Month: September 2020

Corona Sabbath 25 WONDER and AWE Reflection Text

Greetings and welcome to Corona Sabbath. This is one of the ways the church is endeavoring to offer spiritual support during these challenging days of COVID-19. We appreciate your feedback and suggestions.

In this summer series on the theme “Grounded” we turn the foundations of our faith. This post focuses on wonder and awe.

We listen to Psalm 19 verses 1-6 and a reading from astronaut Edgar Mitchell read by Colleen Coughenour.

Video from Colleen

Psalm 19 verses 1 through 6:

The heavens herald your glory, O God
and the skies display your handiwork.
Day after day they tell their story,
and night after night they reveal
the depth of their understanding.
Without speech, without words,
without even an audible voice,
their cry echoes through all the world,
and their message reaches the ends of the earth.
For in the heavens the sun has pitched a tent.
It comes forth with the grandeur of a wedding procession,
with the eagerness of an athlete ready to race.
It rises at one end of the sky
and travels to the other end,
and nothing escapes its warmth.

Next is a quotation from US astronaut Edgar Mitchell reflecting on seeing planet Earth from space for the first time:

Instead of an intellectual search, there was suddenly a very deep gut feeling that something was different. It occurred when looking at Earth and seeing this blue-and-white planet floating there, and knowing it was orbiting the Sun, seeing that Sun, seeing it set in the background of the very deep black and velvety cosmos, seeing – rather, knowing for sure – that there was a purposefulness of flow, of energy, of time, of space in the cosmos – that it was beyond man’s rational ability to understand, that suddenly there was a nonrational way of understanding that had been beyond my previous experience.

There seems to be more to the universe than random, chaotic, purposeless movement of a collection of molecular particles.

On the return trip home, gazing through 240,000 miles of space toward the stars and the planet from which I had come, I suddenly experienced the universe as intelligent, loving, harmonious.

Reflection from Kim on video

So, in church, when we are having church, in the regular style, pre Corona, we say lots of things. There are lots of words used. There are readings. Calls to worship. Hymns and songs and anthems with words. There are prayers. Readings from the Bible. Benedictions. There are announcements and conversations. And, of course, there is a sermon. There are lots and lots of words spoken and sung in church. We clearly have things that we want to say. That we are trying to communicate.

In the Psalm we heard, there is reference to the planets and space, the sun, resonating, and yet no word is heard:

Day after day they tell their story,
and night after night they reveal
the depth of their understanding.
Without speech, without words,
without even an audible voice,
their cry echoes through all the world,
and their message reaches the ends of the earth.

No words and yet their message is heard, conveyed to the ends of the Earth. But we are not balls of rock or gas floating through space. We are human beings with voices. And one of the defining characteristics of our species is language. So, we are meant to use words. But even with all of our words, can we say it all, clearly, so that it reaches the ends of the Earth?

You could say that we are talking so much in church because we are trying to convey, to capture, to express, what is really beyond words. We use lots of words trying to say what we want to communicate yet knowing that words cannot say it all. That what is going on is more than words can express. The problem is not the words. Not their inadequacy. It is that we as human creatures we have an awareness that there is that which exceeds our full comprehension and expression. The birth of a baby. Being present at the passing of a life. Heartbreaking grief. There can be an intensity – of feeling, of space, of awareness, of beauty, of sacrifice, of loss, of confusion, of mystery, of convergence. So many things are really beyond our ability to explain or fully comprehend. In the life of the spirit, in our religious life, we seek to be aware of these things while knowing that we cannot completely express or understand what we are experiencing.

Faith is about an awareness of the beyond. The beyond in ourselves, in others, in the world around us. It is an attempt to come to terms with what cannot be measured, displayed on a graph, or scientifically accounted for.

So, we use lots of words to try to say something about awe, wonder, and mystery. Knowing that we cannot capture it all, that our human experience and consciousness, that things of the spirit, go beyond words and numbers.

Just after the September 11 attacks, we went to a Florida orchestra concert. Stefan Sanderling was the conductor. I was interested in how that moment was going to be acknowledged at the concert. Would they play something special? Would there be some kind of extraordinary musical moment? Sanderling announced that there were times when the only fitting response was silence. And there was a prolonged period of silence. And then the concert began.

Even music. Even visual images. Cannot say it all. Yet much is experienced. With our words in church, we are pointing to what is beyond words. We are affirming that there is much more going on than just the mundane material transactions and interactions of our day to day lives. The universe is carrying on and we are created with the awareness that we do not comprehend it all.

We see that which is beyond words when we think about the power of nature on this planet. These recent storms, two in the Gulf at once. The wild fires in California. The derechos in the midwest. The virus that is ravaging the globe. There is awe, wonder, and mystery around these forces that are at work in the world around us breaking into our routine and our reality.

We can be stunned by the creativity of the human spirit. The beauty of the music created by the Florida Orchestra often leaves me in tears. What is it about a group of people showing up with their instruments and playing notes that so enchants my spirit? It’s beyond words. Awe. Wonder. Mystery.

We can also be left without words about things that are destructive, heinous, even evil. Recently as I learned of the killing of Dijon Kizzee – another black person killed by the police – I found myself left with a sense of awe and wonder and mystery. How is it that the police just keep doing it again and again and again – killing black people. Just shooting them down. Within minutes of an encounter. It leaves me in stunned awe. Speechless wonder. I cannot understand. Maybe we need to send police officers up in a rocket so that they can look back at the Earth like Edgar Mitchell and experience “the universe as intelligent, loving, harmonious.”

That’s what faith helps us to see, without the rocket ride. That we are living in a world that is good and that the experience of being alive cannot be fully explained or expressed. And that the awareness of the unknown, beyond words, makes us fully human, whole, and holy.

So, yes, I have just used a lot of words to remind us that Christianity, the way of Jesus, Love, involves cultivating the capacity of the human spirit to embrace awe, wonder, and mystery. Beyond words. Without all the answers. Amen.

(Click HERE if you wish to see the post containing the video of this text.)

Corona Sabbath 25 WONDER and AWE


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 is “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 awe and wonder.

There is a scripture lesson and a contemporary reading from astronaut Edgar Mitchell that was submitted by Katherine Meacham Conover. These are read by Colleen Coughenour. There is a meditation from Pastor Kim Wells followed by music 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:

Our world us full of planners and programmers. They make things work, sometimes with deadly efficiency. But we also need people who put a bit of magic back into our world. The clown, the trickster, the seer, the songster, the artist, the poet. And we don’t need these simply to provide a bit of comic relief. We need the seer and the poet to help us see what we should have seen, but dared not. In the process of unveiling and opening up of new possibilities, the artist and the poet take on the mantle of the prophet. They lilt us with the lullaby of long forgotten dreams and dare us to live again with boldness and hope.

If we can no longer soar and dream and hope, we are dead while we live. But if the magic is still there, we will live, no matter how great the difficulties and pain.

Charles Ringma

When you are ready, start the video below.

(For written text of the above video click HERE.)

As you listen to the music which follows, you are invited to notice the thoughts and feelings and that arise for you.

After viewing the music video, you are invited to offer the following closing –

I shut my eyes in order to see.

Paul Gauguin, artist, 19th century

Breathe. Breathe again. Be filled. With awe and wonder. Extinguish your candle and engage whatever may come with a sense of peace and a desire to serve.

LAKEWOOD UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

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:

 

Weekly Update 9/3

WHAT IS GOING ON AT CHURCH –

Summer Sundays

The theme for the Corona Sabbath posts this summer is ‘GROUNDED.’ Yes, with the COVID-19 pandemic continuing, many are not taking expected summer trips and vacations.  Feeling grounded.  And with the demonstrations going on, many do not feel safe to venture out because of the pandemic and feel grounded.  And with a global pandemic, a global recession, and global demonstrations against racism, it is a time to lean on our faith to help us feel grounded.  Each week’s presentation will explore a different dimension of our faith which helps us to feel grounded in these uncertain times.  When we are grounded, we can grow and flourish and bear fruit!  So, look for the Corona Sabbath post each week to help you be grounded! 

The post this week is on the theme of Awe and Wonder.  There is a reading submitted by Katharaine Meacham Conover and the scripture lesson is read by Colleen Coughenour. It will be posted on Friday.  You will be emailed the link.  

If you missed last week’s Corona Sabbath, the theme was Service and Generosity. Here’s the link: https://lakewooducc.org/2020/08/24/corona-sabbath-24-generosity-and-service/

Gratitude from Rev. Wells

Kim would like to thank everyone for their good wishes and prayers related to her heel surgery on Monday. Special thanks to Patti Cooksey, Emily Bell, and Claire Stiles for their drive by visit!

It’s Back to School the Tipsy-Turvy 2020 Way!!!

This back to school sign slogan created by Ruth Pettis became the theme of the Sunday and Tuesday LUCC back to school drive-by celebrations for LUCC teachers and students. Dodging the Sunday afternoon rain, thunder and puddles, church members drove across town distributing cards and gift bags packed with school supplies and goodies to students and teachers. The Tuesday drive by was warmed by the sun and the hearts of all who participated. That drive-by ended with Jeff dropping off a back to school gift bag at the church for Gabi. Both drive bys were successful events in extending this LUCC message of love and support: “Your LUCC Family Supports you All the Way!” Thank you to all who participated in the wonderful celebration, especially the students and teachers who shared their smiles and inspiration with all!

View the pictures here: https://lakewooducc.org/2020/09/03/its-back-to-school-the-tipsy-turvy-2020-way/

A Surprise Drive-By Visit to Pastor Kim!

The Sunday drive by concluded with a surprise visit to Pastor Kim. Church members greeted Pastor Kim with a bouquet of greenery from Claire’s garden, a personalized get-well sign designed by Ruth, and a framed Dr. Suess handout for teachers. We all shared our joy in seeing Pastor Kim looking well and confident in her mastery of the knee scooter. What a splendid way to end a Sunday afternoon, waving goodbye to the smiling Wells’ family who sent us off with greetings to the LUCC family!

Use the link to see pictures: https://lakewooducc.org/2020/09/03/a-surprise-drive-by-visit-to-pastor-kim/

Church Library Makeover

Claire Stiles and Colleen Coughenour are hard at work cleaning up and reorganizing the church library.  There are many wonderful books that are “hiding under a bushel.”  When Colleen and Claire are done, the books will be accessible and displayed in an attractive manner.  What a beautiful anticipatory gesture of the time when we are all coming to the church again!  

Finance Follow Up

Several weeks ago, the Finance Team shared a letter about the current state of the church finances.  The information is also available at the church website.

https://lakewooducc.org/2020/08/26/church-finances-letter/

Many thanks to the church family and beyond for your generosity! With your continued faithfulness, the church should be able to stay on steady ground in these uncertain days.

Church School?

The Education Ministry Team met last week and has made some plans for the Fall.  They are reaching out to teachers and students as the school year begins.  After Labor Day, a new initiative will begin that will include all of the children and youth of the church family that would like to participate.  Grown ups, this will be for you, too!  You’ll hear more about it soon!

Charter Sunday Zoom Ahead

Each year in September, there is a celebration of the founding of LUCC in 1967.  Look for details about a Zoom later this month commemorating this wonderful church ever seeking to bear witness to the love of God as we know it through the ministry of Jesus.  What has LUCC meant to you and your life?  Together we’ll give thanks for this wonderful congregation!

 Have you completed the Census?

Please participate in the US Census which is mandated by the Constitution.  These numbers determine the allocation of many resources that directly impact each of us in the community. Participation in the Census, like voting, is a way of showing love for your neighbor and your community.  If you would like assistance in submitting your Census information, please contact the church and someone will help you.

Operation Attack Update

Dear Friends of Operation Attack,

 A team of people from Operation Attack, Lake view Presbyterian, and Circle of Faith have determined a way that we can distribute food safely to the community.  We are going to have a Food Distribution Drive-Thru on Saturday, September 12, from 9-12 at Lakeview Presbyterian Church.  You can become involved in any or all of the following ways:

 Donate Cereal, Peanut Butter, Pasta, Pasta Sauce, or canned meat Volunteer for preparation tasks before the Drive-Thru Volunteer on September 12 Donate money Pray for all the people/groups making this event happen 

You are welcome to reply to dklamer@tampabay.rr.com with questions and/or information on how you would like to participate in this Drive-Thru. 

Thank you for your longtime faithfulness to Operation Attack and the families in our community.   Stay Safe and Be Well 

Sunday Evening Demonstration for Racial Justice Grows!   

The Black Lives Matter and Peace and Justice Demonstration continues on 54th Ave South each Sunday evening. This is an important way to inspire hope in the community and to work to create an anti-racist society.  

All are welcome Sunday evenings. Please note that in September the new time is 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. at the church. In case of rain, the demonstration will not be held that week. Know justice, know peace!

 Click here to see pictures of the most recent witness.  https://lakewooducc.org/2020/08/26/weekly-anti-racism-demonstration-8-23/

This Sunday

The church will not be open from 10:30 to 11:30.  The sanctuary will be open again on Sundays when Rev. Wells has recovered from surgery.  

Look for a Corona Sabbath post on Friday.  Check for it at the website – lakewooducc.org
Also, please subscribe to the website so that you receive regular updates about church life. 

Weekly Labyrinth Walks Continue

Each Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. a small group gathers at the outdoor labyrinth for a time of devotion, discussion, and meditative walking of the labyrinth.  The theme for the week is taken from the Corona Sabbath of the week before, so it is an opportunity to go deeper in the spiritual exploration of that theme for your life.  This devotional gathering is outside and physical distancing is maintained. All are welcome!

If there is rain on Wednesday morning, the gathering will be held on Thursday morning at 9:00.

https://lakewooducc.org/2020/06/23/labyrinth-has-been-refurbished

Spiritual Direction Offered by LUCC Clergy Member.

In these troubled times, it is important to find ways to tend to our spiritual lives. In the Christian tradition, Spiritual Direction is one of the ways of paying attention to the spirit in our lives. A Spiritual Director is someone to talk with about what is going on in our spiritual life and in our relationship with God however we may conceive of God.

Rev. Sally Purvis, Ph.D., a member of LUCC, is a retired clergy person with training and experience in Spiritual Direction. She is offering her services as a Spiritual Director to the community. The sessions would be held on Zoom and there is no fee to be paid. Church leaders are pleased to have the ministry of the church expand in this way.

Spiritual Direction with Sally is open to anyone, not just the congregation. And it is offered to everyone whatever their spiritual or religious background or affiliation or lack thereof. Sessions are generally held once every three weeks. Spiritual Direction is not a mode of therapy. It is a process for understanding and deepening your relationship with God/Spirit in ways that are authentic and life-giving.

Sally was trained by Henri Nouwen, a noted spiritual guide of the 20th century, and did Spiritual Direction as part of her professional ministry before retiring in 2015.

If you would like to explore Spiritual Direction with Sally, please contact her at
sallybpurvis@icloud.com or contact the church (867-7961 or lakewooducc@gmail.com ).

The church is very grateful to Sally for offering this avenue of support to the congregation and the community.

USEFUL LAKEWOOD LINKS DURING THE CORONA CRISIS:

For the above church website links, please note the “Older Posts” button near bottom of each page.

Daily Corona Prayer

https://lakewooducc.org/2020/03/20/lucc-corona-daily-prayer

Assistance Available

If you need help of any kind – something from the store, someone to talk with, support managing during shelter-in-place, parenting concerns – please know that the church is ready and willing to help in any way needed.  This situation is trying for everyone.  You are not alone.  We’ll make it through together.  Please contact the church office (lakewooducc@gmail.com or 867-7961 or Rev. Kim Wells at wells.kim.p@gmail.com).  

Miss someone from church?  Give them a call or send a note.  Personal contact is so important when physical contact is limited.  

Music Ministry

About Hilton’s music. . . If you would enjoy hearing Hilton play more Irish folk songs, you can
listen for free at either https://hiltonjones.bandcamp.com/album/irish-
tunes or https://soundcloud.com/hilton-kean-jones/sets/irish-tunes .

September Birthdays: Kim Wells 9/19, Joanne Reid 9/22, Wilbur Reid 9/22, Donald Ritchie 9/27, and Carolyn Moore 9/30. Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.

Circle of Concern: Carol Shores and family, JoAnn Reid, William Owen, Wilbur Reid, Martha Lamar, Jen Degroot, Carolyn Moore, Ann Quinn, Maggie Brizendine, Dave Radens, Dana Cosper’s cousin, Vern McKinney, and all healthcare workers and essential workers. All those suffering from COVID-19.

Please keep Rev. Wells in your prayers as she continues to recover from surgery.

You are encouraged to pray and express your support to students, teachers, and families as the school year begins. These are very challenging times for all!  There is concern for the physical, emotional, and spiritual health of all involved in the educational system.  The LUCC faith community has several teachers and families with students and this has been a very difficult time for them all.

 Please keep Elinor Ross and family in your prayers.  Elinor has moved in with her daughter, Cheryl, and is under Hospice care  

Please keep Yvonne Riesen and family in your prayers.  Yvonne has moved again to a larger apartment in the assisted living at Westminster Suncoast.  Calls and notes are a way to show your concern and support to Yvonne. Call the main desk and they will connect you:  727-867-1131.

Please keep LUCC member, Olivia Gibson, in your prayers. She is a nurse in a COVID-19 unit in a local hospital. We are grateful for her ministry!

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.

A Surprise Drive-By Visit to Pastor Kim!

The Sunday drive by concluded with a surprise visit to Pastor Kim. Church members greeted Pastor Kim with a bouquet of greenery from Claire’s garden, a personalized get-well sign designed by Ruth, and a framed Dr. Seuss handout for teachers. We all shared our joy in seeing Pastor Kim looking well and confident in her mastery of the knee scooter. What a splendid way to end a Sunday afternoon, waving goodbye to the smiling Wells’ family who sent us off with greetings to the LUCC family!