Recently:
- Ed Helm has been in Vermont for the summer helping to take care of his mother-in-law.
- Jeff Wells spent the summer working at Camp Chewonki, a camp for boys in Maine.
- Claire Stiles is supported with prayer as she and her family mourn the unexpected death of her beloved sister-in-law.
- Over the summer, Joey and Denise Williams have been playing on Wednesday evenings at Beak’s Old Florida in downtown St. Pete. This has provided a wonderful opportunity for Lakewood family and friends to get together for food, fun, and music, of course!
- Helen Nims is in the health center of Westminster Suncoast recovering from a fall which resulted in a broken hip.
- David Pienik has returned safely from Afghanistan, much to his grandmother Irma Smith’s delight and relief!
Confirmation Sunday Celebration:
On Sunday June 6, three students were received into the membership of Lakewood United Church of Christ through the rite of Confirmation. Zoe Blair-Andrews, Olivia Gibson, and Malcolm Wells were confirmed after an exploration process led by Rev. Mardie Chapman. This was a beautiful celebration in the life of the church, a true embodiment of what it means to be a church family!
In Memoriam:
- Madeline Gable — Maddie was an associate member of LUCC since 1993. She died in December. Her memorial service was held at Wyomissing UCC in Pennsylvania.
- Bill Kaspar — Bill was a charter member of Lakewood and served the church faithfully in countless ways until health issues prevented his participation. A memorial service was held at the church Saturday July 24.
Dominican Republic Mission Trip:
Many thanks to all who helped to make the mission trip to the Dominican Republic such a blessing both to those who were served as well as to those who went to serve. With donations from the church family and supplies purchased with funds from the Mark Twain fundraiser at Studio 620, the ten people who went to the Dominican Republic in June under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. David Pitt, were truly able to serve “the least of these.” The group shared reflections with the congregation Sunday June 27. One of the salient messages from the participants: “They have so little, and yet they are so happy.”
Summer Sundays:
The theme for Summer Sundays this year was Food for the Spirit. Services were very nourishing! Even guest preachers chose to follow the theme. Many thanks to Rev. Dr. David Pitt, Virginia Ryan, and Rev. Emily Bell for preaching while Rev. Wells was on vacation.
Florida Conference Annual Meeting:
The Florida Conference Annual Meeting was held in Naples, FL April 30 and May 1. Earl Waters and Rev. Kim Wells went as delegates from Lakewood UCC. Carol Shores was unable to go due to the health problems of her mother.
The meeting was a good opportunity to connect with people from other churches and share ideas and challenges. In addition, there were several workshops offered to provide additional tools for ministry. Kim attended one about use of technology and Earl participated in a workshop about financial ministry and stewardship.
The main item of business voted on at the meeting was the resolution to declare the Florida Conference and Open and Affirming Conference, equally welcoming the participation of all at the conference level. This resolution passed unanimously.
The hospitality provided by the Naples United Church of Christ was spectacular!
