Month: December 2020

Advent Candle Lighting Liturgy and Daily Devotions for Week 2

This Advent season of 2020 the focus is on rekindling the gift of God. We certainly need our spiritual grounding and the gifts of faith to sustain us during these difficult times.

There is a ritual for lighting the Advent wreath each Sunday. Then there is a reading for each day of the week based on the theme of the week’s candle.

May we rekindle the gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love this Advent season!

Rekindle the Gift of Peace

Lighting the Second Advent Candle – PEACE

In our homes we gather around wreaths to pray our lost hopes, broken peace, limited joys, and love so hard to find and share in this season of coronavirus.   We affirm that our candles mean we claim the power to call this season Advent when God’s light comes into the world and nothing can overcome it.

Light one candle.

We light the candle of hope.  

Light a second candle.

We now light the candle of peace in spite of. . .

name those things, places, and concerns that call out for peace

God’s peace illuminates the possibility of reconciliation and healing and lights the wick of peace in our lives so that we may shine on the world and brighten the path toward peace.   Amen.

Monday Dec. 7  PEACE

‘. . .they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks’

Isaiah 2:4

December 7 is the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor marking the entrance of the US into World War 2. 

Since then, wars have continued to erupt like a bad infection.  Now, instead of blatant attacks and bold overthrows, it seems like we have a continuous state of low grade war in many places in the world.  And since the world has become ever more a global community, these wars involve many different countries and interests.  And with the growing impacts of global climate change, this situation will only get worse. 

It seems that the days of war, with a beginning and a middle and an end, are over. 

One of the lessons that peacemakers have been trying to teach for centuries is that bombs don’t end war.  They don’t stop war.  They don’t eradicate war as a policy option.  War does not create peace.  Justice and human rights may create peace.  But we are investing so much in armaments and the military, we are sowing and growing war, not peace. 

How can we rekindle the dream of peace?  How can we honor Jesus as the Prince of Peace?  How can we turn turn our swords into plowshares?  The birth of Jesus was the birth of this possibility.  How can we make it a reality?

Prayer

May we seek to be peacemakers.  In our individual lives.  In our communities.  And, yes, even between countries and peoples. Jesus shows us that another world is possible.  Amen.  

Tuesday Dec. 8  PEACE

‘Glory to God in high heaven! And on earth, peace to those on whom God’s favor rests.’

Luke 2:14

This beautiful image from the Christmas story seems idyllic and pastoral.  But actually shepherds were the lowest rung of the economic and social ladder.  Almost outcasts.  Underpaid.  Overworked.  Expendable.  Not a group associated with God’s favor.  And yet that is the first group of people who receive the good news of the birth of Jesus. 

This story tells us that the birth of Jesus was intended to be good news to people who are at the bottom; who are marginalized and forgotten.  So how do we share good news with those who need it most today?  Is that part of our Christmas planning and celebrating?  I hope so!

The Christmas story is about peace for the poor.  Hard to square with the enormous over- shopping for consumer extravagances this season. 

Can we cultivate a greater sensitivity to the people who are made poor who live in our midst?   Can we listen to their stories?  Can we honor their dignity?  Can we receive good news from those made poor? 

Prayer

We are told that Jesus was poor.  He lived and worked among those made poor.  May our view of reality include all strata of society and may we see our common humanity.  Amen. 

Wednesday Dec. 9  PEACE

‘The peace of Christ be with you.’

This is said many times in church.  The peace of Christ.  We want to remember that Jesus was hunted down, arrested, put through a sham trial, and given the death penalty in a public and humiliating way.   Yes, the story of Jesus has violence and torture and suffering in it.  So, where is the peace? 

We want to think about peace as doing what you need to do, what you know is right and good and true, no matter the consequences.  There is peace of soul and spirit even in circumstances of violence when you know you are doing what is right, what is consistent with the teachings of Jesus, what is loving.  Even if it leads to trouble; what the late John Lewis would call good trouble. 

Maybe if your life is devoid of good trouble, you are not really living peacefully!

Prayer

May we live peacefully even when there are risks and costs.  Sometimes we are being given peace in our hearts even though our lives seem turbulent and unsteady.  Amen.

Thursday Dec. 10   PEACE

‘ . . they shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees, and no one shall make them afraid. . .’

Micah 4:4

So, if no one was killed that you know of today, was it a peaceful day?  Is there peace in our city if there are no murders?  That is not how our faith teaches us to think about peace.

The Christian concept of peace comes from the Jewish concept of shalom.  Shalom means peace but it implies not just the absence of violence and threat.  Shalom implies individual and communal well-being.  Shalom indicates the conditions that lead to thriving and flourishing life. 

The Biblical concept of peace doesn’t just mean there is no war and no violence including in the home.  It means that there is access to human rights, health care, self determination, equality, a clean, safe environment, education, the arts, safe food, and housing. 

Law and order may have to do with limiting violence but it is not really about peace because peace has to do with fomenting what is good not just stopping what is bad. 

Most crime is committed by people who are not thriving and flourishing.  They are usually desperate in some way and in need of compassion and support from society. 

When everyone is fed and clothed and housed and treated with dignity and respect, then there will be much more peace in the world.  And with that peace there will be less violence. 

How can you be a part of creating more peace in the world by helping to create conditions more conducive to the flourishing of life for those who are being underserved and ignored?  Does that bring you some peace? 

Prayer

On this first day of Hanukkah, we join with our Jewish sisters and brothers in seeking shalom for all of Creation.  May the light of peace shine brightly.  Amen.

Friday Dec. 11   PEACE

‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.’

John 14:27

How does the world give peace? Having wealth is perceived as assured peace – physical peace and inner peace –  knowing that you can meet your material needs and have access to resources that can keep you safe and healthy.  If you have financial stability and security, that is perceived as peace.

With Jesus, we are told that he may have owned one cloak and no house.  So, where is the peace in that?  Not knowing where your next meal is coming from?  Not having a permanent home? 

The peace Jesus is talking about is quite different.  Maybe there is peace in living your life for others, for the common good.  Maybe there is peace in living harmoniously with the Earth.  Maybe there is peace in forgiveness instead of holding grudges and seeking retribution.  Maybe there is peace in material simplicity.   Maybe there is peace in acceptance and understanding instead of exceptionalism and superiority.  And all of that peace has nothing to do with a bank account or an address or a title. 

Think about peace in your life.  Do you feel peaceful?  Where do you need peace in your life?   Do you need to think about the concept of peace in a different way?

Prayer

In Jesus, we are given peace.  Peace which passes all understanding.  May we open ourselves to the peace Jesus seeks to give to us.  Amen.

Saturday Dec. 12   PEACE

“God has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; God has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.”

Luke 1:52-53

Today, millions of North Americans will celebrate the feast day of the Virgin of Guadalupe.  She is the Mary that is the patron saint of Mexico and she is beloved the world over.  Part of her appeal is that her story challenges white privilege, colonialism, patriarchy, and racism.  She gets her way with the European-dominated male hierarchy of the Catholic Church. 

Guadalupe pretty much does what Jesus does – challenging the hierarchy and patriarchy of his day and lifting up the lowly so that they are treated with dignity and respect. 

Prayer

Like the Virgin of Guadalupe, may we have the courage and persistence to challenge the systems of oppression that diminish life and dignity especially the life and dignity of people of color.  Amen. 

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.

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 38 Second Sunday of Advent PEACE Reflection Text

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.

You may begin with this reading:

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/audio below.

END TEXT

Here is what I will say on the video-

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 verses from Psalm 85 that remind us of God’s dreams for peace. In this Advent season, we seek to rekindle our dreams of peace.

Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13

Yahweh, favor your land once again
and restore the fortunes of Israel;
forgive the guilt of your people
and cover all their sins.

I will listen to what you have to say, Yahweh –
a voice that speaks of peace,
peace for your people and your friends
so long as they don’t return to their folly.
Your salvation is near for those who revere you
and your glory will dwell in our land.
Love and faithfulness have met;
justice and peace have embraced.
Fidelity will sprout from the earth
and justice will lean down from heaven.
Yahweh will give us what is good,
and our land will yield its harvest.
Justice will march before you, Yahweh,
and peace will prepare the way for your steps.

Reflection from Kim

Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet: righteousness and peace will kiss each other. What a beautiful verse. It points to the future with hope. What a beautiful dream for the future.

But there is another translation of this verse: “Love and faithfulness have met; justice and peace have embraced.” The verbs are in the past tense. It is a reference to something that God has done in the past.

In one version, the verbs are translated in the in the future tense: Will meet. Will kiss. And in another translation, the verbs are translated in the past tense: Have met. Have embraced. Which is right? Given the ancient documents involved, we may not know exactly. Both may have validity. And I believe in this Advent season, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, both versions speak to us.

This is a season to look back. To look back to the life and ministry and teachings of Jesus. To look back to how his life has impacted the human history. To look back to the stories surrounding the birth of Jesus. It is a time to look back and feel grounded in the words and traditions that mark this season. The translation of the Psalm in the past tense invites us to look back and see what God has done. To think about when love and faithfulness have met and justice and peace have embraced. Certainly in the life of Jesus. And, in more recent years, I see this meeting in the ministry of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. among others.

The translation in the future tense is also important this season because Advent is by nature oriented to the future. We are anticipating the advent of something. We are getting ready for something. We are expectant about what will happen. We think about what the ministry and life of Jesus mean for today and for the future. And as we prepare to celebrate Christmas, and the birth of the Prince of Peace, we do so with hope for the peace that Jesus will bring. As we look around us, we long for the time when love and faithfulness will meet, and righteous and peace will kiss. Oh how beautiful that will be! We ache for the peace that we see promised in Jesus to be manifest among us today.

Peace always has a past and a future dimension. If you try to pursue peace without looking back, much is missed. There are things to learn from the past. There are often things in the past that need to be examined and acknowledged with honesty. Our country is in that process dealing with the legacy of racism. Peace involves the healing of the past.

But peace also has a future orientation. Peace invites us to see new visions and dream new dreams about how things can be. We don’t have to stay stuck where we are. We don’t have to let ourselves be controlled by the past. We can be looking to a different future.

Love and faithfulness meeting, justice and peace embracing. These images are stirring. They are comprehensive in scope. They are energizing. They are soaring. They are alluring. They are soothing. They reflect back and they shine forward. And isn’t that what this season is really all about? A time to dream again. To inject the mundane with some magic? To embrace the lengthening darkness which gives the stars more time to shine?

This is a season to rekindle our dreams of peace. To imagine a world where another young black man does not get killed at the Food Max on 18th Avenue South. To imagine a world where no child goes hungry. To imagine a world with more equitable economic systems and fewer guns. To imagine a world in which people resolve their differences with words not weapons. To imagine a world that is sustainable and healthy?

What are your visions of peace? What does the meeting of love and faithfulness look like to you? What does justice and peace embracing look like to you?

In this precious holy season, let us look back seeking peace and let us look forward dreaming peace. Amen.

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

Weekly Update 12/2

Advent Begins!

When we had the Christmas in July Zoom celebration we enjoyed hearing the Christmas story and singing carols.  Well, there is another Zoom Christmas Eve service planned for 5:00 p.m. on Dec. 24th.  There will also be an in-person outdoor service at 7:00 p.m.

The theme for this Advent season at LUCC is Rekindle the Gift from a verse from 2 Timothy.  This is certainly a season to ‘rekindle’ after all that we have been through!  Each week, the Corona Sabbath and daily devotions will focus on the traditional themes for the candles of the Advent Wreath.  Rekindle Hope.  Rekindle Peace.  Rekindle Joy.  And Rekindle Love.

Please see the details below for the Advent season.  May you find needed hope, peace, joy, and love this season!

Advent Devotions – Posted at the Website

A booklet of devotions has been prepared for the Advent season with a reading for each day and liturgy for the lighting of Advent candles at home each Sunday.  These devotions are also posted weekly at the church website.  May these devotions help to rekindle hope, peace, joy, and love this holy season. 

Please use the link below to read the first weeks readings and liturgy: https://lakewooducc.org/2020/11/28/advent-candle-lighting-liturgy-and-daily-devotions-for-week-1/

Christmas Eve

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

In the uncharted territory we are facing this year, the church will be trying something new.  The church family is invited to bring poinsettias to church on the Sundays in December before Christmas.  They will beautify our worship space and they will be taken to those who are homebound and in need of special care in the congregation.  So, if you would like to, please bring a poinsettia or poinsettias to church.  Many thanks!

Carol Sing Ahead

Missing singing those favorite Christmas carols?  A Zoom carol sing is being planned.  Hilton will play and everyone on the Zoom will safely sing at home.  In the past, each Advent season there has been a caroling event to visit the homebound.  Since Corona has us all somewhat homebound, this year, there will be caroling for everyone who can access Zoom.  The zoom will be Saturday, December 12th at 4:00 p.m.

Please use this link to join! https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2700683648

Congregational Care Visits Planned

While it is not safe to go caroling this year, the Care Team has plans for safe visits and drive bys to those in the congregation who are isolated or in need of Christmas cheer.  Hopefully these visits will be meaningful to those who participate and will help to rekindle hope, peace, joy, and love!

In-Person Events! 

The church is experimenting with a ‘soft’ re-opening. There will be in- person gatherings and services outside, with masks, and physical distancing. There will be no singing. Participants are encouraged to bring their own chairs.  Some will also be available at the church.  If the weather is wet, the events will be held on the patio.

Here’s what’s coming:

In addition, the weekly guided labyrinth walks will continue on Wednesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. and weekly anti-racism demonstrations will continue on Sunday evenings at 4:30p.m.  All are welcome.  

For those who want to remain engaged with the church ‘remotely’, the church will continue to post a weekly Corona Sabbath with a scripture reading, reflection from Rev. Wells, and music from Hilton Jones.  Paper copies of the Corona Sabbath and the Update will continue to be sent to those who do not use the internet.  

After this period of experimentation, there will be a discussion about how to proceed into the New Year.

TOYS for HOMELESS CHILDREN

Our church family along with the Social Justice Team at Westminster Suncoast has been extremely generous in supporting Maximo Elementary’s children.  To date we have donated uniforms, underwear and Covid 19 supplies which included masks for children.

Ms. Jones has identified 30 homeless children  at the school for whom the Education Ministry Team is going to purchase toys and books for Christmas  gifts using available funds.  For  those who would  personally enjoy  buying toys  for these children  please do so.  The toys may be brought  to  the  outdoor Advent services on December 6th and 13th.  Toys may also be dropped off at the church Tues.-Friday, 9:30-noon.  The toys will be picked up for delivery to the school on Monday, December 14th.

Questions? Call, email or text Emily Bell.

THANKS EVERYONE , those who have already donated  and those who will personally purchase toys, for helping to make Christmas 2020  special for a homeless child.       

LUCC ‘s Education Ministry Team

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

Leadership Selection Process

Each year the congregation is invited to offer names of people that they would like to serve as advisors for the church for the coming year.  Church members are also welcome to volunteer to serve.

 Advisors are charged with seeing that the life and ministry of LUCC is an embodiment of the mission statement of the church.  In addition, the Advisors function in an administrative capacity regarding budget and finance, property, program, and personnel.  They serve as the pastoral relations committee fostering a positive relationship between the congregation and the pastor.  

The advisors have been meeting at least once a month, sometimes in person and sometimes virtually.  This depends on the will of the group.

Please suggest names of those you think would serve well as Advisors for the coming year.  You may email lakewooducc@gmail.com

Corona Sabbath Ahead

The Corona Sabbath post this week follows the theme for the Advent candles.  This week the focus is peace.  How do we think about rekindling peace in our lives this Advent season?  See Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13.

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/2020/11/28/corona-sabbath-37-first-sunday-of-advent-hope/

Anti-Racism Demonstrations Continue on Sundays

Weekly demonstrations to end racism continue in front of the church each Sunday. Beginning Dec. 6, the demonstrations will begin at 4:30.  Bring a sign or use one of the signs provided.  Regardless of the outcome of the election, this witness is an important demonstration of Christian values and moral values.  All are welcome to join in!  

And use the following link to see pictures from the last demonstration.

https://lakewooducc.org/2020/12/01/anti-racism-demonstration-11-27/

In case of rain, the demonstration will not be held that week. Know justice, know peace!

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.

Music Ministry

About Hilton’s music. . . If you would enjoy hearing Hilton play more Irish folk songs, you can
listen for free at either https://hiltonjones.bandcamp.com/album/irish-
tunes or https://soundcloud.com/hilton-kean-jones/sets/irish-tunes .

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, Wilbur Reid, Jen Degroot, Carolyn Moore, Ann Quinn, Maggie Brizendine, Dave Radens, 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. 

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.