February 12, 2019
Family,
Bryce Dawkins (one of our teens) did a wonderful job of defining the purpose of African-American History Month in her Welcome to Worship this past Sunday. Here are her words:
Good morning Lakeshore. My name is Bryce Dawkins and I have been a member of the Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church Community ever since I was born. I would like to welcome all of you to service today, and invite any guests or newcomers to complete a visitor card, found in the back of each pew, to be placed in the offering plate later in the service.
Today is the second Sunday of African-American History Month. This month is a time to acknowledge the benefactions African-Americans have made, and continue to make, to our country, many of which have gone unrecognized in the past. It is important that we celebrate and recognize the contributions African-Americans have made to this country, so that we may understand our history and realize how America has evolved into the nation we have today.
In honor of this celebration, I would like to share a quote with you all today. The quote comes from Susan L. Taylor, who has been referred to as the most influential black woman in journalism. The quote reads: “Whatever we believe about ourselves and our ability comes true for us.” Let us move forward through this month with confidence, hope and faith, knowing that the Lord has blessed us with great ability and strength to overcome any challenges we may face.
We worship God in community. Let us share that community by offering the Peace of Christ to one another. Please stand and join with me. The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Prayers of the Congregation
The family of Evelyn Wong and all who are grieving, Amber and Aries (discernment), Don Dresser (health), Jamie Reid (health), Cynthia Nelson (health), Jewelle Gibbs (health), Cecil White (health), Sandra Dunn (health), Gloria and Phil for June, Billy, Jane, Tiffany, Alfonso and granddaughter Arielle (health), Mary Karne for daughter Maryla (health), LeAnn Flesher for her dad (health), Rafael Soto for his work colleagues and for the people of Puerto Rico, Marie Johnson (health), Julio Cash for his mother, The homeless residents of the Bay Area, all our students, teachers and school employees, all our young adults, Margaret Oladoja, Thanksgiving for the LABC office staff and volunteers, Bjoe Morris (health), Helen Harrison for Brody and Dave Prado as they mourn the death of their mom/wife (Brody is a good friend of Sam Harrison), Wayne Hutton (health), Jeanne Robinson for her sister-in-law Laurlee, Celestine Bennett as she cares for her sister, Dale Edmondson for his family, Christopher Thom, Rita Jennings (health), John and Laura (health) Landgraf, Al Johnson and Roy Browner, Lloyd Scott, the Joachim family on the death of Evan’s aunt, A fair contract for OUSD teachers, Brian Byamukama, Jesse Lucas, Sydney Webster (work demands), Floyd Ellison (settling in new home in Arizona), Our youth as they serve at St. Mary’s Center; Father Mike Mautner (St. Peter’s Episcopal) for his mother, Carole Lee for her husband Henry, Thanksgiving for the significant witness and safe return of the American Baptist delegation (including Dean Flesher) from Northeast India
Preparing for Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday and our Ash Wednesday Vigils (7 a.m., 12 p.m., 5p.m.) will be March 6th this year. In preparing a reflection guide for the participants I would appreciate if, in no more than 200 words, you would tell me what these words of Jesus mean to you:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous.” Matthew 5:43-45
Email me your response to jim@labcoakland.org by February 28th.
Oakland Unified School District Update
Katie Nunez-Alder from Faith In Action East Bay (formerly Oakland Community Organizations) will meet with our Social Justice Community tomorrow night (Wednesday) at 6:30 to update us about school closures, the potential teacher strike, the state of the 2019-20 budget and ways for LABC to exert influence. Katy is one of the most knowledgeable people there is in matters pertaining to our public schools. Please join us.