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
- 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
