We are saddened to share that our beloved friend and longtime church family member Rev. Dr. Norman Gottwald passed away Friday evening, March 11, 2022. He died peacefully at home, full of years, surrounded by family and great love. His scholarly accomplishments are known throughout the world, and his challenging and encouraging teaching to innumerable students across several generations; but we will always remember his good cheer and endless delight in human interaction, the warmth of his friendship, and his generosity of spirit.

We praise God for the gift of Norman’s ninety-five years, and for his presence in our lives. Well done, good and faithful servant!

Blessings,

Rev. Dr. Nancy Hall, Pastor
First Baptist Church of Berkeley

A hybrid memorial service for Norman was held
on August 6, 2022. Excerpts will be available shortly.

Norman was instrumental in the creation of the Center & Library for the Bible and Social Justice. At the Center’s web site may be found an obituary, a collection of tributes, and other resources. The First Baptist Church of Berkeley has made a gift to the Center’s Norman Gottwald Memorial Fund, donations to which will be gratefully accepted.

We are a vibrant and intimate family of faith, joyfully inclusive of all who come into our midst, and seeking to live out the Good News of God's love for all people. We cherish the following distinctively Baptist freedoms:

• Soul freedom
  
• Church freedom
  
• Bible freedom
  
• Religious freedom

Dedicated to worshiping God and to encouraging spiritual growth, we strive to provide each person the space to explore what he or she needs in order to grow in an understanding of God. We believe that all persons are an essential part of the body of Christ, whatever their gifts, and we encourage our members to preach, to lead worship, and to teach. Above all, we support each other in our spiritual and life journeys, that we may become ever more the people God created us to be.