March 5, 2013
Greetings to all,
This Sunday, March 10, 2013, is the fourth Sunday of Lent and the second Sunday of Women’s History Month. My sermon this Sunday is titled “The Mission of the Midwives.” The central Scripture is Exodus 1: 1- 2:10. In this text the travails of the Hebrew people in Egypt are described, the subversive acts of the Hebrew midwives in the face of the oppression are detailed, and the birth of Moses is reported.
As I read through the Scripture I see three key points emerging in regard to the courageous deceit of the midwives (The midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women; for they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife comes to them.” Ex. 1:19):
- Though they were less powerful than Pharaoh they were not powerless.
- Though they were outnumbered they were not out organized.
- While Pharaoh was motivated by fear they were motivated by hope.
After Coffee Hour, Pastor Tanner and I will again be discussing the text and my sermon with you during the Forum.
Jim H.
Prayers of the Congregation
- Prayers for those whose bodies need strength and healing – Bette Pancoe, Sybil Alexander, Charlotte Evans, Jim Dorr’s cousin, Larry Sims for his daughter Debbie, Keith Paramour for his grandparents, John Claassen for his cousin, Debra Dizin, Elizabeth Patrick, Barbara Bowman, Carol and Steve Leichter, Hershall Vinson, Marcie Giarizzo
- Prayers for those who are aging and their loved ones who care for them – Sandra Dunn for her father, Theresako Harris for her aunt, Larry Hutchings for his mother, Marc Harrison for his father, Sheryl Gattey for her mother
- Prayers for those who are grieving – Mary Osajindu whose sister passed away in Nigeria, the Sims family, the Martin family, the Yee family, Tess Benin and the family of Muriel Phillips, Shirley Jones for her daughter in law’s (Deb) family, Hallie Randel for Mike’s family, Cecil White for the family of a young priest friend who died suddenly, Bjoe Morris for the Martin family, Helen Harrison for the Newberry family
- Prayers for our loved ones who are facing significant challenges – Gloria and Phil Meads for their nieces, Kay Baxter for Stacey and Jamie, Georgia Upshaw for her friend Ginny, Toni Daniels for her family, Margaret Alexander for LaShaya and family
- Prayers for our community- For the budding partnership between Holy Names University and Oakland Technical High School, for all who will come to our pre-Easter parade, for the Ceasefire work of the Oakland Community Organizations, Karen Okusu as she preaches at FBC Berkeley this Sunday
- Prayers for people we don’t know who are facing challenges we can’t imagine- For our Kachin brothers and sister, those who are incarcerated, all who are affected by gun violence, the people of Haiti, the Roman Catholic Church in a time of transition, the residents of St. Mary’s Center Winter Shelter
- Prayers of gratitude – Pat Hughes for the the blossoms, Virginia Damretzky for being present on Sunday, promises of Easter in the midst of Lent
- Prayers for ourselves
Announcements
The Hopkins and Robinson families have discovered we need a little help serving the meal at St. Mary’s Center on Saturday Evening March 16. I would love to talk to you if you can assist.
Last Minute Notice – There is still room in The City of Oakland of Earthquake Preparedness Training beginning tonight at 6:00 at Mills College. Several Lakeshore members will be attending. Call 510-238-6351 to register.