Midweek Message

May 2, 2017

Jim Hopkins

May 2, 2017

Dear LABC,
A busy week awaits us. Besides our normal programming and events the schedule includes:
Thursday, May 4, 12:30, Sanctuary -Memorial Service for Ted Evans. A repast will follow. Please bring cookies or finger-foods.
Saturday, May 6, 1-3, Sanctuary, Library and Family Room – “Pause: A Place to Reflect”
Sunday, May 7, 9:00-9:30, Library – Be still and know that I am God. As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my heart longs for you My God. Our hearts are restless, until they find rest in you. In various ways, various scripture passages invite us to slow down and remember the presence of God in our busy lives. Cynthia Nelson will be facilitating a group as an opportunity to take some time together to meditate, pray, and explore methods to pay attention to God’s presence among us. We will meet from 9 to 9 30 in the library. Please join us. (Also on June 4)
Sunday, May 7, Following worship, Sanctuary – Quarterly meeting of the Congregation
Our May sermon series will be “Good News and Great Needs.” This coming Sunday my sermon will be “Good News and the Great Need of Housing.” Our central Scripture will be John 1: 35-42. It is important to note that to the question “Where are you staying?” Jesus was able to answer “Come and see.” A guest from East Bay Housing Organizations will bring greetings during the service.

Prayers of the Congregation

  • Doris Evans and family as they mourn Ted’s death
  • The family of Michelle Austin as they mourn her death (Visitation. May 6, 12-4, Fouche Hudson Funeral Home, Funeral, May 8, 11:00, Cosmopolitan Baptist Church, Oakland)
  • Ken Kirkey and Cliff Chappelle as they mourn the death of Cliff’s aunt and uncle
  • All who anxious
  • All who are depressed
  • Thanksgiving with ABSW on the election of James Brenneman as the next President of the seminary
  • Thanksgiving with Sydney Webster on the endorsement of the LABC Ordination Committee for her ordination
  • The Meads family for Del and for Arielle and family
  • Sheila Zack for those in need of health care but unable to afford it
  • Members of our congregation in need of housing
  • Kay Baxter for her family
  • Helen Harrison for Jennifer Vasquez and son Zander
  • Rafael Soto for his daughter Andrea
  • Lloyd Scott for his fiancé Doris and himself
  • Preparations for our Hunger Walk on June 4
  • Thanksgiving for the work of City Team Ministry
  • Thanksgiving for the ministry of Harbor House with the immigrant community of Oakland
  • Thanksgiving for those who were baptized on April 30 as part of the LABC and SF Kachin Baptist Church worship services
  • Rod Murray as he recuperates from surgery
  • The family of Jordan Edwards, Texas teenager slain by Balch Springs, Texas police
  • The people of South and North Korea
  • Melanie Baggao, American Baptist International Servant, as she ministers to Syrian refugees in Lebanon
  • Tyrone Mack for his son TJ and wife Shamanay as they prepare for the birth of their baby
  • Mary Karne for Maryla