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Lenten Devotion 3/5/2022

Lenten Devotion 4
3.5.22

These recent weeks have been an extremely stressful time. Perhaps Lent comes just when it should.

The invasion of Ukraine has the world stunned and the threat of nuclear attack has us all on edge. The UN climate report that came out recently indicates that global warming due to human activity is ahead of schedule and that catastrophic damage appears irreparable. And we are still navigating the covid
pandemic. And having been introduced to this plague situation, we have been advised to expect similar scourges in the future.

Well, the pandemic did not bring the world together. It could have. But it didn’t. And global warming has not brought the world together. It should have. But it hasn’t. But the invasion of Ukraine sure has brought the world together. The unity of the world community in support of Ukraine is unlike anything we have seen in recent decades. It is so uplifting!

Maybe now that the most of the worldwide community of nations and peoples has come together in support of Ukraine, maybe, just maybe, we can learn to work together with more unity on other issues like the pandemic and climate change.

There is a wildness in mercy. I am hoping that from this horrible tragedy, we can learn the power of cooperation instead of competition. And that we can work together to address the other severe threats that affect us all.

Prayer: Think of a country or a people that you have considered an ‘enemy.’ If enemy is too strong a concept, maybe think of a society that you feel you do not have much in common with. Now imagine finding common ground protecting the environment that sustains us all. Imagine coming together to address health concerns so that everyone can be safe and travel freely. This is the world that were created to live in. May we trust the wildness of mercy to get us there. Amen.

Note: After church this Sunday, LUCC member Bill Parsons will lead a discussion about the war in Ukraine. He will give some background information and respond to questions from those gathered. Bill is a retired history professor from Eckerd College. His specialty was Russia/USSR. He was instrumental in establishing the sister city relationship between St. Petersburg, FL and St. Petersburg, Russia. Bill has also fostered many other connections between Florida and Russia including the sister church relationship between LUCC and St. Job’s in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Bulletin 3/6/2022

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS

LIGHTING THE PEACE CANDLE                                     JoAnne Reid, liturgist

There is no flag large enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people.

Howard Zinn, 1922-2010

PRELUDE                    There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy

OPENING READING                                                                   Pope Francis

Do you want to fast this Lent?
Fast from hurting words and say kind words.
Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.
Fast from anger and be filled with patience.
Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.
Fast from worries and have trust in God.
Fast from complaints; contemplate simplicity.
Fast from pressures and be prayerful.
Fast from bitterness; fill your hearts with joy.
Fast from selfishness and be compassionate.
Fast from grudges and be reconciled.
Fast from words; be silent and listen.

MUSIC                                    Stormy Weather                      Arlen & Koehler

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.

Psalm 91:1-3a, 9-16 and Luke 4:1-13

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                                           Ebb Tide                                       Maxwell

CONTEMPORARY READING               Lent                         Ann Lewin, adapted

SERMON                             Errand in the Wilderness             Rev. Kim P. Wells

TIME OF REFLECTION                                        

We do not live on bread alone.
Worship the Most High God, and serve only God.
Do not put God to the test.

MUSIC                                   The Darkened Valley                              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 and COMMUNION 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                            Anitra’s Dance                                  Grieg

Prayer of Dedication                                                                 India

Servant Christ,
help us to follow you into the desert,
with you to fast, denying false luxury,
refusing the tempting ways of self-indulgence,
the way of success at all costs,
the way of coercive persuasion.

Servant Christ, help us to follow you. Amen.

PREPARATION FOR COMMUNION    Gymnopédie No. 2                 Satie

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.

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

* BENEDICTION                                                     Angeles Arrien, adapted

Mercy before us,
mercy behind us,
mercy to the left of us,
mercy to the right of us,
mercy above us,
mercy below us,
mercy within us,
mercy all around us. Amen.

*POSTLUDE                               Agincourt Hymn                         Dunstable

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

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.

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.

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.

Take action to help Ukrainians in the US There is information on the church website about encouraging the USgovernment to extend the visas for people from Ukraine who are currentlyin the US.

Conversation about Ukraine After church this Sunday, LUCC member Bill Parsons will lead a discussion about the war in Ukraine.  He will give some background information and respond to questions from those gathered.  Bill is a retired history professor from Eckerd College.  His specialty was Russia/USSR.  He was instrumental in establishing the sister city relationship between St. Petersburg, FL and St. Petersburg, Russia.  Bill has also fostered many other connections between Florida and Russia including the sister church relationship between LUCC and St. Job’s in St. Petersburg, Russia.

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

Lenten Devotion 3/4/2022

Lenten Devotion 3
3.4.22

After the prayer vigil for solidarity with the people of Ukraine this past Wednesday, I was interviewed by Fox News. Here are the two quotes that were used in the story:

“Our calling is to show love to all people and to all of creation,” said Rev. Kim Wells of Lakewood United Church of Christ.

“Because of where I was standing, I could watch the people from this parish,” said Wells, “and seeing their faces and how moved they were to see this, it really stirred the heart.”

Here’s what they didn’t put in the story. I was asked a leading question about Vladimir Putin. Something like, Based on the religious perspective of America, what do you think of Putin? The interviewer went on to insinuate that Russia did not support religion. The godless communists. . . First, I commented on the
presumption of America having a religious perspective. A religions perspective. I do not think America has a unified religious orientation or perspective. We have many different religious expressions. Even within the same faith tradition. And I believe that is as it should be in a country that values freedom of religion.

Next, Putin. I told the interviewer that from a Christian perspective, Putin, damaged and misguided as he may be, is still a child of God and worthy of being treated with dignity and respect.

So to me, these responses are a reflection of the wildness of mercy. Yes, in our country there are many different expressions of just Christianity before you get to other religions. Our faith tradition is not monolithic or homogenous. Maybe that is the wildness of mercy in that we are not all forced to be fundamentalists, say. Or Catholics. We are free to respond to the gospel and the workings of Divine Love in many different ways. And somehow, someway, Love persists and prevails. To me, that is the wildness of mercy.

And Putin. Well, he is a child of God. And to be treated as such. And that’s the wildness of mercy. Even someone who starts a predatory war causing death and destruction with negative, harmful ripple effects around the globe is still a human being, created in the Divine image and beloved by God. That is the wildness of mercy!

And maybe we will see the wildness of mercy when the ‘godless’ Russian people rise up to unseat their current leader. Who knows?

What we do know is that there is wildness in God’s mercy. And we are all the better for it!

Prayer: Think of someone that you really don’t like, that you disagree with, maybe even that you hate. And remember that whoever that is, whatever that person has done, whatever that person thinks and believes, they are still embraced by the love of God. Mercy is wild. Amen.

Note: After church this Sunday, LUCC member Bill Parsons will lead a discussion about the war in Ukraine. He will give some background information and respond to questions from those gathered. Bill is a retired history professor from Eckerd College. His specialty was Russia/USSR. He was instrumental in establishing the sister city relationship between St. Petersburg, FL and St. Petersburg, Russia. Bill has also fostered many other connections between Florida and Russia including the sister church relationship between LUCC and St. Job’s in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Weekly Update 3/3

This Sunday, March 6, is the first Sunday of Lent.  Services will explore “The Wildness of Mercy.”  The story for the first Sunday of Lent is about Jesus spending 40 days in the wilderness.  Wilderness.  There’s that word again, ‘wild.’  That time prepares Jesus for his ministry, which is also, well, wild.  

The first Sunday of the month is communion Sunday. 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 a heavy need for these funds. Please consider how you can help the community through this offering.

Conversation about Ukraine

After church this Sunday, LUCC member Bill Parsons will lead a discussion about the war in Ukraine.  He will give some background information and respond to questions from those gathered.  Bill is a retired history professor from Eckerd College.  His specialty was Russia/USSR.  He was instrumental in establishing the sister city relationship between St. Petersburg, FL and St. Petersburg, Russia.  Bill has also fostered many other connections between Florida and Russia including the sister church relationship between LUCC and St. Job’s in St. Petersburg, Russia.

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!

Ash Wednesday Service on March 2

Gratitude is expressed to Emily and Bob Bell for hosting this meaningful service at their beautiful home.  Views of Boca Ciega along with the dancing flames helped to stir the spirit at the beginning of Lent.  And many thanks to all those who attended the service.   And, yes, there were s’mores!

Help Ukrainians Now

LUCC is part of the Pinellas Coalition for Immigration Justice.  The initiative below is supported by the Coalition.  This is one way the congregation can assist by asking President Biden to offer TPS (Temporary Protective Status) for Ukrainians here in the US. More details are in the link below as well as a template for an email to be sent to the White House.   Please take action to help the Ukrainians who are currently in the US.

The U.S. must provide safety for Ukrainians. https://act.rescue.org/f41pmgf

Prayer Vigil for Ukraine

Many thanks to those from LUCC who participated in the prayer vigil for Ukraine at the Epiphany of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church this week. 

Here is a link to some pictures from the event.  https://lakewooducc.org/2022/03/02/rev-wells-speaks-at-peace-vigil-in-solidarity-with-ukraine/(opens in a new tab)

After the vigil, LUCC pastor Kim Wells was interviewed by Fox News.  Here is the link to the story.  

https://www.fox13news.com/news/we-pray-every-day-st-pete-church-marks-ash-wednesday-with-interfaith-prayer-for-ukraine

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! 

New Members Received

Two new members were recently received into the LUCC faith community.  Michelle Cloutier, who has been active in the immigration ministry as well as serving as a liturgist, joined the church transferring her membership from Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz.  Sherry Santana also joined the church last Sunday through the sacrament of baptism.  Sherry has been active in the LUCC family as an usher and a liturgist.  The church is blessed by the presence of these new members.  Welcome!

Congregational Meeting Follow Up

Last Sunday following worship there was a congregational meeting to take action of the church budget for 2022.  Advisor Lucille Ruga conducted the meeting.  There were 25 people in attendance.  Sally Purvis offered the Opening Prayer.  Mark Gibson, the new church treasurer, presented the budget offering explanations of each line item and answering questions.  In spite of covid and the other challenges facing LUCC and all churches, due to the faithfulness of the congregation, church leaders were able to present a balanced budget for the year ahead without drawing on reserves.  The budget was unanimously adopted.  [Here’s a link to the budget:https://lakewooducc.org/2022/02/23/lucc-budget-for-2022/]  The congregation also agreed to partner with Celebrate Outreach by collecting toiletries for those who are houseless in St. Petersburg.  There is more information about that below.  There was a time for suggestions and comments on the life of the church in general.  Comments were made about the children’s ministry, using hymns in church, the Creation Justice ministry, and  gratitude for the church family.   Jim Andrews offered a closing prayer. There was a sweet ending to the gathering as everyone present received a beautiful homemade cookie complements of Deanna Moore who is eager to bake!  

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.

LUCC Receives Florida Conference People’s Empowerment Anti-Racism Grant

LUCC was awarded a matching grant of $500 from the Florida Conference to buy anti-racism books for each classroom at Maximo Elementary School.  The school has selected age appropriate books for each grade.  The church will place bookplates in each book indicating that the book was donated by LUCC.  This is a wonderful opportunity to serve the community and impact the future.  The congregation will be informed about donating the matching funds needed.

Click to access b915695a-475a-415e-a3a4-091663e5de87.pdf

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.

Operation Attack Update

News from Operation Attack:  Making a Difference

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! 

Safe childcare is provided.

Sundays

Look for the bulletin posted on the church website on Friday: https://lakewooducc.org/category/bulletins/

Watch the service on Facebook Live Sundays at 10:30. https://www.facebook.com/LakewoodUCC

Or on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/LakewoodUCC/videos

Instructions for how to access Facebook Live: For additional assistance, please contact the church office.

Here are some instructions to watch our Sunday services live through Facebook:

Use the following link to visit our homepage: https://www.facebook.com/LakewoodUCC/

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. 

USEFUL LAKEWOOD LINKS:

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

Schools: Students, families, teachers, and staff

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.

On land originally inhabited by the Tocabaga