October 29, 2013
October draws to a close. Thanks to all who helped us host a very well attended Harvest Festival on Saturday. We are known as a happy and hospitable place in our neighborhood.
Diversity Month 2013 is now complete. In worship on October 27 we paid fitting tribute to our identity as a Welcoming and Affirming Baptist Church. Thanks to Wally Bryen for his exceptional interpretation and application of John’s account of Jesus and the Samaritan Woman at the well to our work of truly welcoming all. Thanks to all who contributed so meaningfully to the beauty of the service. Thanks to all who contributed so meaningfully to the joy of the month gone by.
The conversation with Marcia Patton, Executive Minister of the Evergreen Baptist Association, showed that there is interest in, and support for, LABC moving our regional affiliation to Evergreen. At some future Church Council meeting, likely December, I will recommend to the Council that it recommend to the congregation that we seek membership in the EBA with the understanding that we do so in full appreciation of, and enduring gratitude for, the hospitality provided us in a time of great need by the American Baptist Churches of Metropolitan New York. This recommendation could come to the congregation as soon as our Annual Meeting in January.
Now comes November. In the month ahead we will move towards a final decision on the proposed “The Living Tree” the metal sculpture proposed for the Sanctuary. At this Sunday’s Form Robert Wilkins will moderate a dialogue in regard to the proposal. Beginning this Sunday members may pick up a written ballot from one of the Council officers at a table in the Narthex. The ballots, which can also be obtained by contacting the Church Administrator, must be returned by December 3. Also in November we will elect our Congregational leaders, Council members, Department members and Committee members for the year ahead, receive the proposed 2014 budget and make our annual pledges. The Pledge Letter will be mailed on November 5, the Congregational Meeting will be on November 17 and Pledge Sunday will be November 24. On November 24 a Dedication Service is also planned for Dashiel Phillips.
The central Scripture in our worship this Sunday will be Habakkuk 1: 1-4 and 2: -4. In this text the prophet Habakkuk (To Embrace) speaks to the people of Judah at a time when the Babylonian Empire has begun to threaten their well being. The church reformer Martin Luther, lifting up the sentences “Write the vision; make it plain,” and “The righteous live by their faith”. said of this text: “The prophet comforts and encourages the people as one fondles a poor weeping child or other person, quieting and pacifying it with the assurance that, if God wills, conditions will mend.”
Prayers of the Congregation
Concerns
- Jennifer Pancoe as she mourns her mom
- The Harrison family as they travel to Maryland for the Memorial Service for Marc’s dad
- Luke Oladoja as he mourns his mom
- Sam Park, ABSW Professor, as he mourns his mom
- Brian Woodson, Oakland pastor, as he mourns his father
- Our Congolese visitors
- Shirley Jones for her sister in law, Audrey
- Kay Baxter for Stacey and Jamie
- Max Powers
- Edna Dorenzo
- Virginia Damretzky
- Joan Thatcher
- Fannye Leary (Summit SNF)
- Cecil White for his brother, Sam
- Ann Fields for her brother, Ezra
- Joan Patten for her friend John
- Phil and Gloria Meads for all seeking employment, all who are ill, all who are misunderstood
- 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
- Mary Karne for her daughter, Maryla
- Jessie Lucas for Joe Debro
- Sandra Dunn in the midst of a decision
- All our shut-ins and those that care for them
- Sheryl and Dave Gattey for Richard and Beth
Celebrations
- Thanksgiving for the ministry of the American Baptist Churches of Metropolitan New York
- Thanksgiving for the ministry of the Evergreen Baptist Association
- Thanksgiving for the ministry of the American Baptist Seminary of the West
- Thanksgiving the Jewelle Gibbs has returned home
- Thanksgiving that Sylvia and George Lee were able to be in worship
- Thanksgiving that Dr. J. Alfred Smith is continuing his rehabilitation at home
- Thanksgiving for the work of the Nominating Committee
- Thanksgiving for the work of the Budget Committee
- Thanksgiving for the work of the Sancturary Art Committee