Bulletin 5.21.23
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
LIGHTING THE PEACE CANDLE Colleen Coughenour, liturgist
I will not be involved with the dreams of angry men.
Hmong Villager, Laos
PRELUDE As Time Goes By Hupfeld
* OPENING READING — Lady in Waiting Hebe Welbourne
Waiting — for what?
For your child to wake,
To need you, to leave you?
For the coming of Christ?
For social security, justice, aid?
For a lucky chance?
For the passage of time?
Enduring the pain
Which can only be borne
Enfolded in the space
Between times.
Lady, let me join you
In the space between,
Where all joys and sorrows are
Meeting.
* HYMN What a Covenant 471
SCRIPTURE LESSON – 1 Peter 4:12-16, 5:6-11
Don’t be surprised, my dear friends, that a trial by fire is occurring in your midst. It is a test for you, but it shouldn’t catch you off guard. Rejoice, instead, insofar as you share the Savior’s sufferings, so that when the glory of Christ is revealed, you will rejoice exceedingly. Happy are you when you are insulted for the sake of Christ, for then God’s Spirit in her glory has come to rest on you.
See to it, however, that none of you suffers for being a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or a destroyer of another’s rights. If anyone suffers for being a follower of Christ, however, that one ought not be ashamed, but rather should glorify God in virtue of that Name.
Therefore, humble yourselves before God’s mighty power, that you may be exalted by God on the appointed day.
Cast all your cares on God, who cares for you. Be sober. Be watchful. For your adversary the Devil roams about like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. Stand up to the devil as one strong in faith, fortified with the knowledge that your sisters and brothers throughout the world share the same afflictions.
But the God of all grace, who called you to eternal glory through Jesus Christ, will fulfill, restore, strengthen and establish you after you have suffered a little while. To God be glory and dominion forever and ever! Amen.
* HYMN Be Not Dismayed 460
SERMON Rev. Kim P. Wells
UNISON READING — Give Me Someone
Author once known, Japan, adapted
When I am famished,
Give me someone who needs food;
When I am thirsty,
Send me someone who needs water;
When I am cold,
Send me someone to warm;
When I am hurting,
Send me someone to console; . . . .
When I am poor,
Lead someone needy to me;
When I have no time,
Give me someone to help for a moment;
When I am criticized,
Give me someone to praise;
When I am discouraged,
Send me someone to encourage;
When I need another’s understanding,
Give me someone who needs mine;
When I need somebody to take care of me,
Send me someone to care for;
When I think too much of myself,
Turn my thoughts toward someone else.
ANTHEM Come by the Hills Irish, trad.
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
Bring forward. . .If you would like assistance, please turn to someone seated near you.
Offertory Syncopated Clock Anderson
* Time of Dedication Celtic Blessing
When Jesus came to earth as a baby,
He depended entirely on human love —
That of Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds.
When Jesus preached and healed,
He depended entirely on human love —
The alms given by those who heard him.
I too depend on human love.
The kindness of others sustains my soul.
The gifts of others sustain my body.
Every person depends on others’ love.
Let no one be ashamed of their needs.
To depend on others is to imitate Christ.
* PREPARATION FOR PRAYER
Won’t You Let Me Be Your Servant 539
MORNING PRAYERS – SAVIOR’S PRAYER
Fathering and Mothering God, lover of us all, most holy one.
Help us to respond to you
To create what you want for us here on earth.
Give us today enough for our needs.
Forgive our weak and deliberate offenses,
Just as we must forgive others when they hurt us.
Help us to resist evil and to do what is good.
For we are yours, endowed with your power to make the world whole. Amen.
* HYMN Send Me, Lord 360
* BENEDICTION Catholic Bishops of Appalachia
They sing of a life
free and simple,
with time for one another,
and for people’s needs,
based on the dignity of the human person,
at one with nature’s beauty. . .
* CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE (please form a circle)
Teje, tejenos juntos, Teje, tejenos juntos,
Tejenos juntos en unidad y amor. Tejenos juntos, juntos en el amor.
* POSTLUDE I’m Bidin’ My Time Gershwin
ANNOUNCEMENTS
AHEAD –
LUCC will be participating in the UCC Climate Card initiative letting legislators know that we support efforts to eliminate global warming. Look for more information soon!
For Pentecost, please plan on bringing a candle to church to be used in worship.
Circle of Concern
Jeff Wells and family over the death of his brother, Frank Wells
Erik Johnson
Ann Quinn is under Hospice care
Ron Spivack
Janet Hall
Family and Loved Ones of Dave Radens, husband of Marg Radens
Schools: Students, families, teachers, and staff
Congregational Meeting
Lakewood United Church of Christ 