July 19, 2016

In light of the tragic news out of Baton Rouge, LA and the violence rocking our world (“It’s coming to the point where no lives matter.” Jocelyn Jackson, sister of slain Baton Rouge police officer, Montrell Jackson) it seemed particularly important to be part of Stand and Sing For Justice following worship on Sunday. Below is the information that was on the handout we gave to those passing by.

Stand and Sing For Justice

(A Public Witness of Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church)
www.labcoakland.org

• We commit ourselves to work non-violently for peace and justice
• We call for strong procedural justice efforts in the City of Oakland
• We support the Ceasefire violence reduction strategy
• We endorse “common-sense” laws limiting the number of guns and bullets in our communities
• We decry violence by police and against police
• We stand against institutional racism
• We acknowledge the harm that the mass incarceration of people causes the families of our community

“Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like and everflowing stream.” (Amos 5:24)
A prayer of intercession for ourselves and for the world we live in.
O God,  the refuge of the poor, and the hope of the humble, the salvation of the needy; hear us as we pray for those who are worn by illness, for all who are wronged or oppressed, and for the weary and heavy-laden, that they may be strengthened by your grace and healed by your consolations. Let the dayspring from on high visit those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide their feet into the way of peace; through Jesus Christ. Amen. (Book of Worship, United Church of Christ)

Invitations for the week:

Thursday, July 21, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Pathways To Success: Boys and Men of Color Career Summit, Oakland Convention Center, West Hall, 550 Tenth St., MBKALLIANCE.ORG/BAYAREA
Friday, July 22, 6:30 p.m., Ceasefire Night Walk, At Thy Word Ministries Church of God in Christ (enter from parking lot on side of building), 8905 International Blvd.
Please pray regularly for our Vacation Bible Camp. May faith, hope and love grow in campers and leaders alike.
(I will miss seeing you on Sunday as I will be in Santa Cruz on Sunday for one of my annual rites of summer, the Wharf to Wharf run with daughter in law Teresa’s family. Pastor Tanner and the Vacation Bible Camp Team will be leading worship.)