This coming Sunday as part of Lakewood’s Mother’s Day celebration, we’re going to sing a new hymn by Hilton called “Just As a Nursing Mother.” The words and music are by Hilton and they were inspired by a sermon of Rev. Kim’s (posted 10/23/2020 — https://lakewooducc.org/2020/10/23/corona-sabbath-32-compassion-reflection-text/).
Because it’s a hymn the congregation has never heard or sung, here’s a video recording of to listen to in order to familiarize yourself with it: https://youtu.be/FyFJTNi4BXI.
Here’s the bulletin insert of the music and words for the same familiarization purpose.
Happy listening and learning and Happy Mother’s Day (anticipated)!
Date: May 1, 2022 Scripture Lessons: John 20:19-21:19 Sermon: Making Peace with Easter Pastor: Rev. Kim P. Wells
On Palm Sunday I overheard a conversation after church about Easter. One person was saying, See you next week. The other person was saying, Uh, it’s Easter, I don’t think so. I felt a lot of sympathy for the person with hesitancy about Easter. I, too, have issues with Easter.
Here are my three main problems with Easter:
Problem One The idea that Jesus’ literal crucified body came back to life. The literal body reappearing. The culture at the time, first century Palestine, had categories for such situations. Jesus was by no means the first or the only person who was considered to have come back to life from the dead. Other important figures were thought to have come back from the dead, too. Like Caesar. An important, influential figure coming back to life after dying was part of the cultural backdrop.
I understand that. But today, the idea of the literal body coming back to life is a contradiction of science and rationality to me. And in my world view, science and rationality are of God. So, I simply cannot believe that the literal body of the crucified Jesus came back to life.
I realize this is controversial within the Christian family; that believing the unbelievable is considered a sign of faith. I was at a UCC clergy meeting some years ago and it was just after Easter and we got to discussing Easter. Several others expressed views similar to mine. Finally, one of the colleagues in the group could take it no longer. He stopped the conversation and had us go around the table and say yes, we believed in the bodily resurrection of Jesus or no, we did not believe in the bodily resurrection of Jesus. The group was split about fifty-fifty. The one who called for the tally was aghast. To those who did not ‘believe,’ he told us that we had no business being ordained clergy if we did not believe the one most important truth about Christianity. Jesus Christ came back to life from the dead. Well, I stand by my position then and now. To say I believe something I don’t would be lying and deceitful. And there are problems with that, too.
Here is my second problem with Easter: The idea that Jesus is the first born of the dead and that we are all going to enjoy eternal life after we die. Or at least those of us who are deemed worthy. In the first century and before, there was a small sect within Judaism that believed in life after death. But it was not the generally held view among Jews.
I can see how this idea of life after death, heaven, was of great comfort to the Jesus followers who were being persecuted and killed in the centuries after his death. They had left family and home to become Christians and then they were killed for it. I can see how it would have provided enormous comfort to believe that there was a beautiful life with God in heaven after being killed as a martyr. But in today’s world, with our knowledge, all I can say about life after death is, ‘I don’t know.’ I can’t say that there is nothing after we die. That there is no ‘heaven.’ And I can’t say that there is. I think each of us comes to our own conclusions and they may change over time. As a pastor, my job is to help people mobilize their spiritual resources especially in time of grief, so if you believe in heaven, life after death in some way, I can support you in that. And if you don’t believe there is anything after this life, I can go with that. So, the idea of some kind of heaven, eternal life with God after death, is another problem I have with Easter.
Now, the third problem I have with Easter: The Happy Ending. Most Christians in the US go to church on Palm Sunday and wave their palms and sing Hosanna! And then the next week, they go to church for Easter, with all the flowers and alleluias and resurrection. Very few also go to the Maundy Thursday service or the Good Friday observance. So, they go from one festive Sunday to the next. And Easter becomes the happy ending. Which we Americans particularly like. Our movies and books and other entertainments pretty much serve the happy ending paradigm. This goes with our American optimism. We like a happy ending. And so we impose our proclivity for a happy ending on Easter. Other cultures and expressions of Christianity put far more emphasis on Good Friday than we do. Sure, we want the day off from school or work. To go to the beach or the mall. Not to go to church. I can testify to that.
In other places, the whole town turns out as someone cast as Jesus heaves the heavy cross through the streets. Not so much here. That is not for we ‘happy ending’ Americans.
I bought a book of Italian folk tales at a used book stall a couple of years ago. My father’s family was from Italy. I read the first story. And laughed. Because it didn’t have a happy ending. A plucky young man lasts through an awful night in a haunted palace and comes out of it alive with three pots of gold to boot. And this is how the story ends: “Then one day what should he do but look behind him and see his shadow: he was so frightened he died.” [Italian Folktales selected and retold by Italo Calvino, p. 4.] The story is definitely not American. In America we like our happy endings. And that is what we see in Easter. A happy ending. Everything turns out ok. All wrapped up. We don’t focus on the emergence of a whole new reality and the transformation that is involved. Easter is about a transformation of reality where the dominant forces are love, compassion, and justice, not self-interest and greed, which are also very American. Easter is not just: They killed him. He came back. And he’s taking me with him. ‘Lord, I want to be a Christian.’ It’s not just about a happy ending.
So, given these problems that I have with the Easter story, I imagine being in a situation where I have to explain my religion to someone with no concept of Christianity: We follow Jesus who was killed and rose from the dead and gives to everyone who believes in him eternal life. Ah, no. That is not what I would say.
So how do I resolve my problems with Easter? First I remember that Jesus was pointing people to God, not to him. For Jesus it was about God. People subsequently made it about him. Easter reminds me that the God of our faith is a God that loves us into life and beyond death. Our faith is grounded in love that is the most powerful force imaginable. More powerful even than death. You can’t squelch Divine Love. Love cannot be put out; extinguished. That is what we see in the life and ministry of Jesus. And that message lives in the Easter story.
The Easter story also reminds me that we live each and every day with the existential reality of death. And we have to decide what we are going to do with that. Are we going to be anxious and fearful? Are we going to try to make a big mark in this life so that we are remembered after we die? Are we going to accept death as part of the cycle of life? Does believing in some kind of eternal life after we die give comfort? If it does, then take it. Hold on to that. Each one of us has to reckon with the power of death. And it is up to us to decide how we do that in a way that is life-affirming. That is another message that lives in the Easter story.
The Easter story also reminds me not about happy endings, but about the triumph of good over evil. While we humans often do our best to further evil, good prevails. Even in the worst circumstance, good can come from our terrible actions and decisions and beliefs. Our worst can never snuff out the possibility for good to come out of a heinous situation. It is not necessarily what we might call a happy ending, but in some way, eventually, good prevails. That is another message that lives in the Easter story for me.
Yes, Easter involves a reality-bending story, but it has to. Because the point is to free our imaginations to embrace the endless power and possibility of love. To talk about that takes a mind-bending tale. Because of Easter, I can believe that some day all people will be treated equally in these United States of America and that freedom will ring. Because of Easter, I can believe that someday the people of Ukraine and Russia will live as friendly neighbors. Because of Easter, I can believe that the divisions in America can be healed. Because of Easter, I can believe that poverty can be exterminated. Because of Easter, I can believe that climate change is real and that life will persist and triumph. Because of Easter, I can believe that estranged family members can be reconciled. Eventually. Because of Easter I can believe that a murderer can be forgiven. Because of Easter.
Easter opens us to unforeseen possibilities. We are no longer limited or constrained by the past. A new future is possible. Because of Easter, our imaginations are freed to embrace the endless power and possibility of love. So, yes, I have problems with the Easter story, but those problems lead me to a greater appreciation of the festival of Easter so that I can rejoice in the power of unrestrained love and hope that cannot be contained and is seeking to burst forth into our lives and our world. Amen.
A reasonable effort has been made to appropriately cite materials referenced in this sermon. For additional information, please contact Lakewood United Church of Christ.
When I think of peace, I think of a world where human beings are no longer brutalized on account of such accidents of birth as sex, race, religion, or nationality. For me, peace is a way of structuring human relations where daily acts of kindness and caring are tangibly rewarded. It is a way of thinking, feeling, and acting where our essential interconnection with one another is truly honored.
I pray for a world where we live in partnership rather than domination; where “man’s conquest of nature” is recognized as suicidal and sacrilegious; where power is no longer equated with the blade, but with the holy chalice: the ancient symbol of the power to give, nurture, enhance life. And I not only pray, but actively work, for the day when it will be so.
Riane Eisler, b. 1931
PRELUDE
*OPENING SENTENCES Imelda Cooper
Fractured cracked held together in wholeness completeness by the air of the Spirit the putty of trust the glue of friendship the cement of Scripture. Serving a purpose Beautifying the world Testifying to the power, strength, and possibilities of limitations embraced.
*HYMN Joy Dawned Again on Easter Day 241
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 20:19- 21:19
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 Peace I Leave with You, My Friends 249
SERMON Making Peace with Easter Rev. Kim P. Wells
MODERN READING Maurice Sendak, 1928-2012
Jack and Guy Went out in the rye And they found a little boy With one black eye. Come says Jack let’s knock him On the head No says Guy Let’s buy him some bread You buy one loaf And I’ll buy two And we’ll bring him up As other folk do.
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 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 Feed my lambs. Tend my sheep. Feed my sheep. May our offerings be used. to create a reality of caring, compassion, and nurture for all life. In the name of Jesus, amen.
*PREPARATION FOR COMMUNION As We Gather at Your Table 332
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 You Have Come Down to the Lakeshore 173
*BENEDICTION
*SUNG RESPONSE (please form a circle)
Weave, weave, weave us together; Weave us together in unity and love. Weave, weave, weave us together, Weave us together, together in love.
*POSTLUDE
Circle of Concern: Joyce Lee, Michelle Cloutier, Christopher and Dana, Ann Quinn who is under Hospice Care, William Owen-Cowan, Jen Degroot, Carolyn Moore, Maggie Brizendine, Janet Hall, Yoko Nogami walking the Appalachian Trail, 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 AttackOA 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.
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.
One City Chorus Concert The One City Chorus (70 progressive voices of sundry faiths) presents a free concert at the Lakewood United Methodist Church (5995 MLK Drive South) today at 4:00 PM. A freewill offering will be collected to help the People of Ukraine.
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
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!
This Sunday: Easter is not just one Sunday in the church year, it is a season extending from Easter Sunday until Pentecost, 50 days later. This Sunday the themes of Easter continue to inspire worship. Rev. Wells will be preaching. The sermon is “Making Peace with Easter.” Take a look at John 21:1-19.
If you would like to provide sunflowers for Sunday worship, please contact the Church Office. 727-867-7961 or lakewooducc@gmail.com
The service will be streamed live on Facebook.
Masks are required at in-person worship.
PLEASE NOTE: Given the warming temperatures, the windows and doors of the sanctuary will be closed and the air conditioning will be on. Masks are still mandatory and there will be singing.
If you do not feel comfortable in those circumstances, please join in worship on Facebook live. There are instructions below.
Mask Policy at Church
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.
The Sunday morning service will continue to be streamed live on Facebook and posted at the church YouTube channel.
LUCC Earth Day Cleanup
On Saturday morning, April 23, Bill Parsons, Ruth Pettis, and Claire Stiles worked together to “tidy up” our Labyrinth and property while enjoying our time outdoors with Mother Earth.Celebrating Earth Day was a blessing and we are grateful for all efforts to care for Mother Earth and all the species who depend upon her health and well-being! As a Creation Justice church we want to continue to do our part to live up to our covenant and be good stewards of creation.
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.
One City Chorus Benefit Concert
The One City Chorus (70 progressive voices of sundry faiths) presents a free concert at the Lakewood United Methodist Church (5995 MLK Drive South) Sunday, May 1st, at 4:00 PM. A freewill offering will be collected to help the People of Ukraine.
USF St. Pete Program: Preventing Dementia
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:
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.
May 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:
Joyce Lee
Christopher and Dana
William Owen-Cowan
Jen Degroot
Carolyn Moore
Ann Quinn is now under Hospice care
Maggie Brizendine
Janet Hall
Yoko Nogami walking the Appalachian Trail
All those suffering from COVID-19 and all healthcare workers
Lakewood United Church of Christ 