Author: lakewooducc

Corona Sabbath 30 GOLDEN CALF


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 process of change and embodying the hopes and dreams of God. It includes a scripture reading done by Colleen Coughenour, a reflection from Rev. Kim Wells and a musical offering from Hilton Jones. We hope this post helps to feed your spirit in these conflicted 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:

We have flown the air like birds and swum the sea like fishes, but have yet to learn the simple act of walking the earth like brothers.

==Martin Luther King Jr., 20th century

When you are ready, start the video/audio 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 –

Truth can be told in an instant, forgiveness can be offered spontaneously, but reconciliation is the work of lifetimes and generations.

–Krista Tippett, Speaking of Faith, 21st century

Breathe. Breathe again. Be filled. With patience and trust. 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 10/8

WHAT IS GOING ON AT CHURCH –

Corona Sabbath 30

This week the Corona Sabbath post will feature the story of the Golden Calf from Exodus 32:1-14.  This is an ancient story that speaks truth to us today especially in this contentious election season.  

If you missed last week’s Corona Sabbath here’s the link: https://lakewooducc.org/2020/10/02/corona-sabbath-29-love/

World Communion Zoom

Many thanks to those who participated in the World Communion Zoom last Sunday.  It was good to see one another and to share a meal together – the meal that reminds us that we are the body of Christ.  

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 pickup 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

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

Florida Conference UCC Fall Gathering

This Saturday, the Florida Conference will have a virtual gathering to celebrate the ministry of the UCC churches in Florida.  The meeting will include taking action on a resolution to call the churches of the conference to work to create an anti racist society. Rev. Wells was part of the group that wrote the resolution.

 Health Update from Rev. Wells

I am happy to be off of the IV antibiotic and, in a few days, off of the walking boot!  I am feeling a little better 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

All Saints Sunday Ahead

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.

 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.  You will be sent the Zoom link the day before.  ALL WELCOME!

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(6-6:30pm) and Wednesdays(9-10am).   If you would like to make a financial contribution, please send your check made out to “LakewoodUCC” to the church marked “Maximo Elementary.”

*UNIFORM COLORS:  blue and khaki for
pants, shorts, dresses, skirts-boys and girls;
light blue, dark blue, white for all shirts
*UNIFORM SIZES:  5T, 6T, 8, 10, 12 (Also undies)

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 10/4  

The Black Lives Matter and Peace and Justice Demonstration continues 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/2020/10/08/anti-racism-demonstration-10-4/

From the Creation Justice Task Force

You are invited to participate in a webinar about a new solar power initiative that is being pursued in Florida.  The program is called Purchase Power Agreements.  This system is used in other areas of the US.  The concept is to make Purchase Power Agreements available to non profits and faith-based communities in Florida to encourage the installation of solar power without the large upfront costs.

Here is the information about the webinar:  
With a PPA, a developer installs, owns, and operates a solar system on the customer’s property. The non-profit then buys the electricity the system produces at a fixed rate. This rate is generally lower than what they pay to their utility providing monthly electricity savings. Nonprofits and governments are able to benefit from solar with low to no upfront cost.  

Learn about the projected environmental and economic benefits of PPAs for governments and nonprofits with the release of a Florida PPA Impact Report on Wednesday October 14 at 2pm ET: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jpS8in9nS3SQzmR4tCJtlw

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, 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: Ed Kaspar, 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 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.

Rally Against Hate. Saturday @5PM

The time for talking about racism is always. The time to act is right now. Our nation, states, counties, and now communities have been rocked by the national events of the last 7 months accelerating the centuries-long call for race equity. The language and actions taken by our political leaders clearly show white dominance as their continued agenda. Our President, the Senate, and our Governor have unabashedly promoted white privilege and dominance. 

We have to actively influence the policymakers to produce antiracist results and practices. Ibram Kendi, author of How to be an Antiracist identifies policies, not people, cause racism. People write those policies and take positions on policies based on their understanding of racism – counteracting racist policies is the cornerstone of being an Antiracist. We are about to elect such policy makers. 

St. Petersburg peaceful demonstrators have consistently and peacefully been taking to the streets for more than 150 nights. They have remained constant reminders of a society out of whack; they seek an end to racist practices with peaceful but tenacious means. The Breonna Taylor Grand Jury results, the debate held with the President and Joe Biden, the continued outbursts from racists, and the challenge of changing systems have all led to this pre-election moment that is centered on race. Antiracists can influence policy by voting, getting others to vote, and standing up as an antiracist. Movement St. Pete and those involved with its evolution need you to stand up with them.

 The Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg stands with Movement St. Pete! A movement promoting peace, justice, and equity in our community. A movement to change policies and laws that foster and cultivate systemic and structural racism. 

Racism is our problem; antiracist white people need to stand up and take immediate action. All of us can act – it is time for us to show support to our demonstrators who have led the way – let us stand up with them. What do we mean by Stand Up?

 Here’s an internal message to start: “I identify as an antiracist – I want to work to reverse the racist culture and systems that treat Black and Brown people as less than. I will not be silent about being an antiracist. Silence is compliance.” 

Not everyone can come to the streets – but that is only one form of making yourself knownas an antiracist. 

How can we activate ourselves and each other as antiracists?

Any number of ways:

  • Demonstrate, protest, act – in person, email office holders and candidates, utilize social media to share your antiracist views, call those you know to have influence and share your antiracist stance, write letters to editors of any/all publications. 
  • Show up as an Antiracist this Saturday October 3rd at 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm at South Straub Park. A Rally Against Hate | A Vigil for Justice. This is a silent candlelight gathering and short walk. 
  • Stand up in your social circle and say you are an antiracist and you want your friends and colleagues to know. 
  • Stand up where you work and identify as an antiracist. 
  • Stand up in your family. 
  • Stand up with your white friends. 
  • Vote and register other people to vote. 
  • Volunteer for the Census, or to be a poll worker. 
  • Take the Pinellas Race Equity. Now! Pledge. 
  • Explore and learn from anti-racism resources.  
  • Above all – do not be silent! Find pathways to activate your voice and actions. 

The Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg is antiracist and stands in support of Movement St. Pete and all antiracists.

Corona Sabbath 29 LOVE

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 first Sunday in October is designated as World Communion Sunday. It may be some time before we are able to meet together in person and share a crust of bread and a sip of juice. But we needn’t wait a moment to more fully engage love of self and love of neighbor which brings us into fuller communion with the world.

The post this week focuses on the call to love self and neighbor. It includes a reflection from Rev. Kim Wells and a musical offering from Hilton Jones. We hope this post helps to feed your spirit in these conflicted 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:

If you love the justice of Jesus Christ more than you fear human judgment then you will seek to do compassion. Compassion means that if I see my friend and my enemy in equal need, I shall help them both equally. Justice demands that we seek and find the stranger, the broken, the prisoner and comfort them and offer them our help. Here lies the holy compassion of God that causes the devils much distress.

–Mechthild of Magdeburg 1207-1282

When you are ready, click the link immediately below for Rev. Kim’s Reflection.

REV. KIM’S REFLECTION

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

As you watch and listen to the music video 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 –

Love your fellow beings—
for they are all
tabernacles of God.

–Mechthild of Magdeburg 1207-1282

Breathe. Breathe again. Be filled. With the desire to love. 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: