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 loyalty. With many relationships and commitments in our lives, how do we sort out our loyalties? Jesus helps us. This post includes a scripture reading done by Barbara Donohue, a reflection from Rev. Kim Wells and a musical offering from Hilton Jones. We hope this post helps to feed your spirit in these difficult times.
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 which is a based on Psalm 96:
O sing to the Cosmos a new song; sing to the Beloved, all the earth! Sing to the Creator, and bless the Name above all names; sing praises to the Glorious One from day to day. Declare the splendor of the Radiant One to all nations, the marvelous works of Love to all peoples! For great is the Beloved, and greatly to be praised; reverence Love above all else. For where your thoughts are, reveals that which you treasure; seek only the true Treasure. Truth and integrity live with Love; strength and beauty dwell with the Beloved. Yield to Love, O families of the earth, yield to Love's glory and strength! Yield to Love and learn of justice; make of yourselves an offering and be guided by Love! Bow down in adoration and holiness; for worthy is the Beloved to be praised in all the earth! Psalm 96:1-9 from Psalms for Praying by Nan C. Merrill
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 that arise for you.
After viewing the music video, you are invited to offer the following closing –
Apprehend God in all things, for God is in all things. Every single creature is full of God and a book about God. Every creature is a word of God. If I spent enough time with the tiniest creature–even a caterpillar–I would never have to prepare a sermon. So full of God is every creature.
–Meister Eckhart, 14th century
Breathe. Breathe again. Be filled. With unabashed devotion. 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
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- Lakewood on Instagram
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