Category: Bulletins

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS

LIGHTING THE PEACE CANDLE                                    Claire Stiles, liturgist

One day youngsters will learn words they will not understand.
Children from India will ask:
What is hunger?
Children from Alabama will ask:
What is racial segregation?
Children from Hiroshima will ask:
What is the atomic bomb?
Children at school will ask:
What is war?
You will answer them.
You will tell them:
Those words are not used any more
like stage coaches, galleys or slavery
Words no longer meaningful.
That is why they have been removed from dictionaries.

 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 1929-1968

PRELUDE                                  Come Sunday                                   Ellington

OPENING READING                                 Julian of Norwich, 1343 – after 1416

God wants to be thought of
as our Lover.
I must see myself so bound in love
as if everything that has been done
has been done for me.
That is to say,
The Love of God makes such a unity
in us
that when we see this unity
no one is able to separate oneself
from another.

MUSIC                                       To a Wild Rose                              MacDowell   

SCRIPTURE LESSON

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.

I Corinthians 13

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                                        Celebration                                 Løvland                  

MODERN READING                                                     Oscar Romero, 1917-1980

SERMON                            The Gospel in One Word              Rev. Kim P. Wells

CONTEMPORARY RESPONSIVE READING                           Mary de La Valette

Let us understand
The gravity of our situation.

Let us understand
That our only redemption
Is love.

Love for a small, endangered planet
On which we are utterly dependent.

Only love can transform us
From plunderers and savages
Into Earthkeepers and peacemakers.

Only love can show us
The integrity and rights
Of all other beings.

Only love can open our eyes
To the truth and beauty
That surround us.

Only love can teach us
The humility we need
To live on this Earth.

And only love can now save us
From extinction.                                  

MUSIC                                    First Arabesque                            Debussy                                      

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.

AFFIRMATION OF LEADERS        1 Corinthian 12:4-7, 26-27, adapted

There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit gives them.
There are different ways of serving, but the same God is served.
There are different abilities to preform service, but the same God gives ability to each of us for our own particular service.
The Spirit’s presence is shown in some ways to each person for the good of all.
Christ is like a single body, which has many parts.
It is still one body even though it is made up of different parts.
If one part of the body suffers, all the other parts suffer with it; if one part is praised, all the other parts are praised.
All of us are Christ’s body, and each one is a part of it.

Vows

*Congregational Affirmation

We stand in celebration of the joy that is ours to be partners with you in the service of Jesus Christ. We promise to love you and honor your leadership, that together we may be a faithful church of Jesus Christ.

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                          Under the Sea                                 Menken

Words of Dedication                                     Anne Primavesi, b. 1934

It is the combination of both power and love which makes a community workable and sustainable. It is the combination of power and love which Christians call the Spirit, and which empowers us to shape our common future for the good of all.

PREPARATION FOR PRAYER                 Chanty                                     Bloch

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

Holy One, our only Home, hallowed be Your name.
May your day dawn, your will be done,
Here, as in heaven. Feed us today, and forgive us
As we forgive each other. Do not forsake us at the test,
But deliver us from evil. For the glory, the power,
And the mercy are yours, now and forever. Amen.

* BENEDICTION                                               

They’ll know we are Christians by our love. Amen.

*POSTLUDE       Fugue #2 C minor (Well-Tempered Clavier, Bk 1)       J.S. Bach       

Circle of Concern: Christopher and Dana, Joel Shores, Ben Shores, Amaiya Washington, 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.

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.

The Gift of Music LUCC Music Director Hilton Jones has recorded 2 CDs for the LUCC family. The music is a gift to the congregation.  If you would like to make a donation to offset the production costs, you may.  See the display in the sanctuary.  Enjoy the gift of music from Hilton not just on Sundays but every day!

Rev. Angela Wells-Bean to be Installed at Naples United Church of Christ The Rev. Angela Wells-Bean, who grew up at LUCC and was ordained at LUCC, has begun serving as the Minister for Congregational Care at Naples United Church of Christ.  She will be installed to this minsitry on Sunday Feb. 6 at 3:00 p.m. in the sanctuary at the church.  This event can also be accessed through live streaming from the church website – naplesucc.org

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.com Lakewooducc.org
On land originally inhabited by the Tocabaga

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS

LIGHTING THE PEACE CANDLE                                 Sherry Santana, liturgist

Violence as a way of achieving racial justice is both impractical and immoral. It is impractical because it is a descending spiral ending in destruction for all. . . . It is immoral because it seeks to humiliate the opponent rather than win his understanding; it seeks to annihilate rather than to convert. Violence is immoral because it thrives on hatred rather than love. It destroys community and makes brotherhood impossible. It leaves society in monologue rather than dialogue. Violence ends by defeating itself It creates bitterness in the survivors and brutality in the destroyers.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, 1929-1968, in Stride Toward Freedom

PRELUDE                          My Song Is Love Unknown                           Ireland                               

OPENING READING                                             Peter Chrysologus, 406-450

God saw the world falling to ruin because of fear and immediately acted to call it back with love. God invited it by grace, preserved it by love, and embraced it with compassion.

MUSIC                                      Pentatonic Study                                   Elwell

SCRIPTURE LESSONS

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.

Nehemiah 8:1-10 and Luke 4:14-30

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                                   Light of Tranquility                                HKJ

MODERN READING — Spring Song                                Lucille Clifton, 1936-2010

SERMON                                       Re-Set                          Rev. Kim P. Wells

RESPONSIVE READING                                             Jim Cotter, 1942-2014

In the celebration that embraces the exile and outcast,
In the joy that sings of freedom at last,
we worship the God of justice and peace,
we praise the God of freedom and joy,
we adore the God of love and new life,
we bless the God of reconciliation and healing,
we glorify the God of harmony and bliss.
We add our voice to the music of God,
we fall silent in the presence of Mystery,
in wonder and awe and love,
the Mystery that is the Source of our being
and the God of our belonging,
beautiful, utterly holy, glorious light,
unbounded love. Alleluia! Alleluia!

MUSIC                                          Imagine                                      Lennon

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.

AFFIRMATION OF LEADERS        1 Corinthian 12:4-7, 26-27, adapted

There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit gives them.
There are different ways of serving, but the same God is served.
There are different abilities to preform service, but the same God gives ability to each of us for our own particular service.
The Spirit’s presence is shown in some ways to each person for the good of all.
Christ is like a single body, which has many parts.
It is still one body even though it is made up of different parts.
If one part of the body suffers, all the other parts suffer with it; if one part is praised, all the other parts are praised.
All of us are Christ’s body, and each one is a part of it.

Vows

*Congregational Affirmation

We stand in celebration of the joy that is ours to be partners with you in the service of Jesus Christ. We promise to love you and honor your leadership, that together we may be a faithful church of Jesus Christ.

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                    Sunflower Slow Drag                         Joplin

Prayer of Dedication                              Helen Keller, 1880-1968

I must not just live my life; I will not just spend my life. I will invest my life. Amen.

PREPARATION FOR PRAYER          Träumerei                           Schumann

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                                                Henri Nouwen, 1932-1996

Claiming your own blessedness always leads to a deep desire to bless others. Amen.

*POSTLUDE                                   Toccata                                     Walond

Circle of Concern: Christopher and Dana, Joel Shores, Ben Shores, Amaiya Washington, 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.

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.

The Gift of Music LUCC Music Director Hilton Jones has recorded 2 CDs for the LUCC family. The music is a gift to the congregation.  If you would like to make a donation to offset the production costs, you may.  See the display in the sanctuary.  Enjoy the gift of music from Hilton not just on Sundays but every day!

Affirmation of Leaders This morning, Barbara Donohue and Christy Martin join Lucille Ruga and Malcolm Wells as advisors for the coming year.  The church is deeply grateful for their leadership!

Rev. Angela Wells-Bean to be Installed at Naples United Church of Christ The Rev. Angela Wells-Bean, who grew up at LUCC and was ordained at LUCC, has begun serving as the Minister for Congregational Care at Naples United Church of Christ.  She will be installed to this minsitry on Sunday Feb. 6 at 3:00 p.m. in the sanctuary at the church.  This event can also be accessed through live streaming from the church website – naplesucc.org

Anti Racism Demonstrations Temporarily Suspended Many thanks to those who have been part of the weekly anti racism demonstrations recently and in the past.  Due to decreased participation, the weekly demonstrations are being suspended.  If there are more people that want to participate in the future, the demonstrations will be resumed.   The suspending of the demonstrations creates an opening for other ministries to emerge as the church continues its commitment to creating an antiracist society.  If you have ideas or suggestions about new ways for the church to be involved in eradicating racism, please speak with Earl Waters or Rev. Wells.

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.com Lakewooducc.org
On land originally inhabited by the Tocabaga

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS

LIGHTING THE PEACE CANDLE                             Barbara Donohue, liturgist

Now let’s not become panicky. If you have weapons, take them home; if you do not have them, please do not seek to get them. We cannot solve this problem through retaliatory violence. We must meet violence with nonviolence. Remember the words of Jesus: ‘He who lives by the sword will perish by the sword.’ We must love our white brothers no matter what they do to us. We must make them know that we love them. Jesus still cries out in words that echo across the centuries: ‘Love your enemies; bless them that curse you; pray for them that despitefully use you.’ This is what we must live by. We must meet hate with love. Remember, if I am stopped, this movement will not stop, because God is with the movement. Go home with this glowing faith and this radiant assurance.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., following the bombing of his home

PRELUDE                                  

CALL TO WORSHIP                                                              based Zechariah 8

In the reality of God:
People speak truth to one another;
judgments are true and lead to peace;
people do not devise evil in their hearts against one another.
There is the sowing of peace;
the vine yields its fruit,
the ground gives its produce,
the skies give their dew.
People are a blessing to one another.
There is no fear
and hands are strong.
May we welcome the dream of God!

MUSIC

SCRIPTURE READINGS

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 2:1-11

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

CONTEMPORARY READING                                              Cornel West from the
introduction to The Radical King

SERMON                                 Wedded to Justice              Rev. Kim P. Wells

LITANY OF RE-DEDICATION                                                   see insert

MUSIC

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                            

Prayer of Dedication                                             Dr. M. L. King, Jr.

Jesus gave us a new norm of greatness . . . . he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. That’s a new definition of greatness . . . . By giving that definition of greatness, it means that everybody can be great, because everybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You don’t have to know about Plato and Aristotle to serve. You don’t have to know Einstein’s theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace; a soul generated by love. And you can be that servant. Amen.

PREPARATION FOR PRAYER    

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

Our Creator who is in heaven, uphold the holiness of your name. Bring in your kingdom so that your will is done on earth as it’s done in heaven. Give us the bread we need for today. Forgive us for the ways we have wronged you, just as we also forgive those who have wronged us. And don’t lead us into temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. For yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory for ever. Amen.

* BENEDICTION  

Dr. King declared that “faith transforms the whirlwind of despair into a warm and reviving breeze of hope.”
May we leave this place refreshed as we carry the good news into our precious, damaged world. Amen!                                                                                

*POSTLUDE            

Circle of Concern: Christopher and Dana, Joel Shores, Ben Shores, Amaiya Washington, 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.

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.

The Gift of Music LUCC Music Director Hilton Jones has recorded 2 CDs for the LUCC family. The music is a gift to the congregation.  If you would like to make a donation to offset the production costs, you may.  See the display in the sanctuary.  Enjoy the gift of music from Hilton not just on Sundays but every day!

Hymnals LUCC has been given 60 used New Century Hymnals. If you would like a hymnal for home use, they are available on the bookshelf in the main hallway. Please help yourself! 

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.

MLK Service Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 2022 Virtual Interfaith Memorial Service. This annual service in honor of Dr. King will be virtual this year.  It will be live streamed on Sunday Jan. 26 at 3:30 p.m. at stjudesp.org. The theme is Reaching for Human Excellence.  The keynote speaker is Renee Flowers, County Commissioner. Rev. Wells will be doing one of the readings.  Please join in this celebration of the legacy of Dr. King.  

Book Talk Join in a lively discussion of what folks have been reading!  All kinds of books are included. This month that will be January 20^th at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom. All are welcome!

Anti-Racism Demonstration Honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by peacefully demonstrating for racial justice. Join the weekly anti-racism demonstration on 54th Ave. S. in front of the church, on Sunday afternoon January 16th from 4:30-5:00 p.m. Bring your own sign or use one of the signs at church and be part of this witness to the community.

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.com Lakewooducc.org
On land originally inhabited by the Tocabaga

       

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS

LIGHTING THE PEACE CANDLE                              Michelle Cloutier, liturgist

If there is anything I have learned about men and women, it is that there is a deeper spirit of altruism than is ever evident. Just as the rivers we see are minor compared to the underground streams, so, too, the idealism that is visible is minor compared to what people carry in their hearts unreleased or scarcely released.

Albert Schweitzer 1875-1965

PRELUDE                                  

OPENING READING                                      Henri Nouwen, 1932-1996, adapted

The one who created us
is waiting
for our response
to the love that gave us our being.
God not only says:
“You are my Beloved.”
God also asks:
“Do you love me?”
and offers us countless chances
to say “Yes.”

MUSIC

SCRIPTURE READINGS

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.

Isaiah 43:1-3a, Psalm 29, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

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

CONTEMPORARY READING: Jordan                                        Jan Richardson

SERMON                                    Fire and Water                     Rev. Kim P. Wells

RESPONSIVE READING                                       Helder Camara, 1909-1999

Go down
into the plans of God.
Go down
deep as you may.
Fear not
for your fragility
under that weight
of water.
Fear not
for life or limb
sharks attack savagely.
Fear not the power
of treacherous currents under the sea.
Simply do not be afraid.
Let go. You will be led
like a child whose mother
holds him to her bosom
and against all comers is his shelter.

MUSIC

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                            

Prayer of Dedication                                       Jean Vanier,  1928-2019 

Those who believe in Jesus will become like him.
Through their love, their words, their presence
they will transmit the Spirit
that they have received from Jesus.

They will quench the thirst of the poor, the lonely, the needy,
those in pain and in anguish
and will give them life, love and peace of heart. Amen.

PREPARATION FOR PRAYER    

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                                                                                   

*POSTLUDE                    

Circle of Concern: Christopher and Dana, Amaiya Washington, 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.

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.

Anti-racism Demonstrations Join in the anti-racism demonstrations Sunday afternoons from 4:30-5:00 on the sidewalk along 54th Ave. S. in front of the church. All are welcome!

The Gift of Music LUCC Music Director Hilton Jones has recorded 2 CDs for the LUCC family. The music is a gift to the congregation.  If you would like to make a donation to offset the production costs, you may.  See the display in the sanctuary.  Enjoy the gift of music from Hilton not just on Sundays but every day!

Hymnals LUCC has been given 60 used New Century Hymnals. If you would like a hymnal for home use, they are available on the bookshelf in the main hallway. Please help yourself! 

New Church Directories are available. Please take one with you to help you keep in touch with your LUCC family.

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.

MLK Service Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 2022 Virtual Interfaith Memorial Service. This annual service in honor of Dr. King will be virtual this year.  It will be live streamed on Sunday Jan. 26 at 3:30 p.m. at stjudesp.org. The theme is Reaching for Human Excellence.  The keynote speaker is Renee Flowers, County Commissioner. Rev. Wells will be doing one of the readings.  Please join in this celebration of the legacy of Dr. King.  

Book Talk Join in a lively discussion of what folks have been reading!  All kinds of books are included. This month that will be January 20^th at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom. All are welcome!

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.com Lakewooducc.org
On land originally inhabited by the Tocabaga