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 trust.
There is a scripture reading offered by Earl Waters and a meditation by Pastor Kim Wells as well as music offered by Music Director Hilton Kean Jones.
You are 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 with this reading:
Mother
Pillar of Fire
In this darkening desert
Help me follow you
Across the burning sands
Of my hopelessness and despair
To the country where your splendor reigns
And all the rocks and rivers chant your name.
–Romanus Melodus, 6th c.
When you are ready, start the video below.
(For written text of the above video click HERE.)
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 –
Lord,You have always given
bread for the coming day;
and though I am poor,
today I believe.Lord, You have always given
strength for the coming day;
and though I am weak,
today I believe.Lord, You have always given
peace for the coming day;
and though of anxious heart,
today I believe.Lord, You have always kept
me safe in trials;
and now, tried as I am,
today I believe.Lord, You have always marked the road for the coming day;
and though it may be hidden,
today I believe.Lord, You have always lightened
this darkness of mine;
and though the night is here,
today I believe.Lord, You have always spoken
when time was ripe;
and though You be silent now,
today I believe.From Celtic Daily Prayer, Book Two, Farther Up and Farther In
the Northumbria Community
Breathe. Breathe again. Be filled. With trust. Extinguish your candle and engage whatever may come with a sense of peace and a desire grow and 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 