Corona Sabbath 38 Second Sunday of Advent PEACE

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 the theme for the second Sunday of Advent – peace.  

This post includes a scripture reading from Sue Sherwood, 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 as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

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.  

Bright God of Advent:
Blaze in our darkness.
Incinerate our iniquity.
Light up our road.

Riddle the ashes
of our desires.
Rekindle in us
your justice and love.

–Ruth Burgess

When you are ready, start the video below.  

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

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

In closing, you are invited to offer the following closing reading:

“You do not need to know precisely what is happening, or exactly where it is all going. What you need is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment, and to embrace them with courage, faith and hope.”

–Thomas Merton, 20th century

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

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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.

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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

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