Author: lakewooducc

Weekly Update 6/12/22

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!
This Sunday is a celebration of Wisdom, Sophia. Proverbs 8 and Psalm 8 help to remind us of the goodness at the heart of nature, even human nature! It’s a reminder we need right now.

Childcare is provided at all Sunday services.
The service will be streamed live on Facebook and then posted on the church’s YouTube channel.
Masks are required at in-person worship.
Update on Anti Racism Book Project
To date, $3,475 has been received including the $500 grant from the Florida Conference of the United Church of Christ. With these funds, the church is purchasing anti racism books for Maximo Elementary School, Fairmount Park Elementary School, and the South Branch Public Library. Many thanks to all for your wonderful generosity aimed toward creating an anti racist future in our community and beyond!
Book Talk Ahead
Join in this month’s Book Talk on Thursday June 16 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!Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2700683648
Meeting ID: 270 068 3648
Advisors Meet this Sunday
The advisors will hold their monthly meeting this Sunday following morning worship. The meetings are open. Everyone is invited to attend. If there is something you would like the advisors to discuss, please speak with one of them: Lucille Ruga, Malcolm Wells, Christy Martin, Barbara Donohue.
Bon Voyage
Traveling mercies to LUCC church administrator, Gabi Paxton, as she travels to Italy on an educational tour. She will be gone from June 4-20.Later in the summer, Gabi will be moving to Gainesville. So the church is in the process of a staff transition in the office.
LUCC Creation Justice Property Cleanup
On Saturday, June 25 from 9:00 – 11:00am join us for a few hours to “declutter” and cleanup our beautiful Lakewood United Church of Christ grounds and to commune with nature and your fellow church members and friends! Wear work clothes, gloves, and a hat and apply sunscreen! Fluids and snacks will be provided to sustain us! So hoping you can gather with us to enjoy our lovely church property and each other!
Will You Help With Facebook Live?
Yes, LUCC has intentionally been “high touch, low tech.” But given the reality of the pandemic, the ministry of the church has expanded to offering the Sunday worship service live on FaceBook. This has been very meaningful to those who are not able or do not feel comfortable coming to church in person.This ministry has been provided by Patti Cooksey, Barbara Donohue, Bert Lee, and Michelle Cloutier. Bert and Michelle are away for the next few months. With two new recruits, each one could serve one Sunday a month.Barbara and Patti want you to know that it is very easy! There are clear instructions. A tutorial will be provided. Please contact the Church Office to express your willingness to help with this important outreach ministry. THANK YOU!
Lawn Cross Comes Down
The white cross in the center of the lawn at the church had one arm fall off last week. After closer examination, it was determined that the wood inside the plaster had rotted and the cross was no longer stable. It was taken down after church on Sunday June 5. Stay tuned for what will come next! If you have ideas and suggestions, please speak with an advisor. Barbara Donohue, Lucille Ruga, Christy Martin, Malcolm Wells.
Guided Labyrinth Walks Time Change For June and July
The weekly guided labyrinth walk will be on Fridays at 9:00 a.m. instead of Wednesdays. All are welcome! 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.
UCC Southern Regional Women’s Retreat
The United Church of Christ is sponsoring a retreat for women from the conferences of the Southern Region. Florida is the host conference and the retreat will be held at Camp Weed and Cerveny Conference Center in Live Oak, FL. The theme is God of Mystery – Spirit of Hope. Dyanne Edds of LUCC is on the planning committee. And the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, a former LUCC member, is the keynote speaker. The retreat is Oct. 14-16, 2022. For more information, speak to Dyanne.
Amendment Protecting the Right to Clean and Healthy Waters
There is an initiative to have an amendment on the Florida ballot which would protect the right to safe water in Florida. It is called “The Right to Clean and Healthy Waters.” For this initiative to appear on the ballot, petitions are needed. There are copies at the church. You may sign the petition and leave it at church to be sent in. Better yet, sign it, leave it, and take a stack with you. Get others to sign. Then bring them back to church to be sent in. For the full text of the proposed amendment, see https://initiativepetitions.elections.myflorida.com/InitiativeForms/Fulltext/Fulltext_2202_EN.pdf. As a Creation Justice church, LUCC is committed to advocacy for the environment.
To all the members of LUCC from Operation Attack
We send a most sincere thank you both from the volunteers at Operation Attack, but also the many needy people who will benefit from the books, clothes, and food you kindly donated.Please know how much we all appreciate your donations.Thank you again for thinking of Operation Attack.
How to Help Ukraine
The local Ukrainian Catholic Church is sponsoring humanitarian aid. There are more details at their website: https://www.epiphanyukrch.comThe national United Church of Christ is also offering ways to support the Ukrainian people. Here’s a link: https://p2a.co/nGEvYVL?inf_contact_key=ad8269e3f149ec1ef1efd03de1e233aacc0558ed5d4c28cbfab114022b1ec50d
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. 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.
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.
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.
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/LakewoodUCCOr on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/LakewoodUCC/videosInstructions 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.
USEFUL LAKEWOOD LINKS
Sermon and Reflection Texts
Lakewood UCC YouTube Channel
Lakewood UCC on Twitter
Lakewood on Facebook
Lakewood on Instagram
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.
June Birthdays: 
Genie Terrell 6/10, Tony Rogers 6/21, Michelle Cloutier 6/21.Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.
Circle of Concern:
Christopher and Dana,Danielle Hintz, William Owen-Cowan, Jen Degroot, Carolyn Moore, Ann Quinn is now under Hospice care, Maggie Brizendine, Janet Hall, Yoko Nogami walking the Appalachian Trail.

All those suffering from COVID-19 and all healthcare workers
Schools: Students, families, teachers, and staff.
Recent Posts:Sermon 5/29/2022June 3, 2022Take Action Against Mass ShootingsMay 31, 2022Bulletin 5/29/2022May 27, 2022Weekly Update 5/27May 27, 2022LUCC Creation Justice 2021 Annual ReviewMay 26, 2022Sermon 5/22/2022May 26, 2022Bulletin 5/22/2022May 20, 2022Sermon 5/15/2022May 20, 2022

Bulletin 6/12/22

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS

LIGHTING THE PEACE CANDLE                                  

Colleen Coughenour, Liturgist

There is no flag large enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people.                                       Howard Zinn, 1922-2010

PRELUDE                   Lord of the Dance                       Shaker

*OPENING READING                                  

Julian of Norwich, 1342- after 1416

God is everything that is good; 
All Life's pleasures and comforts are sacramental; 
they are God's hands touching us. 
The greatest honor we can give Almighty God 
is to live gladly because of the knowledge of Divine love.

*HYMN                                   Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You   4

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.

Proverbs 8:1-4 and Psalm 8 (page 624)

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.

*HYMN De Colores 402

SERMON Awe and Wonder Rev. Kim P. Wells

UNISON READING                             Basil Pennington, 1931-2005

There dwells within the source that at every moment brings us forth in creative love, brings us forth in the Divine Image, each of us, to be more beautiful than Michelangelo’s David, more serene than the Buddha, more joyful than the Dalai Lama, more loving than Mother Theresa, a unique image of the image, to bring to this small world of ours our own particular ray of healing light.

*HYMN                         God of Change and Glory               177

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 Anitra’s Dance Grieg

Time of Dedication                                             Christopher Logue 1926-2011, adapted  Come to the edge.  
We might fall.  
Come to the edge  
It's too high! 
COME TO THE EDGE 
And they came 
and were pushed  
and they flew..... 
AMEN

*PREPARATION FOR PRAYER For the Fruit of All Creation 425

MORNING PRAYERS – SAVIOR’S PRAYER

Fathering and Mothering God, Lover of us all, most holy one. Help us to respond to you. To create what you want for us here on earth. Give us today enough for our needs. Forgive our weak and deliberate offenses, just as we must forgive others when they hurt us. Help us resist evil and do what is good. For we are yours, endowed with your power to make the world whole. Amen

*HYMN I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry. 351

* BENEDICTION Hildegard of Bingen 1098-1179, adapted

All celestial harmony 
is a mirror of divinity 
and humanity is a mirror 
of all the miracles of God
Amen

* 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                            Golliwog’s Cakewalk Debussy                                                  

Announcement

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

New Time for Weekly Labyrinth Walk For June and July, the weekly guided labyrinth walk will be on Fridays at 9:00 a.m. instead of Wednesdays. All are welcome!

LUCC Creation Justice Property Cleanup On Saturday, June 25 from 9:00 – 11:00am join us for a few hours to “declutter” and cleanup our beautiful Lakewood United Church of Christ grounds and to commune with nature and your fellow church members and friends! Wear work clothes, gloves, and a hat and apply sunscreen!  Fluids and snacks will be provided to sustain us!

Book Talk A monthly discussion every 3rd Thursday 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!   Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2700683648

Admin Office Job Later in the summer, Gabi will be moving to Gainesville.  So the church is in a transition office staff.

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 the shelf in the hallway at church.

Celebrate Outreach: Celebrate outreach has an ongoing need for men’s and women’s underwear. Men sizes 30, 32, 33, 34 and for Women size’s 5, 6, 7, 8. Also in high demand socks of all kinds and sizes both men and women. Other items needed are deodorant and disposable razors.

Circle of Concern: Christopher and Dana, Danielle Hintz, Ann Quinn who is under Hospice Care, William Owen-Cowan, Jen Degroot, Carolyn Moore, Maggie Brizendine, Janet Hall, Yoko Nogami walking the Appalachian Trail, 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
727-867-7961 lakewooducc@gmail.com Lakewooducc.org
On land originally inhabited by the Tocabaga

Bulletin 6/5/2022

PENTECOST

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS

LIGHTING THE PEACE CANDLE                                     Sally Purvis, liturgist

Jesus of the sheathed sword,
in your name, many swords have been used
and many people have perished.
Speak to us, teach us, again and again,
that violence begets violence.
Teach us. Again and again.
Over and over.
Because we keep forgetting,
and we need to keep
remembering.
Over and over.                                                        

 Padraig O Tuama, contemporary

PRELUDE                                       Blowing in the Wind                                          Dylan

*OPENING READING                                                                        Andrew Harvey, b. 1952

Flame of love
Irradiate my heart.
Flame of beauty
Illumine my soul.
Flame of wisdom
Exalt my mind.
Flame of courage
Impassion my will.
Flame of peace
Steady my being.

*HYMN                                    Awake, Awake to Love and Work                                89

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.

Acts 2:1-21

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.

CONTEMPORARY READING                                                              Annie Dillard, b. 1945

SERMON                                                        Aflame!                                       Rev. Kim P. Wells

RESPONSIVE READING                                                 Thomas H. Troeger, 1945- 2022

Fire who fuels all fires that burn —
suns around which planets turn,
Beacons marking reefs and shoals,
shining truth to guide our souls —
Come to us as once you came:
burst in tongues of sacred flame!
Light and Power, Might and Strength,
fill your church, its breadth and length.

MUSIC                                  Here Comes the Sun                                                  Beatles

RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBER                                                        Christy Martin

Introduction

* Affirmation of Faith United Church of Christ Statement of Faith    885

Vows for New Member and Sponsor

Signing the Church Registry

Prayer

Extending the Right Hand of Fellowship

* Congregational Response

We welcome you with joy as a partner in the common life of this church. We promise you our continuing friendship and prayers as we share the hopes and labors of the church of Jesus Christ. By the power of the Holy Spirit, together may we continue to grow in the knowledge of God and of God’s love, and be witnesses of our Risen Savior.

*HYMN                                Blessed Be the Tie That Binds (v. 1 & 3)                              393

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 OFFERINNG
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                                                             Ring of Fire                                          Cash

Words of Dedication                                                    St. Ignatius of Loyola, 1491-1556
Go, set the world on fire. Amen.

PREPARATION FOR COMMUNION                O Sun                                   Peter Mayer

CELEBRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION

Invitation                                                                              Padraig O Tuama

Jesus of the table,
You gathered unexpected people around
hearths of hospitality.
You stretched out your hand
for grapes and bread, for wine and welcome.
May we populate our tables
with all kinds of people.
Because at the table
our hearts can be glad
for a while.
Amen.

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

Prayer of Thanksgiving                                     Mechtild of Magdeburg, 1207-1282

See and taste the Flowing
Godhead through your Being;
Feel the Holy Spirit
Moving and compelling
You within the Flowing
Fire and Light of God. Amen.

*HYMN                                       I Am the Light of the World                                  584

* BENEDICTION    Celtic Prayer

Deep peace of the shining stars to you,
which stay invisible till darkness falls and discloses
their pure and shining presence beaming down
in compassion on our turning world. Amen.

* SUNG RESPONSE (please form a circle)

Weave, weave, weave us together;
Weave us together in unity and love.
Weave, weave, weave us together,
Weave us together, together in love.

* POSTLUDE                                      Fire of Justice                                                   HKJ

Circle of Concern:  Christopher and Dana, Ann Quinn who is under Hospice Care, William Owen-Cowan, Jen Degroot, Carolyn Moore, Maggie Brizendine, Janet Hall, Yoko Nogami walking the Appalachian Trail, 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 individual communion servings. Please know that everyone is welcome to participate in communion. Young people are invited to participate 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.

New Time for Weekly Labyrinth Walk For June and July, the weekly guided labyrinth walk will be on Fridays at 9:00 a.m. instead of Wednesdays. All are welcome!

LUCC Creation Justice Property Cleanup On Saturday, June 25 from 9:00 – 11:00am join us for a few hours to “declutter” and cleanup our beautiful Lakewood United Church of Christ grounds and to commune with nature and your fellow church members and friends! Wear work clothes, gloves, and a hat and apply sunscreen!  Fluids and snacks will be provided to sustain us!

Book Talk Ahead Join in this month’s Book Talk on Thursday June 16 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!   Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2700683648

Admin Office Job Later in the summer, Gabi will be moving to Gainesville.  So the church is in search of a new office administrator.  If you know someone who may be interested in working in the Church Office  10-12 hours a week, please contact Kim Wells wells.kim.p@gmail.com.

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 the shelf in the hallway at church.

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 6/3

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!

This Sunday is Pentecost.  It is a celebration of the Holy Spirit being given to the followers of Jesus after his crucifixion and resurrection.  The story in Acts tells us that about 3,000 people were baptized that day.  It’s a powerful story!  Take a look at Acts chapter 2.  

This is the Sunday to wear red.  Red is the liturgical color for the Holy Spirit.  

LUCC will welcome new members this Sunday.  If you are considering church membership, please contact Rev. Wells wells.kim.p@gmail.com.

This Sunday is also a communion 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.

Childcare is provided at all Sunday services.

If you would like to provide sunflowers for Sunday worship, please contact the Church Office. 727-867-7961 or lakewooducc@gmail.com

The service will be streamed live on Facebook and then posted on the church’s YouTube channel. 

Masks are required at in-person worship. 

PLEASE NOTE: Given the warming temperatures, the windows and doors of the sanctuary will be closed and the air conditioning will be on. Masks are still mandatory and there will be singing.

If you do not feel comfortable in those circumstances, please join in worship on Facebook live. There are instructions below.

Update on Anti Racism Book Project

To date, $3,475 has been received including the $500 grant from the Florida Conference of the United Church of Christ.  With these funds, the church is purchasing anti racism books for Maximo Elementary School,  Fairmount Park Elementary School, and the South Branch Public Library.  Many thanks to all for your wonderful generosity aimed toward creating an anti racist future in our community and beyond!

Book Talk Ahead

Join in this month’s Book Talk on Thursday June 16 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!  

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2700683648
Meeting ID: 270 068 3648

Bon Voyage

Traveling mercies to LUCC church administrator, Gabi Paxton, as she travels to Italy on an educational tour.  She will be gone from June 4-20.  

Later in the summer, Gabi will be moving to Gainesville.  So the church is in search of a new office administrator.  If you know someone who may be interested in working in the Church Office  10-12 hours a week, please contact Kim Wells wells.kim.p@gmail.com.

Will You Help With Facebook Live?

Yes, LUCC has intentionally been “high touch, low tech.”  But given the reality of the pandemic, the ministry of the church has expanded to offering the Sunday worship service live on FaceBook.  This has been very meaningful to those who are not able or do not feel comfortable coming to church in person.  

This ministry has been provided by Patti Cooksey, Barbara Donohue, Bert Lee, and Michelle Cloutier.  Bert and Michelle are away for the next few months.  With two new recruits, each one could serve one Sunday a month.  

Barbara and Patti want you to know that it is very easy!  There are clear instructions.  A tutorial will be provided.  Please contact the Church Office to express your willingness to help with this important outreach ministry.  THANK YOU!

LUCC Creation Justice Property Cleanup

On Saturday, June 25 from 9:00 – 11:00am join us for a few hours to “declutter” and cleanup our beautiful Lakewood United Church of Christ grounds and to commune with nature and your fellow church members and friends!

Wear work clothes, gloves, and a hat and apply sunscreen!  Fluids and snacks will be provided to sustain us!

So hoping you can gather with us to enjoy our lovely church property and each other!

LUCC Creation Justice 2021 Annual Review and update to May 2022

A Creation Justice Church in the Environmental Ministries Program of the United Church of Christ as of February 12, 2019, LUCC has pledged to review our progress annually.  Due to the unprecedented cancellation of many LUCC church programs and initiatives due to Covid-19 restrictions, 2021 was a year of limited Creation Justice activities and engagement at our church.  However, some progress on previous initiatives and an ongoing effort to keep our Creation Justice commitment alive were made. Please use the following link to view the whole report: https://lakewooducc.org/2022/05/26/lucc-creation-justice-2021-annual-review/

Guided Labyrinth Walks Time Change

For June and July, the weekly guided labyrinth walk will be on Fridays at 9:00 a.m. instead of Wednesdays. All are welcome!

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.

UCC Southern Regional Women’s Retreat

The United Church of Christ is sponsoring a retreat for women from the conferences of the Southern Region.  Florida is the host conference and the retreat will be held at Camp Weed and Cerveny Conference Center in Live Oak, FL.  The theme is God of Mystery – Spirit of Hope.  Dyanne Edds of LUCC is on the planning committee.  And the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, a former LUCC member, is the keynote speaker.  The retreat is Oct. 14-16, 2022.  For more information, speak to Dyanne.

Amendment Protecting the Right to Clean and Healthy Waters

There is an initiative to have an amendment on the Florida ballot which would protect the right to safe water in Florida.  It is called “The Right to Clean and Healthy Waters.”  For this initiative to appear on the ballot, petitions are needed.  There are copies at the church.  You may sign the petition and leave it at church to be sent in.  Better yet, sign it, leave it, and take a stack with you.  Get others to sign.  Then bring them back to church to be sent in.   For the full text of the proposed amendment, see https://initiativepetitions.elections.myflorida.com/InitiativeForms/Fulltext/Fulltext_2202_EN.pdf. As a Creation Justice church, LUCC is committed to advocacy for the environment.  

To all the members of LUCC  from Operation Attack

We send a most sincere thank you both from the volunteers at Operation Attack, but also the many needy people who will benefit from the books, clothes, and food you kindly donated.

Please know how much we all appreciate your donations.

Thank you again for thinking of Operation Attack.

How to Help Ukraine

The local Ukrainian Catholic Church is sponsoring humanitarian aid.  There are more details at their website: https://www.epiphanyukrch.com

The national United Church of Christ is also offering ways to support the Ukrainian people.  Here’s a link:  https://p2a.co/nGEvYVL?inf_contact_key=ad8269e3f149ec1ef1efd03de1e233aacc0558ed5d4c28cbfab114022b1ec50d

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.   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.

Operation Attack Update

News from Operation Attack:  Making a Difference

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! 

Safe childcare is provided.

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.

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.

June Birthdays: Genie Terrell 6/10, Tony Rogers 6/21, Michelle Cloutier 6/21. Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.

Circle of Concern: 

Joyce and Bert Lee as they head back to Pennsylvania

Christopher and Dana

William Owen-Cowan

Jen Degroot

Carolyn Moore

Ann Quinn is now under Hospice care

Maggie Brizendine

Janet Hall

Yoko Nogami walking the Appalachian Trail

All those suffering from COVID-19 and all healthcare workers

Schools: Students, families, teachers, and staff

Recent Posts:

On land originally inhabited