I read an article today about the increasingly limited information available to the people of Russia from outside of the country. The Russian government wants to control the narrative about Ukraine. Russians are not allowed to use the words ‘war’ or ‘invasion’ in reference to Ukraine. It is a ‘special military operation’. Because of the false information provided by the government, many of the people of Russia do not believe that a war is going on. And they certainly don’t believe that Russia is in any way the aggressor.
That’s the thing about people. We lie. About all kinds of things. War. Slavery. Our health. Our grades. All the time. About so many things. We simply, well, lie. We say thank you for something we didn’t like. We pay someone a compliment to make them feel good or to get ourselves off the hook when we really don’t mean it. We make excuses that we are busy when we could actually do something we just don’t want to. We are just really good at lying. About big things. About little things. About inconsequential things. About existential things.
And, in my opinion, it must be admitted that religion has certainly done its share of lying to people. And that lying causes untold harm.
Why do we lie? For a million reasons. Because we want to be liked. Because we are greedy. Because we’re lazy. Because we want to get ahead. Because it’s easy. Because the truth is too hard to bear. Because it’s to our advantage in some way. Because we want to protect someone’s feelings. Because we think it will avoid causing harm in some way. And that is just a start to why we lie.
I was thinking recently about our dogs and about nature. Animals. Plants. The natural world. There’s no lying. Animals can’t lie. They can practice deception for the sake of getting food. But it is not lying. It’s a necessary behavior for survival. Maybe that’s how some people think about lying.
But is lying really to our advantage, ultimately? I don’t think so. I think it compromises our character. Diminishes our spirits. Sucks us down – one lie. Then another. Then another. And then, well, what is real? What is truly reality? It’s not a war or an invasion. . . And lying masks the problems we are facing that need to be addressed with honesty, humility, and creativity for our survival.
In the New Testament we are told, “The truth will set you free.” The truth may be difficult. Stressful, even. Hard to deliver. Awful to accept. It may be hurtful. Many people today don’t want to know the truth about things like systemic racism and global warming. But, ultimately, the truth serves our well-being far more than lying ever will. Even though we may only ever see a partial truth.
Look at nature. No lying. Instead there is adaptation, adjustment, creating new balance. There is also the truth of incredible disruption and extinction. We need to be seeing the truth that nature is showing us to help us survive. The truth, hard as it may be, will set us free. That is part of the wildness of mercy. The truth may be painful but it leads to healing.
Prayer: Think about a lie you have told. Or that has been told to you. And the harm that it has caused. May we seek to see the truth. May we seek to tell the truth. May we make amends for the lies that have caused harm. May we seek to be made free by the truth. And the truth is that there is a wildness to Divine mercy and that mercy is our blessing. Amen.
It was just about two years ago that the covid lockdown began. After church on the second Sunday of March 2020, we had a meeting to discuss the situation. About 20 people attended. We sat in a circle. We decided that we wanted to create a ritual to do each day to remember covid. So people were encouraged to pick a time that would work for them each day, light a candle, and offer the prayer that was created based on the church’s mission statement. If you couldn’t light a candle, you could turn on the flashlight on your phone. We were looking for light and hope in what was becoming an increasingly dark picture.
At the end of the gathering, we decided that we would monitor the situation and respond accordingly. We had no idea that we would not be back together again worshipping in the sanctuary for many months. It never occurred to us that we would not be coming back to church, as usual, the next Sunday. Or the next. Or the next. Not even an Easter service. Really? I mean, we never cancel church. Well, in the past 30 years, we have had to cancel church twice due to hurricanes. But basically, church goes on. Period.
And even though we could not safely meet, even though we could not gather in person, even though there was no service in the sanctuary on Sunday mornings, even though the piano wasn’t played for over a year, even though there was no one working in the office on a regular basis, even though, even though, even though – the church did go on. Church went on.
There were weekly Corona Sabbath posts with scripture, prayers, reflections, and music to feed our spirits. There were videos for special occasions like Earth Day and Mother’s Day with pictures contributed by the congregation. The sanctuary was open for prayer each Sunday morning and there was support and solace for the few who needed that space. There were weekly labyrinth walks outside, physically distanced. There were emails and posts on the website and phone calls helping the congregation maintain its ministry and stay connected. There were advisors meetings held outside under the trees. There were the herculean efforts of the Care Team, expanded from a ministry to the homebound and infirm to a ministry to the whole congregation now homebound. There were cards, flowers, drive-by visits, signs held up and seen through windows. There were outdoor visits by the gates of Westminster Suncoast to see not only church members but others who simply were eager for interpersonal contact with the ‘outside’ world. There was help provided to people in the congregation and beyond who were in need. Oh, and did I say there were Zoom meetings? And even Zoom services, Zoom communion, and other Zoom gatherings? Quite a stretch for a church that intentionally identifies as high touch/low tech.
Through these two years of an absolutely crazy ride, that felt at times like Disney’s Space Mountain, a roller coaster in the dark, the church went on. While scientists scrambled for vaccines and cures. The ministry of the church continued. While politicians wrangled over protecting the health and safety of people as well as the economy. The church was here to provide the spiritual support and inspiration that was needed to navigate our way through this unfolding saga.
Over six million people are dead because of this virus. Sisters. Brothers. Lovers. Mothers. Fathers. Aunts. Uncles. Cousins. Neighbors. Friends. Coworkers. Celebrities. Entertainers. Politicians. Teachers. Doctors. Nurses. Cleaning people. Store clerks. So many people. Gone. Our hearts are broken open. So much love. So much grief.
While so many people and so many activities and organizations and traditions are gone, finished, the church is still here to see us through. To help us heal. To renew our appreciation for the sacredness of each and every life. Despite all that has gone on, the body of Christ is still standing. Embodying Divine Love. Shining light and hope for the world. This virus could not take down the church. That is the wildness of mercy.
Prayer: Take a few moments to think about how covid has affected your life. Think about the things you had to give up. The things you missed. The people who are gone. Think about how things are different now because of covid. Then give thanks that through it all, the wildness of Divine mercy has still found us and sustained us, even through the ministry of our beloved church. Amen.
We know that in all creation Only the human family Has strayed from the Sacred Way.
We know that we are the ones Who are divided And we are the ones Who must come back together To walk in the Sacred Way.
Grandfather, Sacred One, Teach us love, compassion, and honor That we may heal the earth And heal each other. Ojibway prayer
PRELUDE The Happy Farmer Schumann
OPENING PRAYER Ken Sehested, adapted
Loaf-baking, kitchen-dwelling, breast-feeding God, hungry and thirsty we return to your lap and your table again. Fill us with bread that satisfies, milk that drenches our parched throats. Feed us ’til we want no more.
Let your Spirit hang an apron around our necks. Fashioned by our Lord and friend, Jesus.
Instruct us, here in the halls of your kitchen/kin-dom, with the recipes: mercy and forgiveness, compassion and redemption.
Leaven our lives ’til they rise in praise: Offered, blessed, and broken for the healing of the nations. Amen.
MUSIC Simple Gifts Shaker tune
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.
Luke 13:31-35
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.
MUSIC Shenandoah American
CONTEMPORARY READING-Pilgrimage John Gladwin, b. 1942
SERMON Rev. Kim P. Wells
TIME OF REFLECTION Caroline Myss, b. 1952
Let me be silent Let me be still. I offer You the sound in my Heart I offer You the breath in my Lungs I offer You the tranquility in my Soul. Let me be silent Let me be still Hover over me. Amen.
MUSIC The Cherry Tree Ireland
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
Morning offerings may be brought forward and placed in the plates on the altar. If you would like assistance, please turn to someone seated near you.
Offertory Ducks on the Millpond Baker
Time of Dedication Rudyard Kipling, 1865-1936
Do not care overly much for wealth, or power, or fame, Or one day you will meet someone Who cares for none of these things, And you will realize How poor you have become.
PREPARATION FOR PRAYER Wendeyaho Native American/arr. HKJ
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. Please observe physical distancing.
MORNING PRAYERS – SAVIOR’S PRAYER
Eternal Spirit, Earth Maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver, Source of all that is and that ever shall be, Father and Mother of all people, Loving God in whom is heaven: The hallowing of your name echo through the universe! The way of your justice be followed by all peoples of the world! Your heavenly will be done by all created beings! Your commonwealth of peace and freedom sustain our hope and come on earth! With the bread that we need for today, feed us. In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us. In times of temptation and testing, strengthen us. From trials too great to endure, spare us. From the grip of all that is evil, free us. For you reign in the glory of the power that is love, now and forever. Amen.
*BENEDICTION Pueblo verse
Hold on to what is good even if it is a handful of earth. Hold on to what you believe even if it is a tree which stands by itself. Hold on to what you must do even if it is a long way from here. Hold on to life even when it is easier letting go. Hold on to my hand even when I have gone away from you. Amen.
*POSTLUDE Hornpipe Handel
Circle of Concern: Christopher and Dana, Dyanne Edds, Ann Quinn who is under Hospice Care, William Owen-Cowan, Jen Degroot, Carolyn Moore, Maggie Brizendine, Janet Hall, All those suffering from COVID-19 and all healthcare workers, Schools: Students, families, teachers, and staff.
Announcements
Facebook Live The 10:30 a.m. service is being streamed on Facebook Live.
Support for Ukraine To find more ways to support Ukraine please visit our website and look at the Weekly update for 3/12/22.
Conversation about Ukraine After church last Sunday, LUCC member Bill Parsons led a discussion about the war in Ukraine. The presentation was recorded and can be accessed at the church website.
Advisors meeting today If you have feelings about wearing masks at church, please speak to
an advisor: Malcolm Wells, Lucille Ruga, Barbara Donohue, Christy Martin.
Book Talk This month Book Talk will be held on Thursday, March 17 at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom. This is a wonderful time of sharing about books. Everyone is welcome to listen in and to share about what you have been reading. It’s a very inspiring time! Join in! Here’s the 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. LUCC was asked to collect toiletries for this ministry. This collection will be ongoing in addition to the food being collected for Operation Attack. All are invited to donate the following items: 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
Operation Attack OA needs donations of cereal, peanut butter, canned meat, fruit, vegetables and soup, dried beans, and mac/cheese. Donations may be placed on the shelf in the hallway at church.
For the safety and comfort of all, please wear a mask. Thank you!
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
We are going to re-visit the interview of Rene Marie on ‘Jazz Night in America’ with Christian McBride. As I said, I don’t know much about jazz but this interview was very meaningful to me.
Apparently Marie grew up in Roanoke, Virginia. Her mother was a grade school teacher. Every Saturday they would go to the grocery store and her mother would buy an extra bag of groceries. These groceries were for the family of one of the students in her mother’s classroom. On the way home from the store, Marie’s mother would drive by the home of the family for whom the groceries were intended. The mother would tell Marie to get out, put the bag of food by the front door, ring the door bell, and tear back to the car. The mother did not want the family to know who it was that brought the much-needed the groceries. She wanted to protect their dignity and self-respect.
Imagine that family, opening the door and discovering that food. Like manna from heaven. Finding the wildness of Divine mercy right there on the stoop!
Marie said that this was never discussed in her family. It was just done. She learned by example. And she saw that this helped the family in need. It helped her mother. And it taught the children through example. That is the wildness of mercy!
How are we showing forth mercy for the well-being of ourselves, the world, and those around us, especially children? Yes, children need food. But they also need to be taught by example of the wildness of mercy.
Prayer: Think of a child. A child in your life. A grandchild. A neighbor. A stranger, even. How are they learning mercy from you? How are you leaving a legacy of the wildness of mercy? May we be grateful that we have so much to give and to share. May the wildness of mercy overflow in us! Amen.
Don’t forget to change your clocks Saturday night!
This Sunday, March 13 is the second Sunday of Lent. Now that Jesus has been prepared for his ministry we hear a story of confrontation with the religious leaders. It is the story of the fox and the hen. With an unexpected ending. See Luke 13:31-35.
Each Sunday as the war in Ukraine continues, there will be sunflowers, the national flower of Ukraine, on the altar as a sign of solidarity with the Ukrainians. Last week the flowers were brought by Mark Gibson and Colleen Coughenour. This week they will be provided by Kay Rencken and Bill Parsons. If you would like to bring flowers, please let Rev. Wells or the Church Office know which Sunday you would like to do so.
The service will be in the sanctuary with the doors and windows open.
Join in the celebration on Sunday in person or on Facebook Live.
Lent – The Wildness of Mercy
The season of Lent begins next Wednesday. Please see the details about the Ash Wednesday service. Lent is a 40 day period of spiritual preparation for the celebration of Easter. The time echoes Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness in preparation for his ministry. The season of Lent is a time to re-turn your life to God/Divine Love/Spirit – however you conceive of what is of ultimate importance in shaping your reality.
Traditionally, people give something up for Lent. This is a spiritual discipline that functions on many levels. It reminds us of all that we have. It invites us to exert discipline. By foregoing something we care about, it is all the more precious when we enjoy it once again. It sets the season apart and keeps us mindful. In recent years, people have begun taking something on for Lent. Maybe a volunteer activity or service of some kind. Again, this functions to set the season apart, to revisit the concept of sacrifice, to follow in the way of Jesus. Are you giving some thought to what you will take on or give up for Lent? We’ll ask about that in church the next couple of Sundays.
At LUCC for Lent, the theme for services and other reflections and activities will be ‘The Wildness of Mercy.’ There is a well-known hymn, “There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy.” With a typo, that easily becomes ‘There’s a Wildness in God’s Mercy.’ And sometimes mercy does seem pretty wild! Themes involving nature will remind us of the wildness of Divine mercy and how blessed we are to be recipients of that mercy.
In addition to Sunday morning worship and the weekly Labyrinth walks, there will be daily devotions posted to support you on your Lenten journey. There will also be a couple of outings in nature to invite reflection and renewal. Stay tuned for more details about those.
In spite of covid and the many losses and changes we are experiencing, Lent is a wonderful season to remember that there is a wildness in God’s mercy!
New Opportunities for Immigration Justice
The Biden administration endorsed Temporary Protected Status for Ukrainians currently in the US. So that effort was successful.
Here are two additional initiatives being supported by the Pinellas Coalition for Immigration Justice. LUCC is a member of this coalition.
Legislators will be voting on SB 1808/HB 1355 which looks to harm local governments by dictating their municipal contracts and forcing law enforcement agencies to waste taxpayer dollars to enter into federal immigration agreements. This bill will also reduce travel into the State of Florida, further harming our economy, and harm immigrant children by preventing them from reuniting with family residing in Florida.
Also, it Redefines “sanctuary policy” by broadening the definition to include local policies that limit a law enforcement agency from providing information to a state entity regarding the immigration status of someone in the custody of law enforcement.
We ask that you please join in taking action against these bad bills. Make sure to share with your congregation, leaders, and friends.
The local Ukrainian Catholic Church is sponsoring humanitarian aid. There are more details at their website: https://www.epiphanyukrch.com
Advisors Meet this Sunday
The advisors will be meeting this Sunday following worship. One thing on the agenda will be a discussion of the mask policy for the church. If you have thoughts or concerns about this, please speak with an advisor: Lucille Ruga, Malcolm Wells, Barbara Donohue, and Christy Martin.
Coral Gables United Church of Christ in conjunction with the national United Church of Christ, is sponsoring a year long paid service-learning internship for young adults ages 21-35. Interns are matched with a local social service organization, provided housing, and connected with a local congregation for faith formation and leadership development. For more information, contact Rev. Aaron Lauer: AaronL@gablesucc.org
Pardon Our Dust. . .
When you come to church, you may notice that the entry hallway is being redecorated. Many thanks to those embarking on this project: Sally Purvis, Colleen Coughenour, Patti Cooksey, Claire Stiles, and Bert Lee. We are grateful for their efforts to make the space more serviceable and more appealing!
Toiletries for Celebrate Outreach
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: 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.
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.
For the above church website links, please note the “Older Posts” button near the bottom of each page.
You can stream Hilton’s music and videos for free at hiltonkeanjones.com/look-listen/ as well as purchase his CDs and digital albums there.
March Birthdays:Carol Shores 3/1, Claudia Rodriguez 3/3, Yvonne Riesen 3/13, Ron Huff 3/19, Earl Waters 3/25, Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.
Circle of Concern:
Christopher and Dana
Dyanne Edds
William Owen-Cowan
Jen Degroot
Carolyn Moore
Ann Quinn is now under Hospice care
Maggie Brizendine
Janet Hall
All those suffering from COVID-19 and all healthcare workers
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.
Lakewood United Church of Christ 