January 10, 2017

Dear LABC,
The atmospheric river continues to flow over California this week. I trust that each of you will stay safe as the much needed rain and snow fall from the sky.
We enter a busy season this week as Soup and Study returns. Please know you are invited to join as we begin reading the Book of Esther. Also, Forever Young gathers for lunch and a very interesting program on Saturday and the Leadership Breakfast we cancelled last Sunday is rescheduled for this Sunday. I am happy that Steve Reimer will offer the opening reflection.
Sunday the 15th  is Martin Luther King Jr. Sunday. Reflecting on Dr. King’s 1963 “Letter From Birmingham Jail,” I will preach from Amos 5: 21-24.  Dr. King referenced Amos in his letter when he wrote, “I am in Birmingham because injustice is here. Just as the prophets of the eighth century B.C. left their villages and carried their ‘thus saith the Lord’ far beyond the boundaries of their home towns … I am compelled to carry the gospel of freedom beyond my home town.” My sermon will be “Dear White Moderates.” Following worship we will gather on Mandana Green for a “Stand and Sing For Justice.”
Next week there are two additional events that are certainly worthy of your participation. On Thursday evening, January 19 at 7:00 there will be a “Pre-Inaugural Service of Prayer” in the Sanctuary. Our own Carolyn Matthews and Chris Schelin will speak and there will be time for the congregation to offer spoken prayers. On Saturday afternoon, Jan 21 our young adults offer “(Pause): A Place to Reflect.” This is a self-guided time of meditation, prayer and quiet for people of all ages and faiths. Stop by the Sanctuary between 1:00 and 3:00.

Prayers of the Congregation

• The presidential transition
• The work of the new Congress
• Mary Karne as she mourns the death of her cousin, Jim
• Carol Norris as she cares for her brother, Chris
• Katrina Lau (now in Hayward)
• Joan Thatcher (SNF Piedmont Gardens)
• Carol Leichter for family and friends
• Alean Saunders-Coffey for family and friends
• Ann Fields for her daughter Tamera
• Larry Sims for his family
• Daphne Chin
• Dennis Tanner
• Kay Baxter and all who mourn the death of beloved pets
• All who come to the church for assistance
• All our homebound members
• Victims of violence in Oakland, the United States and globally
• Peace with justice for the Palestinians  of Bethlehem
• Thanksgiving for the ministry of the Samaritan Neighborhood Center
• Thanksgiving for the ministry of the Seafarers Ministry of the Golden Gate
• Thanksgiving for the ministry of the American Baptist Seminary of the West
• Thanksgiving with Chris and Allison Angotti as they dedicate Jonah and become members of LABC
• Thanksgiving with LeAnn Flesher that she was able to return to work
• Thanksgiving for Tess Benin and all professional care-givers