Worship: Sunday 8:45 a.m. 10:45 a.m. Bible Class: Sunday 9:55 a.m.		Syria T. Berry Music Director syriatberry@newharborchurch.com Biography Syria T. Berry was born in San Francisco and has lived in the Bay Area all of his life. He sang his first solo at the age of three at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist church in Richmond. When his parents bought a home in a different neighborhood, he began attending Easter Hill Methodist church where he sang in the choir. The choir director took a special interest in Syria and encouraged his parents to give him vocal lessons which, due to the expense, his parents were unable to provide. At this point the director volunteered to give Syria lessons if he would come early before choir rehearsal. He continued studying with her until she left the church. During his teen years, Syria was the president of his church youth group, the Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF). At 16 he formed his first band which he named Moses and the Chosen Few. He entered college as a music major specializing in voice and carried a physical education minor but left school to seek his fortune when he answered an ad and became the lead singer in a working band. After several years, he returned to school and obtained a degree in Respiratory Therapy and worked in Bay Area hospitals for over ten years. He then returned to school and earned a paralegal certificate and worked for Fireman's Fund's defense counsel for a decade. In 2004 he began studies at Golden Gate Baptist Seminary, and in spring of 2007, he received a diploma in Praise and Worship from Beacon University Institute of Ministry. He is married to Rita and has two grown children and three grandchildren. He is employed as the Service Coordinator for pro-audio manufacturer Nady Systems in Emeryville. Syria is a member of the Recording Academy and is an ASCAP songwriter. He has sung with the Contra Costa Light Opera Association and performed at the Gospel Academy Awards at the Paramount Theater. He is also the voice for the long-running radio and television Diamond Center commercial I'm the Credit Man. Favorite Things Studying theology and the history of Christianity. Playing tennis and watching sports in general. Working on music with my wife for our group Crimson Flow. Life Scriptures "Be sober, be vigilant: because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5:8 "For we walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1