WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
LIGHTING THE PEACE CANDLE Sally Purvis, liturgist
I’m concerned about a better world. I’m concerned about justice; I’m concerned about brotherhood; I’m concerned about truth. And when one is concerned about that, he can never advocate violence. For through violence you may murder a murderer, but you can’t murder murder. Through violence you may murder a liar, but you can’t establish truth. Through violence you may murder a hater, but you can’t murder hate through violence. Darkness cannot put out darkness; only light can do that.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 1929-1968
PRELUDE Lullaby (from Preludes in African Rhythm)
Isak Roux (South Africa b.1959)†
OPENING RESPONSIVE READING Padraig O Tuama, adapted
We begin our day as one,
honoring this life, with all its potentials and possibilities.
We begin our day with trust,
knowing that we are created for loving encounter.
We begin our day with hope,
knowing the day can hold
love, kindness,
forgiveness and justice.
MUSIC Dusk (from African Sketches)
Nkeiru Okoye (Nigeria/USA b.1972)†
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.
Genesis 45:1-15, Luke 6:27-38
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 Peace in the Valley Thomas A. Dorsey (USA © 1939)
CONTEMPORARY READING Carter Heyward
SERMON Set Back Set Right Rev. Kim P. Wells
CONTEMPORARY RESPONSIVE READING Iona Community
We believe that God is present
In the darkness before dawn;
In the waiting and uncertainty
where fear and courage join hands,
conflict and caring link arms,
and the sun rises over barbed wire.
We believe in a with-us God
Who sits down in our midst
To share our humanity.
We affirm a faith
That takes us beyond the safe place:
Into action, into vulnerability
And into the streets.
We commit ourselves to work for change
And put ourselves on the line;
To bear responsibility, take risks,
Live powerfully and face humiliation;
To stand with those on the edge;
To choose life
And be used by the Spirit
For God’s new community of hope. Amen.
MUSIC Builsa Work Song (from Twelve Pedagogical Pieces)
J. H. Kwabena Nketia (Ghana b.1921)†
RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS and BAPTISM
Introduction
*Affirmation of Faith
United Church of Christ Statement of Faith in the Form of a Doxology
Vows for New Members and Sponsors
Baptism
Signing the Church Registry
Prayer
Welcome
*Congregational Response
We welcome you with joy as partners in the common life of this church. We promise you our continuing friendship and prayers as we share the hopes and labors of the church of Jesus Christ. By the power of the Holy Spirit, together may we continue to grow in the knowledge of God and of God’s love and be witnesses of Jesus Christ.
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 Kwela No. 1 Isak Roux (South Africa b.1959)†
Words of Dedication Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you: a full measure — packed down, shaken together and running over — will be poured into your lap. For the amount you measure out is the amount you’ll be given back. Amen.
PREPARATION FOR PRAYER Just a Closer Walk with Thee anonymous (USA) ‡
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 Thomas Berry, 1914-2009
May we all
“learn to live graciously together on this unique, beautiful, blue planet.”
*POSTLUDE The Entertainer Joplin (USA)
† from the Oxford Press collection: Piano Music of Africa and the African Diaspora
‡ from The African American Heritage Hymnal
Circle of Concern: Earl Waters, Ron Huff, Christopher and Dana, 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.
Ash Wednesday Service on March 2 at 7:00 p.m. The Lenten season of preparation for Easter begins with Ash Wednesday. This beautiful service involves a re-commitment to the way of Jesus, re-turning our lives to God. The service is held around a fire reminding us of the healing, renewing, purifying power of Divine Love. Communion will be served. This year the service will be held at the waterfront home of Emily and Bob Bell. You may bring a chair if you wish. You may also bring a stick to add to the fire
New Members This morning Michelle Cloutier and Sherry Santana are being received as new members of the congregation. They are welcomed with joy!
Congregational Meeting Ahead There will be a congregational meeting after church today to take action on the budget for 2022. Everyone from the church family is encouraged to participate!
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.
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.
Date Change for Monthly Book Talk This month Book Talk will be held on Wednesday February 23 at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom. This is a wonderful time of sharing about books. Everyone is welcome to listen in and to share about what you have been reading. It’s a very inspiring time! Join in! Here’s the link: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2700683648Meeting ID: 270 068 3648
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.comLakewooducc.org
On land originally inhabited by the Tocabaga
Lakewood United Church of Christ 