St. John's
  • About St. John's
    • Welcome
    • Mission
    • Directions
    • History
    • Staff >
      • Scott Denman
      • Kathleen Moore
      • Lori Robinson
      • Siv Ricketts
  • WORSHIP
    • Services >
      • Worship Ministries
      • LiveStreaming
    • Spiritual Practices >
      • Practicing Mindfulness
      • Centering Prayer
    • Religious Rites >
      • Baptisms
      • Confirmation
      • Memorials
    • Hearing Loop
  • Parish Life
    • Children & Youth >
      • Children
      • Youth
    • Adults
    • Action & Justice >
      • Commitment to Racial Justice
    • Group Activities
    • Softball
    • Committees
  • Contact
    • Contact
    • Vestry
    • Ministry Catalysts
    • Deanery Delegates >
      • Executive Council Meetings
  • INFORM
    • News
    • The Mouse
    • Sermons
    • Parish Business
  • GIVE
    • 2026 Stewardship
    • Giving
  • SCHEDULE
    • Parish Calendar
  • Planned Giving
  • Year-round Stewardship

celebrate life

Rites of passage often go overlooked in our fast-paced world. At St. John's, we help families acknowledge and celebrate life's important milestones in meaningful ways. Our programs and liturgies are designed to help families feel the full support of the community at these times.   

Memorial Services
While death may be an occasion for grief, memorials can serve as a celebration of life. At St. John’s we are committed to creating a ceremony that expresses the beauty and unique nature of the one being memorialized. In the past, St. John’s has created an art studio for an artist, performed Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus for a fan of Easter, and had Brazilian dancers perform. Contact Scott Denman for more information.

Advance Planning for Memorial Services
Spiritual leaders and philosophers throughout history have taught that the contemplation of one’s death is essential in order to fully embrace life. Jesus said, “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it" (Mark 8:35). Choosing to contemplate your death and designing your memorial service need not be a morbid activity, but rather a spiritual practice. It will energize your purpose in living and allow you to throw your last party, extending your love, unique spirit, and wisdom to those who will gather to remember you and seek to emulate you. 

Why not have a say in a once-in-a-lifetime event that is all about you? Many plan ahead to provide for those they will leave behind, yet forget to provide guidance regarding their own memorial service. Designing your memorial service is an act of love for those you will leave behind as you share with them who you are and what you hold dear. Planning ahead for this important event will bring you peace now and offer comfort to your loved ones later. It’s just as important as making sure you have an advanced directive or a will.

A memorial service doesn’t need to be formulaic. We invite you to catalyze your creative energies as you think about how best to express who you are. Click here for the Memorial Service Planning worksheet. Contact Scott Denman for additional assistance.
St. John's Episcopal Church, Oakland

Location

Contact Us

1707 Gouldin Road
Oakland, CA 94611

(510) 339-2200
[email protected]

Service Times
Sunday 7:45 am
​Sunday 10:00 am (Livestreaming available)
​

LGBTQ+ Affirming

Picture

​​St. John's is an LGBTQ+ welcoming and affirming congregation.

Pledge to the 2026 Annual Fund
GIVE TO ST. JOHN'S
Realm Directory & Giving History

Join our Email list to receive weekly "Friday Emails" and other updates about what's happening in the community.

  • About St. John's
    • Welcome
    • Mission
    • Directions
    • History
    • Staff >
      • Scott Denman
      • Kathleen Moore
      • Lori Robinson
      • Siv Ricketts
  • WORSHIP
    • Services >
      • Worship Ministries
      • LiveStreaming
    • Spiritual Practices >
      • Practicing Mindfulness
      • Centering Prayer
    • Religious Rites >
      • Baptisms
      • Confirmation
      • Memorials
    • Hearing Loop
  • Parish Life
    • Children & Youth >
      • Children
      • Youth
    • Adults
    • Action & Justice >
      • Commitment to Racial Justice
    • Group Activities
    • Softball
    • Committees
  • Contact
    • Contact
    • Vestry
    • Ministry Catalysts
    • Deanery Delegates >
      • Executive Council Meetings
  • INFORM
    • News
    • The Mouse
    • Sermons
    • Parish Business
  • GIVE
    • 2026 Stewardship
    • Giving
  • SCHEDULE
    • Parish Calendar
  • Planned Giving
  • Year-round Stewardship