May 24, 2011
This Sunday, May 29, we will honor our organist, Marian Ott. Marian has served our congregation lovingly and beautifully and is now retiring. She has made lasting contributions to our worship, witness and work. I am happy that we will have an opportunity to say to her “Job very well done.” The second verse of the hymn “When In Our Music God is Glorified” expresses well what Marian has given to our life together. “How often, making music we have found a new dimension in the world of sound, as worship moved us to a more profound ‘Alleluia’!”
The central Scripture in our worship will be 1 Peter 3: 13- 22. In this text Peter tells us that following his crucifixion Jesus descended into hell and preached the good news to those who had been disobedient to God in the time of Noah. In the biblical story obedience is an important concept. Gordon McClellan tells us “The word ‘obey’ in Hebrew means to listen closely, to listen acutely. So for example, when God tells Adam and Eve to obey, God is not saying, ‘Do what I tell you or else.’ No, God is saying ‘Listen closely to me’.” We need to listen closely to God. We need to listen closely to the hurts and hopes, the concerns and celebrations, of all God’s children.
Prayers of the Congregation
- Jack Travis and Carol Norris
- Steve and Carol Leichter
- Bette Pancoe
- Bonnie Sato
- Richard Ice
- Charlotte Myers for her brother Sherwin
- Wally Bryen as he prepares for his ministry at New Community of Faith, San Jose
- Thanksgiving with our graduates and their families
- All teachers and school personnel
- All our shut ins
- Jim McAllister on the death of his wife of fifty-eight years, Betty Lou
- Gloria Meads as she retires from teaching at Chabot College – She will be given the title “Professor Emeritus” on the school’s graduation on Friday evening
- Phil and Gloria that their daughter Joy will find a job in California
- Thanksgiving with Brenda McCarthy that her daughter and son in law have purchased a home in Southern California
- Kay Baxter for her family
- Helen Harrison for Darcy Hickey and Robin Rowe
- Thanksgiving with Karen Okusu on the completion of her course work as our Minister In Training
- All who are searching for work
- All who are in economic duress
- Pat Hughes for her brother Richard
- Ann Fields
- Joel Hogan, my brother in law, who has been hospitalized
- The people of Joplin, Missouri following the tornado in that city
Closing Words
Thanks to everyone who helped Lakeshore shine when we hosted the ABSW graduation. You always help us earn the accolade “Hospitable.”
Thanks to the leaders of the LABC and OFBC Foundations for their ongoing good work and the very helpful presentations on Sunday.
Security alert: Allison had her wallet stolen out of her purse as she was closing things up on Sunday afternoon. The suspect, who was seen leaving the church, apparently came off the street and was hiding in the church. He went through her purse when she sat it down while helping a couple of our youth with some forms.
I just got off the phone with Laurie Fonts, Gene Holcomb’s daughter. Her dad would very much like to come to church on Sundays but needs a ride. He lives in Concord. If there is anyone coming to church from the 925 that could give Gene a ride, even on an occasional basis, please let me know.