May 15, 2018
Dear LABC,
This coming Sunday, May 20, is Pentecost Sunday. Reading from Acts 2: 1-14 we will lift up the diversity of those on whom the Holy Spirit fell that day in Jerusalem long ago. While the emphasis in the text falls on ethnic diversity it is likely that there was great diversity of occupation as well. Among those who in the crowd were farmers and merchants. sellers of purple and makers of tents, silversmiths and sailors. If this is true, and if the Spirit falls upon us still, do we not believe that it falls on pediatricians as well as pastors, plumbers as well as painters, basketball players as well as biblical scholars? It is in this vein that we will complete the “American Icons” sermon series and consider the witness of Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors.
Thanks to all for your prayers while I was traveling last week. My main take away from Faith In Action (formerly PICO National Network) gathering in Washington D.C. is this -The abolitionists that began meeting in the late 18th and early 19th century had the God-sized dream, and committed themselves to the heavy lift, of ending slavery in the United States. Two questions thus confront us: Do we have a similar dream? Are we committed to the same heavy lift?
As part of our observance of Asian-American Heritage Month Sandra Lee will lead the Forum this Sunday. She will report on her visit this past summer to the Minidoka National Historic Site in southern Idaho. Minidoka was one of ten internment camps that the federal government forcibly removed nearly 120,00 Japanese-American citizens to during World War II.
Even if Soup and Study is not part of your weekly routine I trust you will join us tonight (May 15, 6:00) to hear Pastor Brian Byamukama, a LGBT activist from Uganda tell his story. His is a testimony of great faith and courage.
Prayers of the Congregation
- Jesus Portillo and family as they mourn the death of his sister-in-law, Judy
- Ryan and Amy Parker as they mourn the death of Ryan’s dad
- Darnell Sims for his mother
- Jesse Lucas (recuperating from surgery)
- Emma Gordon for her family
- Helen Harrison for Megan S. (prayers in advance of surgery)
- Virginia McClow for our elected leaders
- Cecil White for Bishop Rich Garcia (health)
- Alice Edmondson (health)
- Paul Templeton for Dale O. (health)
- Dave Gattey (recuperating at home)
- Bruce Quan (health)
- All mothers (biological and relational) as the celebrations and accolades of Mother’s Day fall silent
- Peace with justice for all the citizens of the Middle East (I am greatly concerned that Israel’s response to the Palestinian protests far exceeds the standards of justice and proximate response)
- The Meads family for Alfonso
- Kay Baxter for Stacey and Jamie
- Al Johnson (health)
- Lloyd Scott for his family
- All who are grieving
- Alice Singh (health)
- LCC teachers Teresita and Joni (health)
- Safety for the people of Hawaii in the midst of the volcanic eruptions there
- Joel Reyes for his aunt, Florence (health)
- Mary Karne for her family and herself
- Pastor Bryan Byamukama
- This Thursday’s Ceasefire Call-in
- Mary Anderson (health)
- The Kachin people in Burma and the members of the San Francisco Kachin Baptist Church
- All immigrants, refugees and displaced persons
- Thanksgiving for the work of The Reverend William Barber and the Poor People’s Campaign www.poorpeoplescampaign.org
Go Warriors!