Church Choir Director and Church Piano Accompanist
Vibrant small church seeking leadership for the music ministry program. There is one service weekly on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. The choir of about 12 singers rehearses on Sundays from 9-10 a.m. A hymnal is used as well as a wide range of other music. Services are accompanied by the piano.
The music ministry could be staffed by one person or two.
Lakewood United Church of Christ 2601 54th Ave. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33712 lakewooducc@gmail.com 727-867-7961
Pentecost! The Sunday to celebrate the empowerment of the church. And the Sunday to wear red. There will be streamers and noise makers and flames! In the story from Acts we are told that everyone heard in their own language. We’ll talk about what that might mean today. Take a look at the second chapter of Acts. After church: Time to dig out the drainage trench by the playground so that the water from the rainstorms can drain away from the building and not into the building. The dirt will be taken to a lower portion of the property out by 54th Ave. S. Bring a shovel if you can. Worship begins at 10:30. Childcare is provided.
Pastor Away Rev. Wells will be away from Tuesday May 26 until Saturday May 29. If pastoral care is needed, please contact Patti Cooksey at cooksepa@eckerd.edu.
Summer Sundays Ahead Summer Sundays will begin Sunday May 31. Services will be a bit more relaxed and we’ll sing hymn requests each week.
Mother’s Day Offering for the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund Many thanks to all for the generous contributions to the special Mother’s Day offering for the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund. So far the total amount given is $817. Additional gifts are welcome.
May Bin of the Month
For the month of May we will be collecting donations for the adult daycare housed in our Fellowship Hall. They would like to receive hygiene and spa items for their clients. This includes: adult diapers, wipes, body sprays, lotions, soaps, accessories, etc. A bin will be in the sanctuary for donations. Monetary donations to help supplement their needs may be made at the following link: https://www.neighborly.org/donations
Lunch Bunch After church most Sundays, everyone who would like to is invited to go out to lunch together. There will be no Lunch Bunch on Mother’s Day. Here’s a picture of the group from last Sunday
WEEKLY LABYRINTH UPDATE
Weekly Labyrinth This week the guided walk will take place on Wednesday at 10 a.m. For June, July, and August, the weekly guided walk will be held on Tuesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. 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.
A Garden of Peacephoto by Sue Sherwood
Memorial Service for Rev. Rodney Snedeker Rod Snedeker, known by many in the UCC, has entered life eternal. Here are the details about the celebration of life for Rod.
Chemical Collection Event Pinellas County Solid Waste will host a household chemical collection event May 30 at the Treasure Island Community Center Park (150 106th Ave.) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The effort will provide all Pinellas County residents with an opportunity to dispose of unwanted chemicals before the start of hurricane season June 1.
Immigration Vigil This Sunday
A weekly vigil is held near the Pinellas County Justice Center to bring attention to the inhumane and unconstitutional treatment of the immigrant community in our midst. This is an opportunity to voice your values and pray for those who are being traumatized by the current immigration situation. This is a peaceful, prayerful vigil. Sunday, May 24, 2026 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Pinellas County Justice Center, 14450 49th St N, Clearwater, FL 33762
Celebrate Kai’Lyn Washington’s Graduation Sunday June 7th, 2026 following the service
Have you been redistricted?! This link will help you to determine your congressional district and whether you have been redistricted. Enter your address in the search box, click it on the crop down menu and click on the search icon. The map will zero in on your location and you will be able to see what district it’s in. The link is from Natalie Stockard, chair of State House District 60.https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/69a85aceed7847d295f78f1c44baff64
Important Voting Dates Florida’s Primary Election is August 18, 2026, and it includes races for Governor, U.S. Senate, School Board, and other local offices.
If you are a snowbird or expect to be away during August, please take a moment to ensure you can still vote.
Vote-by-Mail While Away If you’ve already requested a vote-by-mail (VBM) ballot to your Florida home but will be traveling, you must request that your ballot be sent to your temporary address.
Important: The U.S. Postal Service will not forward mail ballots. If you don’t update your address directly with the Supervisor of Elections, your ballot will be returned to the Elections Office.
Please Note: – School Board and other important elections could be decided in the August 18 election, if a candidate gets more than 50% of the vote. – If you plan to arrive back just before the November 3 Election day, don’t wait until you return to vote! If you’ll be at your alternate address through mid October, you can receive your mail ballot there. – If you encounter a problem receiving or mailing a mail ballot, the Supervisor will issue you a replacement.
Important Dates July 20: Registration / party change deadline August 6: Deadline to request a mail ballot August 8–15: Early voting August 18: Election Day
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.
May Birthdays! 5/2 Mark Gibson5/3 John Rosario5/6 Eleanor Rouse Bates5/9 Julian Ricciardi5/15 Christy Martin5/15 Lexi Green5/16 Bill Parsons5/25 Danielle Hintz
Circle of ConcernJackie ShieldsJacquie LewisBarbara DonohueCathy GieseyAnn Cloutier, Michelle’s motherJoAnne ReidChristy MartinSusan GilbertTony Pelletier and the family and loved ones of PaulaBarbara WalburnYvonne RiesenDenise WilliamsVita UthCate Colgan & Marty Seyler’s dog, TrinityThe Denehy FamilyAll school students, families & staffCaregiversThe 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 WebsiteYou 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 Christ2601 54th Ave S St Petersburg, FL 33712-4709On land originally inhabited by the Tocabaga on the Gulf of Mexico
This Sunday features the story of doubting Thomas. Maybe a bigger problem with faith is fear rather than doubt? Jesus the Christ wants to breathe new life into us. A life of peace. I think we are so ready! Take a look at John 20:19-31.
Worship begins at 10:30. Childcare is provided.
A glorious celebration of the resurrection. Happy Easter, everyone!
Maundy Thursday Service……involving 4 Pinellas United Church of Christ congregations at Pilgrim United Church of Christ in St. Petersburg
Combined choir of singers from all four participating congregations.
Palm Sunday Festivities
Book Talk Ahead
All are welcome at this monthly gathering to discuss what you are reading. Share what is of interest to you. Listen and get great ideas for your next read. Come Thursday April 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the church.
Bible Study Ahead
This group continues to meet monthly to delve into stories from scripture that involve women. The next discussion topic will be Miriam. All are welcome Tuesday April 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the church.
April Bin of the Month
This month we will be collecting food donations for the Hispanic Outreach Center in Clearwater. Due to the presence of ICE and 287 agreements between ICE and local police forces, many people do not feel safe to go out and work or buy groceries. The HOC is providing our local Hispanic population with culturally specific food items: vegetable oil, dried lentils and red beans, rice, corn husks, corn tostadas, masa harina, and canned/jarred jalapeños. Please place items in the bin in the sanctuary. You can also donate money using the QR code on the flyer, donations will be used to buy fresh food items.
Immigration Vigil This Sunday
A weekly vigil is held near the Pinellas County Justice Center to bring attention to the inhumane and unconstitutional treatment of the immigrant community in our midst. This is an opportunity to voice your values and pray for those who are being traumatized by the current immigration situation. This is a peaceful, prayerful vigil. Sunday, April 12, 2026 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Pinellas County Justice Center, 14450 49th St N, Clearwater, FL 33762
No Kings Day 3 LUCC demonstrates our value
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.
Circle of ConcernBarbara Donohue Tina Allen Cathy Giesey Ann Cloutier, Michelle’s mother JoAnne ReidChristy Martin, who is recovering at homeSusan Gilbert Linda Reuscher, friend of Hilton Paula and Tony Pelletier Barbara Walburn Yvonne Riesen Denise Williams Vita Uth Cate Colgan & Marty Seyler’s dog, TrinityFamily and Loved Ones of Diane The 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!
Subscribe to Church WebsiteYou 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 Christ2601 54th Ave S St Petersburg, FL 33712-4709On land originally inhabited by the Tocabaga on the Gulf of Mexico
This is the last day of Lent. The day between Good Friday, when Jesus was killed by capital punishment, and Easter Sunday, when we are told that Jesus overcame death.
This is a day for reflection. What is the meaning of Jesus’ ministry and his being killed? What are we to learn from the story of the resurrection? Each year we enter this time of pondering, wondering, repenting, even hoping.
The novel Orbital by Samantha Harvey tells the story of four astronauts and two cosmonauts who find themselves together in a spaceship orbiting Earth. They represent their countries in this endeavor. One is from Italy. One is from Japan. One is from Great Britain. Two are from Russia. And one is from the United States. There are four men and two women. These people did not know each other. They overlap for a time on the spaceship where they carry out scientific research and experiments.
It takes a lot of work and commitment to be chosen to be part of this mission, so maybe what we can say about crew is that they all wanted to go to space. They are all devoted to the space program. Other than that, they are from different countries with different systems of government. They are different genders. They live in different cultures. They hold different religious beliefs and no religious beliefs. They speak different languages. They are very different. But for these months, they are together in a small spaceship orbiting Earth. Their lives depend on each other. Their situation has many potential risks and hazards. They need to know that they can trust each other above all else.
Harvey conveys this when she writes: “And us? We are one. For now at least, we are one. Everything we have up here is only what we reuse and share. We can’t be divided, this is the truth. We won’t be because we can’t be. We drink each other’s recycled urine. We breathe each other’s recycled air.” [p. 94]
As we reflect on the life and ministry of Jesus, I think this is what he was trying to get across to us: We are one. Each and every person interdependent. All living together in one home: Earth. We are in this together. That is the way Creation is designed. Jesus shows us our oneness. As God would have it. And he was killed for it.
Prayer: May we be aware of how we let things not only separate us but turn us into competitors and enemies. Jesus teaches us to love ourselves. Love our neighbors. Love our enemies. Because in the eyes of God, we are but one family. Beloved. Amen.
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Devotion prepared by Rev. Kim P. Wells, pastor of Lakewood United Church of Christ in St. Petersburg, FL.
The devotions this Lenten season will be based on the novel Orbital by Samantha Harvey. Orbital won the Booker Prize in 2024. It is a beautifully written story about the experience of a group of people orbiting the Earth in a spaceship. They see 16 sunrises and sunsets in a 24 hour period. The book is a reflection on the experience of living together and appreciating planet Earth in a new way.
In Samantha’ Harvey’s novel, Orbital, we are told about the heart of the Italian astronaut Pietro: “There in his chest is a heart that tilts and pitches. He can keep its beats slow and smooth, quell its habits of fear or panic or impulse, stop it yearning too much for home, curb its unhelpful states of abandon. Calm and steady, calm and steady. Metronome pacing out the breath. Yet still at times it tilts and pitches. It wants what it wants and hopes what it hopes and needs what it needs and loves what it loves. So strenuously unrobotic is the astronaut’s heart that is leaves the earth’s atmosphere and it presses out — gravity stops pressing in and the counterweight of the heart starts pressing out, as if suddenly aware it is part of an animal, alive and feeling. An animal that does not just bear witness, but loves what it witnesses.” [pp. 50-51]
This is Good Friday. The day we remember Jesus being killed on the cross, a painful, excruciating death. A humiliating death. What was the state of Jesus’ heart that day? Was it tilting and pitching? Or slow and smooth, with no sign of fear or panic? Was Jesus calm and steady? Can we imagine, even in the midst of humiliation and pain, the heart of Jesus expanding with love for the Earth, for life, for all the people here, for God?
Forgive them, they don’t know what they are doing!
Prayer: On this of all days, may our hearts swell with love for Jesus and the world for which he died. Amen.
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Devotion prepared by Rev. Kim P. Wells, pastor of Lakewood United Church of Christ in St. Petersburg, FL.
The devotions this Lenten season will be based on the novel Orbital by Samantha Harvey. Orbital won the Booker Prize in 2024. It is a beautifully written story about the experience of a group of people orbiting the Earth in a spaceship. They see 16 sunrises and sunsets in a 24 hour period. The book is a reflection on the experience of living together and appreciating planet Earth in a new way.
May Birthdays!
Circle of ConcernJackie ShieldsJacquie LewisBarbara DonohueCathy GieseyAnn Cloutier, Michelle’s motherJoAnne ReidChristy MartinSusan GilbertTony Pelletier and the family and loved ones of PaulaBarbara WalburnYvonne RiesenDenise WilliamsVita UthCate Colgan & Marty Seyler’s dog, TrinityThe Denehy FamilyAll school students, families & staffCaregiversThe 280 women and men on Florida’s Death Row
Lakewood United Church of Christ 