Author: lakewooducc

Weekly Update 11/10

‘Tis A Gift

This is a season to ponder the many gifts that we are being given each and every day. It is a season for gratitude. 

This Sunday, November 14 will be Stewardship Sunday. This is an opportunity to celebrate how LUCC is a gift in our lives and to offer our gratitude and support through our time, talent, and treasure. The church enriches our lives in so many ways. This is a time to celebrate that! Please bring your completed pledge form to worship.  There will be forms available at church and they are also available on the church website.  Don’t miss this heart-full celebration!

November 21 is Thanksgiving Sunday. The service will be outside. Everyone is invited to bring something that represents a gift in your life, something you are grateful for. Together we will construct an altar of gratitude. Please turn in your harvest form by Wednesday, Nov. 17 so that the wonderful list of the many ministries of the congregation can be celebrated!  The Harvest form is available at church or on the church website.

November 28 is the first Sunday of Advent.  The advent season provides the opportunity to continue to reflect on the gifts that we are receiving through the birth of Jesus and in so many other ways in our lives and in our world.

This covid time has been very stressful for everyone.  It continues to present challenges and cause friction and discomfort.  With the holidays coming, that friction may increase.  There may be tension between what we want to do and what is safe.  That makes this an important time to be intentional about considering all the gifts that we are receiving, all we have to be grateful for, what truly is important and what matters in our lives.  Even this deadly pandemic may be a blessing in some ways.  “God is working all things together for good.”  Please know that LUCC is intent on providing spiritual support and connection even during these difficult days, especially during these difficult days.  

PLEASE NOTE:  

With the cooler temperatures we will resume opening the doors and windows for morning worship as we continue efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Sunday services are being held at 10:30 a.m. Masks are required. There is physical distancing. Childcare is provided.

You can also join in on Facebook Live at 10:30. Please see the instructions below. 

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.

Book Talk Ahead

Join in a lively discussion of what folks have been reading!  All kinds of books are included.  If you haven’t been reading anything compelling lately, you may get some good ideas from Book Talk.  The Zoom conversation is held monthly on the third Thursday of the month from 6:30-7:30 p.m.  This month that will be November 18.   All are welcome!  Here’s the link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2700683648

Stewardship Ahead

It is the time of year when we reflect on what has been and look ahead to what we might anticipate.  The changing of the seasons.  The ending of one year and the beginning of a new year.  You are invited to reflect on how LUCC has been a gift to you in your life, and how this precious, faithful church is a gift to the world.  In the next few weeks, a beautiful stewardship letter written by Lucille Ruga will be sent out and posted on the church website.  There will be an opportunity to pledge time, talent, and treasure, to support the ministry of the church for 2022.  The Harvest form will be available which provides a wonderful way to appreciate and celebrate the ministry of the congregation and its impact on the world. 

Yes, it is the usual stewardship stuff, done just about every year.  But perhaps more significant now as we realize just what an amazing gift LUCC is to us and to the world.  This is evident in all of the energy, creativity, connection, and adaptation that has been made to continue to offer the ministry of the church to the congregation and the world in a safe manner during the pandemic.  This church matters.  Plan to be in church Sunday, Nov. 14 or to participate on Facebook Live to celebrate and support this precious gift!

Wednesday Workshops Ahead!

The Florida Conference of the United Church of Christ is offering a series of Wednesday Workshops on Zoom at 7 p.m.  These events are intended for people from all churches of the Florida Conference.  Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate.  Here are the topics for the weeks ahead and information about how to tune in.  

Wednesday, Nov 10
Workshop Wednesdays: Preaching an Earth-loving Jesus in a Time of Climate Crisis

This workshop will explore the Earth-Loving Jesus and his kin-dom of God for preaching during climate change. We will explore the spiritual ecology of Jesus and kin-dom praxis and message in opposition to empire. Jesus represents a Hebrew Creation-centered spirituality that remained in opposition to empire in the Hebrew scriptures and against Roman colonization of the land. There are strong parallels of Jewish peasant relation to the land indigenous peoples in North America. Both were connected to the land as divine gift and dispossessed of their lands. Rev. Shore-Goss will provide an ecological paradigm of the Spirit-led Jesus and his kin-dom praxis.

Rev. Dr. Bob Shore-Goss is a retired UCC clergy/theologian and serves on the UCC Environmental Justice Council. When he served as the pastor of the North Hollywood MCC United Church of Christ, the church was recognized as the first Creation Justice Church of the denomination. Shore-Goss received a Th.D. from Harvard University in Comparative Religion and Christian Theology and self-identifies as a Buddhist-Christian. He has led numerous workshops for Cannula Gatherings, the Parliament of World Religions (2015) and individual churches of several denominations on creating sustainable spiritualties of faith communities for long-term commitment for eco-justice.

Wednesday, Nov 17
Workshop Wednesdays: Small Church is not Less Church

The Zoom Meeting ID is 361-687-8295, and here’s the link to connect: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/3616878295. And here is a link to a flyer with information on all the upcoming workshops.

https://www.uccfla.org

New Church Directory Available

An updated church directory is available.  The directory is a welcome tool to help the congregation remain connected and in contact with each other.  Please pick one up when you are at the church.  If you would like one sent to you, please contact the Church Office at lakewooducc@gmail.com or call at 727-867-7961. The directory is a welcome tool to help the congregation remain connected and in contact with each other.  

Martha Lamar’s information is incomplete. Please contact the church office for the correct information or get a corrected copy of the directory at church. Sorry for the inconvenience!

Demonstration for Voting Rights

There will a demonstration in support of voting rights at City Hall in downtown St. Petersburg (175 5th St. N.) on Saturday, Nov. 13 at noon.  The mayor-elect, Ken Welch, will be there.  Please bring signs related to voting rights.  Lift every voice and VOTE!

Advisors Meeting Sunday

The Advisors will be meeting this coming Sunday.  If there is something you would like to have addressed by the advisors, please contact one of them to let them know:  Malcolm Wells, Jane Diven, Lucille Ruga, and Patti Cooksey.  

Shoes, Anyone?

If you think church is predictable, think again!  This past Sunday, during morning worship, someone drove up to the church in a van, and proceeded to ask if the church would accept a donation of 6 boxes of shoes for charity, Operation Attack.  Well, Operation Attack isn’t accepting clothes and shoes because of covid.  And the impression was 6 pairs of shoes in 6 boxes.  Suddenly there were over a dozen large boxes filled with many pairs of shoes piled by the door of the Fellowship Hall.  And then more boxes were deposited by the Church Office.  

Apparently the person bringing the shoes was part of the closing of a store and wanted to make sure that all of the shoes were donated to charity.  After some informal discussion among church members, it was decided that the shoes should be taken to Goodwill because they would have the capacity to deal with over twenty-five boxes overflowing with shoes of every kind!

Technology Grant Received

The church has received a technology grant from the Florida Conference of the United Church of Christ to improve the sound system in the sanctuary and facilitate the streaming of the worship service on Sunday mornings.  Gratitude is expressed to the Conference for this generous assistance!

Adult Day Care Available

The Neighborly Services Adult Day Care at the church still has openings available.  The center is open Monday through Friday during the day.  Clients can come every day or part-time.  Health insurance and VA benefits can be used to offset the expenses.  If you have a friend or neighbor who could benefit from these services, please suggest the Evergreen Adult Day Care Center.  For more information, call 727-954-6484.

Electronics Recycling

Many thanks to all who contributed to the electronics recycling effort.  Many devices and cords and equipment were collected to be recycled into new equipment and kept out of the landfill!

Anti Racism Demonstrations-New Time

The church will resume its witness against racism with weekly demonstrations along the sidewalk of 54th Ave. S. Make your own sign or use one of the signs at the church.
Demonstrations will be held Sundays from 4:30-5 beginning Sunday, November 14. In case of rain, the demonstration will not be held that week.

Know justice, know peace! This is an important way to inspire hope in the community and to work to create an anti-racist society.

Guided Labyrinth Walks

The guided walk is held weekly on Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m. This provides an opportunity to be aware and deepen your spiritual journey. If it is raining, the walk is held on Thursday at 9:00 a.m.

Also, the readings and prayers used on Wednesdays at the guided walk are put in the mailbox by the labyrinth each week 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.

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.

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.

USEFUL LAKEWOOD LINKS:

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.

November Birthdays: Lucille Ruga 11/9, Katharine Conover 11/13, Emily Bell 11/15, Rev. Susan Sherwood 11/15, Ed Kaspar 11/21, Lorne Palmer 11/21, Bert Lee 11/22, Bill Lindsay 11/23, Wally LeBlanc 11/23, Kai’Lyn Washington 11/27, and Jane Diven 11/29, Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.

Circle of Concern: 

Deanna Moore

Dave Radens

William Owen-Cowan

Jen Degroot

Carolyn Moore

Ann Quinn is now under Hospice care

Maggie Brizendine

Janet Hall

All those suffering from COVID-19 and all healthcare workers

Schools: Students, families, teachers, and staff

Church Office Hours:  Tuesday 9:30-noon Thursday-Friday 9:30-noon. 

Recent Posts:

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 Tuesday since the Update usually is sent out on Wednesday.

On land originally inhabited by the Tocabaga

Bulletin 11/7/2021

GATHERING MUSIC                    

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS

LIGHTING THE PEACE CANDLE                                 Sherry Santana, liturgist

If you have men who will exclude any of God’s creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man.

Francis of Assisi, 1181-1226

What we call Man’s power over Nature turns out to be a power exercised by some men over other men with Nature as an instrument.

C. S. Lewis, 1898-1963

PRELUDE                                     The River’s Song                                    HKJ

CALL TO WORSHIP                                                            An African Canticle

All you big things, bless the Lord
Mount Kilimanjaro and Lake Victoria
The Rift Valley and the Serengeti Plain
Fat baobabs and shady mango trees
All eucalyptus and tamarind trees
Bless the Lord
Praise and extol God for ever and ever.

All you tiny things, bless the Lord
Busy black ants and hopping fleas
Wriggling tadpoles and mosquito larvae
Flying locusts and water drops
Pollen dust and tsetse flies
Millet seeds and dried dagaa
Bless the Lord
Praise and extol God for ever and ever.

MUSICAL REFLECTION                        Le cygne                Camille Saint-Saëns

SCRIPTURE READINGS

Let us prepare ourselves for the word of God as it comes to us in the reading of Holy Scripture. Our hearts and minds are open.

Job 12:7-8 and Luke 19:28-40

For the word of God in scripture, for the word of God  among us, for the word of God within us. Thanks be to God.

HISTORICAL READING                                             John Wesley, 1701-1791

REFLECTION                          For ALL the Saints!                  Rev. Kim P. Wells

RESPONSIVE LITANY                                                           Chinook Blessing

We call upon the earth, our planet home, with its beautiful depths and

soaring heights, its vitality and abundance of life, and together we ask that it:

Teach us, and show us the way.

We call upon the mountains, the Cascades and the Olympics, the high
green valleys and meadows filled with wild flowers, the snows that never
melt, the summits of intense silence, and we ask that they:

Teach us, and show us the way.

We call upon the waters that rim the earth, horizon to horizon, that flow in our rivers and streams, that fall upon our gardens and fields, and we ask that they:

Teach us, and show us the way.

We call upon the land which grows our food, the nurturing soil, the fertile fields, the abundant gardens and orchards, and we ask that they:

Teach us, and show us the way.

We call upon the forests, the great trees reaching strongly to the sky with earth in their roots and the heavens in their branches, the fir and the pine and the cedar, and we ask them to:

Teach us, and show us the way.

We call upon the creatures of the fields and forests and the seas, our brothers and sisters the wolves and deer, the eagle and dove, the great whales and the dolphin, the beautiful Orca and salmon who share our Northwest home, and we ask them to:

Teach us, and show us the way.

We call upon all those who have lived on this earth, our ancestors and our friends, who dreamed the best for future generations, and upon whose lives our lives are built, and with thanksgiving, we call upon them to:

Teach us, and show us the way.

And lastly, we call upon all that we hold most sacred, the presence and power of the Great Spirit of love and truth which flows through all the universe . . . to be with us to:

Teach us, and show us the way.

NAMING OF THE SAINTS

This morning we celebrate those we name as saints – those who give us a closer glimpse of God. We honor these saints with love and appreciation.

Sharing of Names and Prayer of Thanksgiving

MUSICAL INTERLUDE                   Tom Thumb                                    Ravel

STEWARDSHIP MOMENT- Celebrating Our Gifts                         Jane Diven

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Lakewood United Church of Christ, as part of the Church Universal is to:

  • Celebrate the presence and power of God in our lives & in our world.
  • Offer the hospitality and inclusive love of Christ to all people.
  • Work for God’s peace and justice throughout creation.

MORNING OFFERING and COMMUNION OFFERING

Morning offerings may be brought forward and placed in the plates on the altar.

Offertory                            The Moldau                                 Smetana

Prayer of Dedication                                               Elena Huegel, Chile

I commit, God, to searching for;
The healing of my relationship with you.
The healing of my relationship with myself.
The healing of my relationship with others.
The healing of my relationship with all your creation.
SHALOM!

PREPARATION FOR COMMUNION    What a Wonderful World    Weiss & Thiels

You are invited to write your prayer requests on the sheets provided in the bulletin and bring them forward and place them in the basket on the altar.  Please observe physical distancing.

CELEBRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION

Invitation

Communion Prayer- Savior’s Prayer

Our Creator in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

Blessing the Bread and Cup     Sharing the Meal    Giving Thanks

* BENEDICTION                                            

Deep peace of an ebbing wave to you.
Deep peace of a quiet rain to you.
Deep peace of a soft white dove to you.
Deep peace of the flowing air to you.

Deep peace of pure blue sky to you.
Deep peace of pure red of the flame to you.
Deep peace of pure green grass to you.
Deep peace of the pure brown of the earth to you.
Deep peace of pure white moon to you.

Deep peace of the shining stars to you.
Deep peace of the sleeping stones to you.
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.

Deep peace of the Son of Peace to you.
Deep peace of the infinite peace to us all.
Amen.

*POSTLUDE                     The Lion Sleeps Tonight     Weiss, Creatore, & Peretti

For the safety and comfort of all, please wear a mask. Thank you!

Circle of Concern: Ann Quinn who is under Hospice Care, Dave Radens, William Owen-Cowan, Jen Degroot, Carolyn Moore, Maggie Brizendine, Janet Hall, All those suffering from COVID-19 and all healthcare workers, Schools: Students, families, teachers, and staff

Announcements

Communion This is a Communion Sunday. We are using the prepackaged individualcommunion servings. Please know that everyone iswelcome to participate in communion. Young people are invited toparticipate at the discretion of the adult(s) who have brought them.The Communion Offering will be received. This offering is used to help people in the church and the community with basic needs such as rent and utility assistance, bus passes, prescriptions, etc. There has been heavy need for these funds. Please consider how you can help the community through this offering.

Facebook Live The 10:30 a.m. service is being streamed on Facebook Live.

Stewardship Sunday Ahead! November 14 will be Stewardship Sunday. This is an opportunity to celebrate how LUCC is a gift in our lives and to offer our gratitude and support through our time, talent, and treasure. The church enriches our lives in so many ways. This is a time to celebrate that!

Thanksgiving Sunday Ahead! Sunday, Nov. 21 will be the annual Thanksgiving service. Please bringsomething to represent what you are thankful for; something thatrepresents a gift in your life, as we build an altar of gratitude together! Theservice will be outside under the tree. Please bring a chair if you can.

Operation Attack OA needs donations of cereal, peanut butter, canned meat, fruit, vegetables and soup, dried beans, and mac/cheese. Donations may be placed on the shelf in the hallway at church.

Anti Racism Demonstrations The church will resume its witness against racism with weekly demonstrations along the sidewalk of 54th Ave. S.  Make your own sign or use one of the signs at the church. Demonstrations will be held Sundays from 5:30-6 beginning Sunday October 3. In case of rain, the demonstration will not be held that week. 

Lakewood United Church of Christ 2601 54th Ave. S. St. Petersburg, FL 33712

727-867-7961 lakewooducc@gmail.com Lakewooducc.org

On land originally inhabited by the Tocabaga

Weekly Update 11/4

On land originally inhabited by the Tocabaga

‘Tis A Gift

This is a season to ponder the many gifts that we are being given each and every day.  It is a season for gratitude.  Last Sunday in church, the lives of those who have gone before us were honored and celebrated.  It was very moving and inspiring to remember those who have died and what they have meant to us.  Many thanks to all who participated!

This coming Sunday, November 7, will be a celebration of All Saints Sunday.  While this is a Sunday to honor those who have in some way revealed God to us.  We expand that concept to include nature as well.  The natural world is considered the self-disclosure of God, so we will honor how God is manifest for us in nature as well as in our own species.  

November 14 will be Stewardship Sunday.  This is an opportunity to celebrate how LUCC is a gift in our lives and to offer our gratitude and support through our time, talent, and treasure.  The church enriches our lives in so many ways.  This is a time to celebrate that!

November 21 is Thanksgiving Sunday.  The service will be outside.  Everyone is invited to bring something that represents a gift in your life, something you are grateful for.  Together we will construct an altar of gratitude.  

November 28 is the first Sunday of Advent.  The advent season provides the opportunity to continue to reflect on the gifts that we are receiving through the birth of Jesus and in so many other ways in our lives and in our world.

This covid time has been very stressful for everyone.  It continues to present challenges and cause friction and discomfort.  With the holidays coming, that friction may increase.  There may be tension between what we want to do and what is safe.  That makes this an important time to be intentional about considering all the gifts that we are receiving, all we have to be grateful for, what truly is important and what matters in our lives.  Even this deadly pandemic may be a blessing in some ways.  “God is working all things together for good.”  Please know that LUCC is intent on providing spiritual support and connection even during these difficult days, especially during these difficult days.  

Sunday, Nov. 7  – All Saints Sunday

This is a special celebration of the many ways that the presence of God is experienced in our lives – through others and through the natural world.  The congregation will have the opportunity to name saints in the service.  

Communion will also be served this Sunday. The Communion offering will be received. This offering is used to help people in the church and the community with basic needs such as rent and utility assistance, bus passes, prescriptions, etc. There has been a heavy need for these funds. Please consider how you can help the community through this offering

PLEASE NOTE:  

With the cooler temperatures we will resume opening the doors and windows for morning worship as we continue efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Sunday services are being held at 10:30 a.m. Masks are required. There is physical distancing. Childcare is provided.

You can also join in on Facebook Live at 10:30. Please see the instructions below. 

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.

Stewardship Ahead

It is the time of year when we reflect on what has been and look ahead to what we might anticipate.  The changing of the seasons.  The ending of one year and the beginning of a new year.  You are invited to reflect on how LUCC has been a gift to you in your life, and how this precious, faithful church is a gift to the world.  In the next few weeks, a beautiful stewardship letter written by Lucille Ruga will be sent out and posted on the church website.  There will be an opportunity to pledge time, talent, and treasure, to support the ministry of the church for 2022.  The Harvest form will be available which provides a wonderful way to appreciate and celebrate the ministry of the congregation and its impact on the world. 

Yes, it is the usual stewardship stuff, done just about every year.  But perhaps more significant now as we realize just what an amazing gift LUCC is to us and to the world.  This is evident in all of the energy, creativity, connection, and adaptation that has been made to continue to offer the ministry of the church to the congregation and the world in a safe manner during the pandemic.  This church matters.  Plan to be in church Sunday, Nov. 14 or to participate on Facebook Live to celebrate and support this precious gift!

Wednesday Workshops Ahead!

The Florida Conference of the United Church of Christ is offering a series of Wednesday Workshops on Zoom at 7 p.m.  These events are intended for people from all churches of the Florida Conference.  Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate.  Here are the topics for the weeks ahead and information about how to tune in.  

Wednesday, Nov 10
Workshop Wednesdays: Preaching an Earth-loving Jesus in a Time of Climate Crisis

This workshop will explore the Earth-Loving Jesus and his kin-dom of God for preaching during climate change. We will explore the spiritual ecology of Jesus and kin-dom praxis and message in opposition to empire. Jesus represents a Hebrew Creation-centered spirituality that remained in opposition to empire in the Hebrew scriptures and against Roman colonization of the land. There are strong parallels of Jewish peasant relation to the land indigenous peoples in North America. Both were connected to the land as divine gift and dispossessed of their lands. Rev. Shore-Goss will provide an ecological paradigm of the Spirit-led Jesus and his kin-dom praxis.

Rev. Dr. Bob Shore-Goss is a retired UCC clergy/theologian and serves on the UCC Environmental Justice Council. When he served as the pastor of the North Hollywood MCC United Church of Christ, the church was recognized as the first Creation Justice Church of the denomination. Shore-Goss received a Th.D. from Harvard University in Comparative Religion and Christian Theology and self-identifies as a Buddhist-Christian. He has led numerous workshops for Cannula Gatherings, the Parliament of World Religions (2015) and individual churches of several denominations on creating sustainable spiritualties of faith communities for long-term commitment for eco-justice.

Wednesday, Nov 17
Workshop Wednesdays: Small Church is not Less Church

The Zoom Meeting ID is 361-687-8295, and here’s the link to connect: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/3616878295. And here is a link to a flyer with information on all the upcoming workshops.

https://www.uccfla.org

New Church Directory Available

An updated church directory is available.  The directory is a welcome tool to help the congregation remain connected and in contact with each other.  Please pick one up when you are at the church.  If you would like one sent to you, please contact the Church Office at lakewooducc@gmail.com or call at 727-867-7961. The directory is a welcome tool to help the congregation remain connected and in contact with each other.  

Technology Grant Received

The church has received a technology grant from the Florida Conference of the United Church of Christ to improve the sound system in the sanctuary and facilitate the streaming of the worship service on Sunday mornings.  Gratitude is expressed to the Conference for this generous assistance!

Adult Day Care Available

The Neighborly Services Adult Day Care at the church still has openings available.  The center is open Monday through Friday during the day.  Clients can come every day or part-time.  Health insurance and VA benefits can be used to offset the expenses.  If you have a friend or neighbor who could benefit from these services, please suggest the Evergreen Adult Day Care Center.  For more information, call 727-954-6484.

Electronics Recycling

Many thanks to all who contributed to the electronics recycling effort.  Many devices and cords and equipment were collected to be recycled into new equipment and kept out of the landfill!

Anti Racism Demonstrations

The church will resume its witness against racism with weekly demonstrations along the sidewalk of 54th Ave. S. Make your own sign or use one of the signs at the church.
Demonstrations will be held Sundays from 5:30-6 beginning Sunday, October 3. In case of rain, the demonstration will not be held that week.

Know justice, know peace! This is an important way to inspire hope in the community and to work to create an anti-racist society.

Guided Labyrinth Walks

The guided walk is held weekly on Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m. This provides an opportunity to be aware and deepen your spiritual journey. If it is raining, the walk is held on Thursday at 9:00 a.m.

Also, the readings and prayers used on Wednesdays at the guided walk are put in the mailbox by the labyrinth each week 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.

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.

Operation Attack Update

OA needs donations of cereal, peanut butter, canned meat, fruit, vegetables and soup, dried beans, and mac/cheese. Donations may be placed on the shelf in the hallway at church.

USEFUL LAKEWOOD LINKS:

For the above church website links, please note the “Older Posts” button near the bottom of each page.

November Birthdays: Lucille Ruga 11/9, Emily Bell 11/15, Rev. Susan Sherwood 11/15, Ed Kaspar 11/21, Lorne Palmer 11/21, Bert Lee 11/22, Bill Lindsay 11/23, Wally LeBlanc 11/23, Kai’Lyn Washington 11/27, and Jane Diven 11/29, Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.

Circle of Concern: 

Dave Radens

William Owen-Cowan

Jen Degroot

Carolyn Moore

Ann Quinn is now under Hospice care

Maggie Brizendine

Janet Hall

All those suffering from COVID-19 and all healthcare workers

Schools: Students, families, teachers, and staff

Church Office Hours:  Tuesday 9:30-noon Thursday-Friday 9:30-noon. 

Recent Posts:

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 Tuesday since the Update usually is sent out on Wednesday.

Bulletin 10/31/21

GATHERING MUSIC            

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS

LIGHTING THE PEACE CANDLE                            Kay Rencken, liturgist

If there is a divine spark
that is in me,
let it flame;
that I might be
consumed
for peace.                             

Erice Fairbrother, Aotearoa/New Zealand

PRELUDE                    I Sing a Song of the Saints of God      John H. Hopkins

CALL TO WORSHIP                                       The Iona Community, adapted

With the whole church
We affirm that we are made in God’s image,
befriended by Christ, and empowered by the Spirit.
With people everywhere
We affirm the goodness at the heart of humanity,
planted more deeply than all that is wrong.
With all creation
We celebrate the miracle and wonder of life;
the unfolding purposes of God,
forever at work in ourselves and the world.

MUSICAL REFLECTION               Some Glad Morning          Albert E. Brumley

SCRIPTURE LESSONS

Let us prepare ourselves for the word of God as it comes to us in the reading of Holy Scripture. Our hearts and minds are open.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 and Matthew 5:14-16

For the word of God in scripture, for the word of God among us, for the word of God within us. Thanks be to God.

MODERN READING — Lineage           Margaret Walker, 1915-1988, poet

LITANY OF REFLECTION

Let us reflect on the pilgrimage of life; on how we all come from the earth
and all return to its womb.
In death as in life, we are all one family.
Let us acknowledge that we share this experience with all living creatures
through the unity of nature.
In death as in life, we are all one family.
Let us give thanks for those who have gone before us, and for all the
memories that their lives brings to mind.
In death as in life, we are all one family.
In the strength of God’s love, let us determine to keep alive in ourselves
those qualities which we admire in our ancestors, for
In death as in life, we are all one family.

WORD OF REMEBERENCE                                                  The Congregation

PRAYER OF REMEMBRANCE                                                   Jewish Prayer

In the rising of the sun and in its going down,
we remember them.
In the glowing of the wind and in the chill of winter,
we remember them.
In the opening of buds and in the rebirth of spring,
we remember them.
In the blueness of the sky and in the warmth of summer,
we remember them.
In the rustling of leaves and in the beauty of autumn,
we remember them.
In the beginning of the year and when it ends,
we remember them.
When we are weary and in need of strength,
we remember them.
When we are lost and sick at heart,
we remember them.
When we have joys we yearn to share,
we remember them.
So long as we live, they too shall live,
for they are now a part of us, as
we remember them.

MUSICAL INTERLUDE            Shall We Gather at the River       Robert Lowry

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Lakewood United Church of Christ, as part of the Church Universal is to:

  • Celebrate the presence and power of God in our lives & in our world.
  • Offer the hospitality and inclusive love of Christ to all people.
  • Work for God’s peace and justice throughout creation.

MORNING OFFERING

Morning offerings may be brought forward and placed in the plates on the altar.

Offertory                     This Little Light of Mine        Harry Dixon Loes

Prayer of Dedication                                                  Caeser Chavez

When we are honest with ourselves,
we must admit that our lives are all that really belong to us.
So it is how we use our lives that determines
what kind of people we are. Amen.

PREPARATION FOR PRAYER     Sonata in A Major, Mov. II     Franz Schubert

You are invited to write your prayer requests on the sheets provided in the bulletin and bring them forward and place them in the basket on the altar.  Please observe physical distancing.

MORNING PRAYER-SAVIOR’S PRAYER

Our Creator in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

* BENEDICTION                                       The Iona Community, adapted

God of the past, who has fathered and mothered us,
We thank you.
God of the future, who is always ahead of us,
We trust you.
God of the present, here in our midst,
We praise you.
God of life beyond us, within us,
We rejoice in your glorious love.

*POSTLUDE                                 Sine Nominee            

Ralph Vaughn Williams/descants HKJ   

For the safety and comfort of all, please wear a mask. Thank you!

Circle of Concern: Claire Stiles, Ann Quinn who is under Hospice Care, Jeff Wells, Dave Radens, William Owen-Cowan, Jen Degroot, Carolyn Moore, Ann Quinn, Maggie Brizendine, Janet Hall, All those suffering from COVID-19 and all healthcare workers, Schools: Students, families, teachers, and staff

Announcements

Facebook Live The 10:30 a.m. service is being streamed on Facebook Live.

Operation Attack OA needs donations of cereal, peanut butter, canned meat, fruit, vegetables and soup, dried beans, and mac/cheese. Donations may be placed on the shelf in the hallway at church.

Anti Racism Demonstrations The church will resume its witness against racism with weekly demonstrations along the sidewalk of 54th Ave. S.  Make your own sign or use one of the signs at the church. Demonstrations will be held Sundays from 5:30-6 beginning Sunday October 3. In case of rain, the demonstration will not be held that week. 

Wednesday Workshops Ahead! The Florida Conference of the United Church of Christ is offering a series of Wednesday Workshops on Zoom at 7 p.m. These events are intended for people from all churches of the Florida Conference.  Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate.  Here are the topics for the weeks ahead and information about how to tune in.  The next workshop is Wednesday, Nov 03: Update from Immokalee

Lakewood United Church of Christ 2601 54th Ave. S. St. Petersburg, FL 33712

727-867-7961 lakewooducc@gmail.com Lakewooducc.org

On land originally inhabited by the Tocabaga