The new year affords a time for reflection, it can mark a transition in our lives and promotes an opportunity to dream of what might be. While this chance to reboot happens annually by the calendar, it is also an everyday occurrence. One of my favorite descriptions of life as a follower of Christ is that every morning we wake is a kind of resurrection, an opportunity to choose to let God's grace and Spirit work in us for new life.
January marks the halfway point for my internship at St. John's and I thank you all for the time that we have shared together so far. As your intern, I am continually impressed by the many ways this church as a community seeks to live out the love and joy of lives grounded in grace.
At the most recent Mission and Justice commission meeting the call to do more local community based acts of service was presented. It is a call I hope we all can hear. I wonder though what things do we currently do, as individuals, that share God's love with the world? What choices and decisions do you make that are inspired by your faith? Are there new ways and new visions of how we, acting independently or as St John's can live out God's love within our church community or Berkeley and the East Bay?
If you would like to share answers to any of these questions, feel free to drop a note in my box at the church office. I would be honored hear any of your insights and examples.
Blessings, Jason
(Ed's note:Jason Guy is St. John's intern from Pacific School of Religion, here until May.)————————————————————————
In our prayers:
Irene Krones passed away at Alta Bates on Monday, January 11, 2010 at 5pm --She had pneumonia. We will miss her dearly. Although yet not finalized with her family,a memorial service is tentatively scheduled for Feb. 13, 10am. The next Call will give the exact date and time. … and...
Robert McConnell had a small stroke December 26 and is recovering at the Emeritus at Creekside Lodge for about 2 more weeks He is reachable through his cell phone:(510) 334-2775 or Emeritus at Creekside Lodge - 13956 San Pablo Avenue, San Pablo, CA 94806
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Family Snow Trip. Whether you like to spend your snow time snuggled around theFrom fire with a cup of (Fair Trade) cocoa, or snowboarding down the slope, or ducking snowballs near Lake Tahoe, the St. John's Snow Trip, January 29-31, is the place for you.
We've got a great big house, some good food – all we need is to you! Join your church family for this wonderful opportunity. All ages. Costs are minimal. Program in formal. As our pastor would say, “it's a blast!”
– --Talk to pastor Max for details.
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Mission Matters – From the St. John's Mission and Justice Committee
2010 is a great year to join with this church family in working to live out our faith in the community and wider world. Plans are to continue and strengthen our membership in The Berkeley Organization of Congregations for Action (BOCA), and the East Bay Sanctuary Covenant (EBSC). Watch for more news.
We want to surround and support one of our members, David McPhail, as he continues his discernment around his serious decision to to commit civil disobedience at this year's protests of the evils of the School of the Americas .
South America and its struggles for justice in the environment, the economy and the world politic will be highlighted, as two of our members return from the Joining Hands conference In Bolivia.
And we will find lots of opportunities for hands-on projects for members of all ages – from cleaning up the shoreline to stuffing socks with toothbrushes! Healthcare, immigration, water, – what are your issues? Join us! Speak to chairperson Fred Goff, or Glenda Pawsey.
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Women at the Well , Jan 30 from 8:30 - 10:30 am, Saturday, in the church office. Come see what makes this a warm wonderful fellowship
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Women’s Bible Study, Thursday, January 14, 12-2 PM
Read Joshua 1:2-3, 10-15; 5:10-12.
The Land of Promise, or the Promised Land? In the book of Joshua is the presumption that the land of Canaan has been promised to the Israelites as a possession; however there is no single place in Joshua where this is absolutely spelled out. Bring your lunch and your Bible. Marietta Harvey, 510-912-0090.
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Shawl Ministry, Friday, January 15, February 5 and 19, 1 PM
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Adult Forum Schedule
Jan. 17 - Faith at Work – Presenters: Sally Hussey and Don Rising
Jan. 24 - Faith at Work – Presenters: Charlie Dewitt and Peggy Lynch
Jan. 31 – Faith at Work – Presenters : Andy Benson and
Feb. 7 - Report from Youth Environmental Conference in Bolivia by Sara
Harling and Xotil
Feb. 14 – Annual Meeting
2 more opportunities for spiritual reflection:
Friday, February 19 Pastor Max will be leading an early morning, hour of spiritual reflection and study --7-8 AM, 6 weeks.(Does this mean he can't go surfing that morning?)
A heads up on Lenten study opportunities:
Ash Wednesday, February 17,Jason Guy and David McPhail begin a study of 6 biblical texts using lectio divina, an ancient Christian form of meditation. 6-7 PM, 6 weeks. At our Sunday morning, 11:15 AM Adult forum For Lent, the first three weeks will concern the meaning of the atonement led by Dr. Bruce Willats. The last three weeks will be a study of the Psalms led by Pastor Max.
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Flick Flak will meet Friday, Jan. 22, in the Campbell Reception Room for a 6:30 pm potluck. Come and share the films you have seen this Christmas season, and help pick the film or films to see next month.
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Volunteers are urgently needed to during the delicious treats which so enliven our coffee hours after worship. Find a friend or two and let Dorothy Worth know that you are willing. Your act of hospitality is guaranteed to touch someone deeply. We come to worship with all kinds of needs; It is clear to me that simply being offered a handful of fruit or a luscious brownie is an act of love. Ask a Deacon how it is done (MC)
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A note from the temporary editor: There is a surprising blessing In assuming these responsibilities “on the fly;” because I really don't know what I'm doing I have all kinds of excuses for my mistakes. That said I have some questions? I am using a slightly smaller font size; are the letters difficult for you to read? Am I forgetting important elements which you are accustomed to having in this newsletter? You can reach me at temporaryMarilyn@yahoo.com, or call me Thanks, Marilyn
Presbyterians Today. The January/February issue has so many interesting articles. Included are a Lenten Vocational Guide, and an article about the new/old practice of having Spiritual Directors, which may or may not be the pastor or an Elder. SFTS is mentioned several times in this article.
I feel compelled to tell you about the survey of Presbyterian political affiliations:
Almost half of members and elders are Republicans.
Half of pastors are Democrats.
About one in four Presbyterians, regardless of grouping, are Independents.
Political preferences among Presbyterians have remained relatively stable since 1987.
Religious beliefs are strongly related to political preference. For example, 26 percent of Democrats, but 50 percent of Republicans, agree that “only followers of Jesus Christ can be saved.
Feel free to take a copy in the narthex on Sunday or outside the church office during the week. --Marietta Harvey
St. John's Presbyterian Church
2727 College Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94705
Call David McPhail!