Author: lakewooducc

Advent Devotion 7

Hate Revisited

Yesterday I got a political solicitation email that included this paragraph:

The DC Swamp wants impeachment. The Hollywood Elites want impeachment. The Fake News wants impeachment. The Deep State wants impeachment.   Foreign enemies want impeachment. The Establishment wants impeachment.   They all HATE you, Kim, and that’s why they want to steal your vote.  

It’s US against THEM.  Make no mistake this is a war, and a war we must win to save the United States of America.  

There are many implications in this message, but I want to follow up on yesterday’s devotion about hate.  Yesterday we mentioned the Christian imperative to not hate anyone.  The email cited above invites us to think about how we as Christians are to respond when we are hated.  

This email is trying to convince people that they are hated so that they will respond by fighting back in some way.  It is trying to use hate as a tool to motivate a reaction – a hostile reaction.  The theme of hate is being used to stoke a conflict actually referred to as “war.”  And war involves violence and attacking and subduing of enemies.  The email goes on to specifically mention enemies.

 And what does Jesus have to say about those perceived as enemies?  Those who supposedly hate you?  They are to be loved.  Love your enemy.  Pray for those who persecute you.  So the Christian response to hatred is love.  Compassion.  Understanding.  Forgiveness.  But not more hatred or violence.

We saw this approach to hatred beautifully demonstrated in the Civil Rights movement under the leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  People of African descent who had every reason to hate people of European descent took to the streets in non violent direct action.  No weapons.  No hatred.  No violence.  They were armed with courage and love.

When hatred is directed at us, may we respond as Jesus did:  With the incomparable power of love.

 Prayer: Prayerfully and honestly consider who may have reason to hate you.  How can you show love, compassion, and understanding?  Our prayers may not change the hearts of others but they may change our hearts.  Amen.   

Advent Devotion 6

No room for hate

In this season as we prepare for the birth of Jesus, we reflect on his life and ministry which is, of course, why we celebrate his birth.  Jesus was filled with love.  There was no room in his heart for hate.  No matter who the person was, there was not hate from Jesus.  He expresses compassion and love.  He decries the abuse of power that takes advantage of “the little guy,” but he does not express hatred even toward those who live at other’s expense.  He does not express hatred toward anyone even those responsible for his crucifixion.

We saw a bold witness to that kind of faith in the public sector this past week.  It was not something you expect to see even at this time of year.  But at the end of a press conference,  as she was leaving the podium, a reporter asked House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, “Do you hate the president, Madame Speaker?”  Pelosi returned to the podium and stated unequivocally, “As a Catholic, I resent you using the word ‘hate’ in a sentence that addresses me.  Don’t mess with me when it comes to a word like that.”  

What a beautiful, bold proclamation of the way of Jesus!  It was refreshing to hear!  No hate.  It’s that simple.  

This is a season to examine our hearts in search of hatred.  What hate are we harboring?  What do we need to release?  How do we need to hold ourselves accountable to the way of Jesus?  Not quite sure where you stand?  Think you might be missing something?  Really want to know the truth?  As someone close to you, “Who do you think that I hate?”  “Do you think I have anyone or any group?”  Take their answer seriously.  Don’t jump to defend yourself.  Listen.  Learn.  And remember:  There is no room for hate as we make our way with Jesus.  

Prayer This Advent season may we seriously scour our hearts for hatred. May we evict hate from our lives.  May we make it clear to ourselves and others that because of our faith, we do not hate.   Period.  Amen.  

Weekly Update 12/5

This Sunday: This Sunday is the second Sunday of Advent.  The story of the visit of Mary and Elizabeth invites reflection on how we help each other along life’s journey.  There will be carol singing before the service, lighting the Advent candles in the service, and PLEASE BRING HOMEMADE CHRISTMAS COOKIES TO ENJOY AFTER THE SERVICE.  Leftover cookies will be brought to homebound members of the church family. This is the last Sunday to bring toys and gifts for the Winter Wonderland at Maximo Elementary School. 

Church School: will be led by Janet Blair on Sunday.  She will be talking about the situation of refugees in the world today in connection with the stories of Jesus and his family migrating – to Bethlehem and to Egypt.  There is no Nursery care this morning.  Please enjoy the child friendly area of the sanctuary. 

Advisors meeting: There will be an Advisors meeting following the service this coming Sunday in the Fellowship Hall.  All are welcome to attend. 

Lakewood UCC Choir: Throughout the five Sundays of Decembers, choir rehearsals will begin at 9:40am instead of the usual 9:00am.

Advent/Christmas Season Ahead: “Come Home for the Holidays” season of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Please pick up a collection can to use for the Christmas Eve offering which will provide rent, utility, and other assistance to people in the congregation and the community.  This assistance helps people to have a home and to feel connected to others as family.  After all, we are one human family and everyone deserves a home. 

Joy of Singing: Each Sunday of Advent, the congregation is invited to join in singing favorite Christmas songs at 10:15 before morning worship. May the music of Christmas inspire joy this holy season.

Christmas Caroling: Join with others to bring the joy of the season to folks from the LUCC family who are not able to come to church. Everyone is welcome regardless of singing ability! If you aren’t feeling merry, being part of this ministry will bring joy to your heart! Please gather at the church Sunday afternoon Dec. 15 at 3:00p.m. Jim Andrews and Janet Blair will have the arrangements made and carolers will visit the homebound members of the church family.

Daily Devotions: Look for a new devotion each day in your email or at the church website to help inspire your reflection about what it means to “Come home for the holidays.” What does home mean? Where do we find it? How do we create a sense of home with others?

Sundays in Advent: Each Sunday, singing songs of the season at 10:15 and lighting the Advent wreath during worship.

Dec. 8        Fellowship with home made cookies after church. Bring your favorite homemade cookies to share. Packages will be made and delivered to homebound members of the church family. Dec. 15      Christmas Caroling in the afternoon. At 3:00 followed by dinner at the Wells’ home. Dec. 22      A special intergenerational, interactive service that will end with lining the cradle in preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus.

Christmas Eve: 6:30      Music of the Season 7:00     Service with candlelight and communion. All ages welcome! Transportation provided. please contact the church office.

Straw Labyrinth: Come home for the holidays. There will be a straw labyrinth installed on the church grounds. This is an opportunity to reflect on what “home for the holidays” means to you through walking meditation. The walking will provide an image for making our way home to God in this holy season. The labyrinth will be open and available for use all the time. Come at your convenience. There will be printed sheets provided to guide your reflection.

During the Advent season there will be two opportunities to be part of a group-guided walk on the labyrinth. These will be held Wednesday Dec. 11th and Wednesday Dec. 18th at 3:00p.m. There will be a time for gathering, reading of scripture, reflection, and walking. All are welcome!

Advisors for 2020: It’s time to think about who will serve as advisors for the church for 2020.  The advisors are responsible for overseeing the life of the church including finances, personnel, property and grounds, and other administrative concerns.  In addition, they help to “advise” about all aspects of church life.  The term is for one year.  Are there people you would like to see serving as advisors next year?  Would you like to serve as an advisor?  There are forms available at church for you to fill out with the names of people you would like to see as advisors including yourself.  Please put the forms in the Leadership Selection envelope on the bulletin board at church.  The names suggested will provide the pool of people to be considered to serve for the next year.  Many thanks for your participation in this important process at LUCC!

Winter Wonderland: Toy snd Gift Collection  for Maximo Children ends THIS Sunday-Dec. 8. LUCC, you may bring your toys/gifts to the church and they will be delivered to the school!  Or put a donation in an envelope marked “ Winter Wonderland.”  The children will be  choosing gifts  for themselves and/or others so small gifts for parents are also needed.  Maximo Elementary serves 16% homeless families and according to the on site social worker 99.5% under privileged families. Thanks everyone!

Immigration News: “Witness at Tornillo,” a new documentary, will be shown at Tampa Theater on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 11:00, followed by a panel discussion and community conversation.  This screening is being presented by the nonprofit FL Institute for Community Studies (FICS) and is FREE and open to the public, but reservations are required.  To register, go to https://tampatheater.org/movie/witness-at-Tornillo/.  For carpooling from LUCC, see Sue Sherwood.

The film follows Josh Rubin, a Brooklyn-born activist who draws attention to the horrors of family separation and child detention on the southern border. The goal of his witnessing – which he calls “the radical act of seeing” – is to shut down the Tornillo camp and free the 2,800 migrant teenagers being held there.  He has also witnessed at Homestead, FL, and will be leading a group to Tornillo in January to bear witness at the border and offer food and support to those waiting for asylum.  The Pinellas Coalition for Immigration Justice will be organizing a group to go as well, which is open to any LUCC folks who are interested in joining this first-hand witness. 

Letter Writing: A letter writing station has been set up at church. Look for opportunities to share your faith perspective on immigration, the environment, and gun safety with elected officials.

 Roy Book Binder Concert: The concert begins at 7:00 p.m. on December 6th. Suggested donation of $20. All proceeds go to the artist. Please feel free to contact the church with any questions! lakewooducc@gmail.com or call at 727-867-7961.

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. LUCC volunteer nights include sorting clothes and bagging food. All are welcome to volunteer! The next opportunity is Dec. 4 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

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.

December Birthdays: Becky Palmer 12/16, Amaiya Washington 12/18, George Diven 12/27, Melanie Moore 12/27, Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.

Circle of Concern: Tony Rogers, Sherry Santana, Jen DeGroot, Carolyn Moore, Ann Quinn, Maggie Brizendine, Earl Waters, 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.

Sermon 12/1 Swords into Plowshares

Scripture Lesson: Isaiah 2:1-5 Sermon:  Swords into Plowshares Pastor: Rev. Kim P. Wells

Swords into plowshares.  This phrase implies a process of transformation.  It is about the changing of something into something else.  

A sword is a weapon.  It has a long, sharp blade that is intended to be used for slashing and stabbing people.  It is to be used to kill. It also can be used as a defensive weapon, to deflect a blow from another sword, but mainly it is a weapon created to be used to kill people.  We can think about the image of a sword the way we think about a gun today.

Now, a plowshare.  A plowshare was a long, sharp metal tool used to prepare the dirt for the planting of seeds.  It made furrows in the ground and the seeds were planted in the little trenches where they would grow into plants used for food.  A plowshare is something that was used for farming, for raising crops. Food is necessary to live, so plowshares were used to give life not take it like a sword.

Both a sword and a plowshare involve a long metal blade though they are shaped slightly differently.  So retooling a metal sword into a metal plowshare was not a huge transformation. What is really different about a sword and a plowshare is the use.  One is used to end life. One is used to promote life. One is used to kill. One is used to grow. The biggest difference between a sword and a plowshare is in their use not their shape.  So bending and reforming a piece of metal from a sword into a plowshare is not that much of a change. The bigger part of the change from swords into plowshares is the change of intention, of desire.  The big challenge is changing from wanting to kill people to wanting to promote life for people; from wanting to end life to wanting to make life better.

The idea of changing swords into plowshares involves changing from an orientation of violence to an orientation of peace.  As in no more guns. No more missiles. No more bombs. This is drastic in a context like ours that affirms violence as an acceptable tool to be used.  The transformation from swords into plowshares means the resources used for violent means are transitioned to uses that promote life – like food, education, healthcare, the arts, and sustainable energy.   All the money and raw materials and labor that go into making guns and weapons would be used for making equipment for schools, solar panels, musical instruments, farming equipment, and cooking pots; homes for all and healthcare for all; great schools for all kids.  Converting our swords into plowshares would drastically change our society. And it would be great for everyone!  

But how do we make that kind of change?  In the beautiful verses we heard this morning, we were told about how the people, all the people, from everywhere, make their way up to the top of a mountain where they learn the ways of God.  They are taught about what God wants. And then they come down the mountain, back to their everyday lives, and beat their swords into plowshares. The people are changed on the inside and this makes them want to make changes in their lives on the outside.  Their hearts are changed and they are transformed from being concerned about weapons and violence and war to being focussed on peace and growing food and supporting life for everyone. The change starts on the inside.  

Well, we cannot go up a mountain and expect to be taught about the ways of peace.  But we have Jesus to show us God’s ways and to lead us in the way of peace. Jesus is referred to as the Prince of Peace.  Jesus embodied peace completely. He never used violence. Jesus had many enemies who wanted to do him harm. But he didn’t have a sword or other weapon.  He never lashed out at anyone by hitting them. Jesus showed love to people. He gave them food. He healed them. He gave them forgiveness. All of this even to his enemies.  Jesus helped people to love themselves and feel accepted so that they could show love and acceptance to others. Jesus showed people how to share and to take care of each other and to get along creating community.  He teaches the way of God and the way of peace. He teaches us how to transition from the way of insecurity, violence, hatred, and war to the way of peace, mutual respect, and understanding. Jesus shows us how to turn swords into plowshares from the inside out.  

This Advent season at Lakewood we are talking about coming home for the holidays.  What is home? Home is supposed to be place where we are loved and accepted. Where we know we will be taken care of.  Where we help take care of others. Home is a place to learn and grow. There are loving people who nurture us and help us to develop.  Home is safe. Home is a place where there is both food and forgiveness.  

Sadly there are times when the places we live and the people we live with do not function in this way.  There are families where people are not taken care of. Where they don’t learn to forgive. And where there isn’t unconditional love and acceptance.  This is very sad. Sometimes there is even violence among people that live together. I won’t even call it a home because violence should never happen in a home.  But sometimes people are attacked and hurt in the place where they live.  

Whatever our living circumstances, the church is to be a place where we learn the ways of God and the ways of peace from Jesus.  Church is where our hearts are changed on the inside so that we can learn to be more peaceful on the outside. Church is a place where we are transformed, where we are changed, where we learn to live in a new way, a way of peace.  

We move away from thinking about hurting others, lashing out, and using violence to thinking about how to take care of ourselves and how to make life better for others.  We learn to work on making the world a better place for everyone.  

This can be a very big change.   But the church is here as a home, to help us along the way.  To help us learn to love ourselves. To forgive ourselves and others.  To help us learn to express our hate and anger in ways that do not harm others.  The church is a place to try to understand those we disagree with. It is a place to cultivate compassion for those who may hate us.  To learn to work through conflicts without using weapons or violence. To get along and help each other instead of taking advantage of each other or abusing others, physically or financially.  The church provides a context to honestly examine our prejudices and biases and learn to give them up. It is a place to look at our feelings and behaviors with honesty so that we can engage in the process of transformation.  The church is here to help transform us so that we give our time, energy, work, and money to promoting life for all people, including ourselves, nature, and the planet.  

Swords into plowshares.  It is a really big change.  It can be a slow process. And it happens one heart, one life, at a time until society becomes something new focussed on promoting life!

This Advent season we prepare to celebrate the birth of the baby Jesus who teaches us the ways of God and leads us in the ways of peace.  May we follow Jesus and be transformed so that we create the peace we dream for every baby. 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 Devotion 5

12.5.19

Naughty or Nice?

I still love to sing the Christmas song, ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town.’ The tune has a great
bounce. And there is that all-watchful image of Santa Claus, seeing you when you are sleeping
and when you are awake. Knowing if you are bad or good. Santa is elevated to a god-like
figure.

And when it all shakes down, you’re either going to be on one list or the other – naughty or nice.
And that determines everything else. Well, that sentiment may elicit good behavior from
children in the lead up to Christmas, but as we get older we realize that naughty or nice is not
that simple. No one is completely naughty. We’re taken aback when someone we’ve written off
does something generous or kind or compassionate. Oops! And we’re shaken when someone
we know as good shows a moral failing. Oops! We’re reminded again and again that no one is
completely naughty. And no one is completely nice. We just have to look in the mirror.

Really, Jesus was challenging people’’s judgments about who was naughty and who was nice
all of the time. The highly respected religious leaders got lambasted – but they were thought of
as “nice,” And a reprobate tax collector like Zacchaeus, decidedly “naughty,” becomes a model
disciple. Go figure!

This is a season to remember that we are all naughty and nice. We all have the capacity for
both and we all exhibit both tendencies. So, maybe we shouldn’t be so quick to judge –
ourselves or others.

Prayer
May we look for the good in ourselves and others. May we affirm and encourage the capacity
for being kind and generous and compassionate. And may we show understanding and
forgiveness toward ourselves and others when we are less that we could be and so embrace
and affirm our full humanity. Amen.