5th Sunday of Easter … Sanctuary’s 50 Anniversary, Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 10am
Come as you are! Everyone welcome … In-person or on Zoom.
R E A D I N G S
Psalm 118, Pslam 84, 1 Peter 2:4-5, 1 Peter 2:10, Psalm 207
S E R M O N
“A Firm Foundation” by The Rev. Dr. Max Lynn
M U S I C
PRELUDE … “Canzon septimi toni – No. 2” Giovanni Gabrieli (1557-1612)
“Darwall’s 148th” Percy Whitlock (1903-1946)
INTROIT … “Upon This Rock” Text by Sally K. Albrecht (b. 1954), Music by Jay Althouse (b. 1951)
HYMN … “Ye Holy Angels Bright” and “Amazing Grace“
ANTHEM … “Locus Iste” Anton Bruckner (1824-1896)
HYMN … “How Firm a Foundation”
OFFERTORY … “O How Amiable” (Hail, Mother of mercy) René Vierne (1878-1918)
HYMN … “Lord, You Give the Great Commission”
POSTLUDE … “Abbot’s Leigh” Austin Lovelace (1919-2010))
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 – – – – – – –
Our Sanctuary’s 50th Anniversary Celebration Sunday, May 18
St. John’s is 118 years old, but the Sanctuary is turning 50 this year. Join us on Sunday, May 18 in Worship, and for a Party after worship on the lawn: Bring friends, family and neighbors. There will be authentic Mexican tacos, salads, cake, refreshments, a Bluegrass Band, and a Bounce House! Click on the link for our 50th Anniversary webpage — lots of interesting history on the Sanctuary.
Congregational Meeting, June 1
There will be a Congregational Meeting in the Sanctuary right after worship on Sunday, June 1st to receive the report of the Nominating Committee and to vote on Elders and Deacons for the Class of 2028 and for the Congregational Representative for the 2025/26 Nominating Committee. – Diane Morrison, Cleark of Session
Berkeley CROP Walk 2025
Get involved with the annual Berkeley CROP Hunger Walk! The Berkeley CROP Hunger walk supports Church World Service (CWS), Dorothy Day House, and the Berkeley Food Pantry. These non-profits operate food programs, emergency response assistance, and longer-term solutions. You can donate and/or register to walk by visiting the CROP walk’s website. One may also give checks made out to “CWS/CROP” to Greg or Don Rising. This year’s walk will be held on Sunday, May 18 at St. Mary Magdalen at 1:30pm.
From Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity
IM4HI will be joining this year’s Quest for Democracy 2025 on Monday, May 19 at 9AM at the California State Capitol (Area 27)—and we invite you to stand with us in this bold movement for criminal justice reform. Together, we are assembling a team of faith-rooted leaders, directly impacted individuals, and advocates to uplift critical legislation: ACA 6 and AB 475. These bills challenge the remnants of slavery and forced labor in our prison system—boldly envisioning a future grounded in dignity, choice, and human rights. Will you join us in Sacramento? Let us know you’re coming by registering below. Once registered, you’ll receive event details directly from Legal Services for Prisoners with Children.
• ACA 6 – End Slavery in All Forms
Current CA law prohibits slavery except as punishment for a crime. ACA 6 would eliminate this loophole, finally and fully banning slavery in our state constitution. It affirms dignity for incarcerated people and supports pathways for voluntary work, not coerced labor.
• AB 475 – Dignity in Work for Incarcerated People
This bill shifts CDCR policy away from mandatory work programs to a voluntary model, where participation, wages, and protections are clearly defined by regulation and local ordinances.
Our movement for liberation is grounded in love, justice, and community. We believe no one should be subjected to forced labor or punished through systemic exploitation. This is our call to act. Help us raise awareness and share with your networks! In community. – Ipyani Lockert, Inland Empire Faith Organizer, Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity