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.
The post this week focuses on freedom.
There is a well known scripture lesson about the Hebrews escaping from slavery in Egypt through the Red Sea, an audio reflection from Rev. Kim Wells, and a musical offering from Hilton 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:
There is scarcely any passion without struggle.
–Albert Camus, The Myth of Sisyphus and Other Essays, 20th century
When you are ready, start the audio recording below.
REV WELLS AND EARL WATERS (audio recording)
(For written text of the above video click HERE.)
As you listen to the music which follows (click on the Kok mish p’chot link below), you are invited to notice the thoughts and feelings and that arise for you.
KOL MISH P’CHOT (audio recording)
composed by Hilton Kean Jones, performed by the University of South Florida Chamber Singers, Robert Summer, director.
After listening to the music, you are invited to offer the following closing –
The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers.
–M. Scott Peck, 20th century
Breathe. Breathe again. Be filled. With the desire for freedom. 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.
USEFUL LAKEWOOD LINKS DURING THE CORONA CRISIS:
- Corona Sabbath Posts
- Sermon and Reflection Texts
- Music at Lakewood
- Lakewood UCC YouTube Channel
- Lakewood UCC on Twitter
- Lakewood on Facebook
- Lakewood on Instagram
Lakewood United Church of Christ 