In Reach Ministries

Spreading Our Gifts to One Another 
Most of these activities or groups (some gender and age restrictions are involved) welcome new members. Anyone who would like more detailed information about the schedules and activities of a group can call the chair person listed.

Armchair Travelers Once a month, following the Wednesday noon Eucharist, speakers share their travel adventures, experiences and photos. Lunch is provided, and usually complements the country visited.
Elaine Reichert elaine@stjohnsoakland.org

Carpool Ministry – Offering and coordinating rides to St. John’s Sunday services and events for those unable to provide their own transportation and to reduce our carbon footprint.
Contact Neal Clark for information.

Casserole Brigade – The casserole corps is a group of volunteers who can be called upon to cook a simple meal for a St. John’s family at a time of need. When the Corps is alerted that there is a birth, accident, surgery, illness, death, or other emergency in a family, Casserole Brigade services are offered. If the Corps offer is accepted, inquiries are made about food restrictions, preferences, frequency, best time for meal delivery and directions to the home. Casserole Brigade members are then called and a schedule for delivery is set.
Karen Notsund notsunk@comcast.net

Coffee Hour – Rotating groups of parishioners hold the post-service coffee hour by serving, welcoming, and offering hospitality after the services. Coffee is made by the ushers, and the hosts clean up afterwards. Anyone can sign up for a specific Sunday on the schedule that is in the right side of the hallway to the kitchen.
Susan Watson susantravel@aol.com

Construction Ministry is a group of parishioners who build construction projects on our church property. Past projects have included the play yard, new stairs to the second floor and various painting projects.
Bob Davidson robertdavidson@earthlink.com

Elderberries – For those who have reached the 60 plus benchmark, this group offers fun, fellowship and philanthropy. They have sponsored the Elder Artists programs, the Armchair Travelers presentations and they go on an occasional field trip. They support one another and reach out to others in their time of need; the ministry to Tanzania developed from this group.
Elaine Reichert elaine@st.johnsoakland.org

Foyer Groups – These groups provide a wonderful way to get to know your fellow parishioners outside the church setting. Everyone who wishes to participate in this program is assigned to a group of 6 or 8 people who meet throughout the year to share a meal. Each group decides where these meals will take place: a dinner at home, a brunch at a restaurant, a picnic in a park. Groups are changed every year. Signups are in the early Fall of each year.
Susan Field field@flash.net

Lenten Suppers – Every year the staff develops a central theme and schedules a series of speakers to speak and discuss topics related to the theme. Each week during Lent, the parish gathers for a simple supper (typically soup or pizza), good conversation, and has the opportunity to hear some fascinating stories. In recent years the themes have been the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals and social action in Oakland. This is another great way for newcomers to meet other parishioners.

Mailboxes – In the Narthex are parishioner mailboxes that are used for intra-parish communication. If you don’t have one, contact Helen Nicholas hnicholas@juno.com

Men’s Group – Guys getting together once monthly for an evening of food, faith and fellowship. The Men’s Group also handles significant maintenance and improvement projects around the Parish and its properties.
Paul Brunbaum zpaulb@wellsfargo.com

Name tags (buttons) – New parishioners can request a name tag (with pin or ribbon) by filling in your name on a sign up sheet that is to the right of the door leading to the restrooms.

Newcomers/Welcoming/Greeters – Welcome visitors at Sunday services and offer guidance to new members of St. John’s. "Newcomers" is a small volunteer committee which provides information for newcomers and a welcoming path into St. John’s community. Participation includes periodic meetings of the committee, telephone and /or personal visits to newcomers, and liaison efforts to bring newcomers into parish activities.
Helen Nicholas  hnicholas@juno.com

Pew Movers – A selfless group of people who move the pews in and out of the sanctuary for special parish events and services during Lent. No experience required.
Jim MacIlvaine jmac4@mac.com

Retreats - Men’s, Women’s, Youth, and Family. On a designated Friday through Sunday, parishioners gather at the Bishop’s Ranch in Healdsburg to socialize, reflect, worship and, most of all, to have a lot of fun. The weekend includes special programs for all ages, worship, and opportunities to create, swim, hike, read, or do just about anything you want to do. Fun, fellowship, and the opportunity to really get to know fellow parishioners are promised! The weekend is open to all and financial assistance is available.
The next retreats are:

• Youth Retreat Oct. 7 - 9, 2008
• Women’s Retreat March 6 - 8, 2009
• Men’s Retreat March 20 - 22, 2009
• Parish Retreat May 8 - 10, 2009 

Melissa Brauer melissabrauer@comcast.net (women’s and parish)
Paul Brumbaum zpaulb@wellsfargo.com (men’s)
Kellor Smith ksmith@stjohnsoakland.org (youth)

Saints and Sinners Softball Team – For many years St. John’s has fielded a team in the Piedmont adult softball league that plays at Coaches’ Field. A “kinder, gentler” form of co-ed, slow pitch softball, the team usually plays one night a week from June to August.
Mary Dexter mdexter@value.net

Singles – Beginning in August 2008, single parishioners formed an email list to invite each other to impromptu outings (movies, dinners, plays, etc.). Contact Cherie to hear more, offer suggestions for outings and events, and be added to the group email.
Cherie Glasse Cherie-g@comcast.net