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 those you live with. 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.
There is a scripture reading and a brief meditation by Pastor Kim Wells followed by music offered by Music Director Hilton Kean Jones. We appreciate your suggestions and feedback.
Find a quiet place, inside or outside. Light a candle. Take a look around you. If you are inside, pay attention to the room you are in. Breathe. Life-giving breath. Be present.
Make me
a still place of light
a still place of love
of you
your light radiating
your love vibrating
your touch and your healing
far flung and near
to the myriads caught
in darkness, in sickness
in lostness, in fear
After listening to the music, you are invited to offer the following closing:
God our Mother and Father, we come to you as children. Be with us as we learn to see on another with new eyes, hear on another with new hearts, and treat one another in a new way.
–Corrymeela Community, Northern Ireland
Breathe. Breathe again. Feel the Spirit enlivening you. 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 plan to continue to post these weekly until we are able to meet again in person for worship. We appreciate your feedback and suggestions.
[pause]
We start by listening to a scripture lesson from the book of Ezekiel 37:1-14. This teaching was intended for people who were dislocated, distraught, and dispossessed. They could see no future. And felt that all had been lost. Maybe some of us have had those kind of feelings in recent days and weeks.
The hand of Yahweh was upon me, and it carried me away by the Spirit of Yahweh and set me down in a valley – a valley full of bones. God made me walk up and down among them. And I saw that there was a vast number of bones lying there in the valley, and they were very dry. God asked me, ”Mere mortal, can these bones live?”
I answered, “Only you know that, Sovereign Yahweh.”
And God said, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them: ‘Dry bones, hear the word of Yahweh! Sovereign Yahweh says to these bones: I am going to breathe life into you. I will fasten sinews on you, clothe you with flesh, cover you with skin, and give you breath. And you will live; and you will know that I am Sovereign Yahweh.’”
So I prophesied as I was commanded, and as I prophesied, suddenly there was a noise, a rattling, and all the bones came together, bone to matching bone. As I watched, sinews appeared on them, flesh clothed them, and skin covered them. But there was no breath in them.
Then God said to me, “Prophesy to the wind; prophesy, mere mortal, and say to it: ‘Thus says Sovereign Yahweh: Approach from the four winds, Breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.’”
I prophesied as I was commanded, and breath came into them; they came alive, and stood up on their feet – a vast multitude.
Then God said to me, “Mere mortal, these bones are the whole House of Israel. The people keep saying, ‘Our bones are dry, our hope is gone, and we are doomed.’ Prophesy, therefore, and say to them, ‘Thus says Sovereign Yahweh: I am going to open your graves and raise you up from the dead, my people. I will return you to the land of Israel. When I open your graves and raise you up, you, my people, will know that I am Yahweh. Then I will put my Spirit into you and you will return to life, and I will settle you back on your own land. Then you will know that I, Yahweh, have spoken and made all this happen, says Sovereign Yahweh.’”
[pause]
This is a powerful scene. it almost seems like something from a Halloween movie or a movie about aliens. We can imagine a dark dreary, rainy night in a shadowy, graveyard, the wind whipping and the bare trees creaking. And the graves being opened, and the bones of the dead coming back together and fearful new beings emerging.
But before we are scared off by the eerie images, we must be willing to see this scene for what it is. It is the fulfillment of the longings and dreams of the people. It is a scene of hope and wonder. It is the commitment of God to the future of the people of God. They will not languish as a defeated people for all time. They will be transformed. They will live and flourish.
It’s a simple message, really. Conveyed through a compelling image with much to offer. As we think about this story, we want to notice that the bones in the valley were dry. Very dry. Completely dead. Used up. Spent. No potential for constructive use.
And these are not the bones of one person. Or even a family plot. These are the bones of a community. A people. A culture. A collective. That’s important to remember especially when the Christian tradition has done so much to emphasize individual resurrection. This passage tells us about a society. Which is dead. Spent. Finished.
In the story, the prophet is asked by God, “Can these bones live?” What does the prophet think? Is there reason for hope? Well, having tried to do things their way and ending up as dried bones, the prophet knows the limits of human ideas and agency. And so the writer doesn’t dodge the question but links the future not to human desires but to the will of God. To the power of God. To something beyond the tribal self interest of the people. Only YOU know, the prophet replies. This is not abdication. It is affirmation. Of a bigger reality. Of the power of love which can be much more influential and determinative than assessments of assets and _____ strategies. Only you know if these dead and dried bones can live.
Then we get the answer. There is noise, rattling, bones come together, sinew forms, flesh appears, skin encases, and then, there is breath. Breath. Wind from the four directions. Spirit infuses the new creation. This new community. This new society.
These people are God’s people.
And these words speak to our time just as they spoke to Ezekiel’s time.
Recent days, weeks, years, lifetimes, have shown us the death-dealing ways of injustice. And if we were missing the message, COVID-19 has made it unmistakable. All the systemic inequity and bias have literally led to death. Thousands of deaths. Before our media saturated eyes. The valley is full of bones and they are very dry.
Are you responsible for this? Am I? We are trying to be good people. We don’t want to live in a racist society. We don’t want to endorse or support oppression.
I heard an interview on NPR this week talking about Freddie Gray who was killed by police in Baltimore in 2015. He was born prematurely, to a mother who was an addict. He was born addicted to crack. He suffered from lead poisoning as in infant. This is all before he made any choices about his own life. That can happen only when there is a system in place to create that outcome.
We don’t want to live in a country, a society, a community where that happens. We know that is wrong.
But we are in a context that is constructed for those outcomes. We live in a country with a history that has created this reality. Where human beings are seen as input, as commodities, and are valued according to color. We are a country that values money above morals. As scholar and public activist Cornel West reminds us in his classic book, Race Matters, if racism did not have a financial advantage for some, it would not exist. In this land, racism and the economic system are inextricably intertwined. And to glimpse the possibility of a new future, we need to see this link.
In the lesson from Ezekiel, God takes the prophet to see the valley of the dry bones. The prophet is shown the utter demise of his community and culture as they had previously existed. It is a complete and thorough end. The bones in the valley are very dry.
To rise as a society, we have to die to what has gone before. The economic arrangements, the power arrangements, the patriarchy, white privilege. Yes, it is our heritage. Yes it has much to teach us. Yes, we need to know where we come from and how we got here. But to eradicate racism, to heal oppression and bigotry and bias, the whole entire system must be not just “reformed” but really, regenerated.
There really has to be a death of the entire reality that creates a circumstance in which one person feels he has the authority to kneel on the neck of another, making him dead, with other people, with similar authority watching, and the random public present as witnesses. This systemic reality must become a heap of dry bones. Dead. Gone.
So that something new can emerge. So the process of re-creation can take place. So that the breath, that brooded over the waters of creation, and enspirited all of life and infused humanity, can blow again, and from the dry bones, a new creation can emerge. A new reality.
Ezekiel tells us of the bones coming together, and the sinews, and the flesh, and then the skin. And finally the breath. The emergence of new life is a process. It takes times. It is not neat and tidy. It is a messy business. Complicated. Unpredictable.
So, in Ezekiel there is that question, CAN the bones live? Can we live? Is there hope? For our society? For our species? With God, yes. With trust in the love and sacredness and divinity at the core of each and every human life, yes. With trust in the holiness of creation, yes. This is the message of this story, and of the life of Jesus, and of the Bible. Yes! Yes, these bones can live. We can emerge into the new reality that Divine Love is seeking to manifest in our midst. Amen.
[pause]
As you listen to the music from Hilton which follows, you are invited to notice the thoughts and feelings and that arise for you.
(Click HERE if you wish to see the post containing the video of this text.)
This Sunday:The church will be open from 10:30 to 11:30. The peace candle will be lit. It will be a time of prayer and reflection as a witness that the church is still open and ministry continues even though we are not able to gather in person for worship.
Look for a Corona Sabbath post on Friday. Check for it at the website – lakewooducc.org Also, please subscribe to the website so that you receive regular updates about church life.
Church Family Feedback
The church has sent out a feed back form. This information will be helpful as the church looks to the future. Your thoughts are important to the process. Please return the form by June 15. If you did not receive a form with the cover letter, you can find it on the church website: https://lakewooducc.org/2020/06/03/church-family-feedback-requested/
Pentecost Zoom Last Sunday May 31
There was a wonderful faith community gathering on Zoom last Sunday in honor of Pentecost, the birthday of the church. Participants met in small groups to talk about their church experiences. And then the whole group generated a list of 50 things they love about LUCC. That will be posted on the website soon. Look for it!
George Floyd Solidarity Nightly at LUCC
In support of this citywide effort, it would be wonderful to have some people with a candle/flashlight/cellphone at church each night, along 54th Ave. S. on the sidewalk, 6 feet apart, with masks on. The request is to take the knee, with the light/candle on at 8:00 p.m. for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. Many thanks to Patti Cooksey and Sue Sherwood for their witness on the first night, June 2.
After a year of fits and starts, including the interference caused by the pandemic, the church and the Neighborly Care Network signed a lease today, June 3, 2020. The next steps include some adaptations to the Fellowship Hall building including the construction of 3 accessible restrooms. Once the building is ready the program will begin offering day care to seniors in the community. Many thanks to church leaders for their work on this important ministry and to Advisor Patti Cooksey for signing the lease!
Racism.
What can we do?Here is one small idea that may help you take a step forward. Talk with someone you know whose skin is of a different hue than yours and bring up what is going on. Start a conversation. Listen. Share with honesty. See what opens up. And what might come next.
As followers of Jesus, we follow his lead and are committed to creating an anti-racist society.
Labyrinth Walk Open to All
For some, the weekly labyrinth walk has provided needed grounding and spiritual support. There is a theme for each week. The gathering includes readings, scripture, prayer, reflection, and group sharing. And, yes, there is the walking of the labyrinth. If you would like to see an outline of what goes on, there are copies in the mailbox near the labyrinth or contact the church office and it can be emailed to you.
You are welcome to participate on Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m. This gathering is outside and physical distancing is maintained. Bring a lawn chair if you have one.
LUCC CREATION JUSTICE TASK FORCE update
Free online Viewing of the Film The Human Element, previously only available on Earth Day, followed by a webinar with renowned filmmaker James Balog is now available for all of you to watch!
View the film at your leisure between June 8 and June 17. Then join Interfaith Power and Light for a 45-minute webinar with filmmaker James Balog on June 17, 8pm Eastern/7pm Central/6pm Mountain/5pm Pacific.
You can also Download a free screening guide at the same link with faith-based discussion questions, promotional images, sample newsletter article, and more. If enough interest among all the LUCC family develops, we can schedule a Zoom discussion of this film. In this riveting and visually rich drama, blending art and science, we follow environmental photographer James Balog of Chasing Ice fame as he explores the impact of wildfires, hurricanes, sea level rise, a struggling coal mining community, and our changing air. With rare compassion and heart, The Human Element highlights Americans who are on the front lines of climate change, inspiring us to re-evaluate our relationship with the natural world.
Mobile care team on the road again
Recently the care team set out on another caravan to bring greetings, joy, and love to LUCC members. This time the team, along with Ed Kaspar, drove their cars to the homes of Olivia and Amaiya where they greeted the families, from the sidewalk, with personalized cheers of celebration and thanksgiving. Amayia was celebrated for completing 8th grade and now preparing to attend Lakewood High School. Olivia was thanked for her tireless work, devotion, and care as a nurse on the Covid unit at a hospital in Tampa. The rain did not dampen the spirits or the personally designed posters (thanks to Ruth!) presented to both Olivia and Amayia. It was a joyous experience for all, including a few neighbors standing by!
The advisors met last Sunday. Though the church is not holding Sunday services, there are many things to discuss relating to the life of the church. And there are property issues to address. The advisors are actively discussing the shape of the church’s ministry going forward. There is discussion about when to resume having services of some kind on Sundays – knowing there can be no singing, no touching, people must wear masks, and stay 6 feet apart. There are no plans to resume services in the near future.
There are plans to send out a form requesting feedback and ideas from the congregation. It will be sent out this week. After the forms are returned, the advisors will have a better idea of the inclinations of the congregation. WHEN YOU GET THE FORM, PLEASE FILL IT OUT AND RETURN IT TO THE CHURCH. The advisors really do want to hear from everyone in the church family.
There was also discussion of when to let renters resume meeting and what the health and safety requirements will be for those gatherings.
There are plans to move most of the chairs out of the sanctuary and the Fellowship Hall to prevent large gatherings with people close together.
Going forward, the advisors will be meeting twice a month to address the new realities that are emerging in this time of pandemic. The next meeting will be Sunday, June 7.
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 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.
The church is very grateful to Sally for offering this avenue of support to the congregation and the community.
Money Matters
The church is still under consideration for a stimulus loan/grant. Many thanks to Bill Parsons for overseeing this convoluted process!
Please note: Deposits at church are being made once or twice a month, not weekly, so there may be a delay in the depositing of checks. This is to reduce risk for those who are involved in doing the banking.
DayStar Donations
Grocery donations given to the church were donated to DayStar Life Center this week. Daystar is taking grocery donations as well as adult clothing on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. To drop off donations, drive around to the back of the building to the open bay area.
DayStar Life Center 1055 28th St. S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712
We encourage you to take your donations to them rather than leave them at the church. However, if you are unable or don’t feel comfortable going to DayStar, please do leave donations at the church and we will deliver them once a month to DayStar. Thank you.
Font Page News
UCC’s Victoria Long Featured on the Front Page of the Tampa Bay Times!Rev. Victoria Long, a UCC minister and member of LUCC, was featured in a front page article about serving as a Hospice chaplain in the difficult days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many thanks to Victoria for her meaningful ministry. Here’s the link to the article:
Each Friday, the church will post a devotional with readings, video from Kim, and music from Hilton. You are invited to access these at the website and observe the sabbath according to your schedule over the weekend. There will be a new one posted each week.
In addition to the weekly Corona Sabbath devotions on the website every Friday, Hilton is also posting music, mainly hymns, on the website daily. These are also posted on the church’s Twitter and Facebook accounts. You may find links to all the music posts on the website at https://lakewooducc.org/category/posts/music/ — note the “Older Posts” button down the page.
If you need help of any kind – something from the store, someone to talk with, support managing during shelter-in-place, parenting concerns – please know that the church is ready and willing to help in any way needed. This situation is trying for everyone. You are not alone. We’ll make it through together. Please contact the church office (lakewooducc@gmail.com or 867-7961 or Rev. Kim Wells at wells.kim.p@gmail.com).
Miss someone from church? Give them a call or send a note. Personal contact is so important when physical contact is limited.
June Birthdays: Genie Terrell 6/10, Tony Rogers 6/21, and Shirley Locke 6/30. Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.
Circle of Concern: JoAnn Reid, William Owen, Wilbur Reid, Martha Lamar, Jen Degroot, Carolyn Moore, Ann Quinn, Maggie Brizendine, and Ann Rogers. 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 on 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.
My, how we miss seeing each other! When the COVID-19 situation began, we had a meeting after church about how we would go forward. We expected to all be coming back to church again the next Sunday. But so much changed in a week.
Since we could not safely meet in person and the church started to post a Corona Sabbath devotion each week. Some thought this would go on for a month or two. Then we would be back to church as usual.
Well, it’s been over 10 weeks, and there still doesn’t seem to be a clear date in sight when it will be safe to meet in person on Sunday mornings once again as we used to.
We do know that there will be masks, handwashing, sanitizer, and physical distancing for months to come. As far as church is concerned, we know there will be no singing (GULP), no choir, no hugging, no hand holding, no touching, for a year? Or two? We just don’t know.
LUCC has always been flexible and adaptable. So, we are putting those traits to work in a significant way now. The world still needs the love and grace and gratitude that we have come to know through the Gospel. There is still a hunger for justice. The Earth still cries out for healing. So we know that our church is needed. And your help is needed as together we, as a congregation, navigate the path going forward.
Please contact the church if we can be of help to you in any way.
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 those you live with. 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.
Lakewood United Church of Christ 