Category: Announcements

Bulletin 2/6/2022

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS

LIGHTING THE PEACE CANDLE                            Barbara Donohue, liturgist

True compassion is more than flinging a coin to a beggar; it understands that an edifice which produces beggars needs restructuring.

 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 1929-1968

PRELUDE             Tender Thought (from Ten Short Essays)              Ulysses Kay

(USA 1917-95) †  

OPENING READING                                                  David Tresemer, b. 1948

O Great Spirit . . .
Roll away from me the weight
of dead and frozen thoughts.
Clear away from me the fogs
of falsely sweet illusions.
Ignite in my heart
the warmth of true love
That with new eyes of new love
And my angel at my back
I may see the Truth of the World.
I may feel the Beauty of the World.
And I may act with courage for the good.
O Great Spirit . . .

MUSIC                                      Lullaby       Bangambula Vindu (Congo b.1953)†

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.

Luke 5:1-11

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.

MUSIC                                  Lead Me, Guide Me                     Doris M. Akers

(USA b.1922) ‡

MODERN READING                                               Vaclav Havel, 1936-2011

President, Czech Republic, poet, playwright

SERMON                                      Net Worth                          Rev. Kim P. Wells

RESPONSIVE READING                                        Judy Chicago, b. 1939, artist

And then all that has divided us will merge
And then compassion will be wedded to power
And then softness will come to a world
that is harsh and unkind
And then both men and women will be gentle
And then both women and men will be strong
And then no person
will be subject to another’s will
And then all will be rich and free and varied
And then the greed of some
will give way to the needs of many
And then all will share equally
in the earth’s abundance
And then all will care
for the sick and the weak and the old
And then all will cherish life’s creatures
And then all will live
in harmony with each other and the earth.
And then everywhere
will be called Eden once again.

MUSIC           Dancing Barefoot in the Rain (from African Sketches)

Nkeiru Okoye (Nigeria/USA b.1972)†

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. If you would like assistance, please turn to someone seated near you.

Offertory          Sweet Mister Jelly Roll (from Portraits in Jazz)

Valarie Capers (USA b.1935)†

Prayer of Dedication                       Marion Rockefeller Weber, b. 1938

May the rivers of wealth
be undammed and flow
freely over the Earth.
May the gifts move through
increased hands until
all people experience the
abundance of life. Amen.

PREPARATION FOR COMMUNION    Deep River     

African-American spiritual (USA)

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

* BENEDICTION                                                 Trad. Irish, adapted                                        

As plentiful as the grass that grows,
Or the sand on the shore,
Or the dew on the lea,
So the blessings of the God of Grace
On every soul that was, that is, or will be. Amen.

*POSTLUDE                          Maple Leaf Rag                         Joplin (USA)

†  from the Oxford Press collection: Piano Music of Africa and the African Diaspora

‡ from The African American Heritage Hymnal

Circle of Concern: Earl Waters, Christopher and Dana, Joel Shores, Ben Shores, Amaiya Washington, Ann Quinn who is under Hospice Care, 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.

Congregational Meeting Ahead There will be a congregational meeting after church on Sunday Feb. 20th  to take action on the budget for 2022. Everyone from the church family is encouraged to participate!

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.

The Gift of Music LUCC Music Director Hilton Jones has recorded 2 CDs for the LUCC family. The music is a gift to the congregation.  If you would like to make a donation to offset the production costs, you may.  See the display in the sanctuary.  Enjoy the gift of music from Hilton not just on Sundays but every day!

Rev. Angela Wells-Bean to be Installed at Naples United Church of Christ The Rev. Angela Wells-Bean, who grew up at LUCC and was ordained at LUCC, has begun serving as the Minister for Congregational Care at Naples United Church of Christ.  She will be installed to this ministry this afternoon at 3:00 p.m. in the sanctuary at the church.  This event can also be accessed through live streaming from the church website – naplesucc.org

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
727-867-7961 lakewooducc@gmail.com Lakewooducc.org
On land originally inhabited by the Tocabaga

Weekly Update 2/3

This Sunday,  Feb. 6 is a time to reflect on what it means to follow Jesus.  Jesus oversees a huge catch of fish and the fishers decide to follow him.  What does it mean for us to follow Jesus?

The Sundays from Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday through Black History Month, the services are highlighting the teachings of Dr. King. Join in the celebration on Sunday in person or on Facebook Live.  

The first Sunday of the month is 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

The service will be in the sanctuary with the doors and windows open.

Rev. Angela Wells-Bean to be Installed at Naples United Church of Christ

The Rev. Angela Wells-Bean, who grew up at LUCC and was ordained at LUCC, has begun serving as the Minister for Congregational Care at Naples United Church of Christ.  She will be installed to this minsitry on Sunday Feb. 6 at 3:00 p.m. in the sanctuary at the church.  This event can also be accessed through live streaming from the church website – naplesucc.org

The preacher for this festive event will be the Rev. Traci Blackmon, Associate General Minister of the United Church of Christ with a focus on Justice and Local Church Ministries.  To learn more about Rev. Blackmon, follow this link:  https://www.ucc.org/people/traci-d-blackmon/

The LUCC church family is invited to the installation – in person, or virtually.  Know that Angela is still grateful for the grounding and support of her home church. 

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING AHEAD

There will be a congregational meeting following worship on Sunday Feb. 20 to take action on the church budget for 2022.  Please plan to stay after church for this brief meeting.  

Grant Submitted for Anti-Racism Project

LUCC submitted a grant to the Flroida Conference of the United Chruch of Christ to fund an anti-racism project with Maximo Elementary School.  The church approached the school about possibly porviding anti racism books for each classroom or for the school library.  The school made a list of grade appropriate books for each classroom in the school.  Once the funding is in place, the school will purchase the books and the church is planning to put a bookplate in each book indicating that it was given to the school by Lakewood United Church of Christ.  The entire cost of the project will be about $1,000.  The grant, if received, would cover half of  the cost.  The church would have to provide matching funds for the other half.  Stay tuned to what happens with this project.  It is an exciting way for LUCC to have an important impact in the community!

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

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.

Advisors for 2022

Many thanks to Barbara Donohue and Christy Martin for agreeing to serve as advisors for 2022.  They will join Lucille Ruga and Malcolm Wells.  The church is grateful to Patti Cooksey and Jane Diven for their ministry as advisors for the past several years.  LUCC is blessed with wonderful leadership.  Gratitude is expressed to those who will nurture the ministry of the church for the year ahead.  

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.

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. 

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.

February Birthdays:  Jim Andrews 2/6, Jeff Wells 2/15, Joyce Lee 2/28, Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.

Circle of Concern: 

Earl Waters

Christopher and Dana

Carol Shores’ grandson, Ben, and son, Joel

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

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

Weekly Update 1/27

This Sunday, January 30, the service will focus on love.  We’ve heard it many times, 1 Corinthians 13.  What the world still needs is love.  And that is what we are made for – to love and be loved.  Join in the celebration on Sunday in person or on Facebook Live.  

Gratitude is expressed to Sally Purvis, Colleen Coughenour, and Sherry Santana who led morning worship last Sunday while Rev. Wells was at home with covid. 

The service will be in the sanctuary with the doors and windows open.

Rev. Angela Wells-Bean to be Installed at Naples United Church of Christ

The Rev. Angela Wells-Bean, who grew up at LUCC and was ordained at LUCC, has begun serving as the Minister for Congregational Care at Naples United Church of Christ.  She will be installed to this minsitry on Sunday Feb. 6 at 3:00 p.m. in the sanctuary at the church.  This event can also be accessed through live streaming from the church website – naplesucc.org

The preacher for this festive event will be the Rev. Traci Blackmon, Associate General Minister of the United Church of Christ with a focus on Justice and Local Church Ministries.  To learn more about Rev. Blackmon, follow this link:  https://www.ucc.org/people/traci-d-blackmon/

The LUCC church family is invited to the installation – in person, or virtually.  Know that Angela is still grateful for the grounding and support of her home church. 

MLK Memorial Service

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 2022 Virtual Interfaith Memorial Service. This annual service in honor of Dr. King was virtual this year.  It can be viewed at stjudesp.org. The theme was Reaching for Human Excellence.  The keynote speaker is Renee Flowers, County Commissioner. Rev. Wells offered a prayer for peace from the UCC tradition.  Please enjoy in this celebration of the legacy of Dr. King.  

Anti Racism Demonstrations Temporarily Suspended

Many thanks to those who have been part of the weekly anti racism demonstrations recently and in the past.  Due to decreased participation, the weekly demonstrations are being suspended.  If there are more people that want to participate in the future, the demonstrations will be resumed.  

The suspending of the demonstrations creates an opening for other ministries to emerge as the church continues its commitment to creating an antiracist society.  If you have ideas or suggestions about new ways for the church to be involved in eradicating racism, please speak with Earl Waters or Rev. Wells.

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.

Advisors for 2022

Many thanks to Barbara Donohue and Christy Martin for agreeing to serve as advisors for 2022.  They will join Lucille Ruga and Malcolm Wells.  The church is grateful to Patti Cooksey and Jane Diven for their ministry as advisors for the past several years.  LUCC is blessed with wonderful leadership.  Gratitude is expressed to those who will nurture the ministry of the church for the year ahead.  

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.

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. 

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.

January Birthdays: Martha Lamar 1/2, Chip Cosper 1/7, Jackson Cosper 1/9, Hilton Kean Jones 1/23, Bob Bell 1/28. Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.

Circle of Concern: 

Jeff and Kim Wells

Christopher and Dana

Carol Shores’ grandson, Ben, and son, Joel

Amaiya Washington

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

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

Weekly Update 1/20

This Sunday, January 23, the theme for the service is “Reset.”  Given the state of things in the world around us and in our lives, we are ready for a reset.  The scriptures give guidance on how to deal with the past and how to move on into a new future.  

In the Sundays ahead we will be revisiting the legacy of Dr. King.  There is much to be learned from his witness which is far more extensive than merely the oft-quoted ‘I have a dream’ speech.  

The service will be in the sanctuary with the doors and windows open.

Rev. Angela Wells-Bean to be Installed at Naples United Church of Christ

The Rev. Angela Wells-Bean, who grew up at LUCC and was ordained at LUCC, has begun serving as the Minister for Congregational Care at Naples United Church of Christ.  She will be installed to this minsitry on Sunday Feb. 6 at 3:00 p.m. in the sanctuary at the church.  This event can also be accessed through live streaming from the church website – naplesucc.org

The preacher for this festive event will be the Rev. Traci Blackmon, Associate General Minister of the United Church of Christ with a focus on Justice and Local Church Ministries.  To learn more about Rev. Blackmon, follow this link:  https://www.ucc.org/people/traci-d-blackmon/

The LUCC church family is invited to the installation – in person, or virtually.  Know that Angela is still grateful for the grounding and support of her home church. 

Book Talk

The LUCC monthly Book Talk is a chance to share with others what you have been reading.  Haven’t read much lately, hear about what others are enjoying.  It’s a very inspiring conversation.  There are many avid readers in the congregation!  This month that will be  January 20th at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom. All are welcome! Here’s the link:

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

MLK Memorial Service

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 2022 Virtual Interfaith Memorial Service. This annual service in honor of Dr. King was virtual this year.  It can be viewed at stjudesp.org. The theme was Reaching for Human Excellence.  The keynote speaker is Renee Flowers, County Commissioner. Rev. Wells offered a prayer for peace from the UCC tradition.  Please enjoy in this celebration of the legacy of Dr. King.  

Anti Racism Demonstrations Temporarily Suspended

Many thanks to those who have been part of the weekly anti racism demonstrations recently and in the past.  Due to decreased participation, the weekly demonstrations are being suspended.  If there are more people that want to participate in the future, the demonstrations will be resumed.  

The suspending of the demonstrations creates an opening for other ministries to emerge as the church continues its commitment to creating an antiracist society.  If you have ideas or suggestions about new ways for the church to be involved in eradicating racism, please speak with Earl Waters or Rev. Wells.

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.

Advisors for 2022

Many thanks to Barbara Donohue and Christy Martin for agreeing to serve as advisors for 2022.  They will join Lucille Ruga and Malcolm Wells.  The church is grateful to Patti Cooksey and Jane Diven for their ministry as advisors for the past several years.  LUCC is blessed with wonderful leadership.  Gratitude is expressed to those who will nurture the ministry of the church for the year ahead.  

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.

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. 

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.

January Birthdays: Martha Lamar 1/2, Chip Cosper 1/7, Jackson Cosper 1/9, Hilton Kean Jones 1/23, Bob Bell 1/28. Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.

Circle of Concern: 

Christopher and Dana

Carol Shores’ grandson, Ben, and son, Joel

Amaiya Washington

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

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

MLK Memorial Service

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 2022 Virtual Interfaith Memorial Service This annual service in honor of Dr. King will be virtual this year. It will be live streamed on Sunday Jan. 26 at 3:30 p.m. at stjudesp.org. The theme is Reaching for Human Excellence. The keynote speaker is Renee Flowers, County Commissioner. Rev. Wells will be doing one of the readings. Please join in this celebration of the legacy of Dr. King.