January 23, 2008
From Pastor MaxOK, folks, lots is happening:
education, Lent, annual meeting, and more. . .take a look!
This Sunday a bunch of us will be playing in the snow up at Tahoe, with
thanks to Claudia Cate for the pleasure of her home. Bob McKenzie will be
leading worship.
There are a few things happening in other faith communities which I think
are worthy of attention.
On Feb 2, at 1pm,
there will be an Immigration Forum at
Primera Iglesia Presbiteriana de Oakland,
1941 High St.
John Fife, Former Moderator of the
PC (USA), pastor and organizer of the underground railroad for Sanctuary
Movement in Tucson, will be speaking. Primera Iglesia is one of the churches
for which I am Committee on Ministry liaison.
Thursday, Feb. 7 at 7:30pm,
First Congregational Church of Berkeley willhost Lester Brown. Brown is editor
of World Watch Magazine and the annualState of the World book which reports
on interlocking global issues with the purpose of creating a sustainable
and just economic and environmental global systems. This year he is
promoting Plan B: Mobilizing to Save Civilization. The Washington Post has called
Lester Brown "one of the world's most influential thinkers."
Wed. Feb. 13, at 7:30pm,
Temple Beth El will be hosting a conversation on Israel and Palestine with emphasis
on folks working for peace.
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Educational Opportunities at St. John's
Book Reading: The Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell. See Max for a book. Feb. 28
at the Lynns' house, March 13, 27 at the Perdues' house. Easy reading and
faith affirming, Rob Bell talks about some of the basics of faith.
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Upcoming Sunday Forums
February 3 Election Forum at 11:30am following worship, in the
Fireside Room
The Christian Education Commission will present a forum for an open
discussion of the issues and candidates we will be voting on when we go to
the polls February 5. The panelists who will lead our discussion are Alice
Bodnar, Dorothy Worth, Fred Goff, Howard Perdue, and Fred Harvey. Come to
listen, to learn, and to share your insights and passions. We are all in
this together!
February 10 Liturgist and Usher Training, following worship
Come one, come all, to pick up pointers on becoming an effective worship
leader.
February 17, March 2, 9, 16 following worship
The Passion Story in the Four Gospels,
Rev. Bob McKenzie, who led a well-received forum series on the
beginning of Jesus' life as told in the four Gospels, will reconvene Lenten series
of four Sundays called "The Final Drama: What Did the First Disciples Make of
Jesus' Resurrection Appearances?"
February 24 in Hunter Hall following worship
Annual Meeting, Sunday, Sunday, Feb 24 in Hunter Hall
We will gather for a potluck, to review 2007, the 2008 budget and to approve
the Pastor's terms of call.
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Lent Worship notes
Feb. 6 6:30pm Ash Wednesday service
March 9 Youth-led Worship
March 20 6:30pm Maundy Thursday, soup and communion
March 21 sunrise Good Friday worship and protest at Laurence Livermore Lab
March 23 Easter Sunday
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Can you imagine joining Pastor Max on a trip to Guatemala. . .
to see for yourself the construction of the medical clinic St. John's is
helping to build at Quiche, and possibly help out in some way? Probably in
April 2008, and maybe rough going with less than "tourist accommodations."
Even so, this promises to be a remarkable experience with great spiritual
benefits. Let Pastor Max know of your interest!
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Saint John's Concert Committee. . .
meets after church on Jan. 27 at King Yen restaurant. We will be discussing
our 2008 season.
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Berkeley-Albany Church Women United . . .
will meet at St. John's on Friday, February 1, 9:30-11:30am, in the Fireside
Room. The focus of the meeting will be the Bible Study in preparation for
the annual World Day of Prayer on March 7 at McGee Avenue Baptist Church.
Rev. Naomi Southard, pastor of Berkeley Methodist United Church, will lead
the study. All are welcome!
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Women's Bible Study
"Love That Goes Above and Beyond the Call of Duty" (a good topic for
Valentine's Day!) Read Ruth 1 (Lesson 6 in our study book) and come to the
Campbell Reception Room on Thursday, February 14, noon to 2pm. Bring your
Bible and lunch. Questions? Call Barbara Taylor.
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Walking and Nature group. . .
meets the third Saturday (Feb. 16) at 10am in the church parking lot. Bring
your lunch, sturdy walking shoes, curiosity and water. For information call
Karma Dewitt.
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Communion is now celebrated on the first Sundayof the month.
WMA felt this change (from the second Sunday of the month) was
a good one, based on the liturgical calendar. From the Worship,
Music &Arts Commission
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"Evangelism" is not a dirty word.
It means sharing the Good News of God's Incredible Love for All.
What message could be more beautiful than that?
Jesus said, "Wherever two or more are gathered in His name, I am there
also."
Let's not allow extremists to co-opt the language or mission of our church.
Bring a friend or family member to church!