When You Arrive

“Narthex” - The historic term for the foyer or entry way of the church Ministries at St. John’s start as soon as you step inside the door. The entrance foyer is filled with different ways to minister to the greater community and find more information about the St. John’s community. Look for these information and collection areas: On the left shelves when entering

• Reading lights – portable battery units for the visually impaired
• Most recent Church Mouse – bimonthly newsletter
• Guest visitor sign in book and Guest info card
• Pew activity materials – crayons and worksheets for young children
• Babysitter list – St. John’s youth who are available for babysitting jobs
• Announcement forms to fill out for the Sunday bulletin
• Daily retreat guide – see description in Prayer Ministries
• Prayer request cards - see description in Prayer Ministries

To the right when entering:

• Recycled Batteries, Ink Cartridges and CFLs Drop off your dead batteries, your used ink cartridges and your non-working compact fluorescent light bulbs in these baskets so that the Ecology Group can recycle them safely.
• Pennies from Heaven Put your pennies and other loose change here so Youth Group members can roll it all up in Advent and donate it to Toys for Tots.
• Seafarers Service Basket Donate toiletry items in this basket so that they can be given to the sailors who stop in at the Port of Oakland. Particularly appreciated are hand lotions and other remedies for exposure such as lip balm and first aid cream. Hotel size samples are fine, but even better are slightly larger sizes that will last longer but that can be kept in a pocket. Mittens, socks, earmuffs, and any kind of warm clothing are appreciated. Many seafarers come from tropical countries where warm clothing is not available; small and medium sizes are most needed.

In the hallway leading to the restrooms

• Food Pantry Basket Non-perishable foods support the food pantry program at St. James Episcopal Church in Oakland. Special collections are made before Thanksgiving and during Lent.
• Lost and Found Pegs on the right wall and baskets under the pegs hold items left at the church. When unclaimed for a long time, these items are donated to one of the charities.
• Book collections for Alameda County Jails oks deposited here are donated to prisoners. Non-English languages are also welcome.

Hallway leading to the kitchen

• Used Book Cart The cart is filled with a wide variety of hardback and paperback books St. John’s members have donated. For one dollar, any book you like is yours. Put your dollar in the box located near the front door of the church; this money helps support the Elderberries.
• Coffee Hour sign-up board Parishioners and groups are invited to sign up to host the coffee time after services. Directions on setup and cleanup are provided.