November 7, 2007

 The Velvet Elvis

Last Sunday, while you had the blessing of Todd Jolly leading worship, I was down in Big Sur for some Continuing Ed time. One of the books I've been reading is called "The Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith. "I have already decided I want to read it with you, especially those who are relatively new to the Church or Christianity.

            Rob Bell, the author and pastor of the "emerging" Mars Hill church, which meets in an old mall in Grand Rapids , has a genuine velvet Elvis. What if the author of that painting decided that since it was perfect, all painting should cease? No more need for painting: that one captures the truth of art for all time and place!

            Rev. Bell uses this as a metaphor for the Church, and suggests that the Gospel, the Way, continually needs to be painted again, by us, for our time and place. Wonderful implications for doctrine and worship and a fun book so far. Great for folk who are trying to get a basic understanding of what we are to be about. It may be a good Christmas present for kids or grandkids — Gen X and Y types, I will plan to read it with you in January.

            Love to you all,

            Pastor Max

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Stewardship Sunday is November 11

Please prayerfully consider your financial pledge for 2008 and bring your pledge commitment to church for dedication on Nov. 11.This is your normal stewardship giving which supports the church's operating budget (not the capital campaign).  

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

St. John's has a new Nature Hike Club! Save Nov. 17

Karma Dewitt and Fred Goff will be leading a nature hike on the Inspiration Point trail in Tilden Regional Park Saturday, November 17.Meet at St. John's parking lot at 10am or meet at the Inspiration Point Parking lot at 10:20 for a two-hour hike and picnic lunch.

Bring a lunch, hat, sunscreen, water, (and binoculars if you have them).

We'll aim to get people back to St. John's at 1:15pm.Rain cancels.

Please let Fred  or Karma know if you plan to join us, need a ride, etc. Inspiration Point trail is an easy, relatively flat trail, which can have spectacular views of the Bay Area on a clear day.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

See Glenda and Stuart's Slides of Australian Outback

We invite the St. John's community to see our slides of the Australian outback. We will have a potluck dinner on Sunday, November 18, at 6:00pm and slides at 8:00.
 Let us know if you plan to come.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

A special concert by Anne Shapiro,
former section leader and soloist at St. John's

Anne Shapiro will be singing with Rebecca Boblak Trujillo, pianist, and Javier Trujillo, guitarist, in a concert of Spanish and Latin American music, on Sunday, November 18, at 4pm at the Giorgi Gallery, 2911 Claremont Ave. (between Ashby and Russell). A $15 donation will benefit the Latin American Music Scholarship Fund.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

 Davitt Moroney's recital at St. John 's a success

See this review in the SF Classical Voice of his recent concert, part of St. John 's Concert series.http://www.sfcv.org/2007/10/23/in-moroneys-hands/

            During the performance, Professor Davitt Moroney was most gracious in educating the audience about the organ on our behalf. Davitt is also the curator of the University's extensive collection of historical organs, and said St. John's Brombaugh is one among the four finest organs (two of these are part of the University's collection) in the Bay Area, as well as his personal favorite, because it gives the true feeling of playing an antique, historical instrument.

            He also called attention that in a few years time that the organ is likely to need an expensive maintenance cycle, in particular the reconditioning of the wooden supports for the heavy tin and lead pipes. This is an expenditure which session might consider in a future fundraising campaign. With proper maintenance, the organ at St. John’s will outlast us for several centuries, and likely become better with age.

            Around a hundred people attended the concert; we made about $1300, benefiting both UC Berkeley's Baroque Music Fund and organ recitals at St. John's .

            Next organ recital is Nov. 18:

            an outstanding artist, harpsichordist Jonathan Rhoades Lee.

 - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The Women at the Well will meet on Saturday, Nov. 23. . .

from 8:30 to 10:30am in the Church office. Please join us for this informal time of sharing, encouragement, and enrichment. All women are welcome! Questions? Call Barbara Taylor .

 - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Deacons to hold a Thanksgiving Supper after church Nov. 25

We truly have much to be thankful for this year with the successful Capital Campaign, the Centennial Celebrations, new members, and many renewal and restoration projects completed or in process. Plan your potluck contribution and come enjoy an afternoon of thanksgiving.

And ~ The Deacons thank you for wearing your nametags; please keep up the good work!

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

 Flick Flak happens Friday, November 30. . .

at 6:30pm in the Campbell Reception Room for a potluck meal and to discuss the movie “Dan in Real Life” and the movie “Before the Devil Knows you’re Dead.” Please see the movie, and come to share your response and ideas! Bring your own dinner plate and silverware.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

If Halloween comes, can Christmas be far behind?!

Christmas Pageant Preparations to begin!

This year's Christmas Pageant, to be presented in worship Sunday, December 16, will be a joint presentation of St. John's Church School and Wednesday After School Program. Planning conferences are scheduled for Wednesday, November 7 at 6:30pm and Sunday, December 11 during Church School .

Rehearsals with breakfast will be on Sunday mornings at 8:45am beginning December 18 and continuing until the day of the pageant.

We will also rehearse Wednesday afternoons and our final dress rehearsal and cast party will be Friday, December 14 at 6:30pm.

We need the participation of all children and youth. We need actors, dancers, singers, musicians, and people to help with costumes and props, and we need a new baby to be Jesus!

We are excited that this year Todd Jolly will help us to sing better than ever. For information see Fred Harvey.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

 Spanish, anyone?

Anyone who hasn't already expressed interest, or even if you have, please email Gail Peterson with your preference for time/day/frequency (2x week?), rate you could pay for an incoming Spanish teacher?! 

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

 November Prime Timers

"Seniors" over 50 are welcome.  Classes are ongoing and always welcome new members. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30am, St. John's Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Avenue , Berkeley .  Call 845-6830.

Prime Timers Schedule