COME DISCOVER ST. JOHN’S!

JOIN US FOR WORSHIP EVERY SUNDAY, 10 AM - IN PERSON OR ON ZOOM


Join us in pursuing — or renewing — meaningful spirituality,
to discover the healing power of forgiveness and grace,
the relevance of faith in today’s world.
Most of all, to experience the presence of a loving God. Together, we’ll seek understanding and wisdom
in our commitment to justice for all people and for our planet. We look forward to meeting you.
For more information, see Activities @ S J and Events, and subscribe to our Sunday Bulletin
Click here for CAMP ELMWOOD 2026
A man featured as Saint Matthew is kneeling on a stool with a pen in hand as he looks over his shoulder at an angel hoving above him.

12th Sunday after Pentecost … August 16, 2026 @ 10am

Come as you are! Everyone welcome … In-person or on Zoom.

A man featured as Saint Matthew is kneeling on a stool with a pen in hand as he looks over his shoulder at an angel hoving above him.

R E A D I N G S
🔆 Isaiah 56:1,6-8 🔆  Romans 11:1-2 🔆  Matthew 15:21-28

S E R M O N
🔆 “A Place at the Table” – The Reverend Gamil Kamel

M U S I C
PRELUDE … Antiphon, Calvin Hampton (1938-1984)
INTROIT … Dance and Sing, Tune:  Pulling Bracken (Scottish traditional), Text:  John Bell (b. 1949)
HYMN … Behold the Goodness of Our Lord
ANTHEM … Cantate Domino (O Sing to the Lord), Giuseppe Pitoni (1657-1743)
HYMN … Jesu, Jesu, Fill us with Your Love
OFFERTORY … Arietta, Darwin Wolford (1936-2023)
HYMN … Help Us Accept Each Other
POSTLUDE … Fantasia, William Byrd (1542-1623)

Join us for Coffee Hour immediately after the service.
To subscribe to the weekly newsletter, click here.
To join the Zoom weekly Service, click here.

A N N O U N C E M E N T S

Memorial Service for Susan Hunn, August 22
A memorial service for Susan Hunn will be held on Saturday, August 22 at 2pm at St. John’s.

Memorial Service for Julia Oversloot, September 19
A memorial service for Julia Oversloot will be held on Saturday, September 19 at 2pm at St. John’s.

Prospective New Members Forums, August 23 and August 30
These forums, held immediately following coffee hour after worship, are open to whoever would like to learn more about the Presbyterian Church and St. John’s, whether you are already a member, want to be a member, or are still thinking about it. On August 23 we will review basic Presbyterian theology, beliefs, and practices. On August 30 we will follow up on questions from the week before and will also discuss the following questions: What are the expectations and process of joining and being a member? How is it different from just showing up when we are available? What are the essential things to know about membership? Where is the wiggle room? All are welcome.

Summer Choir, August 16 and August 30
Summer is a great time to try out singing in the choir. There are no Wednesday evening rehearsals, just show up at 9am on a Sunday when you would like to join the choir and rehearse a simple anthem. Then, stay for worship and sing! The remaining dates for summer choir are August 16 and August 30. Questions? Ask Todd Jolly (todd@stjohnsberkeley.org) or Evangeline Wolfe (evangeline@stjohnsberkeley.org).

SJ Christian Education Kickoff, September 13
After worship, we will have fun and fellowship – including a bounce house for the kids. Bring your family, invite a friend, and let’s kick off the new season together in joy and community. There will be a scrumptious extended coffee hour – bring something to share if you are able. – Manju Noone

Join PC(USA) for the August PJN Prayer Meeting for Palestine, August 21, 9:30am PT
This month’s PJN prayer meeting on zoom will be hosted by Dr. Aida Haddad, PJN Steering Committee member (click here to join). They will discuss hope and stamina for our movement through collective prayer. If you prefer to send in a prayer request rather than pray on the call, please email the request to the PJN Steering Committee at prayers@thePJN.org.

St. John’s Childcare’s 50th Anniversary and Fundraising Celebration, August 29
Join to celebrate and reminisce from 3-6pm on August 29. If you have memories, stories, or photos of when your children were at St. John’s Childcare, please send them to stjohnit@gmail.com. The celebration will feature food from Off the Grid partners, garden tiles to paint, art projects, face painting, and all the fun centers you remember from St. John’s Childcare’s classrooms. While this is a fundraiser, there are tickets starting at $0, for those who need them. Learn more and reserve your tickets.

East Bay Sanctuary Covenant 2026 Annual Dinner, September 26
EBSC is thrilled to invite the St. John’s community to EBSC’s 2026 Annual Dinner in celebration of their fearless work for immigrant justice. Join on Saturday, September 26 from 3-7pm at St. John’s as we share a delicious meal catered by immigrant chefs from Oakland Bloom, enjoy live music and performances from Duniya Dance & Drum Company, and celebrate our 2026 Sanctuary Champions. Learn more and reserve your tickets.

Alameda County Tobacco Control Coalition is Seeking Leadership Roles, deadline to apply August 19
The Coalition is led by two Co-Chairs and 2 Vice-Chairs. Coalition Co-Chairs and Vice-Chairs are supported by Tobacco Control Program Staff. A comprehensive list of responsibilities for each position is available. Co-Chair and Vice-Chair time commitment is no more than 10 hours per month for the duration of a TWO year term for Co-Chair and ONE year term for Vice-Chairs. If you think you or someone you know would be great, please submit your nomination form by Wednesday, August 19.

Share Feedback on Public Art Proposals for a New Park, deadline August 24
Use a City of Berkeley survey to explore and share feedback on three public art proposals planned for a new neighborhood park in West Berkeley.
Each proposal includes two permanent artworks that would stand at opposite ends of the future park. These artworks would also provide habitat for native and migratory birds and beneficial insects.
Your feedback will help guide the artist selection process before the Civic Arts Commission makes its final decision. Learn more.

QR Code for Giving Money to St. John’s 
One can now donate via PayPal for weekly giving and special events. Simply scan the PayPal QR Code in our bulletin or church lobby. All donations are tax-deductible. Thank you for your continued support.

Featured image: The Inspiration of St. Matthew by Caravaggio (1602), Contarelli Chapel in Rome, Italy

Activities @ S J

 

S U N D A Y
• SJ Worship 10am, Sanctuary & online
• SJ Communion  1st Sundays during Worship, Sanctuary & online
• SJ Children’s & Youth program
10:20am (they leave with teachers from Worship)
• SJ Fellowship 11:15am, Patio or Campbell Hall
• SJ Fair Trade Coffee 11:15am, Some Sundays, Patio or Narthex
• SJ Sunday Forum
11:30am, Some Sundays, Fireside Room & online

• SJ Bell Choir 11:30am, 1st & 3rd Sundays, Choir Room 212

 

M O N D A Y
• Berkeley Community Chorus  6:30pm, Sanctuary

 

T U E S D A Y
• SJ Prime Timers Ceramics  9:30am, Hunter Hall
• Dutch School 4pm, Sproul & Fireside
• Adult Children of Alcoholics
7pm, Rm 212
• PFLAG 4th Tuesday. 7pm, Campbell

 

W E D N E S D A Y
• Food Not Bombs, 11am, Kitchen
• SJ Choir Rehearsal, 7:30pm, Sanctuary

 

T H U R S D A Y
• Food Not Bombs, 11am, Kitchen
SJ Horizons Bible Study, 3rd Thursday, 12pm, Campbell Hall & online

 

F R I D A Y
• SJ Lectionary Bible Study, 10am, online
• SJ Knitting Ministry, 2nd & 4th Friday, 2pm, online
• SJ Flic Flac Movie Group, 3rd Friday, 7:30pm, online

 

S A T U R D A Y
• SJ Men’s Breakfast Group, 1st Sat., 8:30am, online

SCHOOLS @ S J
GROUPS MEETING @ S J
SUBSCRIBE to S J Sunday Bulletin