Another beautiful Sunday morning for worship out on the lawn of the church. There will be another Sunday morning outdoor service Dec. 20 at 10:30. There will also be an outdoor service on Christmas Eve at 7:00 p.m. Bring your own chair if you can. Masks and distancing required. All welcome!
Date: Dec. 13, 2020 Third Sunday of Advent In-person worship, outdoors
Scripture Lessons: Psalm 126 and John 1:6-8, 19-28
Sermon: Rekindle Joy
Pastor: Rev. Kim P. Wells
When I was young, there was a song we often sang in church. It was the 70’s.
There were guitars. And the words of the song went, “If anybody asks you who I
am, Who I am, Who I am, If anybody asks you who I am, Tell him I’m a child of
God.”
In our faith tradition, we do believe that every single human being, all 7.8 billion
of us, are each a child of God. Sacred. Holy. Created by love and for love.
In the words we heard from the gospel of John today, we are told of Jewish leaders
sending priests and Levites from Jerusalem out to the wilderness near the Jordan
River to ask John, “Who are you?” Who are you, John? Are you the Messiah?
Are you Elijah? Elijah was remembered as having been taken up in a whirlwind
and he was expected to return. So John is asked, Who are you? And he replies.
He is clear. He knows who he is and his role. Not the Messiah. Not Elijah. But
the one spoken of by the prophet Isaiah. The one who is to prepare the way.
So, in thinking about this question, “Who are you?” what is our answer? A child
of God. What other things might we answer if asked, Who are you?
RESPONSES FROM CONGREGATION
In thinking about answering that question, Who are you? we want to think about
how we respond with regard to our faith. Might we say, “I’m a child of God.” We
might say, “I’m a Christian.” Or we might say, “I am a follower of Jesus.” We
might even admit, “I’m a church goer.”
It can be hard to self identify as a person of faith in today’s world because
depending on the context it can send the wrong message. It can create confusion.
But here at our church, we have more of a shared understanding of what we do and
don’t mean when we claim our faith identity.
Given this question in the opening of the gospel of John, Who are you?, we are
going to look more closely at what it means to answer, “I am a follower of Jesus.”
In the gospel of John, the first public act of Jesus is the story of Jesus turning water
into wine at the wedding in Cana. Yes, there are many meanings to this story but
we don’t want to miss that this was a wedding. A celebration. A party. And Jesus
is coming through with the wine. It’s a good time.
Other stories in the gospels tell of meals and feasts. Again, fun with friends.
Something we’re missing these covid days.
There is the story of the feeding of the multitudes. A free picnic for thousands.
Again, think enjoying your friends and free food to boot.
There are stories of healing and the wonderful life-changing results. Again, cause
for celebration and gratitude.
We are told of Jesus bering accused of being a glutton and a drunkard. Celebrating
the abundance of food and friends.
We are told of Jesus the night before he is killed celebrating the seder. That’s a
feast of liberation. It’s sacred but it is joyful. At a seder I attended the kids threw
plastic frogs and had all kinds of props and fun.
I’m not saying Jesus was not serious. I’m not saying with world doesn’t have
serious problems.
But when we think about Jesus, let’s remember that in the gospel of John, Jesus
tells his followers, I have come to bring abundant joy.
Not abundant judgment. Not abundant suffering.
Not abundant guilt.
Not abundant condemnation.
Not abundant work.
Joy. Abundant Joy. Joy that is ever full. Joy is woven throughout the gospel
narratives. Joy that lifts the spirits and infuses relationships and is contagious.
How did the early church spread with such speed and scope? Maybe part of it is
the joy that was clearly evident among the followers of Jesus.
One stereotype of Christians today is that they are stern structure legitimators; right
and wrong, heaven and hell, in or out. There is a lot of fear and judgment. Not
much joy there.
Sometimes Christians today are seen as kind of mindless happy people. They can
seem ignorant or oblivious to all the problems in the world. Kind of delusional.
Really, not much joy there, either.
I think the joy we see in Jesus is subversive. The Romans wanted the Jews to be
miserable. To suffer. So that they would be easier to control and subdue. And
here is Jesus celebrating and enjoying friends, having fun, feasting. It’s like
announcing: Hey Romans, I’m not going to let you control my reality. God is
good. All the time. Life is a miracle. Love abounds. We are taking joy!
So, as we think about who we are as followers of Jesus, we want to think about
how we take joy. How are we joyful people because of our faith? How do we
express joy in our relationships? How do we share joy with others?
There is a story about the poet Rainer Maria Rilke. When he was living in Paris he
used to take a walk every afternoon and each day he passed by an elderly woman
who was begging. The women sat beside the path stoically and silently and
showed no sign of gratitude for the money that was given to her.
One day, Rilke walked past with a young woman friend. Much to her astonishment
he gave the elderly woman no coins. His companion wondered why. He told her,
“A person must give something to her heart and not to her hand.”
A few days later, Rilke went walking with a small, half-opened rose in his hand.
His young friend thought it was for her. But he did not give it to her. Instead, he
laid the rose in the hand of the beggar woman.
In response, the woman stood up, reached out, and took Rilke’s hand and kissed it.
She clutched the rose to her heart and disappeared. She was not seen for a week.
Then she came back and sat lifeless and cold as before. “What do you think she
lived on during that week?” asked Rilke’s young friend.
“On the rose,” he answered.
[From Advent, Christmas and Epiphany: Stories and Reflections on the Sunday
Readings, Megan McKenna, p. 145, adapted.]
Rilke gave the old woman joy.
This is a season to prepare to take joy. The joy that our faith is giving us. And
what better way to usher in joy than to celebrate the birth of a baby. Jesus. And
every other baby. Joy. Joy. Joy. Despite the sleepless nights. Joy. With all the
disruption. Joy. In the face of inconsolable crying and diapers. Joy.
This season is a time to remind ourselves who we are. We are children of God.
And we are followers of Jesus. And this makes us people of joy with a deep and
abiding trust in the goodness of life that brings delight. It’s there. For the taking.
So this advent season, take joy. If ever we needed it, take joy. With three thousand
people a day dying of covid. Take joy. With temperatures and sea level rising.
Take joy. Separated from family and friends. Take joy. Faced with economic
hardship. Take joy. In spite of a dysfunctional political situation. Take joy. With
a broken health care system. Take joy. Amidst the ravages of racism and
oppression. Take joy. In the absence of loved ones. Take joy.
Who are you? Know who you are. Follow Jesus. Rebel. Take joy. Amen.
A reasonable effort has been made to appropriately cite materials referenced in this sermon. For
additional information, please contact Lakewood United Church of Christ.
Advent and Christmas Greetings, Florida UCC members:
Here is the link to the December/January issue of Celebrate Florida.
The recent Annual Gathering of the Florida Conference is summarized on page 1 of the newsletter along with snippets as to how some congregations addressed the November elections.
We are also continuing to look at how our Florida congregations have been responding to the COVID-19 crisis — not only on Sunday mornings but on every other day of the week in the face of the pandemic’s challenging circumstances. We hope you will take the time to read about the creative and interesting ways in which our churches have gone “virtual,” some of which you may wish to consider for your own ministries. You may want to note the increasing number of our congregations that have reopened to in-person worship or are planning to do so soon.
You will also find articles about the new Anti-Racism Ministry in the Conference and activities around Halloween, Thanksgiving, All Saints Day and Advent. We’ve included information about books written by current and recent Florida UCC clergy — some good Christmas gift ideas. Then there are articles about the rabbi and the minister, the pastor who got into some “good trouble,” the minister who reflects on how we in the UCC “describe ourselves” and the federal lawsuit involving one of our congregations.
Thanks to all those churches that provide information about their ministries. If we’ve not been hearing from you, please make sure we’re on the mailing list for your newsletter and e-blasts (celebrateflorida@uccfla.org) — simple and much appreciated.
We especially appreciate your providing the Celebrate Florida link information to church members via your newsletters, e-communications and on your website. During the coronavirus crisis, it is especially covenantal to share all the good news about the United Church of Christ in Florida among your church members.
Blessings of the season,
Rick Carson
Editor
These weeks when we cannot gather in person for Sunday worship, Lakewood United Church of Christ is providing brief weekly sabbath programs for you to listen to on your own or with others in your social isolation group. They will be posted on Friday so that you can schedule your sabbath time to suit your schedule and your spiritual inclinations. We hope these programs are of spiritual support to you in these difficult times.
The post this week focuses on the theme for the third Sunday of Advent – joy.
This post includes a scripture reading from Claire Stiles, a reflection from Rev. Kim Wells and a music video by Hilton Jones. We hope this post helps to feed your spirit in these difficult times as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
You are invited to find a quiet space, inside or outside. Light a candle. Take a look around you. Breathe. Life-giving breath. Be present.
You may begin with this reading:
Bright star-maker God, travel with us through Advent shine into our dark corners lead us into ways of justice warm us with joy and wonder bring us to new birth. --Ruth Burgess
When you are ready, start the video below.
(For written text of the above video click HERE.)
As you listen to the music that follows, you are invited to notice the thoughts and feelings that arise for you.
In closing, you are invited to offer the following closing reading:
All the broken hearts shall rejoice: all those who are heavy laden, whose eyes are tired and do not see, shall be lifted up to meet with the motherly healer. The battered souls and bodies shall be healed; the hungry shall be fed; the imprisoned shall be free; all her earthly children shall regain joy in the reign of the just and loving one coming for you coming for me in this time in this world. --Sun Ai Lee Park, Hong Kong/USA
Breathe. Breathe again. Be filled. With joy. Extinguish your candle and engage whatever may come with a sense of peace and a desire to serve.
LAKEWOOD UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
The mission of Lakewood United Church of Christ, as part of the Church Universal, is to:
USEFUL LAKEWOOD LINKS DURING THE CORONA CRISIS:
Advent Season!
When we had the Christmas in July Zoom celebration we enjoyed hearing the Christmas story and singing carols. Well, there is another Zoom Christmas Eve service planned for 5:00 p.m. on Dec. 24th. There will also be an in-person outdoor service at 7:00 p.m.
The theme for this Advent season at LUCC is Rekindle the Gift from a verse from 2 Timothy. This is certainly a season to ‘rekindle’ after all that we have been through! Each week, the Corona Sabbath and daily devotions will focus on the traditional themes for the candles of the Advent Wreath. Rekindle Hope. Rekindle Peace. Rekindle Joy. And Rekindle Love.
Please see the details below for the Advent season. May you find needed hope, peace, joy, and love this season!
Carol Sing Ahead
Missing singing those favorite Christmas carols? A Zoom carol sing is being planned. Hilton will play and everyone on the Zoom will safely sing at home. In the past, each Advent season there has been a caroling event to visit the homebound. Since Corona has us all somewhat homebound, this year, there will be caroling for everyone who can access Zoom. If you have a New Century Hymnal, you can use it. The zoom will be Saturday, December 12th at 4:00 p.m.
Please use this link to join! https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2700683648
Advent Devotions – Posted at the Website
A booklet of devotions has been prepared for the Advent season with a reading for each day and liturgy for the lighting of Advent candles at home each Sunday. These devotions are also posted weekly at the church website. May these devotions help to rekindle hope, peace, joy, and love this holy season.
Please use the link below to read the third weeks readings and liturgy: https://lakewooducc.org/2020/12/09/advent-candle-lighting-liturgy-and-daily-devotions-for-week-3/
Christmas Eve Zoom and Christmas Eve Live
In these difficult and challenging days, celebrating the birth of Jesus is more important than ever. Jesus, too, was born in difficult times. His birth reminds us that God is with us, in joy and in sorrow, in times of fear and challenge as well as times of awe and wonder.
You are invited to celebrate the birth of Jesus with the LUCC church family. The same service will be offered two ways on Christmas Eve.
At 5:00 p.m. there will be a Zoom/FaceBook live service. Go to the church FaceBook page and click on the lower left. Here’s the link for Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2700683648
At 7:00 p.m. there will be an in person version of the same service on the church grounds. Masks and physical distancing will be maintained. There will be no singing. Bring a chair and a flashlight so you can read the bulletin. In case of rain, the service will be held on the covered patio adjacent to the playground.
Rekindle the Gifts of God: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love
Poinsettias
In the uncharted territory we are facing this year, the church will be trying something new. The church family is invited to bring poinsettias to church on the Sundays in December before Christmas. They will beautify our worship space and they will be taken to those who are homebound and in need of special care in the congregation. So, if you would like to, please bring a poinsettia or poinsettias to church. Many thanks!
Congregational Care Visits Planned
While it is not safe to go caroling this year, the Care Team has plans for safe visits and drive bys to those in the congregation who are isolated or in need of Christmas cheer. Hopefully these visits will be meaningful to those who participate and will help to rekindle hope, peace, joy, and love!
In-Person Events!
The church is experimenting with a ‘soft’ re-opening. There will be in- person gatherings and services outside, with masks, and physical distancing. There will be no singing. Participants are encouraged to bring their own chairs. Some will also be available at the church. Most events will be on the church lawn. If the weather bad, events will be held on the church patio adjacent to the playground.
Here’s what’s coming:
In addition, the weekly guided labyrinth walks will continue on Wednesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. and weekly anti-racism demonstrations will continue on Sunday evenings at 4:30p.m. All are welcome.
For those who want to remain engaged with the church ‘remotely’, the church will continue to post a weekly Corona Sabbath with a scripture reading, reflection from Rev. Wells, and music from Hilton Jones. Paper copies of the Corona Sabbath and the Update will continue to be sent to those who do not use the internet.
After this period of experimentation, there will be a discussion about how to proceed into the New Year.
Toys Delivered at Maximo
What an amazing, inspiring day Monday was at Maximo Elementary! The toys that were collected by the Education Ministry Team were delivered to the school. What began as a request by the Family and Community Liaison, Ms. Jones, for gifts for thirty children experiencing homelessness grew and grew and grew. Partnership with the Social Justice Team at Westminster Suncoast and then St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church flourished. Generosity grew wings. When the toys were delivered there were four cars overflowing with more than one hundred fifty gifts.
Ms. Jones, along with the Principal and staff, greeted us with smiles and great appreciation. Pictures were taken and friendships made. We left Maximo having received more than we had given. Our hearts were bursting with joy.
Thanks to everyone who joined in this undertaking to spread Christmas joy to children and their parents during this very stressful time. May the pictures bring you Hope, Peace, Joy and Love as you imagine the surprise and excitement of a precious child receiving your gift.
Use the following link to see pictures: https://lakewooducc.org/2020/12/09/toys-delivered-at-maximo/
Work Under Way for Adult Day Care
Finally after a year and a half of planning, the renovations of the Fellowship Hall are underway to prepare for the Adult Day Care program sponsored by Neighborly Services! So far, a railing has been installed to the back entrance of the Fellowship Hall and the demolition is underway to prepare for the three accessible restrooms that are being installed. The patio has been pressure washed.
It is very exciting to finally see movement toward the goal of offering needed services to the seniors in our area!
Corona Sabbath Ahead
The Corona Sabbath post this week follows the theme for the Advent candles. This week the focus is joy. How do we think about rekindling joy in our lives this Advent season?
This week Claire Stiles is reading the scripture, there is a reflection from Rev. Wells, and music from Hilton Jones.
If you missed last week’s Corona Sabbath here’s the link:
https://lakewooducc.org/2020/12/04/corona-sabbath-38-second-sunday-of-advent-peace/
Anti-Racism Demonstrations Continue on Sundays
Weekly demonstrations to end racism continue in front of the church each Sunday. Beginning Dec. 6, the demonstrations will begin at 4:30. Bring a sign or use one of the signs provided. Regardless of the outcome of the election, this witness is an important demonstration of Christian values and moral values. All are welcome to join in!
And use the following link to see pictures from the last demonstration.
https://lakewooducc.org/2020/12/01/anti-racism-demonstration-11-27/
In case of rain, the demonstration will not be held that week. Know justice, know peace!
Weekly Labyrinth Walks Continue
Each Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. a small group gathers at the outdoor labyrinth for a time of devotion, discussion, and meditative walking of the labyrinth. The theme for the week is taken from the Corona Sabbath of the week before, so it is an opportunity to go deeper in the spiritual exploration of that theme for your life. This devotional gathering is outside and physical distancing is maintained. All are welcome!
If there is rain on Wednesday morning, the gathering will be held on Thursday morning at 9:00.
Spiritual Direction Offered by LUCC Clergy Member.
In these troubled times, it is important to find ways to tend to our spiritual lives. In the Christian tradition, Spiritual Direction is one of the ways of paying attention to the spirit in our lives. A Spiritual Director is someone to talk with about what is going on in our spiritual life and in our relationship with God however we may conceive of God.
Rev. Sally Purvis, Ph.D., a member of LUCC, is a retired clergy person with training and experience in Spiritual Direction. She is offering her services as a Spiritual Director to the community. The sessions would be held on Zoom and there is no fee to be paid. Church leaders are pleased to have the ministry of the church expand in this way.
Spiritual Direction with Sally is open to anyone, not just the congregation. And it is offered to everyone whatever their spiritual or religious background or affiliation or lack thereof. Sessions are generally held once every three weeks. Spiritual Direction is not a mode of therapy. It is a process for understanding and deepening your relationship with God/Spirit in ways that are authentic and life-giving.
Sally was trained by Henri Nouwen, a noted spiritual guide of the 20th century, and did Spiritual Direction as part of her professional ministry before retiring in 2015.
If you would like to explore Spiritual Direction with Sally, please contact her at
sallybpurvis@icloud.com or contact the church (867-7961 or lakewooducc@gmail.com ).
The church is very grateful to Sally for offering this avenue of support to the congregation and the community.
USEFUL LAKEWOOD LINKS DURING THE CORONA CRISIS:
For the above church website links, please note the “Older Posts” button near the bottom of each page.
Music Ministry
About Hilton’s music. . . If you would enjoy hearing Hilton play more Irish folk songs, you can
listen for free at either https://hiltonjones.bandcamp.com/album/irish-
tunes or https://soundcloud.com/hilton-kean-jones/sets/irish-tunes .
December Birthdays: Becky Palmer 12/16, Amaiya Washington 12/18, George Diven 12/27, Melanie Moore 12/27, Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.
Circle of Concern: JoAnn Reid, William Owen, Wilbur Reid, Jen Degroot, Carolyn Moore, Ann Quinn, Maggie Brizendine, Dave Radens, Bert and Joyce Lee, Jeff Wells, teachers, students, and school personnel, and all healthcare workers and essential workers. All those suffering from COVID-19.
Please keep LUCC member, Olivia Gibson, in your prayers. She is a nurse in a COVID-19 unit in a local hospital. We are grateful for her ministry!
Church Office Hours: Tuesday-Friday 9:30-noon.
Recent Posts:
Weekly Update: If you are involved with an activity or event that you would like to share with the LUCC family, please send the information to the Church Office by Tuesday since the Update usually is sent out on Wednesday.
