Month: February 2020

Rev. Wells Delivers School Board Invocation

Rev. Wells was invited to give the invocation at the Pinellas County School Board meeting that was held at Lakewood High School on Tuesday Feb. 25, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. Here is what was said:

In the Christian tradition, our scriptures include a story about people bringing children to Jesus to be blessed and the disciples basically shooing them away.  Jesus is remembered for welcoming the children and saying, “Let the children come to me for to such belongs the commonwealth of God.”

So as Christians we add our voice to the many religions, spiritual traditions, and cultures that place sacred value upon the lives of children and youth.

Let us join together in prayer:

We gather in gratitude for children and youth and all that they teach us about awe and delight. They rekindle our love of learning. They draw forth our compassion and creativity. They school us in patience and persistence. Children and youth are our teachers as we pursue what it means to be fully human.

We give thanks for all who are part of the educational system – parents and families, administrators, custodians, coaches, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, technical and support staff, elected officials, and, of course, teachers and students. Together let us seek wonder in the world around us and within us.  May we all learn to live together in peace on a healthy, thriving planet. Amen.

Sermon 2/23 Living in the Light

Scripture Lesson: Matthew 5:13-16
Sermon: Living in the Light
Pastor: Rev. Kim P. Wells

The Last Englishmen: Love, War, and the End of Empire by Deborah Baker is an
historical account of the early British efforts to summit Mount Everest set in the
context of colonial India and World War 2. Following an unsuccessful attempt on
Everest in 1933, a reconnaissance expedition is sent in 1934. This small team was
to map more of the area and take photographs so that a route could be identified for
another attempt on Everest the next year. Along the way, the small entourage stops
in a village in Tibet but they are turned back and not given permission to continue.
They must head to another route to continue their surveying and examination of the
terrain. The head of the expedition asks the head of the village why they are not
being permitted to pass through the region. The headman of the village gives this
explanation:

“Western ways leave behind nothing but unhappiness,” the headman replied.
“What will I do with the 200 rupees you have paid me for the use of my ponies?
Where there is no surplus there is nothing to buy. You have only to open your eyes
to see that in this country soil, crops, and people exist in a delicate balance. Money
can’t replenish the fodder consumed by transiting yaks. Money will simply
provide grounds for the headman in the next village to be jealous thus establishing
the conditions for perpetual strife. This is the material and spiritual effect of an
expedition passing through our lands. This is how unhappiness and suffering are
introduced into our lives.” [4 minutes and 45 seconds into the recorded book]

What a piercing ray of light and truth spoken to these Englishmen, so sure of
themselves and of the importance of their mission. The Tibetan leader speaks his
truth. Shares his insight. Tells his story. Reveals the reality of life for himself and
those of his culture and community.

As we heard from the Sermon on the Mount this morning, Jesus is remembered for
declaring that his followers are the light of the world. Not one of them but all of
them are the light of the world. Not just Jesus who appeared aglow with light on
the mountain top. And the verb used is present tense. They are the light of the world. We are not told that they will be the light of the world. At some future
point. When they have proven themselves. Or when they have passed some kind
of test. They will not become the light after they have been given a license. Or
obtained a permit. Or made a donation. Or earned a diploma. No. There is no
test or measurement or criteria. The followers of Jesus are, simply, the light of the
world. This is a way of saying that God is present. It is an acknowledgment of
Divinity within. It is a way of expressing the power of each and every person for
good, for truth, and for healing.

Light is a functional metaphor. Light shines. It does something. Has an impact.
Light is visible, public. It is not to be hidden under a bushel. Following Jesus is
not just a personal, private matter. This image of light has power. Light makes rats
scurry and it draws moths.

We don’t know that we will have to face in this life. But we know that we can trust
the light to show us the way, to lead us, to give us strength because, fundamentally,
light is life giving. It is like the light necessary for a plant to grow. Light is
healing. Light is warmth. Light reveals beauty. Light is energy. Light is vision.
We need light to live fully, knowing the deep experience of our humanness.

But it’s easy to resist this metaphor of light. It is easy to be reluctant to accept this
teaching. If we have this power, then we must be responsible for what we are
doing with it. The light within must be allowed to shine. Our story, our reality, our
experience, our perspective is to be valued and shared.

And here is the real problem with light. We may not like what we see. We may
not like what it shows. It may be horrific. Scary. We may not want to see what is
exposed by the light.

Maybe we don’t want to see that we are in an abusive relationship. Or that
someone we love is in such a relationship. Maybe we don’t want to see the
ramifications of something we have done which is causing harm to others. Easier
not to know the story of the farmworkers and just eat those tomatoes they have
picked. Who wants to see the truth of global warming and the devastation and
destruction that it is already causing on a daily basis? Who wants to know about
the continuing legacy of slavery that plagues our society today?

To think that we have some kind of light that we are compelled to shine, it can justseem like too much responsibility, too heavy a burden, too overwhelming.

Thomas Merton, mystic of the 20th century, reminds us that we are not alone. He writes: “I have the immense joy of being…a member of a race in which God Himself became incarnate. As if the sorrows and stupidities of the human condition could overwhelm me, now that I realize what we all are. And if only everybody could realize this! But it cannot be explained. There is no way of telling people that they are all walking around shining like the sun.”

In the verse we heard this morning, “You are the light of the world,” the word ‘you’ is plural. It’s not just you, or you, or you, or me. It is all of us. Each of us has light that is needed to overcome the darkness of our spirits and the darkness in. the world.

We are all light. The light of the world. Every one of us contributing like an array of solar panels. Enabling vision and insight. Driving out fear.

And the light is needed especially when it is darkest. That is when the light shines most brightly: When people are being mean and hurtful, a beam of kindness and understanding. When people are hostile and at odds, even engaged in violence and war, a ray of understanding and peace. When things are swirling in a confused muddle of corruption, lies, and betrayal, a beacon of right, of ethical grounding, of moral good. When selfishness and greed seem to be winning the day, there is a stream of generosity, justice, and compassion.

No matter the extremity of the darkness, there is light, and it shines from others, it shines from us. We have not chosen to bear the light. It has been given. Like the sun. To light of the world. Amen.

A reasonable effort has been made to appropriately cite materials referenced in this sermon. For additional information, please contact Lakewood United Church of Christ.

Weekly Update 2/26

Ash Wednesday Service: There will be a beautiful outdoor service Tonight, Wednesday, February 26th from 7-8pm around a fire next to the lake at Chip and Dana Coper’s home. The service will be held at their home regardless of any weather changes. It is a service of reflection on the season of Lent as a time of repentance and renewal. The service will include communion and the imposition of ashes. Bring an outdoor chair if you can. And a stick. If transportation is needed, please contact the church office by phone (727.867.7961) or email.

This Sunday:  This Sunday marks the first Sunday of Lent.  Lent is a season of 40 days of preparation for the festival of Easter.  The service will center on a poem by George Moses Horton, “On Liberty and Slavery.”  LUCC music director Hilton Jones has composed a stunning anthem based on the text.  Sunday will be the premiere.

Church School: During the Lenten season, the church school will be focusing on spiritual disciplines and ways to deepen faith through spiritual experience.  Lessons will include the labyrinth, meditation, dreams, and fasting.  Many thanks to the leaders and the students!

Donation Needed:  Wally LeBlanc is in need of a functional vacuum cleaner, new or used is fine, if anyone is able to donate, please bring it to Lakewood United Church of Christ.

Environmental Film Festival at Eckerd: Join us for a discussion of any films you view at the Eckerd College Environmental Film Festival to be held from February 21 – 29, 2020 in the Miller auditorium on campus. Some of these films may also be available on NetFlix if you can’t make the festival showing. We will meet on Thursday March 5th at 6:00pm in the church library to discuss the Environmental Films, our reactions, and possible next steps toward creating a more sustainable life on this planet!   A Review Sheet for the films will be made available before the festival for those who might want to make a few notes ahead of time regarding their reactions and thoughts about the films.  RSVP to Claire Stiles (stilesca@eckerd.edu) if you plan to attend this discussion on March 5th.
The Schedule for these FREE FILMS is as follows:

Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020, 7 p.m. Sea of Shadows, directed by Richard Ladkani (English, 2019, 105m)

Through an investigation of the plight of the vaquita, the most endangered cetacean in the world (of which only fifteen are known to still survive), this documentary illuminates the dual role of technology (nets, drones, moving images) to help as well as hinder efforts to save the species from exploitation by organized crime.

Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020, 7 p.m. Honeyland, directed by Tamara Kotevska & Ljubomir Stefanov (Macedonian, Turkish, and Bosnian with English subtitles, 2019, 87m)

Kotevska and Stefanov’s observational documentary about a Turkish beekeeper in Macedonia unfolds like a fictional portrait of a lifestyle on the wane. When a young family moves into this small hive-like community, they disturb the local ecosystem as much as local tradition.
Winner of the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival and nominated for Best International Feature Film and Best Documentary Feature at the 92nd Academy Awards.

Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020, 7 p.m. The Green Lie, directed by Werner Boote (German with English subtitles, 2018, 97m)

In this participant documentary, filmmaker Werner Boote goes on the road with a green advocate to investigate the little “green lies” that we tell ourselves about sustainable consumerism.

Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, 7 p.m. The River and the Wall, directed by Ben Masters (English, 2019, 109m)

Worlds collide when two filmmakers, one river guide, one conservationist, and one field ornithologist travel the length of the US-Mexico border to consider the ecological effects of building a border wall. Immersive and engaging, this documentary explores the environmental side of a popular political issue.

Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, 7 p.m. Anthropocene: The Human Epoch, directed by Jennifer Baichwal, Nick de Pencier, & Edward Burtynsky (English, 2018, 87m)

Research has confirmed that we have now entered the Anthropocene, a new epoch in which human activities create change in the environment on a scale greater than all other natural processes combined. This wide-ranging documentary explores the reality of this new era from around the world, from intimate changes to massive transformations.

Labyrinth Walks for Lent: As part of the Lenten journey to Easter, the church will be offering guided labyrinth walks on Wednesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. The dates are March 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th, April 1st, and 8th. There will be a handout for each week and these will be placed in the mailbox near the labyrinth for those who cannot meet on Wednesdays at 9:00.  The labyrinth is a way to deepen your prayer life and experience the Divine presence.  All are welcome!

New Office Hours: The Church Office will be open Monday – Thursday mornings from 9:30 until noon. The office will no longer be open on Friday mornings. Thank you!

Operation Attack: Operation Attack is very much in need of clothes for men, boys, and girls as well as diapers and peanut butter and canned fruit. Donations may be placed in the shopping cart in the entryway to the sanctuary. Volunteer dates are March 9, April 13, and May 11. They also need people to help on the first three Tuesdays of the month from 9:30-noon.

Operation Attack is an ecumenical effort serving families with children located at Lakeview Presbyterian Church, 1310 22nd. Ave. S., St. Petersburg. LUCC was a founding member of Operation Attack in the 1960’s!

Hearing Augmentation: Devices are available from the usher in the sanctuary during worship.

February Birthdays: Jim Andrews 2/6, Sarah Lewis 2/14, Jeff Wells 2/15, Joyce Lee 2/28, Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.

Circle of Concern: Wilbur Reid, Martha Lamar, Tony Rogers, Dana Cosper, Sherry Santana, Jen Degroot, Carolyn Moore, Ann Quinn, Maggie Brizendine, and Ann Rogers.

Recent Posts:

Weekly Update: If you are involved with an activity or event that you would like to share with the LUCC family, please send the information to the church office by Tuesday since the Update usually is sent out on Wednesday.



Maximo Spring Break Project

The Education Ministry Team will be collecting money donations through Sunday, March 8th to fill 25 Snack Sacks and 25 Activity Sacks for homeless children who attend Maximo Elementary.   The Sacks will be given to the children on Friday the 13th, the beginning of Spring break.

The cost of one “Snack Sack” is $20 and one “Activity Sack”  is $10.  Olivia Gibson and Claudia Rodriguez will be purchasing and putting together the Sacks for delivery to the school on March 12.

Thanks to the generosity of  the LUCC congregation this  will be our fifth project benefiting children of Maximo Elementary.