Lakeshore Outreach

Alean Saunders-Coffey, EdDLenten Reflections 2021 OPEN ARMS: DEFENSIVE WEAPONS OR UNRELENTING SUPPORT There have been times in our lives when we—as children, adolescents or adults—were angered, afraid, cornered, threatened, troubled, or saw someone else being harmed, and were inclined to … Continue reading Lenten Reflection – February 24, 2021 →

Ash Wednesday begins the Lenten season of repentance, reflection and renewal. It is a time of repentance – turning toward God and away from that which leaves us empty, depleted and desolate. It is a time of reflection – taking … Continue reading Ashes and Renewal →

The Christmas MindsetDouglas Avilesbernal(Rev. Douglas Avilesbernal is Executive Minister of the Evergreen Association of American Baptist Churches) John 1:1-14 (NRSV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning … Continue reading Advent 2020 – Christmas Day →

Controversy or ComfortDale K. Edmondson(Dr. Dale K. Edmondson, a “poor wayfaring stranger,” member of Lakeshore since 2000, is the retired pastor of Judson Memorial Baptist Church in Minneapolis, having previously pastored congregations in Northern California, and, in retirement, teaching in the … Continue reading Advent 2020 – December 24 →

Claiming the Meaning of Mary’s SongTerri J. Brenneman(Dr. Terri J. Brenneman is a clinical psychologist, musician, devotional guide writer, lover of gardens, beaches, and pets and friend of LABC) Luke 1:46-5546 And Mary said,“My soul magnifies the Lord,47     and my spirit rejoices in … Continue reading Advent 2020 – December 23 →

Musical TextsCarolyn Matthews(Rev.  Carolyn Matthews is Pastor for Christian Education at Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church, Oakland, CA) Isaiah 9:2, 6 (NASB) 2The people who walk in darknessWill see a great light;Those who live in a dark land,The light will shine … Continue reading Advent 2020 – December 22 →

Body LanguageJim Hopkins(Rev. Dr. H. James Hopkins is Senior Pastor of Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church, Oakland, CA) Luke 1:29“Mary was confused by these words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.”  Out of nowhere the angel Gabriel showed … Continue reading Advent 2020 – December 20 →

Giving Thanks for DarknessAllison Tanner(Rev. Dr. Allison Tanner is Pastor for Public Witness at Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church, Oakland, CA) Hebrews 1:10-12“In the beginning, Lord, you founded the earth,    and the heavens are the work of your hands;…11 they will perish, but … Continue reading Advent 2020 – December 21 →

What a Concept!Mariel Paul(Ms. Mariel Paul is a member of Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church who is a mental health therapist and avid A’s fan who believes that acknowledgement leads to empowerment) Isaiah 52:7-10 (NRSV) 7How beautiful upon the mountains    are the … Continue reading Advent 2020 – December 19 →

What Do You Think?Alean Saunders-Coffey, EdD(Alean Saunders-Coffey is a member of Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church, Oakland, CA) Matthew 21:28-32 (NIV)The Parable of the Two Sons 28 “What do you think? There was          a man who had two sons.  He went … Continue reading Advent 2020 – December 18 →