Come as you are! Everyone welcome … In-person or on Zoom.
R E A D I N G S
🔆 Romans 12:1-8 🔆 Matthew 16:13-20
S E R M O N
🔆 “Standing on the Rock of Faith Over the Gates of Hell” – The Reverend Dr. Max Lynn
M U S I C
PRELUDE … Trio for Two Flutes and Piano Op. 119: Allegro moderato, Friedrich Kuhlau (1786-1832)
HYMN … I Will Give Thanks with My Whole Heart
ANTHEM … Trio for Two Flutes and Piano Op. 119: Adagio patetico, Friedrich Kuhlau (1786-1832)
HYMN … How Firm a Foundation
OFFERTORY … Andante, Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)
HYMN … O God, Our Faithful God
POSTLUDE … Toccata in F Major, Dieterich Buxtehude (1637-1707)
Join us for Coffee Hour immediately after the service.
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A N N O U N C E M E N T 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.
New Scout Year Begins!
The new school year is starting up, and that means the new Scout year is also starting! St. John’s charters Troop 777 for middle and high school girls and Troop 6 for boys. Please invite any young person you know to join us this year. More information is available online at Troop777Berkeley.org or Troop6Berkeley.org, or contact August (Troop 777) at august.fern@gmail.com or Chris (Troop 6) at cwkent100@gmail.com for more info. Troop 777 would especially like to invite all interested girls to join us on Wednesday, August 26, at 7:30 in the Fireside Room! – August Fern, Troop 777 Leader
Summer Choir, 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 date for summer choir is 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
Free 42″ Samsung TV
Claudia Cate has a 42” Samsung TV, plus remote and wall mount unit available at no cost for someone who wants it. Please call her at 510-384-5777 if you’re interested.
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.
Save Berkeley Shops Community Gathering, August 30
At this gathering, the agenda will cover an update on the City’s proposed upzoning plans for Upper Solano Avenue, North Shattuck and the Elmwood; ideas for preserving our small businesses while creating affordable housing; and next steps. The gathering will be held at Northbrae Community Church from 3-5pm on Sunday, August 30. Learn more.
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. 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.
Featured image by Lachcim Kejarko