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 choices – a fitting theme in this season of voting! We remember the challenge from Joshua, “Choose this day.”
This post includes a scripture reading done by Sue Sherwood, a reflection from Rev. Kim Wells and music 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 by offering this reading:
As They Love Their Cow
Some people want to see God with their eyes as they see a cow, and to love Him as they love their cow- for the milk and cheese and profit it brings them. This is how it is with people who love God for the sake of outward wealth or inward comfort. They do not rightly love God, when they love Him for their own advantage. Indeed, I tell you the truth, any object you have in your mind, however good, will be a barrier between you and the inmost Truth.
–Meister Eckhart 1260-1327
When you are ready, start the video/audio 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.
You are invited to offer the following closing –
God does not die on the day when we cease to believe in a personal deity, but we die on the day when our lives cease to be illumined by the steady radiance, renewed daily, of a wonder, the source of which is beyond all reason.
–Dag Hammarskjold, 20th century
Breathe. Breathe again. Be filled. With conviction. 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 