March 14, 2017

“Set Your Clocks Forward Sunday” is behind us for another year.  It was a good Sunday with Nick Carter preaching (“Let us not enthrone fear.’), Martha Taylor leading the Forum (The history of the African-American Churches of the Bay Area is fascinating and life-giving.) and the Voices of Lakeshores singing (Even in Lent we anticipate the Resurrection.)
This coming Sunday Carolyn Matthews is our preacher. Her sermon, taken from Numbers 27: 1-8,  the compelling story of the brave daughters of Zelophehad, is titled “A Bold Request.” After worship we will gather on Mandana Green to Stand and Sing for Justice.
I want to call your attention to a coming three evening Soup and Study Series “A Central Word of Lent: Sacrifice.”  (6:00 Soup, 6:30 Study)

• March 21 – Sacrifice in the Old Testament
• March 28 – Guest Scholar, Sufi Leader The Reverend Jeremiah Kalendae,  Sacrifice in the Muslim/Sufi Tradition
• April 4-Sacrifice in the New Testament

At our annual meeting in January we talked about our commitment to build bridges with other faith traditions. The presentation by Rev. Kalendae is an expression of that commitment. Rev. Kalendae is a colleague of Chris Schelin’s at the Starr King School for Ministry. I appreciate Chris suggesting him. I hope you can join in.

Prayers of the Congregation

• Jo and Dave Robinson (Jo’s surgery has been delayed)
• All who live with mental illness
• Ruben Artery and Cecil White for Ruben’s nephew, River
• Marian Ott
• Barry Breaux
• Jo and John Giles as they give assistance to their expectant daughter
• Jewelle Gibbs (recuperating)
• Carol Norris as she cares for her brother, Chris
• Gloria Joseph and the Wilkinson family
• Mary Karne for Maryla
• The Picou-Broadnax family for Aaliyah
• Tyrone for Latrice as she mourns
• Jeanette Paige as she cares for her father
• Kay Baxter for Stacey, Jamie and herself
• Yvonne Young for a colleague
• Tina Dright for her brothers
• Larry Sims for his family
• Sheila Sims for her aunt and her mom
• Rick Mckillop for his daughters
• Gloria and Phil Meads for the Elias family
• Phillip Martin and Cameron Wilson for Phillip’s Uncle Mike
• Alean Saunders-Coffey for her daughter-in-law and family
• Zondra Martin and family
• Larry Hutchings for Dennis’ brother, Victor
• Ann Fields and family
• Doris and Ted Evans and family
• Camille and Warren Parker and family
• Marie Johnson for family, friends and colleagues
• All our homebound members
• All who come to church seeking assistance
• All who are facing difficult work situations
• All who represent LABC in diverse and wonderful ministries
• LeAnn Flesher (still recuperating from ankle injury)
• Tuck, Jayne and Daphne Chin
• Sydney Webster for Gigi and herself
• Edie Parrott
• Margaret Oladoja and family
• Chuck Johnston for Nancy Strange and family
• Irene Jennings,  James Chuck, Joan Thatcher and Gordon White (Piedmont Gardens SNF)
• For our country, its leaders, and those who hold its leaders accountable
• Thanksgiving for the ministry of the Reverend Dr. Gillette O. James, retiring after 45 years as Pastor of Beth Eden Baptist Church

Announcements

AnnThere are many opportunities for friendship and service during the week ahead including the Seafarers Ministry’s annual Swedish Pancake Breakfast this Saturday at 10:00. International Maritime Center, 4001 7th Street, Oakland. A wonderful place to stroll by the harbor.
The Hunger Task force Bake Sale is Sunday. Lemon bars anyone?