CCLI license #1913561
Lakeview Presbyterian Church Service, February 21, 2021
Transfiguration Sunday and Black History Month
The First Sunday in Lent
Questions for Reflection:
Are there things you have said or done that left you wishing for a “do over?” What might you do to be better prepared next time?
Prelude “O What a Beautiful City” Negro Spiritual sung by Keisha Prime
Refrain
Oh what a beautiful city
Oh what a beautiful city
Oh what a beautiful city
Twelve gates to the city, Hallelu
Refrain
Three gates in-a de east
Three gates in-a de west
Three gates in-a de north
Three gates in-a de south
Making it twelve gates to de city
Hallelu!
Refrain
My Lord built-a dat city
Said it was jus-a fo’ square
Wanted all-a you sinners
To meet Him in-a de air
Cause He built twelve gates-a to city
Hallelu!
Refrain
Twelve gates!
Twelve gates!
Hallelu!
Opening Words
The God of our salvation teaches us right paths and leads us in truth. All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness; let us put our trust in God.
Opening Prayer
Loving God, you have made covenant with us and with every living creature and the sign of the rainbow, reminds us of your promise that the flood of destruction will not overcome us. In the face of this present pestilence we come before you with confidence, and with the whole creation, to give you thanks for your everlasting promise. Amen.
Minute for Mission: Black History Month
Jordan Park Jordan Park is situated on 22 acres of land which includes 247 housing units. Few people know of the man behind it. Elder Jordan is known for erecting Jordan Dance Hall (which became Manhattan Casino). He is also known for the construction of houses, establishing a bus line and a beach for African Americans during the time of segregation in St Petersburg.
James Sanderlin (1929-1990) Sanderlin was born in Petersburg, Va, the youngest of three boys, and raised in a relatively privileged childhood with two educated parents in middle class integrated neighborhoods. The family moved to Washington, D.C. so the boys could continue their education. James graduated from Howard University in 1950 and Boston University School of Law in 1958. Frank White, Frank Peterman and Sanderlin started a Law Practice located on 22nd St. S, St Petersburg. Over the next 10 years they persevered and with the help of NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund when on to desegregate the schools in Pinellas, Hillsborough and Sarasota Counties.
In 1968 James B Sanderlin represented more than 200 city sanitation workers on strike for better working conditions. This case represented a dramatic shift in better labor relations.
In 1972 Sanderlin was appointed the first Black Judge in Pinellas County. He was also the first Black Judge to serve on the circuit Court of Pinellas and Pasco Counties, and later appointed judge on the Florida District Court of Appeals—the first Black to hold that position.
He was honored with the opening of James Sanderlin Elementary School, and also inducted into the Florida Civil Rights Hall of Fame.
Hymn "This is My Father's World" Maltbie Davenport Babcock, 1901 sung by Keisha Prime
This is my Father's world, and to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.
This is my Father's world,
I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas,
His hand the wonders wrought.
This is my Father's world, the birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white, declare their Maker's praise.
This is my Father's world,
He shines in all that's fair,
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass,
He speaks to me everywhere.
This is my Father's world.
O let me ne'er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father's world, why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King, let the heavens ring!
God reigns, let the earth be glad!
Prayer for Illumination
By the power of your Holy Spirit, proclaim the good news among us today so that we may repent and believe and see anew how the time is fulfilled and the kingdom has come near; in Jesus Christ your Son, our Savior. Amen.
A Reading from the Hebrew Scriptures Genesis 9: 8—17 “The Noahic Covenant”
Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, "As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the domestic animals, and every animal of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark. I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth." God said, "This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth." God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth."
Reading from the Gospels Mark 1: 9—15
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased."
And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him. Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good newsof God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near;repent, and believe in the good news."
Sermon “Be Prepared: It’s not Just for Boy Scouts Anymore” The Rev. Russell Lehman
Hymn “ O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee" Gladden, 1879 sung by Keisha Prime
O Master, let me walk with Thee
In lowly paths of service free
Tell me Thy secret, help me hear
The strain of toil, the fret of care
Help me, the slow of heart to move
By some clear, winning word of love;
Teach me the wayward feet to stay
And guide them in the homeward way.
Teach me Thy patience, still with Thee
In closer, dearer company
In work that keeps faith sweet and strong
In truth that triumphs over wrong
In hope that sends a shining ray
Far down the future's broadening way
In peace that only Thou canst give
With Thee, O Master, let me live.
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer
Steadfast God, we thank you for the light of your sheltering presence when dark clouds of injustice, plague, and pestilence gather and threaten to overcome us. Hear our prayers for the deep needs of the world.
In places of violence, give us the courage to lay down our weapons and promote life.
In places of drought and fire, bring rains to make the earth verdant again.
In places of suffering and fear, bring healing and reassurance.
When we are confused, weak, or lost, be our guide and bring us to the fulness of your
kingdom for we desire to hear your voice of love and see you more clearly. Lead us to serve others faithfully as disciples of Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen
Lord’s Prayer (Ecumenical Version)
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen
A Statement about Offering our Gifts
By doing acts of justice and compassion and by sharing our resources, we bear witness to the good news of the gospel. The offering is received in gratitude to God
Donations can be mailed to Lakeview Presbyterian Church at 1310 22nd Av S, St Petersburg, FL, 33705 or given online through our website @lakeviewpresbyterianchurch.org
Special Music "Down to the River to Pray" Traditional sung by Keisha Prime
As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol’ way
And who shall wear the starry crown?
Good Lord show me the way!
O sisters let’s go down
Let’s go down, come on down
O sisters let’s go down
Down in the river to pray
As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol’ way
And who shall wear the robe & crown?
Good Lord show me the way!
O brothers let’s go down
Let’s go down, come on down
Come on brothers, let’s go down
Down in the river to pray
As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol’ way
And who shall wear the starry crown?
Good Lord show me the way
O fathers let’s go down
Let’s go down, come on down
O fathers let’s go down
Down in the river to pray
As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol’ way
And who shall wear the robe and crown?
Good Lord show me the way
O mothers let’s go down
Come on down, don’t you wanna go down?
Come on mothers, let’s go down
Down in the river to pray
As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol’ way
And who shall wear the starry crown?
Good Lord show me the way
O sinners, let’s go down
Let’s go down, come on down
O sinners, let’s go down
Down in the river to pray
As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol’ way
And who shall wear the robe and crown?
Good Lord show me the way.
Prayer of Dedication
For Earth, which you have molded, for creatures, plants, water, air, and fire, for the breath of life, we give you thanks, O God. Let these gifts be used for good wherever there is need, in the name of all that you have first given us, especially Christ Jesus, your Son, our Savior. Amen.
Charge and Blessing
As Jesus spent forty days in the wilderness, so we will find times of temptation and darkness. As angels tended Jesus, so we trust your Spirit to bring us light at the end of the darkness. We therefore accept the call to live each day proclaiming the good news, in word and deed.
May the God of covenant faithfulness enfold you; the beloved Son encourage you; and the Holy Spirit descend upon you in blessing; this day and forever. Amen.
Postlude “Deep River” Sung by Keisha Prime
Deep River, My home is over Jordan.
Deep River Lord. I want to cross over into campground.
Deep River. My home is over Jordan. Deep River, Lord,
I want to cross over into campground
Oh, don't you want to go, To the gospel feast.
That promised land, Where all, is peace.
Oh, deep River, Lord, I want to cross over into campground.