These weeks when we cannot gather in person for Sunday worship, Lakewood United Church of Christ is providing brief weekly sabbath programs for you to listen to on your own or with others in your social isolation group. They will be posted on Friday so that you can schedule your sabbath time to suit your schedule and your spiritual inclinations. We hope these programs are of spiritual support to you in these difficult times.
The post this week focuses on the theme for the first Sunday of Advent – hope.
This post includes a scripture reading, a reflection from Rev. Kim Wells and a music video by Hilton Jones. We hope this post helps to feed your spirit in these difficult times as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
You are invited to find a quiet space, inside or outside. Light a candle. Take a look around you. Breathe. Life-giving breath. Be present.
You may begin with this reading:
“It seems to me we can never give up longing and wishing while we are thoroughly alive. There are certain things we feel to be beautiful and good, and we must hunger after them.”
As you listen to the music that follows, you are invited to notice the thoughts and feelings that arise for you.
In closing, you are invited to read the following poem –
Out in a downpour in a sopping wet skirt. And you have gone to a distant country. Unbearable heart, letter after letter just asking when, my lord, when are you coming?
–Mirabai c.1498-c.1565 trans. Andrew Schelling
Breathe. Breathe again. Be filled. With longing. Extinguish your candle and engage whatever may come with a sense of peace and a desire to serve.
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 a scripture lesson from the gospel of Mark. This is teaching is about the end times but it is also about every time and our time. Traditionally Advent begins with an apocalyptic bang to jolt us into remembering that the humble birth of Jesus was unexpected and cataclysmic.
Mark 13:24-37
But in those days, after that time of distress, the sun will be darkened, the moon will lose its brightness, the stars will fall from the sky and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Promised One coming in the clouds with great power and glory; then the angels will be sent to gather the chosen from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.
“Take the fig tree as a parable: as soon as its twigs grow supple and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the Promised One is near, right at the door. The truth is, before this generation has passed away, all these things will have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
“But as for that day or hour, nobody knows it – neither the angels of heaven, nor the Only Begotten – no one but Abba God. Be constantly on the watch! Stay awake! You do not know when the appointed time will come.
“It is like people traveling abroad. They leave their home and put the workers in charge, each with a certain task, and those who watch at the front gate are ordered to stay on the alert. So stay alert! You do not know when the owner or the house is coming, whether at dusk, at midnight, when the cock crows or at early dawn. Do not let the owner come suddenly and catch you asleep. What I say to you, I say to all: stay alert!”
Reflection from Kim
I am captivated by the image of waiting at the front gate. On alert. Until further notice.
First of all, we hate to wait. Absolutely hate it. I mean people see a line at the store and put their item back and leave, planning to return to the store when there is no line. People pay extra to avoid the lines at theme parks. Maybe this hating to wait is an American thing. We went to an art exhibition in Mexico City and the people were lined up out the door, down the block, and around the corner. And they were talking and visiting and buying street food and enjoying the day, eagerly anticipating the exhibit. It is hard to imagine that in America.
Wait at the front gate. For how long? In this scripture, there is no sense about how long the waiting will go on. How long would I be able to remain alert? I don’t know that I would make 5 minutes, let alone hours, days, months, or years. There is that spiritual, “God is Never Late, He is Always Right on Time.” Well and good, but what time is that? We don’t know. A reminder that we are not in control. It’s unsettling to think about waiting with no schedule. Waiting for something that may occur in a moment or in a millennium.
Watch at the front gate. Alert. I imagine most of us would be on our phones and who knows what could be passing by at the gate. Many of us are not even attuned to the trees and their cycles which are happening right in front of us. How alert would we be watching at the gate?For what? We don’t exactly know.
Poised at the gate. This waiting that we are told of seems fraught with intensity, fear, and longing. It seems exciting but also scary. Kind of like a ride at a carnival. I remember going on a ride at the State Fair when our first child was very young. He looked petrified through the whole ride and we felt badly having taken him on the ride. We thought it would be fun. But as soon as we got off the ride, he begged excitedly, “Gen! Gen!” He wanted to go again! In these verses preparing us for Advent there is anxiety as well as expectation and hope.
Waiting at the gate. Alert. Are we waiting for a cataclysm? Global warming, a pandemic, police killings. Sounds pretty cataclysmic. And in the midst of the cataclysm, a blessing. The presence of God. The redeeming power of love. Breaking in. Maybe our hopes and dreams are coming to fruition. But are we paying attention? Alert? At the gate?
Advent is a season of attentive waiting and watching. No one was expecting a baby born in a stable to be a game changer. Yet, here we are, getting ready to celebrate his birthday again over 2,000 years later.
Watch at the front gate. Alert. Maybe this pandemic will force us to stand at the gate and watch. Wait. Attentively. Leaving the phone inside on the table. So that we don’t miss Divine Love, God, coming to bless the world through Jesus and through us. 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!
In Person Services and Gatherings Ahead!
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.
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 5:00 p.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 for HOMELESS CHILDREN
Our church family along with the Social Justice Team at Westminster Suncoast has been extremely generous in supporting Maximo Elementary’s children. To date we have donated uniforms, underwear and Covid 19 supplies which included masks for children.
Ms. Jones has identified 30 homeless children at the school for whom the Education Ministry Team is going to purchase toys and books for Christmas gifts using available funds. For those who would personally enjoy buying toys for these children please do so. The toys may be brought to the outdoor Advent services on December 6th and 13th. Toys may also be dropped off at the church Tuesday-Friday, 9:30-noon. The toys will be picked up for delivery to the school on Wednesday, December 16th.
THANKS EVERYONE , those who have already donated and those who will personally purchase toys, for helping to make Christmas 2020 special for a homeless child.
LUCC ‘s Education Ministry Team
Work Under Way for Adult Day Care
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. It is very exciting to finally see movement toward the goal of offering needed services to the seniors in our area!
Thanksgiving Services
Last Sunday, the church offered 2 Thanksgiving services. One was in-person with masks and social distancing on the lawn of the church under the tree. About 26 people participated. There was great joy seeing one another. The second service was virtual held live at noon from the sanctuary. Danielle Hintz and Julian Ricciardi were liturgists and Malcolm Wells and Jeff Wells did tech. Many thanks to all who helped and all who participated. There was a wonderful spirit of gratitude for many things not the least being LUCC! Here’s a link to some pictures:
OUT OF REGARD FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY THIS EVENT IS BEING CANCELLED
Sharing a Meal
What is Thanksgiving without food? And yet many will not be joining family and friends this year because of the health and safety issues involved. The LUCC Care Team is sponsoring a get together for people from the church to eat together on Thanksgiving. This gathering will be outdoors with masks and physical distancing. Participants may bring their own food or have food provided. Each will bring their own plates, utensils, and drinks. Those who would like to participate are asked to contact Patti Cooksey so that adequate arrangements can be made for the number of people who will be attending. More details will be forthcoming. You can reach Patti at cooksepa@eckerd.edu
Leadership Selection Process
Each year the congregation is invited to offer names of people that they would like to serve as advisors for the church for the coming year. Church members are also welcome to volunteer to serve.
Advisors are charged with seeing that the life and ministry of LUCC is an embodiment of the mission statement of the church. In addition, the Advisors function in an administrative capacity regarding budget and finance, property, program, and personnel. They serve as the pastoral relations committee fostering a positive relationship between the congregation and the pastor.
The advisors have been meeting at least once a month, sometimes in person and sometimes virtually. This depends on the will of the group.
Please suggest names of those you think would serve well as Advisors for the coming year. You may email lakewooducc@gmail.com
Corona Sabbath Ahead
The theme this week takes us from Thanksgiving to Advent in these troubled times. We sure do need a little Christmas this year!
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 at 5:00 p.m. 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.
November Birthdays: Lucille Ruga 11/9, 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: JoAnn Reid, William Owen, Wilbur Reid, Jen Degroot, Carolyn Moore, Ann Quinn, Maggie Brizendine, Dave Radens, 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.
The two links above are the music posted over the past 6 days, including the video (and soundtrack on SoundCloud) of the Thankfulness video from the Thanksgiving Corona Sabbath.
Thanksgiving 2020 Scripture Lesson: Deuteronomy 8:7-18 Sermon: Thanks Living Pastor: Rev. Kim P. Wells
On a trip to Scotland a few years ago, before covid, we had the opportunity to visit several historical museums in small towns in the highlands. These local museums were fascinating.
In one museum, there was a display about how tea had come to Scotland through this small town. Apparently, a local lad became a seafarer. On his voyages around the globe, he was introduced to tea in Asia. He wanted to share this wonderful drink with his mother. So, he sent her some tea, back in their hometown in the highlands. In the display in the museum, we were informed that the mother received the tea and proceeded to add it to a sandwich and eat it.
Apparently the young seafarer so impressed with tea sent his mother the dried leaves but no instructions. She assumed the dried leaves were some kind of herb and put them on a sandwich. Well, how was she to know? Evidently, the people of Scotland eventually got the memo about how to brew tea and it has become a staple of life in Scotland and the United Kingdom.
That story brings us to the scripture lesson that we heard this morning. In the verses from Deuteronomy, we are told of the many things the Israelites have to be thankful for:
a land with streams and pools of water springs flowing into valleys hills crops – like wheat and barley vineyards fig trees pomegranates olive trees honey a rich land where food will never be scarce
And there are other things the Israelites are to be thankful for that help to meet the needs of life including rocks with minerals and metals like iron and copper.
The people are given a land that is conducive to supporting human life, with all that is needed to build houses, have good food, and make the things that are needed to live.
This is a far cry from the Israelites’ wilderness existence in the desolate desert with the lack of water and food and the incursion of poisonous snakes and scorpions.
The Israelites are reminded that they are to be thankful for the bounteous land that has been given to them to sustain them.
BUT, there is more in this story. The people are also reminded to remember the commandments of God that show them how to walk in God’s way. God has truly given them everything – not only the commodious land but also the instructions for living together in peace with each other and with other peoples. God has given them teachings about being generous and taking care of those who are vulnerable. God has given them guidelines about justice and compassion. And when they follow God’s instructions, they will live and prosper in the land and be a blessing to all of the Earth.
When they do not follow God’s dictates they find themselves in trouble – with each other or with the peoples around them. To neglect or defy God’s way inevitable leads to problems.
Out of God’s great love, the Israelites were not just given the abundant, fertile, fruitful, land. They were given instructions about how to organize the community so that everyone is taken care of and everyone benefits from the bountiful land. They were not only given the tea, they were given the instructions about what do to with it!
In this Thanksgiving season, we know that we have much to be thankful for. We know the bounty of the land that we enjoy. We know the beauty of our homeland, this continent and the world. We know the many resources and foods that the land provides for us. And we express our gratitude freely for the material abundance in our lives. And for our families and loved ones.
But as we commemorate this Thanksgiving, let us also remember that we have been given spiritual teachings, moral values, and guidance, about how to take care of this bountiful land, how to share our blessings and opportunities, how to live together with peace and plenty for all. We have been given instruction about how to be good neighbors to those next door and those on the other side of the globe.
The spiritual guidance we have been given also reminds us of all that we are purely and simply given – that we do not create or make. That is given. Not earned or transacted. As Deuteronomy says, it, “Do not say to yourself, ‘My own strength and the power of my hands brought his wealth to me.’” Part of remembering the spiritual teachings we have been given is to remember that we are recipients of the generosity of God. In countless ways.
And in the Christian tradition, we want to also give thanks for the teachings of Jesus, not only to love our selves and our neighbors but to love our enemies. We celebrate the teachings of Jesus to care of the least of these in our society and our world. We can be grateful for the calling to material simplicity and abundant generosity. We have not been put on this Earth to extract its many gifts with abandon. We have been put here to lovingly tend the planet and the life it sustains. We are here to put into practice the teachings of the sages of the ages about how to curb the selfishness and greed which poison the spirit, and instead to live in gratitude and joy. Deuteronomy reminds us that we have much to be thankful for and it is not limited to material things and loved ones. We have been given much instruction, guidance, and wisdom to enrich our lives.
Sometimes I think the material abundance we enjoy is so overwhelming, we get caught up in that and stop there. And then those resources may be misused, squandered, abused, even weaponized. We must not forget that we we have received instructions about how to live abundantly and in peace, sharing with all. We must not forget to give thanks for the moral and spiritual instruction that has come to us through the ages, through many different traditions and spiritual paths, pointing us toward prosperity and peace and security and right relationship through mutual care and respect for one another and for the planet. When we ignore, forget, or defy the instructions we have been given, it is to our peril. We suffer for it.
So, it’s like the tea. But we have been given the tea AND the instructions about how to brew it. We have been given a wonderful, abundant land, and instructions about how to live in this world in a way that leads to flourishing life for all not just for some. This Thanksgiving season and every season may we give thanks for ALL of these blessings. Amen.
Lakewood United Church of Christ 