December, 2009 Newsletter
Substitute editor's note: This mini-issue of the St. John's CALL is going out only to those of us who receive this newsletter by e-mail. Look for a full print version coming out after Christmas. mc**
Isa.9:6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government will be upon his shoulder,
and his name will be called
"Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
It is a few days before Christmas, and all through the house not a creature is stirring except me as I write this article. Oh how we dream of that great leader to sweep in put the government on his shoulder. And how ominous the task and calling to be a Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace!
I couldn’t wait to read President Obama’s acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize. Apparently the Nobel Committee fell victim to hope, casting their wish upon this new and brilliant star. After a very tough year in politics, I wonder if the prize was more of a burden than a blessing to the President. Then again, perhaps it is not a bad idea to help the leader of the world to set a priorities.
The President pays tribute to King Jr. and Gandhi, saying, “I am living tribute to the moral force of non-violence. I know there is nothing weak – nothing passive – nothing naïve – in the creed and lives of Gandhi and King.”
“But as head of state sworn to protect and defend my nation, I cannot be guided by their examples alone. I face the world as it is…” He then moves into the idea of just war, and how to build a just and lasting peace. Even as I find myself greatful for his brilliance, in my reading the image of Dostoyevski’s character the “Grand Inquisitor” keeps coming into my mind.
The Inquisitor learns that Christ has come again and quickly has him arrested. The inquisitor sneaks off at night to meet Jesus in a cave, to explain his point of view, and why Jesus will have to be killed once again. The inquisitor does all the talking, justifying all his compromises with his great responsibility. His logic is brilliant as he tries to take into account all the arguments he thinks Jesus might throw at him. He finishes his great speech feeling quite smug, yet desperately hoping for confirmation from Jesus. Jesus walks up, gives the Inquisitor a kiss, and walks away.
How painful is that kiss? No argument, just forgiveness. Radical, Divine forgiveness. Ouch, but thank you just the same. Israel hopes for the great warrior king. We hope for the great warrior king. Such a reasonable hope! What we get at Christmas, what President Obama gets at Christmas, what the world gets at Christmas is a Divine kiss. Ouch, but thank you just the same.
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Things to watch out for at St. John’s:
Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship – 5:30 PM
Family worship, great music
Bring Friends!
Sunday, Dec 27, Bob McKenzie preaching – “Typical Teenager!”
Sunday, Jan 3, Jason Guy (Intern) leads worship. Communion Sunday
Chocolate Sunday and adult forum “Chocolate Tasting Party” *see below
Sunday, January 10, Pastor Max preaching –
After worship Maybeck High School will be giving tours of their new school upstairs at St. John’s. Our congregation is developing a warm relationship with this wonderful school. Come enjoy their hospitality – a wonderful reception.
Family Snow Trip
January 29, 30, 31 Since Claudia Cate so graciously loans us her cabin in Tahoe City the trip is very cheap; the cost of food and gas. Talk to pastor Max if you would like to go.
2 Exciting events for January 3 – One profound and soul enriching, and the other, well maybe just delicious:
Fair TradeChocolate Tasting Party!
Adult Forum (children invited!)
Do you have trouble deciding which of the Fair Trade chocolate flavors you prefer?
Do you know the proper way to taste chocolate?
You will taste and compare the appearance, aroma, textures and flavors
and subtleties of each of the a chocolate bars.
You will hear stories of fair trade farmers and their families from all over the world.
Sip Fair Trade coffee, cocoa or tea to cleanse your palate. Very tasteful adult education, don't you think? A family event. ($1.50 donation requested per person)
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Houston Smith
Some World Religion Jewels I have Uncovered
(since I wrote my 1958 book on World Religions”)
Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 at 3 PM
Berkeley Friends Church
1600 Sacramento St.
(2 blocks north of the North Berkeley BART station)
Huston Smith, Ph.D. served as a member of the faculty at Washington Univ., MIT, and Univ. of California at Berkeley. He is the author of more than a dozen books including his classic text on World Religions which has been translated into many languages and has sold more that 4 million copies. He is 90 years old and has spent 60 years of his life on learning, practicing, and teaching about major world religions. No fee for attendance—All people of goodwill are welcome
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Women's Bible study January 14, 2010, 12pm – 2pm Campbell Reception Room
Call Marietta Harvey
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Shawl Ministry meets Fri, January 15, 2010, 1:00pm – 3:30pm
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Women at the Well meets Saturday morning, Sat, January 23, 2010, 9am – 10am Come see what makes this a warm wonderful fellowship!
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**this is Marilyn Chilcote substituting for Gail Peterson, who is confined at home with broken bones. So we all send her our prayers for rapid healing.Because I basically am not very sure of what I am doing trying to put out this newsletter for our congregation, I ask your patience. I also ask your participation. Please feel free to e-mail me important information that should be included in the CALL, and any helpful hints on how to produce it. I use voice recognition software, and it frequently makes recognition errors – It is my only excuse for all problems with editing! Sometimes it works...
