My sleep is disrupted because of all the recent events. So…I’ve decided to start recording in my home studio some of the stuff I used to play on Sunday mornings at church (mistakes and all…if I took the time to edit them out I’d stop having fun).
Here’s one of my favorites: Mozart sonata 16 mov 2 K545.
Just click on the link below.
There was an open congregational conversation after the service on Sunday March 15 to discuss the corona virus situation.
Those who were in attendance: Patti Cooksey, Kay Rencken, Bill Parsons, Don Ritchie, Claire Stiles, Ed Kaspar, Christy Martin, Malcolm Wells, Claudia Rodriguez, Jeff Wells, Kim Wells.
The gathering began with each person making a comment about how they felt about the current situation. These were some of the responses:
Uncertain
Vulnerable
Concerned, not worried
Mixed – skeptical, worried
Let it flow
Worried about older people and self
Concerned – in light of theme park shut downs, this must be serious
Uneasy
Plans – especially economic
Kim shared a devotion from a book that had been donated to the church by Martha Lamar.
We talked about the corona challenge from several perspectives: how are we needed to serve the spiritual, social, and perhaps physical needs of the community, of governmental leaders, of the world, of health care workers, and of our congregation.
These are the ideas that we will pursue:
We are in contact with Maximo Elementary School, with whom we already have a relationship, to see how we can be helpful to their students and staff, particularly the most vulnerable. No school can mean no food for some students.
Increase our contact with each other as a congregation in the following ways:
The congregation is encouraged to write letters, to each other, to those who are homebound, to whomever using old fashioned US mail to mitigate the isolation. This is especially important for those who do not have access to email or the internet or social media.
The congregation is also encouraged to send emails to each other, including pictures, just to brighten someone’s day or share something of interest.
Maybe at the end of the crisis we will create a compilation from the letters and emails that are sent as an inspirational historical record for the congregation.
Use face time or other media chat programs to chat with people who are homebound.
Call people from the congregation to check on them, let them know you are thinking of them, etc. Just use the phone and reach out.
Generally increase contacts with others in the congregation and those you know who are isolated including family, neighbors, friends, etc.
The Care Team will be sure to be reaching out to those who are on the Circle of Concern and those who are on “lock down” in their senior communities.
To facilitate being in contact with the congregation, an update of the church directory is being completed and will be available soon.
Worship and other planned programs such as the guided labyrinth walks will continue as planned based on current information. That may change, but for now, we are planning on weekly worship, etc.
Increased communication from the church. The church will send out and post things intended to be of spiritual support to the congregation. These posts will involve devotions and music as well as other things.
The congregation will be requested to pause every day at 9:00 a.m. light a candle if you can (or put on the light on your phone. . .) and offer a common prayer that will be provided. Through this action, we will feel our unity as a congregation even though we are not physically together. And we will be in solidarity in our concern for each other and the world.
We will continue to be in conversation as this pandemic unfolds so that we can respond as needed.
Kay Rencken shared an adaptation of a line from one of the Irish tunes that Hilton played in worship today:
Let hope be like a falling leaf at the dawning of the day.
Throughout March, Hilton is playing music during the service exclusively from the rich tradition of Irish folk songs. If you click on the arrow in the player below, you can hear 15 of the pieces he’s playing this month. This streaming music is for free and with no need to download anything.
Here’s a list on the songs in this playlist:
On March 1st, 2020, the choir of Lakewood UCC performed a new anthem composed by the church’s music director, Hilton Kean Jones with Jones on piano and Jan Trebesch on organ. The anthem is a setting of the text, On Liberty and Slavery, by George Moses Horton who was an African-American poet from North Carolina, the first to be published in the Southern United States. His book was published in 1828 while he was still enslaved. He did not gain freedom until 1865, late during the Civil War. — Wikipedia He was born in Northampton County, North Carolina, NC. He died in 1883, was educated at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and published these books: Naked genius, The Black bard of North Carolina.
Click on the arrow in the player below to listen to anthem for free and with no download.
Here is a link to the text of Rev. Wells’ sermon the day this anthem was first performed: https://lakewooducc.org/2020/03/05/sermon-3-1-on-liberty-and-slavery.
Here is the text of the poem by George Moses Horton, that is set by the anthem.
by George Moses Horton
Alas! and am I born for this,
To wear this slavish chain?
Deprived of all created bliss,
Through hardship, toil and pain!
How long have I in bondage lain,
And languished to be free!
Alas! and must I still complain—
Deprived of liberty.
Oh, Heaven! and is there no relief
This side the silent grave—
To soothe the pain—to quell the grief
And anguish of a slave?
Come Liberty, thou cheerful sound,
Roll through my ravished ears!
Come, let my grief in joys be drowned,
And drive away my fears.
Say unto foul oppression, Cease:
Ye tyrants rage no more,
And let the joyful trump of peace,
Now bid the vassal soar.
Soar on the pinions of that dove
Which long has cooed for thee,
And breathed her notes from Afric’s grove,
The sound of Liberty.
Oh, Liberty! thou golden prize,
So often sought by blood—
We crave thy sacred sun to rise,
The gift of nature’s God!
Bid Slavery hide her haggard face,
And barbarism fly:
I scorn to see the sad disgrace
In which enslaved I lie.
Dear Liberty! upon thy breast,
I languish to respire;
And like the Swan unto her nest,
I’d like to thy smiles retire.
Oh, blest asylum—heavenly balm!
Unto thy boughs I flee—
And in thy shades the storm shall calm,
With songs of Liberty!
Source: The Longman Anthology of Poetry (Pearson, 2006)
Born a slave on William Horton’s tobacco plantation, George Moses Horton taught himself to read. Around 1815 he began composing poems in his head, saying them aloud and “selling” them to an increasingly large crowd of buyers at the weekly Chapel Hill farmers market. Students at the nearby University of North Carolina bought his love poems and lent him books. As his fame spread, he gained the attention of Caroline Lee Whiting Hentz, a novelist and professor’s wife who transcribed his poetry and helped publish it in her hometown newspaper. With her assistance, Horton published his first collection of poetry, The Hope of Liberty (1829), becoming the first African American man to publish a book in the South—and one of the first to publicly protest his slavery in poetry.
Horton hoped to earn enough money from the publication of his book to buy his freedom, but his attempts were denied despite significant support from members of the public, including the governor.
He learned to write in 1832. In the early 1830s, with a weekly income from his poems of at least $3, Horton arranged to purchase his time from his owner, and became a full-time poet, handyman, and servant at the university. He continued to buy his own time for more than 30 years while publishing a second collection of poetry, The Poetical Works (1845), and continuing to appeal for his freedom.
After the Civil War, Horton traveled with the 9th Michigan Cavalry Volunteers throughout North Carolina. During those travels, he composed the poems that make up his third collection, Naked Genius (1865), published in Raleigh. After 68 years as a slave, he settled in Philadelphia for at least 17 years of freedom before his death, circa 1883.
His legacy is celebrated by the residents of Chatham County: he is the namesake of Horton Middle School, June 28 was declared George Moses Horton Day in 1978, and in 1997 he was declared the Historic Poet Laureate of Chatham County. Horton’s poetry is featured in the Norton Anthology of African American Literature, and in 1996 he was inducted into the North Carolina Literary Hall of Fame. A selection of his poems appears in The Black Bard of North Carolina: George Moses Horton and His Poetry (1997, ed. Joan R. Sherman).
Horton’s poetry displays a keen ear for rhythm and rhyme and a circumspect understanding of human nature. His poetry explores faith, love, and slavery while celebrating the rural beauty of Chatham County, home of the plantation on which Horton spent much of his life.
A historic marker stands near where Horton’s plantation was located.
Source: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/george-moses-horton
This Sunday: What is in your heart? Do you know? Do others know? The story of David being selected to be king tells us that God “looks on the heart.” What does God see in our hearts? Take a look at 1 Samuel 16: 1-13.
About Hilton’s music. . . If you would enjoy hearing Hilton play more Irish folk songs, you can listen for free at either https://hiltonjones.bandcamp.com/album/irish-tunes or https://soundcloud.com/hilton-kean-jones/sets/irish-tunes.
Church School: There will be Church School this Sunday morning for school age youth and nursery care for preschool children. During Lent, the Church School will be exploring different spiritual practices and disciplines. Today the program will be about walking the labyrinth and will be led by Victoria Long.
Vote! Don’t forget the Florida Primary election on Tuesday March 17th– St. Patrick’s day. If you need a ride to the polls, contact the Church office.
Labyrinth Walks for Lent: As part of the Lenten journey to Easter, the church will be offering guided labyrinth walks on Wednesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. The dates are March 18th, 25th, April 1st, and 8th. There will be a handout for each week and these will be placed in the mailbox near the labyrinth for those who cannot meet on Wednesdays at 9:00. The labyrinth is a way to deepen your prayer life and experience the Divine presence. All are welcome!
National Refugee Shabbat: Thank you to all who participated in last Sunday’s post card writing to our elected Congressional representatives (Sen. Rubio, Sen. Scott, Rep. Crist). We mailed 19 cards altogether, urging each to co-sponsor and then vote for The Refugee Protection Act to ensure fair, humane, and legal treatment of all who approach our borders.
Remember to mark your calendars for the National Refugee Shabbat at Temple Beth-El, 400 Pasadena Ave. S., on March 20 at 7:30 pm. After a brief service three speakers will share their experiences as a refugee in Africa and as witnesses at the border of Mexico. Table talk will follow for those who wish to stay.
Creation Justice Task Force meeting: There will be a meeting Friday, 3/20 at 12:30 pm. All are welcome! Contact Claire Stiles for more information. stilesca@eckerd.edu
March Youth Event! For the month of March, Malcolm and Olivia want to do a Tie Dye event! It is scheduled to take place on March 22, after church. They will provide the dye, a t-shirt, and a bandana. If you want anything special to color bring that as well. They will also have some snacks and drinks. Friends and family of the church are welcome! Contact Olivia to sign up and to give her your shirt size. gibsono1029@outlook.com
Interfaith program: On Tuesday, March 24th, wisdom teachers from a variety of faith traditions will gather to share, compare and explore the perspectives and possibilities of interfaith understanding. The conversation will be held at USFSP University Student Center, 200 6th Ave. S., St. Petersburg, Fl 33701. The event is free and open to the public and is at 1:00p.m.- 3:00p.m. Rev. Sue Sherwood of LUCC is the moderator and Rev. Kim Wells will be a panelist.
View the flyer for more information at the link below: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/our-common-journey-towards-human-excellence-tickets-88554196987
In Memoriam: Former LUCC member Mattie Lesueur died March 5 at her home in St. Petersburg. She was a member of Traveler’s Rest Baptist Church. A memorial service will be held there on March 22. The time has not yet been determined.
Safe Hygiene: The sanctuary is amply supplied with hand sanitizer. Please be mindful of public health protocols.
New Office Hours: The Church Office will be open Monday – Thursday mornings from 9:30 until noon. The office will no longer be open on Friday mornings. Thank you!
Operation Attack: Operation Attack is very much in need of clothes for men, boys, and girls as well as diapers and peanut butter and canned fruit. Donations may be placed in the shopping cart in the entryway to the sanctuary. Volunteer dates are April 13, and May 11. They also need people to help on the first three Tuesdays of the month from 9:30-noon.
Operation Attack is an ecumenical effort serving families with children located at Lakeview Presbyterian Church, 1310 22nd. Ave. S., St. Petersburg. LUCC was a founding member of Operation Attack in the 1960’s!
Maximo Report: LUCC delivered 25 Sack Packs and 25 Activity Packs to Maximo Elementary Tuesday. Olivia and Claudia did their shopping magic in 1 hour and then put all the packs together. I delivered them to Ms. Jones at Maximo Elementary. Thanks everyone for another awesome ministry to benefit homeless children at Maximo Elementary. A total of $978 was donated for this project. Olivia took pictures today which she will pass on. -Emily Bell
View the pictures here! https://lakewooducc.org/2020/03/11/maximo-elementary-project-report/
LUCC at St. Pete Earth Day Festival: April 4th 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Our Creation Justice Task Force is sponsoring a Table for this event as a non-profit, faith based organization who is supporting sustainability and environmental justice. The event will be held in Williams Park.
Help is needed setting up the table (a table and two chairs are provided), hosting the table during the day, and packing up materials for transport back to the church at the end of the day.
If you can possibly help and would enjoy being at this wonderful event even for a short time on April 4th, please contact Claire Stiles. stilesca@eckerd.edu
HOLY WEEK AND EASTER
Palm Sunday April 5 10:30 a.m.
The service begins outside around the cross with the blessing of the palms and a processional into the sanctuary. Please bring a palm branch if you can.
Guided Labyrinth Walk Wednesday April 8 9:00 a.m.
Maundy Thursday April 9 7:00 p.m.
Service of Tennebrae and communion. This service will include a remembrance of the last day of Jesus’ life as portrayed in the Gospel. This includes Jesus’ last supper with his disciples which is commemorated in the sacrament of holy communion. This will be a beautiful, contemplative service.
Good Friday April 10 Noon
There will be a guided labyrinth walk on Good Friday at noon. This is an opportunity to remember Jesus’ walk with the cross and his crucifixion while walking the labyrinth.
Easter Sunday April 12
7:00 a.m. Sunrise Labyrinth Walk at 7:00 a.m. You are invited to a devotional time at dawn incorporating the themes of Easter into a guided labyrinth walk. Awaken the new life within you!
10:30 a.m.
Join in an intergenerational festival service celebrating new life and hope. All ages welcome! The service will include communion.
There will be refreshments and an Easter Egg hunt on the church grounds following the service.
Be part of the celebration!
Easter Flowers:You are invited to order Easter flowers to beautify the Sanctuary on Easter Sunday. All orders are due by April 5th. The cost is $10. Order forms are available at church or at the website at the following link: https://lakewooducc.org/2020/03/11/easter-flower-order-form/
Hearing Augmentation: Devices are available from the usher in the sanctuary during worship.
March Birthdays: Claudia Rodriguez 3/3, Grace Lewis 3/13, Yvonne Riesen 3/13, Ron Huff 3/19, Earl Waters 3/25, Charlie Lewis 3/27, Marg Radens 3/31, Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.
Circle of Concern: William Owen, Wilbur Reid, Martha Lamar, Tony Rogers, Dana Cosper, Sherry Santana, Jen Degroot, Carolyn Moore, Ann Quinn, Maggie Brizendine, and Ann Rogers.
Recent Posts:
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.
Lakewood United Church of Christ 