This Sunday: This Sunday the teachings of Jesus about money and anxiety hit home. How can we make peace with ourselves in our consumerist culture? Take a look at Luke 12:32-40. “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is God’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
Childcare is provided at all Sunday services.
The service will be streamed live on Facebook and then posted on the church’s YouTube channel.
Masks are required at in-person worship.
Ideas About the Church Lawn
The advisers would love to hear from people in the church family about your ideas for the church lawn where the white cross once stood. If you can’t be at church on Sunday please feel free to email the church office, one of the advisers, or Pastor Kim Wells. All thoughts and ideas are welcomed! What would you like to see out the windows when you sit in the sanctuary on Sunday morning? How would you like that extensive, accessible, outdoor space used?
Book Talk Ahead
Join in this month’s Book Talk on Thursday, August 18th at 6:30 p.m. to discuss what you have been reading and to hear what others have been reading. It’s an informal gathering on Zoom. A very enriching conversation. All are welcome! No book banning here! Everything is open for discussion!
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2700683648
Meeting ID: 270 068 364
Family Promise of Pinellas County is Back!
Family Promise will open its doors to serve families on Friday, September 2, 2022, and we need you! Volunteers are needed to assist in the FP Day Center working with the families we serve.
Please follow the links below or contact Family Promise at director@fppinellas.org
Family Promise of Pinellas: Use the link below to start your online volunteer training journey Volunteer Training Link
Below is an email we received regarding Volunteering and some frequently asked questions:
Dear Potential Volunteer,
Welcome to Family Promise of Pinellas County! We recognize you could choose to volunteer your time and talents anywhere; we thank you for considering our organization. Volunteers play an essential role in helping families who are experiencing homelessness attain sustainable independence. Below you fill find frequently asked questions along with potential volunteer opportunities. Do you have a skill, trade, or passion that you’d like share? Talk to us-we are open to new ideas!
Below is a checklist reminder of the steps to take next:
- Consider what volunteer roles you are interested in
- Enroll in FP National Training and complete 101. If you are interested in working directly with families, you must also complete 102: https://family-promise.coassemble.com/unlock/Qv3C49J
- Complete Volunteer Assessment at the end of the training
- Sign up to serve by completing paper or electronic application.
Lastly please complete a background screening if volunteering to work directly with families.
Frequently Asked Questions About Volunteering with Family Promise
How much time do I need to commit? This is a personal decision based on the amount of time you can give and the type of volunteer opportunity that interests you. Evening hosting is just a few hours and is perfect for volunteers with busy schedules. For those with a bit more time, our ‘done in a day’ projects, like helping at the Day Center or supporting a special event work well. Volunteering to teach financial literacy and technology skills is best for volunteers who are capable of a longer time commitment.
Can I volunteer one-time, or do I have to make an ongoing commitment? Family Promise volunteers can have a lasting impact on a family’s life without making an ongoing time commitment. One-time volunteer opportunities such as supporting a special event, helping with cleaning, and organizing projects, hosting or participating in a supply drive work well for those with full schedules. There are also opportunities for volunteers who are available to make a more long-term, regular commitment.
Can I volunteer with my family? Yes, absolutely! For example, families often enjoy volunteering in the evenings or weekends when they can share a meal with the guest families and children can enjoy some play time together.
Will I receive volunteer training? Volunteers who are working with families are required to complete the virtual training sessions through our national platform, Volunteer 101 and 102, as well as our local affiliate training which is offered in person or virtually.
Are there opportunities to volunteer with my co-workers? There are opportunities for you to volunteer with a group of colleagues or even with just a single co-worker. We can help you with project ideas.
What are the hours during which volunteers can help? Family Promise offers volunteer opportunities during the day, in the evening, and on weekends. Scheduling depends on the type activity. For example, volunteers providing homework help will do so in the evenings or on the weekends. Volunteers assisting at our office may do so during regular business hours.
Do you offer virtual volunteer opportunities? Yes, virtual volunteers are welcome. Virtual volunteers can help with public relations, fundraising, and administrative tasks.
* It is the policy of Family Promise of Pinellas County to provide equal opportunities without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, sexual preference or identity, age, or disability.
Best,
Denis M. Sousa, MS
Executive Director
Family Promise of Pinellas County, Inc.
6201 22nd Avenue North
St. Petersburg, FL 33710
(O) 727-201-9571
(C) 727-487-2156
denis@fppinellas.org
director@fppinellas.org
https://fppinellas.org/
Masks and Sanitizer Available
The church has a supply of masks and sanitizer that was donated to the church. Items will be available on Sunday morning. Please take what you can use.
UCC Events Ahead – Get Involved!
LUCC needs Two Delegates for the Annual Gathering of Florida Conference UCC
ANNUAL GATHERING OF THE FLORIDA CONFERENCE UCC
Oct. 6-8, 2022 Vero Beach
Now is the time to gather the church and to celebrate and recommit to our shared covenant as The United Church of Christ in Florida. This year’s theme is “This is the Day! #Building Beloved Community”.
LUCC is entitled to send 2 delegates as well as a clergy delegate to the Annual Gathering of the Florida Conference. Please contact Rev. Wells if you are willing to attend! The church can help with the expenses involved.
For More Information:
https://uccfla-reg.brtapp.com/2022AnnualGatheringoftheFloridaConference
2022 UCC SOUTHERN REGIONAL WOMEN’S RETREAT In Person: October 14 – 16, 2022
Camp Weed and Cerveny Conference Center 11057 Camp Weed Place Live Oak, Florida 32060
GOD OF MYSTERY – SPIRIT OF HOPE
Dyanne Edds of LUCC is on the planning team for this retreat! For more information: https://www.uccfla.org/floridauccwomen
Enrich LUCC and enrich the UCC by participating in these wider church events!
Rev. Wells on Sabbatical
Rev. Wells will be on sabbatical For September and October this year walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain.
People from the congregation will be speaking each Sunday in worship sharing their faith journeys. For pastoral care, please contact Patti Cooksey at the email below.
Patti Cooksey’s Email: cooksepa@eckerd.edu
Here is the schedule of speakers for September and October:
Sabbatical Schedule
Sept. 4: Sally Purvis – liturgist
Barbara Donohue – speaking
Communion
Sept. 11: Jim Andrews- liturgist
Claire Stiles- speaking
Sept. 18: Sally Purvis-liturgist
Mark Gibson and Colleen Coughenour- speaking
Charter Sunday
Sept. 25: Sally Purvis- liturgist
Danielle Hintz- speaking
Oct. 2: Jim Andrews- liturgist
Kay Rencken- speaking
World Communion Sunday
Oct. 9: Sally Purvis- liturgist
Christy Martin- speaking
Oct. 16: Sally Purvis- liturgist
Jim Andrews- speaking
Oct. 23: Colleen Coughenour- liturgist
Sherry Santana- speaking
Oct. 30: Jim Andrews- liturgist
Michelle Cloutier- speaking
Guided Labyrinth Walks Wednesday mornings at 9:00 a.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.
In case of rain, the walks are held on Thursday morning.
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.
How to Help Ukraine
The local Ukrainian Catholic Church is sponsoring humanitarian aid. There are more details at their website: https://www.epiphanyukrch.com
The national United Church of Christ is also offering ways to support the Ukrainian people. Here’s a link: https://p2a.co/nGEvYVL?inf_contact_key=ad8269e3f149ec1ef1efd03de1e233aacc0558ed5d4c28cbfab114022b1ec50d
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. This collection will be ongoing in addition to the food being collected for Operation Attack. All are invited to donate the following items:
Celebration Outreach has an ongoing need for men’s and women’s underwear.
Men sizes 30, 32,34
Women’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
OA needs donations of cereal/oatmeal, mac and cheese, pasta sauce, peanut butter, canned meat, fruit, soup, and vegetables. Donations may be placed on the shelf in the hallway at church.
Being Covid Safe and In-Person Worship
Please stay home if you are not feeling well.
Please wear a mask while in the church building. While most people have been vaccinated, this helps visitors to feel safe.
Additional masks will be available at church to use as needed.
Two hand sanitizing stations are available for use by worshippers.
There is well-ventilated, physically distanced indoor seating in the sanctuary.
Please know that your safety is of primary consideration!
Safe childcare is provided.
Sundays
Look for the bulletin posted on the church website on Friday: https://lakewooducc.org/category/bulletins/
Watch the service on Facebook Live Sundays at 10:30. https://www.facebook.com/LakewoodUCC
Or on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/LakewoodUCC/videos
Instructions for how to access Facebook Live: For additional assistance, please contact the church office.
Here are some instructions to watch our Sunday services live through Facebook:
Use the following link to visit our homepage: https://www.facebook.com/LakewoodUCC/
On Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. please use the link above to visit our homepage. There, after using the link, you will see a section labeled “Happening Now”. This is our Livestream of the Sunday Service.
To watch the live stream, locate and click the “watch video” button in the lower right corner of the screen.
If the link above is not working, there is also a link to our Facebook page on our website. Please try that link located on the Home page of our website.
USEFUL LAKEWOOD LINKS:
- Sermon and Reflection Texts
- Lakewood UCC YouTube Channel
- Lakewood UCC on Twitter
- Lakewood on Facebook
- Lakewood on Instagram
For the above church website links, please note the “Older Posts” button near the bottom of each page.
You can stream Hilton’s music and videos for free at hiltonkeanjones.com/look-listen/ as well as purchase his CDs and digital albums there.
August Birthdays: Barbara Donohue 8/4, Mardie Chapman 8/7, Claire Stiles 8/11, Kay Rencken 8/13, Vita Uth 8/14, Dana Cosper 8/22, James Waterman 8/23, and Joanne Reid 8/28. Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.
News About the Colombian Family
The church received this update about the Colombian family that came to church several weeks ago and is now staying in Tampa. This comes from their host:
These lively and lovely folks are real go getters! The younger daughter is in school but we are being put through hoops to get the older daughter registered. Hopefully this week will complete the struggle. The mother cooks awesome Colombian dishes with lots of fresh vegetables and meat. Soup is also a staple. The father helps with the housework and purchased a car!! Today is a full day of fun and family bliss. They are ready to see ICE on Tuesday and everyone is ready for more adventure starting Wednesday. They have visited Hispanic Services in Pinellas for the attorney, visited the free market, are exploring others over here, discovered the Dollar Store, and met a few new friends. Speaking for myself, they have been a joy and have given me some unexpected abuela time. Thank you so much for sending them my way.
Circle of Concern:
Colombian Family
Christy Martin and family
William Owen-Cowan
Jen Degroot
Carolyn Moore
Ann Quinn is under Hospice care
Maggie Brizendine
Janet Hall
Yoko Nogami in flooded Kentucky
All those suffering from COVID-19 and all healthcare workers
Schools: Students, families, teachers, and staff.
Change in Office Staff:
This week, LUCC welcomes Hailey Hetrick as the new church administrator. Hailey has much to offer to support the ministry of LUCC. Please welcome her with an email, a call, or a visit to the church.
Previous office administrator, Gabi Paxton, is moving to Gainesville!
New Office Hours will be: Tuesday- Thursday 10-1:30
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!
RECENT POSTS
- St. Columba (revised, free score)August 13, 2022
Lakewood United Church of Christ 