January 14, 2020

Family,

This Sunday, as we observe MLK Jr. Sunday, we will consider the significance of Bayard Rustin, a man of great courage and insight who did much to make the soaring dreams of Dr. King a reality.

The King Papers Project at Stanford University writes of Rustin -A close advisor to Martin Luther King and one of the most influential and effective organizers of the civil rights movement, Bayard Rustin was affectionately referred to as “Mr. March-on-Washington” by A. Philip Randolph. Rustin organized and led a number of protests in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, including the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. While Rustin’s homosexuality and former affiliation with the Communist Party led some to question King’s relationship with him, King recognized the importance of Rustin’s skills and dedication to the movement. In a 1960 letter, King told a colleague: “We are thoroughly committed to the method of nonviolence in our struggle and we are convinced that Bayard’s expertness and commitment in this area will be of inestimable value” (Papers 5:390).

The central scripture in worship will be Isaiah 49:1-7, a text in which a powerful vision similar to that of Dr. King is lifted up. Verse six reads:

“It is too small a thing for you to be my servant
    to restore the tribes of Jacob
    and bring back those of Israel I have kept.
I will also make you a light for the Gentiles,
    that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”

There will be a Stand and Sing for Justice immediately following worship. The location will be determined by the weather.

Prayers of the congregation

Hallie Randel for her mom; Helen Harrison for David Gunther as he mourns his daughter; Jewelle and James Gibbs; Jeanne Robinson; Mary Karne for Maryla; Zondra and Marty Martin; Katrina Lau; Geetha, Darshan and Emmanuel Thaker; Jesus Portillo for Jude; Karen Hopkins for Georgianne, Connie and Lou Ann; Jesse Lucas; Bidias for Ashley and the homeless of our city; Anne MacMillan for Stephanie; Sandra Lee for the residents and employees of Piedmont Gardens; Danielle Heckman for her dad; The people of Australia; Rick McKillop for his family; Roy Browner and Al Johnson; Thanksgiving with Karen Okusu on the completion of her radiation treatments; George Cummings; The people of Puerto Rico, The people of Iraq and Iran; The Meads family for Arielle,  The Young Adults of LABC; The Retired Ministers and Missionaries Offering; A just resolution to the Moms 4 Housing action

Announcements

Please submit your annual reports to kay@labcoakland.org by Friday. A written record of our many ministries is wonderful legacy to leave the next generations of Lakeshore.