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 All Saints Sunday. It is a time to think about those we name as saints, people who have shown us something of God, of Divine Love. And it is a time to reflect on our relationship with all those who have gone before us. As Albert Einstein reminds us, “A hundred times a day I remind myself that my inner and outer life depend on the labors of other people, living and dead, and that I must exert myself in order to give in the full measure I have received and am still receiving.”
This post includes a scripture reading done by Jim Andrews, a reflection from Rev. Kim Wells and a music video including pictures of saints submitted by the congregation. We hope this post helps to feed your spirit in these difficult times.
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 by offering this reading:
Ye who have gone before,
Ye stillborn baby,
Ye stalwart soldier,
Ye slave who never made it off the ship,
And ye who labored long years in the field.
Ye who have gone before,
Ancestor, ship captain in Norway,
Pioneer in the prairie,
Single mother in the housing project,
Young child in the forest tribe,
All welcome ye on this feast day of the saints,
Where veil becomes thin between
Living and dead, and
Today more than ever we hear
Your voice, echo from the past
Sounding through these times
Generations forward, blood
Coursing through my veins
Just as it did the very same
Through yours. And together
We become each other’s bones and sinew
Flesh as one body, one earth, one soul
On this day that unites the living with the dead.
As you watch the wonderful music video which follows, you are invited to think about those who have been saints in your life and who live on in you.
After viewing the music video, you are invited to offer the following closing –
The saints have no need of honor from us; neither does our devotion add the slightest thing to what is theirs. Clearly, if we venerate their memory, it serves us, not them. But I tell you, when I think of them, I feel myself inflamed by tremendous yearning.
–Bernard of Clairvaux 1090-1153
Breathe. Breathe again. Be filled. With God. Extinguish your candle and engage whatever may come with a sense of peace and a desire to serve.
In the next two months, the church is going to experiment 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 6:00 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.
All Saints Sunday In-Person Gathering- Nov. 1
All Saints Sunday is Nov. 1. This is a time to remember those we name as saints – living, historical, those who have gone before us. This year, we also want to remember those who have died due to the virus Covid 19 and the virus of racism. The church is planning a special gathering outside with physical distancing and masks, to remember all those who have died of Covid-19 along with those we name as saints. The prayer gathering will be at 10:30 a.m. near the Memorial Garden. Participants will be invited to share the names of saints as well as those who have died from Covid-19 and those who have died from racism. This can include someone you know or someone you have heard about or a public figure of importance to you. If you can, bring a chair. It will be a sacred time to pause, remember, and give thanks.
Holiday/Holy Day Zoom Thursday at 7
There will be a second Zoom Thursday, Oct. 29 at 7:00 p.m. to continue the discussion about plans for the holidays/holy days at church. Many thanks to those who participated in the gathering two weeks ago. Many thoughtful ideas were shared. At this next gathering, planning will be continued. To join the Zoom, use this link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2700683648 or call 1-929-205-6099.
Advisors to Meet
The advisors are meeting on Sunday at 9:30. If you have something you would like to be on the agenda, please contact one of the advisors: Jane Diven, Patti Cooksey, Lucille Ruga, Malcolm Wells, Olivia Gibson.
Church Office to Re-Open!
Beginning in November, the Church Office will be open again on a regular basis. Office administrator, Gabi Paxton, will be at church Tuesday – Friday mornings from 9:30-noon. Please feel free to stop by with donations for Maximo or Operation Attack or to take care of other things at church.
In Memoriam
The church expresses gratitude for the precious life of Elinor Ross who entered life eternal on Thursday, October 15. Elinor slept away peacefully at her daughter, Cheryl’s, home. Prayers and condolences for Elinor’s family and many friends!
Offering Up the Election
There is much concern about the upcoming election. Pastor Kim Wells spoke to someone from the church family recently who indicated that everyone is consumed by the election. They are not thinking about what is going on at church.
Seems like what is needed is space to give the election up to God in prayer. Monday, Nov. 2 at 6:00 p.m. there will be a special outdoor prayer gathering for the election. This will be a time to release our anxiety and fears and offer them to God. It will be a time to remember that our ultimate trust is not in human rulers or institutions but in God. Bring a chair if you can.
On Tuesday, Nov. 3, the polls close at 7:00 p.m. Before you watch the results, center your spirit with a labyrinth walk. This walk at 7:00 p.m. will be specifically oriented toward centering on love, goodness, and peace.
Four years ago, there was a meeting at church on election night. After the meeting before heading home, Pastor Kim Wells walked the labyrinth at church. Then she went home to watch the election results emerge. She seemed much less distraught than others seemed to be in the ensuing days. She attributes this to walking the labyrinth. “I can’t tell you how it works or what happened, but I believe that somehow walking the labyrinth calmed my spirit.” So, four years later, Kim invites others to join her for a labyrinth walk on election night at 7:00 p.m.
There will also be the weekly labyrinth walk on Wednesday morning, Nov. 4 at 9:00 a.m. All are welcome!
Let’s Make Beautiful Music Videos Together!
For the Thanksgiving music video, please submit pictures of things that you are thankful for. The deadline is Sunday, November 8.
In these days of high anxiety, stress, and fear, we must take every opportunity to celebrate! The gift of life is amazing and mysterious. We have been given the gift of living in interesting times. Well, what times are not interesting if you are paying attention? Let us celebrate with joy!
If you would like any assistance with voting, please contact the church office at 727-867-7961 or email at lakewooducc@gmail.com. There are people in the congregation eager to help!
CHANGE YOUR CLOCKS
Just a reminder of the time change this weekend. Fall back Saturday night!
Operation Attack Update from Ian
Operation Attack is having a drive-by pick up for the people they’re serving. I know due to covid it might be hard to donate goods but these are a few of OA’s requests:
Buy Cereal, Peanut Butter, Pasta, Pasta Sauce, or canned meat Buy diapers and wipes, sizes Newborn – 6
Donations may be delivered to the church on Wednesday mornings from 9-10 and Sunday evenings from 6-6:30. Please call the church to make other arrangements if needed.
Volunteers are needed to pre-bag food before the Drive-Thrus. Volunteer date ahead- December 12th at Operation Attack at Lakeview Presbyterian Church 1310 22nd Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33705.
The post for this week is themed on All Saints Day. The story of the death of Moses provides inspiration. What does it mean to be a saint? How do we recognize saints? How can we be saints? The post will feature Deuteronomy 34:1-12 read by Jim Andrews, a reflection by Rev. Kim Wells, and a music video created by Hilton Jones using pictures of saints submitted by the congregation.
If you missed last week’s Corona Sabbath here’s the link:
LUCC’s EDUCATION MINISTRY TEAM and the WESTMINSTER SOCIAL JUSTICE TEAM have collectively purchased and delivered the following items to Maximo Elementary for the children:
The weekly demonstration will be beginning at 5 p.m. due to the time change. All are welcome!
Bring a sign or use one that is available. 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.
October Birthdays: Janet Blair 10/19, Rick Carr 10/22, Denise Williams 10/25, Olivia Gibson 10/29, and Victoria Long 10/29. Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.
Circle of Concern: Claudia Rodriguez, JoAnn Reid, William Owen, Wilbur Reid, Jen Degroot, Carolyn Moore, Ann Quinn, Maggie Brizendine, Dave Radens, Family and loved ones of Elinor Ross, teachers, students, and school personnel, Vern McKinney, 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.
Rev. Traci Blackmon and Civil Rights Leader Ruby Sales speak together about activism, then and now, and voter suppression tactics. Ruby Sales is an historian, Griot, and Member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and the founder of Spirit House Project, a national 501(c)3 non-profit organization that uses the arts, research, education, action, and spirituality to bring diverse peoples together to work for racial, economic, and social justice, as well as for spiritual maturity. We will also play a video from Trinity UCC and Otis Moss III and his family about their work for voters’ rights.
It has been a year of abundant grief. On top of the pain and loss we experience collectively in what we used to call “normal” times, this year has added 205,000 (and counting) Saints to the numbers of those who have gone before. This year has added trauma and pain and loss in ways that continue to hold our hearts captive. This year has called a reckoning of systems towards Justice, and the slow pains of growth and awareness and the impact of struggle on people trying to hold it together. And this year has called us to cling fast to faith with clarity and strength and prayer.
So in calling on our faith that all those who have gone before are in community with All Saints, you are invited to join us in honoring those who have passed, especially to COVID-19, for a service of All Saints with music, prayer, and lifting of names.
Reset for Renewal is a virtual gathering to foster relationships, reclaim your own resilience and gifts for ministry and reconnect with the pulse of young people in the midst of today’s world.
This conference is designed for individuals who are working with youth and young adult ministries in any of the following ways: Conference level, Outdoor Ministries Association or Education/Campus Ministry settings of the United Church of Christ (and beyond) and local churches.
We have intentionally designed this program to meet the needs of those serving young people in a variety of ways for personal development, spiritual grounding, and the building of collaboration to strengthen our individual and collective witness to the Church and world.
Full-price registration is $99. For all who are able, we strongly encourage you to pay the full price as an act of giving. Because we do not want cost to be a barrier to anyone attending, we are offering a discounted rate of $49 using the code RESET50. Register here.
Tuesdays for Nurture, Thursdays for the Soul and other webinars are made possible through your support. To continue to support programs like this, please donate to the Annual Fund.
Lakewood United Church of Christ 