May 31, 2016

Dear LABC,
As I write it is Memorial Day, a day dedicated to the memory of those who have sacrificed their lives in the service of their country. As always on this day I think of an uncle I never met, my mother’s brother Robert G. Romaine, who died in 1942 when his ship was sunk in the Atlantic Ocean shortly after the United States entered World War II.
I also am thinking of yesterday’s Forum led by the Reverend Deborah Lee of the Interfaith Movement for Human Dignity. Deborah urged us to speak of migration, the ongoing movement of human beings from one place to another, rather than immigration, the movement from nation to another. Migration, she insisted, is a nearly universal experience and its use tends to humanize those who migrate.
This coming Sunday is both Hunger Walk Sunday and Invite a Friend Sunday, an excellent opportunity to invite a friend to church and a walk. What better way to introduce someone to what Lakeshore is about, the care of body and spirit, concern for community and congregation.
In worship we will read Hebrews 13: 1-2, “Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” The theme of my sermon will be that many of the things we do at LABC, like the Hunger Walk, are intended to both help others and feed our better angels.
Minister-In Residence Sydney Webster (welcome back from serving at FBC Alameda) and I will wear orange stoles made by Wally Bryen on Sunday, joining Clergy from the Episcopalian Church and other traditions in a symbol of our commitment to the elimination of gun violence.

Prayers of the Congregation

• All who are grieving
• All who are facing health concerns
• All who are searching for housing
• All who are seeking employment
• All who are incarcerated
• All who are struggling with important decisions
• All who are celebrating good news and significant accomplishments
• All who make meaningful contributions to the well being of others
• All who will participate in some way in Sunday’s Hunger Walk
• All who are traveling
• The California electorate in the midst of the primary election
• Migrants as they face great danger, profound change and toxic misunderstanding
• The 46 million people globally who live in slavery

Announcements

We pray for our Muslim neighbors as they begin their Ramadan fast this coming week that these 30 days may be a time of blessing for them, and for connecting more deeply with God and with one another.  We pray that our communities may be places of welcome for all peoples of all faiths as they worship, learn and serve.
Pastor Tanner will be away on vacation June 1-10.