Category Archives: Announcements

Announcements for the Week of May 19, 2013

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Save the date!! Help Good Shepherd Church rise from the ashes by attending our Summer Phoenix Fest  Fundraiser! Sunday June 23, 4-6:00 at the gorgeous Julia Morgan Mansion of the Very Rev. Don and Carol Anne Brown. Listen to the lovely Spohr Octet, featuring Good Shepherd’s own Paula White on violin, performed in the music room. Sip wine, munch hors d’oeuvres and mingle with great company! At 2821 Claremont Boulevard (RIGHT near St. Clement’s) Berkeley!  Tickets are available now.  If money is an issue, please see Este, as we have funds set aside.  Don’t miss out on this wonderful event.

SUNDAY, MAY 19, 2013:

Starting today, we will offer healing prayers and anointing for those who request it after communion.  After everyone has received communion, those desiring prayer and/or anointing may stay at the altar while a Communion hymn is sung and people return to their seats.

Pentecost picnic today!  After our service we will join the congregations of St. Alban’s Albany, All Soul’s Berkeley and St. Mark’s Berkeley for an Area Ministry Pentecost Picnic.  Plans are for the picnic to be held at Coordonices Park from Noon-4:00 p.m.  Look for the red balloons!

COMING ATTRACTIONS:

Noonday prayer every Thursday, please join us in the parish hall for Noonday Prayer using the New Zealand Prayer Book (NZPB), followed by healing prayer and meditation.

Bread Sunday – June 9, 2013:  On Sunday, June 9, we will take a moment to consider how we as a faith community can alleviate hunger in our community and throughout the world by right action and drawing our legislators’ attention to what needs to be done to feed our brothers and sisters in an offering of letters.  Materials and resources for letter writing, taking action, will be available after the service and you may write a letter to our legislators during coffee hour.

Road trip!  Road trip!  Time for a camping trip!  Join us for our second annual FABULOUS Big Sur Camping trip! August 16-18 at the private camping ground of All Saints Carmel, RIGHT on the river! $10.00 per night, scholarships available, gorgeous nearby hikes and free horseback riding for youth! Please sign up on the bulletin board sign-up sheet.

Good Shepherd Fire Update

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Despite little change in the external appearance of the church since scaffolding was installed and the church was shrink-wrapped in November 2012, much work has been going on behind the scenes in the past six months. We’re delighted to bring you an update on our rebuilding plans for the church.

We are delighted to be working with The Bay Architects and Plath & Company General Contractors on the rebuilding and restoration project.  The Bay Architects is a Berkeley architectural firm established in 1980 by James Novosel to serve residential, commercial and institutional clients in the East Bay.  Plath & Company General Contractors, based in San Rafael, has been dedicated to the art of fine residential and commercial construction and renovation in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1976.

The City of Berkeley has agreed to let us divide the rebuilding and restoration project began into three phases:  first, fire damage mitigation/demolition, second, restoration of the sanctuary, and third, rebuilding of the sacristy on the north side of the church.   We expect that dividing the project into three phases will greatly shorten the rebuilding and restoration process.

The first phase of the project, fire damage mitigation/demolition, began on April 22, 2013 and is expected to take six weeks.  The sacristy, where the fire started, will be completely demolished, and the interior of the sanctuary, which was badly damaged by fire, smoke and water, will be stripped.  The stained glass windows will be removed for repair, where possible, or recreation, where necessary.

The Bay Architects are preparing to file a sanctuary repair building permit  application with the City of Berkeley in late May.  We hope that the work of repairing and restoring the sanctuary can begin in mid-summer.

The Bay Architects are also working on redesigning the sacristy to comply with building code mandates and to improve its appearance and functionality. The architect plans to file an application for a sacristy structural alteration permit with the Berkeley Landmarks Preservation Commission in early May.  We anticipate a public hearing on the sacristy design around mid-summer.

We are continuing to fund raise for things that we believe are necessary or highly desirable but that are not covered by insurance.  Chief among them is a fire sprinkler system for the church and sacristy.  We will hold our first major fire restoration fund raising event on June 23.  Tickets are for sale on the homepage of this site, and keep an eye out for more detail!

Thank you for your continued patience, support and prayers.

Announcements for the Week of May 12, 2013

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SUNDAY, MAY 12, 2013:

To those who nurture, attend, heal, listen, comfort and share our joys and woes, our triumphs and disappointments, who encourage us, pray with and for us, Happy Mother’s Day.

Name tags!  We now have name tags for all.  Please see the Greeter to make yours if you haven’t already – and be creative!  Make it your own!

COMING ATTRACTIONS:

Noonday Prayer every Thursday, please join us in the parish hall for Noonday Prayer using the New Zealand Prayer Book (NZPB), followed by healing prayer and meditation.

Starting on Pentecost, we will offer healing prayers and anointing for those who request it after communion.  After everyone has received communion, those desiring prayer and/or anointing may stay at the altar while a Communion hymn is sung and people return to their seats.

Pentecost picnic on Sunday, May 19, 2013.  Save the date and wear red!  After our service on Pentecost Sunday, we will join the congregations of St. Alban’s Albany, All Soul’s Berkeley and St. Mark’s Berkeley for an Area Ministry Pentecost Picnic.  Plans are for the picnic to be held at Coordinices Park fromNoon-4:00 p.m.  More details to follow.  We need a ‘point person’ to help coordinate with our sister parishes.  If you would like to help organize this event, please see Este or Ellen.

Bread Sunday– June 9, 2013:  On Sunday, June 9, we will take a moment to consider how we as a faith community can alleviate hunger in our community and throughout the world by right action and drawing our legislators’ attention to what needs to be done to feed our brothers and sisters in an offering of letters. Materials and resources for letter writing, taking action, will be available after the service on June 9.

Road trip!  Road trip!  Time for a camping trip!  Join us for our second annual FABULOUS Big Sur Camping trip! August 16-18 at the private camping ground of All Saints Carmel, RIGHT on the river! $10.00 per night, scholarships available, gorgeous nearby hikes and free horseback riding for youth! Please sign up on the bulletin board sign-up sheet.

Announcements for April 21, 2013

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 SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013:

Today we welcome the Chaplain for AEMCH (An Episcopal Ministry to Convalescent Hospitals), The Rev. Nancy Eswein, who will be with us as our preacher and deacon on this Sunday.

A note from Jennifer Ristau regarding Human Rights Violations in Guatemala:

I belong to an organization that monitors human rights abuses in Guatemala. Violent attacks in Guatemala by government officials against activists have increased in the past year. This is no surprise as the current Guatemalan President, Otto Perez Molina, was “himself” involved in the extermination of the indigenous people during the armed conflict. The organization I will be volunteering with for a year starting in July needs international observers to accompany Guatemalan activists and document their efforts in order to dissuade violent military retaliation. I know not everyone can come with me but everyone can participate! I am asking Berkeley residents to donate $20 to help me raise the $4,000 it will take to cover one indigenous region of Guatemala with accompaniment. I will be showing a documentary film about the efforts of my organization Sunday April 21 at 12:30. Please make a donation if you can.  For more information you can email me atjenneristau@gmail.com. I would love to update you all on how your solidarity is making a real difference. To join the mailing list, email me at jenneristau@gmail.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS:

Noonday Prayer every Wednesday, please join us in the parish hall for Noonday Prayer using the  New Zealand Prayer Book, followed by meditation.

Newcomer’s tea, April 28, 2013: All are invited to the Newcomer’s Tea on April 28, 2013 after the service.  Please come and get to know us better if you are new, and please come so the new comers can get to know you if you are an old-timer!

Pentecost Picnic on SUNDAY, May 19, 2013.  Save the date!  After our service on Pentecost Sunday, we will join the congregations of St. Alban’s Albany, All Soul’s Berkeley and St. Mark’s Berkeley for an Area Ministry Pentecost Picnic.  Plans are for the picnic to be held at Coordinices Park from Noon-4:00 p.m.  More details to follow.

Bread Sunday – June 9, 2013:  On Sunday, June 9, we will take a moment to consider how we as a faith community can alleviate hunger in our community and throughout the world by right action and drawing our legislators’ attention to what needs to be done to feed our brothers and sisters in an offering of letters.  Materials and resources for letter writing, taking action, will be available after the service on June 9.

 Save the Date!! Help Good Shepherd Church rise from the ashes by attending our SUMMER PHOENIX FEST Fundraiser! Sunday June 23, 4-6:00 at the gorgeous Julia Morgan Mansion of the Very Rev. Don and Carol Anne Brown. Listen to the lovely Spohr Octet, featuring Good Shepherd’s own Paula White on violin, performed in the music room. Sip wine, munch hors d’oeuvres and mingle with great company! At 2821 Claremont Boulevard (RIGHT near St. Clement’s) Berkeley!

Road trip!  Road trip!  Time for a camping trip!  Join us for our second annual FABULOUS Big Sur Camping trip! August 16-18 at the private camping ground of All Saints Carmel, RIGHT on the river! $10.00 per night, scholarships available, gorgeous nearby hikes and free horseback riding for youth! Please sign up on the bulletin board sign-up sheet.

Announcements for April 14, 2013

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Sunday, April 14, 2013:

Today: “Bowling for Columbine.” Following the service, we will screen Michael Moore’s powerful, anti-gun, anti-violence documentary, “Bowling for Columbine,” and after the viewing, we will offer letters to our government representatives encouraging more stringent gun control legislation.  Please bring a bag lunch.

COMING ATTRACTIONS:

Noonday Prayer begins Wednesday, April 17, 2013: Starting Wednesday, April 17th, and every following Wednesday, please join us in the parish hall for Noonday Prayer using the New Zealand Prayer Book, followed by meditation.

Sunday, April 21, 2013:  We will welcome the Chaplain for AEMCH (An Episcopal Ministry to Convalescent Hospitals), The Rev. Nancy Eswein will be with us as our preacher and deacon on this Sunday.

A NOTE from Jennifer Ristau regarding Human Rights Violations in Guatemala:

“I belong to an organization that monitors human rights abuses in Guatemala. Violent attacks in Guatemala by government officials against activists have increased in the past year. This is no surprise as the current Guatemalan President, Otto Perez Molina, was “himself” involved in the extermination of the indigenous people during the armed conflict. The organization I will be volunteering with for a year starting in July needs international observers to accompany Guatemalan activists and document their efforts in order to dissuade violent military retaliation. I know not everyone can come with me but everyone can participate! I am asking Berkeley residents to donate $20 to help me raise the $4,000 it will take to cover one indigenous region of Guatemala with accompaniment. I will be showing a documentary film about the efforts of my organization Sunday April 21 at 12:30. Please make a donation if you can.  For more information you can email me at jenneristau@gmail.com. I would love to update you all on how your solidarity is making a real difference. To join the mailing list, email me at jenneristau@gmail.com.

“In peace, Jennifer Ristau”

Newcomer’s Tea, April 28, 2013: All are invited to the Newcomer’s Tea on April 28, 2013 after the service.  Please come and get to know us better if you are new, and please come so the new comers can get to know you if you are an old-timer!

Pentecost Picnic on Sunday, MAY 19, 2013.  Save the date!  After our service on Pentecost Sunday, we will join the congregations of St. Alban’s Albany, All Soul’s Berkeley and St. Mark’s Berkeley for an Area Ministry Pentecost Picnic.  Plans are for the picnic to be held at Coordinices Park from Noon-4:00 p.m.  More details to follow.

Bread Sunday – June 9, 2013:  On Sunday, June 9, we will take a moment to consider how we as a faith community can alleviate hunger in our community and throughout the world by right action and drawing our legislators’ attention to what needs to be done to feed our brothers and sisters in an offering of letters.  Materials and resources for letter writing, taking action, will be available after the service on June 9.

Camping trip!  Join us for our second annual FABULOUS Big Sur Camping trip! August 16-18 at the private camping ground of All Saints Carmel, RIGHT on the river! $10.00 per night, scholarships available, gorgeous nearby hikes and free horseback riding for youth! Please sign up on the bulletin board sign-up sheet.

Announcements for Sunday, April 7 2013

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SUNDAY, APRIL 7, 2013:

Our Vicar and several parishioners are enjoying the hospitality of St. Alban’s Albany and The Bishop’s Ranch this weekend.  They will return next week.

Lectio Divina will continue on May 5, 2013, after the 11:00 a.m. service.

COMING ATTRACTIONS:

Noonday prayer begins Wednesday, April 17, 2013: Starting Wednesday, April 17th, and every following Wednesday, please join us in the parish hall for Noonday Prayer using the New Zealand Prayer Book, followed by meditation.

Area Ministry Meeting, April 11, 2013, 7:00 p.m.:  Good Shepherd will host the Berkeley Area Ministry Teams at 7:00 p.m. on April 11, 2013 in our parish hall.  If you are interested in collaborating with our sister parishes in bringing the Gospel both in word and deed to our communities, please join us.

Sunday, April14, 2013 “Bowling for Columbine.” Following the service, we will screen Michael Moore’s powerful, anti-gun, anti-violence documentary, “Bowling for Columbine,” and after the viewing, we will offer letters to our government representatives encouraging more stringent gun control legislation.  Please bring a bag lunch.

Newcomer’s tea, April 28, 2013: All are invited to the Newcomer’s Tea on April 28, 2013 after the service.  Please come and get to know us better if you are new, and please come so the new comers can get to know you if you are an old-timer!

Bread Sunday – June 9, 2013:  On Sunday, June 9, we will take a moment to consider how we as a faith community can alleviate hunger in our community and throughout the world by right action and drawing our legislators’ attention to what needs to be done to feed our brothers and sisters in an offering of letters.  Materials and resources for letter writing, taking action, will be available after the service on June 9.

Announcements for the Week of March 24, 2013

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SUNDAY, MARCH 24, 2013:

Lenten Series Finale: Today we welcome Sister Mary Neill, OP, spiritual director and professor emerita of religious studies at the University of San Francisco, who will offer a discussion of Enemies of Love: “We are all committed to, commanded to, love, to have fuller lives and to make the world a better place.” Sister Mary, who explores the psychology and spiritual issues surrounding the love which we so long for, will discuss these issues and the need to become conscious of what blocks this profound desire for connection. We will meet in the Sisson Salon after coffee hour.

Today is Palm Sunday, which means we are in Holy Week. Here is the schedule of Holy Week services for the Good Shepherd community:

Wednesday March 27, 7:00 p.m.: Holy Week begins with the beautiful and ancient service of Tenebrae, which means “Shadows” or “Darkness,” in Latin. The candles are extinguished one by one during the service as moving traditional psalms are read.

Thursday March 28, 7:00 p.m.: Maundy Thursday is the traditional service of remembrance of the Last Supper. At the end of the service the altar and all ornamentation are ritually stripped to create the barren reality of Good Friday. We will be invited to gather in the garden after the service in a meditative vigil meant to reflect the solemn time Jesus spent with his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane. Dress warm!

Friday March 29, 12:00 p.m.: Our Good Friday service allows us a time of reflection and sadness as we contemplate Christ on the cross. A large rough wooden cross surrounded by votive candles will be placed in the church such that all can come and reverence the cross during meditative passages in the service. We will meet in the church! We have permission to gather there for this service, which will be accessible to all. Please bring a flashlight.

Saturday, March 30, 8:00 p.m.: All are invited to the Holy Trinity/ La Santisima Trinidad, Richmond Easter vigil. This beautiful service is bi-lingual, and bridges the sadness of Good Friday with the joy of Easter. 555 37th Street at Roosevelt, Richmond.

Sunday, March 31, 11:00 a.m.: Easter Sunday! This joyous choral Eucharist bursts with Alleluias, resurrection, and a welcome end to the long, dark season of Lent. We hear the beautiful traditional readings of the resurrection and gladly answer the ancient proclamation, “He is Risen!” with “He is risen indeed!”

After the service we will have our traditional Easter egg hunt and bunny petting zoo for the children, and a barbeque pot luck for the adults! Dishes are needed for the potluck and we will also welcome gifts of plastic goody-filled Easter Eggs for the hunt. Please sign up for the potluck on the bulletin board.

COMING ATTRACTIONS:

Retreat Weekend at Bishop’s Ranch, April 5-7, 2013 — St. Alban’s Albany has graciously extended an invitation for Good Shepherd to join it in retreat at the Bishop’s Ranch the weekend after Easter. This will be a true retreat, with plenty of time to explore the beauty and wonder that is the Ranch. We now have an additional 10 spots, making a total of 25 spots, available and scholarships for the cost of the retreat are available. Sign up on the list on the bulletin board. Please speak to Este about the details.

Bread Sunday – June 9, 2013: On Sunday, June 9, we will take a moment to consider how we as a faith community can alleviate hunger in our community and throughout the world by right action and drawing our legislators’ attention to what needs to be done to feed our brothers and sisters in an offering of letters. Materials and resources for letter writing, taking action, will be available after the service on June 9.