LAKEWOOD UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
A Just Peace Church
An Open and Affirming Church
A Creation Justice Church
10:30 am
November 6, 2022
WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
LIGHTING THE PEACE CANDLE Kay Rencken , Liturgist
If there is a divine spark
that is in me,
let it flame;
that I might be
consumed
for peace.
Erice Fairbrother, Aotearoa/New Zealand
PRELUDE
* CALL TO WORSHIP The Iona Community, adapted
With the whole church
We affirm
that we are made in God’s image,
befriended by Christ, empowered by the Spirit.
With people everywhere
We affirm
God’s goodness at the heart of humanity,
planted more deeply than all that is wrong.
With all Creation,
We celebrate the miracle and wonder of life;
the unfolding purposes of God,
forever at work in ourselves and the world.
* HYMN What a Covenant 471
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.
Luke 6:20-31 and Matthew 11:28-30
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.
SERMON What Makes a Saint? Rev. Kim P. Wells
NAMING OF THE SAINTS
This morning we celebrate the lives of persons we name as saints – those who give us a closer glimpse of God.
Some of them may be living, others have completed their
physical lives here on earth.
We honor these saints with love and appreciation.
The saints are standing row on row
engulfed in light and peace,
standing face to face with God
whose love will never cease.
unknown author
LITANY We Remember Them Rabbi Roland B. Gittelsohn, 1910-1995
In the rising of the sun and in its going down,
In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter,
In the opening of buds and in the rebirth of spring,
we remember them.
In the blueness of the sky and in the warmth of summer,
In the rustling of leaves and in the beauty of autumn,
In the beginning of the year and when it ends,
we remember them.
When we are weary and in need of strength,
When we are lost and sick at heart,
When we have joys we yearn to share,
we remember them.
So long as we live, they too shall live,
for they are now a part of us,
as we remember them.
Sharing of Names and Prayer of Thanksgiving
* HYMN For All the Saints 299
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 and COMMUNION OFFERING
Morning offerings may be brought forward and placed in the plates on the altar. 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. If you would like assistance, please turn to someone seated near you.
Offertory
* Prayer of Dedication Cesar Chavez, 1927-1993
When we are honest with ourselves,
we must admit that our lives are all that really belong to us.
So it is how we use our lives that determines
what kind of people we are. Amen.
* PREPARATION FOR COMMUNION What a Friend We Have in Jesus 506
CELEBRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION
Invitation
Communion Prayer – Savior’s Prayer
Our Creator in heaven, hallowed be your name, your
kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us
from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For
the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now
and forever. Amen.
Blessing the Bread and Cup
Sharing the Meal
Giving Thanks
* HYMN I Sing a Song of the Saints of God 295
*BENEDICTION
Trusting in the love of Jesus.
May we answer the call of God, saying, “ Here I am! Send me.”
*SUNG RESPONSE (please form a circle) Rosemary Crow
Weave, weave, weave us together; weave us together in unity and love.
Weave, weave, weave us together; weave us together, together in love.
*POSTLUDE
Announcements
Communion Sunday: This is a Communion Sunday. We are using the prepackaged individual communion servings. Please know that everyone is welcome to participate in communion. Young people are invited to participate at the discretion of the adult(s) who have brought them. The Communion Offering will be received. This offering is used to help people in the church and the community with basic needs such as rent and utility assistance, bus passes, prescriptions, etc. There has been heavy need for these funds. Please consider how you can help the community through this offering.
Memorial Garden
Following the service this morning, there will be a gathering at the Memorial Garden of the church to remember those who have been part of the LUCC family and have made their witness which continues to sustain the church and those who are part of the church family today.
In Memoriam
In celebration of the life of LUCC member Carolyn Moore, who died Friday Oct. 28. Condolences to her loved ones especially her daughter, Melanie Moore. There will be a memorial service for Carolyn at Lakewood UCC on Saturday Nov. 12 at 2:00 p.m. All are invited to celebrate Carolyn’s life.
Harvest Forms
The Harvest report with a summary of the giving of the LUCC congregation provides an occasion for inspiration and celebration! Please fill out a form and return it to the church by Friday November 18.
Healing Through the Holidays
This time of year can be fraught – and not only because we are busy celebrating. It can be a time to remember those who will not be with us this year. It is a time to negotiate difficult family relationships. It is a time requiring us to be with people who may have different values than we do. And it is a time when many of the activities and customs don’t necessarily align with what is good and healthy for us or for the earth. There is a lot to consider and to navigate.
The holiday season can also provide a wonderful opening for healing, for reconciliation, for understanding, and for transformation. In a three part discussion oriented workshop, we will look at some of the stresses and opportunities that may come with the holiday season. We will think about ways that this time of year can be a time of healing and restoration instead of a time of depletion and conflict.
This workshop will be held via Zoom on Tuesdays November 15, November 29, and Dec. 13 from 7-8 p.m. All are welcome! The Zoom number is: 270 068 3648.
Choir Rehearsals Resume
Rehearsals began today and will continue each Sunday in the sanctuary from 9 to 10:15 a.m. All are welcome! For more information, please contact music director Hilton Jones.
Election Day Ahead
Tuesday Nov. 8 is Election Day here in Florida. Please make sure to vote! If you need transportation or assistance in any way, please contact the church office (867-7961 or lakewooducc@gmail.com). In addition to the candidates on the ballot, there are several other important initiatives to consider. This is an important way to express our convictions for the good of society. Make a plan. And vote!
Thanksgiving Sunday Ahead!
Sunday Nov. 21 will be the annual Thanksgiving service. Please bring something to represent what you are thankful for; something that represents a gift in your life, as we build an altar of gratitude together!
Operation Attack
OA needs donations of cereal/oatmeal, mac and cheese, pasta sauce, peanut butter, canned meat, fruit, soup, and vegetables. Donations may be placed on shelf in hallway.
Toiletries for Celebrate Outreach: Celebrate Outreach is a local ministry with people who are living without shelter in St. Petersburg. Needed: men’s and women’s underwear. (Men sizes 30, 32,34; and Women’s sizes 5,6, 7,8.) Also in high demand are socks of all kinds /sizes for both men & women. Other needed items are Deodorant & disposable razors.
FaceBook Live
The 10:30 a.m. service is being streamed on FaceBook Live.
Circle of Concern: Barbara Donohue, Erik Johnson, Colombian Family, William Owen-Cowan, Family and Loved ones of Carolyn Moore, Ann Quinn is under Hospice care, Maggie Brizendine, Janet Hall, Tony Larson, All those suffering from COVID-19 and all healthcare workers, Schools: Students, families, teachers, and staff.
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 