Get Ready for 2022

ADLA Quarterly Newsletter Oct – Dec 2020

Voting 2020!

The most important time in recent memory is upon us. Ballots in California have been released in support of early voting and ballot returns. Collection sites have been identified to ensure that your ballot – your voice – is received and heard. Many city libraries have been designated as drop-off sites, along with the official US special collection boxes that are secured and fortified for your use.

Please remember that at all ballot sites, proper identification is required, validating that the ballot belongs to the person voting or making the drop-off. The US Postal Service will receive and handle ballots just like US mail. Stamps are not required.

God’s Work, Our Hands Sunday

God’s Work, Our Hands Sunday, perhaps like none before this year, has been called upon to be a “light unto the feet” of so many in the wake of the pandemic and its devastating statistics. For the first time in almost a century due to the pandemic, countless thousands are facing homelessness from rent or housing instability, and many others are facing the inability to pay basic obligations due to joblessness and work furloughs. In California, the situation has been exacerbated due to the destructive presence of area wildfires, floods, and the occasional seismic earthquakes. Food insecurity has found its way in the homes of millions as they simply try to make ends meet. For the first time in 100 years – excluding World Wars – life is measurably more precarious then it has ever been with nothing as we know of it being certain or secure anymore. Yet, with shouts of thanksgiving…. We lean upon the prevailing Love of God in Jesus Christ that we are not alone!

The African Descent Lutheran Association (ADLA) - L. A. Chapter joined My Friends House Inc., this year, strengthening its outreach plans to make a quantifiable difference in the lives of individuals and families on God’s Work, Our Hands Sunday. Several hundred recipients arrived and were prayerfully assisted with receipt of “loaded” backpacks for kids and adults. The elementary and middle school backpacks, geared towards their return to school, were received with smiles and thanks from the kids, thanking all who participated for their kindness! The adult backpacks included hygienic products and personal safety items to help keep each recipient safe from Covid-19. By placing these gifts of care and love in backpacks, it frees-up the recipients’ mobility and extends their ability to carry other items of significance. Obviously, the backpacks are reusable and were well received.

ADLA was also able to transport several hundred backpacks, replete with snacks and hygiene kits to Skid Row to be distributed by The Central City Community Church of the Nazarene (6th and San Pedro) following its September 27th Sunday worship. Here again, the need remains immeasurable as the homeless population of Skid Row continues to regrettably grow and often remains forgotten.

Many thanks to all who participated in God’s Work, Our Hands service opportunities throughout the Synod and a special thanks to ADLA members who joined My Friends House acknowledging the significance of this outreach ministry! Blessings to all as the Summer gives way to the Fall season and may Almighty God keep you safe and healthy!

Rev. Dr. Nelson W. Trout Chapel

The Lutheran Center celebration in February 2022 in recognition of Rev. Dr. Nelson Wesley Trout, Bishop Emeritus, South Pacific District of the American Lutheran Church will be nothing short of spectacular. The Chapel has already undergone aesthetic modifications; the donor wall will be under development by November, and the festive planning for the weekend’s celebration continues unabated and not distracted by Covid-19! Yes, we are pressing on with our goal to recognize and memorialize this passionate servant of the Lord. Please be on the lookout for periodic bulletins sharing the upcoming developments. If you are planning on donating and wish to have your name or the name of a loved one on the donor wall, please ensure that your gift is received before October 31st. Checks can be mailed to ELCA-ADLA 552 E. Carson Street, Suite 104, PMB#116, Carson, CA 90745. All monetary gifts, in support of those who you wish to recognize, are welcomed.

2021 Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Worship Service

The MLK Planning Committee will begin its work in the coming weeks as 2021 is just around the corner. The musical arrangements are being discussed now with the idea of having a virtual choir of 50 or more members singing in harmony using a platform like Zoom is under consideration. Yes, we are taking advantage of the virtual realities with an e-choir bringing sounds of joy, praise and musical adoration to our Lord in recognition of Dr. King’s life and legacy. Look for future announcements to join the virtual MLK Mass choir for your voices are needed!

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