Month: May 2021

Solicitude

A new one in my current project of setting some tunes from the “Southern Harmony, and Musical Companion.” I love writing countermelodies and this arrangement was no exception. I’m grateful to the teacher of my freshman theory course, Dr. Walter Teutsch, for beginning our first two years of theory with a year of counterpoint, FIRST, before “Harmony.” Usually, it’s reversed. He began with a solid semester of 16th Century (sacred, Italian) counterpoint, and then a semester of tonal counterpoint (J.S. Bach style). I specify the sacred and country because by the time I’d finished grad school I’d had courses in Italian secular counterpoint, English secular counterpoint, etc. Anyway, thank you Dr. Teutsch (now long deceased) who escaped from Nazi Germany before the US entered the war.

LUCC Earth Day Celebration Campfire

Claire Stiles, Barbara Donohue, Bert Lee, Kay Rencken, Bill Parsons, and Kim Wells.

Last Friday evening there was a beautiful celebration of Earth Day at the church around a camp fire.  Participants shared poems and readings that honor the earth.  Then there was time to write a love letter to the earth.  These letters were shared and then tossed into the fire as an offering of gratitude to the earth.  

One of the things celebrated about the earth is how it provides food.  Kim Wells had locally grown organic bananas from Jubilee Farms where Malcolm works to share with everyone.  Then, it was on to roasted marshmallows!

It was a poignant evening of deep sharing created a stronger bond among those who were there and between those who were there and the earth.

Dear Mother Earth,

Today is Earth Day and once again I am at Pass-a-Grille Beach awaiting the sunset and the bell to ring, reminding me of another beautiful day you provided.  As you know, last year the bell did not ring; there were few people in sight. A deadly airborne virus was roaring across the world, as was fear. But there was something else sweeping across the land, the waters, the air, the sky.  At the silent sunset, I thought of the beauty, fresh air to fill our lungs.  The rising and setting sun to bring hope each day.  I have been no stranger to these blessings and events you provide each day. But today, Earth Day 2021, I realize that the isolation and fear of the past year has helped me see more clearly the wondrous joys and blessings you provide.  The human touch and full human face had gone from my life, but you were there to touch me with gentle breezes and powerful winds, falling rain, radiant sunshine, and the ripple of the waters. These unmasked gifts calmed my fears and opened my heart to the loving, nurturing earth.  What I want to say is, “Thank you. Thank you for the air and light that has brought me through.”  The bell is ringing now, and I am sending my love up to you in a prayer.  Patti

April 30, 2021
Dear Mother Earth,

How grateful am I for all the beauty and abundance you provide to me and all
“earthlings” to sustain and uplift our lives. The warmth of sunshine, the green of
plants and trees, the color of flowers, the expanses of great waters, the arising of
mountains high, the cooling of breezes, and the songs of birds delight and inspire
me daily. It is only in falling in love with you that we will have the passion and
desire to protect and honor you. For you are LIFE and you CREATE and NURTURE
all life!

May I remember the relationship that Native American people of all tribes and
nations have with you Mother Earth. And like the ancient people of all times, love
and appreciate you in all your mystery and magnificence.
Please forgive me and all others who have taken you for granted and have
harmed and degraded the earth. I weep at our abuse and neglect, at the pollution
and climate change, at the ugliness and destruction we have brought upon the
earth. May we work together to heal you and ourselves and to insure sustainable
life for all creatures in all generations to come. Help us to mend our self-
centered, anthropocentric ways and to open our hearts to embrace all of creation
as equal and as of value.
So Be it.

A Grateful Daughter of the Earth,
Claire Ann Stiles

Dear Earth,

Thank you for grounding me daily – giving me the lessons of the birds and animals and plants that go about their growth and do just as they need to without thought, without coercion.

Thank you for the beauty and stormy variety of the clouds here in Florida- I have felt as if I never had paid attention to the sky before. Thank you for your benevolence in the face of our cruel insults to your ways. Forgive us and may we mend OUR ways sooner rather than later.

Love, Barbara

Thank you earth for the food from the ground, and especially all the delicious fruits produced on the lands.

Dear Mother Earth,

I think that I shall never see a letter as lovely as a tree.

25 years ago we planted the tree we are sitting under. This year we have planted a 10-foot live oak tree in our front yard to replace an old slashed pine tree that was dying and was in danger of falling over. In part this may be apart of the circle of life, but it also represents a small effort to replenish your abundance. By the time it reaches maturity, I‘m sure I’ll no longer be “middle-aged” but hopefully it will bring shade and shelter to future generations of bird and squirrels and others living on Narvarez Way S.

Letters are written by fools like me,

But only God can make a tree-

Grow on Narvarez Way S.

Dear Mother,

Through my life – in good and bad, happy and sad times, you have nurtured me. Sometimes, I have been more attentive to you. And sometimes you saved me. There are so many parts of you that lift me or surprise me…

The clouds,

The light and shadow on the Catalina’s

The water lapping at the ocean,

The cacti blooming,

The moon shimmering on the water, shining on the mountins, and smiling on me.

Planting a tree

The art of a sculpture of a dead tree-

arms outstretched to the heavens.

Snow on the desert

The hawk sitting quietly with us.

Gardens blooming,

A cool scented breeze,

Smells, sight, and sounds of a fire.

Birds,

The rosy fingers of dawn,

Thankfulness, Gratefulness

I go to greet the day early when all is quiet. A coolness is about no matter the season.

I sit and soak it in for a few moments. I light a fire and think, plot, dream, and smile.

Beloved Earth

     You reveal to me

     You show me

     You teach me

     All I need to know

About myself

      others

      life

      growth

      destruction

      release

      transition

      relationships

      cycles

      seasons

\.    power

      fear

      beauty

And LOVE.

You make the human construct ‘God’ real.  Alive.

      In you I am grounded.

      In you I float.

      In you I am home.

Weekly Update 5/13

New Service Time for the Month of May

After considering the thoughts and views of the congregation, the Advisors have decided that for the month of May, services will continue to be held with the doors and windows open. The services will begin at 9:30 when it is slightly cooler. There will be a new plan in June when, hopefully, most of the congregation will be vaccinated.

Sundays

 The service is at 9:30 in person, covid safe.

Childcare provided.

This Sunday marks the end of the season of Easter.  We’ll revisit the Easter story at the end of the gospel of Mark.  What does it mean to embrace a new reality?  Not just to be resuscitated to more of the same but to be resurrected into a new kind of life?  We’ll talk about that Sunday.

Come to covid safe worship in person at 9:30 or attend on Facebook Live at 9:30.  

Services are also posted on the church’s YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/user/LakewoodUCC/videos

The bulletin and text of the Sunday sermon will be posted at the website the following week and there will be regular posts of music and music videos from Hilton Jones.

Watch the service on Facebook Live Sundays at 9:30. https://www.facebook.com/LakewoodUCC

Or on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/LakewoodUCC/videos

For covid safety measures, see below

LUCC Earth Day Celebration Campfire

Several weeks ago there was a beautiful celebration of Earth Day at the church around a camp fire.  Participants shared poems and readings that honor the earth.  Then there was time to write a love letter to the earth.  These letters were shared and then tossed into the fire as an offering of gratitude to the earth.  

One of the things celebrated about the earth is how it provides food.  Kim Wells had locally grown organic bananas from Jubilee Farms where Malcolm works to share with everyone.  Then, it was on to roasted marshmallows!

It was a poignant evening of deep sharing that created a stronger bond among those who were there and between those who were there and the earth.

Look for a post on the website with the content of the letters that were written and a few pictures later this week.

THANK YOUS

A big THANK YOU to Earl Waters and William Owen-Cowan for trimming the trees that were overhanging the church drive way impeding high clearance vehicles.  

Thank you to Bert Lee for the locks on the bathroom doors and for oiling the doors to the sanctuary building.  Now you can sneak into church unheard!

Thank you to Sally Purvis for endless organizing of files, especially historic files.  

Thank you to Claire Stiles, Patti Cooksey, and Colleen Coughenour for proceeding beyond the library to the closets and cupboards and drawers of the office and sanctuary and from there on to the garage!  

The efforts of all are much appreciated!

Transitions:  Naming and Claiming the Changes in Our Lives 

For the month of June, each Sunday morning gathering will offer the opportunity to explore the changes and transitions that we have been going through especially during the pandemic.  It will be a time to seek spiritual support and meaning as we reflect on what we have been through and what we are going through.  

Each Sunday the design will focus on a different element – water, wind, earth, and fire.  These themes accompanied by scripture, readings, and ritual will be used to facilitate exploration of our lives and our losses as we make our way forward in faith! 

Rev. Angela Wells-Bean to join the staff of Naples UCC

Rev. Angela Wells-Bean has been called to be the Minister of Congregational Care at the Naples United Church of Christ in Naples, Florida.  Angela is currently serving as pastor of the Burlington, Massachusetts United Church of Christ, Congregational.

Angela will begin her ministry in Naples in September. 

Adult Day Care Open!

A dream has come true.  From seeds planted by LUCC member Rev. Bob Frey back in the 1990’s, a new ministry has emerged.  The church is finally using its facilities to host an adult daycare sponsored by Neighborly Services.  It is a blessing for the church to use its assets to serve the needs of the community in this way.  

The Adult Day Care will have an Open House on Tuesday May 25th from 3:30-6:00 p.m. Stop by and see the wonderful program and facilities and staff.  

Being Covid Safe and In Person Worship

The church has contacted the St. Petersburg Health Department for guidance.  Here are the take aways that are being implemented for everyone’s safety.

Please stay home if you are not feeling well.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending double masking.  Please consider wearing two masks to church.  Additional masks will be available at church to use as needed.

Two hand sanitizing stations will be available for use by worshippers.

Signs will be posted to encourage physical distancing.

The pulpit and altar will be moved into the chancel to provide more room for the congregation to physical distance.

Prayer request sheets will be provided so that worshippers may write their prayer requests and place them in a basket on the altar.  This eliminates the need for the worship leader to come within 6 feet of the worshippers. 

People who would like to converse after the service are encouraged to do so outside, not in the hallway or the library or other confined spaces.

The breezeway restrooms will be open and available to prevent people from congregating in the library while waiting to use the office restroom.

The chairs in the sanctuary will be cleaned with sanitizer each week.  You are welcome to bring your own chair if you prefer.

There is well-ventilated, physically distanced indoor seating as well as outdoor seating on the sidewalk adjacent to the sanctuary. Masks are worn by all. Please know that your safety is of primary consideration! Childcare provided.

Facebook Live Continues

The broadcast of the service is very meaningful to the people from the church family that watch. It is a significant ministry to those who cannot be present in the church building.

Many thanks to Barbara Donohue, Bert Lee, and Jeff Wells for this ministry.  Patti Cooksey is planning to join the team.  Others are welcome!  All you need is a phone/laptop/tablet and a Facebook account. 

Book Talk

People in the congregation are often mentioning good books that they have read.  To share these riches more widely, the church will be sponsoring a monthly Book Talk on Zoom.  It will be a chance to share what you are reading.  You can mention the book title, something about the author, what the book was about, and why you found it interesting.  Just the kind of things you might mention about a book in a conversation with someone.  And if you haven’t read anything compelling lately,  join in Book Talk and you’ll get some good reading ideas!  

Book Talk will start this month on the third Thursday of the month, May 20, at 6:30.  All welcome!

Here’s the Zoom link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2700683648

Immigration Justice Update 5/4/2021:

If you want to check President Biden’s progress on immigration reform in his first 100 days in office, you can check out this “scorecard.” It’s also a great summary of all immigration issues:  https://immigrationforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/National-Immigration-Forum-Score-Card-on-President-Bidens-First-100-Days-1.pdf or at this shortened linked: https://bit.ly/3b4Xl3A

UCC advocates celebrate new 62,500 goal for U.S. refugee admissions in 2021: https://bit.ly/3eh71dc

Operation Attack Update

The two most recent OA drive thru events were a success! Thank you for Lakewood continuous donations during this trying time. OA is having 4 drive thru dates in the coming months. Those being May 22, June 26, July 31, and September 11. Please get these dates out to members of our congregation if they wish to help volunteer. In addition to those dates, OA is also still needing

Donations of cereal, peanut butter, canned meat, fruit, vegetables and soup, dried beans, and mac/cheese. Remember we still aren’t accepting clothing donations at the moment. Finally, pray for the people in our community who are continuing to be challenged during this difficult time and the volunteers who are trying to ease their burdens. I’m hoping to find a time to stop by Lakewood to pick up any donations. 

Thank You,Ian Blair-Catala

Please note that OA is not accepting clothing donations.

Anti Racism Demonstration Moves to a New Time

Yes, it is still going on every week.  Because racism is still going on every week, every day, every moment in this country.  We can imagine a different future.  And we are making a small effort at creating that new reality at the demonstrations each Sunday.  

Signs are available at church or bring your own.

The new time beginning May 16 is 5:30.  Come every week.  Come for a season.  Come once. Come once in a while.  Everyone is ALWAYS welcome!

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 Sunday 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.

May Birthdays: Mark Gibson 5/2, Nina Moore 5/2, Angela Wells-Bean 5/7, Emily Gibson 5/8, Julian Michael Ricciardi 5/9, Colleen Coughenour 5/11, Jen DeGroot 5/12, Christy Martin 5/15, Bill Parsons 5/16, Deanna Moore 5/19, Danielle Hintz 5/25  Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.

Circle of Concern: 

Edward Jones

William Owen-Cowan

Jen Degroot

Carolyn Moore

Ann Quinn

Maggie Brizendine

Janet Hall

Teachers, students, and school personnel, and all healthcare workers and essential workers. All those suffering from COVID-19.

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.