CALL Issue 10/19/11


From the Pastor

The congregation has recently had a time of reflection on the use of alcohol in the context of church functions.  It is healthy to be conscious of what we do and how it may impact our life and faith.  We hope and pray for those of us who struggle with addiction or have found ourselves misusing alcohol, and it is God's intention that the church be a place where we find support for healthy living and freedom from addiction. 

            The grace of Christ enables us to discern the appropriateness of any given action within context.  Using the guidance of scripture and the law, and the wisdom of the Spirit, we seek to celebrate life and support one another in our walk on the Way of Christ Jesus.

            Wine plays an integral role in the life of the people of Israel. Palestine has a great climate for the cultivation of wine and olives, much like Napa Valley.  So there are many places where harvests and celebrations and dinners include wine.  In his first miracle in the Gospel of John, Jesus helps out the wedding host when they run out.  In this miracle, the wine is a metaphor for the blood of Christ (and a precursor to Sharing of bread and wine of Communion). Just when we thought the Kingdom party would have to be called off due to insufficient supplies, the life, death and resurrection of Christ provides more than enough for all.  

            On the other hand scripture warns against abuse and misuse, and puts special emphasis on the care and concern for how our behavior affects others.  So as a congregation we have decided to leave the freedom to share a glass of wine from time to time, at dinner or a celebration, even as we encourage each other to be conscious of God’s will for our lives as well as friends, family and our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

            This is a complex and interesting issue with multiple angles from scripture so I think I will spend a bit more time dealing with it in a sermon next week. 

                                                For now, may the peace of Christ be with you.

                                                            Pastor Max

 

 

St. John’s Hosts the Berkeley Interfaith Thanksgiving worship service this year.  Tuesday November 22.  Hold for news of the time.  It is a great service and a great opportunity to show hospitality, honor diversity and inclusivity and give thanks to God.  It will be a dessert Pot Luck. 

 

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Fair Trade News, Christmas Edition

Back by Popular Demand: Gift-sized packages of tiny chocolates, individually wrapped.  And we have some extraordinary New Teas. An assortment of Christmas wrappings will be available—November is a great time to get your Christmas shopping FINISHED. “Merry” Christmas, indeed!

                                                                        —Marilyn Chilcote

 

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Thanks to the small but dedicated group that came out for the annual Shoreline Clean up back on Saturday, September 17

School House Creek was happy with our attentions!  We were part of a much bigger action and received this news from the organizers:  In Berkeley alone, volunteers spent three hours stuffing garbage bags full of 14,179 plastic food wrappers or containers, 7,187 cigarette filters, 6,721 caps and lids, 6,615plastic bags, and 4,785 straws and stirrers, to name the top nastiest. We know of this thanks to your collected data. We were able to clean most of the Berkeley waterfront, and Aquatic Park. The data we collect is submitted to the Ocean Conservancy, so they can change laws about marine dumping.

                                                                        —Robyn Dean

 

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Childcare will now be available at the Young Adult Fellowship group!

Please contact Pastor Karen at karen@stjohnsberkely.org if you wish to use this service. The Young Adult Fellowship Group meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month from 7:00-9:00pm in Pastor Karen’s office. Please join us, as we enjoy good food, good friends and study the book of Romans. 

 

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St. John's new Youth Choir for all ages will begin short weekly rehearsals each Sunday after church starting October 30 and will continue rehearsal on the second and fourth Sundays of each month. Founding members are Kate Perdue, Anna Saldinger, Channi and Zuali Bungsut. New members including boys will be welcome. For information contact Todd Jolly.

 

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Haunted house and family pre-Halloween party Saturday October 29

Everyone is invited to attend St. John's Haunted House and Family Pre-Halloween Party Saturday October 29 6:30 to 8:15pm. Wear costumes. The Haunted House—which will be built in the lower depths of the church by St. John's and Camp Elmwood youth 6th grade and up—is for all ages and features adjustable scariness.             The party in the Fireside Room for all who survive the Haunted House and their families and friends will feature old-fashioned Halloween games, stories, songs and refreshments. Pick up, post, and distribute flyers.  Invite everyone!

 

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Yes, it's time to begin preparations for St. John's Christmas Pageant . . .

to be presented at worship Sunday, December 11. There will be a brief meeting after church for potential participants and parents Sunday, November 6 after church. Tentative dates for our Christmas Pageant rehearsal sleepover with pizza, movie, pancakes, and lots of practice time are Saturday, November 12 at 6:00pm through Sunday, November 13 at 11:00am.

 

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Presbyterian Today:   “Generous Giving” is the theme of the October 15th issue on stewardship.  The article “The Evangelism of Listening” will be of interest to many of you.  Pick up your magazine in the narthex or on the table by the office.

 

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Flick Flak will meet for a potluck at 6:30pm on Friday, October 28 in the Campbell Reception Room.  The films to see are "Higher Ground" currently at the Elmwood and "The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975" playing at the Shattuck and the Piedmont.

 

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Women at the Well will meet at 8:30am on Saturday, October 29.

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The Literature Club will meet in the Fireside Room on Thursday, October 27 at 2:30pm.  This month we are reading "Burning Bright" by Tracy Chevalier, including some of the poetry by William Blake.