Connect. Transform. Inspire.
AGAPE BAY AREA: A CENTER FOR AWAKENED LIVING
To Watch Sunday Service:
Senior Minister
Meeting ID: 897 7523 6686
Passcode: 445796
Heading 6
GOOD NEWS!
We will begin gathering again at Kehilla on Sunday, October 3. In the meantime we will continue outdoor gatherings of food, fun, and community with our next event in September.
AGAPE BAY AREA SUNDAY SERVICE
AGAPE WILL HOLD SUNDAY SERVICES VIA ZOOM
and LIVE STREAMING ON FACEBOOK
Sunday Celebration Service
September 19
Rev. Dr. Joan Steadman
"It's Calling You"
Helen Bernard Gray Debra Santa Maria
Helen’s musical career started with a tour with Richard Penniman (Little Richard). toured Canada as part of the New Supremes and Switzerland, Germany, U.S. and Italy with her sister as the Duncan Sisters. While living in Memphis, TN, she worked at Ardent Studio with William Tanner Productions as a jingle singer and on-call session singer. She also worked at Shoe Productions as an on-call session singer and with Willie Mitchell and Al Green in the Studios. She opened the “new” Club Handy on Beal Street and Marmalade’s in Memphis, TN. She recorded 5 albums for Three Hats Production (THP) out of Toronto Canada when Disco was popular music. She did back-up on U2’s “ Rattle and Hum” album. She longs to sing for an appreciative audience.
Helen has been singing since the age of four and started singing in the Baptist Church with her family. Helen is the Musical Director for Agape Bay Area and has also served as their Choir Director. Helen joined the Oakland Center for Spiritual Living (First Church of Religious Science) in 2004 where she met Larry Steelman and was a featured soloists in the choir. She worked as director of the Joy! Choir for the past ten years with Larry and also in a group called Shugga. They play local clubs in the Bay. She is featured soloists in many of the Spiritual Centers in the Bay area.
Debra Santa Maria is keyboardist from Oakland California. She has extensive experience in entertaining live audiences from touring internationally, to Bay Area clubs such as Yoshi’s Oakland, the Rrazz Room in San Francisco, to concert venues, including the Oakland Coliseum, in addition to many different spiritual centers around the bay.
Her deep compassion and enthusiasm for playing music can always be seen and definitely felt, when performing for live audiences. Her extended use of layered sounds in her keyboard playing, always creates a very full and thoughtful instrumental foundation. It’s in this awareness, that many vocalists, fellow musicians, and even those in the audiences, appreciate and continually request for Debra’s playing presence.
Much could be said, but suffice it to say that Debra and Helen love to share their music to an appreciative audience.
Join Our Service
https://zoom.us/j/487448047?pwd=R2VNM2VMNnFaSHl2YnBJbGVkNU5Tdz09
Password: 483084
In compliance with the Alameda County Health Officer's shelter-in-place order, Agape Bay Area's Sunday services will take place via Zoom. You are lovingly invited to participate either online or on your phone.
Following are directions for participation. The Zoom information for this week and for each Sunday meditation, celebration, Magnify Your Life Circle, Community Visioning and Sunday Practitioner Core meeting are the same. There is only one set of instructions.
Sunday Celebration Service
Join us Every Sunday using these links:
Morning Meditation 10:30 AM - 10:50 AM PDT
Sunday Celebration Service 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Magnify Your Life 12:40 AM - 1:10 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/487448047?pwd=R2VNM2VMNnFaSHl2YnBJbGVkNU5Tdz09
Password: 483084
Meeting ID: 487 448 047
One tap mobile
+16699006833,,487448047# US (San Jose)
+13462487799,,487448047# US (Houston)
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/aYfoVkcnE
Pleas use this same link for all services.
Infinite love,
Rev. Joan
GOOD NEWS! Agape Bay Area is now on Amazon Smile, which means that it receives a small percentage of every sale when people select Agape Bay Area as their charity of choice. Simply go to smile.amazon.com and choose Agape Bay Area Center For Awakened Living. Every time you make a purchase, go to smile.amazon.com, make your purchase, and Agape will automatically receive money. It's such an easy way to support our community financially. Thank you!
Agape Bay Area Membership
If you desire to become a member of Agape Bay Area,
please contact Val Roberts with your interest: robertsv991@gmail.com
Name
Address
Phone
Month you were born
Members responsibilities:
Have regular spiritual practices
Openness to volunteer or leadership roles
Quantifiable Prosperity Giving
Members perks:
Annual complementary practitioner check up in month you were born
10% off new class or next class
WHO WE ARE
Agape Bay Area is a Principle-centered, compassionate, inclusive community committed to being an expression of the power, presence, and substance of The Divine in every aspect of life.
We value and practice generosity and service to the local and global communities. We teach and model spiritual principles that stimulate self discovery, creativity, and awareness of the interconnectedness of all life. We are a safe, empowering environment that develops and supports awakened living for individuals, families, and communities.
We learn together. We love together.
We rise in consciousness together.
The essence of Agape is best described by its founder, Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith:
“When I founded the Agape International Spiritual Center and community in 1986, we 'visioned' it as a movement that would take a stand for love, for peace, for being a beneficial presence on the planet." That’s why it was named “Agape,” which in Greek means unconditional love. Agape’s vision is fueled by the love of the One indefinable yet unmistakable Presence whose vehicle on earth is the human heart and soul.
Our Board of Trustees
Virginia Chapman, President -
Valerie Roberts, Vice President/Interim Treasurer - Robertsv991@gmail.com
Jennifer Quesada, Secretary - iamjenniferquesada@gmail.com
Rev. Cindy Edelson -
Rev. Verona Garland -
Rev. Dr. Joan Steadman -
Jim Binder -
Lucy Ragnelli
R Lane
An AGAPE Community
Rev. Verona Garland
Assistant Minister
Rev Verona is an Emerson Theological Institute credentialed Interfaith and Religious Science Minister.
With the recent launch of “ Uniting In Love”, which celebrates life’s passages, her joint ministries ( Blossoming Truth Global Ministries) expansively serve in delight, joy, exhilaration, and sacred thanksgivings.
Rev Verona’s ministerial endeavors include inspirational speaking, spiritual counseling, curriculum writing, teaching, Playshops, and global exploration in Oneness. She specializes in abundance mentoring, prospering possibilities, and ageless source and supply teachings. As a Certified Freedom Coach, she brings emotional integration processes to the depths of transformative growth.
Rev Verona’s verve, effervescence, and joy are sourced in her desire to serve, grow in, and radiate the Divine. In playfulness, innovation, and sacredness she holds, uplifts, and affirms all Beings in the discovery, acceptance, and celebration of their own Luminescence, Power, and Presence!
Rev. Dr. Joan Steadman
Senior Minister
Rev. Dr. Joan Steadman is the Senior Minister of Agape Bay Area, A Center For Awakened Living, a satellite of Agape International Spiritual Center. She was the Spiritual Leader at the Oakland Center for Spiritual Living for fifteen years. While there, she established Season For Nonviolence in the community. Rev. Joan was a founding member of the Agape International Spiritual Center with Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith where she served as a practitioner, an assistant minister, and founding director of One From The Heart, the Pastoral Care Ministry. She also served as interim minister at the East Bay Church of Religious Science in Oakland for a year. At an early age, her spiritual roots were fostered as a Roman Catholic nun in the Immaculate Heart Community for nine years.
Rev. Joan is widely known as an authentic and skilled facilitator and a dynamic speaker. Currently, she oversees the Education Ministry at Agape Bay Area where she facilitates certified Agape classes. She has spoken and facilitated workshops and retreats nationwide at New Thought conventions and conferences, as well as secular organizations. She has written curricula for Centers for Spiritual Living and for the Agape University and has authored articles and meditations in the Science of Mind Magazine, New Thought Magazine, and Inner Visions. Rev. Joan has been on the faculty of Holmes Institute and the Agape University. She continues to mentor students and new ministers. In addition to her many ministerial activities, Rev. Joan is also a widely sought out spiritual counselor and serves clients nationwide.
For several years, Rev. Joan was on the Advisory Council of Association For Global New Thought. She has been inducted into the Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of Preachers and received the Gandhi King Ikeda Award for fostering the spirit of peace and unity in the community. She has received honorary Doctorates of Divinity from Centers for Spiritual Living and the Agape International Spiritual Center. On the occasion of releasing the Oakland Center For Spiritual Living, Mayor Jean Quan presented her with the Mayor’s Proclamation from the City of Oakland, and Representative Barbara Lee honored her with a special congressional recognition.
Her two daughters, Sara Nielsen and JoAna Edwards, and three granddaughters, Amber, Annabelle, and Emma, have blessed her with unconditional love and joy.
Rev. Joan’s vision is to contribute to the evolution of humanity through the embodiment of Divine Love, and her primary orientation is mysticism, which informs all that she does.
Rev. Cindy Edelson
Staff Minister
Rev. Cindy Edelson is a new graduate (2020) from the Michael Bernard Beckwith School of Ministry at Agape International. She has served as interning Minister of our beloved community since January 2018.
Rev. Cindy has been a practitioner and Spiritual Counselor since 2002. Being a practitioner of almost 20 years is Rev Cindy's passion paved the way into two businesses she owns:
Letting it Go - Helping people Declutter, emotions, beliefs, and stuff that no longer serve and Letting it Flow - Providing a space to create Art from the Heart, teaching Paint Parties and Spiritual Principles that help clear the path for the flow of creativity.
Both of these businesses provide workshops, classes, and one on one counseling. Rev Cindy utilizes her Energy Codes Master Trainer education certification from Dr. Sue Morter in everything she offers.
Rev. TJ Woodward
Founding Minister
Founding Minister
Rev. TJ Woodward is an Agape ordained minister, spiritual author, inspirational speaker, awakening coach and revolutionary recovery specialist who has helped countless people through his simple, yet powerful teachings.
He is the founding minister of Agape Bay Area and served as the senior minister for over a year. Previous to serving as the senior minister of Agape Bay Area, TJ served as the founding spiritual director of Awakened Living from 2012- 2017. He also served as the ministerial associate of Unity San Francisco from 2008-2011.
He is the graduate of both the Spiritual Development and Spiritual Leadership programs, at Unity Institute. Additionally, he is the creator of The Conscious Recovery Method which is a groundbreaking and effective approach to viewing and treating addiction.
TJ is also in private practice as a spiritual counselor and awakening coach, and the host of Conscious Being Radio on Unity Online Radio. TJ is the author of the books, Conscious Being: Awakening to Your True Nature and Conscious Recovery: A Fresh Perspective on Addiction.
Assistant Minister
Congratulations Rev Joan
Rev. Dr. Joan Steadman has devoted her life to the art and practice of mystic awareness. Her journey began in childhood, deepened as a Roman Catholic nun, and expanded exponentially when she discovered New Thought Ageless Wisdom.
To Rev. Joan, it’s all about embodying the Divine Heart coupled with the practice of the Presence and the power of awareness. She encourages keeping the heart open and undefended in the midst of all circumstances coupled with non judgmental awareness as we continually pull ourselves into the present to realize Our Divine Identity.
Rev. Joan received an honorary doctorate of divinity degree from both the Centers for Spiritual Living and Agape International Spiritual Center. She has been inducted into the Martin Luther King Jr. Board of Preachers and received the Gandhi King Ikeda Award for fostering the spirit of peace and unity in the community. Rev. Joan is widely known as an authentic, skilled facilitator and dynamic speaker. She has authored articles and meditations for several New Thought magazines. A founding member of Agape, Rev. Joan Steadman now serves as the senior minister at Agape Bay Area in Piedmont, California
Upcoming Events
Mystical Heart, Mystical Calling, Mystical You
Deepen into an expanded awareness of your true Mystical I-dentity!
What is it…..Mysticism is the practice of the Divine Presence within an individual which allows the continually activated flow of Grace, God’s eternal Given-ness, and Giving-ness, to happen as a way of life.
This 8-week experiential, process-oriented class takes you on an inner journey that will shift your outer experience of everyday living. Through an inclusive exploration of mystics, a variety of cultural origins, mystical teachings and traditions, song, and creative arts and play, the mystical life arises as a tangible way of living, encompassing balanced life structures...
Starts Tuesday, Sept. 7th and ends Oct. 26th, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
The offering of Gratitude is $240 or special Covid pricing (with pre-approval) is $199.00
The instructor for this journey will be Rev Cindy Edelson
Our next Community Gathering is Sunday, September 19th at the Mills College labyrinth.
Our monthly gatherings are a safe space to commune outdoors and connect with other members of the Agape Bay Area community.
So please "Save the Date!"
Senior Minister
The Agape Hour
Every week on Friday.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89775236686?pwd=NktCVHBrWGt0ZXQ5VStOM0grQjY4UT09
Meeting ID: 897 7523 6686
Passcode: 445796
One tap mobile
+16699006833,,89775236686#,,,,,,0#,,445796# US (San Jose)
+12532158782,,89775236686#,,,,,,0#,,445796# US (Tacoma)
Dial by your location
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
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+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 897 7523 6686
Passcode: 445796
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdKqQSUCKZ
Every 2nd Sunday
Community Visioning
Every 4th Sunday
at 12:45 pm
2021 Soaring to New Heights
GOOD NEWS!
We will begin gathering again at Kehilla on Sunday, October 3. In the meantime we will continue outdoor gatherings of food, fun, and community with our next event in September.
SUNDAY MORNINGS ON ZOOM
Morning Meditation
10:30 AM - 10:50 AM
Sunday Celebration Service
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
COMMUNITY VISIONING
Every 4th Sunday
12:45 PM - 2:45 PM
Sunday Celebration Service
September 19
Rev. Dr. Joan Steadman
"It's Calling You"
Helen Bernard Gray Debra Santa Maria
Helen’s musical career started with a tour with Richard Penniman (Little Richard). toured Canada as part of the New Supremes and Switzerland, Germany, U.S. and Italy with her sister as the Duncan Sisters. While living in Memphis, TN, she worked at Ardent Studio with William Tanner Productions as a jingle singer and on-call session singer. She also worked at Shoe Productions as an on-call session singer and with Willie Mitchell and Al Green in the Studios. She opened the “new” Club Handy on Beal Street and Marmalade’s in Memphis, TN. She recorded 5 albums for Three Hats Production (THP) out of Toronto Canada when Disco was popular music. She did back-up on U2’s “ Rattle and Hum” album. She longs to sing for an appreciative audience.
Helen has been singing since the age of four and started singing in the Baptist Church with her family. Helen is the Musical Director for Agape Bay Area and has also served as their Choir Director. Helen joined the Oakland Center for Spiritual Living (First Church of Religious Science) in 2004 where she met Larry Steelman and was a featured soloists in the choir. She worked as director of the Joy! Choir for the past ten years with Larry and also in a group called Shugga. They play local clubs in the Bay. She is featured soloists in many of the Spiritual Centers in the Bay area.
Debra Santa Maria is keyboardist from Oakland California. She has extensive experience in entertaining live audiences from touring internationally, to Bay Area clubs such as Yoshi’s Oakland, the Rrazz Room in San Francisco, to concert venues, including the Oakland Coliseum, in addition to many different spiritual centers around the bay.
Her deep compassion and enthusiasm for playing music can always be seen and definitely felt, when performing for live audiences. Her extended use of layered sounds in her keyboard playing, always creates a very full and thoughtful instrumental foundation. It’s in this awareness, that many vocalists, fellow musicians, and even those in the audiences, appreciate and continually request for Debra’s playing presence.
Much could be said, but suffice it to say that Debra and Helen love to share their music to an appreciative audience.
THEME FOR SEPTEMBER
BACK TO OUR FUTURE
Rev. Verona Garland - September 5
"Upside Down, Inside Out, Where Am I?"
Rev. Dr. Joan Steadman -September 12
"It's All About Vision, Baby"
Rev. Dr. Joan Steadman -September 19
"It's Calling You"
Rev. Cindy Edelson -September 26
"The future is NOW!"
Sunday Mornings
SUNDAY SERVICE CELEBRATION
PLEASE JOIN US every Sunday morning for our
Sunday Celebrationon on ZOOM.
MEDITATION -10:30 AM - 10:50 AM
SERVICE - 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Kehilla Community Synagogue
1300 Grand Ave. Piedmont, CA 94610
Theme for 2021:
Soaring to New Heights
January - "Beginning Anew;"
February - "Wings of Love;"
March - "Roots and Fruits;"
April - "Your Vibrant Life!;"
May - "Emote, Invite, Extend;"
June - "Cosmic Order."
July: "Emancipating the Divine Self;"
August: "Deeper See-ing;"
September: "Back To Our Future;"
October: "Harvest Or?"
November: "Ocean of Devotion;"
December: "Recapturing the Light."
THEME FOR OCTOBER
HARVEST OR?
Rev. Dr. Joan Steadman - October 3
"You Decide"
Rev. TJ Woodward- October 10
"The Consequence of Consciousness"
Rev. Dr. Joan Steadman - October 17
“It's a Harvest of the Heart”
Rev. Cindy Edelson - October 24
"Acorns, Apples, or Avocados"
Rev. Verona Garland - October 31
"Breaking the Cycle"
Beverly Green namasteyou57@gmail.com
Bonnie Sita
Christine Breit
Robyn Rice Olmstead ALSP
Michael Allen
OUR PRACTITIONERS.
...
Our Agape Bay Area practitioners are available for free 30 minute sessions on Thursday afternoons during this time of COVID-19. The following practitioners are available this Thursday between 3 and 5 pm: Michael Allen, Beverly Green, Lina Quesada, Rena Keslar, Robert Pomonis, and Robyn Rice Olmstead. Please email your name and phone number, and they will call you. We are blessed to serve you!
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A PRACTITIONER?
CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION
“A practitioner is not merely a body of knowledge, but rather a state of consciousness that realizes oneness with the Infinite. Dedicated to first demonstrating New Thought / Ancient Wisdom principles within their own life, a practitioner then serves as a spiritually therapeutic agent of the Spirit for the upliftment of every man, woman and child who requests healing of body, mind and spirit."
-Rev Michael Beckwith
Jacquie Onipede baybaby369@gmail.com
Robert Pomonis robertpomonis@gmail.com
Lina Quesada linaquesadaalsp@gmail.com
Sandra Smith
Rena Keslar
Sarah Strong, ALSP
MINISTRY TEAMS
Practitioners Ministry
Rev. Dr. Joan Steadman
Education Ministry
Rev.Dr. Joan Steadman
Community Outreach Ministry
Rev. Verona Garland
Heart to Heart
Cindy Edelson
Prayer Ministry
Rev. Verona Garland
Youth and Family Ministry
Bonnie Sita
The Authentic Heart Singles Ministry
Beverly Green
Beautification Ministry
Alison Williams
Our Ministry Teams are here for you.
"Being part of a service team has been one of the greatest joys in my life."
- Member of Agape Bay Area
Please join one of our ministry teams and assist us in fulfilling our mission to awaken human consciousness.
MINISTRY TEAMS
Greeter/Usher Ministry
Robert Pomonis
Prosperity Ministry
Rev. Verona Garland
Music Ministry
Helen Bernard Gray: Music Director
Hospitality Ministry
Ellen Woods
Special Events Ministry
Cindy Edelson
Media Communications
Website -
Kent Dorsey
Email & Instagram -
Jacquie Onipede
Facebook -
Amy Treeheart Raab
