Month: December 2020

Corona Sabbath 42

Abhranil Kundu, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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 is a follow up to Christmas with inspiration for the New Year.

This post includes a scripture reading, a reflection from Rev. Kim Wells and a music video by 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 –

  The door to every heart lies within.
 The door to the earth lies within.
 The door to the mystery lies within.
 The door to everywhere lies within.
 For the way of God lies within.

 -- W.L. Wallace, Aotearoa New Zealand

When you are ready, start the video below.  

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

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

In closing, you are invited to read this prayer:

 Child of Bethlehem,
 house of bread;
 Man of  Jerusalem -
 city of peace;
 you have loved us
 without limit or condition;
 in our greatness and in our misery,
 in our folly and in our virtue;
 may your heart be within us
 so that we too
 may become bread and peace 
 for one another.

 John Hammond, OSB --

Breathe.  Breathe again.  Be filled.  With expectation.   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:

Corona Sabbath 42 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.

We listen to Luke 2:22-40.  Mary and Joseph fulfill the dictates of their religious tradition following the birth of a child.  They offer two turtle doves instead of a lamb indicating that they are poor.  In the course of the story, Simeon offers testimony that echoes the Magnificat, the song of Mary after the visit of the angel Gabriel.  

When the day came for them to be purified, as laid down by the Law of Moses, the couple took Jesus up to Jerusalem and presented him to God.  For it’s written in the Law of our God, “Every firstborn heir is to be consecrated to God.”  They likewise came to offer in sacrifice “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” in accord with the dictate of the Law of our God.  

Now there lived in Jerusalem a man named Simeon.  He was devout and just, anticipating the consolation of Israel, and he was filled with the Holy Spirit.  She had revealed to Simeon that he wouldn’t see death until he had seen the Messiah of God.  Prompted by her, Simeon came to the Temple; and when the parents brought in the child to perform the customary rituals of the Law, he took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, 

 “Now, O God, you can dismiss your servant in peace, 
 just as you promised;
 because my eyes have seen the salvation
 which you have prepared for all the peoples to see —
 a light of revelation to the Gentiles
 and the glory of your people Israel.”

As the child’s mother and father stood there marveling at the things that were being said, Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, the mother, “This child is destined to be the downfall and the rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that is rejected, so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare.  And a sword will pierce your heart as well.”

There was a woman named Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, who was also a prophet.  She had lived a long life, seven years with her husband, and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four.  She never left the Temple, worshiping day and night, fasting and praying.  Coming up at that moment, she gave thanks to God and talked about the child to all who anticipated the deliverance of Jerusalem.

When the couple had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the Law of God, they returned to Galilee and their own town of Nazareth.  The child grew in size and strength.  He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was with him.  

Reflection from Kim

As this New Year begins, I think we need to hear the passionate voices of hope and promise that come to us in the stories of Simeon and Anna.  These faithful prophets herald the wonderful things God is doing in the world.  It is a powerful story of the spreading of the message of the gospel of peace and good will for all people.  Light to the Gentiles and to the people of Israel.  Light to the whole world.  The light of love, peace, joy, and hope.  Here among us.  Within us.  Around us.  This saving gospel of life!  Anna and Simeon see this and they celebrate with praise and thanksgiving.

Simeon and Anna remind us of how to be part of what God is doing in the world.  Watch.  Wait.  Be attentive.  Be expectant.  Be filled with desire.  Devote yourself to religious observance.  This is how we prepare ourselves to see what God is doing.  This is how we open ourselves to what is happening within us and in our world.  

But Anna and Simeon don’t stop with watching and waiting.  They call out what they are seeing.  They name salvation and liberation.  For all people not just their people.  They declare the unconditional, universal love of God.  They support and affirm and celebrate the presence of Divine Love.  They are excited and passionate.  

And as with any significant transformation, positive or negative, or some of both, there is a down side.  And in this wonderful story of the encounter in the Temple, that is taken seriously.  Simeon tells us that there are those who will not be pleased with the good news that comes into the world through Jesus.  The way of new life and love will be difficult.  For Jesus.  For Mary.  For others.  Simeon has a real world outlook.  The gospel has a political, social, economic dimension.  It is controversial.  Yet it is the way of healing and wholeness – for the world.

As this new year begins, in the midst of serious divisions on many fronts played out during a pandemic, the world needs Annas and Simeons to speak of the saving presence of Divine Love.  Within us .  Among us.  Around us.  Blessing the world.   We need people to help us to see the transformation and healing that is emerging in our midst.  So we begin the new year by calling on all Annas and Simeons.  Yes, that may even mean you.  An every day person of faith with open eyes and an open heart.  Waiting.  Expectant.  

And we can all be open and receptive to those around us who are inviting us to see the presence of Divine Love in the our lives and in the world.  Who are sharing the good news.  We can all be attentive to those who are passionately affirming and celebrating the way of love and justice that we see in Jesus.  

When we think back to Luke’s story of Anna and Simeon, we remember that Anna and Simeon, along with Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, are devout and observant when it comes to their religious tradition.  So as 2021 begins, we want to remember to make regular religious observance part of our lives in the new year so that we position ourselves to experience and hear the Spirit.  It’s hard during covid, but participate in the church as best you are able, read scripture, pray, meditate, journal, sing [by yourself, of course], reach out to others from the church.  Exposure and contact with the church is an important context for discerning and celebrating the presence and power of Divine Love in our lives and in the world.  You may experience the testimony of a contemporary Anna or Simeon in the context of the church.  You may share your message of healing love for the world through the church.  

So as we journey into this new year, a year with many unknowns and much division, may Anna and Simeon be our guides as we seek consolation.  Amen.  

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

Weekly Update 12/24

New Year’s Eve Gathering

The church will host a gathering around a fire to say goodbye to 2020 and welcome 2021.  There is much to reflect on from this past year.  And what will we look forward to?  There will be the opportunity to walk the labyrinth.  Bring a chair if you can.  Bring a reading or reflection to share if you would like to.  There will be marshmallows to roast.  All are welcome at this informal gathering Thursday Dec. 31 at 7:00 p.m.  

Christmas Eve Zoom and Christmas Eve Live

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In these difficult and challenging days, celebrating the birth of Jesus is more important than ever.  Jesus, too, was born in difficult times.  His birth reminds us that God is with us, in joy and in sorrow, in times of fear and challenge as well as times of awe and wonder.  

You are invited to celebrate the birth of Jesus with the LUCC church family.  The same service will be offered two ways on Christmas Eve.  

At 5:00 p.m. there will be a Zoom/FaceBook live service.  Go to the church FaceBook page and click on the lower left.  Here’s the link for Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2700683648

At 7:00 p.m. there will be an in person version of the same service on the church grounds.  Masks and physical distancing will be maintained.  There will be no singing.  Bring a chair and a flashlight so you can read the bulletin.  In case of rain, the service will be held on the covered patio adjacent to the playground.  

Rekindle the Gifts of God:  Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love

Poinsettias

Many thanks to those who donated poinsettias during the Advent season to beautify the worship space and share joy with those in the congregation who are homebound.

Music

Hilton is posting all the Thanksgiving, Chanukah, and Christmas music he’s done for Lakewood UCC during the holidays at https://soundcloud.com/hilton-kean-jones/sets/traditional-holiday-music.

Plans for Church in the New Year

Those who attended the Sunday services outside in December are eager to resume weekly worship.  Once the sanctuary is available for use, services will resume, inside, with the church doors open and the fans on, masks and physical distancing.  Services will be shared live on Zoom and FaceBook.  

The anti racism demonstrations and weekly labyrinth walks will continue.

There will be a Corona Sabbath posted each week until live services can resume.  

Many thanks to all who are helping in this time of adaptation and continual transition!

Toys Delivered at Maximo

What an amazing, inspiring day Monday was at Maximo Elementary! The toys that were collected by the Education Ministry Team were delivered to the school. What began as a request by the Family and Community Liaison, Ms. Jones, for gifts for thirty children experiencing homelessness grew and grew and grew. Partnership with the Social Justice Team at Westminster Suncoast and then St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church flourished. Generosity grew wings. When the toys were delivered there were four cars overflowing with more than one hundred fifty gifts.

Ms. Jones, along with the Principal and staff, greeted us with smiles and great appreciation. Pictures were taken and friendships made. We left Maximo having received more than we had given. Our hearts were bursting with joy.

Thanks to everyone who joined in this undertaking to spread Christmas joy to children and their parents during this very stressful time. May the pictures bring you Hope, Peace, Joy and Love as you imagine the surprise and excitement of a precious child receiving your gift.

Use the following link to see pictures: https://lakewooducc.org/2020/12/09/toys-delivered-at-maximo/

Work Under Way for Adult Day Care

Finally after a year and a half of planning, the renovations of the Fellowship Hall are underway to prepare for the Adult Day Care program sponsored by Neighborly Services!  So far, a railing has been installed to the back entrance of the Fellowship Hall and the demolition is underway to prepare for the three accessible restrooms that are being installed.  The patio has been pressure washed.

It is very exciting to finally see movement toward the goal of offering needed services to the seniors in our area!

For pictures please use the following link: https://lakewooducc.org/2020/12/16/work-under-way-for-adult-day-care/

Operation Attack

Operation Attack is moving to have once a month drive through opportunities to still give the same services they have always given during these times. We send in all of our donations and they get them and send them outside to the distributors. They quickly hand the bags of food and clothes to the members of the community and help control the spread of Covid-19 and help our community as well. 

Please use the link to view pictures from the last volunteer date:https://lakewooducc.org/2020/12/24/operation-attack-2/

Corona Sabbath Ahead

The Corona Sabbath post this week is a follow up to Christmas.  Now that we have celebrated the birth of Jesus, what next? 

This week Sue Sherwood is reading the scripture, there is a reflection from Rev. Wells, and music from Hilton Jones.

If you missed last week’s Corona Sabbath here’s the link:

https://lakewooducc.org/2020/12/17/corona-sabbath-40-fourth-sunday-of-advent-love/

Anti-Racism Demonstrations Resume January 10

Weekly demonstrations to end racism will resume Sunday January 10 at 4:30 p.m..  Many thanks to all who are participating.  While there is a break in the demonstrations, we know that there is no break in the systemic racism that is harmful to everyone.  As the New Year begins, add your presence to this weekly demonstration making a witness to your commitment to anti racism.

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.

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 the bottom of each page.

December Birthdays: Becky Palmer 12/16, Amaiya Washington 12/18, George Diven 12/27, Melanie Moore 12/27, Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.

Circle of Concern: JoAnn Reid, William Owen, Jen Degroot, Carolyn Moore, Ann Quinn, Maggie Brizendine, Dave Radens, Bert and Joyce Lee, Wally LeBlanc, teachers, students, and school personnel, and all healthcare workers and essential workers. All those suffering from COVID-19.

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!

Church Office Hours:  Tuesday-Friday 9:30-noon. 

 Please note that the church office will be closed the week of Dec. 28.

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.