Pinellas Remembers Community Remembrance Project Coalition
Category: Announcements
Lakewood UCC Supports New College Rally
Four members of Lakewood UCC joined hundreds of students, faculty, parents and supporters of New College in Sarasota in a demonstration on Tuesday Feb. 28. The Rev. Dr. John C. Dorhauer, General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, traveled from Cleveland, Ohio to speak at the demonstration. There were pastors and congregants from numerous other UCC churches in west central Florida who also were present.
Why was this important to us? The Board for Homeland Ministries of the United Church of Christ started New College sixty years ago. Now it is part of the Florida public college system. Recently, the FL Governor appointed six new trustees and a president to the college to reform it into a conservative replica of Hillsdale College in Michigan. New College has traditionally been a place which welcomed all students regardless of race, religion, or sexual identity. The students have thrived there where they might not have in another college environment.
The protest at New College had two components. First was the outdoor demonstration at 11:00 am, with more than 250 participants, most with signs denouncing the hostile takeover of New College by the new conservative trustees appointed by Governor DeSantis. A particularly passionate statement was made by the Rev. John Dorhauer, from the UCC, who complained about what was happening at New College, which was founded and funded by the UCC.
The second part of the protest took place at the formal Board of Trustees Meeting beginning at 1:10 pm. The meeting began with a short report by a member of the Board Of Governors about the gains in the reputation of Florida’s Universities in the past 10 years. Then the floor was open to comments from the public. Each speaker was limited to one minute. Forty-nine speakers took the podium – students, faculty, alumni, parents and other concerned persons. All but one condemned the actions of the governor and the trustees as they tried to change the nature of New College, one of the top 5 Liberal Arts Colleges in the country. Most of the comments were directed against the firing of the current president and the hiring of a politician with no background in higher education at a salary and perks of more than a million dollars, and the disbanding of programs promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Many of the most passionate speeches were met with applause and cheering by those in the audience, but not by the trustees!
One of the main highlights of the demonstration for the LUCC contingent was meeting and hearing Dr. John Dorhauer. His message was inspiring and passionate. When he spoke his “minute” at the Trustees meeting, many of the students rose to their feet in gleeful applause.
The number of UCC people in attendance and the passion and preparedness of the students filled us with pride and hope.
To stand and be present with the students, families, alums, and faculty was truly meaningful.
Those who went from LUCC: Dyanne Edds, Emily Bell, Bill Parsons, and Kim Wells
ANNOUNCEMENTS – 2.19.23
Congregational Meeting TODAY
With many challenges facing the church post covid, there are important decisions that need to be made by the congregation relating to the ministry of LUCC going forward. All are needed to be part of the decision-making process, family-style!
The church advisors and the finance team have been working very hard to prepare for this meeting. Your presence is needed for responsible decisions to be made.
Those who are not official members of the church are welcome to participate.
Annual Giving Reports
Finance Secretary Lucille Ruga has prepared annual giving statements for 2022.
If you would like your statement for your records, please contact Lucille.
New Member to be Received
The congregation of Lakewood United Church of Christ joyfully welcomes Barbara Walburn into full membership of the church. Blessings abound!
Earthquake Response
In response to the horrific devastation and loss of life in Turkey, Syria, and beyond, the United Church of Christ Disaster Ministries in on the scene offering assistance. To make a financial donation through the UCC, please visit ucc.org
Ash Wednesday Ahead
The Lenten season begins in just a few weeks. Lent is the 40 day season of preparation for the festival of Easter. In the New Testament we are told of Jesus spending 40 days in the wilderness to prepare for his ministry. We will spend 40 days, not including Sundays, focusing on tapping into the image-of-God within us. We will find that Love is Wild!
The Ash Wednesday service will be held Wednesday Feb. 22 at 7:00 p.m. around a fire at the lakefront home of Chip and Dana Cosper. If you would like a ride, please contact the Church: lakewooducc@gmail.com or 727-867-7961.
Gratitude!
Many thanks to Joyce Lee for providing the ministry of music this morning while Hilton Homes continues to recover from covid.
Potluck Next Sunday after Church
After church Sunday Feb. 26. Bring a dish to share and your own table setting if you can!
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.
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.
Demonstration Against Upcoming Execution 2/23
Join Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty and other opponents of the death penalty for a vigil during the execution of Donald Dillbeck. The vigil will be from 5:00-6:00 PM on Thursday, February 23 at the northwest corner of 49th Street North and Ulmerton Road in mid-Pinellas County. Park in the vacant lot behind the Checkers. Feel free to bring signs, or organizers will provide them. Call (727) 492-1590 for more information. If the execution is commuted or postponed, the vigil will not be held.
Vigil to Mark the Anniversary of the John Evans Lynching Memorial
Thursday Feb. 23 from 6:30-6:50 at the memorial on Dr. MLKing St. S and 2nd Ave near Tropicana Field. This will be a free-form event with speakers of 2 minutes each lasting 20 minutes total. Bring a candle or a candle display on your phone. All are welcome!
Family Promise Needs
Women’s underwear sizes S/M/L – Women’s socks – Wash cloths – Bath towels – Pull Ups sizes 2T-3T, 3T-4T, 4T-5T – Hair conditioner (no shampoo) – Women’s deodorant – Cereal – Cups, forks, plates – Snacks to go
Circle of Concern
The Family and Loved Ones of Beulah Coughenour – Tony and Jim Larson
George and Jane Diven and Family – Katherine Conover
Sherry Santana – Ann Quinn is under Hospice care – Maggie Brizendine
Janet Hall
Schools: Students, families, teachers, and staff
Vigil to Mark the Anniversary of the Lynching of John Evans
ANNOUNCEMENTS – 2.12.23
Congregational Meeting Notice
With many challenges facing the church post covid, there are important decisions that need to be made by the congregation relating to the ministry of LUCC going forward. All are needed to be part of the decision-making process, family-style!
Please make plans to attend an officially called congregational meeting after church on Sunday Feb. 19 to take action on a financial plan for 2023. The church advisors and the finance team have been working very hard to prepare for this meeting. Your presence is needed for responsible decisions to be made.
Those who are not official members of the church are welcome to participate. This is an important part of our life together as a community.
Annual Giving Reports
Finance Secretary Lucille Ruga has prepared annual giving statements for 2022.
If you would like your statement for your records, please contact Lucille: ceilruga@gmail.com
New Members to be Received
LUCC is a welcoming community and on Sunday Feb. 19 during morning worship new members will be officially received into the membership of the church. Those who would like to know more about joining the church are asked to speak with Rev. Kim Wells, wells.kim.p@gmail.com or 727-867-7961.
Those who join the church during worship on the 19th will be able to vote at the Congregational Meeting following the service. That is putting faith immediately into practice!
Earthquake Response
In response to the horrific devastation and loss of life in Turkey, Syria, and beyond, the United Church of Christ Disaster Ministries in on the scene offering assistance. To make a financial donation through the UCC, please visit ucc.org
Family Promise Needs
Family Promise, a local ministry to houseless families with children, is in need of the following items:
Milk, Water (small bottles), Paper Goods (paper towels, toilet paper, napkins, plates, cups), Cleaning supplies (disinfectants, sponges, dish soap, laundry soap). Please bring items to church and place them on the shelves behind the curtain in the hallway.
Ash Wednesday Ahead
The Lenten season begins in just a few weeks. Lent is the 40 day season of preparation for the festival of Easter. In the New Testament we are told of Jesus spending 40 days in the wilderness to prepare for his ministry. We will spend 40 days, not including Sundays, focusing on tapping into the image-of-God within us. We will find that Love is Wild!
The Ash Wednesday service will be held Wednesday Feb. 22 at 7:00 p.m. around a fire at the lakefront home of Chip and Dana Cosper. The address is: 1040 56th Ave. S. If you would like a ride, please contact the Church: lakewooducc@gmail.com or 727-867-7961.
Potluck Ahead
After church Sunday Feb. 26. More details to come!
Creation Justice Event in Sarasota
“Contagious Hope: Making a Difference on Climate” is the theme of a special presentation Saturday February 25 from 9:30-12:30 at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Sarasota [1031 S. Euclid Ave.]. The featured speaker
is Rev. Brooks Berndt, Minister of Environmental Ministry for the United Church of Christ. There are several local panelists who will also be involved in the presentation. A vegetarian lunch will be served. To make a reservation for the event, please email Sarah Melcher at melchersj8856@gmail.com If you would like to carpool from LUCC, please contact Rev. Wells at wells.kim.p@gmail.com
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.
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.
Circle of Concern
The Family and Loved Ones of Beulah Coughenour – Tony and Jim Larson
Erik Johnson – George and Jane Diven and Family – Katherine Conover
Sherry Santana – Ann Quinn is under Hospice care – Maggie Brizendine
Janet Hall
Schools: Students, families, teachers, and staff
Lakewood United Church of Christ 