December 5, 2017

Dear LABC,
The church is decorated for the season (thanks to all who helped) and first candle of Advent has been lit. As we journey to Christmas may your days be filled with grace.
This Sunday we will light the candle of peace and read II Peter 3: 8-15a, “and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed.” 
Whenever I come across biblical passages that speak of the fire of God I recall what Rod Romney wrote many years ago, “I think the Bible is trying to teach us in purely allegorical terms that God is a consuming fire, but a fire that purifies rather than destroys.” Thus, I take the words of Peter to be more of a comfort than a threat. He is telling us that we can let go of all our posturing and pretending (it will be burned away anyway) and live instead with a refreshing clarity and honesty about who and what we are. This sort of clear and honest living can be one of the gifts of Advent.

Prayers of the Congregation

• Cecil White and family on death of his brother, Ken
• Rick McKillop for his dad (surgery) and his mom (death of her brother)
• Jesus Portillo for his brother Al and sister-in-law Judy (health) Max and Merle (health)
• Dave Robinson for his mom and dad (health)
• Lari Mussati for her friend John (health)
• LeAnn Flesher for the First Presbyterian Church of LeSeur, MN (the church she grew up in)  as it prepares to close at the end of January
• Marie Johnson for family, colleagues and the Baptist Churches of Cuba
• Jewelle Gibbs (recuperating from knee surgery)
• Larry Sims for his family
• Mary Karne for Maryla
• Ann Fields for her family
• Zondra Martin for Marty
• All who are in need of housing and employment
• LCC Teachers Teresita and Joni (health)
• Sandra Dunn
• Robert Wilkins
• Mary Anderson
• Alanna Shadowsong
• Larry Hutchings for Dennis’ brother Victor
• Phil and Gloria Meads for their family
• All who are in the process of rebuilding following natural disasters
• All immigrants, refugees and displaced persons
• The firefighters and the fire victims in Ventura

On the Calendar

Forever Young, Luncheon and Christmas Gift Exchange, Saturday, 12:30
Anti-Gun Violence Vigil, Saturday, 4:00 at Skyline Community Church, 12540 Skyline Blvd., Oakland
Blue Christmas Service, Sunday, 11:40, Sanctuary
This is the link to our Handbell Ensemble’s Video Advent Devotional