There’s a book a friend of mine, Robert Help, read when he was about my age, called The Summing Up, by Somerset Maugham. I’ve not yet read it (it’s on my list with several thousand others), but just the title strikes a responsive chord with me. It’s what I seem to be doing right now: summing up all I’ve written and recorded (audio and/or video), and where the scores and recordings might be found, listed all in into one spot: https://hiltonkeanjones.com/compositions/.
It’s a monumental effort. In addition to what’s already on that page, I have 46 more original compositions to get on there and 34 arrangements of public domain tunes. That’s not counting all the links that need to be added to existing listings on the page and any new pieces I might manage to write and record.
Why?
As a former composition student, now himself a teacher and a friend, once answered when I asked myself why I continued to write: “Because that’s what you do.” It’s probably the best answer I’ve ever heard. (I assume that answer also applies to organizing what one has written.) Although, I am well aware and fully admit “vanity of vanities! All things are vanity” is even more true.
The most recent addition to the composition page is an updated version of The World of Starlit Butterflies.
The piano part is completely rewritten so it’s shorter and hopefully more interesting but still fun to play and listen to. The 2 keyboard version and the solo piano version have exactly the same piano part. In other words, the strings are optional. Using the second keyboard gives pianists the chance to experience ensemble playing, a skill they’ll need in order to earn a living later in life. The fundamental piece is the solo piano version, the video that leads this article.
I seem to have found “my place,” writing pieces and arrangements for piano that fit the “easy intermediate” difficulty level. I’m quite happy to have found “my place.” It’s my happy place! Those pieces are selling!
ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING This Sunday, LUCC will receive the national UCC special offering, One Great Hour of Sharing. This offering is used in partnership with faith communities and interfaith organizations in the US and around the world to do good where it is most needed. The theme this year is “It’s Time to Share.” This theme is inspired by Galatians 6:9-10 from The Message by Eugene Peterson: “So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance let us work for the benefit of all. . .” The OGHS offering is a wonderful opportunity to work together for the benefit of all. Special envelopes are available at church for your use on Sunday. In honor of mothers who seek to provide for their families and create a world where all children can flourish, this special offering will be received at LUCC on Mother’s Day, May 14.
This Sunday This Sunday is Mother’s Day. During the service there will be an opportunity to name those who have embodied mothering love in our lives. Childcare is provided at all Sunday services.
Summer Sundays Ahead For the Sunday services this summer, Rev. Wells would like to hear from you! What would you like to hear a sermon about? Is there a theme or a topic or a scripture lesson or an issue or a story that is of interest to you? Kim would love to hear from you and she will plan the summer services around your requests. Send an email or fill out a form at church and give it to Kim.
2023 Financial News
In February 2023 it became clear that Lakewood UCC faced serious financial challenges. A Congregational Meeting in February elicited support for planning our first six months of the year, with a review to follow in late June A motion to request one-time special offerings from individuals resulted in generous contributions. Within a month, eleven members had contributed a total of $10,500 and one anonymous donor committed to donate $2000. In addition, 31commitment forms for 2023 giving were returned to the church. To date, 26 forms accounted to a total of $48,144 and five were returned with one-time donations amounting to $600. Submitted by Financial Secretary Lucille Ruga
Congregational Meeting Ahead There will be a congregational meeting following morning worship on Sunday June 25. This is a special called meeting to discuss a financial plan for the church for the second half of 2023.
Congratulations to Jackson Cosper
Jack Cosper, son of Chip and Dana Cosper, will be graduating from Lakewood High School Center for Advanced Technology on Wednesday May 17. Congratulations to Jack and to Chip and Dana!
Climate Card Project Coming Soon The national UCC has invited churches around the country to join in sending cards about climate change to Congress. LUCC will be participating in this campaign which has been developed by Rev. Well’s son-in-law, Andy Wells-Bean, who works for the Creation Justice office of the National United Church of Christ. Look for cards to sign soon!
Pentecost Ahead Pentecost is the Sunday 50 days after Easter which is a celebration of the Holy Spirit being given to the community of followers of Jesus enabling them to become the church of Jesus Christ. This year Pentecost falls on Sunday May 28. The liturgical color for Pentecost is red, so wear red if you can. The story of Pentecost in Acts mentions the spirit appearing like a flame upon each of Jesus’ disciples. This year you are invited to bring a candle to church as we celebrate the presence of the Holy Spirit in the LUCC faith community.
LUCC Book Talk This is an opportunity to hear what others have been reading and to share what you have been reading. Everyone welcome! NEXT BOOK TALK: Thursday May 25 at 6:30. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2700683648Please note change of date for May.
PTL Discussions Begin This coming week, conversations will begin between Pilgrim UCC, Trinity UCC, and Lakewood UCC, all in St. Petersburg, about how the three churches can work together and support each other. This promises to be an exciting process that will lead to a stronger UCC presence in this area.
Guided Labyrinth WalksCHANGE OF TIMEfor Guided Labyrinth Walks Wednesday Evenings at 7:00 p.m.
Each week there is a guided labyrinth walk on the outdoor labyrinth at the church. It is a time of prayerful faith sharing, and a time to listen more deeply to our spiritual lives. Beginning, May 10, the weekly guided labyrinth walk will be held on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. There are several factors that have led to this change including the construction on the property next to the church. All are welcome! The first evening labyrinth walk was held this week. It turns out the labyrinth is bathed by the colors of the setting sun in the evening. It is a gorgeous time of day to walk! In case of rain, the walk will be held the following evening, Thursday, at 7 p.m. Also, the readings and prayers used each week at the guided walk are put in the mailbox by the labyrinth for use during the week. The labyrinth is on the church grounds near the southwest corner of the church property. It is available for use at all times.
Toiletries for Celebrate Outreach Celebrate Outreach is a local ministry with people who are living without shelter in St. Petersburg. An average of 135 people are served each week. LUCC was asked to collect toiletries to be distributed to the community at the meals that are provided on Saturday and Sundays each week.
Celebration Outreach has an ongoing need for men’s and women’s underwear.Men sizes 30, 32,34Women’s sizes 5,6, 7,8. Also in high demand are socks of all kinds /sizes for both men & women. Other needed items are Deodorant & disposable razors. Toothbrushes, toothpaste, disposable razors, bar soap, wash cloths, deodorant, feminine hygiene items, travel size creams, shampoo, body wash, individual packets of Kleenex, hand wipes, toilet tissue, and paper towels are always needed as well. Many thanks to Janet Blair and Jim Andrews for taking the donations to Celebrate Outreach.
Inkjet Recycling The church is continuing to collect used inkjet cartridges. They are sent to a recycler and the church receives payment for the cartridges provided. So, don’t throw out your cartridges. Bring them to church. Not only do they get recycled but they provide income for the ministry of the church.
Operation Attack Update Operation Attack is an ecumenical food pantry located at Lakeview Presbyterian Church. The current need is for canned fruit.
MAY Birthdays May 2 Mark GibsonMay 7 Angela Wells-BeanMay 8 Emily GibsonMay 9 Julian RicciardiMay 11 Colleen CoughenourMay 15 Christy MartinMay 16 Bill ParsonsMay 25 Danielle Hintz Are any church family birthdays missing? Please contact the Church Office!
Circle of ConcernYvonne Riesen who took a fall and is in the hospitalBarbara Donohue’s friend, KelseyJeff Wells and family over the death of his brother, Frank WellsErik JohnsonAnn Quinn is under Hospice careJanet HallSchools: Students, families, teachers, and staffCaregivers
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 Wednesday. Please provide the information in paragraph form with pertinent details and links. THANK YOU!
An Open and Affirming Church A Creation Justice Church May 14, 2023 10:30 a.m. Mother’s Day
WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
LIGHTING THE PEACE CANDLE Kay Rencken, liturgist
I know I am made from this earth, as my mother’s hands were made from this earth, as her dreams were made from this earth, and this paper, these hands, this tongue speaking, all that I know speaks to me through this earth and I long to tell you, you who are earth, too, and listen as we speak to each other of what we know; the light is in us. Susan Griffin 1943 – PRELUDE Let the Lower Lights Be Burning Bliss OPENING PRAYER Janet Morley God our mother,you hold our life within you; nourish us at your breast, and teach us to walk alone. Help us so to receive your tenderness and respond to your challenge that others may draw life from us, in your name. Amen.
* HYMN Like a Mother Who Has Borne Us 583 NAMING OF MOTHERS
ALL: May daughters prophesy justice and sons dream peace! * HYMN O God, Whose Steadfast Love 426
SCRIPTURE LESSONS
Let us prepare ourselves for the word of God as it comes to us in the reading of Holy Scripture. Our hearts and minds are open.
Genesis 3:21, Isaiah 46:3-4, 49:15, 66:12-13, Matthew 23:37
For the word of God in scripture, for the word of God among us, for the word of God within us, Thanks be to God!
UNISONREADING – Prayer for a daughter Joy Jordan-Lake 1963 – May a daughter never know hunger, material need; may she always thirst for truth. Let her revere nature and in it find quiet, and reckless communion with peace. May her passions have substance, have heart behind words, not easily blown into heaps by the breeze like bed sheets off the line. But her doubts, may she face them and fearlessly test them; for belief is not blind,
nor faith without thought; no answer is injured by wondering why – though the real cannot always be measured, nor the certain always seen.
SERMON Motherhood and God Rev. Kim P. Wells
STATEMENT OF FAITH Brenda Denvir We believe in the presence of God in the world.
She is our mother, source of deep wisdom, who: holds and protects us, nourishes our bodies, comforts our pain, hears and accepts our times of failure and success.
She is our lover and is allowed to touch our pain: healing and recreating, seeking out what is hidden, revealing deep, precious mysteries.
She is our friend who stands alongside us: working co-operatively for the common good, sharing our concerns, fiercely criticizing our lack of integrity. We believe in the presence of God in our world. We meet her as people met her in Jesus, in countless relationships which are at once human and divine: in simple encounters with men, women and children, in office and schoolroom, home and supermarket, in the community of her people.
We believe in the presence of God in our world, whose truth is denied, in anguish, like that of Jesus on the cross, whenever: food is withheld, the earth is poisoned, abused or destroyed, people are oppressed, denied dignity and responsibility, tortured or killed.
Together we affirm the truth and goodness of God, our mother, lover, and friend and commit ourselves to her in following the way of our brother Jesus.
ANTHEM Had I a Golden Thread Seeger MISSION STATEMENT
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 & in our world. ● Offer the hospitality and inclusive love of Christ to all people. ● Work for God’s peace and justice throughout creation. MORNING OFFERING and ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING OFFERING
Morning offerings may be brought forward and placed in the plates on the altar. You are invited to write your prayer requests on the sheets provided in the bulletin and bring them forward and place them in the basket on the altar. If you would like assistance, please turn to someone seated near you. Offertory Humoresque Dvorak
* Prayer of Dedication St. Hilda Community
O Gracious God You bring us together from many different places, You endow us with varied gifts and responsibilities, You challenge us to respond to your call. Guide our halting, impatient steps, Sustain us and help us sustain each other, that, through our labours We may help bring into the world your sweet justice, through Jesus our Redeemer. Amen. * PREPARATION FOR PRAYER O Wisdom, Breathed from God p. 740
MORNING PRAYER – SAVIOR’S PRAYER
Our Mother, who is in heaven and within us, we call upon your names. Your wisdom come. Your will be done, in all the spaces in which you dwell. Give us each day sustenance and perseverance. Remind us of our limits as we give grace to the limits of others. Separate us from the temptation of empire, and deliver us into community. For you are the dwelling place within us, the empowerment around us, and the celebration among us, now and forever. Amen. Rev. Yolanda Norton Womanist Lord’s Prayer
* HYMN Bring Many Names 11
* BENEDICTION Monica Furlong 1930-2003Those who work for change suffer resistance. So make us strong. Those who do new things sometimes feel afraid. So make us brave. Those who challenge the world as it is arouse anger. So grant us inner peace. Those who live joyfully are envied. So make us generous. Those who try to love encounter hate. So make us steadfast in you.
* CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE (please form a circle) Rosemary Crow Weave, weave, weave us together; Weave, weave, weave us together, Weave us together in unity and love. Weave us together, together in love.
Teje, tejenos juntos, Teje, tejenos juntos, Tejenos juntos en unidad y amor. Tejenos juntos, juntos en el amor.
* POSTLUDE Kitten on the Keys Confrey
Circle of Concern Yvonne Riesen recovering from a fall Barbara Donohue’s friend, Kelsey Jeff Wells and family over the death of his brother, Frank Wells Erik Johnson – Ann Quinn is under Hospice care – Janet Hall Caregivers. Schools: Students, families, teachers, and staff. ANNOUNCEMENTS
One Great Hour of Sharing Offering This morning, LUCC will receive the national UCC special offering, One Great Hour of Sharing. This offering is used in partnership with faith communities and interfaith organizations in the US and around the world to do good where itis most needed. The theme this year is “It’s Time to Share.” This theme is inspired by Galatians 6:9-10 from The Message by Eugene Peterson: “So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance let us work for the benefit of all. . .”
The OGHS offering is a wonderful opportunity to work together for the benefit of all. Special envelopes are provided. In honor of mothers who seek to provide for their families and create a world where all children can flourish, this special offering is being received at LUCC on Mother’s Day.
Operation Attack Update Operation Attack is an ecumenical food pantry located at Lakeview Presbyterian Church. The current need is for canned fruit.
Summer Sundays Ahead For the Sunday services this summer, Rev. Wells would like to hear from you! What would you like to hear a sermon about? Is there a theme or a topic or a scripture lesson or an issue or a story that is of interest to you? Kim would love to hear from you and she will plan the summer services around your requests.
Congratulations to Jackson Cosper Jack Cosper, son of Chip and Dana Cosper, will be graduating from Lakewood High School Center for Advanced Technology on Wednesday May 17. Congratulations to Jack and to Chip and Dana!
My mother, Jane Jones, with 4 year old me in Biloxi, Mississippi.
In my job as music director at Lakewood UCC (my favorite church job of all time, without exaggeration!) the piano pieces I’ll be doing Sunday, Mother’s Day, were all favorites of my mom’s. Here’s the list, with YouTube links. Only the first link is me; the rest are my favorite YouTube versions of the pieces.
LAKEWOOD UNITED CHURCH OF CHRISTA Just Peace Church An Open and Affirming Church A Creation Justice Church May 7, 2023 10:30 a.m.
WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS Jim Andrews, liturgist LIGHTING THE PEACE CANDLE
The only hope for the future lay in an all-embracing attitude of forgiveness of the peoples who had been our enemies. Otherwise one became a member of a chain gang of mere cause and effect from which life has labored so long and painfully to escape. Laurens Van Der Post, 1906 – 1996 PRELUDE God’s Eye is on the Sparrow Gabriel * OPENING READING David Tresemer 1948 – O Great Spirit . . . Roll away from me the weight of dead and frozen thoughts. Clear away from me the fogs of falsely sweet illusions. Ignite in my heart the warmth of true love That with new eyes of new love And my angel at my back I may see the Truth of the World. I may feel the Beauty of the World. And I may act with courage for the good. O Great Spirit . . . * HYMN Come, O Fount of Every Blessing 459 SCRIPTURE LESSONS Let us prepare ourselves for the word of God as it comes to us in the reading of Holy Scripture. Our hearts and minds are open. Psalm 103 page 688, hymnal and Matthew 18:21-22
For the word of God in scripture, for the word of God among us, for the word of God within us, Thanks be to God! CONTEMPORARY READING George S. Johnson * HYMN Amazing Grace547 REFLECTION Forgiveness Christy Martin
UNISONREADING Francis De Sales 1567-1622 Be patient with everyone, but above all with yourself . . . do not be disheartened by your imperfections, but always rise up with fresh courage. How are we to be patient in dealing with our neighbor’s faults if we are impatient in dealing with our own? ANTHEM The Call Vaughn Williams MISSION STATEMENT 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 & in our world. ● Offer the hospitality and inclusive love of Christ to all people. ● Work for God’s peace and justice throughout creation. MORNING OFFERING and COMMUNION OFFERING Morning offerings may be brought forward and placed in the plates on the altar. You are invited to write your prayer requests on the sheets provided in the bulletin and bring them forward and place them in the basket on the altar. If you would like assistance, please turn to someone seated near you. Offertory Peace in the Valley Dorsey * Time of Dedication Thich Nhat Hanh
The energy of compassion in you will transform your life and make it more beautiful. Compassion is always born of understanding, and understanding is the result of looking deeply. * PREPARATION FOR COMMUNIONI Need You Every Hour 517 CELEBRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION
Invitation
Communion Prayer – Savior’s Prayer
Our Creator, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory for ever. Amen.
Blessing the Bread and Cup Iona Community
In the beginning, God made the world; Made it and mothered it, Shaped it and fathered it; Filled it with seed and with signs of fertility, Filled it with life and with song and variety. All that is green, blue, deep and growing, God’s is the hand that created you. All that is tender, firm, fragrant and curious, God’s is the hand that created you. All that crawls, flies, swims, walks or is motionless, God’s is the hand that created you. All that speaks, sings, cries, laughs, or keeps silence, God’s is the hand that created you. All that suffers, lacks, limps or longs for an end, God’s is the hand that created you. The world belongs to God, The earth and all its people. When the time was right, God sent the Son. Sent him and suckled him, Reared him and risked him; Filled him with laughter and tears and compassion, Filled him with anger and love and devotion. Unwelcomed child, refugee and runaway, Christ is God’s own son. Skilled carpenter and homeless wayfarer, Christ is God’s own son. Feeder and teacher, healer and antagonist, Christ is God’s own son. Christ is God’s own son. The Word became flesh, He lived among us, he was one of us. When the world could wait no longer, The carpenters took up their tools, They made a cross for God’s own son, Fashioned from wood and skill of human hands, Fashioned from hate and will of human minds. He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, For us he grieved. He was nailed to the cross by human hands, Bone of our bone, flesh of our flesh. He died declaring God’s forgiveness. He rose on the third day, transforming death. He ascended into heaven, that he might be everywhere on earth. He sent the Holy Sprit as the seal of his intention. He sets before us bread and cup, and invites us to his table. This is the place where we are made well again. And all will be made well. For God sent the Son into the world not to condemn the world, But that the world through him might be saved.
Hear us, O Christ, and breathe your Spirit upon us and upon this bread and cup. May they become for us your body, vibrant with your life, healing renewing and making us whole. As the bread and cup which we now eat and drink are changed into us, may we be changed again into you, bone of your bone, Lover of the unlovable, toucher of the untouchable, forgiver of the unforgivable, Christ is God’s own son.
Loved by the least, feared by the leaders; befriended by the weak, despised by the strong; deserted by his listeners, denied by his friends; bone of our bone, flesh of our flesh, writing heaven’s pardon over earth’s mistakes, flesh of your flesh, loving and caring in the world.
Sharing the Meal
Unison Prayer of Thanksgiving John Hammond
Child of Bethlehem — house of bread; Man of Jerusalem — city of peace; you have loved us without condition; in our greatness and in our misery, in our folly and in our virtue; may your hand be always upon us and may your heart be within us so that we too may become bread and peace for one another. Amen.
* HYMN Sent Forth by God’s Blessing 76
* BENEDICTION Modern, New MexicoI have forgotten where the hatchet is buried.
* CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE (please form a circle) Rosemary Crow Weave, weave, weave us together; Weave, weave, weave us together, Weave us together in unity and love. Weave us together, together in love.
Teje, tejenos juntos, Teje, tejenos juntos, Tejenos juntos en unidad y amor. Tejenos juntos, juntos en el amor.
* POSTLUDE Easy Winners Joplin
ANNOUNCEMENTS This is a Communion Sunday. Please know that everyone is welcome to participate in communion. Young people are invited to participate at the discretion of the adult(s) who have brought them. The Communion Offering will be received. This offering is used to help people in the church and the community with basic needs such as rent and utility assistance, bus passes, prescriptions, etc. There has been heavy need for these funds. Please consider how you can help the community through this offering. This morning communion will be offered by intinction. This involves coming forward, taking a piece of bread and dipping it in the cup and eating it. There are also individual cups available, and the prepackaged communion servings. Please do what feels most comfortable for you.
Pastor Away Rev. Wells will be away from May 4-9. If pastoral care is needed please contact Patti Cooksey (727-798-9321 or cooksepa@eckerd.edu)
New Time for Weekly Labyrinth Walk Beginning next week, May 10, the weekly guided labyrinth walk will be held on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. There are several factors that have led to this change including the construction on the property next to the church. All are welcome!
In case of rain, the walk will be held the following evening, Thursday, at 7 p.m. Many thanks! Gratitude is expressed to Christy Martin and Jim Andrews for leading worship today. Their service is a blessing to all! One Great Hour of Sharing Offering to be Received The One Great Hour of Sharing Offering is a special offering received by the United Church of Christ which is used to empower people around the world. The projects funded extend Christian love by honoring the right of every person to live with dignity and to make a contribution to the wider community. Here is a link to former LUCC member, Karen Georgia Thompson and nominee for General Minister and President of the UCC, talking a about the importance of One Great Hour of Sharing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0KCYPJTfhg
In honor of mothers who seek to provide for their families and create a world where all children can flourish, this special offering will be received on Mother’s Day. The theme for One Great Hour this year is “It’s Time to Share!” Ahead – For Pentecost, May 28, please plan on bringing a candle to church to be used in worship. LUCC will be participating in the UCC Climate Card initiative letting legislators know that we support efforts to eliminate global warming. Look for more information soon. Circle of Concern Jeff Wells and family over the death of his brother, Frank Wells Erik Johnson – Ann Quinn is under Hospice care – Janet Hall Family and Loved Ones of Dave Radens, husband of Marg Radens Schools: Students, families, teachers, and staff Church Staff Rev. Kim P. Wells Pastor Hilton K. Jones Music Director Claudia Rodriguez Childcare Lakewood United Church of Christ 2601 54th Ave. S. St. Petersburg, FL 33712 727-867-7961 lakewooducc@gmail.com lakewooducc.org On land originally inhabited by the Tocabaga
LUCC Book Talk
Each week there is a guided labyrinth walk on the outdoor labyrinth at the church. It is a time of prayerful faith sharing, and a time to listen more deeply to our spiritual lives.
Toiletries for Celebrate Outreach
Inkjet Recycling
Operation Attack Update
MAY Birthdays
Circle of ConcernYvonne Riesen who took a fall and is in the hospitalBarbara Donohue’s friend, KelseyJeff Wells and family over the death of his brother, Frank WellsErik JohnsonAnn Quinn is under Hospice careJanet HallSchools: Students, families, teachers, and staffCaregivers
Lakewood United Church of Christ 