LABC Update – Wednesday, June 22, 2022
Forgive what I have been.
Sanctify what I am.
And order what I shall be.
Amen.
Morning and Evening Prayerbook/Jeanie and David Gushee
The final service of public worship of the First Baptist Church of Berkeley was held this past Sunday. Dale Edmondson, their former pastor, was with the congregation and offered this pastoral prayer.
O God, our God, you are a God of Surprises. Who could have known what lay ahead for the forebears of this congregation? Who could have known of lives that would be changed and empowered–even saved from disaster–because this congregation ministered with them in Jesus’ name? Who could have known of the amazing changes that would come about in our world, presenting new opportunities for humanity and also presenting disturbing challenges for humanity’s survival?
God of surprises, we don’t know what lies ahead, what shape gatherings of your people will take, what language will be needed to tell of your love?
You are a God of surprises, but also a God of presence. Jesus told us clearly, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” It seems you are present with us through others—through persons, both those who minister to us and those whom we’re called to serve.
This is a special time for the friends gathered here. They’ve experienced events which are sometimes baffling. We ask your blessing on them, O God. Enable them, in Faith, to know you are with them now and will be in all that is to come.
Receive our thanksgiving: our thanksgiving for leaders and visionaries of the past, and for their insights and gifts. Receive our thanksgiving for all who have passed through the doors of this church, for all who have been baptized among them, for all who have been joined in marriage, for all who have sensed a calling in their life, and for all who have been laid to rest.
Bestow your love and care upon all whom we know, and about whom we have spoken.
Hear our prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen
Today on LABC Zoom – Pastor Jim leads Bible Study at 10:30 AM
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