The area pictured below has been cut out for placement of the temporary bridge, which will allow a crane to access the site and install structural piers (the deepest foundation support for the new bridge!) ![]() Native soil pictured below has been removed from the area close to the creek and relocated across the driveway area for compaction. This work will provide access for the temporary construction bridge and help build the grade for the new driveway path.
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After the scaffolding and platform installation, grading and clearing work has continued, making for a beautiful, clear site! If you have any questions about the project, email the Rev. Kathleen Moore or Senior Warden Steve Baronian.
Scaffolding has been installed to suspend a protective platform over the creek. The scaffolding's footings land outside the creek banks, therefore the platform and scaffolding are suspended directly over the creek but do not touch it. The platform will serve as a protective barrier to prevent any construction debris from entering the creek throughout the course of construction, as the bridge is installed over top. If you have any questions about the project, email the Rev. Kathleen Moore or Senior Warden Steve Baronian.
By Susan Pierpoint
The St. John's Gateway Project, seems to me, is an inspired effort to create a thoroughfare between St. John's and the larger local world out there. It will be a pathway running in 2 directions - an invitation to come in and an exhortation to us to go out "and do the work" we've been given to do. You know, sandwiches, shoes, tutoring, backpacks, blankets, blessings and advocacy just to name a few. When I was invited to help with fundraising for Gateway, I said yes, of course, for all these reasons and more. Many of you will remember that I've challenged you in the past to think about your annual pledge and to find an amount that leaves you feeling a bit breathless, maybe even nervous. Then pay attention and watch how your year unfolds. Notice that it is fine. It's just one small way to learn that most all of us have enough and how comfortable it is to dwell in that sweet space of enough. Also notice that it feels good to share. Once the annual pledge is settled, please turn now to the Gateway project. So many of our community have already stretched and reached for higher altitudes. Join the crowd of these witnesses and consider doing likewise. If you've made a gift already, consider making it a 3 year gift and renew it for 2 more years! We've had a few very large gifts, but taking out the big whoppers, the average St. John's gift is $9000.00, spread out over 3 years. Does that take your breath away? If so, stay with it for awhile and then give it a try. If not, keep doubling until you get to that clean, thin air. Part of my objective is to assure 100% participation on the part of this beloved community. To that end, I will endeavor to contact and invite everyone to join us and be a part of this exciting enterprise. Join us! And remember, No Gift is Too Large! As we begin construction on the Gateway Project, it is essential that we do so without putting local wildlife, particularly endangered wildlife, at risk. To make sure we are doing just that, Jim Martin of Environmental Collaborative conducted surveys of our site on May 14, 16 and 28. He reported that "no sign of any California red-legged frog or other special-status species, or any nesting birds was observed during the surveys. In fact, no aquatic wildlife was observed within the surface waters of the creek during the surveys." After his survey on May 28, Martin conducted worker training with the Oliver & Company construction crew, ensuring they were trained to complete the clearing work ahead without disturbing the creek, and ready to identify and report any sign of special-status species or nesting birds.On June 6, Martin visited the site again to ensure the work had been done in accordance with his instructions, and confirmed that it had been. He will continue to monitor the site as work continues. If you have any questions about the project, contact the Rev. Kathleen Moore or Senior Warden Steve Baronian. Don't Miss Out! Gateway Pledges Still Being Matched
Thanks to a generous gift from the Helms family, pledges to the Gateway Fund will be matched up to $350,000! Don't miss out on this opportunity. If you have already pledged, any new pledges will also be matched. Submit your pledge online or contact Julie Knell to receive a pledge card. Get ready to spend a summer evening outdoors, supporting your reigning champion St. John's Saints & Sinners softball team! All games are played at Coaches Field in Piedmont. Questions? Contact People's Warden Sarah Jones.
Download a game schedule. Dear St. John’s members and friends,
As many of you know, our rector’s sabbatical time piled up during the pandemic. While Scott was able to take a few weeks off last summer, that modest break hardly made a dent in his time accrued. Now, thanks to your commitment to and support of this parish, we find ourselves in a position to fulfill what we have contractually promised our faithful rector. From June 3 to November 30, Scott will be on sabbatical. During this time, Kathleen Moore, our associate rector, will serve as acting rector. She, together with your wardens, vestry, staff and lay leaders will cover St. John’s day-to-day operations while Scott gets his well-deserved time away. Calling all chefs (and wannabes) to can up blueberry jam in a fun Friday-night adventure! Led by experienced canners Pauline and Fred Felder and Nancy and Tom Lehrkind, we will be canning blueberry jam. Each participant will go home with one jar. Please bring: an inquiring mind, aprons, choice of beverage, any potluck item to share (meaning, whatever is in your kitchen—it could be a can of beans—just let the spirit move you!). Childcare with activities will be provided for children in 4th grade and under.
The group will meet in the St. John's kitchen at 5pm. Food will be available for children early in the evening, and a potluck meal will be shared. At 7pm, parents with children should feel free to head home, while others are asked to stay to help clean up. Any questions, call Nancy Lehrkind (510-499-8177) or Fred Felder (510-599-3125) St. John's was among three Bay Area churches included during a short piece about Easter Vigils during KPIX's 11pm Saturday broadcast. Watch video of the entire Easter Vigil on the St. John's YouTube Channel. Facilitated by St. John's member Jesse Warr
What do you really believe? Many of us have questions about how to live within our own moral parameters and peacefully with our unlovable neighbors, so let's talk about it. Join St. John's member Jesse Warr for a six-week discussion group taking place Wednesdays at 6:15pm from April 17 to May 22. We'll begin each meeting with Episcopal doctrine and discuss provocative questions to encourage participants to be candid about their own beliefs. All are welcome, including teens (with parent or guardian's permission), neighbors, and those from other religious organizations. A sample of questions to be discussed:
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