November 12, 2013

Dear LABC Family,
In reviewing this past Sunday I realize I made at least two errors. Let me endeavor to correct them.

1. While I did note in my sermon the devastation inflicted on the central Philippines by Typhoon Haiyan I did not remind you that if you would like to contribute to relief and rebuilding efforts in the Philippines you can make a contribution to the church designated  “Philippines Relief.” Your gifts will be forwarded to Baptist related efforts in the affected areas through One Great Hour of Sharing funds. The American Baptist Churches have already designated $10,000 in emergency relief funds and more assistance is greatly needed. Prayers continue for the people of the Philippines and those who are laboring to bring relief.
2. I don’t think I was clear enough in expressing my hope we will have a good turnout to have coffee and conversation with Robin Lund, Executive Director of the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists, this Saturday morning. We will gather in the Family Room at 9:00 and will likely conclude by 11:00. I want Robin to get a good sense of who Lakeshore is and what our core values and commitments are. Please let me know if you are coming.
3. I hope all members of the church have this Sunday’s congregational meeting on their schedules. As per usual at our November meeting we will consider the proposed budget for 2014, elect officers for the next year and have a little time to converse together. Your participation helps make our congregational meetings meaningful. The meeting will be held in the Sanctuary immediately following worship. My understanding is that a festive Coffee Hour to celebrate some November birthdays will follow the meeting.

My sermon for Sunday is titled “A Cruel and Shocking Act.” My title is also the title of a new book by Philip Shenon. Shenon’s book considers the work of the Warren Commission, which investigated the November 22, 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy. As we commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of this assassination I will lift up a short eulogy Chief Justice Warren offered for Kennedy in the Rotunda of the U.S, Capitol where the President’s casket was on public display.  As part of his eulogy the Warren pled with the nation “Is it too much to hope that the martyrdom of our beloved President might even soften the hearts of those who would themselves recoil from assassination but who do not shrink from spreading the venom which kindles thoughts of it in others.”

Prayers of the Congregation

Concerns

• The people of the Philippines in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan
• Myra Saxton and Lucille Riggins in the aftermath of the fire in their home
• Sandra Dunn for her brother in law, Eddie Carbin
• Tess Benin for her daughter in law, Lynn and friend, John
• Communities and families in shock from outbursts of gun violence
• Jeanne Robinson as she recuperates from a fall
• Our Congolese visitors
• Shirley Jones for her sister in law, Audrey
• Kay Baxter for Stacey, Jamie, Markieta and herself
• The Wilkinson’s for their family, friends and neighborhood
• Max Powers
• Edna Dorenzo
• Virginia Damretzky
• Joan Thatcher
• Fannye Leary
• Cecil White for his brother, Sam
• Ann Fields for Ezra, Tamera, Scott, Leslie and Bryan
• Joan Patten for her friend John
• Phil and Gloria Meads for Adela, Billy, our pastors, the ill, those seeking employment, teachers and students
• Sheila Sims for her mom and dad
• A prayer for Lakeshore in a time of decision-making. May there be honest communication, fair process and abiding love.
• Larry Sims and his family for Sandra
• Mark and Kristen Wilson for Mark’s dad
• Alice Butler and family
• Mary Karne for Maryla
• LeAnn Flesher for her cousin
• All our shut-ins and those that care for them
• Sheryl and Dave Gattey for Richard and Beth
• Connie Hector as she cares for her mother in law
• Helen Roberson as she cares for her brother
• LCC Teacher Teresita
• Carol Travis for her friend, Julie
• Tyrone Mack for T.J. in the midst of job interviews
• Sydney Webster for herself and her seminary classmates as they study
• Carol Ash for the Fleishman family
• Charlene Wolf for a friend who has been thrust into a caregiving situation
• Helen Harrison for Gordon Atkinson
• Lari Musatti as she prepares to care for her family in Haiti for four months

Celebrations

• Thanksgiving for the caring ministry of our Hunger Task Force
• Thanksgiving for our Veterans, and those currently in active service, and their families
• Thanksgiving for all the clergy of Lakeshore and the work they do in many congregations and communities
• Thanksgiving for our Forever Young program and the leadership of Sandra Lee
• Thanksgiving for that Cynthia Taylor continues to gain strength
• Thanksgiving with Karen Hopkins for family, friends and health
• Thanksgiving for the conversations we are having on race
• Thanksgiving for the work of ABSW in fostering healthy relationships with the Muslim community
• Thanksgiving for the many hard working business owners on Lakeshore Avenue
• Thanksgiving for the work of the Nominating Committee
• Thanksgiving for all the caregivers of LABC
• Thanksgiving for the work of the Budget Committee