Candidates for Deacon, Elder, and Nominating Committee 2020 · world, and point to Christ in word...

CandidatesforDeacon,Elder,and

NominatingCommittee2020

FirstPresbyterianChurchofBerkeley|WWW.FPCBERKELEY.ORG 1

DEARFRIENDS,

Itiswithasenseofgratitudeandthanksgivingthatthe2019–2020NominatingCommitteerecommendscandidatestoserveinleadershippositionsatFirstPresbyterianChurchofBerkeleyasElders,DeaconsandmembersoftheNominatingCommittee.

Throughoutourprocess,theNominatingCommitteeremainedgroundedinscriptureandprayeraswesoughttocollectivelydiscernthosewhowebelievearebeingcalledintoleadershipatthistimeinthisplace.TheNominatingCommitteehadtheprivilegeoflearningfrommembersofourcommunityabouthowthiscongregationhasbeeninstrumentalintheongoingdevelopmentoftheirfaith.ItwasahumblingexperiencetolearnmoreabouthowthisbodyhasplayedaroleinshapingtheirjourneytowardsspiritualmaturityandhowthesecandidatesarenowsensingGod’scalltoserveinleadership.TheNominatingCommitteewasdeeplyencouragedbyeachapplicant,andgratefulforallwhotookthetimetoapply.

TheindividualswhoappearinthisbookletwereidentifiedbytheNominatingCommitteeaftermuchprayerandconsiderationofavarietyoffactors,someofwhichincludeddedicationtotheirpersonalfaith,careforthewholeofthecongregation,currentleadershipneedswithinthecommunity,andamutualsenseofcall.TermsofservicefornewlyelectedclassesofElders,Deacons,andmembersoftheNominatingCommitteewillbegininMay2020.

TheNominatingCommitteeenthusiasticallyendorsesthesecandidatesforleadership.WeencourageyoutoreadthematerialsincludedinthisbookletinpreparationfortheAnnualMeetingonMarch8,2020at1pm.

2019–2020NOMINATINGCOMMITTEEAnnaFellers,Co-ChairandElderJaniceKolberg,Co-ChairandElderAnnikaFromMollyGarritsonJasonGorskiArleneHatfield,DeaconLaurieMcLachlanFryJamesObert

2 CANDIDATESFORLEADERSHIP2020|FirstPresbyterianChurchofBerkeley

CANDIDATESFORLEADERSHIPPRESENTEDBYTHENOMINATINGCOMMITTEE

FirstPresBylaws–ArticleV–MeetingsoftheChurchThereshallbeacombinedannualmeetingoftheCongregationandtheCorporationduringthefirstquarterofeachcalendaryear,atwhichatleastthefollowingbusinessshallbepresented:

• ElectionofElders,Deacons,andmembersofNominatingCommittee

DEACONSClassof2023(3-yearterm)LillianChanMarilynChongMichaelCusickKristaEastonBeverlyEstesJoannJohnsonTreveJohnson

JaniceKolbergAllisonPulleyMarilynSidenRuthTraylorElizabethColvinWattSueYajko

ExtendingserviceforoneyearArleneHatfield**RogerHill*ZoeHill*VivianHo*BarbaraPedersen*RayPedersen*MikeWilliamson***1styearofextraservice**2ndyearofextraservice

ELDERSClassof2023JillBoyceByronBrownBarbaraBrennerBuderMaeChanDalyJordan-KochCarolineSalleeLauraSera

ExtendingserviceforoneyearintheClassof2021AnnaFellers

NOMINATINGCOMMITTEE2020-2021EricaMaierD’AmbrosioMarkFrisbieArleneHatfield,DeaconRolandPetersonJessicaStunz*SteveTaylorInadditionSessionwillappointtwoElderstotheNominatingCommittee*becomingamemberviaStartingPoint

SUPPLEMENTALINFORMATIONPositionDescriptionsforDeacons,Elders,andtheNominatingCommitteeQuestionsforOrdinationofDeaconsandElders


DEACONSFromtheFirstPresBylaws-ArticleIII-Deacons

TheBoardofDeaconsshallconsistofbetween30and40Deacons,asdeterminedbySessionannually.DeaconsshallbeelectedbytheCongregationandshallbedividedintothreeapproximatelyequalclasses,eachwithathree-yearterm.Oneclassshallbeelectedeachyearattheannualmeeting.Ifitisdeemednecessarytofillanyvacancythatmayoccurduringayear,SessionmayelectanElderorDeacontofillsuchvacancyuntilthenextannualmeeting.

CANDIDATESFORDEACON–CLASSOF2023

LILLIANCHAN–DEACON

Hello,mynameisLillianChan.Ihavebeenalong-timememberofFirstPresandhaveservedinvariousministriesovertheyears.Ibelieveeachofushavearesponsibilitytousewhateveruniquegiftswe’vebeengiventobettertheworld,andpointtoChristinwordanddeeds.Iamahealthcareadministratorwithapassionforensuringaccessible,qualityhealthcareservicesareavailabletounderservedandvulnerablepopulations.IbelieveGodhasendowedmewithgiftsofadministrationandleadership,toenablemetoservethegeneralcommunity.ThisishowIseeGod’scallinmyprofessionallife,andhowI’dliketodomoreasaDeacon.

IbelieveinGod,theFather,SoninJesusChrist,andHolySpirit.Ibelievetheyarethreeinone,yeteachwithadistinctroleandfunction.GodtheFather,thecreatorofall,JesusChristtheSavioroftheworldwhothroughhis

sacrificereconcilesustoGod,andtheHolySpirit,thegreatcomforterandconnectorwithoutwhomweeasilycouldbeoverwhelmedwiththeomniscienceandomnipotenceofGod,andfeelingsofunworthinessofthesacrificeofJesus.

WithoutthegracebestowedonmethroughthegiftoftheSavior,andthehelpoftheHolySpiritinunderstandingandacceptingthisgreatgift,IwouldnotknowmyfullidentifyasachildofGod.SometimesitistoomuchtotakeintheessenceofthisgraceorcontemplatethefullextentoftheloveofGod.However,myunderstandingofthecharacterofGodcontinuestogrow,andhowmuchIneedtoturncontinuallyfrommyself-centereddesiresandtowardGod’sdesires.Thisisnotjustthroughinternalconfession,butthatmyactionsfollowthroughonmycorefaithbeliefs.OnlytheHolySpiritcanhelpmedowhatIamultimatelyhereonearthtodo,whichistobeGod’sambassadorandbepartofbringingaboutareconciledworld.Ibelieveprofessionoffaith,andbehaviorsandactionsconsistentwithGod’sprinciplesandcalling,areessentialinlivingasadiscipleofChrist.


MARILYNCHONG–DEACON

IamMarilynChong.Myhusband,Alfred,andIhaveattendedFirstPresBerkeleyfor35years.Wehavetwoadultchildren,CharleneandMatthew,whogrewupinthischurch,aremembers,whosingintheVesperChoir.After40yearsofpractice,IretiredasaGeneralDentistinSouthSanFrancisco.Thebestpartaboutretiringisnothavingtocommutetowork.

IbelieveintheTriuneGod.GodourFather,ourcreator.Whoknowsus,lovesusandwantstohavealovingrelationshipwithus.Heknowsoursinfulwaysandhowweoftenfallshortofhisglory.Yethelovesusunconditionally.Helovinglysacrificedhisbelovedsonsothatoursinswouldbeforgivenandwecancontinuetohavearelationshipwithhim.Godtheson,JesusChristwhoisfullymanandfullyGod.HewasbornoftheVirginMary,livedamongustoteachus.Hewasbornwithoutsinandtookoursinsanddiedonthecrossforussothatwemayhavelife.

GodtheHolySpiritwhocomesalongsideus,guidingus,clarifiesforus,strengthenusaswelearntolivealifemorelikeChristasweleadotherstohim.ThechurchisthebodyofChrist.We,itsmembers,arepartofthebody.Weareadiversegroupofpeople,eachhavinghisspecialgifttofunction.Eachgift,nomatterhowsmallisimportantforthewholebodytoworkwell.Wearecalledtouseourgifts,toserveourchurchlocallyoruniversally.GodcallsmetohumblyserveasaDeaconhelpingthosewhoarewithinourchurchcommunityandout,spreadingthegospelofGodthroughcompassionatecareandlove.

MICHAELCUSICK–DEACON

IwasraisedinanIrishCatholicfamilywithsevenbrothersandsisters(I’m#4)wheremyparentscreatedhappyandwonderfulChristiantraditionsandmemories.BeingCatholic,youwouldthinkIwouldrebelcomingintoaPresbyterianchurch,butitwasquitetheopposite.IimmediatelytooktothestyleofworshipandfeltathomeduringthefirstserviceIattendedatMenloParkPres.IstartedcomingtoFirstPreswhenEarlPalmerwaspastorandneverlookedback.Ihavetwobeautiful,intelligentdaughters,AmandaandErin,whoarenowenjoyingproductivelives.SinceI’vebeenamember,I’vevolunteeredforDoJusticeservicedays,helpedinSundayschoolclasses,feltcalledtodoacleanupmissiontripafterHurricaneKatrina,servedasaDeaconModeratorafterservingthreeconsecutiveterms,andwasateammemberofthe2018and2020ThailandMissionTeams.

IbelieveinaheavenlyFather,thecreatorofheavenandearth,KingofkingsandLordoflordswhoknowsall,isallpowerful,allsufficient,andknowsexactlywhatheisdoingineverything,heiswise.Heknowsthewaywetakebeforewedo.Godhasaplanforusandlovedussomuchhesenthisonlyson,Jesustodieonacrossforuseventhoughwedidn’tdeserveit,andthenJesusrosefromthedeadtoreconcileustotheFather.Wearen’tperfectandduetooursinnature,wetrytobeindependentagentsoperatingwithourownagendas,andthat’swhenweneedcoursecorrection.TheHolySpiritisoftheTrinitywhotakesupresidenceinourhearts,helpsusunderstandandinterpretGod’sWord,aguidegoingbeforeusleadingthewaytomakeallthingsclear,convictsusofoursins,revealingthetruthofGod.HeistheonewhohelpsproducefruitinourlivesandisagiverofspiritualgiftssowecanfunctionasabodyofChristonearthandgiveglorytoGod.


KRISTAEASTON–DEACON

I’vebeenamemberofFirstPresBerkeleysince1998,butIinitiallycameherein1993toserveasacollegeinternforUniversityMinistries(FoCUS).Imetmyhusband,Matt,hereandweweremarriedatFirstPresin1998.Ourkids,Elisabeth(17)andOliver(14),havegrownupinthischurchandIamdeeplygratefulforthewaysinwhichthiscommunitycontinuestoinvestinandreflectGod’slovetothem.IhaveservedinavarietyofwaysatFirstPres,butmymostmeaningfulroleshavebeenasaStephenMinisterandasaGodlyPlayteacher.

Ibelieveinaloving,liberating,andlife-givingGod.Asmysteriousasitis,IbelieveinaTriuneGod:GodtheFather,JesustheSon,andtheHolySpirit.IbelievethatGodisthecreatorofallthingsandthatJesusChristisGod’soneandonlySon.IbelievethatGodrevealedhisloveforuswhenhesentJesusintotheworldtowalkwithus,tosaveusfromoursin,andtoshowushowto

live.IbelievethattheHolySpiritisthegiftandministryofGod’sspiritmovinginandamonguspresentlyandthroughouttime.IknowthatIamsinful,thatIneedGod’sforgiveness,andthatIamsavedthroughmybeliefinanddevotiontoJesusChrist.IbelievethattheBibleistheinspiredWordofGodandthatitsprimarymessagetous—thatweareGod’sbeloved,andthatwearecalledtoloveGodandloveourneighborasourselves—isevidentthroughouttheOldandtheNewTestaments.IbelieveandamthankfulthatthelovethatwearecalledtoasChristianswasneverintendedtooriginatewithus,butwithGod,whoisthedefinitionofloveandthesourceoflove.IbelievethatinseekingconnectionwithGod,wefindthatwearenotonlyequippedtoloveeachother,butthatweareequippedtoloveeachotherintransformativeandlife-givingways.

BEVERLYESTES–DEACON

IstartedattendingFirstPresin1970whenIbeganmypediatricresidencyatChildren'sHospital-Oakland.OurseniorpastorwasEarlPalmer.IwasamemberofMarinersandamcurrentlyinEC3AdultMinistry.IpreviouslyservedasaDeaconfrom2009–2013.Iretiredfrompediatricpracticein2013after40plusyears.IdividemytimebetweentheBayAreaandmyfamilysummerhomeinColorado.Iparticipatewith"ChildrenRising"intheschoolbackpackfoodbaggingprogramandwith"ProjectPeace."IvolunteerinRockyMountainNationalPark.Ienjoygardening,photography,andattendingthetheateraswellasfolkandlinedancing.IliveinEmeryville,andlovetowalkbytheBayandhikeinColorado.IamgratefulformyfriendshipsoffaithhereatFirstPresovertheyears,andmygrowthasaChristianinthiscommunity.IlookforwardtoservingagainasaDeacon.

IacceptedJesusChristasLordofmylifeatageelevenyearsandwasbaptizedbyfullimmersion.IbelievethroughGod'sgraceIwassavedfromsinanddeathbyJesus'ownsufferingonthecross,ashemadetheultimatesacrificeforme.Bybaptism,IwasburiedwithhimindeathsothatasChristwasraisedfromthedeadbyhisHeavenlyFather,ImaybeunitedwithhiminresurrectioninHeaven.IknowinmyhumanstateIambrokenandcouldneverobtainhisgraceonmyownwithmyimperfections.AsIstruggletoknowhisplanformylife,IamseekingtounderstandGod'swordasapartofthefellowshipofthe"BodyofChrist.”Throughprayer,IdevelopamorepersonalrelationshipwithGod,andallowtheHolySpirittoworkwithinme.TrulyIamforgivenandwishtobemadewhole.


JOANNJOHNSON–DEACON

BorninVisalia,IgrewupinBerkeleyattendingSt.John’s.AfterattendingUCBerkeley,ItransferredtoDaviswhereImetTreve.Wereturnedafter10yearsinSanDiego;IjoinedFirstPresafterawarmwelcomeatthe1982ACC.OurchildrenAaronandAmygrewupatFirstPreswhilewehostedsmallgroupsinAlbany;whentheywereolder,IservedasaStephenMinsterandDeacon.Iretiredfrommyworkasasystemsanalystin2016,topullTreveawayfromphotographytotravelandtovisitourgrandchildren.

IbelieveIamlovedbyGod,guidedbytheHolySpirit,andreceivegraceandredemptionthroughChristJesus.IbelieveGodcreatedallthingsandhisloveencompassesallofcreation.IamasinnerandthankfulforGod’sforgiveness,mercy,andlove.Ibelievethat,althoughthereisdarknessintheworld,thekingdomofGodispresentnowandwillcometofulfillmentasallthingsare

madenew.IbelievethatGodworksinandthroughusindividuallyandincommunity.Ibelievethatgraceisfreelygiven;myresponseinthankfulnessistogrowinGod’sloveand,withtheHolySpirit’sguidance,serveasthehandsandfeetofJesus.IbelievethattheOldandNewTestamentscripturesarethelivingwordofGodtohischurch,andthatinstudyaloneandincommunityweareguidedbytheHolySpirit.IbelievethatinprayerweshareconcernsandjoyswithGod,andhehearsandresponds.Ibelieveinthesacramentsofbaptismandcommunion.Inbaptism,God’spromiseofgracethroughJesusissharedwithanindividualusingthebaptismalwaterinfrontof–andastheybecomepartof–thechurchcommunity.SharingcommunionenactsGod’ssustaininggraceandjoinsChristiansinallplaceswithGodinrenewedcommitmenttoChrist-likeliving.Inprayerandconfession,Iacknowledgemysinsandrepent,thankfulforGod’sgracefreeingmetogooutandloveinresponsetoGod’sloveforme.

TREVEJOHNSON–DEACON

Overthecourseofthelast35yearsIhaveparticipatedinchurchactivitiesincludingsmallgroupsandservingasaStephenMinisterandaDeacon.ItrytomaintainamindfulnessofGod'spresencewhenI'moutintheworld.IdelightinconnectingwithnatureandcelebratingGod'screation.WhenI'mnotservingclientswithmyphotographybusinessI'meitherplayinggrandfather,kayakingwithfriends,ortraveling.

IbelievethattheChristianexperienceisbasedonthreethings:scripture,thecorporatebodyofbelievers(theChurch),andourpersonalrelationshipwithGod.WehaveJesus'steachingsintheformofscripture.Thewrittenwordinformsusabouthowtolivealifeoffaith.Wordsalonecanleadusastray.Themindisavastuniverseuntoitselfthatcantakeusonawildride.WeneedfellowbelieverstohelpusinterprettheWord,lestwegoastraywith

ourownthoughts.WeneedthecorporatebodyofChristwherewecometogethertotemperhowwecanapplyChriststeachinginourlives.Weneedcommunityalsotobeareachother'sburdens;toshareourfears,ourhopesandourphysicalneeds.Weneedourownpersonalexperiences,ourencounterswiththeHolySpirit,ourtrialsandjoys,toexperiencefaithandgrace.


JANICEKOLBERG–DEACON

IhaveattendedFirstPressince1987.SincethattimeIhavebeeninvolvedinnumberofdifferentwayswiththechurch.IbelieveIhavebeenintheChancelChoiraround30yearsandhavegoneonthreetourswiththechoirincludingservingasthevolunteercoordinatorforthetourin2015.IhaveservedonSessionthreetimes,servinginleadershipofWorshipandFineArts,UniversityMinistry,andNominatingCommittee.Iamcurrentlyretiredafteracareerinmedicaldiagnosticsresearch.Iamanavidfanofbaseball,inparticulartheOaklandA’s,andamalwaysupfortryingoutanewplaceforicecream.

IbelieveinJesusChristasmypersonalLordandSaviorandsalvationisonlypossiblethroughhim.Oursalvationisagiftnotearnedbyour“goodworks.”WeshowourloveforJesusbyobediencetohiscommands.Hiscommandscanbesummarizedas:“LovetheLordyourGodwithallofyourheart,withall

yourstrengthandwithallyourmind;and,loveyourneighborasyourself(Luke10:27NIV).”Ibelieveitisouractionsintheworldtoserveourneighborswhichconfirmsthefaithweconfess.TheHolySpiritistheindwellingofGod’spresenceinourlivesandhelpsustounderstandhowtoliveinobediencetoGod.

Ibelieveinthecommunityofbelievers,thechurch,inwhichweareequippedforservicetotheworld.ItisinchurchthatIhavebeenencouragedtofindwaystoservetheworldinthenameofChrist.

TheinvolvementwithotherChristianshashelpedmyfaithtogrowasIhavestruggledtounderstandhowtolivealifeinwhichmyfaithaffectseveryaspectofmylife.MyfaithhasgrownwhenIhavebeeninclosefellowshipwithotherChristianswhowillholdmeaccountableandchallengemetogrow.Fellowshipwiththecommunityoffaithhelpsmestaytruetomyfaitheveninthemidstoftrialsanddisappointments.TheprayersandsupportofotherChristianshashelpedmetoseeandunderstandtheloveofGodforme.Ihavehadtheprivilegetogoonanumberofmissiontrips.Onthesetrips,incommunitywithmybrothersandsistersinChrist,myfaithhasbeenstretchedandgrown.


ALLISONPULLEY–DEACON

Hi,I’mAllison!ImovedtoBerkeleyinthefallof2018tostartworkingatatechcompanyintheCity.IstumbledintoalovefortheFirstPresBerkeleycommunityafterfirstgettinginvolvedintheYoungAdultministries.I’moriginallyfromSouthernCalifornia,butmovedaroundabunchaftercollege(Peru,NorthCarolina,Spain,andtheDominicanRepublic).Ilovetotravelandcookformylarge(bothinnumberandheight)extendedfamily.I’malwayslookingforgreathole-in-the-wallrecommendationsifyou’vegotagreatplacetoshare!

Ibelieveintheall-powerful,good,andlovingGodoftheuniverse.Ibelievethathisson,JesusChristcametoEarthtoteachhumanityrightliving,andthathediedonthecrossandrosefromthedeadfortheforgivenessofallsins.IbelievethattheHolySpiritisalivetoday,bringinggoodness,love,and

righteousnesstotheworld.IbelievethatGodknows,loves,anddesiresthebestforallhumankind.

IbelievethattheBibleisthedivinewordofGod,offeredasaholysourceofknowledge,comfort,andpowerforallthosewhowholeheartedlyseektounderstand.Ibelievethatprayerisanessentialpractice,servingtoremovethebarrierstheworldconstructsbetweenourheartsandhis.

Iconfessasinnature.IconfessthatIsinandfallshortasaChristianeverysingleday.Iprayforforgiveness,bothfromGodandfrommycommunity,andbaskintheunfathomablegraceofagoodandlovingGod.IamhumbleddailybythisgraceandtheconfidencethatIamforgiven.IpraythatImightbeavehicleforhisincomprehensiblegracetothosearoundme.

IbelieveintheBodyofChrist,thechurch,asanessentialcomponentoftheLord’swillonEarth.Whilethechurchoftenfallsshort,asanythingman-madeispronetodo,Ibelievethathumility,love,andservicearethecoretenetsofahealthyfaithcommunity.Ibelievethateachmemberofthechurchbringsuniquegiftsandtalents,whichGodseekstouseforhisglory.IbelievethatIampersonallycalledtousemygiftsforGod’sholypurposethroughhischurch.


MARILYNSIDEN–DEACON

Iamblessedwithawonderfulfamily:fourchildren,12beautiful,talented,Godlygrandchildren,andanamazinghusband.Ihaveadeeploveofmusic,littleplantsthatbloominimpossibleplaces,anythingintheout-of-doors,occasionalbackpacking,swimming,reading,andpelicans.Iamcurrentlyworkingonanon-fictionbookaboutwaysinwhichweasAmericanscanfindcommonground.

MystatementoffaithiscaughtupinthesimplicityoftheGospel.WhilesometimesItendtogetmiredinthemuckofeverydaylife,Jesuscutthroughallthattowhatisreallyimportantinmyeverydaywalkwithhim.IdidnotcometoChristeasily.Afterwanderingforovertwentyyears,IattendedachurchservicequitebyaccidentwherethemessageofgraceandGod'ssacrificebecameclear.Hehastheplan.Mypartofitistofollowhisdirectionwithbuttwoclearjobs.LoveGodwitheverythinginmeandlovemy

neighborasmuchasIlovemyself.Ihaveneverbeenverygoodatorganizingmyownlife,andturningmyday-to-daylivingovertotheonecreatingitinthefirstplacemadeawholelotofsense.WhenwerecitetheApostle'sCreed,whileIbelieveinthewordsIamsaying,tograbaholdoftheideaofaTriuneGodhasbeendifficult,somewhatalongthelineofunderstandingthespeedoflightoranendlessuniverse.PerhapsthatwasoneofthetangiblereasonsJesuscametoearthasarealperson-todumbitdownforpeoplelikeme.Becauseofhisamazinggrace,Jesushasbecomeawholelotmorethanwhatiswrappedupinthosewords.AshardasItry,IdonotthinkIyetunderstandthecompletemeaningofGrace.Itgoeswaybeyondmyunderstanding.IsometimeswonderhowIcanbeforgiven,howtheGodoftheuniversecanloveme,howheevenknowsmynameletalonethenumberofhairsonmyhead.WhenIhearreallifestoriesfrominandoutofscripture,itgivesmegreathopethataJohnNewtonoraPetercouldstrugglewithsomuch,yetintheendbecameexamplesforallofus.


RUTHTRAYLOR–DEACON

IamawifetoVent,mothertoBrookeandKatie,andGrammytoAaliyahandKauai.IretiredinAprilofthisyear,after10yearsworkingforBankofAmerica,atotalof44yearsintheworldofmortgagesandrealestate.Retirementiswonderful,especiallybecauseitgivesmemoretimewithgrandchildren.Italsogivesmetimetodootherthingssuchastravelandtoexploreothercultures.InJanuary,IwentwithVentandtherestoftheThailandteamtobuildahomeforoneofthepastorsthatwe'vepartneredwithovertheyears.Wealsohadtheopportunitytovisitothermissionpartners.Irecentlybeganvolunteeringinthenursery,soIcouldlearnwhoouryoungfamiliesareandgettoknowthelittleones.I’vealsobeenaFoCUSpartnerforthepast5years,insupportofouruniversityministry,andpreviouslyservedasaDeaconandElder.

IbelieveGodcreatedusinhisimagesowecouldhavearelationshipwithhim.Ibelievehelovedussomuchthathesenthisson,JesusChrist,todieforussowecouldbeforgivenandhavethisrelationshipwithhim.IbelieveinJesus'

resurrectionandthepromisehemadethathewould"prepareaplaceforus"(althoughIhavenoideawhatthatmaylooklike).IbelievetheHolySpiritwassenttoguide,convict,empower,andcomfortus.IbelievetheScripturesweregiventoussowecouldlearnaboutGod'scharacter,fromthebeginningoftheearthtotheend;tolearntheteachingsofJesusandconsequently,tolearnhowweshouldlive.IbelieveinGod'sfaithfulness,hismercy,hisloveandgrace.

ELIZABETHCOLVINWATT–DEACON

FirstPreshasnourishedandcenteredmeintwoseasonsoflife.Ifirstcameasayoungadult,findingafaithandfriendcommunityhere.Ireturnedlaterasamoreexperiencedandundersleptadultwithyoungchildren.AlongthewayI'vealsohadtwocareers,oneininternationaltradeandoneasaprimarilywork-from-homeparent.I'moftenfoundwithmyhusbandJamesandourteenagekids,CaitlinandLiam.Itendtositontheplazasideofthesanctuaryatthe11:30servicewithvisitstothe9amservice.

IbelievewehavealovingGod.IbelievethatGodsentJesusChristtheSontoreconcileallofus,peoplewholookforbelongingandmeaninginmanymisguidedplaces,toourFather.IbelieveGodwantsustoflourishnowandforeverinGod'sKingdom.IbelieveintheHolySpirit,presentinthisworldtocontinueconnectingustoGod.IbelieveGodhearsus,inworship,confessionandpetition.InthatconversationwehaveamercifulGodwhooffersus

forgivenessandwholeness.AndIbelievethereismysteryfarbeyondmycurrentunderstanding.IfIhadtochoosethemeta-messagesofmyfaithnow,Iwouldhighlighttwo.ThroughoutScripture,inmanydifferentways,IseeGod'scareforeverypersonandallofcreation.IncrediblyIam,andweare,theBelovedofGod,asHenriNouwensays.TheothermessageIthinkofisMicah6:8:"Hehasshownyou,Omortal,whatisgood;andwhatdoestheLordrequireofyoubuttodojustice,tolovemercy,andtowalkhumblywithourGod."


SUEYAJKO–DEACON

IhavebeengoingtoFirstPresBerkeleysince1991.IwassinglethenandgotinvolvedintheYouthprogram.Iwasayouthadvisorforthemiddleschoolprogramfortwoyearsandlovedit.ImarriedGlennYajkoin1995andwehavebeenattendingFirstPresBerkeleyeversince.Wehavetwosons,Patrick(21)andNicholas(17).WeliveinAlameda,CA.GlennandImetwhileworkingatanadvertisingagency.Glenncontinuesinthisprofession,butItooktimeofftobeastay-at-homemom.In2009,IstartedworkingatFirstPresparttimeinChildren'sMinistry.Thenin2015,IstartedworkingastheCommunicationCoordinator.IwasonFirstPresstafffromSept.2009–July2018.GlennandItaughtGodlyPlayformanyyears.IambackteachingGodlyPlayagainthisyear.IalsoampartoftheConnect(her)group.Glennispartofthe11:30GreetingTeam.IamtakingtheStephenMinistrytrainingclassstartinginJanuaryandlookingforwardtoservingasaDeaconin2020.

IbelievethatGodisthecenterofmylife.Thathebroughthisson,Jesus,tousforoursinsandhewantsustoreadthescripturetoliveourlifeastheBiblesays.Godwantsustoliveourlifebypraying,askingforgivenessforoursinsbyconfessingtohimandgoingtochurchandservingothers.IhavebeenaChristianmywholelife,butIfeelmyrelationshipwithGodhasgrowncloserinthelast10yearsofmylife.WeareallonafaithjourneyandIhavefoundthatGodisthereforme.ItrytoleadmylifeastheBibletellsusto,toprayandserveothers.IknowGodhasaplanformeandItrustthathewillusemylifetodogood.


CANDIDATESFORDEACONS–ONEYEARTERM–CLASSOF2021

ARLENEHATFIELD–DEACON

IhavebeenmarriedtoLarryHatfieldfor52yearsandamemberofFirstPresBerkeleysince1992.Wehavethreegrowndaughtersandfivegrandkids.Whatablessing!IamaretiredSpecialEdteacher,althoughIalsotaughtatBerkeleyChristianSchoolwhenitwaslocatedhereatFirstPresmanyyearsago.I'mthankfultobeintheleadershipofConnect(her)andalsotohaveservedasaDeaconforseveralyears.TeachingVBShasbeenrewarding.IenjoywatchingUSWomen’sandMen'sSoccerandtheWarriors,butIalsofollowthelowaStateUniversityteams,Larry’sandmyalmamater.

IamhappytohavethisopportunitytosharewhatIbelieve.IbelieveintheTriuneGod,Father,SonandHolySpirit.God,theFather,hasrevealedhimselfbothincreationandinhisWord.Godiscreatorandsustainerofallthings.Godisholyandsovereign,transcendentbutalsodesirousofrelationship

withhumans.JesusisfullyGodandfullyhuman,whowaswithoutsinbutbecamesinforusthatwemighthaveabundantlifebothnowandforever.God,theHolySpiritcomestodwellinbelieversandtoempowerthemtobecomemorelikeChristastheyfollowJesus'exampleandteaching.

Myhopeisfound"InChristAlone"asthehymnsopowerfullygiveswhatJesusdidformepersonally.Igettearsinmyeyeseverytimewesingit,andIwantthattobesungatmyfuneral.“Iamhisandheismine—boughtbythepreciousbloodofChrist."ItisonlybecauseofGod'sgrace,nothingthatIdeserveorcouldearn.Godknowstheworstofme,buthasgivenmethebest,Jesus.

IbelievethatJesusdiednotjustforme,butforallwhowillreceivesalvationfromeverynation,race,language,andeconomicstatus,andwebelongtoGod'schurch,Christ'sbodyonearth.Weneedeachothertobeabletousethegiftshegivesandencourageotherstofurtherhiskingdom.God'slovethroughChristisgraciouslygiventouspersonallytogivetoothers.Ourchurch,FirstPresBerkeley,istheplaceGodhascalledmetoservelocally,butIneedtoknowandsupporttheneedsaroundtheworldthataresogreat.Sowhatdoesbeingafollower,adiscipleofJesus,meantome?First,toknowChristmoredeeply,throughkeepingacloserelationshiptohimthroughGod'sword,whichIbelieveisauthoritativeandinspiredbytheHolySpiritforguidanceandcorrection.Secondly,I'mcalledtobecomemorelikeChristandservethechurch,thecommunity,andtheworld,bybeinghisheart,hands,andfeet.Itishispurposeformetoserveothersinfurtheringhiskingdomoftransformation,mercyandjustice,andbringingracialreconciliationwhereverIcanbyGod'sgrace.


ROGERHILL–DEACON

WhenZoeandImovedtoBerkeleyin1957,Istartedmycareerasanarchitect.SoonafterwejoinedFirstPresBerkeley.OvertimeIhaveservedthechurchinanumberofcapacitiesbutthemostfulfillinghasbeenthatasaDeacon.IextendthankstomyfellowcongregantswhosharetheirtalentstomakeourChurchabetterplace.IamconstantlyrewardedbythefreshperspectiveandchallengesthatIreceivefromthepulpitandfrommyfellowcongregants.IpraythatIwillalwaysfindactivewaystosharethelovethattheLordhasputinmyheart.

MyintroductiontoJesusChristwasinSundaySchoolin1935.MyfaithandunderstandingofChristhasgrownandmaturedovertime.

IbelievethatJesusistheway,thetruth,andthelight.IbelievethattheOldandNewTestamentarethefoundationofourChristianfaith.IbelievethattheteachingofJesusthroughhisparablesandthewisdomoftheEpistlesarethecoreofourChristianfaith.

IbelievethatasChristianswelackperfectionbutthroughtheactofforgivenesswecancastoffourself-centerednessandcanbemorelovingandunderstanding,inaChristianmanner,inallofourrelationships.IbelievethatourchurchplaysaspecialroleinourChristianjourneythroughtheteachingfromthepulpitandprovidingaplacewherethefellowshipofChristianbelieverscanflourish.ItisfromthisplacewecanlaunchmanyChristianoutreachandserviceefforts.

IbelievethatGodtheFather,SonandHolySpiritarepresentaroundus,inusandworkingthroughus.GodworksthroughmeasIsharelifewithmywife,mychildren,theirspousesandmygrandchildren.Italsoextendstomyotherrelationshipsbeyondtheimmediatefamily.

IfindgrowthbyparticipatingintheECcommunityandbeingpartofcommunitystudygroups.WeregularlyattendEC1.

InurturemyfaiththroughreadingtheBibleandChristianwritings.MywifeandImadeapilgrimagetotheHolyLandwithDebbieWhaley.WalkinginthefootstepsofJesuswaslikeenteringadarkenedtheatreandwhenthecurtainraised,wewereoverwhelmed.


ZOEHILL–DEACON

IgrewupinasmalltowninIowa.AftergraduatingfromIowaStateUniversity,IcametoCaliforniawithmyhusband,Roger,whospentthreeyearsintheUSNavy.ItaughtHomeEconomicsforseveralyearsuntilwestartedourfamily-Lisa,Bruce,andBrian.WebecamemembersofFirstPresin1959whenRobertMungerwasthepastor.IhavebeenanactiveparticipantofFirstPresovertheyearsandIfeeltrulyblessedtobeamemberofthisChristiancommunity.

IgrewupinaChristianfamily,attendedchurchandSundayschoolasachild,andacceptedChristasmySaviorataChristiancampwhenIwasinhighschool.MyjourneyasaChristiancontinuesandhasbeenmostinfluencedbytwopastorshereatFirstPres—RobertMungerandEarlPalmer.Theybothemphasizedthatitdoesn’tmatterwhereyouareinyourChristianjourneyas

longasyouprofessthatChristisyourpersonalSavior.

Tome,thepersonofJesusChrististheSonofGodwhobecamehumanandwhodiedforourhumansins.Yes,weareallconsideredsonsanddaughtersofGod,butChristisdifferent;heistheMessiahandpartoftheHolyTrinity.IbelieveJesusChristismyhisandthatIcancometoadeeperunderstandingofhimbyhearingtheWordofGodthroughsermons,readingtheBible,praying,beingcompassionate,andusingmytalentstohelpothers.Idofallshort,butIwillkeeptrying.IknowthatIhavebeenforgivenofmysinsbyGodsgracethroughtheHolySpirit.

Tome,theHolySpiritisactiveinmylifethroughdiscipleship.Thatmeansmeetingtheneedsofothersandusingmytalentsinthebestpossibleway.IfeelIambeingagooddisciplewhenItakecareofmyfamily;whenIvisitolder,ailingfamilymembersandfriends;whenIamagoodneighbor;andwhenIoffermytalentstothechurchandtocommunityorganizations.Ultimately,IambeingagooddisciplebyfollowingJesus’teachings,andputtingthemintopractice.

Thechurchtomeisacongregationofpeoplethatcometogetherbecauseofcommonbeliefsandpractices.ThechurchisthebodyofChristandmadeupofpeoplewhohaveacceptedChristastheirhis.ThisistheplacewhereIcangrowinmyfaith,beofservice,andhaveprayerandfellowshipwithotherChristians.


VIVIANHO–DEACON

IcametoFirstPresfromtheUCI-HouseBiblestudygroupwithRev.PeterYuenwhenhewastheleaderfromthischurch.ThefirstthingIjoinedwasthechoir,thendifferentcommittees,Deacons,Session,etc.WhenPeterYuenleftthechurch,heaskedmetotakecareoftheinternationalstudentsandscholarsgroup.Ienjoyeddoingthatuntil2013whenmyregularworkgottoodemandingandIcouldn'thandletwothingsatonetime.

IbelievethatGodcreatedmeandsavedme.

Heisactivelyworkinginmylifeandisnotfinishedwithmeyet.

Heismycreator,heavenlyFather,Savior,friend,master,provider,guideandcomingking…

Hisloveencouragesmeanddrawsmeclosertohim…

ThemoreIcommunicatewithhim,themoreIexperiencehispower,mercy,love,faithfulness,andpatience…

Iwanttoliveeachdayandbecountedforhim.

BARBARAPEDERSEN–DEACON

IhaveattendedFirstPresBerkeleysince1983.IammarriedtoRayPedersenandwehave3children,Christian,Zak,andHannalei.Iretiredin2018after25yearsofserviceasanursepractitionerattheUCBerkeleyTangCenterandlovedworkingwithouruniversitystudents.IsinginthechoirandhelpwiththeEC1–4class.

IwasfortunatetohavebeenraisedinaChristianhomeandhaveattendedchurchmyentirelife!IcametopersonalfaithinChristasateenager.Godgavemeacallinginhighschooltobeanurse,whichIdidfor40years—forlast25yearsofmycareer,takingcareofourCalstudentsasanursepractitioner.Ihavebeenblessedwithbothmeaningfulworkandfamilywithhusbandandkids.

BeingwithGodislikebreathing.Godbeside,inside,allaroundme.Godshowingmercy.Godofsurprises.Godofcompassion.Merciesneweverymorning.


RAYPEDERSEN–DEACON

IhaveattendedFirstPresBerkeleysince1986.IworkfortheAlbanyUnifiedSchoolDistrictasateacher/librarianatOceanViewSchool.Ienjoywoodworkingandspendingtimewithfamily.

IbecameaChristianat27throughthefriendshipandwitnessofJackBuckley.IhavecometobelieveandtrustinJesusasthesonofGod.ThroughJesusIcommunicatedirectlytoGod.BeingaChristianthroughtheyearshasmeantacertainconsistencyandregularitytomylife,manifestinbothbehaviorandattitude.IntimesofcrisisIturntoGodforcomfort,reassuranceandguidance.IenjoybeingpartofthebodyofChristbybothgivingandreceivingsupport,encouragementandlove.Ihavebeenaneducatorforthelast26yearsandhaveworkedhardtogivekidsopportunitiestogrowanddevelop.Raisingmy

ownchildrenhasbeenmygreatestjoy.

MIKEWILLIAMSON–DEACON

IarrivedinBerkeleyandlateratFirstPresasagraduatestudent.JosephineandIweremarriedhereandthisiswhereourtwochildrenwerebornandhavegrownup.OurfamilyhasalsobeenblessedtobepartofandgrowingtogetherindiscipleshipwithourCommunityGroupoverseveralyears.IhaveenjoyedvolunteeringasastorytellerinGodlyPlaywiththepre-Kandelementarystudentssinceitbegan,whenmychildrenwerethatage.ThisismysecondtermservingasaDeacon,andIreallyappreciatethetangiblewaysinwhichwecanserveChrist,thecongregation,andvisitors,person-to-person.

IthankGodforcallingmeoutofthevain,emptylifethatIwasleadingbeforeHemetmewhereIwas.Mytrust,myhope,myfaitharenolongerinmyselforthethingsofthisworld,butintheonehesent.JesusChristismyLordandSavior.

IbelievethatwearesavedbygracethroughfaithinJesusChrist,andthateventhatfaithcomesasagiftfromGod.HehaspaidformysinswithhisbloodandsavedmefromGod’srighteousjudgment.Ihavebeenboughtwithaprice.

IbelievethatGodsavedmenotbecauseofmymeritsorworthiness,butinspiteofmyunworthiness,andbecauseofhisgoodnessandgrace.Helovesmeandhecaresforme,personally.

IamdependentonGodforallthatIam,forallthatIhave,andIamdependentonhimtoenablemetodowhathecallsmetodo.Heismyprovider.IbelievethattheBibleisGod’sinspiredword,thatitisthetruth,thatitistrustworthyandreliable,andthatweareallcalledtoobediencetoitsauthority.InourobediencetoGod,weshowourloveforGod,andwerespondwithlovetotheonewhofirstlovedus.


ELDERS

FromtheFirstPresBylaws-ArticleII-Elders

Thespiritualandtemporalaffairs,government,anddisciplineofthischurchshallbecontrolledanddirectedbyaBoardofDirectors,knownastheSession,consistingoftheinstalledTeachingElders(“Pastor”and“AssociatePastors”)andbetween12and21RulingElders(“Elders”),asdeterminedbySessionannually.

EldersshallbeelectedbytheCongregationandshallbedividedintothreeapproximatelyequalclasses,eachwithathree-yearterm.Oneclassshallbeelectedeachyearattheannualmeeting,alongwithanyvacancieswhichSessiondeemsnecessarytofill.Ifitisdeemednecessarytofillanyvacancythatmayoccurduringayear,SessionmayelectapreviouslyordainedEldertofillsuchvacancyuntilthenextAnnualMeeting.

CANDIDATESFORELDER–CLASSOF2023

J ILLBOYCE–ELDER

IgrewupinOaklandandliketosay,thatifyoulivelongenough,youcomefullcircle.I’mgratefultosaymyhusbandof45+years,andInowliveinOaklandwithinwalkingdistanceofthechurch.Wehavetwoadultchildren,AndrewandAmy.Drewandhiswife,Adrianna,andtwoyoungsonsliveinChicago.Ourdaughter,Amy,andherhusbandFrank,alsowithtwoyoungboys,nowwiththeadditionofalittlebabygirl,livenearbyinOakland.Iloveadventure,exploringnewplacesandneighborhoods.Ienjoywalkingwithfriends,sharingacoffeehereorthere,reading,movies,sailing,biking,hiking,andconnectingwithothers.

IbelieveinoneCreatorGodwholovesallofhumanity,thiscreatedworld,andmesomuchthathedesiredtobeknown,havemeknowhim,andbein

relationship.GodhasshownmethatGod’sloveisdeepandwideandopentoall.IcametoknowlongagothegiftofJesus,God’sson,senttobealivingexampleofsuchboundlesslove,asourceofrelationshipwithourCreator,andasignpostofhowImightlive,offeringmemeaningbeyondthislife.OnceIdiscoveredthis,Ihavetriedtolivealifeseeking,ifimperfectly,tofollowJesusintothelargerworld.IalsobelievethestumblingblocksofmybrokennessareforeverhealedbyJesustakingonmysinthroughhissuffering,death,andresurrectionofferingme(andtheworld)thegiftoftheHolySpirittojourneywithmethroughouttherealitiesoflife.


BYRONBROWN–ELDER

IgrewupinSanFrancisco,attendedpublicschoolsandworshippedatSt.Luke’sEpiscopalChurch.AsajunioratUCBerkeley,Imetmywife,Jan.In1971,wemarriedatFirstPresRichmondandservedasVISTAvolunteersinPasco,Washington.Later,IattendedlawschoolatU.S.F.IjoinedtheAlamedaCountyPublicDefender’sOfficein1976andservedfor34yearsasanAssistantPublicDefender.In1979,wemovedtoRichmondandjoinedFirstPresBerkeley.MywifeandIhavetwochildren,MatthewandJennifer,bothmarriedandlivingintheEastBay.Weareblessedwithtwograndsonsagesfourandseven.

IunderstandandacknowledgeChristtobetheHeadoftheChurchandLordofall.IadoptthedeclarationsoftheApostles'andNiceneCreedsandtheconfessionsoffaithoftheReformedtraditionofthePresbyterianChurch

(U.S.A.).IaccepttheScriptures,asrevealedbytheHolySpirit,tobetheuniqueandauthoritativewitnesstoJesusChristandtheWordofGod.Ipracticeandbelieveinthepowerofprayer.

IclaimthatJesusChristismypersonaladvocate,teacher,andredeemer.ThroughhimIbelieveinoneGod,Father,Son&HolySpirit,theTriunerelationalcoreofourChristianfaith.IacknowledgethatChrististhetrueSonofGod,incarnatebytheHolySpiritofthevirginMaryandwasmademan.Hewascrucifiedanddieduponthecrossforoursalvation.Ibelieveinhisresurrectionandthepromiseofferedoflifeeverlasting.

ThroughthemysteryofthisTriunerelationship,eachofusisunequivocallybelovedbyGod,notwithstandingoursinandbrokenness.BytheamazinggiftsofGod'smercyandgrace,weareforgivenandmadewhole.Weareofferedsalvationandthelifeoftheworldtocome.


BARBARABRENNERBUDER–ELDER

IfirstbeganattendingFirstPresasastudentatCalinthe1970'sbutonlybegantofeelapartofthiscommunitywhenIjoinedtheChancelChoirin1989.TheChoirhashadaprofoundimpactonmyexperienceofworshipandonmyspiritualgrowthasafollowerofChrist.IamalsogratefulforthegenerousandlovingwaythatthischurchfamilyembracedmydaughtersandmyhusbandAlan,whowasJewishbybirthandinfaith.YoudemonstratedtotheminsomanytangiblewaystheloveandmercyofGod.

IbelieveinoneGod—Father,Son,andHolySpirit.IbelievethatGodtheFatheriscreatorofallthings,thatJesusChrististheembodimentofGodinhumanform,andthattheHolySpiritisGod'scontinuingpresenceintheworld.IbelievethattheBibleistheinspiredwordofGodandthatthestudyofthescriptures,individualandcorporateprayer,andtimespentin

communitywithotherbelieversisnecessarytolivingasafaithfulfollowerofChrist.

IbelievethatGodcallsustoliveouthiskingdomonearthbyfollowingthegreatestcommandment,Luke10:27"YoushalllovetheLordyourGodwithallyourheartandwithallyoursoulandwithallyourmind...Youshallloveyourneighborasyourself."ThiscommandmentisreinforcedbythelifeandteachingsofJesus.ItisJesus’deathonthecrossandresurrectionthatmakesitpossibleforustoliveoutthiscommandmentandtheministryoftheHolySpiritthatsupportssuchalife.

IbelievethatGodcallsusintocommunitywithinthechurch,thebodyofChrist.Thechurchcreatesaspacetoinformourfaith,tostrengthenourtiestoGodthroughworship,andtoserveothers.Itpreparesandencouragesustoliveoutthatgreatestofallcommandments,“tolovetheLordourGodwithallourheartandtoloveourneighborasourselves.”


MAECHAN–ELDER

MynameisMaeandI’macommunitybuilder,entrepreneur,business/careerconsultant,andarchitect.IamChinese,borninAmericatofirst-generationChineseimmigrants.Astheownerofachildren’sclothingstorecalledRuby’sGardenforthepast13years,I’velovedconnectingwithmyneighborsthroughthousandsofheavy-deep-and-realconversationsandofferingencouragementtoallkindsofpeoplejusttryingtodotheirbest.I’vebeendivorcingforthepastfouryearsandaminabigcareertransitionbutI’mgratefulforthefreedomtocreatemynextlife.My16-year-olddaughterRubyisthelightofmylife.

GrowingupIwastoldifIobeyedGodandlivedrightly,Godwouldshowhislovebyrewardingmewithaprettygoodlife.SomuchofwhatIbelievetodaystemsfromvehementlyunlearningthis.Inowbelieve,andstrivetobelieve,

Godlovesandblessesandacceptseverypersonwhereverweareinthehumanjourney,whateverwedo.Godmadeuswhoweareanditisgood.GodonlywantsustobebetteratlovingeachotherandconnectingtoGod’sinfinitegoodness,whichallowsustoletgoofzero-sumthinking.Godisamultiplier,solivegenerouslyandfreely;wedon’tlosewhatwegiveawayinlove.

IbelievethatJesusisGodembodied;hecametoearthasababyamongustoshowushowtoliveinlove,mercy,andgrace.MyhopeistobecomeandlivemorelikeJesus.

IbelievetheHolySpiritisGodamonguseverywhereandamongeveryonewhoseeksGod.

TheSpiritwoosandpromptsustodrawnear.TheSpiritiswhyItrustmyvoiceandfeelfreetoliveintowhoGodhasmademe,andwhyIlovetoaffirmthatfreedominothers.

ThechurchisthelaboratorywherewepracticeGod-loveoneachother.WestrengthenourfaiththroughritualsthatspeakthetruthofwhoweareandwhoGodis:prayer,scripture,worship,liturgy,confession,communion.Infellowshipwereachoutandsometimesfailtoconnect,weconfessourbrokenness,weoffergraceandmercyinsteadofjudgmentinreturn.WesharestoriesthatremindusweareallwitnessestoGod’sgoodnessandabundance.Wecomeindepletedandleavefilledup,walkingouttoaworldthattakesnoteofthejoyandhopeweholddespitethedarknessofourworld.


DALYJORDAN-KOCH–ELDER

Asamemberofthischurchfor46years,Ihavebeeninvolvedinsmallgroupssincecollege.IhaveservedasaDeacon,inHospitality,andYouthministries.Morerecently,IhaveenjoyedtheInterpretingScriptureclassesandlovebeingapartofleadershipinEC3.Ihavebeenmarriedfor40yearsandraisedtwochildrenintoadulthood.Asanelementaryeducator,I’vespentmyprofessionallifeadvocatingforchildrenandfamilies.

IbelieveGODcreatedthisworld,allthatisinit,andespeciallyhumanbeings.WeseeGOD’sheartisineverythingthatismade.

GODpromisedsalvationtohispeopleseparatedfromGODbysin.GODsenthisonlyson,JesusChrist,toredeemhispeopleandtoshowushowtoliveandlove.Throughthissacrifice,thereishealingandtransformationofreal

peopleandhumansociety.InthisrealityofGOD’slove,assuredbytheHolySpirit,wehavelovingrelationships,aswellasrealliveswitheachotherandwithGOD.

GODdesireshispeopletolivetheirlivestogetherincommunity,whichmeansmovingtowardsunity,whileembracingthediversityofthepeoplehecreated.

Ibelieve,asamemberoftheFirstPresbyterianChurchofBerkeley,andasabelovedchildofGODinthisworld,Iamrootedandgroundedinlove.Iamcalledtoliveanauthenticfaithwithopenhandsandanopenheart,askingGODtohelpme,andmysiblingsinChrist,tounderstandhiswillandbringusclosertogetherinlove.

IbelievethatmydecisiontofollowChristhastaughtmetolistentoGOD’svoiceinscriptureandpayattentiontoChrist’slifeandwhatJesusdidinthegospels,aswellas,beauthenticallyinvolvedinhischurch.AsafollowerofChrist,Iamcalledto:

LearnandGrowWorshipGODLoveotherpeople,deeplyLetgoofmyegoLovecreationWorktowardspeaceWorktowardshealingwounds


CAROLINESALLEE–ELDER

Hello!I’mCarolineSallee.I’moriginallyfromIllinoisandmovedtotheBayAreawithmyfamilyin2015.Iam39yearsold,marriedtomyhighschoolsweetheart(Jim),andwehavethreeadorabledaughters–Eleanor(7years),Julia(4years)andGrace(1.5years).I’maSeniorManageratEY(globaltaxandaccountingfirm)whereIadvisepublicandprivateclientsonstateandlocaltaxpolicyandregionaleconomics.WemovedtotheBayAreawhenJimacceptedapositionatUCBerkeley(he’saneconomist)andwefoundachurchcommunityimmediatelyatFirstPres.IcurrentlyserveFirstPresontheStewardshipCommittee.

IbelieveinGod,Jesusashisson,andtheHolySpirit.IbelieveinalovingGodandthatIhavebeensavedbymyfaiththroughgrace.Ephesians2:8summarizesthisbelief:“Foritisbygraceyouhavebeensavedthroughfaith

andthisnotfromyourselves;itisthegiftofGod.”

IbelievethatthechurchbodyshouldloveGodandlovepeople.ThisisthemostimportanttenetofmyChristianfaithanditiswhatcallsmetoservethebodyinleadershiproles.IbelievethatChristwantsustoloveoneanotherandhavetolerancefordifferentexpressionsofourfaiththatmaydifferbydenomination.ThechurchbodyiscomprisedofthosewhobelieveinChrist,andweshouldbeinclusiveandlovingofthosewhoprofessthis.

ThechurchisGod’swayofcaringforhispeople.AsDisciplesofChrist,Ibelievewehaveadutytolovethoseinourchurchandseektheirgoodthroughmeetingoftheirphysicalandspiritualneeds.IbelievethatasachurchwehaveacallingtoseekthegoodofthosearounduswhoarenotChristiansandbeoutwardfacinginadditiontocaringforourChristianbrethren.IbelieveweshouldliveinthisworldanddemonstratetheloveandgraceofourLordineverythingwedo.


LAURASERA–ELDER

MynameisLauraSera,andIhavebeencomingtoFirstPressinceIwasanewlywedin1981.Alongwithmyhusband,Bob,weraisedourtwochildren,ChelseaandDaniel,inthechurch.Now,Ihaveevenonoccasionbroughtmygrandchildrenhere.ThirtyeightyearsatFirstPres,fromnewlywedtograndchildren.It’sincredible.Ilookforwardtotheyearsahead,waitingwithanticipationforwhatGodhasinstoreforus.

WhatdoIbelieve?IbelieveintheTriuneGod.Ibelieveinthecreatorofheavenandearthandinhisonlyson,ourLord.IbelieveintheWordmadefleshandthefleshmadedivine.IbelieveintheSpiritthathoveredovertheunformedwatersandthathoversovermysoul.IbelieveintheGodthatreachesintomysmalllifeandexpandsmyheart.IbelieveintheSonthatbecametheKingIwouldfollowanywhere.IbelieveintheSpiritthatkeens

foroursufferingandinmysterybringsguidanceandcomfort.Ibelieveinprayer.

IbelieveinthenittygrittyoffaithandhowGodshowsupinthesmallthings.Ibelieveinthekindnessofstrangersandangels.IbelieveGodworksthroughoutthecreatedordertowoousintodeeperrelationshipwithhim.Ibelieveintheglorythatshoneroundaboutandthatshineseventoday.Ibelievethislightisthehopeofnations,andIclingtothathopeinthemidstofpoliticalupheaval.

IbelieveinthepeopleofGod,thepeopleoffaith.IbelievethatGodisfoundinhispeopleastheyloveoneanotherwhetherfriend,family,strangerorfoe.IbelievethatGodcanbeanenigmaandalover.Ibelievethatitmattershowwelive,thatthechoiceswemakematter.ButIalsobelievewearejustgrass;thatweneedourGodtohelpus,toforgiveus,tohelpusforgiveourselves,andoneanother.

WearenotGod.Wearecreatednotcreator.Wedon’tknowitall.Wedon’thavealltheanswers.Wearenotalwaysright.Butweareloved.WearelovedandsoughtafterbyGodandsetstraightandtransformedbytherenewalofourminds,ifwewillbutbringourauthenticselvestotheTriuneGodwithhumility.

AsChristians,wedonotliveinisolationbutinrelationship.Andsoitisincommunion,withbreadandwineandwithprayerandsupplicationthatwebringourselvesandoneanothertotheGodwholovesandcaresforusandtheworld.Thissacramentofcommunionembodiestheverypromiseof“Emmanuel”andconnectsustotheworldinanunmistakableandprofoundway.Thisisnotjustanideaorasentimentbutnecessitatesouractualentranceintothemessinessofhumanrelationshipbeyondourselves.Ibelieveourlife’sworkisfoundinthescripturefromMatthew22:37–40,tolovetheLord,ourGod,withallourheart,soulandmindandtoloveourneighborasourselves.Thisismychallengeeveryday.


ELDERCONTINUINGSERVICEFORONEYEARINTHECLASSOF2021

ANNAFELLERS–ELDER

Iamaclinicalsocialworkerbytraining,andinitiallycametoFirstPresduringmytimeasagraduatestudentatCal.Muchofmyprofessionallifehasbeenworkinginthenon-profitsectorattheintersectionsofsocio-emotional/mentalhealth,education,andadolescentdevelopment.WithintheFirstPrescommunity,IhavehadtheprivilegeofrecentlyservingasanElder,ontheNominatingCommittee,inmusicalworshipleadership,andinpartnershipwiththeRacialJusticeWorkingGroup.

IbelieveintheincomprehensiblemysteryofaTriuneGod.IbelievethatGodexistsasuniqueentitiesofparent,JesusChrist,andtheHolySpirit,eachwithspecificrolesyetalsofullyone.Evenbeforethebeginning,Godhasbeencreatorandsustainerofall.

Inademonstrationofgreatcompassionandhumility,GodtookonhumanlikenessandincarnationallydweltamongthecreatedasEmmanuel,God

withus.Throughouthislife,Jesusmodeledsacrificialloveandreconciliationinwaysthatcalledforparadigmshiftsandsignificantlyupendednormativeconventionsinfavorofagenerouswelcome.Despitehavinglivedaperfectlife,Jesusexperiencedapainfulandpublicexecution,butthatwasnottheendofthestory.Jesusovercamedeath,andthroughthisacthebecamea“onceforall”atoningsacrificethatallowsallpeopletheopportunitytobereconciledtoGodbygracealone.

TheHolySpiritplaysanactiveroleineducating,offeringcorrection/encouragement,andequippingthepeopleofGod.BecausetheWordofGodislivingandactiveandtheSpiritremainsatwork,thereisanongoingprocessofdiscoveringmoreaboutwhoGodisandwhoIaminrelationtoGod.Engaginginthesacramentsandcorporateworshiparetwosignificantwaysinwhichwecanactivelyparticipateinthisprocessofdiscovery.

Jesussharedhislifewithallkindsofpeople;Ibelievethisdiversityisintentionalandthatthechurchbenefitswhenitstrivestofollowasimilarmodelofcelebratingvariedexperiencesandperspectives.AsimagebearersofGod,weallhavethingstolearnfromandteachtooneanotheraboutGod.Iamgratefulfortheopportunitytocontinuetorefine,reflecton,andrespondtomyfaithincommunity.


•

NOMINATINGCOMMITTEE

FromtheFirstPresBylaws–ArticleVI–NominatingCommittee

NominationsfortheofficesofElderandDeaconandfortheupcomingyear’sNominatingCommitteeshallbemadebyaNominatingCommittee.TheCongregationshall,bymajorityvoteatitsannualmeeting,electmembersoftheNominatingCommitteeforaone-yearterm.NomemberoftheNominatingCommitteeshallserveformorethanfourconsecutiveyears.ThePastorshallbeamemberexofficioandwithoutvote.

TheNominatingCommitteeshallbecomprisedofsevenoreightactivemembersofthechurch.SessionshallappointoneortwocurrentlyservingElderstotheNominatingCommittee,includingtheChair.ThecurrentlyservingNominatingCommitteeshallpresentaslateofsixnominees,includingoneDeacon,forelectiontotheupcomingNominatingCommitteeattheannualmeeting.Additionalnominationsmaybemadefromthefloor,inwhichcaseasecretwrittenballotshallbeheld.Sessionmay,ifdeemednecessary,appointanEldertofillanyvacancyoccurringduringtheyear.

CANDIDATESFORNOMINATINGCOMMITTEE

ERICAMAIERD’AMBROSIO–NOMINATINGCOMMITTEE

IarrivedatFirstPresBerkeleyasagraduatestudentin2004.AftercompletingaMastersDegreeinMusicEducation,IjoinedtheFirstPresstaffastheAssistantDirectorofMusicMinistries.In2009,IleftthestaffofFirstPresupontheeventofmymarriageandnewroleasafull-timestepmother.Inmycurrentprofessionallife,IhaveabusyprivatevoicestudioandI’mtheresidentmusicdirectorofBayAreaChildren’sTheatre.Inmychurchlife,IampartoftheMomsTogetherleadershipandsingintheVesperChoir.Inmypersonallife,Ichasearoundmy31/2yearoldsonWilliamandgoonasmanyadventureswithmyhusbandBrettaspossible!

IbelievethatGodisaGodofrelationship.Hecreatedustobeinrelationshipwithhimandwitheachother.

Inresponsetobrokenrelationships,hesenthisonlySonJesus,whowasfullyGodandMan,intotheworldtoatoneforoursins.Hedidsobydyingonthecrossandafterhewasburied,roseagain.

InMark12:30–31,JesuscommandedustobeinrelationshipwithGodandthepeoplearoundus.Hesaid,"LovetheLordyourGodwithallyourheartandwithallyoursoulandwithallyourmindandwithallyourstrength"andto"loveyourneighborasyourself."IbelievethatwiththehelpoftheHolySpiritasaguidingpresenceinmylife,Icanstrivetokeepthiscommandment.


MARKFRISBIE–NOMINATINGCOMMITTEE

Iama68-year-oldretiredestateplanninglawyerwhohasbeenanactivememberofFirstPresforthelasthalfofmylife.ImetmywifeKareninayoungadultgrouphere,andweweremarriedbyEarlPalmer.Ihavetwoyoung-adultsonswhostillliveintheBayArea;oneevenattendedCal,myalmamater.Wealsoraisedourniece,AlexisMoore,fromtheageof10;sheisnow25.IhaveservedtwoprevioustermsonSessionandoneyearasClerk.IamaregularmemberofOnBelayfellowshipformanyyears,nowinleadershipatWelcomingFriends,alsohelpingoccasionallywithFoCUSandTeddyBearLair(no,notbecausewehavegrandchildrenthere!).

JesusChrististhebestmodelforlifeguidanceIhavefoundinmy68+years.Ibelievehislifeandexample,includinghisresurrectionfromdeath,tobe

theearthlymanifestationofthesupernaturalcreator-beingwecallGod.Hewasdifferentfromallotherhumansinspiritandunderstanding,butneverthelesshumaninconstitution,appearanceandfeelings.

Ibelievethatwehumansarebornwithaninnatedesiretoseekagodofsomesort,apowergreaterthanthemselvesworthserving.Somechoosetodenytheexistenceofthisdesire,buttheGodthatJesusreferredtoashisFatheristometheGodmostworthseekinginmylife,andJesusisthebestexpressionanddemonstrationofGod’snaturethatIamawareof.Icannotproveanyofthis,butIbelieveitstronglyenoughtomakeitthebasisfororientingmylife’smostfundamentalandimportantdecisions.WhatIhaveheardandobservedaboutotherfaithshasneverseemedlikemorethantheproductofhumanthoughtandwisdom,whileChrist’sexamplewasademonstrationofsomethingbeyondhumanpowers.

ChristsaidthattheHolySpiritwouldbewithusafterheleft.Onafewoccasions,Ihaveexperiencedagoodimpulsethatoccurredwithoutanyintentionorexpectationonmypart,andIattributesuchoccurrencestotheHolySpirit.IbelievethatGodhasintervenedinmylifeforgoodattimesandinwaysthatIwasnotawareofuntillater.Butforthemostpart,theworkoftheHolySpiritisamysterytome,soIliveinastateofhopefulattentionforsignsoftheHolySpiritandunderstandingoftheirmeaning.


ARLENEHATFIELD,DEACON–NOMINATINGCOMMITTEE

IhavebeenmarriedtoLarryHatfieldfor52yearsandamemberofFirstPresBerkeleysince1992.Wehavethreegrowndaughtersandfivegrandkids.Whatablessing!IamaretiredSpecialEdteacher,althoughIalsotaughtatBerkeleyChristianSchoolwhenitwaslocatedhereatFirstPresmanyyearsago.I'mthankfultobeintheleadershipofConnect(her)andalsotohaveservedasaDeaconforseveralyears.TeachingVBShasbeenrewarding.IenjoywatchingUSWomen’sandMen'sSoccerandtheWarriors,butIalsofollowthelowaStateUniversityteams,Larry’sandmyalmamater.

IamhappytohavethisopportunitytosharewhatIbelieve.IbelieveintheTriuneGod,Father,SonandHolySpirit.God,theFather,hasrevealedhimselfbothincreationandinhisWord.Godiscreatorandsustainerofallthings.Godisholyandsovereign,transcendentbutalsodesirousof

relationshipwithhumans.JesusisfullyGodandfullyhuman,whowaswithoutsinbutbecamesinforusthatwemighthaveabundantlifebothnowandforever.God,theHolySpiritcomestodwellinbelieversandtoempowerthemtobecomemorelikeChristastheyfollowJesus'exampleandteaching.

Myhopeisfound"InChristAlone"asthehymnsopowerfullygiveswhatJesusdidformepersonally.Igettearsinmyeyeseverytimewesingit,andIwantthattobesungatmyfuneral.“Iamhisandheismine—boughtbythepreciousbloodofChrist."ItisonlybecauseofGod'sgrace,nothingthatIdeserveorcouldearn.Godknowstheworstofme,buthasgivenmethebest,Jesus.

IbelievethatJesusdiednotjustforme,butforallwhowillreceivesalvationfromeverynation,race,language,andeconomicstatus,andwebelongtoGod'schurch,Christ'sbodyonearth.Weneedeachothertobeabletousethegiftshegivesandencourageotherstofurtherhiskingdom.God'slovethroughChristisgraciouslygiventouspersonallytogivetoothers.Ourchurch,FirstPresBerkeley,istheplaceGodhascalledmetoservelocally,butIneedtoknowandsupporttheneedsaroundtheworldthataresogreat.Sowhatdoesbeingafollower,adiscipleofJesus,meantome?First,toknowChristmoredeeply,throughkeepingacloserelationshiptohimthroughGod'sword,whichIbelieveisauthoritativeandinspiredbytheHolySpiritforguidanceandcorrection.Secondly,I'mcalledtobecomemorelikeChristandservethechurch,thecommunity,andtheworld,bybeinghisheart,hands,andfeet.Itishispurposeformetoserveothersinfurtheringhiskingdomoftransformation,mercyandjustice,andbringingracialreconciliationwhereverIcanbyGod'sgrace.


ROLANDPETERSON–NOMINATINGCOMMITTEE

Iamalong-termmemberofthischurchwithmanyfamilialtieshere.MyfatherwasClerkofSessionfor31yearsandmymotherwasonthestaff.MysisterisamissionaryinAustriawithGreaterEuropeMissionandformanyyearswaspartiallysupportedbythischurch.IhavebeenamemberoftheKoinoniafellowshipgroup,serveasCommissionertoPresbytery,andserveontheFacilitiesCommittee.IservedtwofulltermsonDeaconsandSession.

IbelieveinGodtheFather,JesusChristtheSon,andtheHolySpirit,threeinone.IbelievethatGodcreatedallthingsandintimewillrestoreallthings.Throughhisdeathbycrucifixion,Jesuspaidthepenaltyforoursin,as"allhavesinnedandfallenshortofthegloryofGod."(Romans3:23)Iamkeenlyawareofmysinandtheneedforforgiveness.ItrustintheresurrectionthroughthepromisesinScriptureandtheexampleofChrist.I

affirmtheHolySpiritasourcurrentpresenceofGodindailylife.IaffirmtheBibleastheauthoritativewitnessofGod'sworkofsalvationinhumanityaswellasguidepostsforhealthyandobedientliving(2Timothy3:16).IaffirmthechurchuniversalasGod'sprimarymeansforChristiancommunityandbringingpeopleintoGod'skingdom.ThechurchisthevehiclebywhichtheloveofGodforhumanityismostcalledtobemadeevident.Thesacramentofcommunionisourcollectiverecognitionanddeclarationofthesacrifice,deathandresurrectionofChrist(1Corinthians11:26).


JESSICASTUNZ*–NOMINATINGCOMMITTEE

IspendmydaysbalancingmyidentitiesofGraduateStudentandAdmissionsCounselorforSaintMary’sCollege.Abouttwoyearsago,ImovedtotheBayAreawithoutknowingasoul.Adecisionthatwouldnormallystrikefearinmostpeoplewhenmovingtoanewplace,IwasexcitedtoseehowGodmightprovideinanewenvironmentandmoveinmysteriousways.ItshouldcomeasnosurprisethatIhavebeenoverwhelmedbythefeelingofbelongingIhaveencounteredwhiledivingdeeperintotheworldofFirstPres,thefirstchurchIattendedwhileexploringchurches,andithasstuck.

IfIhadtochooseonephrasetodescribemyfaithjourneyitwouldbemovingfromdeconstructiontoreconstruction.Mycollegeandpost-collegeyearshavebeenfilledwiththemostbeautifulcombinationofthedoubt

thatcomeswithtakingthingsapart,unsurehowthesepiecescouldpossiblyfittogether,andgreathopethatcomeswithseeingthepiecesformthemostbeautifulmosaic.

AsanEnneagram1,itisuncomfortabletonotliveinblackandwhiteunderstandingofthethingsaroundme.Mystatementoffaithrequiresinvitingmysteryandgreyareaintomyspirituality.Oneofmyfavoritetheologyprofessorsinmyundergradyearsbrokeitdownlikethis:“Virginbirth,sinlesslife,physicaldeath,andresurrection-anythingelseisfairgame.”MeaningwecandebateanythingintheBible,butthewholethingfallsapartifJesuswasn’tbornofavirgin,wasn’tblameless,didn’tactuallydieandrisefromthegrave.Otherwisethequestionbecomeswhoarewepledgingourlivesto?LatelyI’vebeenlearningtolivewiththequestionsincommunitywithmychurchfamilytoensurethatIdon’tlivethequestionsbymyself.Myprofessor'sexplanationcontinuestobefreeingintheyearsthathavefollowed.TometheirstatementopensmetotherealitythatIwillneverknowalltheanswers,andthereiscomfortintheunknown.PraisetheLordthatGoddidnothardwireustoknoweverything,butinsteadholdourselvesothersgentlyasweponderthequestionstogether.

Tome,faithrequiresthecompanionshipofotherswhoarewithyouinthejourney.IhavehadthegreatpleasureoffindinginvolvementintwocommunitygroupsatFirstPres:theyoungadultgroupandamultigenerationalwomen’sgroup.Inbothgroups,Iamremindedoftheimportanceofcommunity.IamconvincedthatcompanionshipisthegreatestgiftfromGod.Tothinkthatourloving,graciousGodcreateduswithourownuniquestoryisattimesoverwhelming.Faithrequiresbringingthehardquestionstoyourpalswhohaveperhapsaskedthesamequestionsorareinthemiddleofaskingthemtoo.

*becomingamemberviaStartingPoint


STEVETAYLOR–NOMINATINGCOMMITTEE

OriginallyfromMontanaImovedtoCaliforniaaftercollegewhenIwasintheNavyandbasedinAlameda.IhavebeenamemberofFirstPressince1996whenItransferredmymembershipfromLafayette-OrindaPresbyterianChurch.SincethenI’vebeenaSundaySchoolteacher,aGodlyPlayassistant,aStephenMinister,aDeacon,andanElder.I’vehadthehonorofservingtheStreetMealandhavedisplayedmywatercolorpaintingsonacoupleoccasions.I’mstillexploringwaystoserveandmayatsomepointsinginthechoir,iftheywouldhaveme.

WhenI’veheardotherpeople’sfaithstatements,Ifeelsomewhatjealous.Idon’thaveanepisodeinmylifewhenIsuddenlyandemotionallycametofaith.Ididnotundergoameaningfultransformationfromsinner(althoughIamthat)toGod’sforgivenessandblessings.Ihaveneverbeeninthedepths

ofdespairandrescuedbyJesus.TherealityisthatIdonotrememberatimeinmylifewhenIwasnotaChristian.

Igrewupinthechurchandmostofmyfamily’sfriendswerefromchurch.OurfamilyspentholidayswithourchurchfriendsandIstillmaintainrelationshipswiththosepeoplemorethanhalfacenturylater.IbelieveintherealityofJesusandhisresurrectionandthefactthathediedforme.Attimesthishasbeenachallenge.Ivaluelearningandscience-basedexplanationsforlife’smysteries.God’sloveforusandhissendingJesusforoursalvationisnotscientificallytidy.Itliterallyhastobetakenonfaith.Faith,andlove,andtheexampleofthosethathavecomebefore.

IexperienceGodthroughinfamily,throughmylargerchurchfamilyandinthebeautyoftheworldthatneverceasestoinspireme.


FIRSTPRESBYTERIANCHURCHOFBERKELEYDEACONPOSITIONDESCRIPTION

Deaconsareelectedbythecongregationforthree-yeartermsandaretraditionallyelectedingroupsoffifteen.DeaconsareelectedattheAnnualMeeting(typicallyinMarchofeachyear),andordained(typicallyinApril);trainingbeginsinMarchorApril,andactiveservicebeginsinMayofeachyear.

TheroleofaDeaconisoneofservicetoChristandhischurchthroughtheexerciseofone’sgiftstomeetpracticalandspiritualneeds.EachDeaconservesinthegeneralministriesoftheDeaconsincludingregularprayer,monthlycards,andseasonalflowerdeliveriestothosewhoaresick,elderlyand/orbereaved,assistingindistributionoftheDeaconFund,andhostingmemorialservicereceptions.Deaconsalsoserveontheorganizing/leadershipteamforDeaconserviceprojects.Asofficersofthechurch,theyservecommunioninourSundayworshipservices.ServingasaDeaconisarewardingandsometimesdemandingcallthatrequirescommitment,prayer,andbothextendingandreceivingGod’sgrace.DeaconOrientationandMonthlyCommitments

• 2-3initialorientationandtrainingmeetingsinMarchandApril• AttendanceattheannualDeaconretreat(typicallyinMay)• Amonthlymeetinggenerallyheldonthe4thTuesdayofeachmonthfrom7–9pm• Atypicalmonthlytimecommitmentof8-10hours

DeaconProjectLeadership

• AllDeaconswillserveontheorganizing/leadershipteamofatleasttwoDeaconprojectsduringtheyear(oneintheFallandoneintheSpring).Currentprojectsinclude:CalMove-InWeekend,NeighborhoodPicnics,WinterClothingDrive,GiftWorld,DoJustice,SeniorSaintsLuncheon,DeaconRetreat,andFarewellDinner.

GeneralDeaconCommitments• PrayingregularlyforDeaconsandforprayerrequeststhatcomethroughtheprayerchain• ServingcommuniononthefirstSundayofthemonthandonotherspecialoccasions• Assistingwiththehostingofmemorialservicereceptionsasoneisableandavailable• FlowerDeliveryduringEaster,summer,andChristmasseasonstoourin-home,elderly,bereaved,andto

thosewhohavefacedsignificantmedicalchallenges• AttendingtheAnnualMeetingandallcongregationalmeetings

DesiredqualificationstoserveasaDeacon:AsaDeaconcandidateweaskthatone:

1. beabletoaffirmtrustinJesusChristasone’spersonalSavior,acknowledgehimLordofallandHeadoftheChurch,andthroughhimbelieveinoneGod:Father,Son,andHolySpirit.OneshouldalsobeabletoaffirmthattheScripturesoftheOldandNewTestamentsare,bytheHolySpirit,theuniqueandauthoritativewitnesstoJesusChristintheChurchuniversal,andGod’sWordtohisChurch,

2. beabletoaffirmthetenetsoftheReformedFaith,3. beabovereproachandmeetScripturalstandards(e.g.,1Timothy3:8-13)4. beamemberofFirstPres,5. beinvolvedinthelifeofthechurchandsupportFirstPresfinancially,6. completeaCandidateForm,whichincludesaStatementofFaith.


FIRSTPRESBYTERIANCHURCHOFBERKELEYELDERPOSITIONDESCRIPTION

Eldersareelectedbythecongregationforthree-yeartermsandaretraditionallyelectedingroupsrepresentingone-thirdofthenumberofEldersonSession.EldersareelectedattheAnnualMeeting(typicallyinMarchofeachyear),andordained(typicallyinApril);trainingbeginsinMarchorApril,andactiveservicebeginsinMayofeachyear.

Eldersserveasspiritualoverseersofthechurch,determiningchurchpolicy,exercisingleadership,governance,anddisciplinewhileactingasshepherdstothecongregation,settinganexampleforall.Alongwiththeotherservicethattheyoffer,Eldersareexpectedtouphold,affirmandexplainasrequiredthechurchanditsmissionandvision.ServingasanElderisarewardinganddemandingcallingthatrequiresChrist-centeredcommitment,ongoingprayer,humility,anddiscernment.ElderOrientationandMonthlyCommitments

• Initialtraining/orientationmeetings(typicallyintheMarch/Apriltimeframe)&anannualretreat• Amonthly Sessionmeetingusuallyheldon the3rd Tuesdayofeachmonthbeginningat6:30pmwith

dinner together and lasting 2-3 hours total, not including pre-reading the department minutes andupcomingmeeting’sdiscussionmaterials

• PrayingregularlyforthechurchElderDepartment&CommitteeLeadership

• ActingasachairpersonandliaisontoachurchdepartmentorministrythroughmeetingsandtimelycommunicationbetweenthedepartmentandSession

• Department,committee,andministrymeetingsandfollow-upcantake1-5hoursperweekdependingontheseasonandtheministryneeds.

GeneralElderCommitments

• ServingcommuniononthefirstSundayofthemonthandonotherspecialoccasions• Periodicallyinterviewingnewcandidatesformembership• Supportingthegovernanceandprogramsofthechurch–attendingallcongregationalmeetings,

participatinginall-churchprogramsandinitiatives,andsupportingspecialmeetingsDesiredqualificationstoserveasanElder:AsanEldercandidatewewouldaskthatone:


2. beabletoaffirmthetenetsoftheReformedFaith,3. beabovereproachandmeetScripturalstandards(e.g.,1Timothy3:1-7;Titus1:6-9)4. beamemberofFirstPres,5. beinvolvedinthelifeofthechurchandsupportFirstPresfinancially,6. completeaCandidateForm,whichincludesaStatementofFaith.


FIRSTPRESBYTERIANCHURCHOFBERKELEYNOMINATINGCOMMITTEEPOSITIONDESCRIPTION

TheprimaryresponsibilityoftheNominatingCommittee(NC)istoselectcandidateslatesforElderandDeaconforelectionbythecongregationeachyear.Inaddition,theNominatingCommitteepresentsaslatetoreplaceitselfeachyear.Whenneeded,theNCalsoselectscandidatesforAssociatePastorNominatingCommittees,PastorNominatingCommittees,andPresbyteryCommissioners(FirstPres'representativestotheSanFranciscoPresbytery).

NominatingCommittee(NC)membersareelectedbythecongregationforaone-yeartermalthoughaNCmembermayserveasmanyasfourconsecutiveyears.NCmembersareexpectedtobeslatedforelectionattheAnnualMeeting(typicallyinMarchofeachyear);activeservicemaybegininAprilorMayofeachyear.

NominatingCommitteeFormationandComposition

PerourBylaws,theNCisacommitteeofsevenoreightmemberselectedbythecongregationannually.TheNCincludesoneortwocurrentlyservingEldersappointedbySession,acurrentlyservingDeaconappointedbytheDeacons,andat-largelaymemberstorepresentthechurch.SessiondesignatesanEldertochairtheNC.Inaddition,thePastorshallbeanex-officio(non-voting)member.

NominatingCommitteeCommitments• OrientationmeetinginAprilorMay• Weeklyorbi-weeklymeetingsheldonamutually-agreeabledayoftheweek;2-3hourstotal• Weeklyreadingofcandidateapplicationsandrespondingtocandidateinquiries;2-3hourstotal• Prayinganddiscerningleadershipcandidatesforthechurch

DesiredqualificationstoserveasontheNominatingCommittee:Acommitteemembermust:


2. beabletoaffirmthetenetsoftheReformedFaith,3. beabovereproachandmeetsimilarScripturalstandardsastheDeaconsandElderstheyarecharged

withselecting,4. beamemberofFirstPres,5. beinvolvedinthelifeofthechurchandsupportFirstPresfinancially,6. completeaCandidateForm,whichincludesaStatementofFaith.


ORDINATIONANDINSTALLATIONQUESTIONSFORDEACONSANDELDERS

FromthePresbyterianChurchUSABookofOrder–4.4003Themoderatorofthegoverningbodyofthosetobeordained,installed,orcommissionedshallaskthemtostandbeforethebodyofmembershipandtoanswerthefollowingquestions:QuestionstotheDeaconsandElders:1. DoyoutrustinJesusChristyourSavior,acknowledgehimLordofallandHeadoftheChurch,andthrough

himbelieveinoneGod,Father,Son,andHolySpirit?

2. DoyouaccepttheScripturesoftheOldandNewTestamentstobe,bytheHolySpirit,theuniqueandauthoritativewitnesstoJesusChristintheChurchuniversal,andGod’sWordtoyou?

3. DoyousincerelyreceiveandadopttheessentialtenetsoftheReformedfaithasexpressedintheconfessionsofourchurchasauthenticandreliableexpositionsofwhatScriptureleadsustobelieveanddo,andwillyoubeinstructedandledbythoseconfessionsasyouleadthepeopleofGod?

4. WillyoufulfillyourministryinobediencetoJesusChrist,undertheauthorityofScripture,andbecontinuallyguidedbyourconfessions?

5. Willyoubegovernedbyourchurch’spolity,andwillyouabidebyitsdiscipline?Willyoubeafriendamongyourcolleaguesinministry,workingwiththem,subjecttotheorderingofGod’sWordandSpirit?

6. WillyouinyourownlifeseektofollowtheLordJesusChrist,loveyourneighbors,andworkforthereconciliationoftheworld?

7. Doyoupromisetofurtherthepeace,unity,andpurityofthechurch?

8. Willyouprayforandseektoservethepeoplewithenergy,intelligence,imagination,andlove?

9. (ForElder)WillyoubeafaithfulrulingElder,watchingoverthepeople,providingfortheirworship,nurture,andservice?Willyoushareingovernmentanddiscipline,servingincouncilsofthechurch,andinyourministrywillyoutrytoshowtheloveandjusticeofJesusChrist?

10. (ForDeacon)WillyoubeafaithfulDeacon,teachingcharity,urgingconcern,anddirectingthepeople’shelptothefriendlessandthoseinneed?InyourministrywillyoutrytoshowtheloveandjusticeofJesusChrist?

QuestionstotheCongregation:1. Dowe,themembersofthechurch,accept(names)asrulingEldersorDeacons,chosenbyGodthroughthe

voiceofthiscongregationtoleadusinthewayofJesusChrist?

2. Doweagreetoprayforthem,toencouragethem,torespecttheirdecisions,andtofollowastheyguideus,servingJesusChrist,whoaloneisHeadoftheChurch?

OURMISSIONFirstPresbyterianChurchofBerkeley

2019

WEARECALLEDBYGOD,

TRANSFORMEDBYGRACE,

STRENGTHENEDINCOMMUNITY,

CONFIDENTTHATCHRISTISMAKINGALLTHINGSNEW.

NOWGO:

LOVECONCRETELY,EVENWHENIT’SRISKY

SERVEGENEROUSLY,WHOEVERHASBEEN,AND

PURSUEGOD’SRESTORINGJUSTICE.

2407 Dana Street Berkeley, CA 94704

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Candidates for Deacon, Elder, and Nominating Committee 2020 · world, and point to Christ in word...

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