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“As we question our current understanding, we become curious about what information we’re missing. That search leads us to new discoveries, which in turn maintain our humility by reinforcing how much we still have to learn. If knowledge is power, knowing what we don’t know is wisdom.”                                                                       Read more

A long while ago, I volunteered to help remove nonnative plants from a nature preserve in Bolinas. The man I worked with was a birder, and was very good at identifying types of birds from their songs. One of the songs I heard, I had not heard before. The clarity was amazing, two pure notes,Read more

So, what exactly does Confirm Not Conform mean? So often when people think of church, or any organized religion really, they think of doctrine and dogma, sticking to tradition, and blind following. People assume you are meant to fall in line and not really question anything. And, in some communities out there, this may beRead more

ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH CORE VALUES The fundamental essence of St. John’s core values is this church CARES about its congregation, community, environment and civic responsibilities. How this church and its congregation care is what makes St. John’s special. Here is how St. John’s CARES: Connect – St. John’s connects with people no matter where theyRead more

Most people think of hymns as being songs. However, hymnologists define a “hymn” as a piece of poetry that is meant to be sung. If you grabbed one of our hymnals and wrote out the text, it would be obvious. (in fact, some hymnals in English churches and older American ones display hymns this way,Read more

I’m feeling the weight of disappointment and hurt and suffering these days, and due to some of the conversations I’ve had lately, I imagine many of you are as well. From receiving bad news about our health, to worrying about the health and safety of people we know and love – and people we don’tRead more

Every priest I know is asking the question, “Will people come back to church?” Based on last Sunday, the answer for St. John’s is a resounding yes! Our in person and online attendance were about twice what they have been. It was a glorious Sunday with the start of our new Music Director, John KarlRead more

In my sermon last Sunday I preached about Elijah despairing in the wilderness and praying that God would take away his life (1 Kings 19:4-8.) My focus was on what we learn about faith and resilience from the story of Elijah. The sermon is available on our live stream page and starts at minute 21:00. The audioRead more

It seems strange, in many ways, to write this introduction, as so many members of this congregation have known me since I was just a wee wild redhead racing up and down the aisles. On the other hand, there are also so many of you whom I have yet to meet within this St. John’sRead more

Last Sunday during the 10am we celebrated baptism. It was the first baptism St. John’s has celebrated as a community gathered together in the church in a long time. In baptism, vows are made, priorities are focused, and we remember together who we are as people of faith. The liturgy isn’t just for the personRead more