Author: lakewooducc

Corona Sabbath 31 Loyalty and Devotion

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 loyalty. With many relationships and commitments in our lives, how do we sort out our loyalties? Jesus helps us. This post includes a scripture reading done by Barbara Donohue, a reflection from Rev. Kim Wells and a musical offering from Hilton Jones. We hope this post helps to feed your spirit in these difficult times.

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 which is a based on Psalm 96:

O sing to the Cosmos a new song;
	sing to the Beloved, all the earth!
Sing to the Creator, and bless the Name
		above all names;
	sing praises to the Glorious One
		from day to day.
Declare the splendor of the Radiant One
		to all nations,
	the marvelous works of Love
		to all peoples!
For great is the Beloved, and greatly
		to be praised;
	reverence Love above all else.
For where your thoughts are,
	reveals that which you treasure;
	seek only the true Treasure.
Truth and integrity live with Love;
	strength and beauty dwell
		with the Beloved.

Yield to Love, O families of the earth,
	yield to Love's glory and strength!
Yield to Love and learn of justice;
	make of yourselves an offering
		and be guided by Love!
Bow down in adoration and holiness;
	for worthy is the Beloved to be
		praised in all the earth!

Psalm 96:1-9 from Psalms for Praying by Nan C. Merrill

When you are ready, start the video below.

(For written text of the above video click HERE.)

As you listen to the music which follows, you are invited to notice the thoughts and feelings that arise for you.

After viewing the music video, you are invited to offer the following closing –

Apprehend God in all things, for God is in all things. Every single creature is full of God and a book about God. Every creature is a word of God. If I spent enough time with the tiniest creature–even a caterpillar–I would never have to prepare a sermon. So full of God is every creature.

–Meister Eckhart, 14th century

Breathe. Breathe again. Be filled. With unabashed devotion. 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:

 

Weekly Update 10/15

WHAT IS GOING ON AT CHURCH –

 Offering Up the Election

There is much concern about the upcoming election.  Pastor Kim Wells spoke to someone from the church family recently who indicated that everyone is consumed by the election.  They are not thinking about what is going on at church.  

Seems like what is needed is space to give the election up to God in prayer.  Monday, Nov. 2 at 6:00 p.m. there will be a special outdoor prayer gathering for the election.  This will be a time to release our anxiety and fears and offer them to God.  It will be a time to remember that our ultimate trust is not in human rulers or institutions but in God.  Bring a chair if you can.  

On Tuesday, Nov. 3, the polls close at 7:00 p.m.  Before you watch the results, center your spirit with a labyrinth walk.  This walk at 7:00 p.m. will be specifically oriented toward centering on love, goodness, and peace.  

Four years ago, there was a meeting at church on election night.  After the meeting before heading home, Pastor Kim Wells walked the labyrinth at church.  Then she went home to watch the election results emerge.  She seemed much less distraught than others seemed to be in the ensuing days.  She attributes this to walking the labyrinth.  “I can’t tell you how it works or what happened, but I believe that somehow walking the labyrinth calmed my spirit.”  So, four years later, Kim invites others to join her for a labyrinth walk on election night at 7:00 p.m.  

There will also be the weekly labyrinth walk on Wednesday morning, Nov. 4 at 9:00 a.m.  All are welcome!

Holidays – Holy Days

Like much else this year, the holidays will be different.  Health concerns are impacting how we celebrate.  What will we be doing at church for Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas Eve since we can’t do what we would normally do and what we want to be doing?  The pandemic invites us to consider alternative ways to mark these holy moments that ground us and help us through the cycle of the seasons of the year and of life.  

In addition, how will we mark these important times in our homes?  What new ways of celebrating and sharing are emerging?

The church will sponsor several Zooms to talk about the holidays and share ideas for celebrating these significant spiritual moments both within the context of the congregation as well as in our home situations.  Please consider participating and sharing your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for how the church can effectively meet the spiritual needs of the congregation so that the holidays indeed are holy days.  

Join in the first conversation, Holidays – Holy Days, on Thursday, Oct. 15 from 7-8 p.m.  

Zoom link for Thursday:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2700683648

Call in number:1 929 205 6099 

ALL WELCOME!

All Saints Sunday In-Person Gathering Ahead – Remembering COVID-19      

All Saints Sunday is Nov. 1.  The church is planning a special gathering outside with physical distancing and masks, to remember all those who have died of Covid-19.  The prayer gathering will be at 10:30 a.m. near the Memorial Garden.  Participants will be invited to share the names of those who have died from Covid-19.  This could be someone you know or someone you have heard about or a public figure of importance to you.  If you can, bring a chair.  It will be a sacred time to pause, remember, and give thanks.

Let’s Make Beautiful Music Videos Together!

Music Director Hilton Jones is working on a music video for All Saints Sunday, November 1, and for Thanksgiving Sunday, November 22.  Please submit pictures of people that you consider saints for the All Saints music video.  These people may be alive or historical figures or people who have entered life eternal.  Please email pictures to Hilton by Sunday, Oct. 18.

For the Thanksgiving music video, please submit pictures of things that you are thankful for.  The deadline is Sunday, November 8.

 In these days of high anxiety, stress, and fear, we must take every opportunity to celebrate!  The gift of life is amazing and mysterious. We have been given the gift of living in interesting times.  Well, what times are not interesting if you are paying attention?  Let us celebrate with joy!

Please email pictures to hilton.kean.jones@gmail.com

Advisors to Meet

The advisors will be holding a virtual meeting this Sunday.  If there are things you would like discussed, please contact Rev. Wells or an advisor:  Patti Cooksey, Jane Diven, Lucille Ruga, Malcolm Wells, Olivia Gibson.  

Grateful for Grounds Work

Many thanks to William Owen and helpers for all of the grounds work that has gone on at church recently.  Since the church property will be used to host more outdoor events in the next few months, we are grateful for the beautifying of the church grounds!

VOTE– Make A Plan

If you would like any assistance with voting, please contact the church office at 727-867-7961 or email at lakewooducc@gmail.com.  There are people in the congregation eager to help!

Third Quarter Financial Update

Look for a separate email with more information about the financial status of the church through the third quarter of the year.  Please know that your tithes, offerings, and contributions are very much appreciated and are working for good in these troubled times.  While the building may be closed and Sunday morning worship suspended, the ministry of the church continues.  The work of the Care Team and the Sunday evening demonstrations highlight that we are doing what we are called to do:  take care of each other and heal the world.  

Operation Attack Update from Ian

Operation Attack is having a drive-by pick up for the people they’re serving. I know due to covid it might be hard to donate goods but these are a few of OA’s requests:

Buy Cereal, Peanut Butter, Pasta, Pasta Sauce, or canned meat Buy diapers and wipes, sizes Newborn – 6

Donations may be delivered to the church on Wednesday mornings from 9-10 and Sunday evenings from 6-6:30.  Please call the church to make other arrangements if needed.  

Volunteers are needed to pre-bag food before the Drive-Thrus. Volunteer dates are on October 24th and/or December 12th at Operation Attack at Lakeview Presbyterian Church 1310 22nd Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33705.

Thanks, Ian Blair-Catala  iblaircatala@gmail.com

Florida Conference UCC Fall Gathering

This past Saturday morning, Rev. Wells attended the virtual Fall Gathering of the Florida Conference of the United Church of Christ.  In addition to passing a budget, the conference unanimously endorsed a resolution creating an Anti-Racism Ministry in the Florida Conference.    LUCC looks forward to continuing to be involved in the work of creating an anti-racism church and society.  Here is a link to the resolution. https://lakewooducc.org/2020/10/15/fl-conference-ucc-unanimously-passes-anti-racism-ministry-resolution/

Corona Sabbath

The Corona Sabbath this week focuses on loyalty.  Jesus is asked if it is lawful to pay taxes to Caesar.  An interesting story for this moment in our lives!  What is Caesar’s?  What is God’s?  There will be a scripture reading done by Barbara Donohue, a reflection from Rev. Wells, and music from Hilton Jones.  The post will go up on Friday so that you can create Sabbath time that suits your inclinations over the weekend.  In these days which buffet us, we need time to re-center and stay grounded.  The Corona Sabbath is one such offering.  

Another suggestion:  Take a walk outside if you can!

If you missed last week’s Corona Sabbath here’s the link: https://lakewooducc.org/2020/10/09/corona-sabbath-30-golden-calf/

Health Update from Rev. Wells

I am happy to be off of the IV antibiotic and off of the walking boot for a few more hours each day! Thank you all so much for your care and support during this challenging time!  And special thanks to all the folks at church who have kept things going in my absence!  Much gratitude and many blessings, Kim

Meeting Needs at Maximo Elementary

LUCC is off to a good start providing  Maximo Elementary school children with uniforms and a mentor or two.   The need is even greater this school year with the Covid 19 pandemic going on. 

If you have thirty minutes a week to mentor(lunch pal)  a child from your home via zoom you can go online at focus.pcsb.org  for all volunteer info or call Emily Bell at 727-692-2368.

Another important way to meet needs is by supplying school uniforms*, child masks(all masks must be store-bought), hand sanitizers, Lysol spray, disposable gloves, disinfecting wipes. 
These supplies may be dropped off at the church on Sundays(6-6:30 pm) and Wednesdays(9-10 am).   If you would like to make a financial contribution, please send your check made out to “LakewoodUCC” to the church marked “Maximo Elementary.”

LUCC’s   EDUCATION  MINISTRY  TEAM  is gathering needed items for the students at Maximo Elementary.  There are three ways you can be a part of this ministry:
1.  Mail a check: made out to “LakewoodUCC” and marked ‘Maximo Elementary’
2.  Purchase needed items and drop off at the church on Wednesdays 9-10 am and Sundays 
6-6:30 pm.
3.  Order online and have items shipped to Emily Bell.  Contact the Church Office if you need her address: lakewooducc@gmail.com

ITEMS NEEDED:

SCHOOL UNIFORMS    girls and boys
sizes- 5T, 6T, 8, 10,12 (also undies)
Colors:  blue and Khaki for pants, shorts, dresses, skirts;   Blue and white for shirts

SUPPLIES:  store-bought child masks,
hand sanitizers, Lysol spray, disposable gloves,
disinfecting wipes

Ink Cartridges

The church is collecting and recycling ink cartridges! Please save up any empty ink cartridges and recycle them at the church, there is a box in the sanctuary for recycling. The last batch we recycled we received $49.90!

Sunday Evening Demonstration for Racial Justice 10/11  

The Black Lives Matter and Peace and Justice Demonstration continue on 54th Ave South each Sunday evening. This is an important way to inspire hope in the community and to work to create an anti-racist society.  

All are welcome Sunday evenings at the church. In case of rain, the demonstration will not be held that week. Know justice, know peace!

Please note that the time for the anti-racism demonstrations is 6:00 p.m.

 Click here to see pictures of the most recent witness: https://lakewooducc.org/2020/10/14/anti-racism-demonstration-10-11/

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.

https://lakewooducc.org/2020/06/23/labyrinth-has-been-refurbished

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 bottom of each page.

Daily Corona Prayer

https://lakewooducc.org/2020/03/20/lucc-corona-daily-prayer

Assistance Available

If you need help of any kind – something from the store, someone to talk with, support managing during shelter-in-place, parenting concerns – please know that the church is ready and willing to help in any way needed.  This situation is trying for everyone.  You are not alone.  We’ll make it through together.  Please contact the church office (lakewooducc@gmail.com or 867-7961 or Rev. Kim Wells at wells.kim.p@gmail.com).  

Miss someone from church?  Give them a call or send a note.  Personal contact is so important when physical contact is limited.  

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 .

October Birthdays: Janet Blair 10/19, Rick Carr 10/22, Denise Williams 10/25, Olivia Gibson 10/29, and Victoria Long 10/29. Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.

Circle of Concern: Claudia Rodriguez, JoAnn Reid, William Owen, Wilbur Reid, Jen Degroot, Carolyn Moore, Ann Quinn, Maggie Brizendine, Dave Radens, Kim Wells, Elinor Ross, teachers, students, and school personnel, Vern McKinney, and all healthcare workers and essential workers. All those suffering from COVID-19.

Please remember Patti Cooksey who is moving into a new condo in her same complex this week.  

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!

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.

FL Conference UCC Unanimously Passes Anti Racism Ministry Resolution

At the Fall Gathering of the Florida Conference of the United Church of Christ held virtually on Saturday Oct. 10, the body unanimously endorsed a resolution creating an Anti Racism Ministry in the Florida Conference.  The resolution appears below. Lakewood UCC looks forward to continuing to be part of this important ministry of liberation for ALL in church and society!

Establishing an Anti-Racism Ministry
September 2020

Presented by

Charlayne Thompkins, Church of The Open Door (Congregational) UCC, Miami

Donna Cooney, United Church UCC-DOC, St. Augustine

Guillermo Márquez-Sterling, Pass-A-Grille Beach Community UCC, St. Pete

Haqqiqa Lynne McRee, United Church UCC-DOC, St. Augustine

Karen Curtis-Weakley, Hope UCC, Rockledge

Kim Wells, Lakewood United Church of Christ, St. Pete

Margaret (Peggy) Hayes, Hope UCC, Rockledge

Neal Watkins, Florida Conference Staff

Ngan Ling Lung, First Congregational Church of Winter Park, UCC

Patsy McDowell, Church of The Open Door (Congregational) UCC, Miami

Sabine Prather, Faith United Church of Christ, Bradenton

Star Valino, Arlington Congregational Church, Jacksonville

Victoria Snow, Community Congregational Church UCC, New Port Richey

We are a diverse group, active in local churches as lay leaders and clergy, who are both familiar with and affected by systemic racism.

Summary

As people of God, we remind ourselves that we are all created equal in the sight of God. We answer God’s call to build a church and society that affirms the inherent worth and dignity of all people, promotes justice, equity and compassion, while striving to correct the injustices of the past in our churches and communities. Therefore, we present this resolution as an intentional effort to resist the culture of white privilege, white fragility, and white supremacy and develop congregations in the Florida Conference UCC that are anti-racist.

Because institutions reflect the people’s history, we recognize that America’s history of racism is reflected in many of its institutions and its institutionalized norms. The church is no exception. Because many institutions maintain the status quo through silence, we recognize the need for individuals, churches, and wider institutions in the Florida Conference UCC, to recognize they remain institutionally neutral if they only claim to be “not racist.” Instead, we make the call to become expressively “anti-racist” as an action towards eradicating racism.   

Biblical, Historical and Theological Grounding

Given that the United Church of Christ (UCC) seeks to create a Just World For All, believes that God Is Still Speaking, and shares the Covenant of Jesus, that they may all be one, (John 17:21), and 

Given that the Church has a history of misusing the Bible to encourage racist practices and teachings such as misinterpreting Noah’s curse as God’s curse upon people of color and creating a Slave Bible which includes and excludes select verses, and 

Given that the General Synod of the United Church of Christ adopted two resolutions in 2003: 1) Calling the UCC to be an Anti-Racist Church and 2) Calling the UCC to Renew the Battle Against Racism in All Its Guises, and   

Given that the General Synod of the United Church of Christ in 2017 adopted the resolution Establishing Procedures for Cultural Diversity Training for Authorized Ministers, which includes Anti-Racism Training and,   

Given that the United Church of Christ has consistently made available resources such as Sacred Conversations on Race, White Privilege: Let’s Talk – A Resource for Transformational Dialog and most recently Sacred Conversations To End Racism (SC2ER) and,  

Given that the Florida Conference, UCC at its 2019 Annual Gathering dedicated itself to further understanding the historical roots of racism in Florida and the extent to which imbedded racism has impacted the racial divisions throughout our state that continue until today, and   

Given that social unrest continues in response to the murders of and violence against Black people by police departments and officers across the United States, including Jacob Blake, Rayshard Brooks, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Arthur McDuffie and Trayvon Martin to name just a few and

Given that anti-racist protestors continue to be met with violence by an increasingly militarized police force, and

Given that racism manifests itself in myriad spheres of human life, including environmental, criminal justice, educational, social, housing, and public health, we submit this resolution. 

Actions and Accountability

With the understanding that the UCC seeks to dismantle systemic racism and all its ills, and with the challenge presented to the local churches to join the broader anti-racist movement, this resolution seeks the following outcomes:

  1. The creation of an Anti-Racism Ministry (ARM) comprised of clergy and lay leaders trained in a variety of settings and ways to guide churches in the Florida Conference UCC with curriculum and programs toward becoming Anti-Racist churches. 

2. The development by the leadership of the ARM of four to six regional Anti-Racist teams that would promote dialogue, and Anti-Racist program opportunities in their regions of the Florida Conference UCC. 

3. The proud proclamation of every congregation in the Florida Conference UCC of identifying as an Anti-Racist church.

Partnership and Staffing

  The creation and development of the Anti-Racism Ministry (ARM) shall come under the leadership of The Minister for Faith Formation. Periodic reviews will be made by ARM with reports given during the Florida Conference’s Annual Gatherings.  

Programmatic expenses for this ministry will be drawn from the Faith Formation Ministries line item of the conference budget and other designated funding streams where necessary and appropriate.

Anticipated Social Change

The resolution is a first step to a continuous listening, researching, and action process that welcomes all to the table, and provides an opportunity to transform society as we follow in the footsteps of Jesus creating disciples whose thinking is transformed by new understandings of history, with an increased awareness of the experiences of others, equipped with alternative ways to respond to racism and hope-filled ways to move forward. These transformed individuals will then return to their respective communities and their day to day activities which will inevitably include caring for families, participating on school boards, city or county commission meetings, interacting with local police departments, homeowner’s associations, and grocery stores. The difference being they return empowered and inspired by the ARM to offer liberation, salvation, and healing to their corner of the world, therefore 

BE IT RESOLVED that the Florida Conference UCC proclaims its intention to become an antiracist conference to meet the requirements of this time of crises in our communities and in our church.

 As an expression of this intention we resolve upon the creation of an anti-racism ministry under the leadership of the Minister for Faith Formation of the Florida Conference UCC.  

We further resolve that the ARM will be comprised of clergy and lay leaders who will have been trained in a variety of settings and ways to guide churches in the Florida Conference UCC with curriculum and programs toward becoming anti-racist churches. 

We further resolve that the ARM will develop four to six regional anti-racist teams to promote dialog and present anti-racist program opportunities in their regions of the Florida Conference UCC.   

 We further resolve that every effort will be made by the ARM, with the support of Florida Conference UCC to encourage and enable every congregation in the Florida Conference UCC to proudly embrace these measures and proclaim themselves to be an anti-racist church. 

We further resolve that we make these resolutions in furtherance of our discipleship of Jesus Christ and in solidarity with the National leadership of the UCC.   

Additionally we recognize that since there is always a cost to discipleship we resolve to stand together with our sisters and brothers in the Florida Conference UCC to mitigate the costs of discipleship where possible and to bear each other’s burdens in this endeavor, giving thanks to our Creator for sustaining us always. 

The funding for the implementation of the Resolution will be made in accordance with the overall mandates of the Conference and funds available. There is no financial guarantee of any kind other than the annual budget determined by Conference Delegates and managed by the Board of Directors. 

The Conference Board of Directors, in consultation with FLAUCC Conference Ministry Staff, and in collaboration with ARM, will determine the implementing strategy and timing.   

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