November 5, 2019
Family,
The British band Chumbawumba was known as a punk-anarchist voice with a small following until 1997 when they released the single “Tubthumping” (expression of opinion in a loud or racous manner). The lyrics “I get knocked down but I get up again. You are never going to keep me down,” became a worldwide sensation and the immediate rallying cry/mantra of many people and communities who felt they were under some kind of attack.
Our scripture for November 10th, Haggai 1:13-2:9, speaks of a similar resolve, a similar promise and a similar hope. The prophet proclaims that because God never forgets God’s people the people of Israel, who had been exiled to Babylon and seen their temple in Jerusalem destroyed, would return home and participate in the the rebuilding of a temple greater than the first. In other words, Haggai promises the people that they will get up when they are knocked down and no one will keep them down.
In my sermon I will invite us to consider some of the ways – music, caring for others, circles of belonging – through which God works to help us get back up when we have been knocked down.
There will be a Stand and Sing for Justice on Mandana Green following worship.
Jim H.
Prayers of the Congregation
Wil Ash for Mike; Jonny Ash and family; Karen Hopkins for her nephew; Rita Jennings; Jewelle and James Gibbs and family; Katrina Lau for Peggy Rogers-Tamayo; Roxanne Jones and family; Mary Karne and family; Zondra and Marty Martin; The people of California in this season of wildfires, winds and power outages; Sydney and Gigi; All who are traveling; Tess Benin for John and family; The LABC Hunger Task Force; The work of Harbor House; Those who serve state, national and local governments with a commitment to integrity and justice; The incarcerated, their families and those who minister to them; HumanGood and other not for profit corporations engaged in the work of building and managing affordable housing; The people of Lebanon, Haiti, Iraq, Nigeria and India; The family of The Reverend Dr. David Simpkins (and the people of the Evergreen Baptist Association) as they mourn his death; Cynthia Nelson; Kathleen Donson Soots for Brian and family; Bonnie Sato and family
Congratulations to Jewelle Taylor Gibbs on her induction (November 3rd) into the Hall of Distinction of the California Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.
Forever Young
Come celebrate Thanksgiving early this Saturday at noon in Barnett Hall. The meal is free with your RSVP to Alodia or George. If you have a question please contact Minister Sandra.
A Veterans Day Prayer
Compassionate God, Source of Mercy, we pay tribute to those who have served our country, to express our gratitude for their courage and selflessness, both those among us today and those of generations past. This nation, built by those born of this soil and those who have come here from all the corners of the earth, is on a continual journey toward its destiny.
May we never let down those who have served in defense of this country.
May we uphold the values of freedom, of the inherent dignity of every human being, by our own right conduct, by the kindness and tolerance we show to one another.
May we lead the world by example, and become, in the words of Isaiah, a light to the nations.
Then will the labors and sacrifices of these veterans be honored not in words alone, but by our example. Amen.
Rabbi Laurence Milder