In some churches it’s called Holy Saturday. No weddings or funerals held in churches this day. There are no services unless there is an Easter vigil at night.
This day is sort of a pause between Good Friday with the crucifixion and Easter with the resurrection. Maybe you will be dying Easter eggs or doing food preparation or making up Easter baskets. Getting ready for Easter.
For me, this is a time to remember the women in the Holy Week/Easter story. They were probably at the Last Supper. Cooking, serving, refilling the glasses, cleaning up. Very likely, they were around the edges for the arrest, the trial, Pilate offering clemency to Jesus. There is mention in the gospels of women being at the cross. Or perhaps near by. Watching. Witnessing events. Comforting each other. Jesus was probably aware of their presence. He was known for seeing those off to the side, ignored, discounted.
The women were probably also present when Jesus was buried. Again, observing. Present. Maybe in the background but there. A constant presence. Which is more than we can say for some of the men involved. . .
There are a few people in this life who will have a lot of money and will be amazingly generous philanthropists like MacKenzie Scott who has recently given an enormous sum to Habitat for Humanity in our area. There are a few people who will rise to power in politics and will make a huge difference in society like John Lewis. There are a few people who will become incredible social activists making strides for justice like Greta Thunberg. A few. Most of us are not going have that kind of power or impact.
We are more likely to be like the women around the crucifixion. Present. Paying attention. Serving and helping as we are able. Engaged. Open and available as needed. Offering support to each other. In solidarity through trauma and grief. Isn’t this how most ministry happens? And who finds the empty tomb? The ones who are faithful and attentive. And that has changed the world.
Today is a day to remember the women. And to hope to be counted among them.
Prayer We are grateful for those who remain faithful and provide a steady witness. We are grateful for those who provide support and help in ways large and small. May we be present, open, and willing so that we, too, might bear witness to the gospel of Christ Jesus. Amen.
And on this day, we gather to proclaim that from the tomb of violence, crucifixion, and death, Christ sheds his grave clothes, like a butterfly sheds a cocoon.
He emerges, our winged hope, an elegant embodiment of a new vision for humanity.
*HYMN Christ the Lord is Risen Today 233
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
THE EASTER STORY from The Pilgrim Book of Bible Stories
*HYMN To You, O God, All Creatures Sing 17
SCRIPTURE READING Let us prepare ourselves for the word of God as it comes to us in the reading of Holy Scripture. Our hearts and minds are open.
John 20:1-18
For the word of God in scripture, for the word of God among us, for the word of God within us. Thanks be to God.
*HYMN Joy to the World! 132
SERMON Turning Rev. Kim P. Wells
UNISION PRAYER Susan Durber based on e.e. cummings, adapted
We thank you God for this amazing day, when our hearts dance like the shining sun, when all the world leaps with life and the great, infinite wonders of the earth shout their “yes!” to you.
We who have seen death, who have heard the story of the cross and sorrowed deep at the sharp agony of the world’s pain, we have come to life again in the life of your Son.
We thank you God for this amazing day, when the evil in us lies down dead, and the good in us is born again. This is the birth day of life and love and goodness. This is the amazing day, when our Saviour, rose, when the earth released him, when the heavens echoed the praise of earth, on this great day. Alleluia! to our leaping, rising, lively, infinite, God. Amen.
*HYMN Because You Live, O Christ 231
MISSION STATEMENT 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 & in our world.
Offer the hospitality and inclusive love of Christ to all people.
Work for God’s peace and justice throughout creation.
MORNING OFFERING and COMMUNION OFFERING
Morning offerings may be brought forward and placed in the plates on the altar. You are invited to write your prayer requests on the sheets provided in the bulletin and bring them forward and place them in the basket on the altar. If you would like assistance, please turn to someone seated near you.
Offertory
Words of Dedication Australia
Risen Lord, You walk through this earth using the feet of very imperfect disciples; may every race and generation take time to look up and see you, draw nearer, listen and worship, and turn to follow you. Amen.
*PREPARATION FOR COMMUNION
CELEBRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION
Invitation
Communion Prayer- Savior’s Prayer Our Creator in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
Blessing the Bread and Cup
Sharing the Meal
*HYMN Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ 347
*BENEDICTION based on Bruce Sanguin
Turn to Christ Jesus who sheds his grave clothes, like a butterfly sheds a cocoon. And emerges, our winged hope, an elegant embodiment of a new vision for humanity.
*POSTLUDE
For the safety and comfort of all, please wear a mask. Thank you!
Annoncements
Communion This is a Communion Sunday. We are using the prepackaged individualcommunion servings. Please know that everyone iswelcome to participate in communion. Young people are invited toparticipate at the discretion of the adult(s) who have brought them.The Communion Offering will be received. This offering is used to help people in the church and the community with basic needs such as rent and utility assistance, bus passes, prescriptions, etc. There has been heavy need for these funds. Please consider how you can help the community through this offering.
Facebook Live The 10:30 a.m. service is being streamed on Facebook Live.
Pastor Away Kim Wells will be away from Wednesday 4/20-Thursday 4/28 to attend the memorial service for Betty Wells, Jeff’s mother. Rev. Victoria Long will be preaching Sunday 4/24. If pastoral care is needed, please contact Patti Cooksey.
April Book Talk Join in on Tuesday April 19 at 6:30 for an hour or so of engaging discussion about whatever folks are reading. You are sure to hear about something you really want to read! Everyone is welcome! Here’s the Zoom link: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2700683648 Meeting ID: 270 068 3648
Toiletries for Celebrate Outreach Celebrate Outreach is a local ministry with people who are living without shelter in St. Petersburg. Celebration Outreach has an ongoing need for men’s and women’s underwear. (Men sizes 30, 32,34 and Women’s sizes 5,6, 7,8.) Also in high demand are socks of all kinds /sizes for both men & women. Other needed items are Deodorant & disposable razors.
See the Weekly Update for more information about: Mask Policy,Our Whole Lives Human Sexuality Training,USF Program on Preventing Dementia,How to Help Ukraine, and OA
Lakewood United Church of Christ 2601 54th Ave. S. St. Petersburg, FL 33712 727-867-7961 lakewooducc@gmail.comLakewooducc.org On land originally inhabited by the Tocabaga
Just before we began the Lenten season, we heard the story of the Transfiguration. Jesus goes up to the mountain to pray. Elijah and Moses appear. Jesus glows with light. A cloud descends. The voice of God is heard. “This is my Own, my Chosen One. Listen to him!”
When Jesus went up the mountain to pray, he took with him Peter, James, and John. And guess what happened? They fell asleep. And when they woke up, they saw the manifestations of Moses and Elijah and Jesus’ changed appearance. When they came down the mountain, they argued with the other disciples about who was greatest. Somehow, they just don’t seem to get it.
Then in the stories of the last week of Jesus’ life, there is the story of praying in the garden, Gethsemane or the Mount of Olives. It is the last night of Jesus’ life. There is the Passover dinner, the last supper, the betrayer among them, and the prediction of Peter denying Jesus three times. Jesus knows the end has come. We are told that he goes off to pray. And who does he take along? Peter, James, and John. The same trio from the Transfiguration story. And what do they do? Yup. They fall asleep. And he awakens them and asks them to pray. They fall asleep again. And again. Then later they argue about who is greatest. Really?
Jesus. You gotta love him. He never gives up. Never stops loving. Even gives his life. For these people who mess up again and again and again. But giving his life is not something that can be earned or merited. Hard for the disciples to comprehend. And hard for us in our meritocracy to comprehend. But Jesus is going to do what he is going to do. Because it is what God wants him to do. And it doesn’t really matter what we do. Because we are all beloved. As we are. Asleep or awake. That is the wildness of mercy.
Prayer The story of the end of Jesus’ life is difficult. There is so much to take in. We want to understand. But maybe the best we can do is appreciate. May we try to be grateful for the love. The love for the world. For humanity. For those dim disciples. And for us. Sleeping or waking. Through Jesus we hear, You are my own. My chosen one. Amen.
“It is finished.” These are words attributed to Jesus from the cross. It is finished. What Jesus needed to do is completed. Horrific, yes, but over. It is finished.
For Jesus, any questioning or speculation is over. Anticipation has ended. Any trace of worry or fear is gone. Any unresolved wondering is laid to rest. It is finished. Jesus has done what he needed to do. Maybe there is even a sense of relief.
It is finished for Jesus. But for us, it is not finished. We will spend the rest of our lives trying to make sense of the mystery of the cross. Of the unaccountable, indescribable love. For us, this not finished.
We remain forever “lost in wonder, love, and praise.” [From the hymn “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling.”]
Prayer How is it that pain, sorrow, guilt, betrayal, and denial culminate in love? Beyond our reckoning. Or our deserving. Thank you! Amen.
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 Wednesday. Please provide the information in paragraph form with pertinent details and links. THANK YOU!
Easter Sunday April 17!
The wonderful festival of Easter is just a few days away. Please note there will be a change in the service schedule. There will be two identical services at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. The congregation is invited to meet and visit out on the lawn between services. Both services will be streamed on Facebook Live. Please make plans to be a part of this glorious celebration! Remember – come at 9 or 11.
The service will be in the sanctuary with the doors and windows open. Masks required.
Holy Week Observances
April 14 Maundy Thursday The Service of Tennebrae will be held at 7:00 p.m. remembering the Last Supper. This service includes the sacrament of Holy Communion.
April 15 Good Friday The observance will begin at noon with a reading out loud of the gospel of Mark. Those present will be invited to participate in the reading. This will be followed by a time of meditation around the cross and communion.
April 17 Easter Sunday There will be 2 services at 9 and 11 with refreshments and fellowship in between the services outside on the church lawn.
One Great Hour of Sharing Offering
On Palm Sunday LUCC received this special offering that is taken by churches throughout the UCC as well as other communions in the United States.
This offering helps people in the US and around the world in their hour of need – natural disaster, drought, war, famine, and other perils. The gifts are shared with partner churches around the world to offer the help that is needed. Thanks to the wonderful generosity of the congregation $467 was received for this tangible offering of love!
From Hilton about Singing in Church
It is nice to be singing again. It’s interesting: I can hear how people’s voices are unaccustomed to singing after almost 3 years of not singing! I hope people aren’t straining themselves. They can do actual physical damage to themselves if they sing incorrectly or strain, including nodes on their vocal chords. Maybe it would be best to encourage people to sing, but to take it easy and not strain, to be aware at all times of how it feels and to stop if there’s tension or roughness, soreness, or discomfort. Things are delicate in there. Even too much talking can have injurious effects . . . it happens a lot to actors and politicians (probably preachers too).
Former LUCC Member on Appalachian Trail
Yoko Nogami, a beloved LUCC member, moved to Kentucky several years ago. In March she began a through hike of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. Please keep her in your prayers. Here’s a picture of Yoko on the trail
April Book Talk
Join in on Tuesday April 19 at 6:30 for an hour or so of engaging discussion about whatever folks are reading. You are sure to hear about something you really want to read! Everyone is welcome! Here’s the Zoom link:
In May, Book Talk will return to the usual meeting time: the third Thursday at 6:30.
Mask Policy at Church
For the past several weeks, there has been conversation at church about masking and updating the masking protocol at church. The advisors and staff have had conversations. The congregation has been invited to offer input. There has been consideration of the issues at hand from many perspectives. Many thanks to ALL who have contributed to the discussion. Your input is valued.
After careful consideration of all of the information that has been received and the views that have been expressed, the advisors and church staff have decided that masks will remain mandatory at church on Sunday mornings and that congregational singing will resume.
The decision has also been made that at the church during the week, masks will be optional depending on the sensibilities of those who are present.
There is much to take into consideration and the leadership of the church is concerned with being safe and protecting those who are most vulnerable.
These latest decisions regarding masking at church will be revisited as public health circumstances change.
If you would like to discuss this further, please speak with Advisors Malcolm Wells, Barbara Donohue, or Lucille Ruga.
The Sunday morning service will continue to be streamed live on Facebook and posted at the church YouTube channel.
OWL Training Offered
The United Church of Christ and the Unitarian Universalist Church have worked together to create a comprehensive curriculum on sexuality for all ages – preschool through adult – called Our Whole Lives (OWL). To offer this curriculum, presenters must be trained.
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Clearwater is offering facilitator training for grades 7-12 the weekend of April 29-May 1.
This training could be used in a church setting as well as other settings involving young people. If you would like more information about the training for yourself or someone else, please contact Meredith Olson at learning@uuc.org or 727-531-7704 ext. 205.
There is a cost involved for the training. If you are interested in the training, LUCC can help to offset the cost.
Florida Conference Offers Anti-Racism Justice Devotions for Holy Week
The Anti-Racism Ministry Team of the Florida Conference offers Holy Week “Racial Justice Reflections 2022.” Rev. Mardie Chapman of LUCC is part of this ministry Team.
Four Florida Conference pastors (Rev. Dr. Sheila Harvey Guillaume, Pastor, Union Congregational Church, West Palm Beach; Rev. Harvey Lockhart, Pastor, First Church of North Miami Congregational; Rev. Dr. Guillermo Marquez-Sterling, Associate Pastor, Pass-A-Grille Beach Community Church, St. Pete Beach; Rev. Dr. Bernice Powell Jackson, Pastor, First United Church of Tampa) authored the reflections, which can be used for: personal, congregational, and worship use.
The church has been contacted by USF about a research study called “Preventing Alzheimer’s with Cognitive Training (PACT)”. They are currently enrolling older adult participants at the USF St. Petersburg campus to participate in the program. They are looking for adults 65 years and older to participate in this important study. For more information, click here. https://lakewooducc.org/2022/03/25/usf-st-pete-program-preventing-dementia/
How to Help Ukraine
The local Ukrainian Catholic Church is sponsoring humanitarian aid. There are more details at their website: https://www.epiphanyukrch.com
Celebrate Outreach is a local ministry with people who are living without shelter in St. Petersburg. An average of 135 people are served each week. LUCC was asked to collect toiletries to be distributed to the community at the meals that are provided on Saturday and Sundays each week. This collection will be ongoing in addition to the food being collected for Operation Attack. All are invited to donate the following items:
Celebration Outreach has an ongoing need for men’s and women’s underwear. Men sizes 30, 32,34 Women’s sizes 5,6, 7,8. Also in high demand are socks of all kinds /sizes for both men & women. Other needed items are Deodorant & disposable razors.
Toothbrushes, toothpaste, disposable razors, bar soap, wash cloths, deodorant, feminine hygiene items, travel size creams, shampoo, body wash, individual packets of Kleenex, hand wipes, toilet tissue, and paper towels are always needed as well.
Many thanks to Janet Blair and Jim Andrews for taking the donations to Celebrate Outreach.
Inkjet Recycling
The church is continuing to collect used inkjet cartridges. They are sent to a recycler and the church receives payment for the cartridges provided. So, don’t throw out your cartridges. Bring them to church. Not only do they get recycled but they provide income for the ministry of the church.
Guided Labyrinth Walks
The guided walk is held weekly on Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m. This provides an opportunity to be aware and deepen your spiritual journey. If it is raining, the walk is held on Thursday at 9:00 a.m.
Also, the readings and prayers used on Wednesdays at the guided walk are put in the mailbox by the labyrinth each week for use during the week.
The labyrinth is on the church grounds near the southwest corner of the church property. It is available for use at all times.
OA needs donations of cereal/oatmeal, mac and cheese, pasta sauce, peanut butter, canned meat, fruit, soup, and vegetables.Donations may be placed on the shelf in the hallway at church.
Being Covid Safe and In-Person Worship
Please stay home if you are not feeling well.
Please wear a mask while in the church building. While most people have been vaccinated, this helps visitors to feel safe.
Additional masks will be available at church to use as needed.
Two hand sanitizing stations are available for use by worshippers.
There is well-ventilated, physically distanced indoor seating in the sanctuary.
Please know that your safety is of primary consideration!
On Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. please use the link above to visit our homepage. There, after using the link, you will see a section labeled “Happening Now”. This is our Livestream of the Sunday Service.
To watch the live stream, locate and click the “watch video” button in the lower right corner of the screen.
If the link above is not working, there is also a link to our Facebook page on our website. Please try that link located on the Home page of our website.
PLEASE NOTE:
With the cooler temperatures, we will resume opening the doors and windows for morning worship as we continue efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Sunday services are being held at 10:30 a.m. Masks are required. There is physical distancing. Childcare is provided.
You can also join in on Facebook Live at 10:30. Please see the instructions below.
Lakewood United Church of Christ 