Weekly Update 2.11.26

THIS SUNDAY:
This is the last Sunday of the Epiphany Season.  This is the season of celebration of the light of Christ coming into the world.  This Sunday the story for the day is the Transfiguration, the story of Jesus and a few disciples heading up the mountain and having a Divine encounter.  Then it will be down the mountain proceeding toward Jerusalem and the cross.  So, next Sunday the season of Lent begins.  This is a season of repentance in preparation for the celebration of Easter.  This Sunday, it is up to the mountaintop.  Take a look at Matthew 17:1-9
Worship begins at 10:30. Childcare is provided.  
 
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
 
Congregational Meeting Ahead

There will be a Congregational Meeting held on Sunday Feb. 22 following worship to take action on the church budget for 2026. All church members and friends are encouraged to attend.  
 
Collection of Antiperspirant 

Our featured donation bin for February will be for Lakewood High School. They need antiperspirant/deodorant for their student pantry. Different types (spray, stick) of different scents, including unscented, are needed for students of all genders. Donations can be placed in the bin inside the sanctuary. 
 
Press Conference. . .   

On Thursday Feb. 5, LUCC hosted a press conference introducing the For Whom the Bells Toll campaign to raise awareness about the death penalty.  Here is a link to the Lakewood event:https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/05/florida-death-penalty-executions-bell-campaign?fbclid=IwY2xjawP4PPJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR6ia-wjAyM4P51hY9MpK-IQ2tKgHgGdYMDArQLxtnJhRzjkXALi4hdLO2tpjw_aem_WCXblkGC2ZxT2IMKNu4QCw
There was another execution this week in Florida. 
 
Lent Ahead!  

The season of Lent, the 40 days before Easter, not including Sundays, will begin on Ash Wednesday, Wednesday Feb. 18.  There will be a beautiful service at the church at 7:00 p.m.  The service will include Communion and the Imposition of Ashes for those who would like to participate.  
Lent is a season of reflection and returning to God as we prepare for the celebration of Easter.  It’s an important time to seek spiritual authenticity and forgiveness.  It is a time to be open and honest. 
Like seeds put in the dirt that will germinate and produce fruit, Lent is a time of germination.  
 
Bible Study Ahead

Come join a group for reflection and discussion on lesser known women of the Bible.  The next gathering will be Tuesday Feb. 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the church.  The  topic:  Deborah and Jael.  See Judges chapters 4 and 5.  We see that the women of ancient Israel were not confined to the house doing dishes.
 
Book Talk Ahead  

The monthly LUCC Book Talk will gather on Zoom on Thursday Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m.  Here is the Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2551937851?omn=87959227305
This is a wonderful time to share what you have been reading and to hear what others have been reading as well.
 
Malcolm and Samantha are Getting Married!


The wedding ceremony is Saturday March 7 at 1:00 p.m. at  St. Paul’s Catholic Church in St. Petersburg (1800 12th St. N.).
Samantha and Malcolm would love to share their joy with the Lakewood Church family.   All are invited to the ceremony.
 
Preparing for Solar

In preparation for the installation of solar panels at the church, two trees were removed that were in close proximity to the building. Many thanks to Ron Huff for overseeing all of the arrangements.
 
“Visions of Nature/Voices of Nature” Environmental Film Festival 
For many years, the Lakewood Congregation has been involved in viewing and discussing the films included in the annual Environmental Film Festival at Eckerd College (put in street address).  Lakewood has always had a close relationship with Eckerd thanks to the professors and staff who have been part of the church family.  
This year, the college has a fantastic lineup of films to share that address environmental issues and so much more. Kim and Jeff Wells and Claire Stiles are regular attenders and can provide more information.  You are encouraged to see as many of the films as you can.  Admission is FREE and open to the public.
To view the dates and times of the showings, please click here.
 
Another Movie Opportunity at Eckerd

Eckerd College presents a public screening of Razed. The film tells the story of the Gas Plant Neighborhood, a thriving Black community displaced in the name of “progress,” through the first-hand memories of those who lived it. Set against a rarely told historical backdrop, Razed asks us to consider the true cost of development as St. Pete looks toward its future.

Free and open to the public, this event will feature a screening of the film, immediately followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with the cast and crew.  
Location: Eckerd College Campus
Dan and Mary Miller Auditorium
4200 54th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711
There will be a showing on February 11, 2026 at 6 pm – 8:00 pm, doors open at 5:30 pm. And another on February 12, 2026 at 7 pm – 9 pm, doors open at 6:30 pm. 
 
One City Chorus 
 
Celebrate Black History Month with U.S. Representative Kathy Castor

Join us as we honor the contributions and leadership of leaders across the Tampa Bay Area. U.S. Representative Kathy Castor will help recognize local leaders whose impact continues to shape our community.
This will be held at the President Barack Obama Main Library, 3745 9th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33713 on February 20th at 10:30 am. 
 
Cutting through the ICE
 
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, February 15, 2026 4:00 PM –  5:00 PM ET
Pinellas County Justice Center, 14450 49th St N, Clearwater, FL 33762

 
WEEKLY LABYRINTH UPDATE
Guided labyrinth walks are held weekly on Wednesday’s at 10 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
Lakewood UCC YouTube ChannelLakewood UCC Bluesky accountYou can listen to Hilton’s music and videos for free at https://hiltonkeanjones.com/.
View
 

February Birthdays!
3 – Karen Denehy
5 – Curt Bergstrand
6 – Jim Andrew
7 – Dan Craft 
12 – Howard Feldman 
15 – Jeff Wells 
20 – Nancy Spencer 
28 – Joyce Lee
Circle of ConcernCathy Giesey
Ann Cloutier, Michelle’s mother
JoAnne ReidChristy Martin, who is recovering at homeSusan Gilbert
Paula and Tony Pelletier
Barbara Walburn
Yvonne Riesen
Denise Williams
Vita Uth
Cate Colgan & Marty Seyler’s dog, TrinityThe Denehy Family
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!
 

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