WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
LIGHTING THE PEACE CANDLE Barbara Donohue, liturgist
Now let’s not become panicky. If you have weapons, take them home; if you do not have them, please do not seek to get them. We cannot solve this problem through retaliatory violence. We must meet violence with nonviolence. Remember the words of Jesus: ‘He who lives by the sword will perish by the sword.’ We must love our white brothers no matter what they do to us. We must make them know that we love them. Jesus still cries out in words that echo across the centuries: ‘Love your enemies; bless them that curse you; pray for them that despitefully use you.’ This is what we must live by. We must meet hate with love. Remember, if I am stopped, this movement will not stop, because God is with the movement. Go home with this glowing faith and this radiant assurance.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., following the bombing of his home
PRELUDE
CALL TO WORSHIP based Zechariah 8
In the reality of God:
People speak truth to one another;
judgments are true and lead to peace;
people do not devise evil in their hearts against one another.
There is the sowing of peace;
the vine yields its fruit,
the ground gives its produce,
the skies give their dew.
People are a blessing to one another.
There is no fear
and hands are strong.
May we welcome the dream of God!
MUSIC
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.
John 2:1-11
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.
MUSIC
CONTEMPORARY READING Cornel West from the
introduction to The Radical King
SERMON Wedded to Justice Rev. Kim P. Wells
LITANY OF RE-DEDICATION see insert
MUSIC
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. If you would like assistance, please turn to someone seated near you.
Offertory
Prayer of Dedication Dr. M. L. King, Jr.
Jesus gave us a new norm of greatness . . . . he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. That’s a new definition of greatness . . . . By giving that definition of greatness, it means that everybody can be great, because everybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You don’t have to know about Plato and Aristotle to serve. You don’t have to know Einstein’s theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace; a soul generated by love. And you can be that servant. Amen.
PREPARATION FOR PRAYER
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 PRAYERS–SAVIOR’S PRAYER
Our Creator who is in heaven, uphold the holiness of your name. Bring in your kingdom so that your will is done on earth as it’s done in heaven. Give us the bread we need for today. Forgive us for the ways we have wronged you, just as we also forgive those who have wronged us. And don’t lead us into temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. For yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory for ever. Amen.
* BENEDICTION
Dr. King declared that “faith transforms the whirlwind of despair into a warm and reviving breeze of hope.”
May we leave this place refreshed as we carry the good news into our precious, damaged world. Amen!
*POSTLUDE
Circle of Concern: Christopher and Dana, Joel Shores, Ben Shores, Amaiya Washington, Ann Quinn who is under Hospice Care, William Owen-Cowan, Jen Degroot, Carolyn Moore, Maggie Brizendine, Janet Hall, All those suffering from COVID-19 and all healthcare workers, Schools: Students, families, teachers, and staff
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.
The Gift of Music LUCC Music Director Hilton Jones has recorded 2 CDs for the LUCC family. The music is a gift to the congregation. If you would like to make a donation to offset the production costs, you may. See the display in the sanctuary. Enjoy the gift of music from Hilton not just on Sundays but every day!
Hymnals LUCC has been given 60 used New Century Hymnals. If you would like a hymnal for home use, they are available on the bookshelf in the main hallway. Please help yourself!
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.
MLK Service Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 2022 Virtual Interfaith Memorial Service. This annual service in honor of Dr. King will be virtual this year. It will be live streamed on Sunday Jan. 26 at 3:30 p.m. at stjudesp.org. The theme is Reaching for Human Excellence. The keynote speaker is Renee Flowers, County Commissioner. Rev. Wells will be doing one of the readings. Please join in this celebration of the legacy of Dr. King.
Book Talk Join in a lively discussion of what folks have been reading! All kinds of books are included. This month that will be January 20th at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom. All are welcome!
Anti-Racism Demonstration Honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by peacefully demonstrating for racial justice. Join the weekly anti-racism demonstration on 54th Ave. S. in front of the church, on Sunday afternoon January 16th from 4:30-5:00 p.m. Bring your own sign or use one of the signs at church and be part of this witness to the community.
For the safety and comfort of all, please wear a mask. Thank you!
Lakewood United Church of Christ 2601 54th Ave. S. St. Petersburg, FL 33712
727-867-7961 lakewooducc@gmail.com Lakewooducc.org
On land originally inhabited by the Tocabaga
Lakewood United Church of Christ 