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 20th 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
Lakewood United Church of Christ 
