ADLA E-Bulletin: January 2021
Happy New Year to all!
Wow, we finally placed 2020 in our rearview mirror, only to be remembered by its mountainous and dreadful impact on individual and community public health as well as the economy we rely upon. I, for one, am pleased to be focusing my attention on the “things from above” and not particularly, the things of this world. To say that I’ve come to appreciate and perhaps even celebrate the “little things” is an understatement. Just spending an hour gazing at the Pacific Ocean on a rather warm, December day was thrilling. Returning to our houses of worship is another of those blessings that “keeps on giving”.
Now, don’t get me wrong, we learned and, in fact, benefitted from virtual exchange and e-communications. We were able to stay in contact more readily, and often more frequently through this means with people across the country and in our communities. I actually began to think that I was more productive electronically than face-to-face meetings afforded. Seems time management was heightened through this process, if nothing else. Clearly, being able to worship with Rev. LB Tatum at New Hope, Jamaica Queens, New York and then Rev. Dr. Albert Starr at Bethel Lutheran, South Chicago followed by either Olivet, Holy Trinity, Messiah, Chapel of Peace, or Community all before noon was a treat, in and of itself.
Yes, the evolution of electronic visual communication (or Zoom) has me wondering… why I didn’t invest in this modality in 2018? Seriously, it’s now 2021 and we are to be guided by what’s in front of us – our worldly windshield – rather than what is behind us, the rearview mirror of our past existence.
In a week or so, we will come together once again through the technological wonder called Zoom to worship and give thanks and praise for the life and legacy of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We have a phenomenal worship service planned with great participation from across the synod. You can find the “trailer” on the Synod’s website and/or Synews, highlighting the worship service and its tribute to Dr. King. Please plan on being present to receive your blessing as we look back in history but forward in our conviction and dedication to the cause of equality for all!
Equally, positioned in our windshield of possibilities is our celebration of God’s presence in our lives as we give homage and respect to those whose lives paved a path for us to follow; from the cradle of civilization – Africa – to the residencies from which we find ourselves; the corporate offices, the halls of Congress and even the “people’s house at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.” We will be coming together to celebrate Black History Month and corresponding our ELCA tribute to The Rev. Dr. Nelson W. Trout with the naming of the Lutheran Center Chapel, in his honor. This, too, will be a sight to see!
Our first quarter of 2021 is bright with opportunities and beaming with possibilities. We are God’s people, chosen for “Such a Time as This” - Esther 4:14b. There are no limits in Christ Jesus: “All things are possible to him/her who believes” - Mark 9:23.
Welcome to the New Year and may our work in and through ADLA – Los Angeles be fruitful and meaningful to all those for whom we are called to serve!
Carolyn Foster
President, ADLA – Los Angeles
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Key Dates to Remember:
January 17, 2021 @ 3P – Tribute to The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (e-contact worship service information to follow)
Black History Month, February 2021
February 4th week – (Date to follow) – Tribute to The Rev. Dr. Nelson W. Trout @ Lutheran Center
ADLA Membership Drive Concludes, March 31, 2021