September 11, 2018

Dear LABC,
Today is the 17th anniversary  of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. We remember those who continue to mourn even as we honor those who commit themselves to our safety.
Around the world our Jewish friends and neighbors are in the midst of their High Holy Days celebrating the beginning of year 5779 on the Hebrew calendar.  The website  ReformJudaism.org informs us: Rosh HaShanah (literally, “Head of the Year”) is the Jewish New Year, which marks the beginning of a 10-day period of prayer, self-examination and repentance. This period, known as the Yamim Noraim (Days of Awe or High Holy Days), is widely observed by Jews throughout the world, many with prayer and reflection in a synagogue. There also are several holiday rituals observed at home. Rosh HaShanah is celebrated on the first day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei, which—because of differences in the solar and lunar calendar—corresponds to September or October on the secular calendar. Customs associated with the holiday include sounding the shofar, eating a round challah, and tasting apples and honey to represent a sweet New Year.
Our preacher this coming Sunday will be my colleague, The Reverend Dr. Liliana Da Valle, the Pastor of Grace Baptist Church in San Jose. Her sermon, based on Ruth 4: 14-17, is titled “Against All Odds.” A quote from her sermon is: “We are all immigrants in this country, and therefore we also need to resort to creative ways to find hope that may not be looked upon as the most morally pure. Many among us come without proper documentation and resort to lying to save our livelihood and secure our future. Being creative is an attribute that God gives us as part of being created in His image. Ruth used it, and it worked!”
I will be preaching at Grace. My sermon, also taken from the book of Ruth, will be “Super Powers or Simple Gifts?”

Prayers of the Congregation

• Tyrone Mack for his mother-in-law (health)
• Larry Sims for grandson Braylon (health)
• Jim Jefferey as he prepares for surgery
• Thanksgiving with Jewelle Gibbs that she is recuperating well
• Thanksgiving with Wil Ash that he is recuperating
•  Thanksgiving  with Jo Robinson that she was able to attend her granddaughter’s birthday party
• Thanksgiving with Brian Byamukama for employment
• Sharon Gordon for Louis Greer (health)
• David Holly (health)
• Cynthia Nelson (health)
• Sheila Zak (direction)
• Gloria and Phil Meads for Jean and Tiffany
• Thanksgiving with Rita Jennings that she is recuperating
• All who are dealing with fires and floods
• Thanksgiving for the formation/education ministry of LABC
• Thanksgiving for the ministry of LABC, Grace Baptist and all the congregations of the Evergreen Baptist Association
• Maxine O’Guinn (health)
• Sandra Dunn (health)
• Mary Karne for her daughter, Maryla
• Ann Fields for her daughter, Tamara
• Zondra Martin
• Carol Travis as she cares for her brother (Texas)
• Carol Knight for her family

Announcements

Please come and help out at the church work day this Saturday, September 15, from 9-12.
The Interfaith Council of Alameda County has a very interesting meeting planned for this Thursday, September 13, at Williams Chapel Baptist Church, 12-2. I will be one of several faith leaders asking questions of State Assemblyman Rob Bonta.
Latinex Heritage Month is observed from September 15 – October 15.