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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
FirstPresbyterianChurchofBerkeley|WWW.FPCBERKELEY.ORG 3
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.
4 CANDIDATESFORLEADERSHIP2020|FirstPresbyterianChurchofBerkeley
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.
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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.
6 CANDIDATESFORLEADERSHIP2020|FirstPresbyterianChurchofBerkeley
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.
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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.
8 CANDIDATESFORLEADERSHIP2020|FirstPresbyterianChurchofBerkeley
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.
FirstPresbyterianChurchofBerkeley|WWW.FPCBERKELEY.ORG 9
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.
10 CANDIDATESFORLEADERSHIP2020|FirstPresbyterianChurchofBerkeley
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."
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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.
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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.
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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.
14 CANDIDATESFORLEADERSHIP2020|FirstPresbyterianChurchofBerkeley
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.
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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.
16 CANDIDATESFORLEADERSHIP2020|FirstPresbyterianChurchofBerkeley
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.
FirstPresbyterianChurchofBerkeley|WWW.FPCBERKELEY.ORG 17
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.
18 CANDIDATESFORLEADERSHIP2020|FirstPresbyterianChurchofBerkeley
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.
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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.”
20 CANDIDATESFORLEADERSHIP2020|FirstPresbyterianChurchofBerkeley
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.
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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
22 CANDIDATESFORLEADERSHIP2020|FirstPresbyterianChurchofBerkeley
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.
FirstPresbyterianChurchofBerkeley|WWW.FPCBERKELEY.ORG 23
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.
24 CANDIDATESFORLEADERSHIP2020|FirstPresbyterianChurchofBerkeley
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.
FirstPresbyterianChurchofBerkeley|WWW.FPCBERKELEY.ORG 25
•
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.
26 CANDIDATESFORLEADERSHIP2020|FirstPresbyterianChurchofBerkeley
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.
FirstPresbyterianChurchofBerkeley|WWW.FPCBERKELEY.ORG 27
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.
28 CANDIDATESFORLEADERSHIP2020|FirstPresbyterianChurchofBerkeley
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).
FirstPresbyterianChurchofBerkeley|WWW.FPCBERKELEY.ORG 29
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
30 CANDIDATESFORLEADERSHIP2020|FirstPresbyterianChurchofBerkeley
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.
FirstPresbyterianChurchofBerkeley|WWW.FPCBERKELEY.ORG 31
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.
32 CANDIDATESFORLEADERSHIP2020|FirstPresbyterianChurchofBerkeley
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:
1. beabletoaffirmtrustinJesusChristasone’spersonalSavior,acknowledgehimLordofallandHeadoftheChurch,andthroughhimbelieveinoneGod:Father,Son,andHolySpirit.OneshouldalsobeabletoaffirmthattheScripturesoftheOldandNewTestamentsare,bytheHolySpirit,theuniqueandauthoritativewitnesstoJesusChristintheChurchuniversal,andGod’sWordtohisChurch,
2. beabletoaffirmthetenetsoftheReformedFaith,3. beabovereproachandmeetScripturalstandards(e.g.,1Timothy3:1-7;Titus1:6-9)4. beamemberofFirstPres,5. beinvolvedinthelifeofthechurchandsupportFirstPresfinancially,6. completeaCandidateForm,whichincludesaStatementofFaith.
FirstPresbyterianChurchofBerkeley|WWW.FPCBERKELEY.ORG 33
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:
1. beabletoaffirmtrustinJesusChristasone’spersonalSavior,acknowledgehimLordofallandHeadoftheChurch,andthroughhimbelieveinoneGod:Father,Son,andHolySpirit.OneshouldalsobeabletoaffirmthattheScripturesoftheOldandNewTestamentsare,bytheHolySpirit,theuniqueandauthoritativewitnesstoJesusChristintheChurchuniversal,andGod’sWordtohisChurch,
2. beabletoaffirmthetenetsoftheReformedFaith,3. beabovereproachandmeetsimilarScripturalstandardsastheDeaconsandElderstheyarecharged
withselecting,4. beamemberofFirstPres,5. beinvolvedinthelifeofthechurchandsupportFirstPresfinancially,6. completeaCandidateForm,whichincludesaStatementofFaith.
34 CANDIDATESFORLEADERSHIP2020|FirstPresbyterianChurchofBerkeley
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.
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