These weeks when we cannot gather in person for Sunday worship, Lakewood United Church of Christ is providing brief weekly sabbath programs for you to listen to on your own or with others in your social isolation group. They will be posted on Friday so that you can schedule your sabbath time to suit your schedule and your spiritual inclinations. We hope these programs are of spiritual support to you in these difficult times.
During these summer weeks, the theme being used in “Grounded.” Some of us feel that shelter-in-place feels like being grounded. Some would normally have travel plans and feel grounded. With the many challenges facing our society, it is important to feel grounded. So these Summer Sundays will focus on key concepts in Christianity that provide grounding. So, welcome to “Grounded.” This post focuses on comfort.
There is a scripture reading offered by Jim Andrews and a brief meditation by Pastor Kim Wells as well as music offered by Music Director Hilton Kean Jones. This week there is special music from Bill Parsons.
As an opening for today’s devotional, you are invited to watch the following video and sing along on the medley of familiar hymns it presents.
You are now invited to find a quiet space, inside or outside. Light a candle. Take a look around you. Breathe. Life-giving breath. Be present.
You may begin by offering this reading:
The world will give you that once in awhile, a brief timeout; the boxing bell rings and you go to your corner, where somebody dabs mercy on your beat-up life.
–Sue Monk Kidd, The Secret Life of Bees
When you are ready, start the video below.
(For written text of the above video click HERE.)
Today’s guest musical offering is In the Garden, performed by founding church member and retired professor of Russian studies at Eckerd College, William Parsons.
In conclusion, as you listen to the music from Hilton which follows, you are invited to notice the thoughts and feelings and that arise for you.
After viewing the video, you are invited to offer the following closing:
The things that matter most in our lives are not fantastic or grand. They are the moments when we touch one another, when we are there in the most attentive and caring way.
–Jack Kornfield, A Path with Heart
Breathe. Breathe again. Be filled. With comfort and assurance. Extinguish your candle and engage whatever may come with a sense of peace and a desire to serve.
LAKEWOOD UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
- A Just Peace Church
An Open and Affirming Church
A Creation Justice Church - 2601 54th Avenue South, St Petersburg, FL 33712-4700
(727) 867-7961
see the Contact page for
map, personnel, and email addresses
The mission of Lakewood United Church of Christ, as part of the Church Universal, is to:
- Celebrate the presence and power of God in our lives and in our world;
- Offer the hospitality and inclusive love of Christ to all people;
- Work for God’s peace and justice throughout creation.
QUICK LINKS TO OUR RECENT POSTS DURING THE CORONA CRISIS:
Online Devotionals: https://lakewooducc.org/category/online-devotional/
Sermon Texts: https://lakewooducc.org/category/posts/sermon-texts/
For above links, please note “Older Posts” button near bottom of page.
Music: https://soundcloud.com/hilton-kean-jones/sets/music-at-lakewood
Lakewood United Church of Christ 