WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
LIGHTING THE PEACE CANDLE Sherry Santana, liturgist
Violence as a way of achieving racial justice is both impractical and immoral. It is impractical because it is a descending spiral ending in destruction for all. . . . It is immoral because it seeks to humiliate the opponent rather than win his understanding; it seeks to annihilate rather than to convert. Violence is immoral because it thrives on hatred rather than love. It destroys community and makes brotherhood impossible. It leaves society in monologue rather than dialogue. Violence ends by defeating itself It creates bitterness in the survivors and brutality in the destroyers.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, 1929-1968, in Stride Toward Freedom
PRELUDE My Song Is Love Unknown Ireland
OPENING READING Peter Chrysologus, 406-450
God saw the world falling to ruin because of fear and immediately acted to call it back with love. God invited it by grace, preserved it by love, and embraced it with compassion.
MUSIC Pentatonic Study Elwell
SCRIPTURE LESSONS
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.
Nehemiah 8:1-10 and Luke 4:14-30
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 Light of Tranquility HKJ
MODERN READING — Spring Song Lucille Clifton, 1936-2010
SERMON Re-Set Rev. Kim P. Wells
RESPONSIVE READING Jim Cotter, 1942-2014
In the celebration that embraces the exile and outcast,
In the joy that sings of freedom at last,
we worship the God of justice and peace,
we praise the God of freedom and joy,
we adore the God of love and new life,
we bless the God of reconciliation and healing,
we glorify the God of harmony and bliss.
We add our voice to the music of God,
we fall silent in the presence of Mystery,
in wonder and awe and love,
the Mystery that is the Source of our being
and the God of our belonging,
beautiful, utterly holy, glorious light,
unbounded love. Alleluia! Alleluia!
MUSIC Imagine Lennon
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.
AFFIRMATION OF LEADERS 1 Corinthian 12:4-7, 26-27, adapted
There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit gives them.
There are different ways of serving, but the same God is served.
There are different abilities to preform service, but the same God gives ability to each of us for our own particular service.
The Spirit’s presence is shown in some ways to each person for the good of all.
Christ is like a single body, which has many parts.
It is still one body even though it is made up of different parts.
If one part of the body suffers, all the other parts suffer with it; if one part is praised, all the other parts are praised.
All of us are Christ’s body, and each one is a part of it.
Vows
*Congregational Affirmation
We stand in celebration of the joy that is ours to be partners with you in the service of Jesus Christ. We promise to love you and honor your leadership, that together we may be a faithful church of Jesus Christ.
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 Sunflower Slow Drag Joplin
Prayer of Dedication Helen Keller, 1880-1968
I must not just live my life; I will not just spend my life. I will invest my life. Amen.
PREPARATION FOR PRAYER Träumerei Schumann
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
Eternal Spirit, Earth Maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver,
Source of all that is and that ever shall be,
Father and Mother of all people, Loving God in whom is heaven:
The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!
The way of your justice be followed by all peoples of the world!
Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom sustain our hope and
come on earth!
With the bread that we need for today, feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.
In times of temptation and testing, strengthen us.
From trials too great to endure, spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil, free us.
For you reign in the glory of the power that is love, now and forever.
Amen.
* BENEDICTION Henri Nouwen, 1932-1996
Claiming your own blessedness always leads to a deep desire to bless others. Amen.
*POSTLUDE Toccata Walond
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!
Affirmation of Leaders This morning, Barbara Donohue and Christy Martin join Lucille Ruga and Malcolm Wells as advisors for the coming year. The church is deeply grateful for their leadership!
Rev. Angela Wells-Bean to be Installed at Naples United Church of Christ The Rev. Angela Wells-Bean, who grew up at LUCC and was ordained at LUCC, has begun serving as the Minister for Congregational Care at Naples United Church of Christ. She will be installed to this minsitry on Sunday Feb. 6 at 3:00 p.m. in the sanctuary at the church. This event can also be accessed through live streaming from the church website – naplesucc.org
Anti Racism Demonstrations Temporarily Suspended Many thanks to those who have been part of the weekly anti racism demonstrations recently and in the past. Due to decreased participation, the weekly demonstrations are being suspended. If there are more people that want to participate in the future, the demonstrations will be resumed. The suspending of the demonstrations creates an opening for other ministries to emerge as the church continues its commitment to creating an antiracist society. If you have ideas or suggestions about new ways for the church to be involved in eradicating racism, please speak with Earl Waters or Rev. Wells.
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 