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My Faith It Is an Oaken Staff

oak treeHere’s a tune for your morning meditation that will lift your spirits. Rev. Wells introduced me to this hymn and it’s become a favorite of mine. Every time we do it in church I only wish there were more verses so it lasts longer. Feel free to sing along this morning. You can see the words in the New Century Hymnal #418 or at https://hymnary.org/hymn/NCH1995/418.

There’s a very short organ introduction. When the brass come in, you start singing. Between verse 2 and verse 3 there’s a little organ interlude. But, on verse 3, BE WARNED (!), there’s a trumpet descant. What might confuse you is that the trumpet plays an echo, like a kid’s round (you know, like in “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”), of what you’re singing. So don’t get lost…hang on to your own part (follow the trombone…a trombonist will never lead you astray).


Just a reminder that the complete collection of these hymn recordings is available for free listening (streaming) at https://soundcloud.com/hilton-kean-jones/sets/hymns-at-lakewood. When each new recording is posted on the church website, it is also added to this album.

Come, O Fount of Every Blessing

Last week was our last week before needing to suspend in-person services. One of the hymns we did was #459 in the New Century Hymnal, “Come, O Fount of Every Blessing.”

I love this hymn tune. It, and similar early American hymns tunes, are part and parcel of my youth, where as a kid in Southern Illinois–down where it Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, and Tennessee all meet–I learned to play in public by playing for my father’s Wednesday night and Sunday night prayer meetings. (He, grandfathers on both sides, and my sister, were all Methodist ministers!) That handful of folks must have been very, very patient!

So, here’s what we sang last week. If you want to sing along but you don’t happen to have a New Century Hymnal laying around, you can go to https://hymnary.org/hymn/NCH1995/459 for information or https://hymnary.org/text/come_thou_fount_of_every_blessing which has the old-timey words that I learned growing up.


Just a reminder that the complete collection of these hymn recordings is available for free listening (streaming) at https://soundcloud.com/hilton-kean-jones/sets/hymns-at-lakewood. When each new recording is posted on the church website, it is also added to this album.

Pescador

PescadorOne of the favorite hymns at Lakewood UCC is #173 in the New Century Hymnal: Tú has venido a la orilla (better known as Pescador de hombres) — English: You Have Come down to the Lakeshore.

Thought you might enjoy it during your morning prayers


Just a reminder that the complete collection of these hymn recordings is available for free listening (streaming) at https://soundcloud.com/hilton-kean-jones/sets/hymns-at-lakewood. When each new recording is posted on the church website, it is also added to this album.

LUCC Corona Daily Prayer

photo 3In response to the COVID-19 virus, the congregation is recommending that everyone in the church family pause at 9:00 a.m. each day, light a candle if you can (or put on the light on your cell phone. . .), and offer the prayer which follows.  Doing this together in spirit will help us to feel connected and bonded as a congregation.  You are encouraged to respond with a comment as part of our connecting as a church family and beyond.    

This devotion is based on the mission statement of Lakewood United Church of Christ.

The mission of Lakewood United Church of Christ as part of the Church Universal –

In this time of global pandemic we realize that around the world people are facing the same threat.  We are in solidarity as a species with common vulnerability.  We are all at risk and we are all needed to cooperate in our response. 

May we celebrate the presence and power of God in our lives and in our world –

We see the presence of Infinite Love the world over as people comply with drastic restrictions for the good of family, neighbors, friends, strangers, and even enemies.  We give thanks for the sacrifice of so many especially in the medical science and healthcare professions.  We are grateful for the generosity of compassion and care that we see around us. 

May we offer the hospitality and inclusive love of Christ to all people –

In this time of social distancing, isolation, and quarantine may we reach out in love especially to those who feel lost, alone, and forgotten. 

May we be mindful of the hardship this situation creates for children and families as well as elders.

May we extend kindness and compassion to those we encounter and may we convey support to our leaders, healthcare workers, and all those working to sustain society.

May we work for God’s peace and justice throughout Creation –

We realize that the restrictions and limitations forced upon us by this threat hit some people much harder than others.  Disparities in access to healthcare, technology, and financial resources magnify the suffering facing humanity at this time.  May we be aware and responsive to the needs of others as we are able.

We are also mindful that this time of reduced human activity is providing respite and renewal for the natural world which sustains us.

May this experience of unprecedented global threat strengthen the bonds of the web of life and deepen our connection to Infinite Love.  Amen. 

Corona Sabbath 1

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.


Find a quiet place, inside or outside. Light a candle. Breathe. Be present.

When you are ready, start the video below.

There is a scripture lesson, a poem, and a brief meditation by Pastor Kim Wells followed by music offered by Music Director Hilton Kean Jones.

(For the written text of the video click HERE.)

As you listen to the music from Hilton which follows, you are invited to pay attention to the thoughts and feelings and reflections that arise for you.

After viewing the video and listening to the music, you are invited to offer the following prayer in closing –

Even from a dark night songs of beauty may be born. Amen.
— Maryanne Radmacker-Hershey

Breathe. Extinguish your candle and engage whatever may come with a sense of peace and a desire to serve.

LAKEWOOD UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

The mission of Lakewood United Church of Christ, as part of the Church Universal, is to:

  • Celebrate the presence and power of God in our lives and in our world;
  • Offer the hospitality and inclusive love of Christ to all people;
  • Work for God’s peace and justice throughout creation.