GATHERING MUSIC
WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
LIGHTING THE PEACE CANDLE Kay Rencken, liturgist
Because I am poor,
I pray for every living creature.
Kiowa, translated by James Mooney
PRELUDE The Old Man’s Love Song
Native American/harm. Arthur Farwell (1901)
The Native American melodies (of primarily the Omaha tribe) harmonized by Arthur Farwell were drawn from the late 19th Century 20 year research of Alice C. Fletcher, holder of the Thaw Fellowship, Peabody Museum, Harvard University.
CALL TO WORSHIP Osage, translated by Francis La Flesche , adapted
I am home, I am home, I am home,
I have now come to the land that is home.
I have now come to the border of the village.
I have now come to the foot-worn soil of the village.
I have now come to the rear of the sacred house.
I have now come to the end of the sacred house.
I have now come to the door of the sacred house.
I have now come inside of the sacred house.
I have now come to the kettle pole of the sacred house.
I have now come to the fireplace of the sacred house.
I have now come to the middle of the sacred house.
I have now come to the smoke vent of the sacred house.
I have now come into the midst of the light of day.
I am home, I am home, I am home.
MUSICAL REFLECTION Song of the Deathless Voice
Native American/harm. Arthur Farwell (1901)
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Let us prepare ourselves for the word of God as it comes to us in the reading of Holy Scripture. Our hearts and minds are open.
James 5:13-20 and Mark 9:38-50
For the word of God in scripture, for the word of God among us, for the word of God within us. Thanks be to God.
MODERN READING from Black Elk 1863-1950, Oglala Lakota
SERMON Rev. Kim P. Wells
UNISON READING Chippewa, translated by Frances Densmore
Toward calm and shady places
We are walking
on the earth.
MUSICAL INTERLUDE Wendeyaho
Native American/harm. & arr. HKJ
MISSION STATEMENT
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 & in our world.
- Offer the hospitality and inclusive love of Christ to all people.
- Work for God’s peace and justice throughout creation.
MORNING OFFERING
Morning offerings may be brought forward and placed in the plates on the altar.
Offertory The Mother’s Vow
Native American/harm. Arthur Farwell (1901)
Prayer of Dedication Tewa, translated by Herbert Joseph Spinden
O our Mother the Earth, O our Father the Sky,
Your children are we, and with tired backs
We bring you the gifts that you love.
Then weave for us a garment of brightness:
May the warp be the white light of morning,
May the weft be the red light of evening,
May the fringes be the falling rain,
May the border be the standing rainbow.
Thus weave for us a garment of brightness,
That we may walk fittingly where birds sing,
That we may walk fittingly where grass is green,
O our Mother the Earth, O our Father the sky.
PREPARATION FOR PRAYER
Wakantanka Taku Nitawa (Many and Great, O God, Are Your works)
Native American melody (Dakota)
You are invited to write your prayer requests on the sheets provided in the bulletin and bring them forward and place them in the basket on the altar. Please observe physical distancing.
MORNING PRAYER-SAVIOR’S PRAYER Hattie C. Enos, Nez Perce
O Great Spirit, You are our Shepherd Chief in the most high place.
Whose home is everywhere, even beyond the stars and the moon.
Whatever You want done, let it also be done everywhere.
Give us Your gift of bread day by day.
Forgive us our wrongs as we forgive those who wrong us.
Take us away from wrong doings. Free us from all evil.
For everything belongs to You.
Let Your power and glory shine forever. Amen.
* BENEDICTION Juanita Helphrey, UCC
God is
a cloud forming,
an eagle soaring,
a voice from the wilderness
echoing through your ear.
Whispering, encouraging —
keep going, seek My glory,
don’t worry, I’ll keep
your fears.
*POSTLUDE Inketunga’s Thunder Song
Native American/harm. Arthur Farwell (1901)
For the safety and comfort of all, please wear a mask. Thank you!
Circle of Concern: Amayia Washignton, Dave Radens, Dana Cosper and family, William Owen-Cowan, Jen Degroot, Carolyn Moore, Ann Quinn, Maggie Brizendine, Janet Hall, family and friends of Rev. Dr. Jim Prickett.
Announcements
Facebook Live The 10:30 a.m. service is being streamed on Facebook Live.
Operation Attack OA needs donations of cereal, peanut butter, canned meat, fruit, vegetables and soup, dried beans, and mac/cheese. Donations may be placed on the shelf in the hallway at church.
LUCC Book Discussion Books are on order for the 12 people interested in this Creation Justice sponsored online book discussion. The order is expected to arrive in the last week of September. The group will meet via Zoom online at 5:00pm on Thursday late afternoons October 7, 21, and 28 from 5:00 – 6:00pm. A few extra books will be available for anyone else interested in reading or joining the discussion! Check with Claire Stiles at stilesca@eckerd.edu for any further details.
Anti Racism Demonstrations to Resume The church will resume its witness against racism with weekly demonstrations along the sidewalk of 54th Ave. S. Make your own sign or use one of the signs at the church.
Demonstrations will be held Sundays from 5:30-6 beginning Sunday October 3. In case of rain, the demonstration will not be held that week. Know justice, know peace! This is an important way to inspire hope in the community and to work to create an anti-racist society.
Guided Labyrinth Walks The guided walk is held weekly on Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m. This provides an opportunity to be aware and deepen your spiritual journey. If it is raining, the walk is held on Thursday at 9:00 a.m. Also, the readings and prayers used on Wednesdays at the guided walk are put in the mailbox by the labyrinth each week for use during the week.
The labyrinth is on the church grounds near the southwest corner of the church property. It is available for use at all times.
Afghan Refugee Assistance For information about helping Afghan Refugees, please see the Weekly Update 9/23 at the church website.
Lakewood United Church of Christ 2601 54th Ave. S. St. Petersburg, FL 33712
727-867-7961 lakewooducc@gmail.com Lakewooducc.org
Lakewood United Church of Christ 