Come as you are! Everyone welcome … In-person or on Zoom.
R E A D I N G S
🔆Psalm 51 🔆Isaiah 35:1-10 🔆2 Corinthians 4:7-18
S E R M O N
🔆“Joy in the Wilderness” – The Rev. Sally Juarez
M U S I C
PRELUDE … Sei gegrüsset, Jesu gütig: Chorale and Variation 6 (Hail to You, Kind Jesus), J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
INTROIT … God to Enfold You, John Bell (b. 1949)
HYMN … I to the Hills Will Lift My Eyes
ANTHEM … Let Nothing Disturb Thee, Jean Berger (1909-2002)
HYMN … What Wondrous Love Is This
OFFERTORY … Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ (I Call to You, Lord Jesus Christ), J.S. Bach
ANTHEM … Lamb of God, Antonio Lotti (1667-1740)
HYMN … Lord, Who Throughout These Forty Days
POSTLUDE … O Gott, du frommer Gott: Partitas I and II (O God, Thou Faithful God), J.S. Bach
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 – – – – – – –
Lenten Meditation
Join us on the Sundays of March 1 and March 22 at 11:30am in the Fireside Room for a time of Lenten Meditation. We will follow the themes in the book, Wondrous Encounters by Richard Rohr, but reading the book is not necessary. We will combine a brief reading and reflection on the scripture passages from the week with a suggested meditation, and a time of silent meditation. We have a few books available for purchase for $8.99. You may also take a book for free or order it from other channels. If you have any questions, please contact intern Elizabeth Conway.
Per Capita Tax
Per Capita Tax connects Presbyterian Church (USA) congregations and mid councils with the work of the wider church. Per capita is how Presbyterians mutually and equitably share the costs of moving the church forward. The work of the PC(USA), and the work of the General Assembly, is only possible because church members have said they are “all in” and committed to connection through per capita support.
It is about joining together as a community and being one body, the body that is Christ’s church in the world. In support of the operations and administration of the Presbyterian Church (USA), please send in a check for $45 for each SJ member in your household. Write “per capita tax” in the check memo line and place in the offering plate, or mail to Cathy Lyon, our bookkeeper. Click on link for detailed information on Per Capita Tax found on the PCUSA website. Thank you for your consideration. – Lynne Royer
St. John’s Annual Meeting on March 8
The Annual Meeting of St. John’s Presbyterian Church of Berkeley, along with a potluck lunch, will be held in Hunter Hall right after worship on Sunday, March 8, 2026. The purpose of the meeting is to receive St. John’s Annual Report for 2025 and to vote on the 2026 Terms of Call for Pastor Max Lynn. – Diane Morrison
Seeking a new Camp Elwood director
Camp Elmwood is in search of a new Camp Director for the summer of 2026 (and possibly for subsequent summers!) In partnership with Manju Noone, this leader helps deliver a great camper experience and supervises volunteers and staff. The role is time-limited (not year-round). The two Camp weeks are very busy, full-time weeks, and the Director participates in about 35 hours of prep/cleanup.
This is perfect summer work for a young adult or a newly graduated college student, or an aspiring leader in education, recreation, or youth development. The Director must be 21 years old or older (per state law), and most work is on-site in Berkeley, California. Ideal candidates are passionate about and experienced with camp or youth programming. Do you know someone? Can you help spread the word? Reach out to Manju for more details and the full job description, or send candidates directly to her.
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.
A prayer for the Second Sunday in Lent
God of great love, you alone can take away the sting of sin and remove the venom of death. Show us a sign of your saving power in Jesus Christ, so that we may believe in him and receive the gift of eternal life; through Christ, our healer and redeemer. John 3:1-17
To read all the prayers for Lent, please go to the Presbyterian USA website here