Come as you are! Everyone welcome … In-person or on Zoom.
R E A D I N G S
🔆Psalm 23 🔆 Ephesians 5:8-14 🔆John 9:1-41
S E R M O N
🔆“ I Once Was Blind, Now I See” – The Rev. Dr. Max Lynn
M U S I C
PRELUDE … Prelude on St. Columba, Henry Ley (1887-1962)
INTROIT … God to Enfold You, John Bell (b. 1949)
HYMN … The King of Love My Shepherd Is
ANTHEM … Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God, Eric Choate (b. 1990)
HYMN … Amazing Grace
OFFERTORY … Keep Watch, Dear Lord, Eric Choate
HYMN … The Glory of These Forty Days
POSTLUDE … Jesus Christus, unser Heiland, J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
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 Sunday, 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.
Fair Trade Coffee & Chocolate Sales on March 22
Since 2011, St. John’s members have purchased tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of organic, fair-trade coffee, tea, and chocolate, to support small-scale farmers across the world.
This is not a fundraiser for the church; SJ offers these products at the lowest prices possible to the church community — the more frequently we choose these products, the greater our participation in a truly just economic system.
On Sunday, September 7, during coffee hour on the patio (or in the narthex if it’s raining), there will an assortment of products to select from — come take a look! – Bill Herwood
SJ Good Friday: Tenebrae and Spirituals on April 3 in the Sanctuary
Tenebrae is the Latin word for “shadows” or “darkness.” A tenebrae service recounts Jesus’ arrest, mock trial, and crucifixion, and typically is observed on Good Friday. A quiet service of meditation, Tenebrae begins in candlelight. As each reading concludes, a candle is extinguished, until complete darkness descends upon the congregation.
At St. John’s, we sing African American spirituals between readings. The poignant and rich texts and tunes of the spirituals accentuate the agony of the cross. At the conclusion of the service, the congregation departs in silence.
The Good Friday Service is on Friday, April 3 at 7:30pm in the Sanctuary. Please plan to arrive a few minutes early, to have a few minutes to sit quietly before the service begins. Bring a friend, colleague, or family member.
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.
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 the body that is Christ’s church in the world. In support of the operations 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 info on Per Capita Tax found on the PCUSA website. Thank you for your consideration. – Lynne Royer
A prayer for the Fourth Sunday in Lent
Gracious God, giver of all light and vision, by your Word you made the day and night. Let your wondrous work be revealed in us so that your glory might shine like the sun; through Jesus Christ, the light of the world. John 9:1-42 To read all the prayers for Lent, please go to the Presbyterian USA website here.
No Kings March Protest on March 28
Out Mission and Justice Commission is encouraging the members and friends of St. John’s to participate in the “No Kings” March on Saturday, March 28 from Noon to 2:30pm. Meet in the SJ garage at 11:15 to carpool to Frank Ogawa Plaza in Oakland for the march to Lake Merrit amphitheater. Make signs beforehand to carry: “No Thrones” ‘No Crowns” “No Kings!” The organizers have asked participants to wear YELLOW” – the theme color.
Or take BART to Frank Ogawa/ Oscar Grant Plaza in downtown Oakland. Look for St. John’s fellowship near the red “Faith” sign on 14th Street. The Faith delegations are to be the first protest group (see the map below). We will start marching at 1pm from the Plaza to Lake Merritt Amphitheatre; bordering Lake Merritt Blvd, between 12st Street and 1st Avenue. For more information, contact the Rev. Sally Juarez.
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@stjohnsberkeley.org for more details and the full job description, or send candidates directly to her.