Whether you are holding a door open for a weary traveler, organizing a conference on fair trade or singing in the church choir, each one of us are called and gifted by God to serve. Here at St. John’s we are committed to serving not only our church community but our local community and beyond. If you have an ideas about how St. John’s can help serve others, please contact Pastor Max at sjoffice@stjohnsberkeley.org, or call (510) 845-6830.
… on Commissions
- Administration and Personal (CAP): 2nd Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., Brad Perkins (Chair)
- Center: 4th Thursday, 4 p.m., Greg Rising (Chair)
- Christian Education: 1st Tuesdays, 4:30 p.m., Ron Amundson (Chair)
- Grounds and Facilities: 2nd Thursday, 7 p.m., Charles Lee (Chair)
- Mission and Justice: 1st Tuesday, 6 p.m., Glenda Pawsey (Co-Chair), Fred Goff (Co-Chair)
- Stewardship and Growth/ Welcoming: 4th Tuesday, 2pm, Jeanine Castello-Lin (Chair)
- Worship Music and Arts: 1st Thursday, 7 p.m., Lisa Blampied (Chair)
… on our Deacon Ministry
- Deacon Ministry: 2nd Thursday, 6 p.m., Claudia Cate (Moderator, Board of Deacons)
Each Class serves a three year term.
- Deacons Class of 2024: Dorothy Worth
- Deacons Class of 2025: Tami Boulet, Claudia Cate, Mark Coplan, Lynne Royer
- Deacons Class of 2026: Julia Oversloot
The Ministry & Gifts of Deacons: The office of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of sympathy, witness, and service after the example of Jesus Christ. Persons of spiritual character, honest repute, exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love, warm sympathies and sound judgment should be chosen for this office.
Responsibilities: It is the duty of deacons, first of all to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress both within and beyond the community of faith. They shall assume such other duties as may be delegated to them from time to time by the session, such as leading the people in worship through prayers of intercession, reading the Scriptures, presenting the gifts of the people, and assisting with the Lord’s Supper.
Qualities of a Deacon:
- A desire to get to know members of the congregation
- A desire to grow in his or her faith
How the Deacons Care for the Community:
- Prayer
- Taking care of peripheral needs
- Helping out with meals for individuals and special events
- Sending out Christmas, birthday, Easter or other special occasion cards
- Talking with people one-on-one and getting to know them
- Encouraging others in their faith • Deacons are role models in the congregation for how to care for one another
- Caring for the sick
- Bringing flowers from the Sunday pulpit to shut-ins or people who are ill
- Keeping in contact with one’s “flock”, checking in at least once every quarter
- Utilize the deacon boxes in church office to communicate with other Deacons
… in Berkeley and Beyond
The Church is not just an address or a building; Our Church is about partnering with God to bring about change in the world. Please continue to explore the church website to find out how St. John’s is supporting the local and global needs of the world. Join St. John’s in serving in Berkeley and Beyond: So many opportunities.