Now let me suggest first that we are to have peace on earth, our loyalties must become ecumenical rather than sectional. Our loyalties must transcend our race, our tribe, our class and our nation; and this means we must develop our world perspective.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., 1929- 1968
PRELUDE Imagine Lennon
* OPENING SENTENCES Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality.
* HYMN My Eyes Have Seen the Glory610
SCRIPTURE LESSON
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.
Micah 6:6-8
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 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr
* HYMN When Israel Was in Egypts 572
REFLECTION Danielle Hintz
UNISON READING Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr
Some years ago, almost two hundred now, our nation signed a huge promissory note, “ We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Oh, what a marvelous creed. Just thinking about what it says. It didn’t say some men; it said all men. ….
And then it said something else. That every man has certain basic right that are neither derived from nor conferred by the state… They are God given…….
We will win our freedom because the sacred heritage of our nation and the eternal will of God are embodied in our echoing demands.
INTERLUDE God’s Eye is on the Sparrow Gabriel
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. 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. If you would like assistance, please turn to someone seated near you.
Offertory There’ll Be Peace in The Valley Dorsey
* Time of Dedication Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
Called to combat social evils, the church has remained silent behind stained- glass windows… If the church of Jesus Christ is to reign once more its power, message, and authentic ring, it must conform only to the demands of the Gospel. Amen
* PREPARATION FOR PRAYER Precious Lord, Take My Hand 472
The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!
The way of your justice be followed
by all peoples of the world!
Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom
sustain our hope and come on earth!
With the bread that we need for today, feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.
In times of temptation and testing, strengthen us.
From trials too great to endure, spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil, free us.
For you reign in the glory of the power that is love,
now and forever. Amen.
* HYMN Life Every Voice and Sing 593
*BENEDICTION Dr. King, adapted
The Beauty of genuine beloved community and peace is more precious than diamonds or silver or gold.
*SUNG RESPONSE (please form a circle) Rosemary Crow
Weave, weave, weave us together; weave us together in unity and love.
Weave, weave, weave us together; weave us together, together in love.
*POSTLUDE Precious Memories Wright
Announcements
Member Update: Its with heavy hearts we say goodbye to Ms. Jen DeGroot. Updates on services etc. will be released as received. Please keep the family in your prayers during this time of mourning.
New Time for Weekly Labyrinth Walk: In August, labyrinth walks will return to Wednesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. All are welcome!
Many thanks!
Gratitude is expressed to Sally Purvis and Danielle Hintz for leading worship this morning. Your ministry is a blessing!
Covid Supplies: There is a table set up in the back of the sanctuary with masksand sanitizer. These supplies have been donated to the church.Please take what you can use. Thank you!
Operation Attack: OA needs donations of cereal/oatmeal, mac and cheese, pasta sauce, peanut butter, canned meat, fruit, soup, and vegetables. Donations may be placed on shelf in hallway.
Rev. Wells Away: Kim will be on sabbatical for the months of September and October walking the Camino De Santiago in Spain. For pastoral care please contact Patti Cooksey at the information below.
Family Promise: Family promise, a program to empower houseless families, is reopening and is in need of Volunteers. Please see the weekly update on the church website for more information.
For the safety and comfort of all, please wear a mask. Thank you
Circle of Concern: Family from Colombia Erik Johnson, Christie Martin, Barbara Donahue,Tony Larson, Ann Quinn who is under Hospice Care, William Owen-Cowan, Carolyn Moore, Maggie Brizendine, Janet Hall, Yoko Nogami, All those suffering from COVID-19, and all healthcare workers, Schools: Students, families, teachers, and staff.
Lakewood United Church of Christ 2601 54th Ave. S. St. Petersburg, FL 33712
The service will be streamed live on Facebook and then posted on the church’s YouTube channel.
Masks are required at in-person worship.
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!
We’re pleased to announce that Fr. Bill Sheehan will return on October 15th IN PERSON for his annual Centering Prayer Retreat Day. This year’s topic is “Co-laboring With the Cosmic Christ.” We hope you’ll join us to share in this enriching experience.
When: Saturday, October 15th, 2022, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Check-in at 8:30)
Where: Lakewood United Church of Christ, 2601 54th Ave. S., St. Petersburg
This is an in-person event. Zoom link will be provided for those who are unable to attend.
Suggested Donation: $25 in person; $10 on Zoom
Continental breakfast will be provided. Bring a bag lunch!
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
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
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.
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
Below is the schedule of speakers for September and October:
Sabbatical Schedule Sept. 18: Sally Purvis-liturgist Mark Gibson and Colleen Coughenour- speaking Charter Sunday
Oct. 30: Jim Andrews- liturgist Michelle Cloutier- speaking
Guided Labyrinth WalksWednesday 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
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.
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!
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.
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.
September Birthdays: Dyanne A. Edds 9/19, Kim Wells 9/19,Joanne Reid 9/22, Wilbur Reid 9/22,Donald Ritchie 9/27, Carolynn Moore 9/30. Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.
Circle of Concern:
Barbara Donohue
Christie Martin
Erik Johnson
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:
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.
New Office Hours will be: Tuesday- Thursday 10:30-2. (Subject to change based on foundation meetings)
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!
Do not be satisfied until each one with whom you are concerned is to you like a member of your family. Regard each one either as a father, a brother,
or as a sister, or as a mother, or as a child.
‘Abdu’l-Baha, 1844-1921, Baha’i
PRELUDE
* OPENING SENTENCES Huub Oosterhuis, b. 1933
What shall we say to you, our God —
You have called us
from far and near.
You have made us —
great and small,
each one of us different
in heart and face,
but all of us your people.
We ask you, then,
make new people of us
who hear your voice
with living hearts. Do this today
and never take your hands
* MUSIC
SCRIPTURE LESSON
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.
Psalm 139:1-18 and John 20:1-18
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 Ram Dass, 1931-2019
We are all just walking each other home.
REFLECTION Coming Full Circle Claire Stiles
UNISON READING Gaelic
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of God’s hand.
INTERLUDE
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. 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. If you would like assistance, please turn to someone seated near you.
Offertory
* Time of Dedication Evelyn Frances Capel, 1911-2000
The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!
The way of your justice be followed
by all peoples of the world!
Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom
sustain our hope and come on earth!
With the bread that we need for today, feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.
In times of temptation and testing, strengthen us.
From trials too great to endure, spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil, free us.
For you reign in the glory of the power that is love,
now and forever. Amen.
*BENEDICTION Celtic Prayer
Deep peace of the running wave to you, of water flowing,
rising and falling,
sometimes advancing, sometimes receding. . .
May the stream of your life flow unimpeded!
Deep peace of the running wave to you!
*SUNG RESPONSE (please form a circle) Rosemary Crow
Weave, weave, weave us together; weave us together in unity and love.
Weave, weave, weave us together; weave us together, together in love.
*POSTLUDE
Circle of Concern: Family from Colombia,Erik Johnson, Tony Larson, Emily Bell, Ann Quinn who is under Hospice Care, William Owen-Cowan, Jen Degroot, Carolyn Moore, Maggie Brizendine, Janet Hall, Yoko Nogami, Erik Johnson, 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.
New Time for Weekly Labyrinth Walk: In August, labyrinth walks will return to Wednesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. All are welcome!
Many thanks!
Gratitude is expressed to Jim Andrews and to Claire Stiles for leading worship this morning. Your ministry is a blessing!
Covid Supplies: There is a table set up in the back of the sanctuary with masksand sanitizer. These supplies have been donated to the church.Please take what you can use. Thank you!
Operation Attack: OA needs donations of cereal/oatmeal, mac and cheese, pasta sauce, peanut butter, canned meat, fruit, soup, and vegetables. Donations may be placed on shelf in hallway.
Toiletries for Celebrate Outreach: Celebrate Outreach is a local ministry with people who are living without shelter in St. Petersburg. Needed: men’s and women’s underwear. (Men sizes 30, 32,34; and 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.
Rev. Wells Away: Kim will be on sabbatical for the months of September and October walking the Camino De Santiago in Spain. For pastoral care please contact Patti Cooksey at the information below.
Family Promise: Family promise, a program to empower houseless families, is reopening and is in need of Volunteers. Please see the weekly update on the church website for more information.
For the safety and comfort of all, please wear a mask. Thank you
Lakewood United Church of Christ 2601 54th Ave. S. St. Petersburg, FL 33712
We’re pleased to announce that Fr. Bill Sheehan will return on October 15th IN PERSON for his annual Centering Prayer Retreat Day. This year’s topic is “Co-laboring With the Cosmic Christ.” We hope you’ll join us to share in this enriching experience.
When: Saturday, October 15th, 2022, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Check-in at 8:30)
Where: Lakewood United Church of Christ, 2601 54th Ave. S., St. Petersburg
This is an in-person event. Zoom link will be provided for those who are unable to attend.
Suggested Donation: $25 in person; $10 on Zoom
Continental breakfast will be provided. Bring a bag lunch!
Lakewood United Church of Christ 