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Weekly Update 11/24

‘Tis A Gift

This is a season to ponder the many gifts that we are being given each and every day. It is a season for gratitude. 

This Sunday, November 28 is the first Sunday of Advent.  The advent season provides the opportunity to continue to reflect on the gifts that we are receiving through the birth of Jesus and in so many other ways in our lives and in our world.

The service will be in the sanctuary with the doors and windows open. 

Advent Begins

While we eagerly prepare for the feasting of Thanksgiving and the time to be with family and friends, the church is also preparing for Advent, the four-week season in which we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus.  Here is what to look forward to.

The theme for the season will be Receive the Gift.  It is a continuation of the celebration of gratitude that has been part of the stewardship season and the Thanksgiving holiday.  Even with covid, there is so much to be thankful for!
On Sundays in December, those who enjoy singing Christmas music are invited to come to church at 10:15 .am. and sing sitting outside on the lawn before the service begins.  Bring your own chair if you can.  Hilton will play the piano near the open doors and there will be outdoor singing with masks on.  When it is time for the service to begin, everyone will move inside.  There will be no singing in the service.  

Labyrinth walks will continue on Wednesday mornings at 9:00.  It’s a beautiful season to deepen your spiritual reflection and the labyrinth is a wonderful way to do that.

Anti-racism demonstrations will also continue on Sunday afternoons from 4:30-5:00 in Advent.  This is an opportunity to express the gift of love for all that we celebrate at Christmas.  It’s also a time to remember that the baby Jesus was a person of color.  

Book Talk will be held via Zoom on Thursday, Dec. 16 from 6:30-7:30.  This is an opportunity to share some of your favorite Christmas stories and books. 

There will be a Winter Solstice gathering around a fire on Tuesday, Dec. 21.  This will be a time to share stories and readings and inspiration around the themes of darkness and light.  Those who would like to may walk the labyrinth.  Sunset is at 5:41 p.m. so that is when the gathering will begin!72389

Christmas Eve will be celebrated with an outdoor service at 7:00 p.m. on the church lawn.   Music of the season will begin at 6:30. Please bring your own chair if you can.  The offering on Christmas Eve will be used to support the Creation Justice ministries of the church.

This year, the congregation is invited to donate poinsettias to beautify the sanctuary for Advent and Christmas Eve.  The plants will be taken by the Care Team to those in the congregation who are not able to attend church.  There are order forms available at church.  The cost of the plants is $10 each. The deadline for orders is Sunday, December 12. 

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. 

Decorating the Sanctuary for the Advent Season

All who are available are invited to assist in decorating the church sanctuary for the holiday season.  This will happen under the direction of Colleen Coughenour on Wednesday Dec. 1 at 11:00 a.m.   Many thanks to all who will be part of this endeavor.  The festive decor does much to lift the spirit!

Harvest Forms

To see the Harvest results, please check out this post:

https://lakewooducc.org/2021/11/11/harvest-form-2021/

Anti-Death Penalty Action

A bill has recently been filed in the Florida Senate that will prohibit the imposition of a sentence of death upon a defendant convicted of a capital felony if the defendant had a serious mental illness at the time the criminal offense was committed.  If you wish to show your support of SB 770, there’s a petition at the website of the Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty at  https://www.fadp.org/

You may also wish to send a thank-you note to the bill’s sponsor, Senator Jeff Brandes,at brandes.jeff.web@flsenate.gov

CDS of Christmas Music Recorded by Hilton

There are CDs of Christmas music specially recorded by Hilton Jones available at church. You may leave a donation if you would like to.
Many thanks to Hilton for this gift of music.

Advisors Needed for 2022

Each year 3-5 wonderful people meet monthly to support the life and ministry of the church especially attending to matters involving finance, administration, personnel, and property.  This past year, the church was ably served by Patti Cooksey, Lucille Ruga, Jane Diven, and Malcolm Wells.  Some new advisors are needed for 2022.  Is this something you might like to be involved in?  Or can you think of someone in the church that you would like to see serve in this role?  There are forms to fill out at church or speak to one of the current advisors or to Rev. Wells.  This is a wonderful way to deepen your ties with the church and to make a difference!

Adult Day Care Holiday Party

The Evergreen Adult Day Care Center has invited the church to be part of the holiday party in December.  The church family has been invited to contribute cookies to the festivities – with no sugar, please.  Please contact the church office if you would like to share the Christmas spirit with those in the adult day care center by providing cookies for the holiday party.  A date has not yet been set.  

Stewardship Follow Up

Many thanks to all who were part of the wonderful celebration of gratitude this past Sunday for our church, Lakewood United Church of Christ, and all that it means in our lives.  The service included an opportunity to make commitments of time, talent, and treasure to the church for the coming year.  If you would like to make a pledge to the church, there are forms at church and on the church website.  Please return them to the church office.  

This is a time when the minsitry of the church is much needed in our lives and in our world.  How blessed we are to be part of LUCC!

New Church Directory Available

An updated church directory is available.  The directory is a welcome tool to help the congregation remain connected and in contact with each other.  Please pick one up when you are at the church.  If you would like one sent to you, please contact the Church Office at lakewooducc@gmail.com or call at 727-867-7961. The directory is a welcome tool to help the congregation remain connected and in contact with each other.  

Martha Lamar’s information is incomplete. Please contact the church office for the correct information or get a corrected copy of the directory at church. Sorry for the inconvenience!

Anti Racism Demonstrations-New Time

The church will resume its witness against racism with weekly demonstrations along the sidewalk of 54th Ave. S. Make your own sign or use one of the signs at the church.
Demonstrations will be held Sundays from 4:30-5 beginning Sunday, November 14. In case of rain, the demonstration will not be held that week.

Know justice, know peace! This is an important way to inspire hope in the community and to work to create an anti-racist society.

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.

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.

Operation Attack Update

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.

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.

November Birthdays: Lucille Ruga 11/9, Katharine Conover 11/13, Emily Bell 11/15, Rev. Susan Sherwood 11/15, Ed Kaspar 11/21, Lorne Palmer 11/21, Bert Lee 11/22, Bill Lindsay 11/23, Wally LeBlanc 11/23, Kai’Lyn Washington 11/27, and Jane Diven 11/29, Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.

Circle of Concern: 

Deanna Moore

Dave Radens

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

Church Office Hours:  Tuesday 9:30-noon Thursday-Friday 9:30-noon. 

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

Sermon 11/21/2021

Date: Nov. 21, 2021 Thanksgiving Sunday
Scripture Lesson: I Timothy 2:1-4
Sermon: Aspirational Gratitude
Pastor: Rev. Kim P. Wells

Quiet, peaceful lives. Isn’t that what most of us want? To be able to go about our business; enjoy our friends and family, enjoy nature, enjoy the arts, go to school, go to work, go to church, walk the dog. Peaceful, quiet lives.

The writer of Timothy urges us to pray for our civic leaders so that they create a society in which we can live godly and reverent lives in peace and quiet. Intercessions and thanksgivings are to be offered for the quiet and peaceful life.

I love that. Doesn’t that sentiment resonate with you especially as the ‘noise’ has notched up in our society. The noise of lies, fake news, police violence, insurrection, social media, unjust verdicts, and the travails of the planet? Godly and reverent lives in peace and quiet. I like that image. Take a deep breath. Feel the relief.

But if you keep reading on just a few verses later in the first letter to Timothy, you find:

“I also want women to dress modestly and decently, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes. Their adornment should be the good works that are proper for women who profess to be religious. Women are to be quiet and completely submissive during religious instruction. I don’t permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man. She must remain silent. After all, Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived — it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. But women will be saved through child-bearing — provided they continue in faith, love and holiness, with propriety.”

OK. How can you ever get a godly and reverent life in peace and quiet when you denigrate, degrade, and debase half of the population? And you ground the teaching in a false understanding of an ancient myth? Really? And are men going to be counseled in how to dress? Are they going to held to account for the actions of the male figures of the Hebrew scriptures? Of course not. Guess what, writer of Timothy, forcing women into submissive complacency is NEVER going to get you a life of peace and quiet and it shouldn’t.

You can’t have a society of peace and quiet when a segment of the population is being stepped on and held down for the benefit of another segment of population. That kind of arrangement does not get you peace and quiet. Godly and reverent peace and quiet can never be based on oppression, on injustice, on degradation, on abuse. Never.

Now I am thinking about the Thanksgiving holiday. We are given this image of the Pilgrims and the Native peoples feasting and celebrating together for days after the Natives saved the lives of the European colonizers. It’s an image of godly reverence that has led to peace and quiet among the groups. And we, in the UCC have perpetuated this image because the Pilgrims are our forbears in this denomination.

But that is not all there is to the story. The Pilgrims also paid cash for the dead bodies of indigenous people – men, women, and yes, children. The government, which, according to Timothy, is supposed to create conditions for godly and reverent lives lived in peace and quiet, set about to achieve this by putting a price on the heads of the people who had been living on that land for over 10,000 years before the Europeans arrived. In today’s dollars, they paid the equivalent of $12,000 for the scalp of a native man, $6,000 for the scalp of a woman, and less for a child. So, how is that going to lead to a peaceful and quiet life? It shouldn’t. How is that godly and reverent? It isn’t.

And the legacy of those government policies, enacted by the Pilgrims and others, continues to impact our society today, and so we still do not have peace and quiet. A recent article entitled “New England once hunted and killed humans for money” tells us:

“Of course, those deadly bounties were only one of the tools deployed by the European settlers to make this land theirs. The legacy of those wrongs manifest today in a range of forms: the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls; the fact that Indigenous people have the highest rate of death at the hands of police, the highest suicide rate among veterans, a disproportionate rate of death from Covid-19, and the highest incarceration rates in the US; continued violations of Indigenous sovereignty by state and federal authorities and private extractive industries; the continued use of Indian mascots; and the celebration of national holidays, like Thanksgiving and Columbus Day, that dishonor Native peoples.” [“New England once hunted and killed humans for money. We’re descendants of the survivors,” Dawn Neptune Adams, Maulian Dana with Adam Mazo, The Guardian, 11:19 UTC Monday, 15 November 2021]

Just like the patriarchy promoted by the writer of Timothy is not going to result in peaceful quiet lives, so the racism perpetrated by those who came to these shores from Europe and its continued legacy is not going to lead to peaceful quiet lives. Nor should it.

And a great irony is that these Europeans who came to these shores did so to get away from tyranny and religious oppression and were seeking freedom. Then they imposed the very same conditions on those who were already living here.

So I am thinking about how we get to that godly and reverent life of peace and quiet. What drives the oppression that prevents peace and quiet? That promotes violence, ungodly disrespect and irreverence? Over inflated ego? Greed? Desire for power and control? Pride? Fear? A superiority complex? Insecurity? All of these things and many more influence the people of a society to behave in the ways they do. But oppression is always about benefiting someone. People don’t subdue others, degrade others, demean others unless they are getting something out of it. Someone is benefitting. Someone want or needs something and this kind of degradation is supplying it. The letter of Timothy advises the subjugation of women because the writer believes this has some advantage to men. The Pilgrims decimated the original peoples because it had an advantage for them. They could take the land and set up their society unimpeded. Injustice, oppression, degradation, is always about benefitting someone. Someone, a group, wants something and they will do what they have to do to get it.

This kind of approach is perpetuated by the economic culture that has been created in this country. We are embedded in an economy that works by creating desires in the consumer population – us. It is fueled by convincing us that there is something we need, we want, that we don’t have. We are always being messaged about what we don’t have and what we should want. And how are we going to get it? So we are put in a continuous state of dis-ease. Then there is political messaging from civic leaders that takes over to tell us why we don’t have it. Someone is preventing us from having it – someone is taking our job, getting our due, some is taking something away from us, and we need to fight to get it. And usually that someone doesn’t look like us – whoever ‘us’ may be. That’s not peace and quiet from the sphere of governmental leaders by any means. In fact, it is the inciting of hostility, division, and rancor.

Now, it’s Thanksgiving. And I am thinking that the spiritual discipline of gratitude may be something that could function as an antidote to this kind of abusive society that does not lead to peace and quiet but just the opposite. I am thinking that if people dedicate themselves to seeing what is good, to seeing the many gifts of life, to appreciating what they have, to being satisfied with enough, then maybe it could help stop this systemic abuse that is based on getting something at the expense of others; at having something even on the backs of someone else.

Maybe gratitude tempers greed. Maybe if we pinch ourselves each morning at the miracle of being alive, we won’t feel we have to get something even when it hurts someone else. Maybe if we can see all that we are being given, purely given, each and every day, we won’t feel the need to harm someone to get something. We won’t need someone beneath us.

Maybe we can cultivate gratitude for all the different kinds of people who now live on this continent. The richness of cultures and perspectives that make the society better. This can include the Original peoples, and the ancestors of slaves, and all of the immigrants who have come here. Maybe we see the good in this – in the foods and languages and customs and religions and knowledge that are making this country stronger and better. By cultivating gratitude, maybe we can take a step closer to the peace and quiet Timothy talks about.

With all we have to be grateful for, maybe we don’t have to take advantage of others and abuse the Earth. Maybe we can think about actually feasting and celebrating with the people who have lived on this land for thousands of years. Living in harmony and dignity and respect. Actually all living in peace and quiet — together. Maybe our image of thanksgiving should not be looking back at something that never really was but looking ahead to creating that kind of reality. Can we look back and see what really has taken place, see the truths of the past, and take responsibility for creating a different future? Maybe thanksgiving and the process of being grateful can help us to create a different future. A future in which people live godly and reverent lives in peace and quiet. Happy Thanksgiving! 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.

Reaping the Harvest 2021

Total forms returned: 15 forms representing 17 people in the congregation.  That’s about ¼ of the church family.

Total hours volunteered:  2,591.  One person responded, ‘Not enough.’ 

Total amount donated: $76,500.  One person added ‘More.’ 

Organizations, people, and causes that have received support from the congregation:

American Civil liberties Union

Antioch College

Black Lives Matter (BLM)

Blessing Hands, funding students in China

Blue Mountain Center

Boley Center

Boston Climate Action Network

CASA, Community Action Stops Abuse

Charis Books

Civitan International

Coffin- Siris Syndrome Foundation

Dali Museum

Democratic Party Candidates

Democratic Political Campaigns 

Douglass College Alumni Association

Eckerd College

Eden Theological Seminary

Editorial Freelancers Association  

Equality Florida

Fired Up Pinellas

Florida Dream Center

Florida Orchestra

Food Banks

Freefall Theater 

Friends of South Community Library

Friends

Gifford’s PAC

Good Will

Grinnell College

Habitat for Humanity

Harvard University

Heifer Project International

Helping Friends and Neighbors

Historic Kenwood Neighborhood Association

Homeless and needy individuals unrelated to groups

Hortin Child Development Center

International Refugee Agency

International Rescue Committee

Lakewood UCC – including

Advisors 

Care Team

Creation Justice Task Force

Facebook Live

Worker Bees – Wednesday Women’s Work group

League of Women Voters

Little Free Library

Maximo Elementary School

Metro Inclusive Wellness

NAACP

National Council of Negro Women St. Pete Metro Section

Neighbors in Need

Nature Conservancy

One City Chorus

Operation Attack

Pace Center for Girls, Inc. Pinellas

PBS

Planned Parenthood

Raiders Soccer Club

Rincon UCC

Salvation Army

Shepherd’s Center

Southern Poverty Law Center

St. Petersburg Free Clinic

St. Petersburg High School

St. Petersburg History Museum

St. Petersburg International Folk Fair Society (SPIFFS)

St. Petersburg Time Bank

St. Vincent de Paul

SOTENI

Stonewall Democrats

Suncoast Employees Appreciation Fund

Suncoast Hospice

The Temple – Atlanta

Thurgood Marshall Middle School

UCC Creation Justice Task Force

Union Theological Seminary

WEDU Television

Wellesley College

Westminster Suncoast

Westminster Suncoast Foundation

Wikipedia

Women’s March and other social justice marches

Woodson African American Museum- Scholarships

WUSF

12- Step Programs

And someone added:  Many others!