December 10, 2019
Family,
Pictured is the Dove of Peace wearing a bullet proof vest and with a target on its chest, given to LABC by Pastor Tanner upon her return from Bethlehem. The Dove of Peace is made from a used tear-gas canister, a reminder of the Biblical vision of transforming weapons of death into tools for life. It is nestled against our Advent Candles. This haunting symbol reminds us that peace is always vulnerable and that it cannot survive without friends, advocates and protectors.
This week, having lit the Candle of Hope and the Candle of Peace, we will light the Candle of Joy. The third verse of “When God Is a Child” by Brian Wren reads, Joy is a song that welcomes the dawn, telling the world that the Savior is born. When God is a child there’s joy in our song. The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong, and none shall be afraid. Of course, joy, like peace, needs friends.
The biblical character at the heart of our worship will be Mary the mother of Jesus. The music will be Mary themed and Allison, Sandra and I will each offer Mary based reflections.
Prayers of the Congregation
The family and friends of Lorraine Weese as they mourn her death (There will be a memorial service this Thursday, December 12th, at 1:30 in the Sanctuary.); Dale Edmondson as he mourns the death of his friend Clive; The family and friends of Peter Yuichi-Clark as they mourn his death; Darlene Scott (recuperating at home); LeAnn Flesher for her dad; Jewelle and James Gibbs; The Meads Family: The Bence-Lee Family for Cordia; Thanksgiving for the good work of Family Support Services; Peggy Rogers-Tamayo; Alean Saunders-Coffey for Bill; Zondra and Marty Martin; John and Bonnie Turpin; Louis and Sharon Greer; Jeanne Robinson; Cynthia Nelson for her niece and family; Karen Hopkins for her nephew; Tess Benin for Christina; Sydney and Gigi; Joan Patten for Sierra
Invitations
December 12, 6-8 p.m. – Lakeshore Stroll (Carolers meet in Sanctuary at 5:30)
December 14, 10:30 – Pastor Tanner speaks at the Pacific School of Religion
December 14, 12:30 – Forever Young Christmas Party, please RSVP with George or Alodia
December 15, Following Worship – Blue Christmas Service
December 17, 6:30 – Pastor Tanner will report on her trip to Palestine (Soup at 6:00)