Memorial Day Message

Dear LABC,
I do not know the person who wrote these words but they seem to speak to much that is going on in our land this Memorial Day –
I stand to honor the promise the flag represents.
You kneel because that promise has been broken.
I stand to affirm my belief that all are created equal, and to fight alongside you for that promise.
You kneel because too few stand with you.
I stand because we can be better.
You kneel to remind us to be better.
I stand to honor all that have fought and died so that we may be free.
You kneel because not all of us are.
I stand because I can.
You kneel for those who can’t.
I stand to defend your right to kneel.
You kneel to defend my right to stand.
I stand because I love this country.
You kneel because you love it too.
Andrew Freborg
In the same vein –
American history is longer, larger, more various, more beautiful, and more terrible than anything anyone has ever said about it.
– James Baldwin

In Our Prayers

• All who are grieving
• All who are dealing with health concerns – physical, mental, and emotional
• All who are caring for loved ones
• All who are housing insecure, especially those living on the streets
• All who are incarcerated
• All who are in detention
• All who live in fear
• All our veterans
• All who are working for peace and fighting for justice
• Our country as we grapple with gun violence prevention
• The ministries of ABC-USA
• The Witness of the Oakland Community Organizations and the Faith In Action Network

I hope you will attend the Justice Jam focusing on Homelessness this Wednesday evening at 6:30 (Sanctuary) and that you will support the Hunger Walk this Sunday, June 3rd.