August 30, 2016
Dear LABC,
Once, long, long ago, in a galaxy far, far away, church life slowed down in the summer and picked up the pace at the beginning of September. This is not so anymore. Now a busy June gives way to a busy July which gives way to a busy August which sets the stage for a fast paced September and a busy fall. We stand at the door of September and knock.
This coming Sunday, September 4, we recognize Welcoming and Affirming Baptists Sunday (LABC is a charter member) and Labor Day Sunday, even as we gather at the Table of Communion. The special music will be provided by Leon Taylor and Julian Nesbitt. Longtime LABC member Will Carroll will be in town and will provide the Communion music.
Our central text will 1 Kings 19:1-14, the story of the prophet Elijah who, after serving God faithfully, becomes enamored with his own importance, proclaiming not once, but twice, that he alone is left to serve the Lord, that he indeed is the last prophet standing.
My theme will be that it is only as we get ourselves out of the center of our world that we create space for God to reclaim it; that throughout history the wisest among us have taught us that it is at the center of our lives that God belongs.
The Prayers of the Congregation
- Thanksgiving with Carolyn Matthews that her sons were with us in worship
- Thanksgiving with Gloria Meads for God’s faithfulness. Concern for Elias family and Ecatrina
- Thanksgiving with Pat Hughes for music
- Alice Edmondson for Patricia Butterfield (health concerns)
- Monica Eppinger for Damaris, Paul, Lyle and Jerry Cooksey
- Sandra Lee for the Callahan family as they grieve
- Ken Kirkey for Margaret, Joey’s godmother
- Thanksgiving with Mary Karne that her youngest great-grandson is better
- Margaret Alexander for Renaldo, LaShaya and herself
- Jessie Guiton for Baby Valentina
- The Long Range Planning Conversations we will be part of this fall
- Thanksgiving with Jeanne Robinson that her recuperation is going well
- Ann Fields for her family
- Kay Baxter for her family
- Tess Benin and those she cares for
- Edie Parrott (Bancroft Convalescent Hospital)
- The residents of the Caribbean, the Eastern Seaboard, the Gulf Coast and Hawaii in the midst of hurricane season
- Thanksgiving for the ministry of our Lakeshore Children’s Center
- Thanksgiving for the ministry of the Baptist Peace Fellowship
- Larry Sims for his family and himself
- Sydney Webster for Gigi (health concerns)
- Nedra Hathaway (health concerns)
- The Evans family
Announcements
Sunday’s Forum presentation by Mobility Matters contained much good information about transportation for seniors and transportation needs in general. A good way to access local transportation resources is to call 511 or go to www.511.org.
A Prayer For Labor Day:
Creator of All, the source of all wisdom and purpose, and the blessing of those who labor; be with us in our work to guide and govern our world. Give to all people work that enhances human dignity and binds us to one another. Give us pride in our work, a fair return for our labor, and joy in knowing that our work finds its source in you; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
From St. Vincent de Paul:
“SVDP Alameda is now accepting applications for the Kitchen of Champions Culinary Job Training Program-a 9-week full-time, training program which prepares participants for job positions in food-services. The upcoming training training cycle, Cohort #50 runs Tuesday, September 6, 2016 to Saturday, November 5, 2016.
The Kitchen of Champions accepts applications from residents of Alameda County who are low income or face barriers to employment. We are seeking candidates who are passionate about working in culinary services.
There is no cost for the training and participants receive some training materials such as training chef coats and course manuals. There is also a small stipend paid for each training day completed. Participants will also receive some transportation support.
Graduates receive job placement support to find jobs.
To apply, complete an application form, and submit the application 10 a.m. daily at our SVDP Alameda downtown Oakland site at 2272 San Pablo Ave, Oakland (cross street is West Grand). Last date for applications is Wednesday, August 31st.
For questions or further information call 510-877-9212.