Category: Online Devotional

Fourth Sunday of Lent


The two congregations worship at Lakewood on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. 
All are welcome!


Lent is a season of preparation for Easter.  It is a season of 40 days, echoing Jesus’ time in the wilderness.  But the 40 days of Lent do not technically include Sundays.  Sundays are to remain Sabbath, celebrations of the resurrection.

So, there will be no devotions on the Sundays of Lent.
You are encouraged to read the assigned Bible passages for the day and discover what wisdom there is for you on your Lenten journey:
Numbers 21:4-9Psalm 107 1-3, 17-22Ephesians 2:1-10John 3:14-21

And, of course, you are encouraged to attend church!

Note:  This Sunday at church there will be a celebration of the 25th Anniversary of Lakewood UCC becoming an Open and Affirming Church.  Trinity UCC is also an Open and Affirming Church.  This special celebration will include participation from Metro Health, a mission partner of Trinity UCC.  In honor of this anniversary, there will be the raising of a transgender flag that will be posted at the church sign on 54th Ave. S. to let the community know that the church is welcoming of all!  If you cannot attend in person, please remember the church in your prayers on this important occasion.  

Lent Devotion 22

View this email in your browserThe two congregations worship at Lakewood on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. 
All are welcome!Lent

It’s hard to keep up in today’s world even on something as simple as the news let alone the laundry!  And then there are relationships which take time and energy.  And holidays.  And dealing with the healthcare system.  I have been trying to get a prescription for an inhaler since January.  Well, you know.
When we went on the Camino de Santiago for the first time which involved 33 days of walking, I did not have a smart phone.  I did not take a phone.  That was 2012.  When we went on the Camino in 2017, I did have a smart phone.  And we sent a picture to our kids every day so they would not worry about us.  And when we did the Camino in 2022 and walked for 6 weeks, we had our phones but tried to only use them for pictures and needed arrangements and information.  But what you discover, when you attempt to ‘unplug’ for a month or more, is that the world goes right on turning without you.  And when you plug in again, it is all right there waiting for you as if you had never left.  Really, no one, except maybe your family and your friends and your church, misses you.
Busy as we are, and the messaging that makes us think being busy makes us important, it’s bosh.  And prayer can remind us of this.  Opening ourselves to a power beyond and within us can restore our perspective on our importance.  And it can be, well, amusing.  And, hopefully, we can laugh.
Alesandro Pronzato, in his book Meditations on the Sand, tells us:  “Among the fruits of prayer there is one which, to my knowledge, is not recorded in standard books on prayer.  It is laughter.”   I think Pronzato is right.  We don’t usually associate prayer with laughter.  But we should.  Pronzato offers this litany of the funny side of prayer.
I laugh because I take myself too seriously. I laugh because I believe that I am the centre of the world. I laugh because I think everything depends on me. I laugh because I am so inconsistent. I laugh because I presume to advise God. I laugh because I am worried about my reputation. I laugh because I discover the truth about myself.
Surely you can find yourself somewhere in that litany.  So, take the opportunity to laugh when you pray today and everyday!
Note:  The Lenten meditations for 2024 are written by Kim Wells and inspired by themes in the book Meditations on the Sand by Alesandro Pronzato written in 1981.

Lent Devotion 21

View this email in your browserThe two congregations worship at Lakewood on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. 
All are welcome!Lent

This devotion is intended for March 8. International Women’s Day. Maybe you have gotten some emails about special sales on things for women? That is extremely ironic given that International Women’s Day has its roots in the socialist movement.
And why is there an International Women’s Day? The same reason there is Black History Month and Native American Heritage Month. You get a day or a month when you have been cheated, mistreated, lied to, or taken advantage of. International Women’s Day is to highlight that women are economically disadvantaged, still second class, and still having their rights to health care attacked and besieged. The temptation is to buy a new dress or a new set of sheets and forget about the rest.
When it comes to prayer, sometimes we first don’t want to see the reality of what is surfacing. And then, we don’t really want to see the problems fixed. That’s too much change. Won’t a quick makeover do?
In his book, Meditations on the Sand, Alesandro Pronzato points out the difference between God the creator and God the decorator. He says: “However, I have since realised that prayer is never a matter of repairing and retouching. If you decide to subject yourself to the purifying action of prayer, you must be prepared for some merciless, devastating work of demolition. And if you allow God freedom of action in prayer, you can expect to be transformed beyond recognition. God does not use plaster and varnish; he [sic] awaits you with the scalpel and the cautery.”
International Women’s Day. It is not about a new nail color. Or being able to run for president. It’s about eliminating patriarchy and creating egalitarian community that includes everyone. It’s not about running for president. It’s about getting elected president. We still live in a country marred by sexism and sexist stereotypes. As one of our church elders declared at an Ash Wednesday service, “I am fired up about the war on women.”
So, forgive me if I don’t wish you a Happy International Women’s Day. As Jesus followers, trying to submit ourselves fully to the forces of Divine Love, may we pray for the elimination of International Women’s Day; for the day when it will not be needed because patriarchy will not have just been painted over but dismantled and replaced altogether with Beloved Community.
Note: The Lenten meditations for 2024 are written by Kim Wells and inspired by themes in the book Meditations on the Sand by Alesandro Pronzato written in 1981.d class, and still having their rights to health care attacked and besieged.  The temptation is to buy a new dress or a new set of sheets and forget about the rest.
When it comes to prayer, sometimes we first don’t want to see the reality of what is surfacing.  And then, we don’t really want to see the problems fixed.  That’s too much change.  Won’t a quick makeover do?
In his book, Meditations on the Sand, Alesandro Pronzato points out the difference between God the creator and God the decorator.  He says:  “However, I have since realised that prayer is never a matter of repairing and retouching.  If you decide to subject yourself to the purifying action of prayer, you must be prepared for some merciless, devastating work of demolition.  And if you allow God freedom of action in prayer, you can expect to be transformed beyond recognition.  God does not use plaster and varnish; he [sic] awaits you with the scalpel and the cautery.”
International Women’s Day.  It is not about a new nail color.  Or being able to run for president.  It’s about eliminating patriarchy and creating egalitarian community that includes everyone.  It’s not about running for president.  It’s about getting elected president.  We still live in a country marred by sexism and sexist stereotypes.  As one of our church elders declared at an Ash Wednesday service, “I am fired up about the war on women.”
So, forgive me if I don’t wish you a Happy International Women’s Day.  As Jesus followers, trying to submit ourselves fully to the forces of Divine Love, may we pray for the elimination of International Women’s Day; for the day when it will not be needed because patriarchy will not have just been painted over but dismantled and replaced altogether with Beloved Community.
Note:  The Lenten meditations for 2024 are written by Kim Wells and inspired by themes in the book Meditations on the Sand by Alesandro Pronzato written in 1981.

Lent Devotion 20


The two congregations worship at Lakewood on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. 
All are welcome!

Lent Devotion 20

It’s the middle of Lent.  Maybe you have been setting aside time for prayer and contemplation.  Maybe you have been trying to be open and malleable. 

Maybe you have been trying to be patient.  Maybe you have been trying to cultivate a creative relationship with waiting.  Maybe you have been focussing on more forgiveness in your life.  Maybe you have been trying to move closer to your heart center.   Maybe you have been trying to tap into the flow of love.
Maybe you have been trying to disentangle yourself from negative messages.  Maybe you have been trying to deprogram attitudes and assumptions that are harmful to you and others.  Maybe you have been trying to disempower memories that cause pain. 

And by now, maybe you are wondering if anything is ‘happening’?  Is it working?  Are you getting more ‘holy’?   I mean, we like measurable results.
In his book, Meditations on the Sand, Alesandro Pronzato addresses the situation where it doesn’t seem like much is going on in our prayer life despite our best intentions.  He writes:

“In the desert I came to know this Arab saying:  ‘There is always water at the bottom of a deep well.  Unlucky is the man [person] whose rope is not long enough.’”

We are told of Jesus spending 40 days in the wilderness maybe testing the length of his rope.  And finding what he needed.  Getting to the water.
Whatever the length of our rope, we affirm a God that is seeking to make sure that we have access to water, even to living water, to Jesus.  We are in relationship with a God, however we may imagine God, that seeks our highest good.  Maybe we need a longer rope.  We’re only half way through Lent.  It will be provided.  Water awaits.

Note:  The Lenten meditations for 2024 are written by Kim Wells and inspired by themes in the book Meditations on the Sand by Alesandro Pronzato written in 1981.

The Advent/Christmas Season: Deep Peace of the Shining Stars

This is a season of watching and waiting and wonder.  Given the stresses of our days, what does the it look like to be given peace – in our lives and in the world?  Join your faith community in seeking peace this holy season, the Deep Peace of the Shining Stars.

In addition to the activities listed below:

There is an Advent Calendar for daily devotions available at church.  This was prepared by a cousin of Jeff Wells, Merry Watters.  She is a retired Methodist minister.  If you would like one emailed or sent to you, please contact the Church Office.

Advent devotions will be emailed during the season to inspire your journey to the Deep Peace of the Shining Stars.  If you would like to consider writing a devotion this month, please contact Tina Allen at tinaallengifted@gmail.com

Please consult the Weekly Update sent by email each week and posted on the website for changes and additions to the information below.  

This Advent/Christmas season may we experience the Deep Peace of the Shining Stars!

December 1

World AIDS Day.  Say a prayer for those living with HIV/AIDS.  Get tested.  HIV/AIDS is on the rise in St. Petersburg.

December 2

10:30 a.m. Join in decorating the sanctuary at Lakewood for the Advent/Christmas season.  The stunning Christmas Tree from Trinity will be decorated.  Join in the festivities!

December 3

10:15 a.m.  Singing of favorite carols before worship

10:30 a.m.  First Sunday of Advent

Lighting the advent wreath

A reflective service with time to center on the gift of Deep Peace we are given through Jesus.
Communion will be served.
Childcare is provided.

11:30 a.m. Star ornament making with Morgan Wright!  Help to make star ornaments to decorate the branch in middle of the sanctuary.  Deep Peace of the Shining Stars!  ALL WELCOME!

Poinsettia order forms available.
Financial donations received for Christmas hams for the Good Samaritan Food Pantry.
Communion offering received.
Cards available to fill out for area nursing home delivery.  

Donations welcome for the Maximo Elementary Holiday Gift Shop:

  • Poinsettia order forms available.
  • Financial donations received for Christmas hams for the Good Samaritan
  • FoodPantry.
  • Communion offering received.
  • Cards available to fill out for area nursing home delivery.
  • Donations welcome for the Maximo Elementary Holiday Gift Shop:
  • Toys for All Ages
  • Jewelry: Popular for moms, grandmothers, and big sisters.
  • Stickers: Affordable and perfect for siblings.
  • Mugs: Everybody can use one more, right?
  • Coloring Books
  • Bicycles
  • Notepads: Especially in fun shapes like dogs, cats, hearts, or flowers.
  • Examples… headphones, pop-it, barbie dolls, action figures, perfumes, cologne, board games, sensory balls, footballs, cars, nail polish, blankets, lipgloss, kids wallets, purses and silly socks.

And for three specific families at Maximo:

  • Family I — Mikailah: Suitcase for kids, Baby Alive doll, food for doll, Doll stroller; Kayleigh: Baby Alive doll, baby diaper bag, baby changing table and babybottles.
  • Family ll — Nasir: (4yr old boy) 4T-5T clothes, 9c shoes, likes Ninja Turtles, Spiderman, trucks, dinosaurs and bike with helmet; Kamilah: (3yr old girl) 3T clothes, 6c shoes, likes Doc McStuffins, MinnieMouse, princess and bike with helmet.
  • Family III — Sha’nya: L.O.L Doll, L.O.L Doll House, slime, perfume, play make-up, pailpolish, scrunchies (for hair) and bracelets.

For details about Maximo, please contact Emily Bell — Maximo donations will be collected through December 17.

December 5

9:30 a.m. Weekly faith discussion group on Zoom.  To participate, please email Diane Bullock at dibull321@gmail.com

December 6

10:00 a.m. Weekly guided labyrinth walk at Lakewood.

7:00  p.m. Planetarium presentation at St. Petersburg College Gibbs Campus (5th Ave. N. and 66th St., St. Pete).  

For December, Dr. Craig Joseph will be presenting Yuletide Skies, based upon what the sky would have looked like 2000 years ago during the birth of Christ.  Seating (46 total) is first-come first-served.  Parking is free on campus and located next to the Natural Sciences building.  Each show starts at 7 p.m. and lasts for about 45 minutes.  After the show, attendees are welcome to view the night’s sky from the rooftop observatory, weather permitting.

Join folks from Lakewood and Trinity for this illuminating opportunity to view the Deep Peace of the Shining Stars!

December 8

7:00 p.m. Join in ‘No Room at the Inn.’  This is a Christmas caroling event sponsored by Celebrate Outreach that ministers to the houseless in St. Petersburg. Visits include Cara House and St. Petersburg Free Clinic Baldwin Women’s Residence. Celebrate Outreach distributes the toiletries that are collected at church.  Meet at the Mirror Lake Unitarian Universalist Church of St. Petersburg (100 Mirror Lake Dr. N.).

December 10

10:15 a.m.  Singing of favorite carols before worship

10:30 a.m.  Second Sunday of Advent

Lighting the advent wreath

The service will provide a time of comfort in this busy season and these troubling days.

Childcare provided.

11:30 a.m. There will be a cookie event following worship!  Watch the Weekly Update for details.

There will be cards available to sign for the home bound of the church families.

Poinsettia order forms available.

Financial donations received for Christmas hams for the Good Samaritan Food Pantry.

Maximo donations welcome.  See Dec. 3.

December 12

9:30 a.m. Weekly faith discussion group on Zoom.  To participate, please email Diane Bullock at dibull321@gmail.com

December 13

10:00 a.m. Weekly guided labyrinth walk at Lakewood.

6:00 p.m. Blue Christmas Service at Trinity UCC (1150 49th St. N.). For many the holiday season includes feelings of grief and loss.  This service is a time to honor those feelings and appreciate the healing love of the Christmas season.  

Today is the deadline for poinsettia orders.

December 14

6:30 p.m. Monthly Book Talk discussion will be held on Zoom.  Watch the Weekly Update for the link.

December 17

10:15 a.m.  Singing of favorite carols before worship

10:30 a.m.  Third Sunday of Advent

Lighting the advent wreath

The service will provide a time to remember Mary and her commitment to justice.  There will also be recognition of the founding of Trinity UCC on Dec. 21 in 1952.

Childcare provided.

This is the last opportunity to make financial donations for Christmas hams for the Good Samaritan Food Pantry.

Cards must be returned for area nursing home delivery.  

Last day for contributions to the Maximo Elementary.  Please see list on December 3.

Noon Light lunch will be provided for those who will go Christmas caroling to the homebound from the church families.  

12:30 p.m.   Christmas Caroling!  Leaving from Lakewood.  Car pooling will be arranged.  

December 19

9:30 a.m. Weekly faith discussion group on Zoom.  To participate, please email Diane Bullock at dibull321@gmail.com

December 20

7:00 p.m. Nighttime guided labyrinth walk.  This will be a time to remember the solstice and prepare for Christmas.  The evening will include a fire circle and s’mores.  

December 21

The anniversary of the founding of Trinity Evangelical and Reformed Church in 1952, later Trinity United Church of Christ.

December 24

10:15 a.m.  Singing of favorite carols before worship

10:30 a.m.  Fourth Sunday of Advent

Lighting the advent wreath

The service will provide a time to re-create the Christmas Tableau.  Come as a shepherd, an angel, a wise one, whoever you envision at the manger.  There will be some costuming available at church.

The service will also include the ritual of lining the manger in preparation for the birth of Jesus.

Childcare provided but children are welcome to participate in the interactive service.

6:30 p.m. Christmas Concert of piano music offered by Hilton Jones preceding the Christmas Eve service.

7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Service of lessons and carols with candlelight and communion.  Celebrate the Deep Peace of the Shining Stars that comes to us through the birth of Jesus.

The Christmas Eve offering will be dedicated to helping the children of Gaza and Palestine.  The money will be given to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund which is supported by the United Church of Christ.  

December 26

9:30 a.m. Weekly faith discussion group on Zoom.  To participate, please email Diane Bullock at dibull321@gmail.com

December 27

10:00 a.m. Weekly guided labyrinth walk at Lakewood.

December 31

10:30 a.m. Morning Worship with a focus on spiritually preparing for the New Year.  Perhaps there is something you need to leave behind?  Maybe there is something calling out to you in the New Year.  This is a time to listen and discern.  And to commit:  Before I die, I’m going to. . .

January 2

9:30 a.m. Weekly faith discussion group on Zoom.  To participate, please email Diane Bullock at dibull321@gmail.com

January 3

10:00 a.m. Weekly guided labyrinth walk at Lakewood.

January 6

Epiphany!  There will be a celebration of the coming of the light with a fire circle at night.  Watch the Weekly Update and the bulletin for details about time and place.