)
- No experience required
- No partner needed ā partners are provided and rotated
- Light, enjoyable movement (not a workout, not a performance)
- A friendly, welcoming group that truly enjoys beginners
- Comfortable clothes and shoes recommended
If you like learning something new, enjoy playful social settings, or want a gentle way to be active and meet people, this is a great fit.
š Parking & Finding the Room
- Ample free parking is available in the church parking lot
- Please note: street parking is not available
- After parking, follow the posted signs from the lot to the square dance room
š Another Free Intro Session
There is a second free intro on Saturday, January 31, 1:00ā2:30 pm.
Join us for both free intro sessions if you can! RSVP HERE for Jan 31.
š Just So You Know
These free intro sessions are offered by a nonprofit as a way to introduce square dancing and share information about their 8-week beginner program, running FebruaryāMarch on Saturdays, 1:00ā4:00 pm.
- Full program tuition: $80
- No obligation to continue ā the intro is simply a chance to try it out
For full details, including exact dates, you can view the flyer HERE.
š· See our Group Guidelines HERE
š“ Support Our Group
We rely on annual member donations to cover Meetup fees and occasional venue rentals (like this one!). If you havenāt donated for 2026 yet, please consider giving $20 (cash) directly to the event hostāwith your name attached. New to the group? Enjoy a couple of events first ā then chip in if it feels like a good fit!
š“ Liability Reminder
By participating in any New Beginnings Social Event, you and your guests RELEASE and DISCHARGE the organizers, hosts, and fellow participants from all liability for injuries, illness, damages, death, issues relating to privacy or economic loss arising from activities, advice, or information provided. Participation is voluntary and entirely at your own risk. You are responsible for your safety, belongings, and transportation decisions. Choose carpool drivers carefully and consider leaving valuables at home.20 attendees
Past events
1902

