Author: lakewooducc

Advent Candle Lighting Liturgy and Daily Devotions for Week 3

This Advent season of 2020 the focus is on rekindling the gift of God. We certainly need our spiritual grounding and the gifts of faith to sustain us during these difficult times.

There is a ritual for lighting the Advent wreath each Sunday. Then there is a reading for each day of the week based on the theme of the week’s candle.

May we rekindle the gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love this Advent season!

Rekindle the Gift of Joy

Lighting the Third Advent Candle – JOY

In our homes we gather around wreaths to pray our lost hopes, broken peace, limited joys, and love so hard to find and share in this season of coronavirus.   We affirm that our candles mean we claim the power to call this season Advent, when God’s light comes into the world and nothing can overcome it.

Light two candles.

We light the candles of hope and peace.

Light a third candle.

We now light the candle of joy in spite of missing so many things we thought were essential to a merry Christmas

name the traditions, people, and activities that you are missing this year

God’s joy ignites embers under loss and sorrow and lights the wick of joy in our lives so that we may shine on the world – a simple smile and unexpected laughter – and brighten the path toward joy.   Amen.

Monday Dec. 14   JOY

‘Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice.  He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him.’ 

Luke 17:15-16

In the story of Jesus healing the 10 people who have leprosy, one of those healed comes back to Jesus rejoicing and praising God.  A joyous scene is portrayed. 

Jesus comes to heal and make us whole.  He comes to heal our wounds of hurt feelings and desperation.  He comes to heal the past which can control us to our detriment.  He comes to heal relationships and bring reconciliation.  He comes to make us whole when we have been battered and bruised by people in our lives who were to care for us.  He come to make us whole when we have been beaten down by attitudes and systems in society that seek to suppress us. 

Jesus comes to heal us and lift us up so that we are filled with joy.

This invites us to consider where we need healing in our lives.  What hurt and pain do we bear?  Maybe you want to jot down where you may need healing in your life.  How would you like to experience the healing power of Jesus that leads to joy? 

Prayer

Healing involves change.  Embracing a new reality.  Sometimes we fear change.  We become used to our aches and pains, our grudges and biases.  May we open ourselves to healing so that we may know joy!  Amen. 

Tuesday Dec. 15   JOY

‘Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;             break forth into joyous song and sing praises. Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;             the world and those who live in it. Let the floods clap their hands;            let the hills sing together for joy. . .’

                                                                                   Psalm 98:4,7

‘Joy to the world, the Lord is come!’

It’s a Christmas favorite and in our church we usually sing it at Easter, too! 

In this rousing hymn heaven, nature, Earth, fields, floods, rocks, hills, and plains along with humanity join in praise and joy for the wonder of God’s love in Jesus Christ. 

This carol celebrates that Jesus brings joy not only to humanity but to all of Creation.  It is a sentiment that prods us out of our anthropocentrism.  All of nature is rejoicing.  Jesus comes not just for people but for the whole world. 

While there are days that we may not feel much joy, nature continues to resound with joy – trees growing, animals building homes and nests, mycelium breaking down vegetable matter, creating soil, and sending messages to trees.  Yes, there are days when we don’t want to get out of bed, but nature continues to offer praise and joy. 

We can let nature lift us up.  We are part of nature, so our joy is to go on reveling in life no matter what the circumstances. 

Heaven and nature sing.  Repeat the sounding joy.  Of the wonders of God’s love.  May we join nature in joy and praise!

You are invited to note where you see joy in nature today. 

Prayer

All of nature resounds with joy.  Jesus brings abundant life and joy.  May we join nature in celebrating the wonders of God’s love.  Amen. 

Wednesday Dec. 16  JOY

‘Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.’

                                                                                    Matthew 2:11

This is the season of gift giving.  We especially think about giving gifts to children – toys, books, games.  I can remember when our children were young, one Christmas there were so many gifts we could not open them all on Christmas Day and had to continue the gift opening orgy the day after Christmas. 

That Christmas led to some soul searching.  What were we doing with all of those gifts?  What message was this sending?  It was certainly perpetuating consumerism and materialism – completely at odds with the teachings of Jesus and the message of the Gospel.  All those presents?  This is not what Jesus would want.

The next year, we got one ‘big’ gift for each child.  We spent much of the day at the local park, in the fenced in tennis courts, with the dog running loose, one child riding a new scooter and  one with new roller blades.  We had a wonderful time.

So, what are we looking for when we think about joy?  What brings us joy?  Are we thinking about something humongous and stupendous?  Are we thinking about material wealth and security?  Are we thinking about a miracle?  Or are we thinking about something simple. 

Survey your life.  Examine your expectations.  Jesus brings joy.  Are you open to receiving it or are you missing it, preoccupied and distracted by other things and missing the joy that you are being given?

Maybe you can make a list of where you are finding joy in the living of your days – even with the restrictions of covid.  Maybe even because of the restrictions of covid!

Prayer

Jesus comes to bring us joy.  Maybe sometimes we miss the gift we are being given.  May we open our eyes and our hearts to the joy that is being given to us.  Amen.

Thursday Dec. 17  JOY

‘David also commanded the chiefs of the Levites to appoint their kindred as the singers to play on musical instruments, on harps and lyres and cymbals, to raise loud sounds of joy.’

I Chronicles 15:16

The Christmas season is known for its music.  What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?  Sleigh Ride?  We Three Kings?  Feliz Navidad?  Music expresses the joy of Christmas.  Maybe some years we put on Christmas music to reflect our joy at this season.  Maybe this year we need to play more Christmas music to help us feel the joy.  Remember the joy.  Rekindle the joy.  So, what is on your Christmas play list?  Are you making sure to listen to some Christmas music each day?

Think about how you are feeling right now.  Put on some Christmas music.  How do you feel after listening to it?  Hopefully, it gave you a lift! 

Prayer

Music is a divine gift of expression.  We give thanks for artists and musicians who lift our spirits through their creativity.  This season, we especially give thanks for Christmas music which connects us to the past and lifts our spirits in this moment.  Amen. 

Friday Dec. 18  JOY

‘Today salvation has come to this house. . .’ 

Luke 19:9

The story of the encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus is a favorite.  The story exudes joy.  Zacchaeus is a rich outcast.   He climbs a tree to see Jesus.  Jesus treats him with dignity and respect.  His humanity is affirmed.  Over a shared meal.  That’s it.  No hocus pocus.  Or sacrificial penance.  Or groveling.  Jesus simply treats Zacchaeus as a person created in the image of God.  And Zaccheaus is overjoyed.  He is so grateful, he responds with lavish generosity for the poor and restitution to anyone he has defrauded.  This story shows us joy that is simple, powerful, and profound.

Over the holidays, even during covid, we want to try to keep things simple.  We can bring joy to others simply through respecting and affirming their humanity.  Is there someone in your life that you can uplift with joy in this simple way?

Prayer

Jesus comes to bring us joy by affirming who we are; each a unique child of God.  May we receive this gift and share it with others.  Amen. 

Saturday Dec. 19   JOY

‘I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.’

                                                                                    John 15:11

Many people think of religion as something hard, difficult, burdensome, constraining, and judgmental.  Go to church?  That’s like asking to be pinched. 

But Jesus came to bring joy.  He came to lift people up not slap them down.  He came to bear witness to the abundance and goodness of the realm of God.  It’s not surprising that he was known for his eating and drinking and partying!

If following Jesus makes you feel bitter and cheated, if it makes you feel privileged and entitled, well, maybe you are missing something. 

Following Jesus should lead us to be filled with humble joy. 

Give some thought to how your walk with Jesus brings more joy into your life.

Prayer

Jesus shows a life filled with joyful abandon.  He shows us how to celebrate the presence of Divine Love in our lives and in our world.  May our faith reflect the joy of Jesus.  Amen. 

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.

Sermon 12/6 Preparing for Peace

Date: Dec. 6, 2020 Second Sunday of Advent In-person worship, outdoors
Scripture Lessons: Isaiah 40:1-11 and Mark 1:1-8
Sermon: Preparing for Peace
Pastor: Rev. Kim P. Wells

To access coal seams in the Appalachian mountains, companies are literally
removing mountain tops. First the trees and brush are removed by tractors and bull
dozers. Some lumber is sold, the rest is burned. Then explosives are used to blast
the top of the mountain. The rock and dirt is pushed into nearby valleys and
streams using a drag line that can encompass the area of a city block and weigh up
to 12 million pounds and can move up to 100 tons in a single load. This method of
mountain top removal can decrease the altitude of a mountain by up to 1000
vertical feet. An area bigger than the state of Delaware has been flattened
including over 500 mountains. All of this to expose seams that are mined for coal.
It gives a whole new meaning to a lump of coal in your Christmas stocking!
[Information about mountain top removal mining from https://en.wikipedia.org/
wiki/Mountaintop_removal_mining and
https://earthjustice.org/features/campaigns/what-is-mountaintop-removal-mining]

In China even larger efforts are underway to move mountains to create more land
suitable for development. In one project in western China, 6000 workers operating
3000 excavators and dump trucks, are removing hundreds of mountain tops to
accommodate development. Much of this initiative is sponsored by the
petrochemical industry to meet increasing energy needs. These efforts are
expected to produce billions of dollars in profit.
[See https://www.forbes.com/sites/wadeshepard/2016/01/21/china-is-movingmountains-for-the-new-silk-road-literally/?sh=46f263b07e28 ]

So, clearly, the human species has developed enormous earth moving abilities.
Now, this past week, another young black person was killed in St. Petersburg. At
the Food Max on 18th Ave. S. Again. This tragic event is not just the result of the
personal choices of those directly involved. On Dominique Harris’s part. Or on
the part of the police. This tragedy is the result of hundreds of years of excavating
that has taken place preparing the ground for such an event. The ground was
carefully prepared over centuries by shoring up laws, erecting economic structures,
and amassing societal attitudes that created the context for yet another death of a
young black person. The behavior of Harris, in this case, as well as the police, was
influenced by are a human construct generations in the making. The way was
prepared for this event through monumental cultural mobilization creating
systemic racism and a culture of violence.

This is what we are capable of. Moving mountains. Literally. And moving
mountains to create systems of domination and oppression. We have enormous
power. But what are we doing with it?

This morning, we heard two scripture lessons about earth moving. Isaiah speaks of
preparing the way for God:

“Let every valley be filled in,
every mountain and hill be laid low;
let every cliff become a a plain,
and the ridges become a valley!”

And Mark speaks of preparing the way for God.

“I send my messenger before you
to prepare your way,
a herald’s voice in the desert, crying,
‘Make ready the way of our God.
Clear a straight path.’”

Valleys filled in. Mountains made low. Cliffs flattened. Ridges leveled. The
creation of a straight, clear path. This is huge, transformational work. Of course
there were no earth movers back then for this work. This imagery refers to
transformation to be done in the soul, the spirit, the collective consciousness, the
community, the culture. It is a call to do the work necessary to make way for the in
breaking of the God of Love.

The prophet Isaiah and the gospel of Mark announce that there is preparation to be
done. On this second Sunday of Advent we are talking about preparing for way
for peace in our world. Let’s remember our capacity – we have prepared for
hundreds of years for the violence and injustice that we have today. It did not
emerge overnight. And it is not going to be changed overnight. The state of
violence we are living in has evolved with intention based on choices made by
people including leaders and CEOs. The economic dis-ease, the fear, the gun
violence, the defense budget, the demeaning of people who are different, all of it
disturbs the peace and it has been set up like that. It is not a given and it is not
being imposed on us from outside of the realm of human power and influence. It is
not a proverbial ’act of God.’ The violent state of things, the lack of peace, is of
human creation and therefore can be changed by humans. We have the capacity to
do this work.

Just look at how covid has changed our lives in a few short months. Masks.
Staying at home. No hospital visitation. No eating out. Schools closed. No going
to movies. A year ago, we would have thought that kind of change was impossible.
Yet, the earth has moved.

We have a son who lives in California so we watch the covid happenings there.
They are under strict lockdown. Again. They are under order to stay at home
except for essentials. Restaurants are closed to diners and can only offer take out.
Salons, gyms, and playgrounds are all closed. No nonessential travel is permitted.
Our son may not be able to come to Florida for Christmas. We’ll see.

This is what California governor Gavin Newsome has to say about the restrictions:
“Lives will be lost unless we do more than we’ve ever done. We are being called
to do everything in our power to make the kind of tough decisions that are required
to get through the next few months. We will enjoy the other side of this.” He goes
on, “There is light at the end of the tunnel. We are a few months away from seeing
real progress. We do not anticipate having to do this once again but we all need to
step up and we need to meet this moment head on and do everything we can to
stem the tide, bend the curve and do everything we can necessary to get that
vaccine into the hands of every Californian in the state.” [The Guardian,
California plans sweeping stay-at-home order as Covid cases surge, Vivian Ho, 3
Dec. 2020] Newsome speaks with conviction and with hope.

This Advent season, as we think about preparing for peace, we want to remember
the scope of our abilities. We have created the situation that exists in terms of
violence and injustice. We can change it. Just like we can take down mountains in
Appalachia and clear the land in China. Maybe we don’t have an earth mover, or a
drag line, or a dump truck. Maybe what we can do is grab a shovel. A spade. A
hoe. A rake. Something. Anything. We must each do our part. As Newsome
says, ‘lives will be lost, do more than we have ever done, do everything in our
power, make tough decisions, step up, meet this moment head on, bend the curve.’
Then we see ‘there is light at the end of the tunnel’ and we can look forward to
enjoying ‘the the other side of this.’ Peace awaits us!

Jesus comes to usher in a new reality of peace and we must prepare the way;
contribute to the transformation necessary for a culture of peace to emerge and be
welcomed in this country and on this Earth. This season, as we prepare to
celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace, may we implore God to rekindle the
flame of peace within us. May we dream peace. May we see peace. May we live
peace. This is what we are called to do to prepare for the birth of Jesus and the
birth of every child. May we create a landscape, a habitat, hospitable to peace.
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 Candle Lighting Liturgy and Daily Devotions for Week 2

This Advent season of 2020 the focus is on rekindling the gift of God. We certainly need our spiritual grounding and the gifts of faith to sustain us during these difficult times.

There is a ritual for lighting the Advent wreath each Sunday. Then there is a reading for each day of the week based on the theme of the week’s candle.

May we rekindle the gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love this Advent season!

Rekindle the Gift of Peace

Lighting the Second Advent Candle – PEACE

In our homes we gather around wreaths to pray our lost hopes, broken peace, limited joys, and love so hard to find and share in this season of coronavirus.   We affirm that our candles mean we claim the power to call this season Advent when God’s light comes into the world and nothing can overcome it.

Light one candle.

We light the candle of hope.  

Light a second candle.

We now light the candle of peace in spite of. . .

name those things, places, and concerns that call out for peace

God’s peace illuminates the possibility of reconciliation and healing and lights the wick of peace in our lives so that we may shine on the world and brighten the path toward peace.   Amen.

Monday Dec. 7  PEACE

‘. . .they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks’

Isaiah 2:4

December 7 is the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor marking the entrance of the US into World War 2. 

Since then, wars have continued to erupt like a bad infection.  Now, instead of blatant attacks and bold overthrows, it seems like we have a continuous state of low grade war in many places in the world.  And since the world has become ever more a global community, these wars involve many different countries and interests.  And with the growing impacts of global climate change, this situation will only get worse. 

It seems that the days of war, with a beginning and a middle and an end, are over. 

One of the lessons that peacemakers have been trying to teach for centuries is that bombs don’t end war.  They don’t stop war.  They don’t eradicate war as a policy option.  War does not create peace.  Justice and human rights may create peace.  But we are investing so much in armaments and the military, we are sowing and growing war, not peace. 

How can we rekindle the dream of peace?  How can we honor Jesus as the Prince of Peace?  How can we turn turn our swords into plowshares?  The birth of Jesus was the birth of this possibility.  How can we make it a reality?

Prayer

May we seek to be peacemakers.  In our individual lives.  In our communities.  And, yes, even between countries and peoples. Jesus shows us that another world is possible.  Amen.  

Tuesday Dec. 8  PEACE

‘Glory to God in high heaven! And on earth, peace to those on whom God’s favor rests.’

Luke 2:14

This beautiful image from the Christmas story seems idyllic and pastoral.  But actually shepherds were the lowest rung of the economic and social ladder.  Almost outcasts.  Underpaid.  Overworked.  Expendable.  Not a group associated with God’s favor.  And yet that is the first group of people who receive the good news of the birth of Jesus. 

This story tells us that the birth of Jesus was intended to be good news to people who are at the bottom; who are marginalized and forgotten.  So how do we share good news with those who need it most today?  Is that part of our Christmas planning and celebrating?  I hope so!

The Christmas story is about peace for the poor.  Hard to square with the enormous over- shopping for consumer extravagances this season. 

Can we cultivate a greater sensitivity to the people who are made poor who live in our midst?   Can we listen to their stories?  Can we honor their dignity?  Can we receive good news from those made poor? 

Prayer

We are told that Jesus was poor.  He lived and worked among those made poor.  May our view of reality include all strata of society and may we see our common humanity.  Amen. 

Wednesday Dec. 9  PEACE

‘The peace of Christ be with you.’

This is said many times in church.  The peace of Christ.  We want to remember that Jesus was hunted down, arrested, put through a sham trial, and given the death penalty in a public and humiliating way.   Yes, the story of Jesus has violence and torture and suffering in it.  So, where is the peace? 

We want to think about peace as doing what you need to do, what you know is right and good and true, no matter the consequences.  There is peace of soul and spirit even in circumstances of violence when you know you are doing what is right, what is consistent with the teachings of Jesus, what is loving.  Even if it leads to trouble; what the late John Lewis would call good trouble. 

Maybe if your life is devoid of good trouble, you are not really living peacefully!

Prayer

May we live peacefully even when there are risks and costs.  Sometimes we are being given peace in our hearts even though our lives seem turbulent and unsteady.  Amen.

Thursday Dec. 10   PEACE

‘ . . they shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees, and no one shall make them afraid. . .’

Micah 4:4

So, if no one was killed that you know of today, was it a peaceful day?  Is there peace in our city if there are no murders?  That is not how our faith teaches us to think about peace.

The Christian concept of peace comes from the Jewish concept of shalom.  Shalom means peace but it implies not just the absence of violence and threat.  Shalom implies individual and communal well-being.  Shalom indicates the conditions that lead to thriving and flourishing life. 

The Biblical concept of peace doesn’t just mean there is no war and no violence including in the home.  It means that there is access to human rights, health care, self determination, equality, a clean, safe environment, education, the arts, safe food, and housing. 

Law and order may have to do with limiting violence but it is not really about peace because peace has to do with fomenting what is good not just stopping what is bad. 

Most crime is committed by people who are not thriving and flourishing.  They are usually desperate in some way and in need of compassion and support from society. 

When everyone is fed and clothed and housed and treated with dignity and respect, then there will be much more peace in the world.  And with that peace there will be less violence. 

How can you be a part of creating more peace in the world by helping to create conditions more conducive to the flourishing of life for those who are being underserved and ignored?  Does that bring you some peace? 

Prayer

On this first day of Hanukkah, we join with our Jewish sisters and brothers in seeking shalom for all of Creation.  May the light of peace shine brightly.  Amen.

Friday Dec. 11   PEACE

‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.’

John 14:27

How does the world give peace? Having wealth is perceived as assured peace – physical peace and inner peace –  knowing that you can meet your material needs and have access to resources that can keep you safe and healthy.  If you have financial stability and security, that is perceived as peace.

With Jesus, we are told that he may have owned one cloak and no house.  So, where is the peace in that?  Not knowing where your next meal is coming from?  Not having a permanent home? 

The peace Jesus is talking about is quite different.  Maybe there is peace in living your life for others, for the common good.  Maybe there is peace in living harmoniously with the Earth.  Maybe there is peace in forgiveness instead of holding grudges and seeking retribution.  Maybe there is peace in material simplicity.   Maybe there is peace in acceptance and understanding instead of exceptionalism and superiority.  And all of that peace has nothing to do with a bank account or an address or a title. 

Think about peace in your life.  Do you feel peaceful?  Where do you need peace in your life?   Do you need to think about the concept of peace in a different way?

Prayer

In Jesus, we are given peace.  Peace which passes all understanding.  May we open ourselves to the peace Jesus seeks to give to us.  Amen.

Saturday Dec. 12   PEACE

“God has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; God has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.”

Luke 1:52-53

Today, millions of North Americans will celebrate the feast day of the Virgin of Guadalupe.  She is the Mary that is the patron saint of Mexico and she is beloved the world over.  Part of her appeal is that her story challenges white privilege, colonialism, patriarchy, and racism.  She gets her way with the European-dominated male hierarchy of the Catholic Church. 

Guadalupe pretty much does what Jesus does – challenging the hierarchy and patriarchy of his day and lifting up the lowly so that they are treated with dignity and respect. 

Prayer

Like the Virgin of Guadalupe, may we have the courage and persistence to challenge the systems of oppression that diminish life and dignity especially the life and dignity of people of color.  Amen. 

Corona Sabbath 38 Second Sunday of Advent PEACE

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 second Sunday of Advent – peace.  

This post includes a scripture reading from Sue Sherwood, 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.  

Bright God of Advent:
Blaze in our darkness.
Incinerate our iniquity.
Light up our road.

Riddle the ashes
of our desires.
Rekindle in us
your justice and love.

–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:

“You do not need to know precisely what is happening, or exactly where it is all going. What you need is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment, and to embrace them with courage, faith and hope.”

–Thomas Merton, 20th century

Breathe.  Breathe again.  Be filled.  With peace.   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:

  • Celebrate the presence and power of God in our lives and in our world;
  • Offer the hospitality and inclusive love of Christ to all people;
  • Work for God’s peace and justice throughout creation.

USEFUL LAKEWOOD LINKS DURING THE CORONA CRISIS: