St. John’s Presbyterian Church

I’ve been watching this place, participating along with it in growth and change for 33 years. EVERYBODY, is always welcome. If you are looking for a place where love and the search for justice are paramount, give St. John’s a try!
I’m impressed with the variety of people who participate in the life it St. John’s — they are for five schools who use the facilities during the week, three churches and a synagogue that I know of who use the space for worship; the acoustics are so astonishing, and the organ and piano so magnificent, that choral groups, instrumental groups, drama groups, put a high demand on the space.
And speakers — always keep an eye on what’s happening around St. John’s in regard to speakers on weeknights and other times.
I have found pastor Max and pastor Karen to be full of joy, full of spirit and life; they accept me as I am– and then pull out something interesting that I didn’t even know was there. Prepare to be challenged. Prepare for joy — or come with your own expectations and see what happens in this beautiful place. Look for me, Marilyn — and say hello!

my first time visiting this church I was invited by a friends to attend service. It was me, my husband, and my two children. We were met with a very warm welcome. St John’s is a presbyterian church. I grew up Catholic, and I became tired with not being able to find a Catholic church that was welcoming to our family. We needed the kind of church that is welcoming to family’s and children.
St John’s is amazing in that they have child care facilities for the babies to toddler age and they also have Children’s Church for the older children during service. I became an official member after a year of attendance. My kids love the church! My son was hard to handle in his 2’s and everyone was so helpful and understanding when he would crawl around on the floor or run up and down the isles during service! We quickly formed many meaningful relationships within the church. I am now a deacon and I do many projects and programs within the church. The first time we set foot in the church I was hooked! Easter and Christmas service are my absolute favorite-​they are so festive and fun. Please give St. John’s a try you won’t regret it!

I am not a member of the congregation, but I have attended a few classical concerts here. The place has amazing acoustics. It’s a beautiful open space, has wood paneling throughout, a ceiling which must be about 30 feet high, and a floor that inclines towards the stage kind of like a greek theater. Loved every show I attended here.

I was married at St. John’s in 2001. This was one of the best days of my life. Not only was the ceremony held in the santuary but my reception was in the courtyard right outside. The inside is beautiful with stain glass windows and wood. It was breathtaking walking down the aisle with my father. The staff was a huge help in the planning and provided me with all the extras like allowing my caterer use of the professional kitchen and refridgerated my flowers for me. The extras helped take the pressure off what could have been a stressful day. Instead it was magical. The pictures were so beautiful and all my guests had a great time. During the ceremony a horse drawn carriage rode by the big picture windows, my guests thought I had planned it but I didn’t.
I have since attended a few other weddings there and they were all very special. I think the building was designed by Julia Morgan and it does not disappoint.
St. Johns is a community center for all to enjoy. They are not only a church but also a school and a meeting place. Berkeley is so blessed to have such a special place.
If you have any questions or needs contact Nelly in the office, she is who I always work with and she is amazing.

Alright, time to get smushy. This is where I got married. The sanctuary is absolutely beautiful. All kinds of natural light flooding in through the ribbon windows along the side, and across the top skylights. The high ceilings make for a cavernous, spacious feel, and the natural wood architecture gives the sanctuary a wonderfully inviting ambience.
We had a lovely, very helpful woman work with us to take care of everything we needed for the event planning, and as far as those kinds of days go (you know, SUPER BUSY), things went off smoothly and beautifully. The price for rental was inexpensive, it’s in Berkeley, there are flowing Willows outside, a marvelous courtyard to greet guests, take pictures, and titter about this and that, and even an underground parking lot so your wedding party and guests don’t have to worry about the faithful Berkeley meter maids.
Highly recommended.