Author: lakewooducc

Weekly Update 2/26

Ash Wednesday Service: There will be a beautiful outdoor service Tonight, Wednesday, February 26th from 7-8pm around a fire next to the lake at Chip and Dana Coper’s home. The service will be held at their home regardless of any weather changes. It is a service of reflection on the season of Lent as a time of repentance and renewal. The service will include communion and the imposition of ashes. Bring an outdoor chair if you can. And a stick. If transportation is needed, please contact the church office by phone (727.867.7961) or email.

This Sunday:  This Sunday marks the first Sunday of Lent.  Lent is a season of 40 days of preparation for the festival of Easter.  The service will center on a poem by George Moses Horton, “On Liberty and Slavery.”  LUCC music director Hilton Jones has composed a stunning anthem based on the text.  Sunday will be the premiere.

Church School: During the Lenten season, the church school will be focusing on spiritual disciplines and ways to deepen faith through spiritual experience.  Lessons will include the labyrinth, meditation, dreams, and fasting.  Many thanks to the leaders and the students!

Donation Needed:  Wally LeBlanc is in need of a functional vacuum cleaner, new or used is fine, if anyone is able to donate, please bring it to Lakewood United Church of Christ.

Environmental Film Festival at Eckerd: Join us for a discussion of any films you view at the Eckerd College Environmental Film Festival to be held from February 21 – 29, 2020 in the Miller auditorium on campus. Some of these films may also be available on NetFlix if you can’t make the festival showing. We will meet on Thursday March 5th at 6:00pm in the church library to discuss the Environmental Films, our reactions, and possible next steps toward creating a more sustainable life on this planet!   A Review Sheet for the films will be made available before the festival for those who might want to make a few notes ahead of time regarding their reactions and thoughts about the films.  RSVP to Claire Stiles (stilesca@eckerd.edu) if you plan to attend this discussion on March 5th.
The Schedule for these FREE FILMS is as follows:

Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020, 7 p.m. Sea of Shadows, directed by Richard Ladkani (English, 2019, 105m)

Through an investigation of the plight of the vaquita, the most endangered cetacean in the world (of which only fifteen are known to still survive), this documentary illuminates the dual role of technology (nets, drones, moving images) to help as well as hinder efforts to save the species from exploitation by organized crime.

Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020, 7 p.m. Honeyland, directed by Tamara Kotevska & Ljubomir Stefanov (Macedonian, Turkish, and Bosnian with English subtitles, 2019, 87m)

Kotevska and Stefanov’s observational documentary about a Turkish beekeeper in Macedonia unfolds like a fictional portrait of a lifestyle on the wane. When a young family moves into this small hive-like community, they disturb the local ecosystem as much as local tradition.
Winner of the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival and nominated for Best International Feature Film and Best Documentary Feature at the 92nd Academy Awards.

Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020, 7 p.m. The Green Lie, directed by Werner Boote (German with English subtitles, 2018, 97m)

In this participant documentary, filmmaker Werner Boote goes on the road with a green advocate to investigate the little “green lies” that we tell ourselves about sustainable consumerism.

Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, 7 p.m. The River and the Wall, directed by Ben Masters (English, 2019, 109m)

Worlds collide when two filmmakers, one river guide, one conservationist, and one field ornithologist travel the length of the US-Mexico border to consider the ecological effects of building a border wall. Immersive and engaging, this documentary explores the environmental side of a popular political issue.

Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, 7 p.m. Anthropocene: The Human Epoch, directed by Jennifer Baichwal, Nick de Pencier, & Edward Burtynsky (English, 2018, 87m)

Research has confirmed that we have now entered the Anthropocene, a new epoch in which human activities create change in the environment on a scale greater than all other natural processes combined. This wide-ranging documentary explores the reality of this new era from around the world, from intimate changes to massive transformations.

Labyrinth Walks for Lent: As part of the Lenten journey to Easter, the church will be offering guided labyrinth walks on Wednesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. The dates are March 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th, April 1st, and 8th. There will be a handout for each week and these will be placed in the mailbox near the labyrinth for those who cannot meet on Wednesdays at 9:00.  The labyrinth is a way to deepen your prayer life and experience the Divine presence.  All are welcome!

New Office Hours: The Church Office will be open Monday – Thursday mornings from 9:30 until noon. The office will no longer be open on Friday mornings. Thank you!

Operation Attack: Operation Attack is very much in need of clothes for men, boys, and girls as well as diapers and peanut butter and canned fruit. Donations may be placed in the shopping cart in the entryway to the sanctuary. Volunteer dates are March 9, April 13, and May 11. They also need people to help on the first three Tuesdays of the month from 9:30-noon.

Operation Attack is an ecumenical effort serving families with children located at Lakeview Presbyterian Church, 1310 22nd. Ave. S., St. Petersburg. LUCC was a founding member of Operation Attack in the 1960’s!

Hearing Augmentation: Devices are available from the usher in the sanctuary during worship.

February Birthdays: Jim Andrews 2/6, Sarah Lewis 2/14, Jeff Wells 2/15, Joyce Lee 2/28, Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.

Circle of Concern: Wilbur Reid, Martha Lamar, Tony Rogers, Dana Cosper, Sherry Santana, Jen Degroot, Carolyn Moore, Ann Quinn, Maggie Brizendine, and Ann Rogers.

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.



Maximo Spring Break Project

The Education Ministry Team will be collecting money donations through Sunday, March 8th to fill 25 Snack Sacks and 25 Activity Sacks for homeless children who attend Maximo Elementary.   The Sacks will be given to the children on Friday the 13th, the beginning of Spring break.

The cost of one “Snack Sack” is $20 and one “Activity Sack”  is $10.  Olivia Gibson and Claudia Rodriguez will be purchasing and putting together the Sacks for delivery to the school on March 12.

Thanks to the generosity of  the LUCC congregation this  will be our fifth project benefiting children of Maximo Elementary.  

Reports from the Annual Congregational Meeting 2/23/2020

Report on Immigration

LUCC ANNUAL MEETING – 2/23/2020

Sue Sherwood

The mission of the Pinellas Coalition for Immigration Justice is to advocate that all people who approach our borders receive compassionate, just and dignified treatment, whether asylum seekers, refugees, or those in search of a better life.

I am the representative on the Coalition from Lakewood United Church of Christ.  Also participating in the coalition have been Patti Cooksey, Lucille Ruga, and Carol Shores.  Coalition updates/info are posted on bulletin bd.  You can also learn more on Facebook at Pinellas Coalition for Immigration Justice OR Witness at the Border.

In the 6 months we have been part of the Coalition, it has grown from 7 to 14 member organizations and its outreach has adapted to meet the ongoing changes in U.S. immigration policy and enforcement. 

The Coalition began with 4 “action lanes”:

         1) The Flores Agreement (which lists & assures rights of detained youth)

         2) Legislative Accountability

         3) Children/youth Detained at Homestead, FL, Facility

         4) Research of Complicit Companies in Detention

With the closing of Homestead, we are adding a fifth:

         5) Witness at the Border

Highlights

         1) July 2019: “Lights for Liberty” (held at Allendale UMC) – 350 people gathered to hear the voices of children detained behind the detention center fences, leaders of local justice groups, & Rep. Crist – sing & light candles & tie ribbons on a chain link fence with msgs for the children – learn how to take action in the 4 action lanes.

         2) Sept – Nov: Legislative Accountability

                  a) 5 of us raised issues of accountability at Rep. Crist’s Town Hall Mtg. in Largo in September.  And he took action: 1) He hired someone in his DC office to focus on immigration. 2) As a member of House Appropriations Committee, he wrote to the Sec. of Health & Human Services, requesting the required financial statements that had not been submitted by contracted companies, holding them accountable, especially when we were paying over $700/day for an empty bed when the children were taken away during the night. 3) He demanded to know where the Homestead children went and got answers.  4) Homestead was suddenly  closed permanently.  5) He learned more about the Flores rights for youth.

                  b) Some of us met with a representative from Sen. Rubio’s office in October re immigration, and others protested at his Tampa office.  Letters from the Coalition were also sent to Reps and Sens.  We did not see direct results from some but wanted them to know we are aware of the status of refugees/asylum seekers and have not forgotten.

                  c) LUCC and many of the groups participated in a post card campaign to our elected officials, letting them know we have not forgotten about the treatment of children and seekers at the border – urging that all for-profit detention centers be closed and that the Flores Agreement protecting children’s rights be enforced – with healthcare, exercise, education, counseling, etc.  LUCC provided stamped post cards & made address labels for use before/after church services.

         3) Dec. – Jan. – Hosted “Witness at Tornillo,” Josh Rubin’s film documentary, at the Tampa Theater, followed by a panel discussion.  This film on “the subversive act of seeing” was so inspirational that 5 from our area joined 150 others in Brownsville, TX, and Metamoros, MX, in Jan. to serve as witnesses, bring clothes & supplies, help in the food kitchens on both sides of the border, and protest the “MPP” (Migrant Protection Protocols) that force children & families back into dangerous situations in Mexico.  We want the government and those being held to know that the American people have not forgotten them!  Currently only 11 out of 10,000 are granted asylum (.1%).

Upcoming Events/Action

         1) Campaign to have more people go to Brownsville as witnesses and for our organizations to raise funds for Team Brownsville and the humanitarian work being performed by volunteers.  A power point presentation is being developed to be shared by member organizations and the community.

         2) Post card writing: urging the passage of the “Refugee Protection Act,” pending in both houses of Congress (SB2936 and HR 5210).  These bills have 40 co-signers, none of whom are Rep. Crist or Bilirakis or Sen. Rubio or Scott.

         3) People needed to serve as “champions,” trained to speak to large or small groups to encourage them to fill out the census forms, which are online and confidential and do NOT include a question on citizenship.

         4) March 20, Temple Beth-El: “Witnessing: A Growing Movement for Social Justice.”  This is the National Refugee Day for Jewish communities around the country.  Two from the Coalition and a refugee from five African countries will speak during the Shabot service (7:30-8:30 pm) and food and discussion will followafter the service.  The Coalition will have a table there.

Operation Attack Repot

LUCC ANNUAL MEETING – 2/23/2020

Jim Andrews

Operation Attack is very much in need of boy’s coats, socks and underwear, diapers, teen clothes for boys/girls, canned food, and peanut butter

Donations may be placed in the shopping cart in the entryway to the sanctuary. Volunteer dates are evenings on March 9, April 13, and May 11. They also need people to help on the first three Tuesdays of the month from 9:30-noon.

Operation Attack is an ecumenical effort serving families with children located at Lakeview Presbyterian Church, 1310 22nd. Ave. S., St. Petersburg. LUCC was a founding member of Operation Attack in the 1960’s!

Sermon 2/16 Entertainment

Scripture Lesson: Matthew 22:34-40
Sermon: Entrainment
Pastor: Rev. Kim P. Wells

As we heard this morning in the gospel reading, love, it’s the heart of our faith.
Love of God. Love of neighbor. Also love of enemy. Love of self. God is love.
Love is embodied in all of Jesus’ teachings. Love is the essence of Christianity.

Yes, we may all agree on the importance of love. But, well, what exactly is love?
What does love mean? We might say, “I’d love to show him a thing or two.” We
see bumper stickers declaring: America Love It or Leave It. We hear, “I love your
new hair cut.” There are many uses of the word love. But what does it really
mean? How do we define love?

In the Charles Schulz “Peanuts” book of yesteryear, we were told that love is
walking hand in hand. Writer and therapist M. Scott Peck says this about love:
Love is, “the will to extend one’s self for the purpose of nurturing one’s own or
another’s spiritual growth.” [From The Road Less Traveled quoted in All About
Love: New Visions by Bell Hooks]

So, in the wake of Valentine’s Day and the tidal wave of hearts and roses, what can
we say about love?

How do you explain love?
How would you describe love?
How do you define love?
What does love mean to you?

Congregational conversation

While we can agree that love is at the heart of Christianity and that God is love,
our many conceptions of love show us that our faith can be understood in many,
many different ways because of the diversity of our thinking about love.

So, what did Jesus mean by love? In the story we heard, he tells the Pharisees,
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and
with all your mind. And . . . you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” These are
the two central commandments. The religious leaders cannot disagree. This
comes directly from the law of Moses. But these very people will eventually
participate in having Jesus killed. Is that love of God and neighbor? To have
someone killed?

So what can we say about love? Our faith teaches us to see Jesus as the
incarnation, the embodiment of Divine Love. The fullest human expression of
love. So we can look to Jesus to show us what love is. We are told of Jesus
treating his adversaries with compassion and understanding, not violence. We hear
of Jesus healing those who are different, other, alien, oppressor. Jesus is portrayed
as ignoring labels that separate and divide people. We are told of Jesus feeding the
multitudes. No EBT cards needed. No questions asked. His generosity is
universal and unconditional. We are told of Jesus calling his inner circle not
servants but friends. He is dismantling hierarchy. We hear of Jesus treating
women as full human beings. This is a direct attack on the social and religious
norms that diminish the full humanity of women. He is challenging patriarchy.
The way of Jesus tells us a lot about love – it is personal, it is political, it is a
feeling, it is morality, it is mutuality, it is mystery, it is action, it is being. It is who
we are and why we are here. And so much more. There are lots of ways to
understand love and we assess their validity by looking for consistency with the
witness of Jesus.

The concept of entrainment can help us to understand the reality of love.
Entrainment is the inexplicable tendency for things to synchronize. Here’s the
technical definition: “Entrainment is a process that leads to temporal coordination
of two actors’ behavior, in particular, synchronization, even in the absence of a
direct mechanical coupling.” [From: Psychology of Learning and Motivation,
2011cited at https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/psychology/entrainment ] The
Dutch physicist of the 17th century Christiaan Huygens observed that when he put
two pendulum clocks on the same support, they synchronized themselves. [ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/279445641_What_is_Entrainment_Defi
nition_and_applications_in_musical_research ] This phenomenon was called
entrainment. It happens in other zones of activity as well. Two people in rocking
chairs on a porch will unknowingly move toward synchronized rocking. Watch the
next time you go to Cracker Barrel!

And scientists have found that two living human heart cells, in two separate petri
dishes, will synchronize and beat in unison. They will become entrained. [Joyce
Rupp, Boundless Compassion: Creating a Way of Life, pp.89-90] This image
implies that we are wired to be in synchronicity with each other.

So one way to think about love is to think about entrainment. Being in
synchronicity. We see love in Jesus, so we can think about our faith helping us to
grow in our synchronicity with Jesus, being in rhythm with him, naturally falling
into step with what he shows us about embodied love. We can think about love as
falling into synchronicity with other people, with the earth. Love is like
experiencing the entrainment that bonds us as people, as life forms, as part of the
one whole universe.

To love our neighbor is like experiencing our hearts beating as one. To love our
enemy. To feel our hearts beating in rhythm. To love ourselves. To feel our hearts
beating with the heartbeat of God. To love life. To feel our hearts beating with
the heartbeat of every creature. To love God. To feel our hearts beating with the
pulse of the universe.

Entrainment happens naturally. And so shall love. For we are created in the image
of a God we know as love. The capacity for love is at the heart of each and every
one of us. May our hearts beat as one with the pulse of eternal love. 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.