THIS SUNDAY:
This week is the celebration of the Baptism of Jesus. This is a time to remember that Jesus, too, was called to his ministry. What is our ministry? How does our baptism empower us to incarnate Divine Love? Take a look at Matthew 3:13-17.
Worship begins at 10:30. Childcare is provided.
Preparing for the New Year, Sunday December 28th
Advisors Needed
Each year, the church is beautifully served by a group of leaders, the Advisors, who guide the ministry and the workings of the church. They make sure that what we are doing as a church is consistent with our mission and they oversee the infrastructure of the church including building and grounds, personnel, and finances. It is thanks to the Advisors that things go smoothly, for the most part! And this ministry is a joy to those who are involved.
For 2026, several new Advisors are needed to serve. Is this something that you would like to be part of? For more information, please contact Rev. Wells (wells.kim.p@gmail.com, 727-776-7890).
Book Talk Ahead
Is one of your resolutions for the year to read more? Well, LUCC Book Talk can help with that. Each month a group gathers to share what they have been reading. There are many good reads suggested. Come, share what you have been reading, or listen and get some great ideas about what to read next.
The group will meet January 15 at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom. Here’s the information needed to participate: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2551937851?omn=81332873706
Meeting ID: 255 193 7851
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Bible Study Ahead
All are welcome to participate in an engaging Bible Study about the book of Ruth. You are encouraged to read this short book in the Hebrew Bible and come ready to learn and share. The group will meet on Wednesday Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the Church Office. All are welcome!
After Church Lunch
Come enjoy a buffet luncheon with your church friends on February 15th after services! We will be dining at Buffet City, an Asian buffet in West St. Pete. They serve an all day dinner for $21.99 that includes a variety of sushi, cooked seafood, Chinese-American entrees and sides, as well as some traditional American fare. Please be aware that as a buffet, it may be more difficult for certain dietary restrictions to be met.
If you are interested in joining and would like to know more, please speak to Joyce Lee.
All are welcome. The church will cover the cost for those who request it. Please speak with Kim Wells.
Address: 1030 58th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710
Many Smiles and Much Gratitude sent to Lakewood UCC Congregation
Each year the Lakewood congregation partners with Maximo Elementary School to provide Christmas gifts for the students who are houseless. The school provides the names and ages of children and preferred gifts. And Angel Tree is set up in the sanctuary with the names and gifts listed on ornaments. People take the ornaments purchase the gifts and bring them back to church wrapped and tagged. We are so grateful to all who support this effort to bring joy to children in our community.
To view more photos, please visit our website.
Blessing Bags
The Outreach Committee will be featuring our Blessing Bags for the January bin of the month. We will be collecting hygiene items for the homeless until the last Sunday of January so that we can fill 20 bags to hand out. We currently need sunscreen, socks, toothbrushes, shelf stable small snacks (protein bars, cracker packs, etc.), combs, and deodorant. The bags are small, so travel sized items are recommended.
St. Pete MLK Day Parade
Join in on one of the nation’s largest celebrations of Dr. King! Watch the parade going through Downtown St. Pete on January 19, 2026 starting at 11 AM. For more information, go to https://www.stpetemlkparade.com/
Rev. Wells will be leading one of the prayers.
Immigration Vigil Continued
Be with us as we stand together in prayer, solidarity, and witness against the inhumane and unconstitutional treatment of our immigrant community. All are welcome at this peaceful, prayerful vigil.
Sunday, January 11, 2026 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM ET
Pinellas County Justice Center, 14450 49th St N, Clearwater, FL 33762
Commemoration of the Fall of Roe v. Wade
Pinellas Now, The League of Women Voters, and other groups will be hosting their annual sign waving event to commemorate the fall of reproductive freedom in the United States. People will gather to wave signs at intersections in Downtown St. Pete.
Date and Time: Thursday January 22, 12-1 PM
Event Information Form: https://tinyurl.com/StPeteJan22
Registration Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdIlcuSM_1Dfn5XS8hGMl_uxdMc1VgtxoSrjHhQDo8jRQTdbg/viewform?pli=1
WEEKLY LABYRINTH UPDATE
From January 7th – 28th, the labyrinth will begin at 9:30 am.
Then, starting February 4th, the labyrinth will begin at 10:00 am.
All are welcome!
The focus is on the scripture reading from the previous Sunday. For those who do not feel comfortable walking, a finger labyrinth is available. Please bring your own chair if you can.
The labyrinth is on the southwest corner of the church property, beyond the bike rack. You are welcome to walk it any time.
Care Closet
Good Samaritan Food Pantry
The food pantry has requested pet food and breakfast cereal. Donations may be placed in The Caring Closet here at the church.
Plastic Bags for Missio Dei
Missio Dei is in need of plastic grocery bags for the homeless and needy. Please place bags in The Caring Closet at church.
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. Here is a list of donations needed: towlettes travel size, socks and underwear. Please leave your donation in The Caring Closet at church.
USEFUL LAKEWOOD LINKS
Posts
You can listen to Hilton’s music and videos for free at https://hiltonkeanjones.com/.
January Birthdays!
7 – Chip Cosper
9 – Jackson Cosper
14 – Deb Kenneda
17 – Julie Huber
23 – Hilton Jones
28 – Bob Bell
Circle of Concern
Cathy Giesey
Ann Cloutier, Michelle’s mother
JoAnne Reid
Paula and Tony Pelletier
Barbara Walburn
Nancy Schrepf
Yvonne Riesen
Denise Williams
Vita Uth
Susan Sherwood
Cate Colgan & Marty Seyler’s dog, Trinity
Jackie Shewmaker
All school students, families & staff
Caregivers
The 280 women and men on Florida’s Death Row
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!
Subscribe to Church Website
You are invited to subscribe to the Lakewood UCC Church website. When you subscribe, every time something is posted at the website you receive an email about the post. This is a great way to keep up on what is happening with the church community and beyond!
Here’s a link to subscribe: Subscribe
Credits: Images of birthday cake and books from Freepik.com
Our mailing address is:
Lakewood United Church of Christ
2601 54th Ave S
St Petersburg, FL 33712-4709
On land originally inhabited by the Tocabaga on the Gulf of Mexico
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Lakewood United Church of Christ 