Saint Augustine's

Episcopal

 

The Episcopal Church USA is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion and highlights Scripture, Tradition and Reason as the three guiding pillars of our faith. Our worship is guided by the Book of Common Prayer and includes customs rooted in the American Black Church tradition. We hope all of this makes our community one of Grace, Kindness and Love. For a deeper introduction check out The Episcopal Way, a short book on what it means to be Episcopalian. 

 

St. Augustine’s is part of the Diocese of California with The Rt. Rev. Dr. Marc Andrus as our Bishop. Read more here (https://diocal.org) 

 

Staff

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Clergy: Rev. Jim Dahlin, Priest-in-Charge

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When Jesus said, “Whatever you do to the least-of-these, you do to me” He brought Love to all and especially the marginalized people of the world. As Dr. Cornel West says, “Justice is what love looks like in public.” 

Having grown up conservative Baptist in the Chicago suburbs, Rev. Jim now proclaims Jesus and His mission of Love and Justice. He engages in the lifelong work of dismantling white supremacy and toxic masculinity in himself and the community. Ordained in 2015 in the Diocese of Western North Carolina (M.Div. Duke Divinity School ’07, Diploma in Anglican Studies, Seminary for the Southwest ’15), Rev. Jim has lived in many states and a couple countries. He is fluent in Spanish, gets by in Portuguese, and enjoys reading, hiking and riding motorcycles. 

Rev. Jim arrived at St. Augustine’s in September, 2019 and became Rector in September, 2022. He is happily married to Nnena Ukuku. Send him an email.

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Director of Music: Ben Flint 

 

Growing up near Memphis, Tennessee, Ben became interested in Jazz, Blues, and Gospel Music. He attended University of Memphis and Berklee College of Music on full scholarship.

 

After graduating, he returned to the South to resume his music career. Ben began by conducting musical productions (West Side Story, Nine, Pippin, The Wiz)  and teaching at the University of Memphis. While in Memphis, he landed a keyboardist position with Isaac Hayes.  Working with Isaac allowed Ben to travel to Australia, Europe, the Middle East and all over the US. He has appeared with Mr. Hayes on shows such as Good Morning America, the Today show and Late Night with David Letterman. As Hayes' keyboardist, he appeared in the documentary movie "Only the Strong Survive".

 

Currently, Ben lives in the Bay Area. He teaches jazz choir and jazz combo at Diablo Valley College. He has been the Artistic Director for the Oakland Jazz Choir for the past 8 years. His first CD,'Onyx' was released in 1998. Since then, he has been featured on Ellen Robinson's two CD's, "On My Way to You" and 'Mercy' as both pianist and arranger. With longtime collaborator Gerard Harris, he co founded the group World Soul Project. Their first CD, self titled, was released in 2004. The second CD "Spirit Talk" hit the airwaves in 2011.  

 

Communications Coordinator: Jemiya Jacob 

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