Greetings and welcome to Corona Sabbath. This is one of the ways the church is endeavoring to offer spiritual support during these challenging days of COVID-19. We appreciate your feedback and suggestions.
We listen to Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 reminding us of of God’s good news for all people, good news of healing, wholeness, and justice. This good news brings joy. In this Advent season, we seek to rekindle our dreams of joy.
“The Spirit of Exalted Yahweh is upon me,
for Yahweh has anointed me:
God has sent me to bring good news to those who are poor;
to heal broken hearts;
to proclaim release to those held captive
and liberation to those in prison;
to announce a year of favor from Yahweh,
and the day of God’s vindication;
to comfort all who mourn,
to provide for those who grieve in Zion –
to give them a wreath of flowers instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of tears,
a cloak of praise instead of despair.
They will be known as trees of integrity,
planted by Yahweh to display God’s glory.
They will restore the ancient ruins,
and rebuild sites long devastated;
they will repair the ruined cities,
neglected for generations.
‘For I, Yahweh, love justice;
I hate robbery and sin.
So I will faithfully compensate you,
and I will make an everlasting covenant with you.
Your descendants will be renowned among the nations;
and your offspring among the people;
all who see you will acknowledge
that you are a people blessed by Yahweh.’
I will joyfully exult in Yahweh,
who is the joy of my soul!
My God clothed me with a robe of deliverance
and wrapped me in a mantle of justice,
the way a bridegroom puts on a turban
and a bride bedecks herself with jewels.
For as the earth brings forth its shoots,
and a garden brings its seeds to blossom,
so Exalted Yahweh makes justice sprout,
and praise spring up before all nations.’”
Reflection from Kim
Maybe you are feeling a little less joy this season than you normally would. Well, without the usual parties and activities, without the family gatherings and meals with friends, without the usual church goings on, it may be hard to feel the joy that we normally associate with the Christmas season. Maybe you are missing the concerts and plays and arts events that you associate with this season that bring joy.
Then there are the stunning death tolls posted each day due to covid. That certainly gives pause. And many of us have friends and relatives suffering from covid. So much suffering and grief. And our hearts also go out to those in the healthcare sector who are stressed to their limits responding to this crisis.
Yes, there are the complications of this covid Christmas. And there are other things that may dampen the spirits this season. Maybe you are remembering someone who died at this time of year. Maybe you are thinking about sad memories associated with past Christmases. Maybe economic issues are taking the sparkle out of life for you at this moment. Maybe concern for others who are having difficulties has you down. The shortened days and long nights can subdue the spirit.
In this season of lights we simply may not be feeling merry and bright. But the words of the prophet Isaiah remind us of the deeper significance of this season. The prophet celebrates one who will embody the commitment of God to justice, right relationship, and healing. And as Christians we see the embodiment of that commitment in Jesus. There is a story early in the ministry of Jesus that refers to this very scripture. We are told of Jesus declaring in the synagogue that he has come to bring good news to the poor, to heal broken hearts, to proclaim release to the captives, and liberation to those in prison, and to announce the year of God’s favor. That is a clearing of the slate relating to financial debt.
Jesus comes to bring justice and deliverance and healing. He comes to put things right. To free us from the systems that entrap us and comfort our hurt and pain.
The ministry of Jesus is a witness to the commitment of God to the well-being of humankind. Jesus shows us how to care for each other and the Earth. He shows us how to forgive each other and ourselves. He invites us to relationships that are life giving. Jesus invites us to a world where people are truly valued and not abused or taken for granted or seen as economic inputs that are expendable.
The birth of Jesus is about the birth of a new reality in which everyone and all of Creation is cherished and has the opportunity and resources to flourish.
So, no matter what is dampening our spirits this covid Christmas, may we find joy in the coming of Jesus. May we rejoice in the justice he brings. May we celebrate the new reality that he calls forth and that is continuing to emerge today.
This is a season to remember that God is with us. The God who cares that people are made poor, that people are grieving, that people are in pain. The God who offers comfort, solace, and new life. The birth of Jesus and the holy day of Christmas are to remind us of God’s intention that all lives be filled with joy. May your joy be rekindled this season.
Amen.
(Click HERE if you wish to see the post containing the video of this text.)
When we had the Christmas in July Zoom celebration we enjoyed hearing the Christmas story and singing carols. Well, there is another Zoom Christmas Eve service planned for 5:00 p.m. on Dec. 24th. There will also be an in-person outdoor service at 7:00 p.m.
The theme for this Advent season at LUCC is Rekindle the Gift from a verse from 2 Timothy. This is certainly a season to ‘rekindle’ after all that we have been through! Each week, the Corona Sabbath and daily devotions will focus on the traditional themes for the candles of the Advent Wreath. Rekindle Hope. Rekindle Peace. Rekindle Joy. And Rekindle Love.
Please see the details below for the Advent season. May you find needed hope, peace, joy, and love this season!
Carol Sing Ahead
Missing singing those favorite Christmas carols? A Zoom carol sing is being planned. Hilton will play and everyone on the Zoom will safely sing at home. In the past, each Advent season there has been a caroling event to visit the homebound. Since Corona has us all somewhat homebound, this year, there will be caroling for everyone who can access Zoom. If you have a New Century Hymnal, you can use it. The zoom will be Saturday, December 12th at 4:00 p.m.
A booklet of devotions has been prepared for the Advent season with a reading for each day and liturgy for the lighting of Advent candles at home each Sunday. These devotions are also posted weekly at the church website. May these devotions help to rekindle hope, peace, joy, and love this holy season.
In these difficult and challenging days, celebrating the birth of Jesus is more important than ever. Jesus, too, was born in difficult times. His birth reminds us that God is with us, in joy and in sorrow, in times of fear and challenge as well as times of awe and wonder.
You are invited to celebrate the birth of Jesus with the LUCC church family. The same service will be offered two ways on Christmas Eve.
At 5:00 p.m. there will be a Zoom/FaceBook live service. Go to the church FaceBook page and click on the lower left. Here’s the link for Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2700683648
At 7:00 p.m. there will be an in person version of the same service on the church grounds. Masks and physical distancing will be maintained. There will be no singing. Bring a chair and a flashlight so you can read the bulletin. In case of rain, the service will be held on the covered patio adjacent to the playground.
Rekindle the Gifts of God: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love
Poinsettias
In the uncharted territory we are facing this year, the church will be trying something new. The church family is invited to bring poinsettias to church on the Sundays in December before Christmas. They will beautify our worship space and they will be taken to those who are homebound and in need of special care in the congregation. So, if you would like to, please bring a poinsettia or poinsettias to church. Many thanks!
Congregational Care Visits Planned
While it is not safe to go caroling this year, the Care Team has plans for safe visits and drive bys to those in the congregation who are isolated or in need of Christmas cheer. Hopefully these visits will be meaningful to those who participate and will help to rekindle hope, peace, joy, and love!
In-Person Events!
The church is experimenting with a ‘soft’ re-opening. There will be in- person gatherings and services outside, with masks, and physical distancing. There will be no singing. Participants are encouraged to bring their own chairs. Some will also be available at the church. Most events will be on the church lawn. If the weather bad, events will be held on the church patio adjacent to the playground.
Here’s what’s coming:
In addition, the weekly guided labyrinth walks will continue on Wednesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. and weekly anti-racism demonstrations will continue on Sunday evenings at 4:30p.m. All are welcome.
For those who want to remain engaged with the church ‘remotely’, the church will continue to post a weekly Corona Sabbath with a scripture reading, reflection from Rev. Wells, and music from Hilton Jones. Paper copies of the Corona Sabbath and the Update will continue to be sent to those who do not use the internet.
After this period of experimentation, there will be a discussion about how to proceed into the New Year.
Toys Delivered at Maximo
What an amazing, inspiring day Monday was at Maximo Elementary! The toys that were collected by the Education Ministry Team were delivered to the school. What began as a request by the Family and Community Liaison, Ms. Jones, for gifts for thirty children experiencing homelessness grew and grew and grew. Partnership with the Social Justice Team at Westminster Suncoast and then St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church flourished. Generosity grew wings. When the toys were delivered there were four cars overflowing with more than one hundred fifty gifts.
Ms. Jones, along with the Principal and staff, greeted us with smiles and great appreciation. Pictures were taken and friendships made. We left Maximo having received more than we had given. Our hearts were bursting with joy.
Thanks to everyone who joined in this undertaking to spread Christmas joy to children and their parents during this very stressful time. May the pictures bring you Hope, Peace, Joy and Love as you imagine the surprise and excitement of a precious child receiving your gift.
Finally after a year and a half of planning, the renovations of the Fellowship Hall are underway to prepare for the Adult Day Care program sponsored by Neighborly Services! So far, a railing has been installed to the back entrance of the Fellowship Hall and the demolition is underway to prepare for the three accessible restrooms that are being installed. The patio has been pressure washed.
It is very exciting to finally see movement toward the goal of offering needed services to the seniors in our area!
Corona Sabbath Ahead
The Corona Sabbath post this week follows the theme for the Advent candles. This week the focus is joy. How do we think about rekindling joy in our lives this Advent season?
This week Claire Stiles is reading the scripture, there is a reflection from Rev. Wells, and music from Hilton Jones.
If you missed last week’s Corona Sabbath here’s the link:
Weekly demonstrations to end racism continue in front of the church each Sunday. Beginning Dec. 6, the demonstrations will begin at 4:30. Bring a sign or use one of the signs provided. Regardless of the outcome of the election, this witness is an important demonstration of Christian values and moral values. All are welcome to join in!
And use the following link to see pictures from the last demonstration.
In case of rain, the demonstration will not be held that week. Know justice, know peace!
Weekly Labyrinth Walks Continue
Each Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. a small group gathers at the outdoor labyrinth for a time of devotion, discussion, and meditative walking of the labyrinth. The theme for the week is taken from the Corona Sabbath of the week before, so it is an opportunity to go deeper in the spiritual exploration of that theme for your life. This devotional gathering is outside and physical distancing is maintained. All are welcome!
If there is rain on Wednesday morning, the gathering will be held on Thursday morning at 9:00.
Spiritual Direction Offered by LUCC Clergy Member.
In these troubled times, it is important to find ways to tend to our spiritual lives. In the Christian tradition, Spiritual Direction is one of the ways of paying attention to the spirit in our lives. A Spiritual Director is someone to talk with about what is going on in our spiritual life and in our relationship with God however we may conceive of God.
Rev. Sally Purvis, Ph.D., a member of LUCC, is a retired clergy person with training and experience in Spiritual Direction. She is offering her services as a Spiritual Director to the community. The sessions would be held on Zoom and there is no fee to be paid. Church leaders are pleased to have the ministry of the church expand in this way.
Spiritual Direction with Sally is open to anyone, not just the congregation. And it is offered to everyone whatever their spiritual or religious background or affiliation or lack thereof. Sessions are generally held once every three weeks. Spiritual Direction is not a mode of therapy. It is a process for understanding and deepening your relationship with God/Spirit in ways that are authentic and life-giving.
Sally was trained by Henri Nouwen, a noted spiritual guide of the 20th century, and did Spiritual Direction as part of her professional ministry before retiring in 2015.
December Birthdays: Becky Palmer 12/16, Amaiya Washington 12/18, George Diven 12/27, Melanie Moore 12/27, Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.
Circle of Concern: JoAnn Reid, William Owen, Wilbur Reid, Jen Degroot, Carolyn Moore, Ann Quinn, Maggie Brizendine, Dave Radens, Bert and Joyce Lee, Jeff Wells, teachers, students, and school personnel, and all healthcare workers and essential workers. All those suffering from COVID-19.
Please keep LUCC member, Olivia Gibson, in your prayers. She is a nurse in a COVID-19 unit in a local hospital. We are grateful for her ministry!
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.
This Advent season of 2020 the focus is on rekindling the gift of God. We certainly need our spiritual grounding and the gifts of faith to sustain us during these difficult times.
There is a ritual for lighting the Advent wreath each Sunday. Then there is a reading for each day of the week based on the theme of the week’s candle.
May we rekindle the gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love this Advent season!
Rekindle the Gift of Joy
Lighting the Third Advent Candle – JOY
In our homes we gather around wreaths to pray our lost hopes, broken peace, limited joys, and love so hard to find and share in this season of coronavirus. We affirm that our candles mean we claim the power to call this season Advent, when God’s light comes into the world and nothing can overcome it.
Light two candles.
We light the candles of hope and peace.
Light a third candle.
We now light the candle of joy in spite of missing so many things we thought were essential to a merry Christmas
name the traditions, people, and activities that you are missing this year
God’s joy ignites embers under loss and sorrow and lights the wick of joy in our lives so that we may shine on the world – a simple smile and unexpected laughter – and brighten the path toward joy. Amen.
Monday Dec. 14 JOY
‘Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him.’
Luke 17:15-16
In the story of Jesus healing the 10 people who have leprosy, one of those healed comes back to Jesus rejoicing and praising God. A joyous scene is portrayed.
Jesus comes to heal and make us whole. He comes to heal our wounds of hurt feelings and desperation. He comes to heal the past which can control us to our detriment. He comes to heal relationships and bring reconciliation. He comes to make us whole when we have been battered and bruised by people in our lives who were to care for us. He come to make us whole when we have been beaten down by attitudes and systems in society that seek to suppress us.
Jesus comes to heal us and lift us up so that we are filled with joy.
This invites us to consider where we need healing in our lives. What hurt and pain do we bear? Maybe you want to jot down where you may need healing in your life. How would you like to experience the healing power of Jesus that leads to joy?
Prayer
Healing involves change. Embracing a new reality. Sometimes we fear change. We become used to our aches and pains, our grudges and biases. May we open ourselves to healing so that we may know joy! Amen.
Tuesday Dec. 15 JOY
‘Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises. Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who live in it. Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for joy. . .’
Psalm 98:4,7
‘Joy to the world, the Lord is come!’
It’s a Christmas favorite and in our church we usually sing it at Easter, too!
In this rousing hymn heaven, nature, Earth, fields, floods, rocks, hills, and plains along with humanity join in praise and joy for the wonder of God’s love in Jesus Christ.
This carol celebrates that Jesus brings joy not only to humanity but to all of Creation. It is a sentiment that prods us out of our anthropocentrism. All of nature is rejoicing. Jesus comes not just for people but for the whole world.
While there are days that we may not feel much joy, nature continues to resound with joy – trees growing, animals building homes and nests, mycelium breaking down vegetable matter, creating soil, and sending messages to trees. Yes, there are days when we don’t want to get out of bed, but nature continues to offer praise and joy.
We can let nature lift us up. We are part of nature, so our joy is to go on reveling in life no matter what the circumstances.
Heaven and nature sing. Repeat the sounding joy. Of the wonders of God’s love. May we join nature in joy and praise!
You are invited to note where you see joy in nature today.
Prayer
All of nature resounds with joy. Jesus brings abundant life and joy. May we join nature in celebrating the wonders of God’s love. Amen.
Wednesday Dec. 16 JOY
‘Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.’
Matthew 2:11
This is the season of gift giving. We especially think about giving gifts to children – toys, books, games. I can remember when our children were young, one Christmas there were so many gifts we could not open them all on Christmas Day and had to continue the gift opening orgy the day after Christmas.
That Christmas led to some soul searching. What were we doing with all of those gifts? What message was this sending? It was certainly perpetuating consumerism and materialism – completely at odds with the teachings of Jesus and the message of the Gospel. All those presents? This is not what Jesus would want.
The next year, we got one ‘big’ gift for each child. We spent much of the day at the local park, in the fenced in tennis courts, with the dog running loose, one child riding a new scooter and one with new roller blades. We had a wonderful time.
So, what are we looking for when we think about joy? What brings us joy? Are we thinking about something humongous and stupendous? Are we thinking about material wealth and security? Are we thinking about a miracle? Or are we thinking about something simple.
Survey your life. Examine your expectations. Jesus brings joy. Are you open to receiving it or are you missing it, preoccupied and distracted by other things and missing the joy that you are being given?
Maybe you can make a list of where you are finding joy in the living of your days – even with the restrictions of covid. Maybe even because of the restrictions of covid!
Prayer
Jesus comes to bring us joy. Maybe sometimes we miss the gift we are being given. May we open our eyes and our hearts to the joy that is being given to us. Amen.
Thursday Dec. 17 JOY
‘David also commanded the chiefs of the Levites to appoint their kindred as the singers to play on musical instruments, on harps and lyres and cymbals, to raise loud sounds of joy.’
I Chronicles 15:16
The Christmas season is known for its music. What are some of your favorite Christmas songs? Sleigh Ride? We Three Kings? Feliz Navidad? Music expresses the joy of Christmas. Maybe some years we put on Christmas music to reflect our joy at this season. Maybe this year we need to play more Christmas music to help us feel the joy. Remember the joy. Rekindle the joy. So, what is on your Christmas play list? Are you making sure to listen to some Christmas music each day?
Think about how you are feeling right now. Put on some Christmas music. How do you feel after listening to it? Hopefully, it gave you a lift!
Prayer
Music is a divine gift of expression. We give thanks for artists and musicians who lift our spirits through their creativity. This season, we especially give thanks for Christmas music which connects us to the past and lifts our spirits in this moment. Amen.
Friday Dec. 18 JOY
‘Today salvation has come to this house. . .’
Luke 19:9
The story of the encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus is a favorite. The story exudes joy. Zacchaeus is a rich outcast. He climbs a tree to see Jesus. Jesus treats him with dignity and respect. His humanity is affirmed. Over a shared meal. That’s it. No hocus pocus. Or sacrificial penance. Or groveling. Jesus simply treats Zacchaeus as a person created in the image of God. And Zaccheaus is overjoyed. He is so grateful, he responds with lavish generosity for the poor and restitution to anyone he has defrauded. This story shows us joy that is simple, powerful, and profound.
Over the holidays, even during covid, we want to try to keep things simple. We can bring joy to others simply through respecting and affirming their humanity. Is there someone in your life that you can uplift with joy in this simple way?
Prayer
Jesus comes to bring us joy by affirming who we are; each a unique child of God. May we receive this gift and share it with others. Amen.
Saturday Dec. 19 JOY
‘I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.’
John 15:11
Many people think of religion as something hard, difficult, burdensome, constraining, and judgmental. Go to church? That’s like asking to be pinched.
But Jesus came to bring joy. He came to lift people up not slap them down. He came to bear witness to the abundance and goodness of the realm of God. It’s not surprising that he was known for his eating and drinking and partying!
If following Jesus makes you feel bitter and cheated, if it makes you feel privileged and entitled, well, maybe you are missing something.
Following Jesus should lead us to be filled with humble joy.
Give some thought to how your walk with Jesus brings more joy into your life.
Prayer
Jesus shows a life filled with joyful abandon. He shows us how to celebrate the presence of Divine Love in our lives and in our world. May our faith reflect the joy of Jesus. Amen.
What an amazing, inspiring day Monday was at Maximo Elementary! The toys that were collected by the Education Ministry Team were delivered to the school. What began as a request by the Family and Community Liaison, Ms. Jones, for gifts for thirty children experiencing homelessness grew and grew and grew. Partnership with the Social Justice Team at Westminster Suncoast and then St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church flourished. Generosity grew wings. When the toys were delivered there were four cars overflowing with more than one hundred fifty gifts.
Ms. Jones, along with the Principal and staff, greeted us with smiles and great appreciation. Pictures were taken and friendships made. We left Maximo having received more than we had given. Our hearts were bursting with joy.
Thanks to everyone who joined in this undertaking to spread Christmas joy to children and their parents during this very stressful time. May the pictures bring you Hope, Peace, Joy and Love as you imagine the surprise and excitement of a precious child receiving your gift.
